INVITATION FOR BID

October 12, 2026

SODIUM HYDROXIDE BULK

City of Reading

815 Washington St

Reading, PA 19601

City of Reading

INVITATION FOR BID

SODIUM HYDROXIDE BULK

I. Introduction II. Instructions to Bidders

III. General Terms and Conditions IV. Technical Specifications

Attachments:

A - ATTACHMENT - GENERAL PROVISIONS

B - ATTACHMENT - SUPPLEMENTARY GENERAL CONDITIONS

C - ATTACHMENT - CERTIFICATE OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT RECEIPT OF ADDENDUM

D - ATTACHMENT - NON-COLLUSION AFFIDAVIT

E - ATTACHMENT - CERTIFICATION OF NON-SEGREGATED FACILITIES

F - ATTACHMENT - INDEMNITY AGREEMENT & HOLD HARMLESS

G - ATTACHMENT - STATEMENT ACCEPTING PROVISIONS OF WORKERS’

COMPENSATION ACT

H - ATTACHMENT - PROVIDER'S CERTIFICATION OF NON-INDEBTEDNESS

I - ATTACHMENT - CONTRACTOR'S STATEMENT FOR PUBLIC DISCLOSURE

J - ATTACHMENT – BUILD AMERICA, BUY AMERICA ACT (BABAA) AND MATERIAL

CERTIFICATION (N/A)

K - ATTACHMENT – RESOLUTION AND STATEMENT REGARDING MANUFACTURE OF

CEMENT (N/A)

L - ATTACHMENT - SECTION 3 QUESTIONNAIRE (N/A)

M - ATTACHMENT - EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

N - ATTACHMENT - STATEMENT OF BIDDER'S QUALIFICATIONS

O - ATTACHMENT – STIPULATION AGAINST LIENS (N/A)

P – ATTACHMENT - RESPONSIBLE CONTRACTOR ORDINANCE, VERIFICATION FORM

AND CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE (N/A)

Q - ATTACHMENT - PROPOSAL

R - ATTACHMENT - CONTRACT

S - ATTACHMENT - BID BOND FORM

T - ATTACHMENT - MAINTENANCE BOND

U - ATTACHMENT - PAYMENT BOND

V - ATTACHMENT - PERFORMANCE BOND

1. Introduction

1.1. Summary

The City of Reading (City) is seeking bid/proposals to supply Sodium Hydroxide to the City’s Wastewater

Treatment Plant (WWTP) as further detailed throughout this IFB inclusive of all tasks, deliverables and/or products required herein. If the City makes an award in connection with the bid/proposal, Attachment R “Contract” and all terms and conditions of this IFB as well as all documents incorporated therein shall form the entire agreement between the City and the successful Bidder.

1.2. Background

Sodium Hydroxide is used at our Primary Settling Tank (PST) Odor Control Scrubber to assist in removing hydrogen sulfide by helping maintain a pH between 9.1-9.4. We are permitted by the PA Department of

Environmental Protection to remove 99% of hydrogen sulfide from our PST’s, according to our Air

Quality Permit.

1.3. Contact Information

Juanita Komoro

Purchasing Assistant

815 Washington Street

Reading, PA 19601

Email: Juanita.komoro@readingpa.gov

Phone: (610) 655-6416

Department:

Purchasing

1.4. Timeline

Date Released – 10/12/2026

Questions Due – 10/21/2026

Answers Due – 10/23/2026

Bid Submission Due - 11/4/2026 mailto:Juanita.komoro@readingpa.gov tel:(610)655-6197

2. Instructions to Bidders

2.1. Notice to Bidders

The City of Reading will receive sealed bids/proposals via the city's eProcurement Portal until 2:00 PM, prevailing time on November 4, 2026 for the Invitation for Bid IFB Standard for Goods And Services for the City of Reading, Pennsylvania, as per the specifications.

Each proposal shall be accompanied by bid surety in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the proposal. A certified check or bid bond will be accepted.

The City of Reading reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids, and to accept or reject any part of a bid, as may be in the public interest.

2.2. Pre-Bid/Proposal Meeting

Not Applicable

2.3. Due/Opening Dates

The City of Reading will receive sealed electronic bid, inclusive of all requested information and supporting documents, and shall be submitted no later than 2:00 p.m., prevailing time, on November 4, 2026. All of the requested documents and information must be uploaded to the PennBid website at http://pennbid.bonfirehub.com. Bids received after the specified time will not be considered.

Bids will be opened publicly at 2:00 PM., local prevailing time, the same day, November 4, 2026 (“Bid

Opening”), Bidders may attend the bid opening, which is held in the Purchasing department on the 2nd floor room 2-45. A summary of bid/proposals received (company name and bid/proposal price for IFB’s and company name for RFQ’s and RFP’s) will be read during the bid/proposal opening.

2.4. Bid Modification/Withdrawal

A bid/proposal that has been submitted to the City via the City's eProcurement Portal may be amended by withdrawing the bid/proposal via the City's eProcurement Portal. The bid/proposal may be withdrawn or amended and re-submitted up to twenty-four (24) hours prior to the time and date of opening.

No bids/proposals may be withdrawn for a period of one hundred twenty (120) days following the formal opening and receipt of proposals by the City of Reading.

2.5. Right to Reject Bid

a. Submission of a bid indicates the acceptance by the Bidder of the conditions contained in this IFB unless clearly and specifically noted in the bid submitted and confirmed in the contract between the City of Reading and the Bidder.

b. During the advertising process through the final Bidder selection and contract execution by both parties, any contact by proposing Bidders with any City representative, other than the Purchasing

Department Personnel, concerning the IFB is prohibited. Any such unauthorized contact may cause the disqualification of the Bidder from this bid.

c. The City reserves the right without prejudice to reject any or all bid in whole or in part. It also reserves the right to waive any technical defects or minor irregularities, which in its discretion, is in the best interest of the City. The City further reserves the right to seek a new bid when such a procedure is reasonably in the best interest of the City to do so.

d. The City will not pay for any information required in the IFB nor is liable for any cost incurred by a

Bidder in responding to an IFB.

e. Submission of a bid indicates the acceptance by the Bidder of the conditions contained in this IFB.

f. A Bid that is incomplete, obscure, conditioned or contains additions or substitute products not called for or irregularities of any kind, including, but not limited to, alterations or erasures which are not initialed, may be rejected as non-conforming. Reasons for rejection of a Bid at the time of Bid

Opening include, but are not limited to, failure to include required form attachments.

g. Any Bidder who has demonstrated poor performance during a current or previous agreement with the City may be considered a non-responsible Bidder and its Bid may be rejected. The City reserves the right to exercise this option as is deemed proper and/or necessary.

h. The City reserves the right to disqualify a Bid before or after opening, upon evidence of collusion with intent to defraud or other illegal practices upon the part of the Bidder.

2.6. Bidder Questions/Requested Changes to IFB

a. To ensure fair consideration for all bidders, the City prohibits communication to or with any department or division manager or employee during the bid process with the exception of those questions relative to interpretation of specifications of the bid process. Such questions shall be submitted via the City's eProcurement Portal by 2:00 P.M., October 21, 2026, as no interpretations of the meaning of the IFB documents will be made to any Bidder orally. Responses to questions shall be issued to all bidders in the form of a written addendum no later than October 23, 2026.

b. Bidder shall request exemptions through the questions and answer process. Any request not addressed through an addendum is not authorized.

2.7. Preparation Cost

The City will not be responsible for any costs associated with the preparation or submittal of any Bid. If the City rejects a Bid or does not award an Agreement to any particular Bidder, the Bidder agrees that it will not seek to recover lost or expected profits, bid preparation costs or claims for unjust enrichment.

2.8. Disposal of Bid

All bid/proposals submitted in response to this IFB become the property of the City and will not be returned to successful or unsuccessful Bidder(s).

2.9. Authorization of Invitation

a. Article VIII, Section 801 (b), of the City of Reading City Charter, gives the City the ability to engage independent consultation to represent or advise on specific individual matters. This section further states that representation must be secured by the IFB process. The City of Reading Purchasing Policy recognizes and states that the awarding of a contract for professional services cannot be based solely upon the selection of the lowest bid. Emphasis is placed on factors such as professional qualifications, experience, and familiarity with the nature of the services to be performed.

b. This IFB is issued by the City of Reading. Any questions or clarifications concerning the IFB shall be directed to the Purchasing Department via the City's eProcurement portal Q&A feature.

c. All requests for additional information concerning the IFB process, acceptance and approval as stated herein and all contact must be issued in writing through the eProcurement portal. Responses to all questions will be issued to all prospective bidders in the form of an addendum as discussed above.

2.10 Preparation of IFB

a. Bidders are expected to examine any specifications, schedules or instructions included in the IFB package. Failure to do so will be at the bidder's risk.

b. If erasures or other changes appear in the proposal, each erasure or change must be initialed by the person signing the submittal.

c. Receipt of amendments/addenda by bidder must be acknowledged via the City's eProcurement

Portal.

d. Bids must disclose the technical approach in as much detail as possible, including but not limited to the requirements specified in Section Four - Technical Bid, of this IFB. Major consideration shall be given to the evaluation of technical bid, price, and client assistance package in awarding this contract.

e. Bids are to be prepared simply, providing a straightforward, concise description of the successful bidders' capabilities to satisfy the requirements of this bid. Emphasis should be on completeness and clarity of content. Repetition of the terms and conditions of this IFB, without additional explanation, will not be considered sufficiently responsive.

f. Each copy of the bid and all documentation shall be submitted via the City's eProcurement Portal.

g. Ownership of all data, materials, and documentation originated and prepared for the City pursuant to the IFB shall belong exclusively to the City and be subject to public inspection in accordance with the

Freedom of Information Act. Trade secrets or proprietary information submitted shall not be subject to public disclosure; however, the bidder must invoke this protection in writing. The proprietary or trade secret material submitted must be identified. The classification of an entire bid, line-item prices and/or total bid prices as proprietary or trade secret is not acceptable and will result in rejection and return of bid.

2.11 Evidence of Insurance

All Bidders must provide with their Bid a sample certificate of insurance evidencing, at minimum, the insurance coverage types and levels set forth in Section 3 General Terms and Conditions, paragraph

3.2 of this IFB.

3. General Terms and Conditions

3.1. Bid Submission

a. An electronic bid, inclusive of all requested information and supporting documents, shall be submitted via PennBid at http://pennbid.bonfirehub.com for Sodium Hydroxide Bulk. Bids shall be received until 2:00 P.M., prevailing time on November 4, 2026.

b. Specifications and Bid Forms for the above work can be obtained on the PennBid at http://pennbid.bonfirehub.com.

c. Each bid shall be accompanied by bid surety, when applicable in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the bid. A certified check or bid bond will be accepted.

d. The City of Reading reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bid, and to accept or reject any part of a bid that may not be in the best interest of the public as determined by the City.

e. Bids received after the time specified will not be considered.

f. The City of Reading shall provide public notification of this bid request through advertisement in the

Reading Eagle and other media outlets it finds appropriate.

g. The bidder shall submit the requested information in a complete and concise manner.

h. Bids are to be prepared simply, providing a straightforward and concise description of the successful

Contractor’s: person’s, or subcontractor’s capabilities to satisfy the requirements of this bid. Emphasis should be on completeness and clarity of content.

i. If erasures or other changes appear in the bid/proposal, each erasure or change must be initialed by the person signing the submittal.

j. Ownership of all data, material, and documentation originated and prepared for the City pursuant to the IFB shall belong exclusively to the City and be subject to public inspection in accordance with the

Freedom of Information Act and Pennsylvania Right to Know Act. Trade secrets or proprietary information submitted shall not be subject to the public disclosure; however, the Contractor must invoke this protection in writing. The proprietary or trade secret material submitted must be identified.

The classification of an entire proposal, line-item prices and/or total bid prices as proprietary or trade secret is not acceptable and will result in rejection and return of bid.

k. To be considered, the bid must be submitted in accordance with all requirements set forth in this IFB.

l. The following attachments are included herein and shall be submitted with the bid proposal:

• Bid Bond Form

• Certificate of Acknowledgement of receipt of addendum (if applicable)

• Non-Collusion Affidavit

• Certification of Non-Segregated Facilities

• Contractor's Statement for Public Disclosure

• Provider's certification of Non-Indebtedness

• Statement Accepting Provisions of Worker' Compensation Act

• Statement of Bidder’s Qualifications

• Proposal

• Equal Employment Opportunity

• Indemnity Agreement & Hold Harmless

3.2. Insurance

Each bidder shall submit the following evidence of insurance showing the coverages and limits outlined below. Failure to submit may result in non-compliance.

The successful Bidder shall assume and be liable for all blame and loss of whatsoever nature by reason of neglect or violation of any Federal, State, County or Local laws, regulations, or ordinances; the Bidder shall indemnify and hold harmless the City of Reading from all suits or actions at law of any kind whatsoever in connection with this work and shall if required by the City, produce evidence of settlement of any such action before final payment shall be made by the City. The selected Bidder shall protect the City, its agents, and employees, from any litigation involved in this contracted work. The

Contractor’s Liability Insurance Certificate shall include the hold harmless clause and shall be filed with the City of Reading. All subcontractors must also furnish copies of their liability insurance certificates to the City. No subcontractor will be allowed to perform any work under this contract by the City unless such certificates are submitted to and approved by the City beforehand.

A. General Liability – for bodily injury and property damage – including any liability normally covered by a general liability policy with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and

$2,000,000 in the annual aggregate.

B. Business Automobile Liability – For owned, non-owned, leased and hired vehicles with a combined single limit of not less than $1,000,000 for bodily injury and property damage.

C. Umbrella/Excess Liability – with limits of not less than $5,000,000 per occurrence and

$5,000,000 aggregate following from underlying liability coverage.

D. Workers’ Compensation – Statutory limits in each state in which Service Provider is required to provide Worker’s Compensation coverage including “All States” and “Voluntary Compensation” endorsement, and a Waiver of Subrogation endorsement in favor of the City.

E. Employer’s Liability – with limits of not less than $100,000 Accident – Each Accident, $100,000

Disease – Each Employee; and $500,000 Disease – Policy Limit.

F. Pollution Liability – in minimum amounts of $1,000,000 per claim and $1,000,000 aggregate.

Prior to commencement of the performance of the Agreement, Contractor shall furnish to the City a certificate of insurance evidencing all required coverage in at least the limits required herein, naming the City of Reading, its elected officials, agents, and employees as Additional Insured for “ongoing operations” and “products and completed operations” for a period of three years after final payment under the Commercial General Liability Coverage. Coverage should be provided by ISO Endorsements

CG20 10 04 13 and CG2037 04 13 or their equivalent. Contractor’s Commercial General Liability, Automobile Liability, and Umbrella/Excess Policy shall be Primary to and will not require contribution from any other insurance under which the Additional Insured is a Named Insured. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable state law, all policies shall contain a Waiver of Subrogation Clause. The

Certificate shall note the project and provide that no policies may be cancelled without thirty (30) days advance written notice to the City. Such certificate shall be issued to: City of Reading, Attn: Risk and

Safety Coordinator, 815 Washington Street, Reading, PA 19601. All insurance policies shall be in effect with companies holding an A.M. Best rating of “A-“ or better or financial rating of IX or better with the

A.M. Best’s Company Key Rating, Guide Latest Edition and shall be licensed or authorized to do business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Such companies shall also be acceptable to the City. Said policies shall remain in full force and effect until the expiration of the terms of the contract or until completion of all duties to be performed hereunder by the Bidder, whichever shall occur later.

The Awarded Bidder(s) is required to submit a current COI each year during the of the contract.

3.3. Bonds

a. Bid security, in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the bid price shall accompany each proposal. This bid security may be a Certified or Cashier's Check, or a bid bond furnished by a surety company, satisfactory to the City of Reading. The successful bidder, upon award of contract, shall furnish at the time of execution of the same, a Maintenance Bond, Payment Bond, and Performance Bond by a surety company acceptable to the City of Reading, in an amount equal to ONE HUNDRED PERCENT (100%) of the contract to guarantee satisfactory performance. All bonds are subject to approval by the City

Solicitor. In case the contract is awarded to a bidder who fails to enter the contract or to deliver all required bonds and affidavits, the cash or check deposited shall become absolute property of the City;

or if a bond has been deposited, it shall become payable immediately. Cash, checks or bonds deposited will be returned to unsuccessful bidders as soon as the contract is awarded, or all bids rejected.

b. Any surety bond submitted must be covered with surety of a company authorized to do business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

c. Surety bonds must be furnished using the form provided herein or a replication of this form by the surety company.

d. Bid security shall be made payable to the “City of Reading”.

e. Use of a Bond form other than the ones provided herein, such bids may be rejected immediately after opening as non-conforming and/or the contract to not be fully executed.

3.4. Taxes

The City of Reading is tax exempt. Tax exemption certificates will be issued to the successful Bidder upon request. The successful Bidder will be responsible for remitting all Federal, State and Local taxes or contributions imposed or required under Unemployment Insurance, Social Security and income tax laws under the Workers’ Compensation Law with respect to this contract.

3.5. Business Privilege Tax

The City of Reading imposes a Business Privilege License, at $55.00 per calendar year. In addition, a

Business Privilege Tax is imposed at the rate of 2-1/4 mills upon the gross receipts attributable to business conducted within the City of Reading.

3.6. Conflict of Interest

a. To preserve the integrity of City employees and elected officials and to maintain public confidence in the IFB process, the City prohibits the solicitation or acceptance of anything of value by a City employee or elected official from any person seeking to initiate or maintain a business relationship with City departments, Council, and agencies.

b. Bidder shall not pay any salaries, commissions, fees, or make any payments or rebates to any employee, elected official of the City or their designees. Nor shall Bidder favor any employee or elected official of the City or their designees with gifts or entertainment of significant cost or value or with services or goods sold at less than full market value.

c. It is the Bidder’s responsibility to include in their Bid a notification to the City of any principals in the company, their spouse, or their child who are employed by the City, and of any other possible conflict of interest that exists and the nature of that conflict. Bidder shall complete the Non-Collusion

Affidavit Form attached herein.

d. The City reserves the right to disqualify a Bidder or cancel the award of the Agreement if any association disclosed from any source could either give the appearance of a conflict or cause speculation as to the objectivity of the Goods and Services to be supplied by the Bidder. The City’s determination regarding any question of conflict of interest shall be final.

e. The parties hereto expressly agree and understand that the successful Bidder may not be an employee or agent of the Contractility of Reading in any sense. Furthermore, the successful Bidder may not be affiliated with any chemical, technology, process, and vendor. Any and all potential conflicts of interest should be brought to the City’s attention immediately. Contracts may be terminated should the situation warrant such action.

3.7. Debarment

By submitting a Bid, the Bidder certifies to the City that it is not currently under suspension or debarment by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or federal government and if the Bidder cannot so certify, then it shall submit with its Bid a written explanation of why such certification cannot be made.

3.8. Use and Qualifications of Subcontractors

The City recognizes that subcontractors may be required. Subcontractors may be used to perform portions of Services. If a Bidder intends to use subcontractors, the Bidder must identify in its Bid the names of the subcontractors and the portions of Services the subcontractors will perform in its Bid. In the event that a contractor is selected based upon an individual who will be performing the majority of the work for the contractor, please state this and provide this page of information related to this individual’s experience as a key project team member, not the contractor’s experience. Bids must contain the following information concerning each prospective subcontractor:

a. Complete name of the subcontractor.

b. Complete address of the subcontractor.

c. Type of Services the subcontractor will be performing, their expertise with said Scope of Work and relevant services performed and depth of qualified personnel as it relates to the project.

c1. This shall be no more than one page per sub-contractor or contractor

d. Percentage of Services the subcontractor will be performing.

e. Evidence that the subcontractor holds a valid Pennsylvania business license.

f. In the event subcontractors are proposed to be used, they will be required to complete the attached

Subcontractor Surety Agreement within ten days of the award of the contract.

Joint bid by multiple Contractors is allowed and even encouraged if deemed necessary to balance new ideas and directions with the realities of the enabling statutes. However, the Contractor will not be allowed to subcontract work under this contract unless the subcontractor and its scope of work is clearly defined and outlined within the bid or written approval is granted by the City of Reading. The subcontractor, as approved, shall be bound by the conditions of the contract between the City and the selected Contractor(s). The authorization of a subcontractor is to perform in accordance with all terms and conditions of this RFQ. All required notices, work orders, directives, and requests for emergency services will be directed to the selected Contractor. All directions given to the subcontractor in the field shall bind the selected Contractor as if the notice had been given directly to the selected contractor.

3.9. Supervision of Workers

a. The awarded Bidder shall provide qualified supervision of each crew at all times while working under this contract. Each supervisor shall be authorized by the Contractor to accept and act upon all directives issued by the City. Failure for the supervisor to act on said directives shall be sufficient cause to give notice that the Contractor is in default of the contract unless such directives would create potential personal injury or safety hazards.

b. This contract will be under the direct supervision of the City or its authorized representatives. Any alterations or modifications of the work performed under this contract shall be made only by written agreement between the awarded Bidder and the City authorized representatives and shall be made prior to commencement of the altered or modified work. No claims for extra work or materials shall be allowed unless covered by written agreement.

3.10 Minority and Women Business Enterprises

a. The City notifies all Bidders that minority and women business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit a bid in response to this IFB and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin or ancestry. Contractors hereby agrees that upon the award of the contract, the Contractor will not discriminate against any person who performs work because of race, religion, color, sex, national origin or ancestry.

b. If the individual, Bidder or organization qualifies under any of these categories, the individual, Bidder or organization shall set forth the basis so that the City of Reading can determine which categories (s) are applicable.

1. Minority owned business Company

2. Woman owned business Company

3. Labor surplus area business Company

4. Section 3 business Company

c. The Contractor must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status and those requirements of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, as amended, are met.

d. Specific focus shall be put on the use of certified MBE/WBE prime candidates. Please attach a copy of the MBE/WBE Certification to the Technical Bid/proposal submittal.

3.11 Equal Employment Opportunity

a. During the performance of this Contract, the awarded Bidder agrees as follows:

1. The Bidder will not discriminate against any employees or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and/or gender orientation), national origin, age, disability or genetic information. The Bidder will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during employment, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Such action shall include, but not be limited to, the following: employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer; recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, including apprenticeship. The Bidder agrees to post in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for employment, notices which may be provided by the

City setting forth the provisions of this nondiscrimination clause.

2. Shall in all solicitations or advertisements for employees placed by or on behalf of the Bidder, state that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

3. In the event of the Bidder’s noncompliance with the non-discrimination clauses of this Contract or with any of the said rules, regulations, or orders, this contract may be canceled, terminated, or suspended as a whole, or in part and the Proposer may be declared ineligible for further City of

Reading contracts.

4. The Bidder will include the provisions herein, in every subcontract or purchase order unless exempted.

b. All successful bidders must meet the terms and conditions of:

• 24 CFR Part 85

• OMB Circular A-87

• Section 3 of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968

• Section 109 of the Housing Act of 1974

• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act

• Executive Order 11246, Equal Employment Opportunity, if the Contract exceeds $10,000.

• The Fair Housing Act, as amended.

• Any program regulations about Conflict of Interest.

• Federal Access to Records.

• Executive Order 11625 and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

• The American Disabilities Act of 1990. The American with Disabilities Amendment Act of 2008 or any other successor Amendments

3.12 Record Retention and Confidentiality

The successful Bidder shall maintain all records for ten (10) years after final payment on the contract and any and all other pending matters are closed. After the ten (10) year retention period, the City shall have the option to take possession of the work papers, reports, plans, permits and documents, electronic and / or hard copy, whenever the successful firm decides to dispose of them. The successful

Bidder shall notify the City in writing prior to any disposal of documents related to this contract. All reports, information, data, etc., furnished by the City to the proposing Bidder shall remain confidential and shall not be released to any individual or organization without the prior written approval of the City.

3.13 Retention of and Right to Audit Records

The City of Reading shall be entitled to audit the books and records of a successful Bidder or any subcontractor(s) to the extent that such books and records relate to the performance of such contract or subcontract. Such books and records shall be maintained by the successful firm for a period of ten

(10) years from the date of final payment under the prime contract and by the subcontractors(s) for a period of ten (10) years from the date of final payment under the subcontract unless a shorter period is otherwise authorized in writing by the City.

3.14 Release of Information

The City will not release information submitted in response to this IFB during the evaluation process or prior to an engagement award. After all respondents have been notified of the engagement award, respondents’ IFB responses will be considered public documents in their entirety. Only sections submitted that are marked “proprietary” and approved as such by the City’s Department of Law will be considered redacted in accordance with the City of Reading’s public information policy.

3.15 Execution of Contract

a. The contract will be drafted by the City and executed by both the City and the successful

Bidder(s). Incorporated into that contract will be this IFB and the Bid accepted by the City.

b. The successful Bidder(s) shall, within ten (10) calendar days after contract documents delivered through DocuSign by the City, the Principal shall enter into contract with the City on form as included within the bid documents for the appropriate bonds, indemnities, insurances to name a few as required hereunder.

c. The contract, when executed, shall be deemed to include the entire agreement between the parties;

the successful Bidder(s) shall not base any claim for modification of the contract upon any prior representation or promise made by the representatives or the City, or other persons. All attachments are considered as part of this document.

3.16 Term of Contract

This contract shall be effective when the Notice to Proceed form is completed and valid for two (2) years with two (2) one-year options to extend at the discretion of the City.

3.17 Notice to Proceed

The successful Bidder(s) shall begin work on the job site within ten (10) days after receiving Notice to

Proceed from the City.

3.18 Contract Alterations or Modifications

This contract will be under the direct supervision of the City and/or its authorized representatives. Any alterations or modifications to the work performed under this contract shall be made only by written agreement between the Vendor and the City’s authorized representatives and shall be made prior to commencement of the altered or modified work. No claims for extra work or materials shall be allowed unless covered by written agreement.

3.19 Manner of Payment

A. Original invoices shall be submitted to: City of Reading, Attn: David Hitesman, WWTP, 899

Morgantown Road, Reading, PA 19607 and ap@readingpa.gov.

B. Vendor may submit invoices no more than once per month for Goods and Services supplied under this Agreement. No advance payments or billings are allowed. Payment by the City shall require the submittal of an itemized invoice of all Goods and Services supplied.

3.20 Rights upon Termination

A. The City shall have the right to terminate a contract or a part thereof before the work is completed in the event: Previous unknown circumstances arise making it desirable in the public interest to void the contract. The vendor is not adequately complying with the specifications.

The vendor refuses, neglects, or fails to supply properly trained or skilled supervisory personnel and/or workers or proper equipment. The vendor in the judgment of the City is unnecessarily or willfully delaying the performance and the completion of the work. The vendor refuses to proceed with work when and as directed by the City. The vendor abandons the work.

B. Upon termination of the contract, the successful Bidder shall transfer, assign and make available to the City all property and materials in the vendor’s possession or subject to the vendor’s control that are the property of the City, subject to payment in full of amounts due to this contract. Upon termination, the successful Bidder agrees to provide reasonable cooperation in arranging the transfer or approval of third party’s interest in all contracts, agreements and other arrangements, and all rights and claims thereto and therein following appropriate release from the obligations therein.

3.21 Dissemination of Information

During the term of the resulting contract, the successful Bidder may not release any information related to the services or performance of services under the contract, nor publish any reports, studies, or documents relating to the City of Reading, the account, or performance of services under the agreement without prior written consent of the City; and shall indemnify and hold harmless the City, its officers, agents, and employees from all liability which may be incurred by reason of dissemination, publication and distribution, or circulation, in any manner whatsoever, of any information, data, documents, or material pertaining to the City, the account, or the contract by the firm or its agents or employees.

3.22 Ownership of Use

The successful vendor shall ensure, to the fullest extent possible under law, that the City shall own any and all title and interest in and to, including copyrights, trade secret, patent and other intellectual property rights, with respect to any copy, photograph, advertisement, music, lyrics, or other work or thing created by firm or at the vendor’s direction for the City pursuant to this contract and utilized by the City.

3.23 Special Conditions

It is the objective of this IFB to solicit proposals for a vendor to perform professional services as described above. It is the City’s intent that this IFB will encourage competition. It shall be the proposer’s responsibility to advise the City in writing any language, requirements, specifications, etc., or any combination thereof that inadvertently restricts or limits the requirements stated in this IFB to a single source. Such notification must be received by the Purchasing Office no later than one week prior to due date. The City of Reading Purchasing Policy gives the ability to award a contract for professional services to be based solely on professional qualifications, experience, and familiarity with the conditions.

3.24 Indemnification

Successful Bidder hereby undertakes to indemnify and hold the City harmless from all losses, costs, damages and fees arising out of or in any manner connected with the successful firm’s performance of this agreement. Indemnification as herein provided for will be incorporated into the contract with the successful firm.

3.25 Observance of Laws, Ordinances, and Regulations

The successful Bidder shall keep fully informed on all federal, state and local laws, regulations, and all orders and decrees of bodies having any jurisdiction or authority which in any matter affect those engaged or employed on the work or which in any way affects the conduct of the work. The successful vendor shall at all times during the terms of this contract observe and comply with all such laws, ordinances, regulations, orders and decrees in force at the time of the award. The successful vendor shall protect and indemnify the City of Reading and its representatives against any claim or liability arising from or based on the violation of any such law, ordinance, regulations, orders or decrees whether by the vendor or the vendor’s employee. No extension of time or additional payment will be made for loss of time or disruption of work caused by any actions against the successful vendor for any of the above reasons.

3.26 Quality

Where a bid is asked for a certain article or "Approved Equal" and the bidder intends to furnish an article which the bidder considers equal to the one named, the bidder must specify in the bid the name and grade of said article. All disputes concerning grade and quality of materials or work shall be determined by a person duly authorized by the department in which this IFB is created for.

3.27 Time of Completion

The bidder/proposer are herewith cautioned that the time of completion shall be as stated on the bid/proposal form. To ensure timely completion, the successful bidder/proposer will be required to furnish adequate equipment, and qualified personnel in sufficient numbers at all times. Where a date is set for delivery of materials or the performance of work, said materials must be delivered, or work performed, in accordance with the specifications or description herein contained on or before said date, or the order to the delinquent party will be canceled and awarded to the next lowest responsible bidder/proposer.

3.28 Permits/Licenses

The Vendor shall, at his expense, pay all fees and procure all necessary licenses and permits needed to conduct the work required under the terms of this contract, if applicable. The Vendor shall give any and all necessary formal notices required in conjunction with the lawful prosecution of the work of this contract.

3.29 Assignment of Refund Rights

The City is not subject to federal, state, or local sales or use tax or federal excise tax. vendor hereby assigns to City all of its rights, title, and interest in any sales or use tax which may be refunded as a result of the purchase of any materials purchased in connection with the Contract and Vendor, unless directed by the City, shall not file a claim for any sales or use tax refund subject to this assignment. Contractor authorizes the City, in its own name or the name of the Vendor, to file a claim for a refund of any sales or use tax subject to this assignment.

3.30 Award

At the conclusion of the Evaluation process and/or review of all bids, a recommendation will be made to

City Council based on the following criteria for RFP's: the technical content of the proposals, as well as cost; IFB's cost; RFQ's qualifications.

The award of the contract will be made by City Council during a regular meeting. It is anticipated that the award will be granted not later than sixty (60) days after the bid solicitation submittal due date.

3.31 Bid/Proposal Rejection

The City of Reading reserves the right to reject any or all bid/proposals and to accept or reject any part of any bid/proposal. It also reserves the right to waive any technical defects or minor irregularities, which in its discretion, is in the best interest of the City.

3.32 Independent Provider

The parties hereto expressly agree and understand that the successful bidder is not an employee or agent of the City of Reading in any sense but is solely an independent provider.

3.33 Laws to be Observed

The successful bidder shall keep fully informed on all federal, state and local laws, regulations, and all orders and decrees of bodies having any jurisdiction or authority which in any manner effect those engaged or employed on the work or which in any way effect the conduct of the work. The successful bidder shall at all times observe and comply with all such laws, ordinances, regulations, orders and decrees in force at the time of the award. The successful bidder shall protect and indemnify the City of

Reading and its representatives against any claim or liability arising from or based on the violation of any such law, ordinance, regulations, order and decree whether by the bidder or the bidder 's employee. No extension of time or additional payment will be made for loss of time or disruption of work caused by any actions against the successful bidder for any of the above reasons.

4 Technical Specifications

Specifications for Sodium Hydroxide (Bulk)

EXTENSION The City of Reading shall have the option, at their sole discretion, of a one (2) year extension at the bid price on the same terms as set forth in the contract. The City of Reading shall have the right to continue to purchase sodium hydroxide (NaOH) from the successful bidder(s) for an additional three (3) months following the termination of the contract on the same terms set forth in the contract.

QUANTITY: The quantity of material covered by these specifications shall be the requirements for the City of Reading Wastewater Treatment Plant for a calendar year and will amount to approximately:

1. 20,000 gallons of 25% NaOH shipped in bulk with deliveries being no less than 4,000 gallons.

OR

2. 20,000 gallons of 25% NaOH shipped in 275-gallon totes if our bulk delivery system were to fail.

It is understood that the quantities listed are estimates and shall not be construed in any way as a commitment on the part of the City of

Reading to purchase like amounts during the contract period.

QUALITY: 25% Solution

Alkalinity as NaOH 24.0% min

Sodium Carbonate as Na2CO3 .4% max

Sodium Chloride as NaCl 1.1% max

Iron as Fe 40 ppm max

A certificate of compliance shall be supplied with each load.

DELIVERY: The material shall be supplied in its liquid form and delivered (put in place) to the specified load point at:

• Reading Wastewater Treatment Plant, located on Fritz Island, approximately two miles south of the City of Reading, at 899

Morgantown Road, Reading, PA 19607. Material shall arrive at the specified site between the hours of 8 A.M. and 2 P.M. Delivery of totes shall be to the receiving platform or as directed. The stated material shall be delivered within five (5) calendar days of receipt of order and shall be delivered Monday through Friday, except holidays.

UNLOADING: Supplier’s personnel will be responsible to unload the bulk product from the supplier’s transportation equipment at the specified delivery points. City of

Reading personnel will unload totes with City of Reading equipment at designated delivery points. Supplier will provide personal protection equipment and other safety equipment to their drivers for the purpose of the unloading of the bulk product. It is the supplier’s responsibility to inform the City of Reading personnel of unsafe conditions at the delivery point or of the need for additional safety equipment at the delivery point. It is mandatory the supplier visit the sites prior to the first delivery to review the delivery points and to raise any questions or concerns at that time. It is the supplier’s responsibility to ensure all hoses and their equipment is in good shape and equipped with safety features designed to prevent leaks or accidents. . The driver will inform the City of Reading’s personnel of any spills which occur inside or outside the containment area and the supplier is responsible for the cost and clean up associated with said spills.

Air pressure must be monitored throughout the unloading period to ensure against excessive pressure build up with-in the tank. Delivery point connectionand disconnections will be made so as to ensure against accidental leaks. City of Reading personnel must be informed at the arrival of a delivery and before any unloading of product occurs. The driver must remain at the delivery point for the duration of the delivery. A MSDS or SDS sheet for the product must accompany each delivery and the driver must secure a signature from City of

Reading personnel after each delivery.

SAFETY TRAINING: The successful bidder shall conduct two (2) safety trainings per year at the convenience of the City of Reading Wastewater Treatment Plant at no additional charge. Training shall include chemical and physical properties of the chemical (including toxicity, mobility, ability of chemical to sustain combustion, consequences of confining liquid gas without a thermal expansion device, the effects of fire and elevated temperature on the pressure of liquefied gases, and effect of moisture on the corrosion potential of the chemical), safe handling and use of the material, and emergency response procedures including the use of a cylinder repair kit.

The training session shall be Pennsylvania Department of Environmental

Protection (PA DEP) approved in accordance with PA DEP’s Training

Provider Manual for the Pennsylvania Water and Wastewater System

Operator Training Program.

Price Schedule

Line number Item Description Estimate Quanity UOM Unit Price

Sodium Hydroxide (Bulk)

Or approved equal 20,000 Gallon $

All bidders must submit bid prices, state terms and services proposed and the point of origin from which shipments will be made. Prices are to be quoted FOB – Destination. Under no circumstances will the City pay extra charges for pallets or totes and/or delivery and/or return of empty containers above and beyond the contract price.

Any request to provide an approved equal item shall be clearly stated on a separate piece of 8-1/2X11 paper and submitted with your bid.

ATTACHMENT A

GENERAL PROVISIONS

ATTACHMENT B

SUPPLEMENTARY GENERAL CONDITIONS

FEDERAL AND STATE STATUTES

This Section is a listing of Federal and State statutes, rules, and regulations dealing with the prevention of environmental pollution and the preservation of public natural resources that could affect the project. The

CONTRACTOR shall be responsible for compliance with all applicable statutes, rules and regulations, including, but not limited to the following.

PENNSYLVANIA STATUTES AND REGULATIONS

The Clean Streams Law, Act of June 22, 1937, P.L. 1987, as amended 35 P.S. 691 et seq. and Chapters 73, 91, 92, 93, 97, 101, and 104 of Department of Environmental Resources regulations promulgated thereunder.

Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act, Act of January 24, 1966, P .L. 1535, Subsection 1 (35 P.S., Subsection 750.1) and

Chapters 71 and 73 of Department of Environmental Resources regulations promulgated thereunder.

Air Pollution Control Act, Act of January 8, 1960, P.L. 2119, as amended, October 26, 1972, 35 P.S. Subsection 4001 et seq. and Chapters 121, 123, 127, 129, 131, 135, 137, 139, and 141 of Department of Environmental Resources regulations promulgated thereunder.

Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act, Act of May 31, 1945, P.L. 1193, as amended, 52 P.S. 1396.1 et seq. and Chapter 77 of Department of Environmental Resources regulations promulgated thereunder, Bituminous Coal Open Pit Mining Conservation Act, Act of May 31, 1945, P.L. 1198, 52 P.S. 1396.1 et seq.

Pennsylvania Solid Waste Management Act, Act of July 31, 1968, P .L. (No. 241), 35 P.S. 6001 et seq. and Chapter

75 of the Department of Environmental Resources regulations promulgated thereunder.

Dams and Encroachments Act, Act of June 25, 1913, P.L. 555, Subsection 4, as amended, 32 P .S. 684; Water Power and Water Supply Act, Act of June 14, 1923, P.L. 704, Subsection 7, 32 P.S. 597; Section 1920-A of the

Administrative Code, 71 P.S. 510-520 and Chapter 105 of the Department of Environmental Resources regulations promulgated under all three Acts.

Water Well Drillers License Act, Act of Way 29, 1956, P.L. 1840 Subsection 12, 32 P.S, 645.12, and Chapter 107 of the Department of Environmental Resources regulations promulgated thereunder.

Waterworks Act, Act of April 22, 1905, P,L. 260, as amended, 35 P.S. 711 et seq., and Sections 1918-A, 1920-A of the Administrative Code 71 P.S. Subsection 510-20 and Chapter 109 of the Department of Environmental

Resources regulations promulgated under both Acts.

Sections 1917-A and 1920-A of the Administrative Code, 71 P.S. 510-17 and 510-20 and Chapters 179, 191, 201, 203, 241, and 243 of the Departmental Regulations issued thereunder.

Atomic Energy Act, Act of January 28, 1966, P.L. 152s, Subsection 301 (73 P.S. l3Ol) and Chapters 221, 227, 229, 231, 233, and 235 of the Department's Regulations issued thereunder.

Act of November 18, 1968, P.L. (No. 322), Subsection 4, (63 P.S. 1004) and Chapters 301, 303, and 305 of the

Department's regulations promulgated thereunder, SUPPLEMENTAL GENERAL CONDITIONS

The State-Pennsylvania Environmental Bill of Rights, Article 1, section 27 of Pennsylvania Constitution.

Land Acquisition Act, Act of June 22, 1964, P.L. 131, 72 P.S. 3946.1 et seq.

Act authorizing Commonwealth to acquire open space, Act of January 19, 1968, P.L. 992, 3 P.S. 5001 et seq.

Land and Water Conservation and…