12-001253 NFA Youth Firesetting Prevention Courses - Asheville.pdf

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

Department of Insurance

Request for Quote #: 12-001253

NFA Youth Firesetting Prevention Courses – Asheville

Date of Posting: July 16, 2024

Quote Due Date: July 19, 2024

At 2:00 PM ET

Direct all inquiries concerning this RFQ to:

Crystal Berry

Assistant Purchasing Officer

Email: Crystal.Berry@ncdoi.gov

Phone: 919-807-6039

Ver: 11/2023

Request for Quote #

12-001253

For internal State agency processing, including tabulation of quotes, provide your company’s eVP (Electronic Vendor Portal) Number. Pursuant to G.S. 132-1.10(b) this identification number shall not be released to the public. This page will be removed and shredded, or otherwise kept confidential, before the procurement file is made available for public inspection.

This page shall be filled out and returned with your quote.

Failure to do so may subject your quote to rejection.

Vendor Name

Vendor eVP#

Note: For a contract to be awarded to you, your company (you) must be a North Carolina registered vendor in good standing. You must enter the vendor number assigned through eVP (Electronic Vendor

Portal). If you do not have a vendor number, register at https://vendor.ncgov.com/vendor/login

Quote Number: 12-001253 Vendor: __________________________________________

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Refer ALL Inquiries regarding this RFQ to the procurement lead through the Message Board in the Sourcing Tool. See section 2.5 for details Crystal Berry, Assistant Purchasing Officer

Request for Quote #: 12-001253

Quotes will be opened: July 19, 2024 @ 2:00 PM ET

Using Section: Office of State Fire Marshal Commodity No. and Description: 861322 Educational Support Services Requisition No.: NA

EXECUTION

In compliance with this Request for Quote (RFQ), and subject to all the conditions herein, the undersigned Vendor offers and agrees to furnish and deliver any or all items upon which prices are quote, at the prices set opposite each item within the time specified herein.

By executing this quote, the undersigned Vendor understands that false certification is a Class I felony and certifies that:

this quote is submitted competitively and without collusion (G.S. 143-54), none of its officers, directors, or owners of an unincorporated business entity has been convicted of any violations of Chapter 78A of the General Statutes, the Securities Act of 1933, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (G.S. 143-59.2), and it is not an ineligible Vendor as set forth in G.S. 143-59.1.

Furthermore, by executing this quote, the undersigned certifies to the best of Vendor’s knowledge and belief, that:

it and its principals are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any Federal or State department or agency.

As required by G.S. 143-48.5, the undersigned Vendor certifies that it, and each of its sub-Contractors for any Contract awarded as a result of this RFQ, complies with the requirements of Article 2 of Chapter 64 of the NC General Statutes, including the requirement for each employer with more than 25 employees in North Carolina to verify the work authorization of its employees through the federal E-Verify system.

As required by Executive Order 24 (2017), the undersigned vendor certifies will comply with all Federal and State requirements concerning fair employment and that it does not and will not discriminate, harass, or retaliate against any employee in connection with performance of any Contract arising from this solicitation.

G.S. 133-32 and Executive Order 24 (2009) prohibit the offer to, or acceptance by, any State Employee associated with the preparing plans, specifications, estimates for public contracts; or awarding or administering public contracts; or inspecting or supervising delivery of the public contract of any gift from anyone with a contract with the State, or from any person seeking to do business with the State. By execution of this response to the RFQ, the undersigned certifies, for Vendor’s entire organization and its employees or agents, that Vendor is not aware that any such gift has been offered, accepted, or promised by any employees of your organization.

By executing this quote, Vendor certifies that it has read and agreed to the INSTRUCTION TO VENDORS and the NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS incorporated herein. These documents can be accessed from the Ariba Sourcing Tool.

Failure to execute/sign quote prior to submittal may render quote invalid and it MAY BE REJECTED. Late quotes shall not be accepted.

COMPLETE/FORMAL NAME OF VENDOR:

STREET ADDRESS: P.O. BOX: ZIP:

CITY & STATE & ZIP: TELEPHONE NUMBER: TOLL FREE TEL. NO:

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS ADDRESS IF DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE (SEE INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS ITEM #21):

PRINT NAME & TITLE OF PERSON SIGNING ON BEHALF OF VENDOR: FAX NUMBER:

VENDOR’S AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE*:

DATE: EMAIL:

Department of Insurance

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VALIDITY PERIOD

Offer shall be valid for at least sixty (60) days from date of quote opening, unless otherwise stated here: ______ days, or if extended by mutual agreement of the parties in writing. Any withdrawal of this offer shall be made in writing, effective upon receipt by the agency issuing this RFQ.

ACCEPTANCE OF QUOTES

If your quote is accepted, all provisions of this RFQ, along with the written results of any negotiations, shall constitute the written agreement between the parties (“Contract”). The NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS are incorporated herein and shall apply. Depending upon the Goods or Services being offered, other terms and conditions may apply, as mutually agreed.

FOR STATE USE ONLY: Offer accepted and Contract awarded this________ day of __________, 20____, as indicated on

The attached certification, by ____________________________________________________________________.

(Authorized Representative of the Department of Insurance)

Ver: 11/2023 3

Contents

1.0 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

1.1 CONTRACT TERM

2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1 REQUEST FOR QUOTE DOCUMENT

2.2 E-PROCUREMENT FEE

2.3 NOTICE TO VENDORS REGARDING RFQ TERMS AND CONDITIONS

2.4 RFQ SCHEDULE

2.5 QUOTE SUBMITTAL

2.6 QUOTE CONTENTS

2.7 DEFINITIONS, ACRONYMS, AND ABBREVIATIONS

3.0 METHOD OF AWARD AND QUOTE EVALUATION PROCESS

3.1 METHOD OF AWARD

3.2 CONFIDENTIALITY AND PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS DURING EVALUATION

3.3 INTERPRETATION OF TERMS AND PHRASES

4.0 REQUIREMENTS

4.1 PRICING

4.2 INVOICES

4.3 HUB PARTICIPATION

4.4 PERSONNEL

4.5 VENDOR’S REPRESENTATIONS

4.6 AGENCY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS MODIFICATION

4.7 LOBBYING ACTIVITY CERTIFICATION FOR FEDERAL GRANTS

5.0 SPECIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF WORK

5.1 SPECIFICATIONS

6.0 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

6.1 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

6.2 DISPUTE RESOLUTION

6.3 CONTRACT CHANGES

7.0 ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT A: PRICING FORM

ATTACHMENT B: INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS

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ATTACHMENT C: NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

ATTACHMENT D: HUB SUPPLEMENTAL VENDOR INFORMATION

CERTIFICATION FOR CONTRACTS, GRANTS, LOANS, AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS ... 12

Ver: 11/2023 5

1.0 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

The purpose of this Request for Quote is the delivery and management of three (3) NFA Youth Firesetting Prevention courses in Asheville, NC. These courses are designed to educate state fire personnel to notice possible firesetting signs in our youth and to educate our youth to prevent starting fires. These courses will handle up to 20 students.

The Office of State Fire Marshal receives grants to assist with educating firefighters throughout the state of North Carolina.

The intent of this solicitation is to award an Agency Specific Contract.

1.1 CONTRACT TERM

The Contract shall have an initial term of six (6) months, beginning on the date of final Contract execution (the “Effective Date”) and will expire on January 31, 2025

Quotes shall be submitted in accordance with the terms and conditions of this RFQ and any addenda issued hereto.

2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1 REQUEST FOR QUOTE DOCUMENT

This RFQ is comprised of the base RFQ document, any attachments, and any addenda released before Contract award, which are incorporated herein by reference.

2.2 E-PROCUREMENT FEE

ATTENTION: This is an NC eProcurement solicitation facilitated by the Ariba Network. The E-Procurement fee may apply to this solicitation. See the paragraph entitled ELECTRONIC PROCUREMENT of the North Carolina General Terms and Conditions.

General information on the E-Procurement Services can be found at: http://eprocurement.nc.gov/.

What is the Ariba Network?

The Ariba Network is a web-based platform that serves as a connection point for buyers and vendors. Vendors can log in to the Ariba Network to view purchase orders, respond to electronic requests for quotes, participate in Sourcing Events, and collaborate with buyers on contract documents.

For training on how to use the Sourcing Tool to view solicitations, submit questions, develop responses, upload documents, and submit offers to the State, Vendors should go to the following site:

http://eprocurement.nc.gov/training/vendor-training.

2.3 NOTICE TO VENDORS REGARDING RFQ TERMS AND CONDITIONS

It shall be the Vendor’s responsibility to read the Instructions to Vendors, the North Carolina General Terms and Conditions, all relevant exhibits and attachments, and any other components made a part of this RFQ and comply with all requirements and specifications herein. Vendors are also responsible for obtaining and complying with all Addenda and other changes that may be issued in connection with this RFQ.

Other than through the process of negotiation under 01 NCAC 05B.0503, the State rejects and will not be required to evaluate or consider any additional or modified terms and conditions submitted with Vendor’s quote or otherwise. This applies to any language appearing in or attached to the document as part of the Vendor’s quote that purports to vary any terms and conditions or Vendors’ instructions herein or to render the quote non-binding or subject to further negotiation. Vendor’s quote shall constitute a firm offer that shall be held open for the period required herein (“Validity Period” above).

The State may exercise its discretion to consider Vendor proposed modifications. By execution and delivery of this RFQ Response, the Vendor agrees that any additional or modified terms and conditions, whether submitted purposely or inadvertently, shall have no force or effect, and will be disregarded unless expressly agreed upon during negotiations.

Noncompliance with, or any attempt to alter or delete, this paragraph shall constitute sufficient grounds to reject Vendor’s quote as nonresponsive.

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2.4 RFQ SCHEDULE

The table below shows the intended schedule for this RFQ. The State will make every effort to adhere to this schedule.

Event Responsibility Date and Time Issue RFQ State July 16, 2024 Submit Quotes Vendor July 19, 2024 @ 2:00 PM ET Contract Award State July 22, 2024

2.5 QUOTE SUBMITTAL

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is an absolute requirement. Late quotes, regardless of cause, will not be opened or considered, and will be automatically disqualified from further consideration. Vendor shall bear the sole risk of late submission due to unintended or unanticipated delay. It is the Vendor’s sole responsibility to ensure its quote has been received as described in this RFQ by the specified time and date of opening. Failure to submit a quote in strict accordance with instructions provided shall constitute sufficient cause to reject a Vendor’s quotes(s).

Vendor’s quotes for this procurement must be submitted through the Sourcing Tool. For training on how to use the Sourcing Tool to view solicitations, submit questions, develop responses, upload documents, and submit offers to the State, Vendors should go to the following site: https://eprocurement.nc.gov/training/vendor-training

Questions or issues related to using the Sourcing Tool itself can be directed to the North Carolina eProcurement Help Desk at 888- 211-7440, Option 2. Help Desk representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM EST to 5:00 PM EST.

Tips for Using the Sourcing Tool

1. Vendors should review available training and confirm that they are able to access the Sourcing Event, enter responses, and upload files well in advance of the date and time response are due to allow sufficient time to seek assistance from the North Carolina eProcurement Help Desk.

2. Vendors may submit their responses early to make sure there are no issues, and then submit a revised response any time prior to the response due date and time. The State will only review the most recent response.

3. Vendors should respond to all relevant sections of the Sourcing Event. Certain questions or items are required in order to submit a response and are denoted with an asterisk. The Sourcing Tool will not allow a response to be submitted unless all required items are completed. The Sourcing Tool will provide error messages to help identify any required information that is missing when response is submitted.

4. Simply saving your response in the Sourcing Tool is not the same as submitting your response to the State. Vendors should make sure they complete the submission process and receive a message that their response was successfully submitted.

5. Only Quotes submitted through the Content Section of the Ariba Sourcing Event will be considered. Quotes submitted through the Message Board will not be accepted or considered for award.

If confidential and proprietary information is included in the quote, also submit one (1) signed, REDACTED copy of the quote.

Such information may include trade secrets defined by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 66-152 and other information exempted from the Public Records Act pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. §132- 1.2. Vendor may designate information, Products, Services, or appropriate portions of its response as confidential, consistent with and to the extent permitted under the statutes and rules set forth above. By so redacting any page, or portion of a page, the Vendor warrants that it has formed a good faith opinion, having received such necessary or proper review by counsel and other knowledgeable advisors, that the portions determined to be confidential and proprietary and redacted as such, meet the requirements of the Rules and Statutes set forth above. However, under no circumstances shall price information be designated as confidential.

If the Vendor does not provide a redacted version of the quote with its quote submission, the Department may release an unredacted version if a record request is received.

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2.6 QUOTE CONTENTS

Vendors shall provide responses to all questions and complete all attachments for this RFQ that require the Vendor to provide information and upload them to the Sourcing Event in the Sourcing Tool. Vendor may not be able to submit its response in the Sourcing Tool unless all required items are addressed. Vendors shall provide authorized signatures where requested. Failure to provide all required items, or Vendor’s submission of incomplete items, may result in the State rejecting Vendor’s quote, in the State’s sole discretion.

Vendors shall upload the following items and attachments in the Sourcing Tool:

a) Title Page: Include the company name, address, phone number and authorized representative along with the Quote Number.

b) Completed and signed version of all EXECUTION PAGES, along with the body of the RFQ.

c) Signed receipt pages of any addenda released in conjunction with this RFQ, if required to be returned.]

d) Completed version of ATTACHMENT A: PRICING

e) Completed and signed version of ATTACHMENT D: HUB SUPPLEMENTAL VENDOR INFORMATION

f) Completed and signed version of CERTIFICATION FOR CONTRACTS, GRANTS, LOANS, AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS

2.7 DEFINITIONS, ACRONYMS, AND ABBREVIATIONS

Relevant definitions for this RFQ are provided in 01 NCAC 05A .0112 and in the Instructions to Vendors found in the Sourcing Tool, which are incorporated herein by this reference.

3.0 METHOD OF AWARD AND QUOTE EVALUATION PROCESS

3.1 METHOD OF AWARD

North Carolina G.S. 143-52 provides a general list of criteria the State shall use to award contracts, as supplemented by the additional criteria herein. The Goods or Services being procured shall dictate the application and order of criteria; however, all award decisions shall be in the State’s best interest.

All responsive bids will be reviewed, and award or awards will be based on the responsive bid(s) offering the lowest price that meets the specifications provided herein, to include any required verifications set out herein such as but not limited to past performance, references, and financial documents.

While the intent of this RFQ is to award a Contract(s) to a single Vendor for all line items, the State reserves the right to make separate awards to different Vendors for one or more line items, to not award one or more line items or to cancel this RFQ in its entirety without awarding a Contract, if it is considered to be most advantageous to the State to do so.

The State reserves the right to waive any minor informality or technicality in quotes received.

3.2 CONFIDENTIALITY AND PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS DURING EVALUATION

While this RFQ is under evaluation, the responding Vendor, including any subcontractors and suppliers, is prohibited from engaging in conversations intended to influence the outcome of the evaluation. See Paragraph 29. of the Instructions to Vendors entitled

COMMUNICATOINS BY VENDORS

Each Vendor submitting a quote to this RFQ, including its employees, agents, subcontractors, suppliers, subsidiaries and affiliates, is prohibited from having any communications with any person inside or outside the using agency; issuing agency; other government agency office or body (including the purchaser named above, any department secretary, agency head, members of the General Assembly and Governor’s office); or private entity, if the communication refers to the content of Vendor’s quote or qualifications, the content of another Vendor’s proposal, another Vendor’s qualifications or ability to perform a resulting contract, and/or the transmittal of any other communication of information that could be reasonably considered to have the effect of directly or indirectly influencing the evaluation of proposals, the award of a contract, or both.

Any Vendor not in compliance with this provision shall be disqualified from evaluation and award. A Vendor’s proposal may be disqualified if its subcontractor and/or supplier engage in any of the foregoing communications during the time that the

Ver: 11/2023 8 procurement is active (i.e., the issuance date of the procurement until the date of contract award or cancellation of the procurement). Only those discussions, communications or transmittals of information authorized or initiated by the issuing agency for this RFQ or inquiries directed to the purchaser named in this RFQ regarding requirements of the RFQ (prior to proposal submission) or the status of the award (after submission) are excepted from this provision.

3.3 INTERPRETATION OF TERMS AND PHRASES

This RFQ serves two functions: (1) to advise potential Vendors of the parameters of the solution being sought by the State; and (2) to provide (together with other specified documents) the terms of the Contract resulting from this procurement. The use of phrases such as “shall,” “must,” and “requirements” are intended to create enforceable contract conditions. In determining whether quotes should be evaluated or rejected, the State will take into consideration the degree to which Vendors have proposed or failed to propose solutions that will satisfy the State’s needs as described in the RFQ. Except as specifically stated in the RFQ, no one requirement shall automatically disqualify a Vendor from consideration. However, failure to comply with any single requirement may result in the State exercising its discretion to reject a quote in its entirety.

4.0 REQUIREMENTS

This Section lists the requirements related to this RFQ. By submitting a quote, the Vendor agrees to meet all stated requirements in this Section as well as any other specifications, requirements, and terms and conditions stated in this RFQ. If a Vendor is unclear about a requirement or specification or believes a change to a requirement would allow for the State to receive a better quote, the Vendor is urged to submit these items in the form of a question during the question and answer period in accordance with the Quote Questions Section above.

4.1 PRICING

Quote price shall constitute the total cost to the State for complete performance in accordance with the requirements and specifications herein, including all applicable charges for handling, transportation, administrative and other similar fees. Complete ATTACHMENT A: PRICING FORM and upload in the Sourcing Tool. The pricing provided in ATTACHMENT A, or resulting from any negotiations, is incorporated herein and shall become part of any resulting Contract.

4.2 INVOICES

Vendor shall invoice the Purchasing Agency. The standard format for invoicing shall be Single Invoices meaning that the Vendor shall provide the Purchasing Agency with an invoice for each order. Invoices shall include detailed information to allow Purchasing Agency to verify pricing at point of receipt matches the correct price from the original date of order. The following fields shall be included on all invoices, as relevant:

Vendor’s Billing Address, NC Contract Number, Order Date, Buyer’s Order Number, Description, and Price.

INVOICES MAY NOT BE PAID UNTIL AN INSPECTION HAS OCCURRED AND THE GOODS OR SERVICES ACCEPTED.

4.3 HUB PARTICIPATION

Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute G.S. 143-48, it is State policy to encourage and promote the use of small, minority, physically handicapped, and women contractors in purchasing Goods and Services. As such, this RFQ will serve to identify those Vendors that are minority owned or have a strategic plan to support the State’s Historically Underutilized Business program by meeting or exceeding the goal of 10% utilization of diverse firms as 1st or 2nd tier subcontractors. Vendor shall complete

ATTACHMENT D: HUB SUPPLEMENTAL VENDOR INFORMATION.

4.4 PERSONNEL

Vendor warrants that qualified personnel shall provide Services under this Contract in a professional manner. “Professional manner” means that the personnel performing the Services will possess the skill and competence consistent with the prevailing business standards in the industry. Vendor will serve as the prime contractor under this Contract and shall be responsible for the performance and payment of all subcontractor(s) that may be approved by the State. Names of any third-party Vendors or subcontractors of Vendor may appear for purposes of convenience in Contract documents; and shall not limit Vendor’s obligations hereunder. Vendor will retain executive representation for functional and technical expertise as needed in order to incorporate

Ver: 11/2023 9 any work by third party subcontractor(s).

Should the Vendor’s quote result in an award, the Vendor shall be required to agree that it will not substitute key personnel assigned to the performance of the Contract without prior written approval by the Contract Lead. Vendor shall further agree that it will notify the Contract Lead of any desired substitution, including the name(s) and references of Vendor’s recommended substitute personnel. The State will approve or disapprove the requested substitution in a timely manner. The State may, in its sole discretion, terminate the Services of any person providing Services under this Contract. Upon such termination, the State may request acceptable substitute personnel or terminate the contract Services provided by such personnel.

4.5 VENDOR’S REPRESENTATIONS

If Vendor’s quote results in an award, Vendor agrees that it will not enter any agreement with a third party that may abridge any rights of the State under the Contract. If any Services, deliverables, functions, or responsibilities not specifically described in this solicitation are required for Vendor’s proper performance, provision and delivery of the Service and deliverables under a resulting Contract, or are an inherent part of or necessary sub-task included within such Service, they will be deemed to be implied by and included within the scope of the Contract to the same extent and in the same manner as if specifically described in the Contract.

Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, Vendor will furnish all of its own necessary management, supervision, labor, facilities, furniture, computer and telecommunications equipment, software, supplies and materials necessary for the Vendor to provide and deliver the Services and/or other Deliverables.

4.6 AGENCY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS MODIFICATION

A. Default Insurance Coverage from the General Terms and Conditions applicable to this Solicitation:

☒ Small Purchases

☐ Contract value in excess of the Small Purchase threshold, but up to $1,000,000.00

☐ Contract value in excess of $1,000,000.00

4.7 LOBBYING ACTIVITY CERTIFICATION FOR FEDERAL GRANTS

Federal law prohibits recipients of federal funds, whether through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, from using those funds to influence or attempt to influence (lobby) a federal official in connection with obtaining, extending, or modifying any federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement. Further, federal law requires that applicants for federal funds certify:

that they abide by the above restriction;

that they disclose any permissible (non-federal) paid lobbying on the Federal Awards being applied for; and that such certification requirements will also be included in any subawards meeting the applicable thresholds.

Vendors must complete and submit the CERTIFICATION FOR CONTRACTS, GRANTS, LOANS, AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS and the OMB STANDARD FORM LLL when responding to this solicitation.

5.0 SPECIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF WORK

5.1 SPECIFICATIONS

Vendor will deliver and manage three (3) firesetting prevention courses with up to 20 students per class. The classes are two (2) day classes that begin at 8:00 am through 5:00 pm. The classes will be held at AB Tech – Woodfin Buncombe County Training Center, Asheville, NC. Pre-course materials and course syllabus is online and not provided by the instructor.

Youth Firesetting Intervention Specialist – this course is based on the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association 1035, Standard on Fire and Life Safety Educator, Public Information Officer, Youth Firesetter Intervention Specialist and Youth Firesetter Program Manager Professional Qualifications pertaining to the youth firesetting intervention specialist. This course focuses on how identification, intake, screening, disposition and follow-up are used to mitigate youth

Ver: 11/2023 10 firesetting behavior. Course content includes understanding the motivations behind youth firesetting and how the impact of adverse childhood experiences and behavioral/mental health changes can influence firesetting behaviors. This course is for the practitioner who provides services at the program delivery level.

Youth Firesetting Program Manager - this course is based on the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association 1035, Standard on Fire and Life Safety Educator, Public Information Officer, Youth Firesetter Intervention Specialist and Youth Firesetter Program Manager Professional Qualifications pertaining to the youth firesetting intervention manager. This course empowers students with knowledge on how to develop, enhance or rejuvenate a youth firesetting prevention and intervention program. This course is designed for the person who is responsible or will be responsible for leading a youth firesetting prevention and intervention program. Students evaluate the existing state of their current youth firesetting program, develop a vision for moving forward, construct an action plan and deliver a persuasive speech to decision- makers for advancing the program.

Youth Firesetting Interviewing and Education – this course is currently being updated by NFA and should be available before November 7, 2024.

6.0 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

All Contract Administration requirements are conditioned on an award resulting from this solicitation. This information is provided for the Vendor’s planning purposes.

6.1 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

The State encourages the Vendor to identify opportunities to reduce the total cost to the State. A continuous improvement effort consists of various ways to enhance business efficiencies as performance progresses.

6.2 DISPUTE RESOLUTION

During the performance of the Contract, the parties agree that it is in their mutual interest to resolve disputes informally. Any claims by the Vendor shall be submitted in writing to the State’s Contract Manager for resolution. Any claims by the State shall be submitted in writing to the Vendor’s Project Manager for resolution. The Parties shall agree to negotiate in good faith and use all reasonable efforts to resolve such dispute(s).

During the time the Parties are attempting to resolve any dispute, each shall proceed diligently to perform their respective duties and responsibilities under this Contract. The Parties will agree on a reasonable amount of time to resolve a dispute. If a dispute cannot be resolved between the Parties within the agreed upon period, either Party may elect to exercise any other remedies available under the Contract, or at law. This provision, when agreed in the Contract, shall not constitute an agreement by either party to mediate or arbitrate any dispute.

6.3 CONTRACT CHANGES

Contract changes, if any, over the life of the Contract shall be implemented by contract amendments agreed to in writing by the State and Vendor. Amendments to the contract can only be made through the contract administrator.

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7.0 ATTACHMENTS

**IMPORTANT NOTICE**

RETURN THE REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS WITH YOUR RESPONSE

FOLLOW THE LINKS TO ACCESS ATTACHMENTS B-D

ATTACHMENT A: PRICING FORM

FURNISH AND DELIVER:

Three (3) firesetting prevention courses with up to 20 students per class according to 5.1 SPECIFICATIONS

Youth Firesetting Intervention Specialist $

Youth Firesetting Program Manager $

Youth Firesetting Interviewing and Education $

Total Cost $

The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank

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ATTACHMENT B: INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS

The Instructions to Vendors, which are incorporated herein by this reference, may be found here:

https://ncadmin.nc.gov/formnorth-carolina-instructions-vendors032023/download?attachment

ATTACHMENT C: NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

The North Carolina General Terms and Conditions, which are incorporated herein by this reference, may be found here:

https://www.doa.nc.gov/form-north-carolina-general-terms-and-conditions-11-2023/open

ATTACHMENT D: HUB SUPPLEMENTAL VENDOR INFORMATION

Complete and return the Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) Vendor Information form, which can be found at the following link:

https://files.nc.gov/ncdoa/pandc/OnlineForms/Form_HUB-Supplemental-Vendor-Information_9.2021.pdf

CERTIFICATION FOR CONTRACTS, GRANTS, LOANS, AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS

https://www.doa.nc.gov/pc-formcertification-contracts-grants-loans-and-cooperative-agreements-72020pdf/open