19-IFB-1465133278-PTW NCANG Charlotte Grounds Maintenance RQ176567.pdf

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Invitation for Bid #: 19-IFB-1465133278-PTW

NC Air National Guard Charlotte Grounds Maintenance

Date of Issue: February 25, 2025

Bid Opening Date: March 21, 2025

At 2:00 PM ET

Direct all inquiries concerning this IFB to:

Tim Pendergrass

Procurement Specialist III

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Invitation for Bid #

19-IFB-1465133278-PTW

For internal State agency processing, including tabulation of bids, 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 bid.

Failure to do so may subject your bid 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 https://vendor.ncgov.com/vendor/login

Bid Number: 19-IFB-1465133278-PTW Vendor: __________________________________________

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Refer ALL Inquiries regarding this IFB to the procurement lead through the Message Board in the Sourcing Tool. See section 2.6 for details: Tim Pendergrass

Invitation for Bid #: 19-IFB-1465133278-PTW Bids will be publicly opened: March 21, 2025, at 2:00pm, ET Meeting ID: 249 269 574 578 Passcode: jN2Nc3qG

Using Agency: NCDPS: Air National Guard Commodity No. and Description: 701117 Parks, Gardens, and Orchards Requisition No.: RQ176567

EXECUTION

In compliance with this Invitation for Bid (IFB), 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 bid, at the prices set opposite each item within the time specified herein.

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

this bid 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 bid, 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 IFB, 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 IFB, 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 bid, 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 bid prior to submittal may render bid invalid and it MAY BE REJECTED. Late bids 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:

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

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VENDOR’S AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE*: DATE: EMAIL:

VALIDITY PERIOD

Offer shall be valid for at least ninety (90) days from date of bid 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 IFB.

ACCEPTANCE OF BIDS

If your bid is accepted, all provisions of this IFB, 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 NC Department of Public Safety)

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Contents

1.0 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

1.1 CONTRACT TERM

2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1 INVITATION FOR BID DOCUMENT

2.2 E-PROCUREMENT FEE

2.3 NOTICE TO VENDORS REGARDING IFB TERMS AND CONDITIONS

2.4 IFB SCHEDULE

2.5 MANDATORY SITE VISIT

2.6 BID QUESTIONS

2.7 BID SUBMITTAL

2.8 BID CONTENTS

2.9 ALTERNATE BIDS

2.10 DEFINITIONS, ACRONYMS, AND ABBREVIATIONS

3.0 METHOD OF AWARD AND BID EVALUATION PROCESS

3.1 METHOD OF AWARD

3.2 CONFIDENTIALITY AND PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS DURING EVALUATION

3.3 BID EVALUATION PROCESS

3.4 PERFORMANCE OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES

3.5 INTERPRETATION OF TERMS AND PHRASES

4.0 REQUIREMENTS

4.1 PRICING

4.2 INVOICES

4.3 FINANCIAL STABILITY

4.4 HUB PARTICIPATION

4.5 REFERENCES

4.6 BACKGROUND CHECKS

4.7 OBTAINING ENTRY CREDENTIAL AND PASSES

4.8 PERSONNEL

4.9 VENDOR’S REPRESENTATIONS

4.10 LOBBYING ACTIVITY CERTIFICATION FOR FEDERAL GRANTS

5.0 SCOPE OF WORK

6.0 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

6.1 CUSTOMER SERVICE

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6.2 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

6.3 ACCEPTANCE OF WORK

6.4 DISPUTE RESOLUTION

6.5 CONTRACT CHANGES

6.6 ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT A: PRICING FORM

ATTACHMENT B: INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS

ATTACHMENT C: NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

ATTACHMENT D: HUB SUPPLEMENTAL VENDOR INFORMATION

ATTACHMENT E: CUSTOMER REFERENCE FORM

ATTACHMENT F: LOCATION OF WORKERS UTILIZED BY VENDOR

ATTACHMENT G: CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

ATTACHMENT H: CERTIFICATION FOR CONTRACTS, GRANTS, LOANS, & COOPERATIVE

AGREEMENTS

ATTACHMENT I: SITE MAPS

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1.0 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

The purpose of this Invitation for Bids is to seek competitive bids from qualified Vendors to provide grounds maintenance services for the North Carolina Air National Guard location at 4930 Minuteman Way, Charlotte, NC. 28208.

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

BACKGROUND:

The N.C. Air National Guard, Department of Public Safety desires to have provided a complete and efficient Lawn Maintenance Service, including all reasonable and necessary labor, supervision, materials and equipment in order to maintain a presentable appearance and health of the contracted lawn and landscaping area(s). Note: all areas to be serviced will be identified during the pre-bid walk through. This will be a mandatory requirement to be eligible to place a bid for this service.

1.1 CONTRACT TERM

The Contract shall have an initial term of one (1) year, beginning on the date of final Contract execution (the “Effective Date”).

At the end of the Contract’s initial term, the State shall have the option, in its sole discretion, to renew the Contract on the same terms and conditions for up to two (2) additional one-year terms. The State will give the Vendor written notice of its intent to exercise each option no later than thirty (30) days before the end of the Contract’s then-current term. In addition to any optional renewal terms, and with the Vendor’s concurrence, the State reserves the right to extend the Contract after the last active term.

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

2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1 INVITATION FOR BID DOCUMENT

This IFB is comprised of the base IFB 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 IFB 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 IFB 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 IFB.

If Vendors have questions or issues regarding any component of this IFB, those must be submitted as questions in accordance with the instructions in the BID QUESTIONS Section. If the State determines that any changes will be made as a result of the questions http://eprocurement.nc.gov/

Ver: 11/2023 6 asked, then such decisions will be communicated in the form of an IFB addendum. The State may also elect to leave open the possibility for later negotiation of specific provisions of the Contract that have been addressed during the question-and-answer period, prior to contract award.

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 bid or otherwise. This applies to any language appearing in or attached to the document as part of the Vendor’s bid that purports to vary any terms and conditions or Vendors’ instructions herein or to render the bid non-binding or subject to further negotiation. Vendor’s bid 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 IFB 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 and incorporated by way of a Best and Final Offer (BAFO). Noncompliance with, or any attempt to alter or delete, this paragraph shall constitute sufficient grounds to reject Vendor’s bid as nonresponsive.

2.4 IFB SCHEDULE

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

Event Responsibility Date and Time Issue IFB State February 25, 2025 Hold Mandatory Site Visit State March 12, 2025, at 10:00am, ET Submit Written Questions Vendor March 13, 2025, by 2:00pm, ET Provide Response to Questions State March 14, 2025 Submit Bids Vendor March 21, 2025, by 2:00pm, ET

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Dial in by phone +1 984-204-1487,,867101573# United States, Raleigh Find a local number Phone conference ID: 867 101 573# Join on a video conferencing device Tenant key: ncgov@m.webex.com Video ID: 117 227 400 1 More info

Contract Award State To be determined

2.5 MANDATORY SITE VISIT

Date: March 12, 2025 Time: 10:00am, Eastern Time Location: NC Air National Guard 4930 Minuteman Way Charlotte, NC. 28208 Contact: Christopher W. Bryant

Contact #: (704) 391-4372 https://aka.ms/JoinTeamsMeeting?omkt=en-US https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MzZiYWJiY2ItOWU2MC00NjJiLWE2ZDAtZTljMmYzNmQzNmIz%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227a7681dc-b9d0-449a-85c3-ecc26cd7ed19%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22696ab936-f43a-4a26-83bb-b339a27c1173%22%7d tel:+19842041487,,867101573 https://dialin.teams.microsoft.com/c102d528-0544-4660-b869-294e85047e28?id=867101573 https://www.webex.com/msteams?confid=1172274001&tenantkey=ncgov&domain=m.webex.com

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All prospective vendors attending the Mandatory Site Visit must arrive at least one (1) hour in advance to allow sufficient time for your vehicle to be searched. In addition, all vendors must have a valid driver license in order to obtain clearance on the base.

Instructions: It shall be MANDATORY that a representative from each Vendor be present for a pre-bid site visit. Attendees must arrive promptly. All attendees must sign in upon arrival and clearly indicate each prospective Vendor represented on the sign in sheet. LATE ARRIVALS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO SIGN IN OR PARTICIPATE IN THE SITE VISIT, NOR SHALL THEIR BID BE CONSIDERED. Once the sign-in process is complete, all other persons wishing to attend may do so to the extent that space and circumstances allow.

FAILURE TO ATTEND THE MANDATORY SITE VISIT SHALL RESULT IN VENDOR’S BID BEING DEEMED NON-RESPONSIVE AND NOT

CONSIDERED FOR AWARD.

The purpose of this visit is for all prospective Vendors to apprise themselves of the conditions and requirements which will affect the performance of the work called for by this IFB. Vendors must stay for the duration of the site visit. No allowances will be made for unreported conditions that a prudent Vendor would recognize as affecting the work called for or implied by this IFB.

Vendors are cautioned that any information released to attendees during the site visit, other than that involving the physical aspects of the facility referenced above, and which conflicts with, supersedes, or adds to requirements in this IFB, must be confirmed by written addendum before it can be considered to be a part of this IFB and any resulting contract.

2.6 BID QUESTIONS

Upon review of the IFB documents, Vendors may have questions to clarify or interpret the IFB in order to submit the best bid possible. To accommodate the Bid Questions process, Vendors shall submit any such questions by the “Submit Written Questions” date and time provided in the IFB SCHEDULE Section above, unless modified by Addendum.

Questions related to the content of the solicitation, or the procurement process should be directed to the person on the title page of this document via the Sourcing Tool's message board by the date and time specified in the IFB SCHEDULE Section of this IFB.

Vendors will enter “IFB #: 19-IFB-1465133278-PTW – Questions” as the subject of the message. Question submittals should include a reference to the applicable IFB section. This is the only manner in which questions will be received.

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 ET to 5:00 PM ET.

Questions received prior to the submission deadline date, the State’s response, and any additional terms deemed necessary by the State will be posted in the Sourcing Tool in the form of an addendum and shall become an Addendum to this IFB. No information, instruction or advice provided orally or informally by any State personnel, whether made in response to a question or otherwise in connection with this IFB, shall be considered authoritative or binding. Vendors shall rely only on written material contained in the IFB and an addendum to this IFB.

2.7 BID SUBMITTAL

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is an absolute requirement. Late bids, 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 bid has been received as described in this IFB by the specified time and date of opening. Failure to submit a bid in strict accordance with instructions provided shall constitute sufficient cause to reject a Vendor’s bids(s). Solicitation responses are subject to Sealed Bidding requirements.

Vendor’s bids 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.

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

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

If confidential and proprietary information is included in the bid, also submit one (1) signed, REDACTED copy of the bid. 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 bid with its bid submission, the Department may release an unredacted version if a record request is received.

2.8 BID CONTENTS

Vendors shall provide responses to all questions and complete all attachments for this IFB 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 bid, 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 Bid Number.

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

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

d) Vendor’s Response: 6.1 Customer Service

e) Completed version of ATTACHMENT A: PRICING FORM

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

g) Completed and signed version of ATTACHMENT E: CUSTOMER REFERENCE FORM

h) Completed and signed version of ATTACHMENT F: LOCATION OF WORKERS UTILIZED BY VENDOR

i) Completed and signed version of ATTACHMENT G: CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

j) Completed and signed version of ATTCHMENT H: CERTIFICATION FOR CONTRACTS, GRANTS, LOANS, AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS and OMB STANDARD FORM LLL

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2.9 ALTERNATE BIDS

Unless provided otherwise in this IFB, Vendor may submit alternate bids for comparable Goods, various methods or levels of Service(s), or that propose different options. Alternate bid must specifically identify the IFB requirements and advantage(s) addressed by the alternate bid. Each bid must be for a specific set of Goods and Services and must include specific pricing. If a Vendor chooses to respond with various offerings, Vendor shall follow the specific instructions for uploading Alternate Bids in the Sourcing Tool.

2.10 DEFINITIONS, ACRONYMS, AND ABBREVIATIONS

Relevant definitions for this IFB 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 BID 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 an 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 here in such as but not limited to past performance, references, and financial documents.

While the intent of this IFB is to award a Contract(s) to a single Vendor, 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 IFB 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 bids received.

3.2 CONFIDENTIALITY AND PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS DURING EVALUATION

While this IFB 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 bid to this IFB, 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 bid 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 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 IFB or inquiries directed to the purchaser named in this IFB regarding requirements of the IFB (prior to proposal submission) or the status of the award (after submission) are excepted from this provision.

3.3 BID EVALUATION PROCESS

Only responsive submissions will be evaluated.

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The State will conduct an evaluation of responsive Bids, as follows:

Bids will be received according to the method stated in the Bid Submittal section above.

All bids must be received by the issuing agency not later than the date and time specified in the IFB SCHEDULE Section above, unless modified by Addendum. Vendors are cautioned that this is a request for offers, not an offer or request to contract, and the State reserves the unqualified right to reject any and all offers at any time if such rejection is deemed to be in the best interest of the State.

At the date and time provided in the IFB SCHEDULE Section above, unless modified by Addendum, the bids from each responding Vendor will be opened publicly and all offers (except those that have been previously withdrawn, or voided bids) will be tabulated. The tabulation shall be made public at the time it is created. When negotiations after receipt of bids is authorized pursuant to G.S. 143-49 and 01 NCAC 05B.0503, only the names of offerors and the Goods and Services offered shall be tabulated at the time of opening. Cost and price shall become available for public inspection at the time of the award.

Interested parties are cautioned that these costs and their components are subject to further evaluation for completeness and correctness and therefore may not be an exact indicator of a Vendor’s pricing position.

At their option, the evaluators may request oral presentations or discussions with any or all Vendors for clarification or to amplify the materials presented in any part of the bid. Vendors are cautioned, however, that the evaluators are not required to request presentations or other clarification—and often do not. Therefore, all bids should be complete and reflect the most favorable terms available from the Vendor. Prices bid cannot be altered or modified as part of a clarification.

Bids will generally be evaluated, based on completeness, content, cost and responsibility of the Vendor to supply the requested Goods and Services. Specific evaluation criteria are listed in Section 3.1 METHOD OF AWARD.

Upon completion of the evaluation process, the State will make Award(s) based on the evaluation and post the award(s) to the electronic Vendor Portal (eVP), https://evp.nc.gov, under the IFB number for this solicitation. Award of a Contract to one Vendor does not mean that the other bids lacked merit, but that, all factors considered, the selected bid was deemed most advantageous and represented the best value to the State.

The State reserves the right to negotiate with one or more Vendors, or to reject all original offers and negotiate with one or more sources of supply that may be capable of satisfying the requirement, and in either case to require Vendor to submit a Best and Final Offer (BAFO) based on discussions and negotiations with the State.

3.4 PERFORMANCE OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES

Vendor shall complete ATTACHMENT F: LOCATION OF WORKERS UTILIZED BY VENDOR. In addition to any other evaluation criteria identified in this IFB, the State may also consider, for purposes of evaluating proposed or actual contract performance outside of the United States, how that performance may affect the following factors to ensure that any award will be in the best interest of the State:

a) Total cost to the State

b) Level of quality provided by the Vendor

c) Process and performance capability across multiple jurisdictions

d) Protection of the State’s information and intellectual property

e) Availability of pertinent skills

f) Ability to understand the State’s business requirements and internal operational culture

g) Particular risk factors such as the security of the State’s information technology

h) Relations with citizens and employees

i) Contract enforcement jurisdictional issues https://evp.nc.gov/

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3.5 INTERPRETATION OF TERMS AND PHRASES

This IFB 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 bids 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 IFB. Except as specifically stated in the IFB, 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 bid in its entirety.

4.0 REQUIREMENTS

This Section lists the requirements related to this IFB. By submitting a bid, 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 IFB. 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 bid, the Vendor is urged to submit these items in the form of a question during the question and answer period in accordance with the Bid Questions Section above.

4.1 PRICING

Bid 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, Customer Account Number, NC Contract Number, Order Date, Buyer’s Order Number, Manufacturer Part Numbers, Vendor Part Numbers, Item Descriptions, Price, Quantity, and Unit of Measure.

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

4.3 FINANCIAL STABILITY

As a condition of contract award, the Vendor must certify that it has the financial capacity to perform and to continue to perform its obligations under the Contract; that Vendor has no constructive or actual knowledge of an actual or potential legal proceeding being brought against Vendor that could materially adversely affect performance of this Contract; and that entering into this Contract is not prohibited by any contract, or order by any court of competent jurisdiction.

Each Vendor shall certify it is financially stable by completing ATTACHMENT G: CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION. The State is requiring this certification to minimize potential issues from contracting with a Vendor that is financially unstable. From the date of the Certification to the expiration of the Contract, the Vendor shall notify the State within thirty (30) days of any occurrence or condition that materially alters the truth of any statement made in this Certification. The Contract Manager may require annual recertification of the Vendor’s financial stability.

4.4 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 IFB 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.

Ver: 11/2023 12

4.5 REFERENCES

Vendor shall upload to the Sourcing Tool at least three (3) references, using ATTACHMENT E: CUSTOMER REFERENCE FORM, for which it has provided Services of similar size and scope to those proposed herein. The State may contact these users to determine whether the Services provided are substantially similar in scope to those proposed herein and whether Vendor’s performance has been satisfactory. The information obtained may be considered in the evaluation of the Bid.

4.6 BACKGROUND CHECKS

Any personnel or agent of Vendor performing Services under any Contract arising from this IFB may be required to undergo a background check at the expense of the Vendor, if so requested by the State.

4.7 OBTAINING ENTRY CREDENTIAL AND PASSES

Entry credentials are obtained in the following manner:

Contractors must provide two acceptable forms of identification. Identification cards will be validated against information provided on the original 145 AW Form 28. Identification must meet the requirements outlined by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, I-9 Form, Employment Eligibility Verification, List of Acceptable Documents.

Other forms of identification will NOT be accepted.

It is the sole responsibility of the Contractor to provide a Police background check using an approved source for identifying any misdemeanor or felony convictions (SENTRYLINK is recommended). These background checks are required for all contractor personnel (Prime and Sub-Contractor) if they need access to the base more than 10 days.

A criminal history background and wants/warrant checks will be conducted using the NCIC/DCI databases to determine if the individual has a criminal history or active wants/warrants. If the NCIC/DCI check results produce any outstanding wants/warrants, or the individual has a felony conviction within the last 10 years, then the individual will be issued an Initial Denial of Contractor Pass memorandum and denied entry onto the installation.

Additionally, any individual who has served 12 consecutive months in jail within the last 10 years will be denied. Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) will be contacted to respond and take custody of any individual with outstanding wants/warrants. Upon award of a contract, the contractor will be issued a 145 AW Form 28 by the contract administrator in the 145th Base Contracting Office. The contractor will need to submit the required information for the Entry Authority List, to the contract administrator in the 145th Base Contracting Office prior to coming to the 145th Airlift Wing.

4.8 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 any work by third party subcontractor(s).

Should the Vendor’s bid 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.

4.9 VENDOR’S REPRESENTATIONS

If Vendor’s bid 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

Ver: 11/2023 13 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.

4.10 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 SCOPE OF WORK

The N.C. Air National Guard, Department of Public Safety, desires to have provided a complete and efficient Lawn Maintenance Service, including all reasonable and necessary labor, supervision, materials and equipment in order to maintain a presentable appearance and health of the contracted lawn and landscaping area(s).

The grass will be mowed & trimmed weekly, apply herbicide to all mulch/pine needles & fence areas once (1) a month or as needed, apply herbicide to fence & gravel areas once (1) a month or as needed. If a cutting or application of herbicides is missed for any reason, that item will be deducted from the monthly invoice total or be made up at the end of the contract period (extra cut at no charge).

The contractor will give the Facility Maintenance Supervisor and/or their representative 24 hours prior notice if they are unable to provide service at any given time.

The NCANG Facility Maintenance Supervisor and/or their representative will coordinate all work performance. When notified in advance by the Facility Maintenance Supervisor and/or their representative, the contractor must provide service prior to any special events at the base/site (giving a 48-hr prior notification). The contractor will observe common safety & environmental practices and will have the proper license and/or certification for the use of any chemicals. The Facility Maintenance Supervisor and/or their representative will inspect completed work and notify the contractor of any deficiencies. The contractor must correct these deficiencies within two (2) days’ notification.

1. MOWING

Mowing will be accomplished weekly. The grass shall be cut to a uniformed height without skips or gaps. Precautions shall be taken to maintain mowing blades in a sharp condition, which provides a clean, even cut, and to prevent scalping, uneven mowing, rutting by equipment and damage to trees and shrubs. Grass will be cut on a weekly basis during the cutting season to provide a neat and uniform appearance. This is to include picking up all trash and/or debris that may be on the grounds before starting mowing operations. When unable to mow due to drought/rain, the contractor will only invoice for services provided.

(Note: If a drought condition exists or if the grounds are too wet, the contractor should use good judgment before mowing and not mow for just the sake of mowing – i.e. running the mower over the top of the dust to be paid for a mowing).

2. TRIMMING AND EDGING

Edging and grass trimming will be accomplished along with the weekly cutting of the grass. All curbs, sidewalks, driveways, buildings, poles, pipes, utility equipment/poles, flowerbeds, trees, above ground monuments will be edged or trimmed at the time of the weekly grass cutting. This should also include expansion joints in sidewalks and the concrete curbing/gutter along the roads.

Ver: 11/2023 14

Trimming with string trimmers will be done around trees, foundations, walls, and other structures to ensure a neat appearance and to avoid unnecessary damage to these items or structures. The contractor shall replace all items that have been damaged during mowing and trimming operations.

3. CUTTING OF NATURAL HILLSIDES

Cutting of natural hillsides will be accomplished with a string trimmer on a monthly basis or as needed to provide neat and uniform appearance no taller than knee height. This is to include picking up all trash and/or debris that may be on the grounds before starting mowing operations. When unable to mow due to drought/rain, the contractor will only invoice for services provided. The use of Lawn mowing equipment will not be allowed on the use of natural hillsides

4. CHEMICAL WEED & GRASS CONTROL FOR HARD SURFACE AREAS

The control of weeds & grass in all cracks & expansion joints in curbs, sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, between building foundations, walls, and all flower / tree & mulch / pine needle areas where grass is being mowed will be treated as needed to keep area free of unwanted plant growth and will be accomplished by a chemical application of herbicide. The contractor/applicator will be certified/licensed by the North Carolina Dept. Of Agriculture in Ornamental & Turf Pest Control. No restricted-use herbicides will be used. The contractor/applicator will follow the manufactures’ label at all times. The contractor/applicator will replace at their expense any damaged plants or grass due to runoff, over spraying, or drift. The contractor will furnish the Facility Maintenance Supervisor with the following information before any application of chemicals;

1. The target pest, weed or grass to be controlled

2. Modes of action (i.e.; selective, nonselective, contact, translocated, soil-sterilant, preemergence),

3. Chemical name,

4. Trade name & manufacturer,

5. Form it was applied in (i.e.; granular, spray, dust),

6. Percent of active ingredient,

7. Ounces of active ingredient,

8. Pounds of active ingredient per gallon if liquid,

9. EPA registration number,

10. Labor time of application,

11. Square footage of the areas it was applied. This report should be provided at the time of the monthly invoice.

All pesticides and herbicides must be approved prior to use by the base hazmat pharmacy if not on base approved list (Submit list with intended uses via the CA). The contractor shall provide an inventory of hazardous materials with the applicable Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) that will be used to perform the required services. In addition, use reasonable care to avoid releasing hazardous material or hazardous waste, which may cause environmental damage to government structures, public land, water, or other natural resources. If the Contractor’s failure to use reasonable care causes damage to any of this property, the Contractor shall replace or repair the damage at no expense to the Government as the CA directs. If the Contractor fails or refuses to make such repair or replacement, the Contractor shall be liable for the cost, which may be deducted from the contract price.

5. INTERIOR & PERIMETER FENCED AREAS

All interior & perimeter fenced areas and gravel areas contained within the grass mowing areas are to be sprayed once (1) a month or as needed, with a two (2’) band on each side of the fence with herbicide to control grass/weeds at the same frequency and conditions as stated above under the titled heading 3. CHEMICAL WEED & GRASS CONTROL IN MULCH / PINE NEEDLE AREAS. (Note: the perimeter fence around the site or other areas can be controlled with the means of a string trimmer to control grass/weeds. It shall be accomplished at a frequency and conditions as stated above under the titled heading 2.

TRIMMING AND EDGING).

Ver: 11/2023 15

6. GRASS & SHRUB CLIPPINGS

The contractor will remove all grass clippings that blow onto all flower / tree & mulch / pine needle areas, curbs, gutter, sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, parking lots, and roads. (Note: this is not to mean that it is blown out onto the roadways).

7. SUPPLIES

The contractor will provide all lawn equipment, blowers, trimmers, fuel, lubricants, herbicides, pesticides.

8. SAFETY

The contractor and persons employed by the contractor will be required to wear the following safety items while performing any part under the title “Scope of Work”. The safety items are as listed: steel-toed boots, gloves, hearing protection, & eye protection. All equipment used by the contractor will meet OSHA requirements and regulations. The contractor and persons working for the contractor shall work / operate in a manner to prevent injury to themselves, their equipment and the property of the N.C. Air National Guard.

The N.C. Air National Guard and/or the Department of Public Safety is not responsible for any damages, thefts to contractual equipment or contractual injury and will not be responsible for payment or compensation for the same while on or off the property of the N.C. Air National Guard.

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 CUSTOMER SERVICEThe Vendor shall be required to designate and make available to the State for customer service.

The customer service point of contact shall be the State’s point of contact for customer service-related issues (define roles and responsibilities).

Customer Service Point of Contact

Name:

Office Phone #:

Mobile Phone #:

Email:

6.2 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

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

6.3 ACCEPTANCE OF WORK

Performance of the work and/or delivery of Goods shall be conducted and completed at least in accordance with the Contract

Ver: 11/2023 16 requirements and recognized and customarily accepted industry practices. Performance shall be considered complete when the Services or Goods are approved as acceptable by the Contract Administrator.

6.4 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…