STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Invitation for Bid #: 19-IFB-2363957108-RMT

Archaeological Monitoring and Survey Services

Date of Issue: September 23, 2026

Bid Opening Date: October 15, 2026

AT 2:00 PM ET

Direct all inquiries concerning this IFB to:

Morgan Rilling

Contract Specialist

Email: morgan.rilling@ncdps.gov

Ver: 07/2026

Invitation for Bid #

19-IFB-2363957108-RMT

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://evp.nc.gov/SignIn

Electronic responses ONLY will be accepted for this solicitation.

https://evp.nc.gov/SignIn

Refer ALL Inquiries regarding this IFB to:

Morgan Rilling morgan.rilling@ncdps.gov

Invitation for Bid #: 19-IFB-2363957108-RMT Bids will be publicly opened: October 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET

Using Agency: NCDPS Hazard Mitigation Commodity No. and Description: 811516 Cartography Requisition No.: RQ303988

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 ATTACHMENTS page within this document.

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:

VENDOR’S AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE*: DATE: EMAIL:

VALIDITY PERIOD

Department of Public Safety

Offer shall be valid for at least one hundred and twenty (120) 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 Department of Public Safety)

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 BID QUESTIONS

2.6 BID SUBMITTAL

2.7 BID CONTENTS

2.8 ALTERNATE BIDS

2.9 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 ESTIMATED QUANTITES

4.3 FINANCIAL STABILITY

4.4 VENDOR EXPERIENCE

4.5 REFERENCES

4.6 BACKGROUND CHECKS

4.7 PERSONNEL

4.8 VENDOR’S REPRESENTATIONS

4.9 AGENCY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

4.10 LOBBYING ACTIVITY CERTIFICATION FOR FEDERAL GRANTS

4.11 SUBCONTRACTORS

4.12 SECRETARY OF STATE REGISTRATION

5.0 SPECIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF WORK

5.1 ARCHAEOLOGICAL MONITORING SCOPE OF WORK

5.2 TASKS/DELIVERABLES ARCHAEOLOGICAL MONITORING

5.3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEYING SCOPE OF WORK

5.4 TASKS/DELIVERABLES ARCHAEOLOGICAL MONITORING

5.5 PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

5.6 FEMA ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION BEST PRACTICES 15

6.0 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

6.1 POINT OF CONTACT AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

6.2 SYSTEM for AWARD MANAGEMENT (SAM) REGISTRATION

6.3 INVOICES

6.4 POST AWARD BUSINESS REVIEW MEETINGS

6.5 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

6.6 PERIODIC REPORTS

6.7 ACCEPTANCE OF WORK

6.8 TRANSITION ASSISTANCE

6.9 DISPUTE RESOLUTION

6.10 CONTRACT CHANGES

ATTACHMENT A: PRICING

ATTACHMENT B: INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS

ATTACHMENT C: NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

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

1.0 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

North Carolina Emergency Management is seeking bids for a qualified Secretary of the Interior (SOI) qualified archaeologist to conduct mandatory monitoring of ground-disturbing activities for the North Carolina Hazard Mitigation project, ensuring full compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The contracted specialist will manage regulatory communication, execute stop-work protocols to protect unexpected cultural or burial discoveries, and deliver state-compliant archaeological reports required for final project closeout. This Agency Specific Contract is to provide Archaeological Monitoring and Surveying on an “as needed” basis if and when ordered by the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management (NCEM).

The State does not guarantee any minimum or maximum quantity of Services. The State will only be responsible for services requested and received.

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

1.1 CONTRACT TERM

The Contract shall have an initial term of three (3) years, beginning on the date of final Contract execution (the “Effective Date”).

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: 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/.

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 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).

http://eprocurement.nc.gov/

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 non-responsive.

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 September 23, 2026 Submit Written Questions Vendor October 1, 2026 Provide Response to Questions State October 7, 2026 Submit Bids Vendor October 15, 2026 by 2 PM ET

Contract Award State TBD

2.5 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-2363957108-RMT – 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.

Question submittals should include a reference to the applicable IFB section and be submitted in the format shown below:

Reference Vendor Question

IFB Section, Page Number Vendor question …?

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 form of an addendum to the electronic Vendor Portal (eVP), https://evp.nc.gov, 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.

2.6 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. The time and date of receipt will be marked on each bid when received. Any bid or portion thereof received after the bid deadline will be rejected.

Failure to submit a bid in strict accordance with these instructions shall constitute sufficient cause to reject a Vendor’s bids(s).

Vendors are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to upload bids.

https://evp.nc.gov/

Critical updated information may be included in Addenda to this IFB. It is important that all Vendors responding to this IFB periodically check the State’s eVP website for any Addenda that may be issued prior to the bid opening date. All Vendors shall be deemed to have read and understood all information in this IFB and all Addenda thereto.

2.7 BID CONTENTS

Vendors shall populate all attachments of this IFB that require the Vendor to provide information and include an authorized signature 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.

Vendor IFB responses shall include the following items and attachments, which shall be arranged in the following order:

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. 4.10 Secretary of State Registration, 6.1 SAM.gov IUE Number.

e) Completed version of ATTACHMENT A: PRICING

f) Completed version of ATTACHMENT E: CUSTOMER REFERENCE FORM

g) Completed version of ATTACHMENT F: LOCATION OF WORKERS UTILIZED BY VENDOR

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

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

OMB STANDARD FORM LLL

j) ATTACHMENT M: REQUIRED ELEMENTS FOR UTILIZATION OF FEDERAL FUNDS

k) ATTACHMENT N: CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED TO COVERED

TRANSACTIONS

2.8 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. Any alternate bid, in addition to the marking described above, must be clearly marked with the legend: “Alternate Bid #___ [for ‘name of Vendor’]”. 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, each must be offered with a separate price and be contained in a separate bid. Each bid must be complete and independent of other bids offered. Attachment A must also be completed as presented in addition to any alternate bids.

2.9 DEFINITIONS, ACRONYMS, AND ABBREVIATIONS

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

The following definitions, acronyms, and abbreviations are also relevant to this IFB:

ARPA- Archaeological Resources Protection Act

BMP - Best Management Practice

CUP – Cambridge University Press

HMA- Hazard Mitigation Assistance

LIDS – Lower Impact Demolition Stipulations

NESHAP - National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants

RCRA - Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

ROE – Right of Entry

SAA – Society of American Archaeology

SHM&SW - State Hazardous Materials and Solid Waste

SOI – Secretary of Interior

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 multiple 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 the Paragraph 29 of the Instructions to Vendors entitled

COMMUNICATIONS 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 procurement lead 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 procurement lead 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.

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 State’s eVP website 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 E: 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

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 include in Vendor’s response.

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

4.1.1 Import Tariff Temporary Surcharge

Pricing shall be exclusive of any pending tariffs or temporary tariff surcharge. Vendor may request a temporary tariff surcharge in ATTACHMENT A: PRICING SUBMITTAL WORKBOOK as a charge separate from the contract price. Any temporary tariff surcharge(s) associated with purchases shall be provided by way of a percentage tariff surcharge. All tariff surcharges proposed are intended to be temporary and based on current tariff implications specific to related commodities with evidence of submitted documentation of affected MSRP products. Vendor understands that the agency may request additional justification. Any temporary tariff surcharge percentage will be negotiated and mutually agreed upon. The state is not obligated to accept any proposed import tariff surcharge. Proposed tariff surcharges may be used as a factor for evaluation and award.

4.2 ESTIMATED QUANTITES

No maximum or minimum quantities are guaranteed. The State reserves the right to increase or decrease the quantities as needed.

The State shall not be obligated to purchase more than its normal requirements. The State does not guarantee any minimum or maximum quantity of Services. The State will be responsible only for services requested and received.

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 VENDOR EXPERIENCE

In its Proposal, Vendor shall demonstrate experience with public and/or private sector clients with similar or greater size and complexity to the State. Vendor shall provide information as to the qualifications and experience of all executive, managerial, legal, and professional personnel to be assigned to this project, including resumes citing experience with similar projects and the responsibilities to be assigned to each person.

4.5 REFERENCES

Vendor shall provide 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. References shall not be from the same company or from the soliciting State entity. In addition, Vendor shall provide references for and identify other government contracts it has received, for which your company has provided services of similar size and scope. 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 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.

4.8 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 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.

4.9 AGENCY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

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

4.10 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.

4.11 SUBCONTRACTORS

No portion of the work shall be subcontracted without prior written consent of the State. In the event that the Vendor desires to subcontract some part of the work specified herein, the Vendor shall furnish with their bid the names, qualifications, and experience of their proposed subcontractors. The Vendor shall, however, remain solely and fully liable and responsible for the work done by its subcontractor(s) and shall assure compliance with all the requirements and specifications of the contract.

4.12 SECRETARY OF STATE REGISTRATION

Prior to entering into a contract with the State, the awarded Vendor(s) must complete registration with the NC Secretary of State.

Upon notification of award, the selected Vendor(s) must furnish evidence of filing within 10 business days. Failure to provide this documentation may result in the disqualification of the Vendor(s) bid from further consideration for the award. No purchase orders shall be issued prior to confirmation of completed registration with the Secretary of State.

A contract award under the above-referenced solicitation, and the resulting purchase orders, will produce repeated orders and transactions in North Carolina and will constitute “transacting business” in the State, which requires a certificate of authority from the North Carolina Secretary of State as provided in G.S. §55-15-01 (corporations) or §57D-7-01 (LLCs). Please go to: https://www.sosnc.gov/ to register.

Vendor registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State: Yes☐ No ☐

5.0 SPECIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF WORK

5.1 ARCHAEOLOGICAL MONITORING SCOPE OF WORK

FEMA-EHP consulted with the North Carolina Office of State Archeology (SHPO) and Interested Tribes on the referenced project for compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. During the consultation process, it has been determined that North Carolina Hazard Mitigation proposed projects would result in No Historic Properties Affected. It is being requested that all ground disturbing activities are monitored by a Secretary of the Interior (SOI) qualified archaeologist to ensure adverse effects are avoided.

5.2 TASKS/DELIVERABLES ARCHAEOLOGICAL MONITORING

A. All ground disturbing activities will be monitored by an archaeologist meeting SOI professional qualifications.

B. Once a SOI qualified archaeologist (Specialist) for the project has been contracted, communication between the subrecipient, the recipient, the Specialist and FEMA Region 4- EHP office will start with a kick-off meeting to include the Specialist, FEMA EHP, FEMA HMA, the State Emergency Management Agency, and the Subrecipient to clarify the survey scope, discuss state curation protocols, expected deliverables and timelines.

C. Once construction and archaeological monitoring have started, the Specialist will communicate status updates with the FEMA Region 4 EHP office and North Carolina Hazard Mitigation bi-weekly either via email updates or should more detailed discussion occur via a scheduled phone meeting.

https://www.sosnc.gov/

D. Should artifacts, intact deposits or burial contexts be encountered, the Specialist will have the ability to stop work in the area of the find, until such time that the Specialist has had the opportunity to coordinate with FEMA-EHP and conduct further investigation if needed.

i. If archaeological artifacts or deposits (e.g. arrowheads, pottery, glass, metal, etc.) are uncovered, work in the vicinity of the discovery will stop and all reasonable measures to avoid or minimize harm to the finds will be taken. The contracted Specialist will provide immediate notice of such discoveries to the applicant, and the applicant will notify FEMA EHP. Work in the vicinity of the discovery may not resume until FEMA EHP has discussed the finds with the contracted SOI qualified archaeologist.

ii. If human remains or artifacts within a burial context are uncovered, work in the vicinity of the discovery will stop immediately and all reasonable measures to avoid or minimize harm to the finds will be taken. The Specialist and applicant will ensure that archaeological discoveries are secured in place, that access to the sensitive area is restricted, and that all reasonable measures are taken to avoid further disturbance of the discoveries. The Specialist will provide immediate notice of such discoveries to the applicant. The Specialist will also notify the North Carolina Office of State Archaeology and FEMA EHP within 24 hours of the discovery. Work in the vicinity of the discovery may not resume until FEMA has completed consultation with SHPO, Tribes, and other consulting parties as necessary. In the event that unmarked human remains are encountered during permitted activities, all work shall stop immediately, and the proper authorities notified in accordance with North Carolina Statutes, Section 70-29.

E. A draft Archaeological survey report meeting the requirements stated in North Carolina Office of State

Archeology/SHPO’s guidelines, North Carolina Office of State Archaeology Archaeological Investigation Standards and Guidelines and details the monitoring results shall be submitted to FEMA Region 4 EHP before or at project closeout for review.

F. FEMA shall provide any comments and/or corrections to the Specialist. If needed, FEMA Region 4 EHP will arrange a meeting via phone to discuss any edits or corrections to the report/survey if applicable.

G. The Specialist shall be responsible for completing any requested edits from FEMA to meet requirements as outlined in NC OSA’s North Carolina Office of State Archaeology Archaeological Investigation Standards and Guidelines.

H. The approved draft reports will be included with FEMA’s consultation with interested parties as per Section 106 of the

NHPA.

I. Should consulting parties have any edits or comments, FEMA will work with the Specialist to address recommendations.

J. Upon completion of the FEMA’s consultation, the Specialist will submit:

i. A final report will be submitted to FEMA Region 4 EHP office electronically to fema-r4ehp106@fema.dhs.gov.

ii. A final report and supporting deliverables to NC Department of Archives and History and/or NC Archaeological Site file in accordance with the North Carolina Office of State Archaeology Archaeological Investigation Standards and Guidelines

K. Proposed Timeline of Survey Process: The following timeframes (indicated with TBD below) will be established during the Survey Kick-off Meeting:

i. A process for bi-weekly status updates in order to maintain an open line of communication and address any issues which may arise to ensure timeline remains on track for completion prior to contract end date.

ii. The Specialist will complete the survey and submit draft survey reports to FEMA within (TBD) of completion of construction and field work survey.

iii. FEMA shall provide comments and edits to the Specialist within (TBD) business days of receipt of draft deliverables.

iv. The Specialist shall address comments and edit requests and submit an updated draft to FEMA within (TBD) business days. This process shall continue until a consultation draft is approved by FEMA Region

4 EHP.

mailto:fema-r4ehp106@fema.dhs.gov

5.3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEYING SCOPE OF WORK

Proposed projects will involve structure demolition to include the complete removal of existing foundations or, when complete removal is not possible, existing foundations will be taken down to a depth of approximately six (6) inches below soil surface and adequately drilled to allow for drainage. Ground disturbance will be limited to the immediate area of the demolished property, and the staging areas will be located within the footprint of the existing property boundaries. Debris will be removed, and the properties will initially be stabilized with clean soils and graded and seeded to prevent erosion. To further ensure all work will be limited to previously disturbed grounds, FEMA and the North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) will be placing the attached Lower Impact Demolition Stipulations (LIDS) on each project. The deeds to the properties will be transferred to the Subrecipient (Applicable County) with restrictions imposed for the site to remain as open space in perpetuity as defined in the 44 CFR § 206.434 (d).

Based on the proposed scope of work (SOW), amount of ground disturbance, and project location near and potentially within a known archaeological site for the above undertaking, FEMA determined through consultation that an intensive Phase I Archaeological Survey is necessary within the project area (map will be provided for survey area one project area is determined).

The project area includes the footprints for all buildings to be demolished and surrounding areas. The survey request shall be fulfilled by a Secretary of Interior (SOI) qualified Archaeologist and shall meet professional requirements as defined in the state guidelines for surveys, North Carolina Office of State Archaeology: Archaeological Investigation Standards and Guidelines.

5.4 TASKS/DELIVERABLES ARCHAEOLOGICAL MONITORING

The Phase I Archaeological Survey for the Area of Potential Effect (APE) includes, but is not limited to:

A. Once the archaeologist (Specialist) for the project has been contracted, communication between the Subrecipient (Applicable County), the Recipient (NCEM), the Specialist and FEMA Region 4- EHP will start with a kick-off meeting to include the Specialist, FEMA EHP, FEMA HMA, the state Emergency Management Agency (NCEM), and the Subrecipient (Applicable County) to clarify the project SOW, timeframes, and expected deliverables.

B. Prior to the kickoff meeting the Specialist shall submit a proposed shovel test map of the APE, that adheres to North Carolina Office of State Archaeology: Archaeological Investigation Standards and Guidelines. Thereafter, the Specialist will communicate status updates with the FEMA Region 4 EHP office bi-weekly either via email updates or should more detailed discussion occur via a scheduled phone meeting.

C. The Specialist will work with State Emergency Management Agency (NCEM) and the Subrecipient (Applicable County) to obtain Rights of Entry (ROE) prior to conducting survey work.

D. The Specialist will perform a Phase I Archaeological Survey that is conducted in accordance with the standards for archaeology outlined in North Carolina Office of State Archaeology: Archaeological Investigation Standards and Guidelines. No above ground historic resource survey is necessary.

i. Should intact features be encountered, please reach out to FEMA-R4-Section 106 prior to further excavation.

ii. The Specialist must follow state standards for working with site file documentation and artifact processing and curation.

E. A draft report that conforms to the survey and reporting standards set out in the North Carolina Office of State Archaeology: Archaeological Investigation Standards and Guidelines and GIS shapefile of the survey area will be submitted to FEMA Region 4 EHP office at fema-r4ehp106@fema.dhs.gov for review.

i. As part of the background research/Cultural History portion of the report, please include a detailed section on the tribal history, treaties, and removals for the project area. This is often overlooked but is an essential component for review and FEMA’s consultation with Tribal Partners.

F. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Model (LLM) Tools:

i. Any use of AI-Generated Tools must meet Society of American Archaeology (SAA) Style Guide and Cambridge University Press (CUP) requirements.

ii. Please note AI does not meet SAA/CUP requirements for authorship.

iii. In compliance with Section 304 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and Section 9 of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) Archaeological sensitive information must not be uploaded to AI or LLM Tools.

G. Any subsequent academic or professional presentations resulting from this survey should be submitted to FEMA for review prior to publication/presentation.

H. FEMA shall provide any comments and/or corrections to the Specialist. If needed, FEMA Region 4-EHP will arrange a meeting via phone to discuss any edits or corrections to the report/survey if applicable.

I. The Specialist shall be responsible for completing any requested edits from FEMA to meet requirements as outlined in the North Carolina Office of State Archaeology: Archaeological Investigation Standards and Guidelines.

J. The approved draft report will be included with FEMA’s continued consultation with interested parties as per Section 106 of the NHPA.

K. Should consulting parties have any edits or comments, FEMA will work with the Specialist to address recommendations.

L. Upon completion of the FEMA’s consultation, the Specialist will submit:

A final report will be submitted to FEMA Region 4 EHP office electronically to fema-r4ehp106@fema.dhs.gov. Curation (as applicable) and final deliverables will be sent to the SHPO or State Site File (whichever is appropriate), in accordance with the North Carolina Office of State Archaeology: Archaeological Investigation Standards and Guidelines.

M. The following timeframes (indicated with TBD below) will be established during the Phase I Archaeological Survey Kick-off Meeting:

I. A process for regular status updates in order to maintain an open line of communication and address any issues which may arise to ensure timeline remains on track for completion prior to contract end date.

II. The Specialist will complete the assessment and monitoring and submit draft survey reports to FEMA within (TBD) of completion of field work survey.

III. FEMA shall provide comment and edits to the Specialist within (TBD) business days of receipt of draft deliverables.

IV. The Specialist shall address comment and edit requests and submit an updated draft to FEMA within (TBD) business days. This process shall continue until a consultation draft is approved by FEMA Region 4 EHP.

5.5 PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The Phase I Archaeological Survey request shall be fulfilled by a Secretary of Interior (SOI) qualified Archaeologist and shall meet professional requirements and comply with the state guidelines for archaeological assessment as defined within the North Carolina Office of State Archaeological: Archaeological Investigation Standards and Guidelines. A copy of the SOI qualified Archaeologist(s) resume will be required prior to the kickoff meeting.

5.6 FEMA ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION BEST PRACTICES

Demolition, and Debris Removal Stipulations for FEMA Grant Funded Projects State of North Carolina. The following best management practices (BMPs) are for FEMA funded demolition projects. The following BMPs apply to the FEMA approved demolition of buildings and structures, associated utilities, and paved surfaces and associated activities including ground-disturbance and materials disposal.

A. GENERAL APPROACH TO MINIMIZE IMPACT TO SOIL:

i. Major demolition activities, including placement of vehicles and equipment, must be confined to areas where soils have been previously disturbed as exemplified by surface grading and utility trenching.

ii. When vehicles or heavy equipment are not in use, they shall be staged on hard or firm surfaces. Paved surfaces, if available within the project site limits, shall be used to the fullest extent possible.

iii. Vehicles and heavy equipment must work from paved or hard surfaces to avoid soil compaction and/or sinking into soft soils. If necessary, use mud mats, access mats, or high traction construction mats (e.g., timber, rubber) when operating on soft soils. Avoid working in soft soils during or immediately after rain events.

iv. Where feasible, use tracked vehicles to reduce soil disturbance and minimize soil compaction.

v. Excavation and burial of vegetative and house debris on the individual site is prohibited.

B. ACTIVITY SPECIFIC GUIDELINES:

1) Demolition Activities

i. Basement Foundation Removal: Removal of structural foundations and basement walls to at least one…