2024-01PC Bid Document.pdf

REQUEST FOR BID (RFB)

FOR

SCRAP IRON SERVICES

BID #2024-01PC

Issued by:

Portage County Purchasing Department

Bids must be submitted No later than 2:00 PM 1/25/2024 to:

Portage County Purchasing

1462 Strongs Ave Stevens Point WI 54481

LATE BIDS WILL BE REJECTED

There will be a public opening for this Bid

For further information regarding this RFB contact Chris Schultz

At (715) 346-1393 Email: schultzc@co.portage.wi.gov

Issued: 1/05/2023

PORTAGE COUNTY BID #2024-01PC

WISCONSIN PAGE 2 OF 13

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION SUBJECT PAGE #

1. GENERAL INFORMATION AND SCOPE

2. CONTRACT TERM

3. QUESTIONS

4. METHOD OF BID

5. BID SUBMISSION

6. BID RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS

7. METHOD OF AWARD

8. BIDDER/CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS

9. HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT SPECIFICATIONS

10. SOLID WASTE DPARTMENT SPECIFICATIONS

11. ON SITE SERVICE

12. SUBCONTRACTING OR THIRD PARTY PAYMENTS

13. FIRM PRICES

14. CONTRACT CANCELLATION

15. APPEALS PROCESS

ATTACHMENT A – SIGNATURE AND AUTHORITY AFFIDAVIT FORM

ATTACHMENT B – REFERENCES SHEET

ATTACHMENT C – BID OFFER FORM

ATTACHMENT D – STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

WISCONSIN PAGE 3 OF 13

1. GENERAL INFORMATION AND SCOPE

The County of Portage Wisconsin (County), through its Purchasing Department (Purchasing), requests bids to establish a contract for scrap metal to be picked up at the County Highway Department and Portage County Solid Waste Department. Types of scrap metal at the Highway Department include; tin, wire, steel, aluminum, castings, rusty culvert pipe, guardrail, etc. Types of scrap metal at the Solid Waste Department include; tin, wire, bikes, chairs, appliances with and without freon, microwaves, signs, pipes, fences, pots and pans, etc.

The attached Standard Terms and Conditions shall govern this bid unless specifically modified in these bid documents. Conditions of bid that include the word "must" or "shall,” describe a mandatory requirement. All specifications are defined as mandatory minimum requirements unless otherwise stated. If no bidder is able to comply with a given specification or condition of bid, Purchasing reserves the right to delete that specification or condition of bid. Failure to meet specification requirements shall disqualify your bid. Vendors may not submit their own contract document as a substitute for these terms and conditions.

Retain a copy of these Bid documents for your files. Should you receive an award, these Bid documents become your contract terms and conditions.

Definitions:

The following definitions are used throughout the RFB documents:

Bidder/Vendor means a company or individual submitting a bid response to this RFB Contractor means bidder awarded the contract County means the County of Portage Wisconsin Purchasing means the County of Portage Purchasing Department RFB means Request for Bid State means the State of Wisconsin VendorNet means the State of Wisconsin’s electronic purchasing information system

2. CONTRACT TERM

Date of award, through 12/31/2024 with four one-year renewal options. Any extension must be authorized by mutual agreement of the vendor and the County.

3. QUESTIONS

If a vendor discovers any significant ambiguity, error, conflict, discrepancy, omission, or other deficiency in this RFB they shall notify the Procurement Director named below of such error and request a modification or clarification.

Any communications or questions regarding the specifications, or special conditions of bid should be written and submitted to Purchasing as soon as possible, but no later than 2PM on 1/18/2024.

Purchasing will respond to questions if necessary by issuing an official addendum, posted on VendorNet and on the Portage County Website. Bidders are responsible for checking these websites for any addenda before submitting a bid. Failure to acknowledge addenda may disqualify your bid.

https://vendornet.wi.gov/ http://www.co.portage.wi.us/

Any correspondence or questions submitted must include the bid number https://vendornet.wi.gov/ http://www.co.portage.wi.us/

WISCONSIN PAGE 4 OF 13

Submit questions in writing via email to:

Chris Schultz, Procurement Director, e-mail: schultzc@co.portage.wi.gov Phone: 715-346-1393

4. METHOD OF BID

Bidder must submit a price per ton to be paid to the Highway Department and a price per ton to be paid to the Solid Waste Department. All prices must be quoted in U.S. Dollars. Bidder must bid on the enclosed Bid Offer Form.

5. BID SUBMISSION

Bidders must submit an original and one copy including all required materials for acceptance of their bid by the date and time listed on the Bid Cover Sheet. Any bids received after that time and date will be rejected. Receipt of a bid by the US mail system does not constitute receipt of a bid by Purchasing, for purposes of this RFB. Also refer to the Bid Response Requirements.

Faxed and e-mailed bids are not accepted. Bids must be forwarded to:

Portage County Purchasing

All bids are to be packaged, sealed, and show the following information on the outside of the package:

-Vendor's Name and Address -Request for Bid Title -Request for Bid Number -Bid Due Date

6. BID RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS

In order for your bid to be considered, the following information must be provided by the due date and time listed on the bid cover page. Include:

6.1 Addendum Cover (Signature) Page(s), if applicable to this bid request

6.2 Signature and Authority Affidavit Form, Attachment A

6.3 References Sheet, Attachment B

6.4 Bid Offer Form, Attachment C

The Signature and Authority Affidavit submitted in response to this RFB must be signed by the person in the Contractor's organization who is responsible for the decision as to the prices being offered in the Bid or by a person who has been authorized in writing to act as agent for the person responsible for the decision on prices and services. Failure to provide these forms/information with your bid submittal may disqualify your bid. The County encourages all bidders to print their submission double-sided to save paper

7. METHOD OF AWARD

An award or multiple vendor award will be made on the basis of the highest price per ton from a responsive, responsible bidder(s) who meets specifications. Mileage and timeliness of service delivery may be considered when making this award.

8. BIDDER/CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS

To be eligible for a contract award, you must be qualified and able to provide the following:

WISCONSIN PAGE 5 OF 13

8.1 Bidder must supply references of three firms to which similar services have been provided during the past five to a comparable-sized institution or company. If contacted, all of those references must verify that a high level of satisfaction was provided. Use Attachment B to list references.

8.2 Awarded contractor must provide Purchasing a Certificate of Insurance and maintain the minimum limits specified for the term of the contract. All policies must be issued with a 30-day cancellation notice, by an insurance company licensed to do business in the State of Wisconsin, with a minimum AM Best rating of A1, and signed by an authorized agent.

Maintain worker's compensation insurance as required by Wisconsin Statutes, for all employees engaged in the work.

Maintain commercial liability, bodily injury and property damage insurance against any claim(s) which might occur in carrying out this agreement/contract. Minimum coverage shall be one million dollars ($1,000,000) liability for bodily injury and property damage including products liability and completed operations. Provide motor vehicle insurance for all owned, non-owned and hired vehicles that are used in carrying out this contract. Minimum coverage shall be one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence combined single limit for automobile liability and property damage.

9. HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT SPECIFICATIONS

The following specifications are minimum acceptable requirements. Bid specifications may not be revised without an official written addendum issued by Purchasing.

9.1 The Contractor must have the equipment and ability to load the scrap metal themselves, and must supply a steel dumpster, minimum size 7’ x 19’ to the Highway Department, 800 Plover Road, Plover, WI 54467

9.2 The Contractor awarded the bid must take all scrap metal material.

9.3 The County will notify the Contractor by phone when scrap metal is ready to pick up. Contractor will not stop in periodically or when in the area to check on the contents of scrap material.

9.4 All scrap material is to be picked up no later than 5 days after notification.

9.5 Vendor shall provide Portage County with an empty and loaded weight slip the day of pick-up by either fax or email to (pchdparts@co.portage.wi.us) for both dumpster pickups and Highway drop offs.

9.6 Payment shall be made no later than 30 days after scrap iron has been picked up, based on tonnage from weight ticket minus deductions. (EX: concrete, dirt, rubber, nonmetals, snow, ice, water).

9.7 Checks for all scrap steel from the Highway Department must be payable to the Portage County Highway Department (no cash will be accepted). Checks shall be sent to 800 Plover Road Plover WI 54467.

9.8 For all scrap steel that is dropped off / hauled by Portage County Highway Department the contractor must be capable of unloading and providing loaded and empty weight tickets during normal business hour.

10. SOLID WASTE DPARTMENT SPECIFICATIONS

10.1 The Contractor must supply and leave onsite a 15 or 20-yard steel dumpster to the Solid Waste

Department, 650 Moore Road, Plover, WI 54467. The dumpster will be loaded by the Solid Waste Department.

10.2 The Contractor awarded the bid must take all scrap metal material.

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10.3 The County will notify the Contractor by phone when scrap metal is ready to pick up. Contractor will not stop in periodically or when in the area to check on the contents of scrap material.

10.4 The contractor must be able to pick-up a full dumpster weekly or twice a week during the summer months.

10.5 All scrap material is to be picked up no later than 2 business days after notification.

10.6 Vendor shall weigh in and out using the County scale on site.

10.7 Vendor shall provide Portage County with an empty and loaded weight slip the day of pick-up by either fax or email.

10.8 Payment shall be made no later than 30 days after scrap iron has been picked up, based on tonnage from weight ticket.

10.9 Checks for all scrap metal from the Solid Waste Department must be payable to Portage County

Solid Waste (no cash will be accepted). Checks can be sent to 600 Moore Road, Plover, WI 54467.

11. ON SITE SERVICE

In carrying out the scope of this contract, the Contractor shall be required to perform services on County property. Bidders must include all transportation and insurance charges. Failure to include these costs may disqualify your bid.

12. SUBCONTRACTING OR THIRD PARTY PAYMENTS

All subcontracting shall be pre-approved by the County before any work begins. Subcontractors must abide by all terms and conditions of the contract. The prime contractor shall be responsible for all subcontractor(s) work and payment. The County will not pay any subcontractor or third parties directly.

13. FIRM PRICES

The awarded contractor must hold the awarded pricing for the entire contract period. The County will review any adjustment of costs before the beginning of a contract renewal period. Price adjustment requests must be justified with supporting documentation of industry-wide increases or decreases.

14. CONTRACT CANCELLATION

This Contract may be terminated by either party under the following conditions:

14.1 The County may terminate the contract at any time at its sole discretion by delivering 30 days written notice to the contractor.

If the problem is service performance, contractor will be warned either verbally or in writing of unsatisfactory performance and intent to cancel this contract. Contractor will be given a period of time to ‘cure’ the performance. If the performance does not improve contractor will be given 30 days written notice that the contract will be cancelled.

Upon termination, the County’s liability will be limited to the pro rata cost of the services performed as of the date of termination.

14.2 If at any time the contractor’s performance threatens the health and/or safety of the County or the public, the County has the right to cancel and terminate the Contract without notice.

14.3 If the Contractor fails to maintain and keep in force the insurance as required, he County has the right to cancel and terminate the Contract without notice.

WISCONSIN PAGE 7 OF 13

15. APPEALS PROCESS

Notices of intent to protest and protests must be made in writing. Protestors should make their protests as specific as possible and should identify Wisconsin Statutes or Portage County Ordinance provisions that are alleged to have been violated.

The written notice of intent to protest the intent to award a contract must be filed with Chris Schultz, Procurement Director, Portage County Wisconsin, 1462 Strongs Ave, Stevens Point, WI 54481, and received in his office no later than five (5) working days after the notice of intent to award is issued.

The written protest must be received in his office no later than ten (10) working days after the notice of intent to award is issued.

The decision of the Procurement Director may be appealed to the Corporation Counsel Office within (5) working days of issuance. The appeal must allege a violation of a Wisconsin Statute or a Portage County Ordinance provision.

WISCONSIN PAGE 8 OF 13

ATTACHMENT A

SIGNATURE AND AUTHORITY AFFIDAVIT FORM

BIDDING COMPANY NAME: _________________________________________________________

FEIN (Federal Employer ID Number) OR Social Security # (if Sole Proprietorship)

Address: __________________________________________________________________________

City ____________________________ State ________ Zip + 4 _______________________

Number of years in Business _______

Name the person to contact for questions concerning this bid.

Name __________________________ Title ______________________________

Phone ( ) ______________________ Toll Free Phone ( ) __________________________

Fax ( ) ______________________ Email Address ___________________________

In signing this bid, we also certify that we have not, either directly or indirectly, entered into any agreement or participated in any collusion or otherwise taken any action in restraint of free competition; that no attempt has been made to induce any other person or firm to submit or not to submit a bid; that this bid has been independently arrived at without collusion with any other bidder, competitor or potential competitor; that this bid has not been knowingly disclosed prior to the opening of bids to any other bidder or competitor; that the above statement is accurate under penalty of perjury.

The undersigned, having familiarized themselves with the conditions affecting the cost of the work, having read completely the specifications, hereby proposes to perform everything required and to provide and furnish labor, materials, equipment, tools and all other services and supplies necessary to produce in a complete and workmanlike manner all of the materials or products described in the specifications relating to this Bid.

I further certify that I have carefully examined he bid documents and all terms herein, and site where the work is to be done and have no agreements to prevent the completion of said work.

Signature Title

Name (type or print) Date

This firm herby acknowledges receipt / review of the following addendum(s) (If any)

Addendum #_____ Addendum #_____Addendum #_____Addendum #_____

WISCONSIN PAGE 9 OF 13

ATTACHMENT B

REFERENCES

Vendor: _______________________________________________________________________

Provide company name, address, contact person, telephone number, and appropriate information on the product(s) and/or service(s) provided to customers similar to those requested in this solicitation document.

Potential subcontractors cannot be references. Any subcontractor arrangement for the completion of this work shall be listed on a separate page.

Company Name: _________________________________________________________________________

Address (include Zip + 4) ____________________________________________________________________

Contact Person: ____________________________________ Phone No. __________________________

E-Mail Address: __________________________________________________________________________

Product(s) Used and/or Service(s) Provided: ____________________________________________________

Company Name: _________________________________________________________________________

Address (include Zip + 4) ____________________________________________________________________

Contact Person: ____________________________________ Phone No. __________________________

E-Mail Address: __________________________________________________________________________

Product(s) Used and/or Service(s) Provided: ____________________________________________________

Company Name: _________________________________________________________________________

Address (include Zip + 4) ____________________________________________________________________

Contact Person: ____________________________________ Phone No. __________________________

E-Mail Address: __________________________________________________________________________

Product(s) Used and/or Service(s) Provided: ____________________________________________________

Company Name: _________________________________________________________________________

Address (include Zip + 4) ____________________________________________________________________

Contact Person: ____________________________________ Phone No. __________________________

E-Mail Address: __________________________________________________________________________

Product(s) Used and/or Service(s) Provided: ____________________________________________________

WISCONSIN PAGE 10 OF 13

ATTACHMENT C

BID OFFER FORM

Vendor:______________________________________________________________

Line # Description Price per ton

Scrap metal to be picked up at the Highway Dept. per bid terms, conditions and specifications.

Scrap steel that is dropped off / hauled by Portage County Highway Dept.

Scrap metal to be picked up at the Solid Waste Dept. per bid terms, conditions and specifications.

Can pick up scrap metal within 5 days of notification at Highway Dept? Yes_____ No______

If no, state lead time for pickup _______________________________

Mileage from Portage County Highway Department (800 Plover Road Plover WI 54467) to drop off location? ______________________________ (only used for line# 2)

Can pick up scrap metal within 2 days of notification at Solid Waste Dept. Yes_____ No_____

If no, state lead time for pickup____________________________________

WISCONSIN PAGE 11 OF 13

ATTACHMENT D

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1.0 SPECIFICATIONS: The specifications in this request are the minimum acceptable. When specific manufacturer and model numbers are used, they are to establish a design, type of construction, quality, functional capability and/or performance level desired, unless otherwise specified. When alternates are bid/proposed, they must be identified by manufacturer, stock number, and such other information necessary to establish an acceptable equivalency. The County shall be the sole and final judge of equivalency.

2.0 HOW TO AMEND A REQUEST FOR BID, PROPOSAL OR QUOTE:

2.1 Public Works Projects are subject to Wis Stats 66.0901(5): If a person submits a bid or proposal for the performance of public work under any public contract to be let by a municipality and the bidder claims that a mistake, omission or error has been made in preparing the bid, the bidder shall, before the bids are opened, make known the fact that an error, omission or mistake has been made. If the bidder makes this fact known, the bid shall be returned to the bidder unopened and the bidder may not bid upon the public contract unless it is re-advertised and relet upon the re-advertisement. If a bidder makes an error, omission or mistake and discovers it after the bids are opened, the bidder shall immediately and without delay give written notice and make known the fact of the mistake, omission or error which has been committed and submit to the municipality clear and satisfactory evidence of the mistake, omission or error and that it was not caused by any careless act or omission on the bidder's part in the exercise of ordinary care in examining the plans or specifications and in conforming with the provisions of this section. If the discovery and notice of a mistake, omission or error causes a forfeiture, the bidder may not recover the moneys or certified check forfeited as liquidated damages unless it is proven before a court of competent jurisdiction in an action brought for the recovery of the amount forfeited, that in making the mistake, error or omission the bidder was free from carelessness, negligence or inexcusable neglect.

2.2 Non-Public Work Projects: After a Request for Bid/Proposal/Quote has been filed with the Portage County Purchasing

Department, the responder may submit an amended response BEFORE THE DUE DATE AND TIME set in the request. All the conditions and provisions of the original Bid/Proposal/Quote will be in effect. No submittals or amendments will be accepted after the due date and time of the request. This does not preclude the County from requesting additional information and/or clarification.

3.0 DEVIATIONS AND EXCEPTIONS: Deviations and exceptions from original text, terms, conditions, or specifications shall be described fully, on the bidder's/proposer's letterhead, signed, and attached to the request. In the absence of such statement, the bid/proposal shall be accepted as in strict compliance with all terms, conditions, and specifications and the bidders/proposers shall be held liable.

4.0 QUALITY: Unless otherwise indicated in the request, all material shall be new, newest model year, and free from defects.

Items which are used, demonstrators, obsolete, seconds, or which have been discontinued are unacceptable without prior written approval by the County.

5.0 QUANTITIES: The quantities shown on this request are based on estimated needs. The County reserves the right to increase or decrease quantities to meet actual needs.

6.0 DELIVERY: Deliveries shall be F.O.B. destination freight prepaid and included unless otherwise specified.

7.0 PRICING AND DISCOUNT: The County qualifies for governmental discounts. Unit prices shall reflect these discounts.

7.1 Unit prices shown on the bid/proposal or contract shall be the price per unit of sale (e.g., gal., cs., doz., ea.) as stated on the request or contract. For any given item, the quantity multiplied by the unit price shall establish the extended price; the unit price shall govern in the bid/proposal evaluation.

7.2 Prices established in continuing agreements and term contracts may be lowered due to general market conditions.

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8.0 RESPONSES TO REMAIN OPEN: Responses must remain open and will be deemed to be open and subject to acceptance until awarding of the bid/proposal is finalized, or a minimum of sixty (60) days unless otherwise specified.

9.0 ACCEPTANCE-REJECTION: The County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids/proposals, to waive any technicality in any bid/proposal submitted, request clarification of any bid/proposal, award a bid/proposal that is not the lowest price, and to accept any part of a bid/proposal as deemed to be in the best interests of the County.

10.0 GUARANTEED DELIVERY: Failure of the Contractor to adhere to delivery schedules as specified or to promptly replace rejected materials shall render the Contractor liable for all costs in excess of the contract price when alternate procurement is necessary. Excess costs shall include the administrative costs and other costs attributable to the delay.

11.0 CONTRACT AND EXECUTION OF CONTRACT: Unless otherwise specified in the bid/proposal, the successful responder agrees to enter into a contract, a copy of which will be on file in the office of the Portage County Purchasing Department. Contractor shall and will well and truly execute and perform this contract under the terms applicable to the satisfaction of the County, and shall promptly make payment to each and every person or party entitled thereto of all the claims for work or labor performed and materials furnished in the performance of this contract.

12.0 ENTIRE AGREEMENT: These Standard Terms and Conditions shall apply to any contract or order awarded as a result of this request except where special requirements are stated elsewhere in the request; in such cases, the special requirements shall apply. Further, the written contract and/or order with referenced parts and attachments shall constitute the entire agreement and no other terms and conditions in any document, acceptance, or acknowledgment shall be effective or binding unless expressly agreed to in writing by the County.

13.0 APPLICABLE LAW AND COMPLIANCE: This contract shall be governed under the laws of the State of Wisconsin. The

Contractor shall at all times comply with and observe all federal and state laws, local laws, ordinances, and regulations which are in effect during the period of this contract and which in any manner affect the work or its conduct. The County reserves the right to cancel this contract if the contractor fails to follow the requirements of s. 77.66, Wis. Stats., and related statutes regarding certification for collection of sales and use tax. The County also reserves the right to cancel this contract with any state or federally debarred contractor or a contractor that is presently identified on the list of parties excluded from federal procurement and non-procurement contracts.

14.0 LICENSES AND PERMITS: Contractor shall have and/or provide any and all licenses and permits required to perform the work specified and furnish proof of such licensing authorization and permits with their bids if required.

15.0 ASSIGNMENT: No right or duty in whole or in part of the Contractor under this contract may be assigned or delegated without the prior written consent of the County.

16.0 NONEXCLUSIVE CONTRACT: Unless otherwise stated, the County reserves the right to purchase work or materials outside of this contract.

17.0 NONDISCRIMINATION & AFFIRMATIVE ACTION: In connection with the performance of work under this contract, the

Contractor agrees not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, handicap, sex, physical condition, developmental disability as defined in s. 51.01(5), Wis. Stats., sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, or national origin. This provision shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

employment, upgrading, demotion or transfer; recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, including apprenticeship.

18.0 INDEPENDENT CAPACITY: The parties hereto agree that the contractor, its officers, agents, and employees, in the performance of this agreement shall act in the capacity of an independent contractor and not as an officer, employee, or agent of the County. The contractor agrees to take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that each subcontractor of the contractor will be deemed to be an independent contractor and will not be considered or permitted to be an agent, servant, joint venturer, or partner of the County.

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19.0 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: All materials, equipment, and supplies provided to the County must comply fully with all safety requirements as set forth by the Wisconsin Administrative Code and all applicable OSHA Standards.

20.0 WARRANTY: Unless otherwise specifically stated, equipment purchased as a result of this request shall be warranted against defects by the Contractor for one (1) year from date of receipt. The equipment manufacturer's standard warranty shall apply as a minimum and must be honored by the Contractor.

21.0 INSURANCE RESPONSIBILITY: If insurance is required, satisfactory proof of the existence and carriage of such insurance of the kinds and limits specified will be required.

22.0 CANCELLATION: The County reserves the right to cancel any contract in whole or in part without penalty due to non-appropriation of funds or for failure of the contractor to comply with terms, conditions, and specifications of this contract.

23.0 VENDOR TAX DELINQUENCY: Vendors who have a delinquent Portage County tax liability may have their payments offset by the County.

24.0 OPEN RECORDS: Both parties understand that the County is bound by the Wisconsin Public Records Law, and as such, responses and contracts are subject to and conditioned on the provisions of the law. Contractor acknowledges that it is obligated to assist the County in retaining and producing records that are subject to Wisconsin Public Records Law, and that the failure to do so shall constitute a material breach of the contract, and that the Contractor must defend and hold the County harmless from liability under that law. Except as otherwise authorized, those records shall be maintained for a period of seven (7) years after receipt of final payment under the contract.

25.0 MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET: If any item(s) on an order(s) resulting from this award(s) is a hazardous chemical, as defined under 29CFR 1910.1200, the Contractor shall provide one (1) copy of a Material Safety Data Sheet for each item with the shipped container(s) and one (1) copy with the invoice(s).

26.0 ADVERTISING AND NEWS RELEASES: Reference to or use of the County, any of its departments, officials, or employees, for commercial promotion is prohibited. News releases pertaining to this procurement shall not be made without prior approval of the County. Release of broadcast e-mails pertaining to this procurement shall not be made without prior written authorization of the County.

27.0 HOLD HARMLESS: The Contractor will indemnify, pay the cost of defense including attorney’s fees, and save harmless the County and all of its officers, agents and employees from all suits, actions, or claims of any character directly related to any injuries or damages to any persons or property resulting from the operations of the contractor, or of any of its contractors, in prosecuting work under this agreement.

28.0 FOREIGN CORPORATION: A foreign corporation (any corporation other than a Wisconsin corporation) which becomes a party to this contract is required to conform to all the requirements of Chapter 180, Wis. Stats., relating to a foreign corporation and must possess a certificate of authority from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, unless the corporation is transacting business in interstate commerce or is otherwise exempt from the requirement of obtaining a certificate of authority. Any foreign corporation which desires to apply for a certificate of authority should contact the Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Corporation, P. O. Box 7846, Madison, WI 53707-7846; telephone (608) 261- 7577.

29.0 FORCE MAJEURE: Neither party shall be in default by reason of any failure in performance of this contract in accordance with reasonable control and without fault or negligence on their part. Such causes may include, but are not restricted to, acts of nature or the public enemy, acts of the government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, freight embargoes and unusually severe weather, but in every case the failure to perform such must be beyond the reasonable control and without the fault or negligence of the party.