2025-005 ITB Ambulance - (2) Two-Post(PDF).pdf

INVITATION TO BID

FOR

ROWAN COUNTY

Two (2) - Type I Ambulances # 2025-005

ROWAN COUNTY

130 West Innes Street

Salisbury, NC 28144 704-216-8178 jody.farrow-bennett@rowancountync.gov

Date Issued: Friday, February 14, 2025

Date Due: Monday, March 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET

Administered By: Jody Farrow-Bennett, Purchasing Director mailto:jody.farrow-bennett@rowancountync.gov

Rowan County 2025-005 Invitation to Bid Date Due: Monday, March 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM Two (2) Type 1 Ambulances

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

INVITATION TO BID

Two (2) Type 1 Ambulances – Emergency Services

Rowan County is planning to purchase two (2) Type I Ambulance for Emergency Services (ES). All bids submitted must meet or exceed the time frame and the product/service specifications as outlined in this invitation to bid (ITB).

Bids for the Rowan County Emergency Services Type I Ambulance will be accepted until Monday, March 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET at the Rowan County Purchasing Department, 130 West Innes Street, Suite 31, Salisbury, North Carolina 28144. Bid documents may be obtained by contacting the Rowan County Purchasing Director or from the County website at:

Rowan County Purchasing Department Attn: Jody Farrow-Bennett, Purchasing Director

130 West Innes Street, Suite 31 Salisbury, NC 28144 704-216-8178 jody.farrow-bennett@rowancountync.gov https://www.rowancountync.gov/675/Purchasing

Submission of any bid signifies the Bidder’s agreement that their bid and the content thereof, are valid for ninety (90) calendar days following the submission deadline and will become part of the contract that is negotiated between Rowan County and the successful Bidder. All prices submitted with the bid shall remain in effect for the ninety (90) day period.

Insurance requirements are listed in the document and will be required only from the awarded vendor before entering into contract with Rowan County.

Once the ITB is public all questions related to the ITB shall be directed to the Purchasing Director. Any contact related to the ITB with County Staff and/or Board of Commissioners will be prohibited and cause for rejection.

Rowan County reserves the right to award and/or reject any and/or all bids and waive any technicalities or irregularities.

For complete details, consult the bid package.

This is the 18th day of February 2025.

Rowan County

By: Jody Farrow-Bennett Rowan County Director of Purchasing and Contract Administration https://www.rowancountync.gov/675/Purchasing

Table of Contents

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

1. Section 1: Introduction & General Instructions

1.1. Intent of Request for Bids

1.2. Important Dates

1.3. Pre-Bid Meeting

2. Section 2: Bid Submission

2.1. Submission of Bids

2.2. Request for Clarification

2.3. Errors and Omissions

2.4. Signed Bid Considered an Offer

2.5. Insurance Coverage

2.6. Conflict of Interest

3. Section 3: Evaluation of Bids

3.1. Award Criteria

3.2. Liquidated Damages

3.3. Pricing

3.4. Required Information

4. Section 4: Agreement & General Conditions

4.1. Timeline to Execute Contract

4.2. Availability of Funds

4.3. Delivery/Payment/Invoicing

4.4. Non-Discrimination

4.5. Collusive Bidding

4.6. General Indemnity

4.7. Warranty

4.8. Assignment

4.9. Termination

5. Section 5: Scope of Work

5.1. General Requirements

5.2. Construction/Inspection Trips

5.3. Pre-Construction Conference

5.4. Mid-Point Inspection

5.5. Pre-Delivery Inspection (Final)

5.6. One Month Service Call

5.7. Warranty

5.8. Qualified Vehicle Modifier Qualification

5.9. National Truck Equipment Association Testing

5.10. Product Liability Insurance

5.11. Service Availability

5.12. Respondent Documentation Requirements

5.13. Non-Collusive Bid Certification

5.14. Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity

5.15. Drug Free Workplace:

5.16. Debarment Status

5.17. Warning

6. Section 6: Bidder Information Sheet

7. Section 7: Bid Response Form

8. Section 8: Detailed Vehicle Specifications

8.1. CAB & Chassis

8.2. Exterior Specifications

8.3. Exterior Compartments

8.4. Interior Cabinetry

8.5. Lighting

8.6. Power Doors

8.7. Paint, Vehicle Identification

1. Section 1: Introduction & General Instructions

1.1. Intent of Request for Bids

The purpose and intent of this Invitation to Bid (ITB) is intended to provide vendors with a common, uniform set of specifications to assist them in the development of their proposal and to provide a uniform method for the County to fairly evaluate such proposals and subsequently select a vendor from which to purchase ambulances.

The following specification describes a new ambulance that is expected to be acquired by the County. The specification describes the needs of the County as far as chassis configuration and module body design. A state-of-the-art vehicle is required. However, manufacturers that utilize prototype equipment will not be considered.

The builder’s manufacturing history shall be supported by documentation where applicable, and by the reference section within this specification. The benchmark for the initial configuration of this ambulance shall be the current to CAAS GVS 3.0 ground vehicle standard for ambulances. However, most requirements in this specification exceed the federal specifications because of the specific needs of the County. Please note that the following specifications represent minimum general terms or requirements. While it is not the intent of this purchaser to preclude any qualified respondent from submitting a proposal, it must be clear that any respondent deviating in any substantial manner from these specifications will be rejected as being non-compliant.

It is the Respondent's responsibility to be familiar with all federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, codes, and regulations concerning the submission of this ITB and the work it effects. Ignorance of said enactments shall not relieve the Respondent of responsibility to comply with or complete the work as proposed.

The following documents make up this Request for Bids:

a. This Document

1. Introduction and General Information

2. Bid Submission

3. Evaluation of Bids

4. Agreement & General Conditions

5. Scope of Work

6. Bidder Information Sheet

7. Bid Response Form

8. Detailed Vehicle Specifications

b. Appendix A: Photographs

1.2. Important Dates

1.2.1. Issue Date: Friday, February 14, 2025

1.2.2. Pre-Bid Meeting Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET

1.2.3. Deadline for written questions & Approved Equal request:

Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET

1.2.4. Deadline for Submitting Bids: Monday, March 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET

1.3. Pre-Bid Meeting

There is an optional pre-bid meeting for this project. Bidders interested in visiting the sites should be present at the pre-bid meeting at the time and date listed above. The meeting will be held at the Rowan County J. Newton Cohen, Sr. Administration Building at 130 West Innes Street, Suite 35 (Basement Conference Room), Salisbury, North Carolina. Questions about the specifications and or bid documents should be addressed to Jody Farrow- Bennett the Rowan County Purchasing Director. A company representative highly encouraged to be present at this meeting in order to offer a bid on the project.

2. Section 2: Bid Submission

2.1. Submission of Bids

Bids must be presented on the Bid Response Form attached to the specifications. Required One (1) signed hard copy in a Sealed envelope mailed or delivered to address below; and One (1) electronic submittal in .pdf format using software such as Adobe, CutePDF or PDF Writer emailed to jody.farrow-bennett@rowancountync.gov, to be utilized for ADA required public information.

Rowan County Purchasing Department Attn: Purchasing Department 130 West Innes Street, Suite 31 Salisbury, NC 28144

The package shall be sealed and plainly marked “ITB 2025-005 Type 1 Ambulance”.

Bidders must submit one original sealed bid and one copy.

No responsibility shall be attached to Rowan County (the County) for the premature opening of any bid not properly addressed or identified.

This will not be a public bid opening. Once a bid is awarded all bidders will receive notification.

Sealed Bids are due on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET; opening will be held in the J. Newton Cohen, Sr.

Administration Building at 130 West Innes Street, Suite 35 (Basement Conference Room), Salisbury, North Carolina. Failure to submit a Bid by this deadline will disqualify the Bidder from consideration in this project.

2.2. Request for Clarification

The County will not be bound by or be responsible for any interpretations or conclusions drawn from this ITB. All questions or requests for clarification or additional information must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 pm on Thursday, March 6, 2025. These written questions or requests must be submitted to Jody Farrow-Bennett, Purchasing Director, by mail or e-mail. Any questions the County feels are pertinent to all interested bidders will be delivered to all participating bidders as addenda to this ITB. All addendums will be posted on the County website https://www.rowancountync.gov/675/Purchasing and it is the responsibility of the Bidder to check for any addendums. The addendum for clarification will be posted by 5pm Monday, March 10, 2025.

In addition, the County assumes no responsibility for conclusions or interpretations derived from technical and background information presented in this ITB or otherwise distributed or made available during this procurement process. The County will not be bound by or be responsible for any explanation, interpretation or conclusions of this ITB or any documents provided by the County, other than those given in writing by the County, through the issuance of addenda. It is the full responsibility of the Bidder to thoroughly investigate the needs/requirements of the County not necessarily assumed in this ITB.

2.3. Errors and Omissions

The Bidder shall not take advantage of any errors or omissions in this ITB and shall promptly notify the County of any omissions or errors found in this document.

2.4. Signed Bid Considered an Offer

Receipt of a signed bid shall be considered an offer on the part of the Bidder. The terms, conditions, and specifications of this ITB will become part of the contract if the bid shall be deemed approved and accepted by the County. In the event of a default on the part of the Bidder after acceptance by the County, the County may take such action as it deems appropriate, including legal action for damages or specific performance.

https://www.rowancountync.gov/675/Purchasing

2.5. Insurance Coverage

The Bidder shall not commence work under this contract until all insurance required under this section has been obtained. The Bidder shall not allow any subcontractor to commence on work that has been subcontracted until similar insurance has been obtained by the subcontractor. Also, the Bidder agrees that once awarded and during the term of this contract, the Bidder, at their sole cost and expense, shall provide commercial insurance of such type and with such terms and limits as may be reasonably associated with the contract. At a minimum, the Bidder shall provide and maintain the following coverage and limits:

2.5.1. WORKER’S COMPENSATION

Worker’s compensation insurance as required by North Carolina law to cover all of the Provider’s employees engaged in any work under the Agreement. Workers’ Compensation in the minimum amount of $500,000 employer’s liability. A Certificate of Insurance shall be issued confirming the above coverage. The Certificate must include a clause obligating the Insurer to give thirty (30) days prior notice in the event of cancellation of or major change in insurance.

2.5.2. COMPREHENSIVE GENERAL LIABILITY

The Contractor shall maintain Comprehensive General Liability coverage in amounts not less than $500,000 per occurrence / $1,000,000 aggregate. This Certificate must also include a clause obligating the insurer to give thirty

(30) days prior notice in the event of cancellation of major change in the insurance and name the County as an additional insured.

This coverage must include:

1. Blanket contractual coverage for the liability assumed by the Contractor under the indemnity provision of the contract involved. Such Certificate must specifically state that the contractor is insured, and it must be signed by the insurance company, not the agent or broker.

2. Contractor's protective coverage for his subcontractors.

2.5.3. COMPREHENSIVE AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY

The Contractor shall maintain Comprehensive Automobile Liability covering all owned, hired, and non-owned vehicles used in connection with this Agreement. The minimum combined single limit shall be $1,000,000 for bodily injury and property damage; and $1,000,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. A Certificate of Insurance shall be issued confirming this coverage. The Certificate must include a clause obligating the insurer to give thirty (30) days prior notice in the event of cancellation of or major change in the insurance.

Any exceptions must be agreed upon by the County.

Any exceptions must be agreed upon by the County.

This insurance shall have been issued by a Company rated "A+" as reported in the current edition of Best's Key Rating Guide, published by Alfred M. Best Company, Inc.

2.6. Conflict of Interest

All Bidders must disclose in writing with their bid the name of any owner, officer, director or agent who is also an employee of the County. All Bidders must also disclose in writing with their bid the name of any employee of the County who owns, directly or indirectly, an interest of five percent (5%) or more in the Bidder’s firm or any of its branches or subsidiaries. By submitting a bid, the Bidder certifies that there is no relationship between the Bidder and any person or entity which is, or gives the appearance of, a conflict of interest related to this ITB or project.

3. Section 3: Evaluation of Bids

3.1. Award Criteria

The County will award based on the lowest responsible, responsive bidder, taking into consideration references, manufacturer’s experience, completeness of proposal, exceptions, quality, performance, and the time specified in the bids for the performance of the contract.

3.2. Liquidated Damages

Liquidated Damages shall be assessed and levied against each Prime Contractor not attaining substantial completion of the contractual work in the amount of time indicated in their response. The damage amount applicable to each Contractor shall be as listed below and shall begin the day following the scheduled date of substantial completion (plus any written, approved extensions) and continue until final acceptance is obtained.

Each day following the intended substantial completion date for work not found substantially complete will be subject to damage assessment at the following rate:

$200.00 per calendar day

3.3. Pricing

Submission of any bid signifies the Bidder’s agreement that its bid and the contents thereof are valid for one hundred twenty (120) calendar days following the submission deadline and will become part of the contract that is negotiated between the County and the successful Bidder. All prices submitted with the bid shall remain in effect for the one hundred twenty (120) period.

3.4. Required Information

When submitting a bid, the Respondent must return all pages of these specifications as part of the total proposal, as it will become part of the contract between the respondent and the County. Caution should be taken by the Respondent that all questions are answered in the spaces provided and that all information requested is provided.

The requirements for the proposed vehicle(s) are found in the Detailed RFP Specifications: including Appendix A:

Photographs. The photographic portfolio should be adequate for any bidders to determine generalized dimensions and layout of the EMS unit. It is the opinion of the County that the photographic portfolio is more specific than detailed drawings regarding the placement of equipment and communications devices yielding a more exacting finished product.

In the event the respondent represents more than one ambulance manufacturer meeting the manufacturer requirements outlined herein, then the respondent shall “only” offer the highest quality vehicle(s) that the respondent represents. Multiple proposals from the same respondent on different manufacturers may be accepted if more than one manufacturer exhibits the same quality standards. This purchaser is seeking quality equipment. Respondents are asked to offer only the product(s) of the highest level of quality represented by that respondent.

Is this requirement understood and met? Yes ____ No ____ Initials: ____

By signing this document, the Respondent agrees that this Proposal is made without any understanding, agreement or connection with any other person, firm or corporations making a proposal for the same purpose, and that this proposal is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud.

Current literature and detailed specifications on the unit proposed shall be included with the proposal submittal.

The following information must be included in the bid:

3.4.1. Applicable licensure with North Carolina. (Bidder Information Sheet)

3.4.2. Warranty on goods and services. (Bid Response Form)

3.4.3. Bids are to be in the form of a proposed contract signed by the bidder. (Bid Response Form)

3.4.4. Include separate pricing for all proposed alternatives. (Added Pages)

3.4.5. Proposed days to complete (Bid Response Form)

4. Section 4: Agreement & General Conditions

4.1. Timeline to Execute Contract

As time is of the essence, Bidder is required to begin and/or commence the work to be performed under this contract within the time specified on the Bid Form. Failure by the Bidder to begin and/or complete the work within the contract time shall be assessed as a penalty for each day of overrun. The Bidder hereby agrees to execute this contract and that said charges are considered a just and reasonable compensation to the County and said charges shall be deducted from payment.

4.2. Availability of Funds

A contract for this project will be awarded and deemed binding only to the extent of appropriate funds for the purpose set forth in this ITB.

4.3. Delivery/Payment/Invoicing

The vehicle(s) shall, at the time of delivery, conform to the minimum requirements of the latest standards covering vehicles of this type. This shall include federal, state and local requirements.

The vehicle(s) shall be delivered FOB to the Rowan County Facilities Department at 425 Airport Road, Salisbury, NC 28147 and notify the Fleet Manager, Chris Eller, to schedule delivery by phone; 704.216.8123 or by email at Christopher.Eller@rowancountync.gov.

Payment will be available upon delivery, as long as receipt of invoice is two weeks before scheduled delivery.

4.4. Non-Discrimination

The Bidder shall not discriminate against any individuals and will take proactive measures to assure compliance with all Federal and State requirements concerning fair employment, employment of people with disabilities, and concerning the treatment of all employees without regard to discrimination based upon age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability.

4.5. Collusive Bidding

The Bidder’s signature on the Bid Form is a guarantee the prices quoted have been arrived at without collusion with other eligible Bidder(s) and without effort to preclude the County from obtaining the lowest possible competitive price.

4.6. General Indemnity

The Bidder shall save and hold harmless, protect, defend and indemnify the County (including the County Manager, the Board of Commissioners, as well as Rowan County officers, agents and employees) from and against any demand, claim, suit, loss, expense or damage which may be asserted against any of them in their official or individual capacities by reason of any alleged damage to property, or injury to, or death of, any person arising out of, or in any way related to, any action or inaction of the Bidder (including its officers, agents and employees) in the performance or intended performance of this contract, or the maintenance of any facility, or the operation of any program, which is the subject of, or is related to, the performance of this contract. The obligations of the Bidder pursuant to this paragraph shall not be limited in any way by any limitation in the amount or type of proceeds, damages, compensation or benefits payable under any policy of insurance or self-insurance maintained by, or for the use and benefit of, the Bidder. As an integral part of this contract, the Bidder agrees to purchase and maintain, during the life of this contract, contractual liability insurance in the amount required in the general mailto:Christopher.Eller@rowancountync.gov liability insurance requirements and to furnish proper evidence thereof with the County named as an additional insured.

4.7. Warranty

The contractor shall provide a minimum one-year warranty for all materials and workmanship.

4.8. Assignment

Successful Bidder shall be the prime Contractor and shall be solely responsible for all contractual performance.

The Bidder shall not assign, transfer, convey, sublet, or otherwise dispose of its agreements with the County, or its rights, title or interests herein, or its power to execute such agreement, to any other person, company or corporation without the previous written consent and approval of the County.

4.9. Termination

4.9.1. TERMINATION FOR CAUSE

The County reserves the right to terminate this contract at any time for cause. The violation of any provision or condition contained in this contract, or the refusal, failure, or inability to carry out any provisions of this contract shall constitute sufficient cause to terminate this contract for cause. Should the County elect to terminate this contract for cause, the County will notify the Contractor in writing and shall specify the cause of termination and the date that such termination shall be effective. Immediate dismissals may be carried out if deemed necessary by the County.

If the Contractor:

1. Fails to begin the work under the contract within the time specified.

2. Fails to perform the work with sufficient workers and equipment, or with sufficient materials to ensure the prompt completion of the work.

3. Performs the work unsuitably.

4. Discontinues the prosecution of the work.

5. Becomes insolvent, declares bankruptcy, commits any act of bankruptcy, allows any final judgment to stand against him unsatisfied for a period of forty-eight (48) hours, or shall make an assignment for the benefit of creditors.

6. Shall not carry on the work in an acceptable manner from any other cause whatsoever.

The County shall give notice in writing to the Contractor of such delay, neglect, or default, specifying the same.

If the Contractor, within a period of ten (10) days after such notice, shall not proceed in accordance therewith, then the County shall, upon written certification of the fact of such delay, neglect or default, and the Contractor’s failure to comply with such notice, have full power and authority, without violating the contract, to take the prosecution of the work out of the hands of the Contractor, to appropriate or use any or all materials and equipment on the grounds as may be suitable and acceptable, and may enter into an agreement for the completion of the contract according to the terms and provisions thereof, or use such other methods as, in its opinion, shall be required for the completion of this contract in an acceptable manner.

All costs and charges incurred by the County, together with the costs of completing the work under the contract, shall be deducted from any monies due or which may become due to the Contractor. In case the expense so incurred by the County shall be less than the sum which would have been payable under the contract, if the contract had been completed by the Contractor, then the Contractor shall be entitled to receive the difference, and in case such expense shall exceed the sum which would have been payable under the contract, then the Contractor shall be liable and shall pay to the County the amount of said excess.

4.9.2. TERMINATION FOR CAUSE

If the County shall determine that it is in the County’s best interest, the County shall notify the Bidder to terminate the work within seven (7) days. In such an event, the Bidder shall be entitled to compensation for all work properly executed and any expenses incurred in terminating the contract and vacating the County work site.

No claim shall be made by the Bidder for any loss of anticipated profits because of any alteration, change or termination, or by reason of any variation between the approximate quantities and the quantity of work as done.

5. Section 5: Scope of Work Rowan County Emergency Services is planning to purchase two (2) Type I Ambulances during FY25. The County has the option to extend this bid for the purchase of ambulances during FY26, provided such extensions are in the best interests of both parties.

This specification establishes standards for the design, construction and performance of two (2) Type I Ambulances with a Cab-to-Axle commensurate to allow a minimum of 166-inch Modular ambulance upfit. While it is not the intention of this bid to enumerate only one chassis manufacturer, exceptions should be made if this is discovered in the bid process. The completed vehicles and components must comply with the current version of CAAS GVS 3.0 ground vehicle standard for ambulances unless specifically requested otherwise in the following document. As the criteria for compliance with CAAS 3.0 are well established, this document will not contain redundant references to their content.

Any exception to the provisions in these specifications must be marked in the body of this document and itemized on a separate attached page(s) titled EXCEPTIONS. Referenced by section and paragraph, a detailed explanation of the exception shall be provided along with by the respondent’s alternative proposal.

DETAILED REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL SPECIFICATION

5.1. General Requirements

Payment shall be made upon delivery and acceptance of the purchased item, or upon completion of all work contracted for (whichever occurs later) and performed to the satisfaction of the County.

Does the respondent comply with this requirement? Yes ____ No ____

All prices shall quote F.O.B. destination basis, at the County's specified location. Prices shall be complete and include all warranties and equipment specified. Allowances will not be made for incorrect or incomplete proposals.

All prices, terms and conditions must be specified on the Bid Response Form.

Does the respondent comply with this requirement? Yes ____ No ____

5.2. Construction/Inspection Trips

Construction/inspection trips may be required to assure conformity to specifications and the high-quality product the County requires. The County will be responsible for expenses incurred on behalf of its representatives when these trips occur.

Dealer/manufacturer representatives that choose to accompany County representatives will be responsible for any expenses incurred on their behalf.

The travel days shall be the day before and the day after the visit to the builder’s facility. This will allow for a full day onsite for inspection and correction as needed.

5.3. Pre-Construction Conference

There may be a required pre-construction conference at the successful respondent’s manufacturer's facility before any construction can begin.

NOTE: The pre-construction conference meeting shall be conducted at the “primary builder”, of the apparatus.

No meeting shall take place at the dealership’s place of business. This is the only method that will be acceptable to conduct the pre-construction meeting. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Two (2) department personnel may attend. A representative or dealer of the successful respondent may attend at their expense.

At this meeting both parties shall again review the specifications to ensure that the apparatus is built to meet or exceed all requirements.

After this meeting the representative of the successful respondent shall present the County with detailed drawings and work order to be used in the production of the apparatus being offered.

5.4. Mid-Point Inspection

There may be a midpoint inspection trip at the factory of the successful respondent. The inspection trip shall consist of two (2) members from the Department who shall inspect the progress of the apparatus to ensure compliance to all specifications.

5.5. Pre-Delivery Inspection (Final)

Successful bidder shall include in bid provisions for Rowan County Emergency Services individual(s) to attend a pre-delivery inspection trip at the factory of the successful respondent to ensure compliance with all specifications. The inspection trip may consist of a minimum of one (1) and a maximum of two (2) department personnel. A representative or dealer of the successful respondent may attend at their expense. This inspection shall be scheduled so that it occurs when the unit(s) are completed and ready for shipment to the dealer.

Do you comply with all inspection trips? Yes ____ No ____

Under no circumstances shall the completed ambulance be delivered to the County until all work is complete.

Respondents that make allowances for units to be completed at their service facility or office shall not be acceptable to this County. NO EXCEPTIONS except as allowed in “Specifications”

Does your proposal comply? Yes ____ No ____

5.6. One Month Service Call

After the vehicle has been in service for approximately one month, the successful respondent shall send a trained "FACTORY" employed technician to the County, for a service and warranty review.

The Factory technician shall check all operating systems and repair or replace any items found defective or in need of re-work.

However, should a problem occur before the one-month service call; the County will require immediate service from the FACTORY technician, at the Departments location. NO EXCEPTIONS

Does your proposal comply? Yes ____ No ____

Prices shall be valid for at least one hundred twenty (120) days from the opening date stated on the ITB, or as otherwise specified on the ITB form.

5.7. Warranty

The proposal shall include all warranties that are required in the following detailed specifications. The minimum acceptable warranty periods are noted below. In the blank lines the respondent shall note the terms of the warranty that apply to the manufacturer being proposed.

The respondent shall provide a minimum 12 month/12,000-mile Limited Warranty on the vehicle conversion, which covers defective parts and/or components, improper choice of materials, parts and/or components, improper design or engineering and poor or improper workmanship or quality control techniques. This warranty shall cover the complete vehicle, exclusive of the chassis, and shall include all costs for labor and parts or materials required to correct deficiencies. It is not the intent of this requirement that items such as light bulbs, or equipment installed in or on the vehicles which are covered by their own separate and specific warranty statements, be included in this warranty.

State the General warranty terms you are proposing:

Number of year’s ________ Mileage __________

Since it is the purpose of these specifications to provide a modular body that will offer many years of service, the Manufacturer of the vehicle(s) shall warranty the structural modular body for the life of the unit. This warranty shall be in writing and shall be included with the Proposal. Respondents who fail to meet this requirement shall not be considered responsive.

State the Structural warranty terms you are proposing:

Number of year’s ________ Mileage limitations (if applicable) __________

There shall be a minimum of a six year/72,000-mile electrical warranty provided on the ambulance conversion electrical system. A copy of the warranty statement shall be submitted with this Proposal.

State the Electrical warranty terms you are proposing:

Number of year’s ________ Mileage limitations (if applicable) __________

A four (4) year warranty shall be provided on the paint and its application. A copy of the painter's warranty statement shall be included with this Proposal. All warranties shall begin upon acceptance of the vehicle(s) by the Purchaser.

State the Paint warranty terms you are proposing:

Number of year’s ________ Mileage limitations (if applicable) __________

For verification of the completed warranty terms stated above the respondent must include printed manufacturer’s warranty certificates that meet or exceed the minimum required periods stated below.

Are the manufacturers’ warranties included? Yes ____ No ____

All warranties shall be from the manufacturer as opposed to a distributor or service center. This is necessary for the protection of the County, and to guarantee a certain known level of service and warranty. If, however, the respondent feels that it is necessary to modify the manufacturer’s warranties, then the respondent shall state why this modification is necessary. In addition, the respondent shall provide a full descriptive warranty certificate describing the warranty modification and the fact that it takes specific precedence over the warranty offered by the manufacturer. If no such certificate is provided, then the modified warranty shall be considered invalid and the manufacturer’s warranty shall remain in force. If the manufacturer states that no party is permitted to modify its warranty, then any warranty modification provided by the respondent, despite being in writing, shall automatically be rejected.

Does the respondent conform to the above-written section? Yes ____ No ____

To simplify the evaluation process, the following questions must be answered, and this section must be initialed by the respondent.

Are the warranties pro-rated in any manner? Yes ____ No ____ If yes explain:

Are the warranties transferable? Yes ____ No ____ If yes explain:

Has the respondent modified the manufacturer’s warranties? Yes ____ No ____ If yes explain:

If yes was chosen above, has the respondent included modified written warranties?

Yes ____ No ____ If no explain:

If ‘yes’ was chosen above, has the respondent included financial statements for the last five (5) years of the warranty modifier? Yes ____ No ____ If no explain:

Respondent shall initial that this section is understood and has been answered truthfully.

Initials: ____

5.8. Qualified Vehicle Modifier Qualification

All Bidders shall be members in good standing of the selected chasses manufacturers Qualified Vehicle Modifier Program (Q.V.M.). Each bidder shall supply a copy of their valid Q.V.M. Certification with their bid. If for any reason the Q.V.M. Certification was withdrawn or suspended within the past five years, the bidder shall supply a full written explanation of the Q.V.M. violation, withdrawal or suspension and any corrective actions taken to regain Q.V.M. Certification.

5.9. National Truck Equipment Association Testing

A.M.D. 001 - AMBULANCE BODY STRUCTURE STATIC LOAD TEST: The ambulance described herein shall be type tested to the National Truck Equipment Association's Ambulance Manufacturing Division, Standard 001 - Ambulance Body Structure Static Load Test except the test weight shall be a minimum of 55,000 pounds. The test shall be conducted by an independent testing laboratory. The module body bid herein shall contain extrusion shapes and a general structural layout identical to the test body used in the test.

Safety is this Agency's first concern. Structural integrity is crucial to the safety of the patient, passengers and crew. Any manufacturer's product that has undergone catastrophic modular dismemberment during a collision shall voluntarily supply the Agency with a report containing the date, a full explanation of the incident and photographs of the modular ambulance involved in the collision. Catastrophic modular dismemberment is defined as any structural failure which results in separation of major body elements such as walls, roof, floor, or doors. Catastrophic modular dismemberment during a collision indicates mechanical defects in the design and/or the direct construction of the modular body.

Any Bidder with such an incident in their company's past shall prove to the Agency that corrective action has taken place to correct the problem. All the internal corrective actions shall be tested again to A.M.D. Standard 001 except the test weight shall be a minimum of 55,000 pounds. All A.M.D. Standard 001 testing prior to the incident is deemed invalid regardless of the expiration date of the original test.

Does your proposal comply? Yes ____ No____

Note: Respondents, who are found to be untruthful in this, or in any other section of this proposal, will have their proposal automatically rejected.

5.10. Product Liability Insurance

Proof of current liability insurance shall be supplied. The proof of insurance shall bear the insurance carrier's name, address and phone number. The proof shall also bear the name and address of the insured. This document shall contain the coverage schedule, explaining the type of insurance, the policy number, the effective date of coverage, the policy expiration date and the individual limits. The minimum amount of coverage shall be as follows.

Commercial General Liability - Aggregate policy limit of four million dollars.

Automotive Liability - Any Hired and Non-owned Autos Combined Single Limits of One million dollars.

Garage Liability - Any Auto Auto only - Each accident: limit of one million dollars.

Workers Compensation and Employer's Liability – Each Accident: limit of five hundred thousand dollars.

Disease policy: limit of five hundred thousand dollars.

Disease - Each Employee: limit of five hundred thousand dollars.

Automotive Damage, Physical Liability Damage, Comprehensive Deductible

Since these specifications describe an emergency vehicle that may be used under adverse conditions, the County seeks to reduce its future liability exposure. Therefore, all respondents responding to these specifications shall submit a proper and verifiable Certificate of Insurance. This shall certify that the Manufacturer of the vehicle has in force Product Liability insurance in the minimum amount of four million dollars ($4,000,000.00). This insurance shall have been issued by a Company rated "A+" as reported in the current edition of Best's Key Rating Guide, published by Alfred M. Best Company, Inc.

The amount of Product Liability must be adhered to by both manufacturer and dealer, who will be providing the product. Utilizing the ambulance manufacturer’s insurance will be acceptable if the respondent is an authorized dealer, they also must have coverage.

Respondents failing to submit proof of the above requirement cannot be accepted and their Proposal will be rejected.

Does the respondent comply with this requirement? Yes ____ No ____

All Respondents must have any and all current licenses required by state law to do business in the state of North Carolina.

Does the respondent comply with this requirement? Yes ____ No ____

The County has concerns with respondents not having the completed unit built by the manufacturer. With that said, the County will not accept units that are not built and completed at the manufacturer’s facility. This will eliminate split responsibility into service, warranty repairs. Add-on equipment shall be furnished by the manufacturer and not their Representatives, to avoid warranty issues. If the respondent makes any claim to add equipment at the dealership, then your proposal will be considered non-responsive and rejected. NO

EXCEPTIONS.

Does the respondent comply with this requirement? Yes ____ No ____

It is the intent of the County to have the vehicle completed and ready for service once it leaves the ambulance manufacturer’s facility. NO EXCEPTIONS except as allowed in “Specifications.”

Does the respondent comply with this requirement? Yes ____ No ____

All equipment furnished shall be guaranteed to be new and of current manufacture, meet all requirements of this specification; and be in proper operating condition at the time of delivery. All parts shall be of high-quality workmanship and construction.

No part or attachment shall be substituted or applied contrary to the manufacturer's recommendations and standard practices.

5.11. Service Availability

Service will be a major factor in the award of this proposal. Convenience and experience will be determining factors in defining acceptable service. Personnel performing the service shall be trained by the manufacturer with emphasis on electrical service and upfit specific modular systems. To evaluate the proposed service facility, the following information shall be provided on the appropriate lines.

Service Center Radius from Purchaser: _______________

Facility Name (If not the manufacturer): ________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________________

City: _________________________ State: _______________ Zip Code: _______________

Contact: __________________________________________________________________

Phone: Toll Free Preferably: __________________________________________________

5.12. Respondent Documentation Requirements

Respondents shall include with the Bid Document: literature, photographs or similar documents which describe or depict the manufacturer's type and model proposed; a complete set of the manufacturer's specifications for the type and model proposed; and one (1) set of drawings. These drawings shall consist of four (4) exterior views; front, rear, curbside and street side and four (4) interior views; front, rear, curbside and street side, showing the location of all requested features attached thereto.

NOTE: the drawings submitted by the Respondent must show the design, layout, and features specified in this document. Submitting a manufacturer's "generic" or "standard feature" drawings, or photocopies of the reference drawings provided with this document, shall NOT be acceptable. Respondents not including the required drawings will be considered non-responsive and will, therefore, be rejected.

Are the required drawings included? Yes ____ No ____

The respondent shall utilize these specifications and return their proposal in the same format. Submission of the specifications in alternate format will be grounds for rejection.

Are your specifications in the same format? Yes ____ No ____

The information requested in the response must be furnished in full. Any respondent who does NOT complete this response and/or furnish any required information will NOT be considered. If a respondent will not furnish a material or fabrication process exactly as described in this specification, then that difference must be designated in the list of exceptions. Proposals taking total exception to these specifications will not be accepted. If a substitution is being proposed, then the respondent must note the section to which the alternative is being proposed and provide technical data, supported by an engineer, supporting the fact that the substitute is equal to or better than the item as specified. If this data is not submitted by the deadline for approved equal request and approved; if a bid is then submitted in the bid response, then the response shall be rejected as being non-compliant. Respondent added narrative describing a substitution as being clarification, exceeding, being equal to, etc. will not be accepted. Statements such as these, with or without the technical data described in this section, will cause the response to be rejected as being noncompliant.

This County reserves the right to require samples of any deviating material to be provided for evaluation.

5.13. Non-Collusive Bid Certification

By submission of this bid response, the Bidder and/or the Bidder's authorized representatives certify under penalty of perjury, that to the best of their knowledge and belief the following:

The prices in the bid response have been arrived at independently without collusion, consultation, communication, or agreement for the purpose of restricting competition, as to any matter relating to such prices with any other Bidder or with any competitor, and

Unless otherwise required by law, the prices which have been quoted in the bid response have not knowingly been disclosed by the Bidder and will not knowingly be disclosed by the bidder, prior to the public bid opening, either directly or indirectly to any competitor, and

No attempt has been made or will be made by the Bidder, for the purpose of restricting competition, to induce any person, partnership or corporation not to submit a bid response.

5.14. Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity

The Bidder/Contractor agrees to comply with all federal statutes relating to non-discrimination. These include but are not limited to:

(a) Title VI of the civil rights act of 1964 (P.L. 88-352) which prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin.

(b) Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended (20 U.S.C.

16811683, and 1685-1686), which prohibits discrimination based on sex.

(c) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 794), which prohibits discrimination based on handicaps and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

(d) The Age Discrimination Act of 1974, as amended (42 U.S.C. 6101-6107), which prohibits discrimination based on age.

(e) The Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972 (P.L. 92-255), as amended, relating to nondiscrimination based on drug abuse.

(f) The Comprehensive Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation Act of 1970 (P.L.

91-616), as amended, relating to nondiscrimination based on alcohol abuse or alcoholism.

(g) 523 and 527 of the Public Health Service Act of 1912 (U.S.C. 290 dd-3 and 290 ee-3), as amended, relating to confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse patient records.

(h) Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.), as amended, relating to nondiscrimination in the sale, rental or financing of housing.

(i) Any other nondiscrimination provisions in any specific statute(s) applicable to any Federal funding for this Agreement.

(j) The requirements of any other nondiscrimination statute(s) which may apply to this agreement.

5.15. Drug Free Workplace:

The Bidder shall conduct business as a Drug Free Workplace. The Bidder/Manufacturer and ALL its subcontractors shall provide notice to their employees and subcontractors as required under the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. A copy of Bidder's Drug-Free Workplace Policy shall be furnished to this agency upon request.

5.16. Debarment Status

By submission of this bid response, the Bidder and/or its authorized representatives, certify under penalty of perjury, that to the best of their knowledge and belief they are not currently debarred from submitting bids or bid on contracts by any agency within the home state of Rowan County Emergency Services, nor are they an agent of any person or entity that is currently debarred from submitting bids on contracts by any agency within the home state of Rowan County Emergency Services.

5.17. Warning

The County will not tolerate Vendors who state compliance with specifications but deliver an incomplete product and/or sub-standard materials and workmanship. Vendors who have made delivery of such an ambulance without making every reasonable effort to remedy the defects found at the time of delivery or within the warranty period will be notified that they are DEBARRED from submitting bids to the County in the future.

The County will not waste valuable time (more than once) trying to recover legal costs and deal with lost in-service time of new apparatus, working with vendors who are unresponsive to the needs of the County.

6. Section 6: Bidder Information Sheet

1. COMPANY NAME: _______________________________________________________________________

2. OWNER OF COMPANY: _______________________________________________________________________

3. NUMBER OF YEARS IN BUSINESS: ____________________________________________________________

4. NUMBER OF PERSONS EMPLOYED ON REGULAR BASIS: ______________________________________________

5. WHO WILL BE THE COUNTY’S CONTACT PERSON IN THE EVENT YOUR FIRM IS AWARED THE CONTRACT?

NAME: _________________________________________________________________

TELEPHONE: ____________________________________________________________

EMAIL: _________________________________________________________________

7. Section 7: Bid Response Form The undersigned proposes and agrees that if this bid is accepted to contract with Rowan County, North Carolina for the furnishing of all equipment and labor necessary to complete the scope of work described in the Invitation to Bid documents in full and complete accordance with specifications and contract documents, and to the full and entire satisfaction of Rowan County, North Carolina for the prices provided below. Pursuant to the provisions of NC G.S. 143-54 under penalty of perjury, the signer of the bid certifies that this bid has not been arrived at collusively or otherwise in violation of Federal or North Carolina antitrust laws.

The following addenda are acknowledged: ____________________ dated _________________

____________________ dated _________________

COMPANY NAME FEDERAL ID#

STREET ADDRESS PO BOX CITY STATE ZIP

TELEPHONE # FAX #

______________________________________________________ *Delivery will be made within 120 days DAYS TO COMPLETE of receipt of the purchase order by the Dealer and/or Manufacturer.

AMBULANCE MANUFACTURER

MODEL YEAR MODEL DESIGNATION

BID Total – The undersigned proposes to perform all work for the sum of: Type I Unit $________________ (each)

Total Bid* $________________

*Sum quoted includes all applicable taxes, bonds, permits, licenses, insurance cost, if any, and all other cost incidental to the resultant contract.

SIGNATURE DATE SIGNATORY’S NAME (printed)

SIGNATORY’S TITLE (printed)

8. Section 8: Detailed Vehicle Specifications

8.1. CAB & Chassis

The chassis required for this project is specified in detail below. Failure of the respondent to provide the chassis exactly as specified will be grounds for…