2026-078 Sodium Hypochlorite eBridge FINAL 09.18.2026.pdf

October 6, 2026 9:00 AM Local Time Union County Procurement Department 610 Patton Ave.

Monroe, NC 28110

Invitation for Bid No. 2026-078 Yadkin River Water Treatment Plant Chemical Sodium Hypochlorite 12% Trade / 10% Weight

Due Date:

Time:

Submittal Location:

Procurement Contact:

Juan Rodriguez-Cruz Procurement Specialist 704.283.3519 Juan.Rodriguez-Cruz@unioncountync.gov mailto:Juan.Rodriguez-Cruz@unioncountync.gov

Union County, North Carolina IFB 2026-078 Yadkin River Water Treatment Plant Chemical Sodium Hypochlorite 12% Trade / 10% Weight

1 Contents

2 Notice of Advertisement 3 Bid Submission

BID SUBMISSION DEADLINE

BID DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS

BID QUESTIONS

BID ADDENDUM

4 Instructions

COMMUNICATIONS

NON-MANDATORY PRE-BID & SITE VISIT

IFB MODIFICATIONS

BIDDERS ACKNOWLEDMENT

DUPLICATE BIDS

BID SIGNATURES

SUBCONTRACTORS (IF APPLICABLE)

BIDDERS RESPONSIBILITIES

REVERSE AUCTION PROCESS

5 Purpose

INTRODUCTION

COUNTY

6 Project scope 7 Specifications

INTRODUCTION

DEVIATIONS

DELIVERY & CHARGES

QUANTITIES

PACKAGING

PURITY

LABELING OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

DELVIERIES

DELIVERY LOCATION

SPILL PREVENTION

CHEMICAL SPECIFICATION – SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE 12% TRADE / 10% WEIGHT

8 Bid submission and award

BID INFORMATION

EVALUATION OF BIDS

AWARD PROCEDURES

AWARD

PRICING

COST ADJUSTMENTS

BID FORMAT

TERMS OF SUBMISSION

EVALUATION OF BIDS

APPLICATION OF NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL STATUTES

9 General Conditions and Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR BIDDERS

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

IFB 2026-078 Yadkin River Water Treatment Plant Chemical Sodium Hypochlorite 12% Trade / 10% Weight

CONTRACT TERM

IFB EXPENSES

CERTIFICATION

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS

SUB-CONTRACTOR/PARTNER DISCLOSURE

MODIFICATION OR WITHDRAWAL OF BID

RIGHT OF CANCELLATION

VENDOR DECLARATION

CONTRACT COMMENCEMENT

DISPUTES

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

MINORITY AND SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION PLAN

LICENSES

E-VERIFY

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

CONTRACT ALIGNMENT

EARLY TERMINATION TO ALIGN CONTRACT CYCLES

INSURANCE

INDEMNIFICATION

10 Appendix A – Reverse Auction Pricing Acknowledgement Form 11 Appendix B – Bid Submission Form 12 Appendix C – Addendum and Anti-Collusion Form 13 Appendix D – Vendor Payment Letter 14 Appendix E – Template agreement

15 Appendix F – eBridge Information Document

2 NOTICE OF ADVERTISEMENT

IFB No. 2026-078

Yadkin River Water Treatment Plant Sodium Hypochlorite 12% Trade / 10% Weight

Union County, North Carolina, through Union County Water, is soliciting technical, unpriced bid submissions from qualified suppliers for Sodium Hypochlorite 12% Trade / 10% Weight utilizing a multi-step competitive sealed bid process with reverse auction pricing pursuant to N.C.G.S.

§143-129.9. Unpriced bid submissions will be received by mail or hand delivery at the Union County Procurement Department until 9:00 AM (local time) on October 6, 2026. Late bids will not be accepted.

If a Bid is sent by mail or other delivery system, the sealed envelope containing the Bid shall be enclosed in a separate package plainly marked on the outside with the notation “BID ENCLOSED

– 2026-078 Yadkin River Water Treatment Plant Chemical Sodium Hypochlorite 12% Trade / 10% Weight” and shall be addressed to Union County Procurement Department, Juan Rodriguez-Cruz, 610 Patton Avenue, Monroe, NC 28110

This solicitation will be conducted in two phases:

Phase 1 – Technical Evaluation: Suppliers shall submit technical, qualification, and compliance materials only. Pricing shall not be submitted during Phase 1.

Phase 2 – Reverse Auction Pricing: The County has partnered with eBridge to host the reverse auction through their web-based reverse auction platform. Suppliers determined by the County to be responsive, responsible, and technically acceptable may be invited to participate in an online reverse auction.

Union County, North Carolina, through Union County Water, is soliciting Phase 1 unpriced bid submissions from qualified companies for specified water treatment chemicals as described in this solicitation.

Prospective Bidders may examine the Bidding Documents by downloading from the website(s) listed below.

1. Download the Bid Documents from the Union County Website www.unioncountync.gov (Procurement Page, Current Bids).

2. Download the Solicitation Documents from the State of North Carolina eVP website:

https://evp.nc.gov/solicitations/ (Search County of Union)

All questions about the meaning or intent of the Bidding Documents are to be submitted in writing to the Procurement contact person listed on the cover page (Juan.Rodriguez- Cruz@unioncountync.gov). Deadline for questions is September 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM local time.

Bidders are required to comply with the non-collusion requirements set forth in the Bidding Documents.

http://www.unioncountync.gov/ http://www.unioncountync.gov/ http://www.unioncountync.gov/ https://evp.nc.gov/solicitations/ http://www.ips.state.nc.us/

Union County encourages good faith effort outreach to Minority Businesses (HUB Certified) and Small Businesses.

The County reserves the right to reject any and/or all bids, including, without limitation, nonconforming, nonresponsive, unbalanced, or conditional bids. The County also reserves the right to waive informalities and request clarification as needed.

3 TIMELINE

PHASE 1

Date Milestone Description

September 18, 2026 Bid Issued Date bid is issued for public viewing.

September 25, 2026 by 5:00pm

ET

Questions Deadline Deadline to submit questions regarding response requirements, specifications or bidding process.

September 29, 2026 Answers Posted Questions and Answers will be posted for public viewing.

October 6, 2026 by 9:00am ET Technical Response Due Deadline to submit un-priced technical response.

PHASE 2

Date Milestone Description

October 8, 2026 Formal Invitation Issued Formal email notice to Bidders approved to participate in Phase 2 - Reverse Auction.

October 9-12, 2026 eBridge Bid System Training Interactive bid system tutorials will be scheduled between eBridge and approved Bidders.

October 13, 2026 by 11:00am Initial Bid Due

Date starting bids must be entered into the reverse auction platform (instructions provided during the bid system training).

October 14, 2026 at 11:00am Reverse Auction Date and time the live reverse auction event will open.

4 BID SUBMISSION

BID SUBMISSION DEADLINE

In accordance with Union County (the County) guidelines, bids specified will be received by Union County at the specified location listed in this IFB document, until the time and date cited. Only Phase 1 unpriced bid submissions received by the correct time shall be considered.

Unpriced bid submissions shall be sealed and labeled on the outside envelope:

“IFB 2026-078 — Yadkin River Water Treatment Plant Chemical Sodium Hypochlorite 12% Trade / 10% Weight – Phase 1 Unpriced Bid Submissions (No Pricing)”

Pricing shall not be included within the Phase 1 unpriced bid submissions.

BID DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS

All Phase 1 unpriced bid submissions must be in a sealed box or opaque envelope plainly marked as follows:

[Name of Contractor Submitting Bid] IFB No. 2026-078 Yadkin River Water Treatment Plant Chemical Sodium Hypochlorite 12% Trade / 10% Weight Attention: Juan Rodriguz-Cruz

If using a delivery service, your company name and the solicitation number must be visible on the outside delivery box/envelope. Ship, Mail, or Hand Deliver to the following address:

Mail or hand-deliver submission packets to:

Union County Procurement Department 610 Patton Ave.

Monroe, NC 28110 Attention: Juan Rodriguez-Cruz, Procurement Specialist

Phase 1 submissions shall be submitted in printed form and shall contain technical, qualification, compliance, and required solicitation forms only. Pricing information shall not be included in the Phase 1 submission. Any pricing submitted outside the reverse auction process may render the submission nonresponsive.

Electronic (email) or facsimile submissions will not be accepted.

There is no expressed or implied obligation for Union County to reimburse firms for any expenses incurred in preparing Bids in response to this request.

Do not submit pricing with the Phase 1 unpriced bid submissions. Pricing will only be collected during the reverse auction process.

Union County reserves the right to reject any or all Bids, to waive technicalities and to make such selection deemed in its best interest. With limited response, Union County reserves the right to extend the solicitation opening date as appropriate in order to assure a competitive procurement.

IFB 2026-078 Yadkin River Water Treatment Plant Chemical Sodium Hypochlorite 12% Trade / 10% Weight

BID QUESTIONS

Bid questions will be due on or before September 25, 2026, at 5:00 PM local time. The primary purpose of this is to provide participating Contractors with the opportunity to ask questions, in writing, related to the IFB.

Submit questions by email to Juan Rodriguez-Cruz at Juan.Rodriguez- Cruz@unioncountync.gov by the deadline shown above. (Do not send question in a graph or Excel sheet format.) The email subject line should be identified as follows IFB 2026- 078 Yadkin River Water Treatment Plant Chemical Sodium Hypochlorite 12% Trade / 10% Weight Questions. All questions and answers may be posted as addenda on www.unioncountync.gov and https://evp.nc.gov/solicitations/

BID ADDENDUM

Union County may modify the IFB prior to the date fixed for submission of Bids by the issuance of an addendum.

Should an Offeror find discrepancies or omissions in this IFB or any other documents provided by Union County, the Offeror should immediately notify the County of such potential discrepancy in writing via email as noted above.

Any addenda to these documents shall be issued in writing. No oral statements, explanations, or commitments by anyone shall be of effect unless incorporated in the written addenda. Receipt of Addenda shall be acknowledged by the Offeror on Appendix C Addendum and Anti-Collusion Form.

5 INSTRUCTIONS

COMMUNICATIONS

All communications, any modifications, clarifications, amendments, questions, responses or any other matters related to the Invitation for Bid (IFB) must be made only through the Procurement Contact noted on the cover of this IFB. A violation of this provision is cause for the County to reject a Company’s bid. No contact regarding this document with other County employees is permitted and may be grounds for disqualification.

NON-MANDATORY PRE-BID & SITE VISIT

A pre-bid meeting concerning this IFB may be held. If so, the date, time and location will be indicated on the cover of this IFB and/or in the body of IFB. Staff will be available at this meeting to answer questions about this IFB.

IFB MODIFICATIONS

Clarifications, modifications, or amendments may be made to the IFB at any time prior to the Bid Deadline at the discretion of the County. It is the Bidder’s responsibility to periodically check the County’s website until the posted Bid Deadline to obtain any issued addenda.

mailto:Juan.Rodriguez-Cruz@unioncountync.gov mailto:Juan.Rodriguez-Cruz@unioncountync.gov https://evp.nc.gov/solicitations/

IFB 2026-078 Yadkin River Water Treatment Plant Chemical Sodium Hypochlorite 12% Trade / 10% Weight

BIDDERS ACKNOWLEDMENT

The unpriced bid submission shall remain subject to acceptance for 120 days after the Phase 1 submission deadline, or for such longer period agreed to by the Supplier upon request of the County.

DUPLICATE BIDS

No more than one (1) bid from any Bidder will be considered by the County. In the event multiple bids are submitted in violation of this provision, the County will have the right to determine which bid will be considered, or at its sole option, reject all such multiple bids.

BID SIGNATURES

An authorized company official must sign Bids. Each signature represents binding commitment upon the Bidder to provide the goods and/or services offered to the County if the Supplier is determined eligible for award in accordance with the solicitation requirements and reverse auction process.

SUBCONTRACTORS (IF APPLICABLE)

In addition to any identification of Subcontractors, Suppliers, individuals, or entities required to be submitted to Owner (see third full paragraph below), Bidders shall include in their Bid a list of all subcontractors which the Bidder intends to use for each of the following categories of work:

• Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (Mechanical)

• Electrical

A contractor whose Bid is accepted shall not substitute any person as subcontractor in the place of the subcontractor listed in the original bid, except (a) if the listed subcontractor’s bid is later determined by the contractor to be non-responsible or nonresponsive or the listed subcontractor refuses to enter into a contract for the complete performance of the bid work, or (b) with the approval of the awarding authority for good cause shown by the contractor. The terms, conditions, and requirements of each contract between Contractor and a subcontractor performing work under a subdivision or branch of work listed in this subsection shall incorporate by reference the terms, conditions, and requirements of the Contract between Contractor and Owner.

Failure to include this list of subcontractors may cause a Bid to be rejected as nonresponsive by Owner.

If Owner, after due investigation, has reasonable objection to any proposed Subcontractor, Supplier, individual, or entity, Owner may, before the Notice of Award is given, request apparent Successful Bidder to submit a substitute, without an increase in the Bid.

IFB 2026-078 Yadkin River Water Treatment Plant Chemical Sodium Hypochlorite 12% Trade / 10% Weight

Subsequent to the submittal of the Bid, Owner may not require the Successful Bidder or Contractor to retain any Subcontractor, Supplier, or other individual or entity against which Contractor has reasonable objection.

BIDDERS RESPONSIBILITIES

The bidder must be capable, either as a firm or a team, of providing all goods or services as described under SECTION 7 – Specifications, and to maintain those capabilities until notification of the fact that their bid response was unsuccessful. Exclusion of any good or service for the IFB may serve as cause for rejection.

The successful Bidder will be responsible for all work in the IFB whether they are provided or performed by the successful Bidder or subcontractor(s). Further, the County will consider the successful Bidder to be the sole point of contact with regard to contractual matters, including payment of any and all charges resulting from the cost of any contract.

REVERSE AUCTION PROCESS

This solicitation will be conducted as a Multi-Step Competitive Sealed Bid utilizing a reverse auction pricing process pursuant to N.C.G.S. §143-129.9.

PHASE 1 – PREQUALIFICATION / TECHNICAL EVALUATION

Suppliers shall submit unpriced bids in accordance with the requirements of this solicitation. The County will evaluate submissions for responsiveness, responsibility, specification compliance, delivery capability, and completeness of required materials.

Suppliers determined by the County to be responsive, responsible, and technically acceptable may advance to Phase 2.

PHASE 2 – ONLINE REVERSE AUCTION

Pricing will only be accepted during the live online reverse auction event.

Pricing submitted in any form other than the reverse auction process may be deemed nonresponsive and subject to rejection.

The County has partnered with eBridge to host the reverse auction through its web-based platform.

Following completion of the County’s Phase 1 review, suppliers approved to advance to Phase 2 will receive reverse auction participation instructions, scheduling information, supplier training information, and platform access instructions from the County and/or eBridge.

Suppliers must also review Appendix F - eBridge Information and return the Electronic Bid Event Form as instructed. By responding to this IFB, you are accepting that if awarded a contract, you will be obligated to pay a transaction fee to eBridge pursuant to the Electronic Bid Event Form and Terms and Conditions found in Appendix F - eBridge Information.

Suppliers participating in the reverse auction shall comply with any applicable reverse auction platform participation requirements and instructions issued for the event.

UNION COUNTY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND/OR ALL QUALIFICATIONS

AND TO WAIVE ANY AND ALL TECHNICALITIES.

6 PURPOSE

INTRODUCTION

Union County, through Union County Water, is seeking unpriced bid submissions from qualified firms for the delivery of specified water treatment chemicals. The resulting contract will provide Sodium Hypochlorite 12% Trade / 10% Weight for use at the Yadkin River Water Treatment Plant. The contract may also include additional, unspecified chemical purchases on an as-needed basis if such chemicals are required for plant operations.

COUNTY

Union County, North Carolina (population 263,386) is located in the central, southern piedmont. The County provides its citizens with a full array of services that include public safety, water/wastewater utilities and sanitation, human services, cultural and recreational activities, and general government administration.

The County maintains a new 12 MGD Conventional Water Treatment Facility located on New Salem Road in Monroe, NC known as the Yadkin River Water Treatment Plant.

7 PROJECT SCOPE

The County is seeking unpriced bid submissions from qualified firms for all time, materials, labor, equipment, fittings, hoses, licenses, permits, etc. to deliver the specific chemical to the specified location in a timely fashion.

Bid items provided shall be FOB to the delivery location specified.

The chemical needs of the County currently include:

• Sodium Hypochlorite 12% Trade / 10% Weight

8 SPECIFICATIONS

INTRODUCTION

The attached specifications and requirements are drawn around a chemical which the County has evaluated and determined to be required for the performance necessary.

Bidders are requested to offer only equivalent comparable units, which will provide the features and performance needed and implied.

Unless otherwise stated, the use of manufacturer’s names and product numbers are for descriptive purposes and establishing general quality levels only. They are not intended to be restrictive. Bidders are required to state exactly what they intended to furnish otherwise it is fully understood that they shall furnish all items as stated.

DEVIATIONS

Any deviations from specifications and requirements herein must be clearly pointed out by bidder. Otherwise it will be considered that chemicals offered will be in strict compliance with these specifications and requirements, and successful bidder will be held responsible therefor. Deviations must be explained in detail on an attached sheet.

Therefore, no implication is made by Union County that deviations will be acceptable.

Bidder is advised that the response (or lack thereof) on this question does not take precedence over specific responses or nonresponses provided elsewhere in this bid.

DELIVERY & CHARGES

FOB destination. All prices quoted shall include all delivery and/or freight charges to addresses specified in this document or other address specified on a Purchase Order.

No additional freight shall be charged at time of delivery. Risk of loss and/or damage shall be upon the seller until such time as goods have been physically delivered and received by the County. Deliveries shall be within five (5) days of receipt of order.

QUANTITIES

Quantities are annual estimates based on the County’s projected need. Actual quantities purchased may be more than or less than estimated quantities. The price quoted shall be good for any quantity.

PACKAGING

All containers must be durable and dust tight, and not readily broken in handling and storage. The contents must be marked. All markings shall comply with all federal and state laws as applicable to this chemical.

PURITY

Chemicals supplied under these specifications must meet all applicable AWWA standards for drinking water and shall not contain soluble minerals or organic substances in quantities capable of producing deleterious or injurious effects upon public health or water quality. All chemicals shall conform to the current NSF/ANSI Standard 60: Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals – Health Effects.

For Sodium Hypochlorite 12% Trade / 10% Weight, the Supplier must comply with ANSI/AWWA B300 and provide Certificates of Analysis (COA) as required for evaluation prior to award.

LABELING OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

If the items or products requested by this solicitation are "Hazardous Materials" as defined by North Carolina General Statute §95-174 or Title 15 U.S.C. 1261 of the United States Code, then the bidder, by submitting their bid, certifies and warrants that the items or products to be delivered under this contract shall be properly labeled as required by the foregoing section(s) and that by delivering the items or products the bidder does not violate any of the prohibitions of NC G.S. Chapter 95 – Article 18, et al, or Title 15 U.S.C. 1261 et al.

DELVIERIES

Delivery will be made no later than 5 workdays after receipt of order (ARO), unless otherwise notified. Deliveries must be made during normal working hours (8:00 am - 4:00 pm), local time, Monday through Friday. All deliveries shall be made in accordance with the following standards & regulations, where applicable:

- Union County Water Standards

- Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) standards

- U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

- North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

- Any other applicable local, state or Federal laws or regulations.

24-hour advance notice of deliveries is required. Supplier will send notice of delivery and photos with names of the drivers making the deliveries to the receiving facility supervisors; specific email addresses will be provided upon award of a contract. The drivers will have a certificate of analysis (COA) and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemicals upon arrival at the receiving facility.

DELIVERY LOCATION

Yadkin River Water Treatment Plant 3522 New Salem Road Monroe, NC 28110

SPILL PREVENTION

In the event of a spill resulting from the Supplier’s actions, the Supplier's employee shall perform initial spill response including but not limited to using materials in County owned spill kits to prevent chemicals from injuring County employees and to prevent chemicals from reaching storm drains. It is the responsibility of the Supplier regardless of subcontracting delivery of the chemical to any County locations, in ensuring spill response to the location. The Supplier shall pay any fines levied against the County for spills resulting from the Supplier's actions and shall pay any costs incurred for clean-up and emergency response.

The Supplier must have a spill prevention program, including appropriate spill kits on delivery trucks, available and follow the Supplier’s procedures in case of a spill. The Supplier awarded the contract must provide a copy of their spill prevention program to the County for review. In the event of a spill resulting from the Supplier’s actions, the

Supplier is responsible for providing all necessary personal protective equipment to their employees. In addition, if there is a spill, the Supplier must notify the county’s water treatment plant supervisor immediately. The facility supervisor will then follow procedures to contain the spill. The Supplier should have the appropriate spill prevention kit available for the chemicals they are delivering.

The County will be reimbursed by the Supplier for labor and materials and damages created by the spill.

CHEMICAL SPECIFICATION – SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE 12% TRADE /

10% WEIGHT

Estimated Yearly Requirement: approximately 55,000 gallons.

Delivery Method: Tanker

Physical Requirements: Color should be clear yellow or greenish; have a pungent chlorine odor; be 100% soluble in water; and free of suspended matter. Product MUST pass a total suspended solids test.

Chemical Specification: The sodium hypochlorite solution must meet or exceed the specifications of the water purification division of the American Water Works Association for potable water (ANSI/AWWA B300-99). Successful bidders shall include a statement of compliance stating conformance to the above referenced AWWA standard. This product is certified for potable water use by NSF International for Disinfection & Oxidation. The finished drinking water should be monitored for disinfection by-products in accordance with state and U.S. EPA regulations and guidelines. Bidder must include COA and Product Specification with Bid.

Min Max Sodium Hypochlorite Weight%

10.0% 12.1%

Available Chlorine Weight%

9.5% 11.5%

Delivery Requirements: These will be full tanker loads. The Sodium Hypochlorite 12% Trade / 10% Weight shall be shipped in approximately 4,000 to 5000 gallon lots in specially equipped tank trucks, which are unloaded by hose by means of a pump or a compressor which is mounted on the delivery truck. Hose used for transfer must be securely capped during transportation. Worn or damage hoses will not be accepted for use during transfer. Supplier shall provide sufficient hose for each delivery location.

Drivers are responsible for all PPE associated with offloading. The Supplier is responsible for ensuring pressure gauges on delivery trucks are functional prior to delivery. Supplier is also responsible for ensuring delivery trucks discharge at the appropriate pressure.

Impurities: The hypochlorite supplied under this standard shall contain no soluble materials or organic substances in quantities capable of producing deleterious or injurious effects on the health of those consuming water that has been treated properly with the hypochlorite.

The maximum metal contents are:

a. Mercury <1.0 mg/L

b. Copper <0.050 mg/L

c. Nickel <0.050 mg/L

d. Iron <0.100 mg/L

Maximum Calcium content shall be no greater than 1.0 mg/L and maximum Magnesium content shall be no greater than 3.0 mg/L.

Utilization Location: Yadkin River Water Treatment Plant, 3522 New Salem Road, Monroe, NC 28110.

9 BID SUBMISSION AND AWARD

BID INFORMATION

Phase 1 unpriced bid submissions must be made in strict conformance using the Invitation for Bid (IFB) forms provided herein. All blank spaces for bids must be filled in properly. Numbers must be written in ink or typewritten, and the completed form shall be without erasures, lineation’s, or alterations. In accepting the proposal, the County will assume that no alterations have been made, and if they appear afterward, they shall not be binding on the County.

All Bid Documents shall be signed by an individual who is authorized to contractually bind the company. The signature must indicate the title or position the individual holds in the agency or firm. Agencies or firms which sign contracts with the name of the agency or firm must provide the name of a corporate officer or executive director for signature validation by the County. All unsigned Bids will be disqualified. In submitting a Bid, Bidder affirms all statements contained in the proposal are true and accurate.

All names and titles must be typed or printed below the signatures.

This solicitation shall utilize a multi-step competitive sealed bid process.

Phase 1 – Technical Evaluation: The County will evaluate unpriced bid submissions for responsiveness, responsibility, specification compliance, and required submission materials.

Phase 2 – Reverse Auction Pricing: Suppliers determined by the County to be responsive, responsible, and technically acceptable may be invited to participate in a live online reverse auction for pricing.

Pricing shall only be submitted through the reverse auction platform during Phase 2.

EVALUATION OF BIDS

Phase 1 submissions will be evaluated to determine responsiveness, responsibility, specification compliance, delivery capability, and completeness of required materials.

Suppliers determined by the County to be responsive, responsible, and technically acceptable may advance to Phase 2 — Reverse Auction Pricing.

Phase 2 pricing will be conducted through an online reverse auction platform. Award consideration will be based upon reverse auction pricing submitted by suppliers previously determined by the County to be responsive, responsible, and technically acceptable under Phase 1, together with continued compliance with solicitation requirements.

AWARD PROCEDURES

The County reserves the right to reject any and all bids, the right to waive informalities, and the right to disregard nonconforming or conditional bids or counter proposals. The County desires to award a single contract to one supplier for all items being bid. The County reserves the right to award, by line item, to multiple suppliers if that is in the best interests of the County. If the contract is awarded, award consideration will be based upon reverse auction pricing submitted during Phase 2 by suppliers previously determined by the County to satisfy Phase 1 requirements, together with continued compliance with solicitation requirements and the County’s determination of best interest. The County shall have a period of 120 days after the Phase 1 submission deadline and/or completion of the reverse auction process in which to award the contract.

The County reserves the right to determine which suppliers advance to the reverse auction phase. Participation in Phase 2 is limited to suppliers determined by the County to satisfy Phase 1 requirements.

AWARD

The term of this contract shall be for one (1) year, from the date of award with the option to renew for four (4) additional one-year periods. The award is for a fixed, firm pricing structure established through the reverse auction process during the initial one (1) year term when product needs are based upon indefinite quantities, and where orders will be based on actual needs that may exceed or be less than projections. All expenditures under a unit price contract are contingent upon appropriations having been made by Union County Board of Commissioners. Price adjustments may be negotiated at the time of renewal, based on the applicable Consumer Price Index adjustment over the preceding twelve months.

Union County shall review the terms and conditions, and confirm performance under this contract has been satisfactory. However, the County reserves the right to terminate the contract or to allow the contract period to elapse.

The parties agree that the contract for services may be terminated by either party upon providing 60 days written notice.

PRICING

Pricing shall not be submitted as part of the Phase 1 unpriced bid submissions.

Qualified suppliers advancing to Phase 2 will receive reverse auction participation instructions, auction scheduling information, supplier training resources, and platform access details from the County and/or eBridge.

Pricing shall be submitted exclusively through the reverse auction platform during the live reverse auction event.

The County reserves the right to reject pricing determined to be nonresponsive, unreasonable, non-advantageous, or otherwise not in the best interest of the County.

COST ADJUSTMENTS

The unit prices proposed shall remain firm for the Initial Term of the contract. Price adjustments for any renewal term may be considered by the County only upon request by the Supplier and only if supported by verifiable industry cost data.

1. Price adjustments shall not exceed the lower of:

a. 5% per renewal period, or

b. the annual percentage change in the Producer Price Index (PPI) – Chemicals and Allied Products (WPU06) as published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

2. The Supplier shall submit a written request for adjustment at least sixty (60) days prior to the renewal date and include:

a. the specific BLS PPI table and data supporting the request,

b. a detailed cost justification from the Supplier or manufacturer, and

c. a statement confirming that the requested adjustment applies uniformly to all similar customers in the region.

3. The County reserves the right to:

a. approve the request,

b. negotiate a lower adjustment,

c. or reject the request if documentation is insufficient or the adjustment is deemed excessive.

4. If the County does not approve the requested price adjustment and the matter cannot be resolved, the County may elect not to renew the contract without penalty.

5. If the applicable PPI index shows a decrease, the County shall receive a corresponding decrease in unit pricing.

All contract renewals are subject to the continued appropriations of funds and the County’s determination that renewal is in its best interest.

BID FORMAT

Bids must include the following:

• Appendix A – Reverse Auction Pricing Acknowledgement Form

• Appendix B – Bid Submission Form (signed)

• Appendix C – Addendum Receipt and Anti-Collusion Form (signed)

• Required technical literature, COA, product specifications, and compliance documentation

Pricing shall not be included with the Phase 1 unpriced bid submissions. Pricing will only be accepted during the reverse auction process.

TERMS OF SUBMISSION

All material received from a person or company (“Respondent”) in response to this solicitation shall become the property of Union County and will not be returned to the Respondent. Any and all costs incurred by a Respondent in preparing, submitting, or presenting submissions are the Respondent’s sole responsibility and Union County shall not reimburse the Respondent. All responses to this solicitation will be considered a public record and subject to disclosure under applicable public records law.

Any material in a response which the Respondent considers a trade secret and exempt from disclosure as a public record under applicable law, including N.C.G.S. §§ 132-1.2 and 66-152, must be properly designated as a trade secret. In order to properly designate such material, the Respondent must: (i) submit any trade secret materials in a separate envelope, or file, from all other submitted material, being clearly marked as “Trade Secret

– Confidential and Proprietary Information,” and (ii) stamp the same trade secret/confidentiality designation on each page of the materials therein which contain trade secrets.

To the extent consistent with public records law, Union County will make reasonable efforts to maintain the confidential nature of trade secrets, as determined by Union County and subject to the conditions set forth herein. Respondent understands and agrees by submitting a response to this solicitation, that if a request is made to review or produce a copy of any information in the Respondent’s materials which was properly labeled by the Respondent as a trade secret, Union County will notify the Respondent of the request and the date that such materials will be released to the requestor unless the Respondent obtains a court order enjoining that disclosure. If the Respondent fails to obtain the court order enjoining disclosure prior to that date, Respondent understands and agrees that Union County will release the requested information to the requestor on that date.

Furthermore, the Respondent also agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Union County and each of its officers, employees, and agents from all costs, damages, and expenses incurred in connection with refusing to disclose any material that has been designated as a trade secret by Respondent.

EVALUATION OF BIDS

Phase 1 unpriced bid submissions will be evaluated to determine responsiveness, responsibility, specification compliance, delivery capability, completeness of required materials, and overall conformance with solicitation requirements.

Suppliers determined by the County to be responsive, responsible, and technically acceptable may be invited to participate in Phase 2 – Reverse Auction Pricing.

Phase 2 pricing evaluation will be based upon reverse auction pricing together with compliance with solicitation requirements and the County’s determination of best interest.

APPLICATION OF NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL STATUTES

The General Statutes of North Carolina regarding purchasing, competitive bidding, and alternative competitive bidding methods, including G.S. §143-129 and G.S. §143-129.9, are made a part herein and will govern this solicitation process as applicable.

10 GENERAL CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR BIDDERS

Phase 1 unpriced bid submissions shall be considered only from companies normally engaged in performing the type of work specified in this solicitation. Union County, in its discretion, shall determine whether the evidence of responsibility and ability to perform is satisfactory.

The individual/firm warrants that he/she is fully qualified, with adequate personnel and experience, to undertake the services required. The Offeror shall also certify that insurance coverage that meets or exceeds industry standards for this type of work will be in force to mitigate risk during performance under the contract.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

All payroll taxes, liability and worker’s compensation are the sole responsibility of the Offeror. The Offeror understands that an employer/employee relationship does not exist under this contract.

The County reserves the right to reject any and all bids, the right to waive informalities, and the right to disregard nonconforming or conditional bids or counter bids. It is the intention of Union County to execute a final, binding Contract with the successful Offeror which incorporates terms and conditions no less onerous than those appropriate to the engagement of a licensed contracting firm in connection with a project of this magnitude.

All bids submitted in response to this request shall become the property of Union County and as such, may be subject to public review.

CONTRACT TERM

The Contract shall have an initial term of one (1) year (“Initial Term”), beginning on the effective date of the Contract. Prior to the end of the Initial Term with four (4) 1-year renewal options, the County shall have the option, in its sole discretion and pending budget approval to renew the Contract on the same terms and conditions as the Initial Term.

IFB EXPENSES

Expenses for developing the bids are entirely the responsibility of the vendor and shall not be chargeable in any way to the County.

CERTIFICATION

In response to the IFB Request, the Contractor certifies the following:

• This bid is signed by an authorized representative of the firm;

• It can obtain insurance certificates as required within ten (10) calendar days after notice of award;

• All labor costs, direct and indirect, have been determined and included in the proposed cost;

• The potential Contractor has read and understands the conditions set forth in this solicitation.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Bidder may be asked to provide the following financial information. If the following financial information is requested, it shall be readily available and provided to the County within twenty-four (24) to forty-eight (48) hours upon request during the bid certification process:

1. Annual audited financial reports for the past five (5) fiscal years;

2. Credit reports, credit bulletins, bank and vendor references, and any other

3. Published statements by agencies that have been issued or published about the entity within the past five (5) years;

4. Indicate whether the Company (and/or predecessor, guarantor, or subcontractor) has declared bankruptcy within the last five (5) years;

5. Provide a description of the financial impact of any past or pending legal proceedings and judgments that could materially affect the Bidder’s financial position or ability to provide service to the County.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The contents of this Bid and the commitments set forth in the Bid shall be considered contractual obligations, if a contract ensues. Failure to accept these obligations may result in cancellation of the award. All legally required terms and conditions shall be incorporated into final contract agreements with the selected Service

COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS

Seller represents and warrants that the performance of this order and the furnishing of goods or services required shall be in accordance with the applicable standards, provisions and stipulations of all pertinent Federal, State or County laws, rules, regulations, resolutions and ordinances including but not limited to the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Equal Employment Opportunity rules and regulations and the Occupational Safety and Health Acts.

SUB-CONTRACTOR/PARTNER DISCLOSURE

A single Company may propose the entire solution. If the Bid by any Company requires the use of sub-contractors, partners, and/or third-party products or services, this must be clearly stated in the Bid. The Company submitting the Bid shall remain solely responsible for the performance of all work, including work that is done by sub-contractors.

MODIFICATION OR WITHDRAWAL OF BID

Prior to the scheduled closing time for receiving bids, any Contractor may withdraw his bid. After the scheduled closing time for receiving Phase 1 unpriced bid submissions, no bid may be withdrawn for 120 days. Only written requests for the modification or correction of a previously submitted bid that are addressed in the same manner as bids and are received by the County prior to the closing time for receiving bids will be accepted. The bid will be corrected in accordance with such written requests, provided that any such written request is in a sealed envelope that is plainly marked “Modification of Bid.” Oral, telephone or fax modifications or corrections will not be recognized or considered.

RIGHT OF CANCELLATION

Any contract agreement entered into with the County that requires ongoing payments after the end of the fiscal year in which the equipment is purchased is cancelable by the County in the event that continuing funds are not appropriated.

VENDOR DECLARATION

The vendor must state that the bid was made without connection with any other person, company, or parties making a similar bid and that it is in all respects fair and in good faith without collusion and fraud.

CONTRACT COMMENCEMENT

Commencement of a contract shall not begin prior to all necessary County approvals, including County Commission approval where required, and receipt of a County Purchase Order. Commencement of a contract without these approvals is solely at the Bidder’s own risk and is likely to result in no payment for services performed or goods received.

DISPUTES

In case of any doubt or differences of opinion as to the services to be furnished hereunder, the decision of the County shall be final and binding upon both parties.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

All Companies will be required to follow Federal Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies. Union County will affirmatively assure that on any project constructed pursuant to this advertisement, equal employment opportunity will be offered to all persons without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, and marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age.

MINORITY AND SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION PLAN

It is the policy of Union County that Minority Businesses (MBEs), Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) and other small businesses shall have the opportunity to compete fairly in contracts financed in whole or in part with public funds. Consistent with this policy, Union County will not allow any person or business to be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be discriminated against in connection with the award and performance of any contract because of sex, race, religion, or national origin.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) will be afforded full opportunity to submit a bid. DBE Contractors must be certified and registered on the NCDOT Directory.

LICENSES

The successful Firm(s) shall have and maintain a valid and appropriate business license (if applicable), meet all local, state, and federal codes, and have current all required local, state, and federal licenses.

E-VERIFY

E-Verify is the federal program operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies, or any successor or equivalent program, used to verify the work authorization of newly hired employees pursuant to federal law.

Offeror/Firm shall ensure that Firm and any Subcontractor performing work under this contract: (i) uses E-Verify if required to do so; and (ii) otherwise complies with applicable law.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

During the performance of this project, the Firm agrees to provide a drug-free workplace for his employees; post in conspicuous places, available to employees and applicants for employment, a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance or marijuana is prohibited in the workplace and specify the actions that will be taken against employees for violations of such prohibition; and state in all solicitations or advertisements for employees placed by or on behalf of the firm that the Firm maintains a drug-free workplace.

For the purposes of this section, “drug-free workplace” means a site for the performance of work done in connection with a specific contract awarded to a Contractor/Firm in accordance with this chapter, the employees of whom are prohibited from engaging in the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of any controlled substance or marijuana during the performance of the Request.

CONTRACT ALIGNMENT

To improve administrative efficiency, the County reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to adjust the initial contract term or any renewal term so that this contract’s end date aligns with the end dates of other County chemical contracts. This may include shortening the initial term or modifying a renewal term to create a uniform contract cycle for all water treatment chemicals. Any such adjustment will not reduce the Supplier’s unit pricing for the applicable period.

EARLY TERMINATION TO ALIGN CONTRACT CYCLES

The County may terminate this contract, in whole or in part, upon sixty (60) days’ written notice in order to align chemical contract cycles. The Supplier shall be entitled to payment for product delivered prior to the effective termination date, but shall not be entitled to anticipatory profits or additional charges resulting from such termination.

UNION COUNTY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY AND/OR ALL

QUALIFICATIONS AND TO WAIVE ANY AND ALL TECHNICALITIES.

INSURANCE

One or more of the following insurance limits may be required if it is applicable to the project. The County reserves the right to require additional insurance depending on the nature of the agreement.

At Contractor’s sole expense, Contractor shall procure and maintain the following minimum insurances with insurers authorized to do business in North Carolina and rated A-VII or better by A.M. Best, or as otherwise authorized by the Union County Risk Manager.

A. WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

Statutory (coverage for three or more employees) limits covering all employees, including Employer’s Liability with limits of:

$500,000 Each Accident $500,000 Disease - Each Employee $500,000 Disease - Policy Limit

B. COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY

(for any agreement unless otherwise waived by the Risk Manager) Covering Ongoing and Completed Operations involved in this Agreement.

$2,000,000 General Aggregate $2,000,000 Products/Completed Operations Aggregate $1,000,000 Each Occurrence $1,000,000 Personal and Advertising Injury Limit

C. COMMERCIAL AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY

(for any agreement involving the use of a contractor vehicle while conducting services associated with the agreement)

$1,000,000 Combined Single Limit - Any Auto

D. PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY

(only for any agreement providing professional service such as engineering, architecture, surveying, consulting services, etc.)

$1,000,000 Claims Made

Contractor shall provide evidence of continuation or renewal of Professional Liability Insurance for a period of two (2) years following termination of the Agreement.

ADDITIONAL INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

A. The Contractor’s General Liability policy shall be endorsed, specifically or generally, to include the following as Additional Insured:

UNION COUNTY, ITS OFFICERS, AGENTS AND EMPLOYEES ARE

INCLUDED AS ADDITIONAL INSURED WITH RESPECTS TO THE

GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE POLICY.

Additional Insured status for Completed Operations shall extend for a period of not less than three (3) years from the date of final payment.

B. Before commencement of any work or event, Contractor shall provide a Certificate of Insurance in satisfactory form as evidence of the insurances required above.

C. Contractor shall have no right of recovery or subrogation against Union County (including its officers, agents and employees).

D. It is the intention of the parties that the insurance policies afforded by contractor shall protect both parties and be primary and non-contributory coverage for any and all losses covered by the above-described insurance.

E. Union County shall have no liability with respect to Contractor’s personal property whether insured or not insured. Any deductible or self-insured retention is the sole responsibility of Contractor.

F. Notwithstanding the notification requirements of the Insurer, Contractor hereby agrees to notify County’s Risk Manager at 500 N. Main Street # 130, Monroe, NC 28112, within two (2) days of the cancellation or substantive change of any insurance policy set out herein. Union, in its sole discretion, may deem failure to provide such notice as a breach of this Agreement.

G. The Certificate of Insurance should note in the Description of Operations the following:

Department: _____________________ Contract #: _____________________

H. Insurance procured by Contractor shall not reduce nor limit Contractor’s contractual obligation to indemnify, save harmless and defend Union County for claims made or suits brought which result from or are in connection with the performance of this Agreement.

I. Certificate Holder shall be listed as follows:

Union County Attention: Jeff Morgan, Director of Security Risk Management 500 N.