2026.07.21 Vegetative Waste and Emergency Debris Management Plan.pdf

RFQ Comprehensive Vegetative Waste and Emergency Debris Management Plan

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

Comprehensive Vegetative Waste and Emergency Debris Management Plan

Cumberland County invites qualified engineering firms to submit responses to this Request for Qualifications to provide engineering services.

Cumberland County has entered a Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) planning agreement with the State of North Carolina, Department of Public Safety. The County will utilize the project funds to complete a project prioritization list and Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA) report resulting from a risk and vulnerability assessment. These will be delivered in accordance with the Scope of Work, Budget, and Schedule outlines in the BRIC 2022 Subapplication (EMA-2022-BR-0001-0015) titled “Comprehensive Vegetative Waste and Emergency Debris Plan.

The awarded grant provides pre-disaster mitigation funding for cost-effective hazard mitigation activities that are part of a comprehensive mitigation program. Cumberland County desires the development and construction of a comprehensive storm vegetative debris management program. The storm vegetative debris program will encompass the collection and processing of storm vegetative debris primarily associated with the Wilkes Road Composting Facility. Other sites to be considered in the plan may include the Ann Street Landfill, temporary disaster debris management sites, collection centers, and other identified properties to effectively manage debris for disaster response and recovery.

The initial project scope of services will be to utilize grant funds to complete a project prioritization list and BCA report resulting from a risk and vulnerability assessment. It is expected that the report will evaluate aspects of estimating waste generation, waste characterization, collection and intake processes, capacity and technology evaluation, permitting and construction considerations for the development of infrastructure for aerobic compost processes.

These services may or will include assistance with additional applications to Federal and/or State agencies for funding, public outreach and engagement, design, permitting, bidding, construction contract administration, construction observation, and project administration.

There is no assurance of additional services being required beyond this initial project.

Additional Technical Expertise

• Funding experience with SRF, USDA-RD, FEMA, and other applicable funding agencies

• Environmental Assessments

• Process evaluation with organic waste streams other than vegetative debris

• Pilot testing

• Public outreach and engagement

• Site evaluation analysis including zoning, wetland and soils evaluation, survey, and other environmental studies

• Permitting, design, bidding and construction administration and construction inspection of composting projects

• Operation and maintenance consulting and assistance with vegetative management and composting processes

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. The respondent shall have a minimum of 5 years of experience in vegetative management and compost system design.

2. Qualifications of Professional Staff – Identify the key engagement partners, managers, and other staff members who would be assigned to the project and indicate their qualifications.

3. Subcontractors – Please clearly indicate whether subcontractors will be used in fulfilling the proposal. If the firm plans to use subcontractors, please provide an overview of the firm, project involvement, qualifications of staff, and the percentage of work you anticipate them to complete.

SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

The submittal shall be provided on 8.5” x 11” paper with a maximum of twenty-five (25) standard typewritten pages, font size 11 or larger (not including front or back covers, table of contents and cover letter). This page limit includes tabs and other dividers. Double-sided pages will be counted as two (2) pages. The outline below shall be followed as a template for the report and the overall information that is required with each submittal:

1. Firm name, address, telephone numbers, year established and brief history of the firm.

2. Provide a copy of the firm’s licensure and Certificate(s) of Insurance.

3. The firm’s related experience in managing federally funded local projects.

4. Types of services customarily provided by the firm.

5. Name and resume of Project Manager to be assigned to this project.

6. Number of staff available for this assignment and their qualifications.

7. Identify if the firm is classified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise under the EPA’s criteria. Identify if any of the subcontractors are classified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. Under EPA’s 8% statute (Public Law 102-389, 42 U.S.C. 4370d), an entity must establish that it is owned or controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who are of good character and citizens of the United States. The statute presumes women to be socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Public Law 102-389, 42 U.S.C. 4370d, provides for an 8% objective for awarding contracts under EPA financial assistance agreements to business concerns or other organizations owned or controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and women.

8. Names of outside consultants, if any, who would be retained to provide services required for this project and the percentages of services that the sub-consultant would provide.

9. The firm’s prior experience with similar projects. Highlight and provide governmental references for past projects within the last three years. Please include a brief description of each project, original timeline to completion, final timeline to completion, original project cost estimate, final project cost, and a contact name, address, and phone number of a reference for each project listed.

10. Describe in detail the firm’s project deliverables to Cumberland County and the benefit of each and how the County can use this information moving forward.

11. List of current projects underway and the estimated cost and completion date of each.

12. The proposed time in which the firm foresees to complete the work based on the information provided in the scope of services.

Cumberland County reserves the right to request interviews of selected proposers, to make selections based on initial proposals, or to reject all proposals submitted.

Proposals must also acknowledge that, if awarded the contract, Responder, as Contractor, shall comply with the following State contracting requirements:

E-VERIFY. Contractor shall comply with the requirements of Article 2 of Chapter 64 of the General Statutes and shall require any subcontractors to do so.

IRAN DIVESTMENT ACT CERTIFICATION. Contractor shall certify that Contractor, and all subcontractors, are not on the Iran Final Divestment List (“List”) created by the North Carolina State Treasurer pursuant to N.C.G.S. 147-86.55-69. Contractor shall not utilize any subcontractor that is identified on the List.

Proposals must also acknowledge that, if awarded the contract, Responder, as Contractor, shall comply with the Federal contracting requirements set forth below and on the attached Statement of Federal Terms & Conditions:

This solicitation is for services that will be funded through a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan and therefore all contracted consultants and subconsultants must be eligible to receive federal funds as provided by the Uniform Grant Guidance, 2 CFR Sect. 200 and must comply with Davis-Bacon Wage Requirements and American Iron and Steel Provisions.

Responder and its Principals and subcontractors must not be debarred or suspended nor otherwise on the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS) in the System for Award Management (SAM). Include verification through the www.SAM.gov that they are not listed by enclosing a printout of the search results that includes the record date with the proposal.

Responder must provide a Statement of Conflict(s) of Interest (if any) Responder or its Principals or subcontractors may have regarding the provision of these services, and a plan for mitigating the conflict(s). Note that the County may in its sole discretion determine whether a conflict disqualifies a firm, and/or whether or not a conflict mitigation plan is acceptable.

All interested firms shall submit five (5) hard copies and one (1) USB flash drive containing a PDF of their Statement of Qualifications no later than 2:00 PM, Friday, August 14, 2026. Late submittals will not be considered.

Qualifications packages shall be mailed or personally delivered to:

Cumberland County Solid Waste Attention: Johnny Scott, Environmental Resources Project Manager 698 Ann Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301

EVALUATION AND AWARD OF PROJECTS

The County will consider and evaluate Qualification Packages in accordance with N.C.G.S.

143-64.31. As part of the evaluation process, the County reserves the right to request additional information and/or interview any or all firms.

The Cumberland County Selection Committee shall review the Statements of Qualifications and shall select the best qualified individual or firm in their estimation based http://www.sam.gov/ on the identified criteria for this project. The Committee may establish a short-list and schedule interviews with those firms if necessary. Selection criteria shall include:

• Firm Qualifications (20%)

• Relevant Experience (25%)

• Project Approach including Schedule (15%)

• Project Team Qualifications (25%) and

• Firm References (15%).

Once Cumberland County has completed their evaluation, they will rank the most qualified firms in order. Cumberland County will attempt to negotiate reasonable fees with the most qualified firm. If such negotiations are not successful Cumberland County will attempt to negotiate with the next most qualified firm until an agreement can be made.

QUESTIONS

After the Request for Qualifications has been advertised, all communications between the Issuing Department and prospective Firms shall be in writing. No oral questions shall be accepted. Any inquiries, requests for interpretation, technical questions, clarifications, or additional information shall be directed to the attention of Johnny Scott, Environmental Resources Project Manager, by e-mail to jscott@cumberlandcountync.gov, no later than 2:00 PM, Thursday August 6, 2026. Questions received after this date and time will not be considered for response.

Upon receipt of questions, an Addendum will be issued if deemed necessary. A signed copy of each addendum must be included in the proposal package (the signed addendum will not be counted towards the page limit). Prospective firms are strictly prohibited from contacting County officials or employees regarding this Request for Qualifications, except in the manner described above. Violation of this provision may result in disqualification of the firm’s submittal.

Attachments:

A. Execution of Proposal

B. Certification Regarding Lobbying

C. Noncollusion Affidavit

D. Federal Required Contract Clauses

E. Evaluation Sheet mailto:jscott@cumberlandcountync.gov

ATTACHMENT A: EXECUTION OF PROPOSAL

EXECUTION

In compliance with this Request for Qualifications (RFQ), and subject to all the conditions herein, the undersigned vendor offers and agrees to furnish and deliver any or all items/services upon which prices are proposed. By executing this proposal, the undersigned vendor certifies that this proposal is submitted competitively and without collusion, that it and its principals are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible from covered transactions by any Federal or State department or agency.

Furthermore, the undersigned vendor certifies that it and its principals are not presently listed on the Department of State Treasurer’s Final Divestment List as per N.C.G.S 147-86.55-69.

The potential Contractor certifies and/or understands the following by placing an "X" in all blank spaces:

_______ The County has the right to reject any and all proposals or reject specific proposals with deviated/omitted information, based on the County’s discretion if the omitted information is considered a minor deviation or omission. The County will not contact vendors to request required information/documentation that is missing from a proposal packet. Additionally, if the County determines it is in its best interest to do so, the County reserves the right to award to one or more vendors and/or to award only a part of the services specified in the RFQ.

_______ This proposal was signed by an authorized representative of the Contractor.

_______ The potential Contractor has determined the cost and availability of all materials and supplies associated with performing the services outlined herein.

_______ All labor costs associated with this project have been determined, including all direct and indirect costs.

_______ The potential Contractor agrees to the conditions as set forth in this RFQ with no exceptions.

_______ Selection of a contract represents a preliminary determination as to the qualifications of the vendor. Vendor understands and agrees that no legally binding acceptance offer occurs until the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, or its designee, executes a formal contract and/or purchase order.

Therefore, in compliance with the foregoing RFQ, and subject to all terms and conditions thereof, the undersigned offers and agrees to furnish the services for the prices quoted within the timeframe required.

Vendor agrees to hold firm offer through contract execution.

Failure to execute/sign proposal prior to submittal shall render the proposal invalid and it WILL BE

REJECTED.

VENDOR:

STREET ADDRESS: P.O. BOX: ZIP:

CITY & COUNTY & ZIP: TELEPHONE

NUMBER:

TOLL FREE TEL. NO:

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS ADDRESS IF DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE (SEE INSTRUCTIONS TO

VENDORS ITEM #10):

PRINT NAME & TITLE OF PERSON SIGNING ON BEHALF OF

VENDOR:

FAX NUMBER:

VENDOR’S AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE: DATE: EMAIL:

ATTACHMENT B: CERTIFICATION REGARDING LOBBYING

Certification for Contracts, Grants, Loans, and Cooperative Agreements

This form is required only for purchases of more than $100,000

The undersigned certifies, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, that:

1. No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of the undersigned, to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of an agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any Federal contract, the making of any Federal grant, the making of any Federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement.

2. If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form-LLL, “Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying,” in accordance with its instructions.

3. The undersigned shall require that the language of this certification be included in the award documents for all subawards at all tiers (including subcontracts, subgrants, and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all subrecipients shall certify and disclose accordingly.

This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31, U.S. Code. Any person who fails to file the required certification shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure.

The Contractor, _______________________, certifies or affirms the truthfulness and accuracy of each statement of its certification and disclosure, if any. In addition, the Contractor understands and agrees that the provisions of 31 U.S.C. Chap. 38, Administrative Remedies for False Claims and Statements, apply to this certification and disclosure, if any.

Signature of Contractor’s Authorized Official

Name and Title of Contractor’s Authorized Official

Date

ATTACHMENT C: NONCOLLUSION AFFIDAVIT

NON-COLLUSION AFFIDAVIT State of North Carolina County of Cumberland

____________________________, being first duly sworn, deposes and says that:

l. He/She is the ___________________ of ___________________________, the proposer that has submitted the attached proposal.

2. He/She is fully informed respecting the preparation and contents of the attached proposal and of all pertinent circumstances respecting such proposal.

3. Such proposal is genuine and is not a collusive or sham proposal.

4. Neither the said proposer nor any of its officers, partners, owners, agents, representatives, employees or parties in interest, including this affiant, has in any way colluded, conspired, connived or agreed, directly or indirectly, with any other proposer firm or person to submit a collusive or sham proposal in connection with the contract for which the attached proposal has been submitted or to refrain from proposing in connection with such contract, or has in any manner, directly or indirectly sought by agreement or collusion of communication or conference with any other proposer, firm or person to fix the price or prices in the attached proposal or of any other proposers, or to fix any overhead, profit or cost element of the proposal price of the proposal of any other proposer or to secure through collusion, conspiracy, connivance or unlawful agreement any advantage against the County of Cumberland or any person interested in the proposed contract; and

5. The price or prices quoted in the attached proposal are fair and proper and are not tainted by any collusion, conspiracy, connivance or unlawful agreement on the part of the proposer or any of its agents, representatives, owners, employees, or parties in interest, including this affiant.

Signature ________________________________________

Printed Name: ____________________________

Title: ____________________________________

Date: ___________________________________

Subscribed and Sworn to Before Me, This ______ day of ___________________, _____

Notary Public _____________________________

My Commission Expires: ____________________

ATTACHMENT D: FEDERAL REQUIRED CONTRACT

CLAUSES

!IMPORTANT NOTE! The clauses below may not be modified or deleted under any circumstance. These are required contract clauses mandated by the Federal Government.

This Attachment D is incorporated into the Service Contract between the County and the Contractor. Capitalized terms not defined in this Attachment shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Contract. All references to the “Contractor” or “Company” or “Vendor” or “Provider” shall be deemed to mean the Contractor.

This Contract may be funded in whole or in part with federal funding. As such, federal laws, regulations, policies and related administrative practices apply to this Contract. The most recent of such federal requirements, including any amendments made after the execution of this Contract shall govern the Contract, unless the federal government determines otherwise. The Contractor is responsible for complying with all applicable provisions, updates or modifications that occur in the future relating to these clauses.

To the extent possible, the federal requirements contained in the most recent version of the Uniform Administrative Requirements for federal awards (Uniform Rules) codified at 2.CFR Part 200, including any certifications and contractual provisions required by any federal statutes or regulation referenced therein to be included in this contract are deemed incorporated into this contract by reference and shall be incorporated into any sub-agreement or subcontract executed by the Contractor pursuant to its obligations under this Contract. The Contractor and its sub-contractors, if any, hereby represent and covenant that they have complied and shall comply in the future with the applicable provisions of the original contract then in effect and with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and rules and local policies and procedures, as amended from time to time, relating to Work to be performed under this contract.

1. Drug Free Workplace Requirements

Drug-free workplace requirements in accordance with Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 (Pub 100- 690, Title V, Subtitle D). All contractors entering into federal funded contracts over $100,000 must comply with Federal Drug Free workplace requirements as Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988.

2. Contractor Compliance

The Contractor shall comply with all uniform administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirement for federal awards.

3. Conflict of Interest

The Contractor must disclose in writing any potential conflict of interest to the County of Cumberland or pass through entity in accordance with federal policy.

4. Mandatory Disclosures

The Contractor must disclose in writing all violations of federal criminal law involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the federal award. Energy Conservation The Contractor and Subcontractors agrees to comply with the mandatory standards and policies relating to energy efficiency which are contained in the state energy conservation plan issued in compliance with the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, 42 U.S.C. § 6321, et seq.

5. Clean Air Act and The Federal Water Pollution Control Act

Clean Air Act:

(1) The contractor agrees to comply with all applicable standards, orders or regulations issued pursuant to the Clean Air Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 7401 et seq.

(2) The contractor agrees to report each violation to the County and understands and agrees that the County will, in turn, report each violation as required to assure notification to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the appropriate Environmental Protection Agency Regional Office.

(3) The contractor agrees to include these requirements in each subcontract exceeding $150,000 financed in whole or in part with Federal assistance provided by FEMA.

Federal Water Pollution Control Act:

(1) The contractor agrees to comply with all applicable standards, orders, or regulations issued pursuant to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.

(2) The contractor agrees to report each violation to the County and understands and agrees that the County will, in turn, report each violation as required to assure notification to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the appropriate Environmental Protection Agency Regional Office.

(3) The contractor agrees to include these requirements in each subcontract exceeding $150,000 financed in whole or in part with Federal assistance provided by FEMA.

6. Access to Records and Reports

The following access to records requirements apply to this contract:

(1) The Contractor agrees to provide the County, the FEMA Administrator, the Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their authorized representatives access to any books, documents, papers, and records of the Contractor which are directly pertinent to this contract for the purposes of making audits, examinations, excerpts, and transcriptions.

(2) The Contractor agrees to permit any of the foregoing parties to reproduce by any means whatsoever or to copy excerpts and transcriptions as reasonably needed.

(3) The Contractor agrees to provide the FEMA Administrator or his authorized representatives access to construction or other work sites pertaining to the work being completed under the contract.

(4) In compliance with the Disaster Recovery Act of 2018, the County and the Contractor acknowledge and agree that no language in this contract is intended to prohibit audits or internal reviews by the FEMA Administrator or the Comptroller General of the United States.

7. No Obligation by Federal Government

The Federal Government is not a party to this contract and is not subject to any obligations or liabilities to the non-Federal entity, contractor, or any other party pertaining to any matter resulting from the contract.

8. Program Fraud and False or Fraudulent Statements or Related Acts

The Contractor acknowledges that 31 U.S.C. Chap. 38 (Administrative Remedies for False Claims and Statements) applies to the Contractor’s actions pertaining to this contract.

9. Changes

Any change in the contract cost, modification, change order, or constructive change must be allowable, allocable, within the scope of its funding, grant or cooperative agreement, and reasonable for the completion of project scope. All changes and/or amendments to the contract will be outlined in detail, formalized in writing, and signed by the authorized representative of each party. Contractor’s failure to do so shall constitute a material breach of the contract.

10. Termination

(1) Termination Without Cause. The County may immediately terminate this Agreement at any time without cause by giving 30 days’ written notice to the Contractor.

(2) Termination for Default by Either Party. By giving written notice to the other party, either party may terminate this Agreement upon the occurrence of one or more of the following events:

The other party violates or fails to perform any covenant, provision, obligation, term or condition contained in this Agreement, provided that, unless otherwise stated in this Agreement, such failure or violation shall not be cause for termination if both of the following conditions are satisfied: (i) such default is reasonably susceptible to cure; and (ii) the other party cures such default within thirty (30) days of receipt of written notice of default from the non-defaulting party; or

The other party attempts to assign, terminate or cancel this Agreement contrary to the terms hereof;

or

The other party ceases to do business as a going concern, makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, admits in writing its inability to pay debts as they become due, files a petition in bankruptcy or has an involuntary bankruptcy petition filed against it (except in connection with a reorganization under which the business of such party is continued and performance of all its obligations under this Agreement shall continue), or if a receiver, trustee or liquidator is appointed for it or any substantial part of other party’s assets or properties.

Any notice of default pursuant to this Section shall identify and state the party’s intent to terminate this Agreement if the default is not cured within the specified period.

(3) Additional Grounds for Default Termination by the County. By giving written notice to the Contractor, the County may also terminate this Agreement upon the occurrence of one or more of the following events (which shall each constitute grounds for termination without a cure period and without the occurrence of any of the other events of default previously listed):

The Contractor makes or allows to be made any material written misrepresentation or provides any materially misleading written information in connection with this Agreement, Contractor’s Proposal, or any covenant, agreement, obligation, term or condition contained in this Agreement;

or

The Contractor takes or fails to take any action which constitutes grounds for immediate termination under the terms of this Agreement, including but not limited to failure to obtain or maintain the insurance policies and endorsements as required by this Agreement, or failure to provide the proof of insurance as required by this Agreement.

(4) Cancellation of Orders and Subcontracts. In the event this Agreement is terminated by the County for any reason prior to the end of the term, the Contractor shall upon termination immediately discontinue all service in connection with this Agreement and promptly cancel all existing orders and subcontracts, which are chargeable to this Agreement. As soon as practicable after receipt of notice of termination, the Contractor shall submit a statement to the County showing in detail the services performed under this Agreement to the date of termination.

(5) No Effect on Taxes, Fees, Charges, or Reports. Any termination of the Agreement shall not relieve the Contractor of the obligation to pay any fees, taxes or other charges then due to the County, nor relieve the Contractor of the obligation to file any daily, monthly, quarterly or annual reports covering the period to termination nor relieve the Contractor from any claim for damages previously accrued or then accruing against the Contractor.

(6) Obligations Upon Expiration or Termination. Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, the Contractor shall promptly (a) return to the County all computer programs, files, documentation, data, media, related material and any other recording devices, information, or compact discs that are owned by the County; (b) deliver to the County all Work Product; (c) allow the County or a new vendor access to the systems, software, infrastructure, or processes of the Contractor that are necessary to migrate the Services to a new vendor; and (d) refund to the County all pre-paid sums for Products or Services that have been cancelled and will not be delivered.

(7) No Suspension. In the event that the County disputes in good faith an allegation of default by the Contractor, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Contractor agrees that it will not terminate this Agreement or suspend or limit the delivery of Products or Services or any warranties or repossess, disable or render unusable any Software supplied by the Contractor, unless (i) the parties agree in writing, or (ii) an order of a court of competent jurisdiction determines otherwise.

(8) Authority to Terminate. The County Manager or their designee is authorized to terminate this Agreement on behalf of the County.

(9) Audit. During the term of the Agreement and for a period of one (1) year after termination or expiration of this Agreement for any reason, the County shall have the right to audit, either itself or through a third party, all books and records (including but not limited to the technical records) and facilities of the Contractor necessary to evaluate Contractor’s compliance with the terms and conditions of the Agreement or the County’s payment obligations. The County shall pay its own expenses, relating to such audits, but shall not have to pay any expenses or additional costs of the Contractor. However, if non-compliance is found that would have cost the County in excess of $5,000 but for the audit, then the Contractor shall be required to reimburse the County for the cost of the audit.

11. Remedies

(1) Liquidated Damages: The County and the Contractor acknowledge and agree that the County may incur costs if the Contractor fails to meet the delivery times set forth in the Request for Proposal for the Products and Services. The parties further acknowledge and agree that: (a) the County may be damaged by such failures, including loss of goodwill and administrative costs; but that (b) the costs that the County might reasonably be anticipated to accrue as a result of such failures are difficult to ascertain due to their indefiniteness and uncertainty. Accordingly, the Contractor agrees to pay liquidated damages at the rates set forth in the Request for Proposal (if applicable). The parties agree that the liquidated damages set forth in the Request for Proposal shall be the County’s exclusive remedy for loss of goodwill and administrative costs, attributable to a failure by the Contractor to meet such delivery times, but shall not be the remedy for the cost to cover or other direct damages.

(2) Right to Cover: If the Contractor fails to meet any completion date or resolution time set forth in this Agreement (including the Exhibits), and it fails to cure such default within one (1) business day after receiving written notice from the County of such failure, the County may take any of the following actions with or without terminating this Agreement, and in addition to and without limiting any other remedies it may have:

Employ such means as it may reasonably deem advisable and appropriate to perform itself or obtain the Services from a third party until the matter is resolved and the Contractor is again able to resume performance under this Agreement; and

Deduct any and all reasonable expenses incurred by the County in obtaining or performing the Services from any money then due or to become due the Contractor and, should the County’s reasonable cost of obtaining or performing the services exceed the amount due the Contractor, collect the difference from the Contractor.

(3) Right to Withhold Payment. If the Contractor materially breaches any provision of this Agreement, the County shall have a right to withhold all payments due to the Contractor with respect to the services that are the subject of such breach until such breach has been fully cured.

(4) Specific Performance and Injunctive Relief. The Contractor agrees that due to the potential impact on public health, monetary damages may not be an adequate remedy for the Contractor’s failure to provide the Services required by this Agreement, and monetary damages may not be the equivalent of the performance of such obligation. Accordingly, the Contractor hereby agrees that the County may seek an order granting specific performance of such obligations of the Contractor in a court of competent jurisdiction in Cumberland County, North Carolina. The Contractor further consents to the County seeking injunctive relief (including a temporary restraining order) to assure performance in the event the Contractor breaches the Agreement in any material respect.

(5) Setoff. Each party shall be entitled to setoff and deduct from any amounts owed to the other party pursuant to this Agreement all damages and expenses incurred as a result of the other party’s breach of this Agreement, following any applicable cure periods, and provided such party has given notice of its intention to apply a setoff prior to making the payment deduction, together with documentary evidence demonstrating that such party has actually incurred the damages and/or expenses being setoff.

(6) Other Remedies. Except as specifically set forth in the main body of this Agreement, the remedies set forth above shall be deemed cumulative and not exclusive and may be exercised successively or concurrently, in addition to any other available remedy

12. Debarment and Suspension

(1) This contract is a covered transaction for purposes of 2 C.F.R. pt. 180 and 2 C.F.R. pt. 3000.

As such, the contractor is required to verify that none of the contractor’s principals (defined at 2 C.F.R. § 180.995) or its affiliates (defined at 2 C.F.R. § 180.905) are excluded (defined at 2 C.F.R.

§ 180.940) or disqualified (defined at 2 C.F.R. § 180.935).

(2) The contractor must comply with 2 C.F.R. pt. 180, subpart C and 2 C.F.R. pt. 3000, subpart C, and must include a requirement to comply with these regulations in any lower tier covered transaction it enters into.

(3) This certification is a material representation of fact relied upon by the County. If it is later determined that the contractor did not comply with 2 C.F.R. pt. 180, subpart C and 2 C.F.R. pt.

3000, subpart C, in addition to remedies available to County, the Federal Government may pursue available remedies, including but not limited to suspension and/or debarment.

(4) The bidder or proposer agrees to comply with the requirements of 2 C.F.R. pt. 180, subpart C and 2 C.F.R. pt. 3000, subpart C while this offer is valid and throughout the period of any contract that may arise from this offer. The bidder or proposer further agrees to include a provision requiring such compliance in its lower tier covered transactions.

13. Equal Employment Opportunity

During the performance of this contract, the Contractor agrees as follows:

(1) The contractor will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. The contractor will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Such action shall include, but not be limited to the following:

Employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer; recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, including apprenticeship. The contractor agrees to post in conspicuous places, available to employees and applicants for employment, notices to be provided setting forth the provisions of this nondiscrimination clause.

(2) The contractor will, in all solicitations or advertisements for employees placed by or on behalf of the contractor, state that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

(3) The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because such employee or applicant has inquired about, discussed, or disclosed the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant. This provision shall not apply to instances in which an employee who has access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of such employee's essential job functions discloses the compensation of such other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to such information, unless such disclosure is in response to a formal complaint or charge, in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or is consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

(4) The contractor will send to each labor union or representative of workers with which he has a collective bargaining agreement or other contract or understanding, a notice to be provided advising the said labor union or workers' representatives of the contractor's commitments under this section, and shall post copies of the notice in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for employment.

(5) The contractor will comply with all provisions of Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and of the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.

(6) The contractor will furnish all information and reports required by Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and by rules, regulations, and orders of the Secretary of Labor, or pursuant thereto, and will permit access to his books, records, and accounts by the administering agency and the Secretary of Labor for purposes of investigation to ascertain compliance with such rules, regulations, and orders.

(7) In the event of the contractor's noncompliance with the nondiscrimination clauses of this contract or with any of the said rules, regulations, or orders, this contract may be canceled, terminated, or suspended in whole or in part and the contractor may be declared ineligible for further Government contracts or federally assisted construction contracts in accordance with procedures authorized in Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, and such other sanctions may be imposed and remedies invoked as provided in Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, or by rule, regulation, or order of the Secretary of Labor, or as otherwise provided by law.

(8) The contractor will include the portion of the sentence immediately preceding paragraph (1) and the provisions of paragraphs (1) through (8) in every subcontract or purchase order unless exempted by rules, regulations, or orders of the Secretary of Labor issued pursuant to section 204 of Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, so that such provisions will be binding upon each subcontractor or vendor. The contractor will take such action with respect to any subcontract or purchase order as the administering agency may direct as a means of enforcing such provisions, including sanctions for noncompliance:

Provided, however, that in the event a contractor becomes involved in, or is threatened with, litigation with a subcontractor or vendor as a result of such direction by the administering agency, the contractor may request the United States to enter into such litigation to protect the interests of the United States.

The applicant further agrees that it will be bound by the above equal opportunity clause with respect to its own employment practices when it participates in federally assisted construction work:

Provided, That if the applicant so participating is a State or local government, the above equal opportunity clause is not applicable to any agency, instrumentality or subdivision of such government which does not participate in work on or under the contract.

The applicant agrees that it will assist and cooperate actively with the administering agency and the Secretary of Labor in obtaining the compliance of contractors and subcontractors with the equal opportunity clause and the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor, that it will furnish the administering agency and the Secretary of Labor such information as they may require for the supervision of such compliance, and that it will otherwise assist the administering agency in the discharge of the agency's primary responsibility for securing compliance.

The applicant further agrees that it will refrain from entering into any contract or contract modification subject to Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, with a contractor debarred from, or who has not demonstrated eligibility for, Government contracts and federally assisted construction contracts pursuant to the Executive Order and will carry out such sanctions and penalties for violation of the equal opportunity clause as may be imposed upon contractors and subcontractors by the administering agency or the Secretary of Labor pursuant to Part II, Subpart D of the Executive Order. In addition, the applicant agrees that if it fails or refuses to comply with these undertakings, the administering agency may take any or all of the following actions: Cancel, terminate, or suspend in whole or in part this grant (contract, loan, insurance, guarantee); refrain from extending any further assistance to the applicant under the program with respect to which the failure or refund occurred until satisfactory assurance of future compliance has been received from such applicant; and refer the case to the Department of Justice for appropriate legal proceedings.

14. Davis-Bacon Requirements

(1) All transactions regarding this contract shall be done in compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 3141-3144, and 3146-3148) and the requirements of 29 C.F.R. pt. 5 as may be applicable. The contractor shall comply with 40 U.S.C. 3141-3144, and 3146-3148 and the requirements of 29 C.F.R. pt. 5 as applicable.

(2) Contractors are required to pay wages to laborers and mechanics at a rate not less than the prevailing wages specified in a wage determination made by the Secretary of Labor.

(3) Additionally, contractors are required to pay wages not less than once a week.

15. Copeland “Anti-Kickback” Act

(1) Contractor. The contractor shall comply with 18 U.S.C. § 874, 40 U.S.C. § 3145, and the requirements of 29 C.F.R. pt. 3 as may be applicable, which are incorporated by reference into this contract.

(2) Subcontracts. The contractor or subcontractor shall insert in any subcontracts the clause above and such other clauses as FEMA may by appropriate instructions require, and also a clause requiring the subcontractors to include these clauses in any lower tier subcontracts. The prime contractor shall be responsible for the compliance by any subcontractor or lower tier subcontractor with all of these contract clauses.

(3) Breach. A breach of the contract clauses above may be grounds for termination of the contract, and for debarment as a contractor and subcontractor as provided in 29 C.F.R. § 5.12.”

16. Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C. 3701-3708)

Where applicable, all contracts awarded in excess of $100,000 that involve the employment of mechanics or laborers must be in compliance with 40 U.S.C. 3702 and 3704, as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5).

(1) Overtime requirements. No contractor or subcontractor contracting for any part of the contract work which may require or involve the employment of laborers or mechanics shall require or permit any such laborer or mechanic in any workweek in which he or she is employed on such work to work in excess of forty hours in such workweek unless such laborer or mechanic receives compensation at a rate not less than one and one-half times the basic rate of pay for all hours worked in excess of forty hours in such workweek.

(2) Violation; liability for unpaid wages; liquidated damages. In the event of any violation of the clause set forth in paragraph (b) (1) of this section the contractor and any subcontractor responsible therefor shall be liable for the unpaid wages. In addition, such contractor and subcontractor shall be liable to the United States (in the case of work done under contract for the District of Columbia or a territory, to such District or to such territory), for liquidated damages.

Such liquidated damages shall be computed with respect to each individual laborer or mechanic, including watchmen and guards, employed in violation of the clause set forth in paragraph (b) (1) of this section, in the sum of $26 for each calendar day on which such individual was required or permitted to work in excess of the standard workweek of forty hours without payment of the overtime wages required by the clause set forth in paragraph (b) (1) of this section.

(3) Withholding for unpaid wages and liquidated damages. The Owner shall upon its own action or upon written request of an authorized representative of the Department of Labor withhold or cause to be withheld, from any moneys payable on account of work performed by the contractor or subcontractor under any such contract or any other Federal contract with the same prime contractor, or any other federally-assisted contract subject to the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act, which is held by the same prime contractor, such sums as may be determined to be necessary to satisfy any liabilities of such contractor or subcontractor for unpaid wages and liquidated damages as provided in the clause set forth in paragraph (b)(2) of this section.

(4) Subcontracts. The contractor or subcontractor shall insert in any subcontracts the clauses set forth in paragraph (b)(1) through (4) of this section and also a clause requiring the subcontractors to include these clauses in any lower tier subcontracts. The prime contractor shall be responsible for compliance by any subcontractor or lower tier subcontractor with the clauses set forth in paragraphs (b)(1) through (4) of this section.

17. Rights to Inventions Made Under a Contract or Agreement

Patent and Rights in Data

Contracts involving experimental, developmental, or research work.

The term "subject data" used in this clause means recorded information, whether or not copyrighted, that is delivered or specified to be delivered under the contract. The term includes graphic or pictorial delineation in media such as drawings or photographs; text in specifications or related performance or design-type documents; machine forms such as punched cards, magnetic tape, or computer memory printouts; and information retained in computer memory. Examples include, but are not limited to, computer software, engineering drawings and associated lists, specifications, standards, process sheets, manuals, technical reports, catalog item identifications, and related information. The term "subject data" does not include financial reports, cost analyses, and similar information incidental to contract administration.

Rights in Data - The following requirements apply to each contract involving experimental, developmental or research work:

The following restrictions apply to all subject data first produced in the performance of the contract to which this Attachment has been added:

(1) Except for its own internal use, the Purchaser or Contractor may not publish or reproduce subject data in whole or in part, or in any manner or form, nor may the Purchaser or Contractor authorize others to do so, without the written consent of the Federal Government, until such time as the Federal Government may have either released or approved the release of such data to the public; this restriction on publication, however, does not apply to any contract with an academic institution. In accordance with 49 CFR § 18.34 and 49 CFR § 19.36, the Federal Government reserves a royalty-free, non-exclusive and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use, and to authorize others to use, for "Federal Government purposes," any subject data or copyright described in subsections (2)(b)(i) and (2)(b)(ii) of this clause below. As used in the previous sentence, "for Federal Government purposes," means use only for the direct purposes of the Federal Government. Without the copyright owner's consent, the Federal Government may not extend its Federal license to any other party.

(2) Any subject data developed under that contract,…