INVITATION TO BID

FOR

ROWAN COUNTY

Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles Sheriff’s Office

# 2027-012

ROWAN COUNTY

130 West Innes Street

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

Date Issued: Thursday, September 10, 2026

Date Due: Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET

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

Rowan County 2027-012 Invitation to Bid Date Due: Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM Ford Police Interceptors

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

INVITATION TO BID

Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles - Sheriff’s Office

Rowan County is planning to purchase twenty-six (26) 2027 Ford Police Interceptor Utility All-Wheel Drive (K8A) for the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office (SO). All bids submitted must meet or exceed the time frame and the product/service specifications as outlined in this invitation to bid (ITB).

Bids for the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles will be accepted until Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET at the Rowan County Purchasing Department, 130 West Innes Street, Suite 31, Salisbury, North Carolina 28144. Bid documents may be obtained by contacting the Rowan County Purchasing Director or from the County website at:

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

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

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

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

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

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

For complete details, consult the bid package.

This is the 10th day of September 2026.

Rowan County

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

Table of Contents

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

1. Section 1: Introduction & General Instructions

1.1. Intent of Request for Bids

1.2. Important Dates

2. Section 2: Bid Submission

2.1. Submission of Bids

2.2. Request for Clarification

2.3. Errors and Omissions

2.4. Signed Bid Considered an Offer

2.5. Insurance Coverage

2.6. ADA Compliance

2.7. Conflict of Interest

3. Section 3: Evaluation of Bids

3.1. Award Criteria

3.2. Liquidated Damages

3.3. Pricing

3.4. Final Selection

4. Section 4: Agreement & General Conditions

4.1. Timeline to Execute Contract

4.2. Availability of Funds

4.3. Non-Discrimination

4.4. Collusive Bidding

4.5. General Indemnity

4.6. Assignment

4.7. Termination

5. Section 5: Scope of Work

5.1. Patrol Vehicles

5.2. K-9 Vehicles

5.3. Vehicle Requirements

5.4. Delivery, Documentation, and Acceptance Requirements

5.5. Warranty

6. Section 6: Bidder Information Sheet

7. Section 7: Bid Response Form

1. Section 1: Introduction & General Instructions

1.1. Intent of Request for Bids

The purpose of this Invitation to Bid (ITB) is to provide vendors with a uniform set of specifications for the preparation and submission of bids, and to establish a consistent basis for Rowan County to evaluate responses and select the vendor offering the lowest responsive responsible bid (LRRB) and compliance with the County's requirements.

Rowan County is soliciting sealed bids from qualified and authorized Ford dealerships for the purchase and delivery of new Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles for the Rowan County Sheriff's Office. The intent of this solicitation is to procure factory-built law enforcement vehicles that meet the specifications and requirements outlined herein.

All vehicles shall be new, unused, current model year 2027 vehicles and shall include all standard manufacturer equipment and features unless otherwise specified in this ITB.

It is the responsibility of each Respondent to become familiar with and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and codes governing the submission of a bid and the performance of any resulting contract. Failure to do so shall not relieve the Respondent of its obligation to fully comply with all requirements and conditions set forth in this solicitation.

The following documents make up this Request for Bids:

a. This Document

1. Introduction and General Information

2. Bid Submission

3. Evaluation of Bids

4. Agreement & General Conditions

5. Scope of Work

6. Bidder Information Sheet

7. Bid Response Form

8. Detailed Vehicle Specifications

b. Appendix A: Photographs

1.2. Important Dates

1.2.1. Issue Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026

1.2.2. Deadline for written questions & Approved Equal request:

Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET

1.2.3. Deadline for Submitting Bids: Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET

2. Section 2: Bid Submission

2.1. Submission of Bids

Bids must be presented on the Bid Response Form included with the specifications and enclosed in a sealed envelope. Each respondent must provide BOTH:

• One (1) signed hard copy of the complete proposal

• One (1) electronic copy in PDF format, created using software such as Adobe, CutePDF, or PDF Writer, to ensure compliance with ADA public information standards.

Delivery Instructions:

• Paper submissions (mail or hand-delivery):

Rowan County Purchasing Department Attn: Jody Farrow-Bennett, Purchasing Director 130 West Innes Street, Suite 31 Salisbury, NC 28144

• Electronic submissions:

jody.farrow-bennett@rowancountync.gov

The package shall be sealed and plainly marked “ITB 2027-012 Ford Police Interceptors-SO”.

Bidders must submit one original sealed bid and one copy.

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

This will be a public bid opening. Once the BOC awards the Bid all respondents will receive notification.

Sealed Bids are due on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET; opening will be held in the J. Newton Cohen, Sr. Administration Building at 130 West Innes Street, Conference Room 101, Salisbury, North Carolina.

Failure to submit a Bid by this deadline will disqualify the Bidder from consideration in this project.

2.2. Request for Clarification

The County will not be bound by or be responsible for any interpretations or conclusions drawn from this ITB. All questions or requests for clarification or additional information must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 pm on Thursday, September 17, 2026. These written questions or requests must be submitted to Jody Farrow- Bennett, Purchasing Director, by mail or e-mail. Any questions the County feels are pertinent to all interested bidders will be delivered to all participating bidders as addenda to this ITB. All addendums will be posted on the County website https://www.rowancountync.gov/675/Purchasing and it is the responsibility of the Bidder to check for any addendums. The addendum for clarification will be posted by 5pm Friday, September 18, 2026.

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

2.3. Errors and Omissions

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

2.4. Signed Bid Considered an Offer

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

2.5. Insurance Coverage

The Bidder shall not commence work under this contract until all insurance required under this section has been obtained. The Bidder shall not allow any subcontractor to commence on work that has been subcontracted until similar insurance has been obtained by the subcontractor. Also, the Bidder agrees that once awarded and during https://www.rowancountync.gov/675/Purchasing the term of this contract, the Bidder, at their sole cost and expense, shall provide commercial insurance of such type and with such terms and limits as may be reasonably associated with the contract. At a minimum, the Bidder shall provide and maintain the following coverage and limits:

2.5.1. WORKER’S COMPENSATION

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

2.5.2. COMPREHENSIVE GENERAL LIABILITY

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

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

This coverage must include:

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

2. Contractor's protective coverage for his subcontractors.

2.5.3. COMPREHENSIVE AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY

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

Any exceptions must be agreed upon by the County.

Any exceptions must be agreed upon by the County.

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

2.6. ADA Compliance

All vendors of Rowan County must ensure their products and services are available to individuals with disabilities, in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), by April 2026. For digital accessibility, vendors should comply with WCAG 2.1 AA standards, which include making digital content perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for users with disabilities. Digital offerings must be compatible with assistive technologies like screen readers, braille displays, and voice recognition software. Vendors must provide reasonable modifications to their products and services to accommodate individuals with disabilities unless doing so would cause undue hardship or fundamentally alter the nature of the service. Vendors must ensure effective communication with individuals with disabilities, which may include providing auxiliary aids and services such as accessible electronic documents, captions for videos, and alternative text for images. Failure to meet these requirements may result in termination of the contract.

2.7. Conflict of Interest

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

3. Section 3: Evaluation of Bids

3.1. Award Criteria

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

3.2. Liquidated Damages

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

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

$200.00 per calendar day

3.3. Pricing

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

3.4. Final Selection

Proposals are due no later than September 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET. The County will review all submissions and notify finalists. A preliminary recommendation date is set for October 5, 2026. The right is reserved to accept the response that the County determines to be in the best interest of the County and the employees. The County reserves the right to reject any and/or all bids.

4. Section 4: Agreement & General Conditions

4.1. Timeline to Execute Contract

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

4.2. Availability of Funds

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

4.3. Non-Discrimination

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

4.4. Collusive Bidding

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

4.5. General Indemnity

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

4.6. Assignment

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

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

4.7. Termination

4.7.1. TERMINATION FOR CAUSE

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

If the Contractor:

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

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

3. Performs the work unsuitably.

4. Discontinues the prosecution of the work.

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

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

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

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

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

4.7.2. TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE

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

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

5. Section 5: Scope of Work The purpose of this Invitation to Bid (ITB) is to secure a qualified and authorized Ford dealership to furnish and deliver new Ford Police Interceptor Utility vehicles for use by the Rowan County Sheriff's Office.

The successful bidder shall provide all labor, supervision, materials, equipment, transportation, permits, certifications, documentation, and incidentals necessary to furnish and deliver the vehicles specified herein in accordance with the requirements of this ITB. Vehicles shall be delivered complete and ready for County acceptance.

The County intends to purchase the following vehicles:

5.1. Patrol Vehicles

The Contractor shall furnish:

• Vehicle: 2027 Ford Police Interceptor Utility AWD (K8A)

• Ballistic door panel – Level III+ – Driver’s front door only

• Quantity: 23

• Color: Agate Black Metallic

• Engine: 3.0L EcoBoost Engine

• Transmission: 10-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Factory Option: Noise Suppression Bonds (60R)

5.2. K-9 Vehicles

The Contractor shall furnish:

• Vehicle: 2027 Ford Police Interceptor Utility AWD (K8A)

• Ballistic door panel – Level III+ – Driver’s front door only

• Quantity: 3

• Color: Agate Black Metallic

• Engine: 3.0L EcoBoost Engine

• Transmission: 10-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Factory Option: Hidden Door-Lock Plunger with Rear Door Controls Inoperable (52P)

• Factory Option: Noise Suppression Bonds (60R)

5.3. Vehicle Requirements

All vehicles furnished under this contract shall:

• Be new, unused, current model year 2027 vehicles.

• Be manufactured and equipped in accordance with the specifications contained in this ITB.

• Include all standard manufacturer equipment and safety features unless specifically modified by these specifications.

• Comply with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and other applicable federal and state regulations.

• Be free from defects in materials and workmanship.

• Be delivered fully assembled, inspected, serviced, and in operating condition.

• Include all warranties customarily provided by the manufacturer.

5.4. Delivery, Documentation, and Acceptance Requirements

All vehicles furnished under this contract shall, at the time of delivery, conform to the latest applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, standards, and requirements governing vehicles of this type. Vehicles shall be new, unused, free from defects in materials and workmanship, and delivered in full compliance with the specifications contained herein.

The Contractor shall deliver all vehicles within the delivery timeframe specified in its bid and accepted by Rowan County. Delivery shall commence following receipt of a Rowan County Purchase Order or dealer allocation confirmation, whichever occurs later. Delivery shall be FOB Destination, freight prepaid and included in the bid price, to:

Rowan County Fleet Management 425 Airport Road Salisbury, NC 28147

The Contractor shall provide a minimum of ten (10) business days' advance notice prior to delivery and coordinate delivery with Rowan County Fleet Manager, Chris Eller, at 704-216-8123 or Christopher.Eller@rowancountync.gov

At the time of delivery, the Contractor shall provide the following documentation for each vehicle:

• Manufacturer's Statement/Certificate of Origin (MSO/MCO)

• Manufacturer warranty documentation

• Owner's manuals

• Temporary registration and tags, if applicable

• Odometer statement

• Any documentation required for vehicle titling and registration

• Itemized vehicle build sheet identifying all factory-installed options

Vehicles shall be subject to inspection and acceptance by Rowan County upon delivery. The County reserves the right to reject any vehicle that fails to meet the specifications of this Invitation to Bid, contains defects, or is otherwise determined to be unacceptable. Any rejected vehicle shall be corrected or replaced by the Contractor at no additional cost to the County.

mailto:Christopher.Eller@rowancountync.gov

Payment shall be made in accordance with Rowan County's standard payment procedures. To facilitate payment upon delivery, the Contractor shall submit an invoice to the County no less than two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled delivery date. Receipt of an invoice does not constitute acceptance of the vehicle(s), and payment is contingent upon successful delivery and acceptance by Rowan County.

5.5. Warranty

The Contractor shall provide all manufacturer warranties applicable to the vehicles supplied under this contract.

Any extended warranty options shall be listed separately and shall not be included in the bid price unless specifically requested by Rowan County.

6. Section 6: Bidder Information Sheet

1. COMPANY NAME: _______________________________________________________________________

2. OWNER OF COMPANY: _______________________________________________________________________

3. NUMBER OF YEARS IN BUSINESS: ____________________________________________________________

4. NUMBER OF PERSONS EMPLOYED ON REGULAR BASIS: ______________________________________________

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

NAME: _________________________________________________________________

TELEPHONE: ____________________________________________________________

EMAIL: _________________________________________________________________

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

The following addenda are acknowledged: ____________________ dated _________________

____________________ dated _________________

COMPANY NAME FEDERAL ID#

STREET ADDRESS PO BOX CITY STATE ZIP

TELEPHONE # FAX #

DAYS TO COMPLETE

Patrol Vehicle (23)

____________________________________ ____________________________ $_____________(each)

MODEL YEAR MODEL DESIGNATION

K-9 Vehicle (3)

____________________________________ ____________________________ $_____________(each)

MODEL YEAR MODEL DESIGNATION

BID Total – The undersigned proposes to perform all work for the sum of: Total Bid* $__________________

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

SIGNATURE DATE SIGNATORY’S NAME (printed)

SIGNATORY’S TITLE (printed)