24122-JT Water Meters.pdf

INVITATION FOR BID

City of Suffolk

IFB #24122-JT

May 1, 2024 Purchasing Division

442 W. Washington Street, Room 1086 Suffolk, VA 23434

Phone: (757) 514-7520 Fax: (757) 514-7524

Water Meters SCOPE OF WORK – The intent of this Invitation for Bid is to establish an agreement to furnish and deliver cold water meters for the replacement of existing meters and for meters at new service locations on an as-needed basis for a one-year period. The City of Suffolk (the City) shall have the exclusive option to renew the agreement for four (4) additional one year periods under the same specifications, terms, conditions and pricing contained and quoted herein.

Bid Due: 3:00 p.m., June 13, 2024

Contract Officer: ________ Julie Turner ________________ Julie Turner, Senior Buyer, jeturner@suffolkva.us

The Senior Buyer, Julie Turner is the Contract Officer for the City of Suffolk with respect to this IFB. All questions and/or comments should be directed to her at this email address: jeturner@suffolkva.us. The respondents to this IFB shall not contact, either directly or indirectly, any other employee or agent of the City regarding this IFB. This prohibition shall also extend to the Suffolk City Council and other elected City officials.

Any such unauthorized contact may disqualify the bidder from the procurement. All questions must be in writing and received five (5) business days prior to the bid opening.

**SUBMIT ENTIRE IFB AS YOUR BID PACKAGE**

Sealed bids subject to the conditions and instructions contained herein, will be received at the office of the Purchasing Agent listed above, until the time and date shown above (local prevailing time), for furnishing the items or services described in the bid.

Company Name:

Address:

City / State / Zip:

Telephone: FAX No.:

E-mail:

Print Name: Title:

Signature: Date:

mailto:jeturner@suffolkva.us mailto:jeturner@suffolkva.us

In compliance with this Invitation for Bid (IFB), and subject to all the conditions thereof, the signatory offers, if this bid is accepted within ninety (90) calendar days from the date of the opening, to furnish any or all of the items and/or services upon which prices are quoted, at the price set opposite each item, to be delivered at the time and place specified herein. The above signature certifies the bidder has read, understands, and agrees to all terms, conditions, and requirements of this bid, and is authorized to contract on behalf of firm named above.

IF YOU NEED ANY REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANY TYPE OF DISABILITY IN

ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCUREMENT, PLEASE CONTACT THIS DIVISION AS

SOON AS POSSIBLE.

BID OPENING

Bids shall be publicly opened and read aloud on the date that the bids are accepted. Public opening will be held on June 13, 2024 at 3:00 PM (local prevailing time), in the City of Suffolk City Hall, Conference Room 3, located at 442 W. Washington Street, Suffolk, VA 23434-5237.

SUBMITTALS

Bidder should submit the entire IFB as their bid package.

ALL BIDS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO PURCHASING PRIOR TO 3:00 P.M., June 13, 2024

Mark outside of mailing envelope:

IFB 24122-JT – Water Meters Company Name Closing date and time

Note: Any bidder failing to mark the outside of the envelope, as set forth herein may not be entitled to have their bid considered.

Address responses and deliver to: City of Suffolk Attn: Purchasing Division 442 W. Washington Street

INVITATION FOR BID

Water Meters

SECTION/TITLE

PURPOSE

COMPETITION INTENDED

CONTRACT PERIOD

SPECIFICATIONS

BID FORM

EXCEPTION PAGE

ANTICOLLUSION/NONDISCRIMINATION/DRUG FREE WORKPLACE CLAUSES

PROOF OF AUTHORITY TO TRANSACT BUSINESS IN VIRGINIA

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

PURPOSE

The intent of this Invitation for Bid is to enter into a one-year agreement (the Agreement) to furnish cold water meters to the City of Suffolk, Department of Public Utilities, for use in their water distribution system. All meters obtained through this Agreement with the City are for the City’s use and will not be subject to resale. The meters will be utilized for the replacement of existing meters within the system and for new service locations. The Bid Form has a listing of meters by size that the City anticipates the procurement of under this agreement. The quantities are annual estimates only and impose no obligation on the City to purchase a minimum numbers of meters each year. The City reserves the exclusive right to renew the agreement for four (4) additional one year periods under the same specifications, terms, conditions and pricing contained and quoted herein.

COMPETITION INTENDED

It is the City’s intent that this Invitation for Bid (IFB) permits competition. It shall be the bidder’s responsibility to advise the Purchasing Agent in writing if any language requirement, specification, etc., or any combination thereof, inadvertently restricts or limits the requirements stated in this IFB to a single source. Such notification must be received by the Purchasing Agent not later than five days prior to the date set for bids to close.

CONTRACT PERIOD

The contract shall cover the period from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.

The City reserves the option to renew this agreement for four (4) additional one-year periods ending June 30, 2029. Unless notified in writing thirty (30) days prior to the expiration date, the contract will automatically renew during these periods.

Initial rates and subsequent renewal rates must be guaranteed for a minimum of twelve (12) months. Any increase in rates shall be limited to the lesser of the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) – Other Goods and Services (unadjusted for the current 12-month period) or 3%. The City does not guarantee approval of any rate increase. The City must be notified and approve of any rate increases during the contract period.

SPECIFICATIONS

A. The City’s Existing System

a. The City currently has approximately 29,000 meters in service across the City.

b. The City does not own or maintain its own customer service software and billing system. It utilizes the Customer Care & Billing (CC&B) system owned and operated by the Hampton Roads Sanitation District. Within the CC&B system, the City maintains the customer database that is associated with City customers. CC&B provides meter read route downloads via ShareFile to the City’s meter reading contractor’s site. After reading the routes, the readings are uploaded to the City’s ShareFile site and then transmitted to CC&B.

c. The Cloud Smart Server Technology (CSST) reading system developed by Alexander’s Contract Services is currently in use. If Sensus meters are bid, no additional system and/or equipment upgrades, additions, or reconfigurations are anticipated. If the Bidder provides a solution that replaces the existing reading system, that new solution shall be capable of reading all system meters with a single technology and the Bidder shall be responsible for all associated conversion costs.

The conversion costs include, but are not limited to: system and equipment upgrades, alternate compatible reading equipment, and replacements of existing meters.

d. The Department’s currently utilizes the Sensus Omni series for all new meter installations up to one inch (1”), and the Sensus Moni ( T, or F) series for all new meter installations one and one half inches (1 ½”) and above. All meter registers are in hundred cubic feet.

e. The existing meters are read by using one of two methods:

i. Manual read and entry utilizing a hand held device (HHD).

ii. Touch read wand utilizing a Auto Gun 4090.

f. It is the City’s intent that all manual read meters will be upgraded to touch read upon replacement

g. Below is a table of meters currently in service by size and current meter reading technology.

Meter Size (inches)

Manual Read (Quantity)

Touch Read (Quantity)

5/8 2,971 7,327

3/4 10 17,475

1 10 60

1-1/2 13 16

2 6 106

3 1 12

4 1 15

6 0 14

8 0 25

10 0 12

B. Meter Specifications

a. All meters provided under this Agreement shall conform to the standards of the American Water Works Association (AWWA), as most recently revised and as specified herein.

b. It is the intent of the City to migrate existing manual read meters to a common touch read system; then migrate touch read meters to the radio read system in the future, without the necessity of replacing the meters and that City wide all meters may be read utilizing one common meter reading platform. Increasing the efficiency and reliability of the meter reading function is essential to the Department’s goal of providing quality customer service. The bidder shall be responsible for submitting an implementation plan, with their bid, that ensures that all meters shall be fully compatible with the CC&B system specified in paragraph 3 A (b). The full cost associated with the proposed implementation plan shall be the responsibility of the successful bidder. To the extent required, the implementation plan shall include, but not limited to: the replacement of the existing meters, installation of new meters, any associated installation hardware and site restoration; the replacement of the City’s existing touch read devices; replacement of the City’s existing manual read devices; programming or data upgrades necessary to the CC&B system; training; and any other improvements necessary, so that the City has a fully functional meter reading platform on the Vendor’s new system. If the City, based upon its sole review, determines that the Vendor’s plan is not acceptable, the Vendor’s bid shall be rejected.

c. All meters must read in hundred cubic feet (CCF)

d. All meters must be new. Refurbished meters of any kind are not acceptable.

e. Mechanical meters are not acceptable.

f. All meters furnished shall be provided with a Touch Read Pad system which is

Auto Gun compatible.

g. Small Meters – Five eighths inch (5/8”), three quarter inch short body (¾” S), three quarter inch (3/4”), and one inch (1”)

i. Electronic Register: Shall be: tamper resistant, solid state, battery operated electromagnetic flow measurement system; hermetically sealed; heat tempered glass covered; with a liquid crystal, nine (9) digit programmable display. It must have indicators for flow direction, empty pipe, battery life, and unit of measurement. The register shall not be removable from the measuring sensor. The register shall utilize a magnetic coupling technology to connect to a touch read or radio read system in either an inside or pit set installation.

ii. Measuring Element: The measuring element shall be made of a non-corrosive, lead-free glass fiber reinforced polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) based resin. A battery powered magnetic flow sensor utilizing silver/silver chloride electrodes shall be utilized to measure the velocity of the water which is linearly proportional to the volume.

The measuring element shall have no moving parts and shall be specific for each meter size. The meter assembly shall have performance capability of continuous operation up to rated maximum flows, per the AWWA Standards, without affecting long term accuracy or causing any undue component wear. The measuring element flow tube shall be rectangular to create the optimal measuring area for high performance.

iii. External Housing: The register and measuring element shall be an integrated unit housed within a thermal plastic external casing. This integrated unit shall not be removable from the external housing.

The systems shall have the size and direction of water flow through the system imprinted on the external housing. The meter main case shall be composed of a material to adhere to NSF/ANSI Standard 61, Annex F and G for non-lead regulation compliance.

iv. Data Storage: Thirty days of data at one hour intervals.

v. Alarms: Meters shall be designed with the following alarm capabilities:

1. Detection Alarms: Reverse flow, empty pipe, tamper, leak.

2. Battery Alarms: Battery life

3. Meter Condition Alarms: High temperature, low EMF field, glide slope, touch read failure, EMF range.

vi. Bidders shall include manufacturer’s specifications with bid.

vii. Warranty: Provide a 20-year warranty against defects and loss of accuracy. Provide 20-year warranty on battery life.

h. Large Meters – One and one half inches (1 ½”) through ten inches (10”)

i. Electronic Register: Shall be tamper resistant, solid state, battery operated electromagnetic flow measurement system with a hermetically sealed, heat tempered glass covered, with a liquid crystal, nine (9) programmable digit display. The register must be an electronic device encapsulated in heat tempered glass, utilizing a liquid crystal display (LCD). It must have indicators for flow direction, battery life, and unit of measurement. The register shall not be removable from the measuring sensor. The register shall utilize a magnetic coupling technology to connect to a touch read or radio read system in either an inside or pit set installation.

ii. Conformance to Standards: The meter package shall meet or exceed all requirements of ANSI/AWWA Standard C-701 or latest revision for Class II turbine meter assemblies. Each meter assembly shall be performance tested to ensure compliance.

iii. Measuring Element: The measuring chamber shall consist of a measuring element, removable housing, and all-electronic register.

The measuring element shall be mounted on a horizontal, stationary stainless steel shaft with sleeve bearings and be essentially weightless in water. The measuring chamber shall be capable of operating within the accuracy standard without calibration when transferred from one main case to another of the same size. The meter shall utilize a drop-in type measuring chamber that allows replacement of the measuring chamber without the necessity of pulling the meter main case from the service location.

iv. External Housing: The meter main case shall be composed of a material to adhere to NSF/ANSI Standard 61, Annex F and G, for non-lead regulation compliance. Successful bidder must provide proof of certification.

v. Strainer: The meter strainer shall be integral and cast as part of the meter’s main case. The strainer’s screen shall have a minimum net open area of at least two (2) times the pipe opening and be a V-shaped configuration for the purpose of maintaining a full unobstructed flow pattern. The strainer body shall be a coated ductile iron fusion-bonded epoxy identical to that of the meter’s main case. All fasteners shall be stainless steel.

vi. Data Storage: Thirty days of data at one hour intervals.

vii. Alarms: Provide leak detection, reverse flow, empty pipe, magnetic tamper, and low battery alarms. Alarm data shall be retrievable for up to 90 days.

viii. Bidders shall include manufacturers’ specifications with bid.

ix. Warranty: Provide a 20-year warranty against defects and loss of accuracy. Provide a 10-year warranty on battery life.

i. Touch Pad Only

Separate and apart from the meters provided with Touch Pads above, the City will also be purchasing just Touch Read Pads alone. These Touch Read Pads shall be Auto Gun compatible. These Touch Read Pads are to be installed on existing meters that are not currently touch read equipped and/or for replacement of damaged Touch Read Pads.

C. Ordering and Miscellaneous

a. Orders will be placed directly by City personnel as requirements dictate. The bidder will reference contract number on all invoices and correspondence.

b. Samples maybe required for evaluation and testing by City personnel. Samples are to be delivered within seven (7) business days after request by City.

c. Replacement parts are to be new and bidder must be able to deliver replacement parts within ten (10) business days of receipt of order. Bidder is to provide a complete parts list, including individual prices, as part of their bid. Bidder shall guarantee the availability of replacement parts for five (5) years from the date of the last meter delivery.

D. Bid Evaluation and Award

If awarded, the bid shall be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. In determining the responsible bidder, the following factors shall be considered:

• Ability, capability, and skill of the bidder to perform the contract within the time frame(s) specified.

• The character, integrity, reputation, judgment, experience, and efficiency of the bidder.

• The quality of performance of previous contracts.

• The financial resources and ability of the bidder to perform the contract.

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS

1. Use of Form: All bids shall be submitted on and in accordance with this form. If more space is required to furnish a description of the goods and/or services bid, or delivery terms, the bidder may attach a letter hereto that will be made a part of the bid. In case of conflict, the bid may be considered non-responsive. The City’s published specifications for this IFB shall supersede any additional writings submitted with the bid. Such writings shall be clearly marked and noted as an exception.

2. Submittals: All bids shall be submitted sealed, plainly marked showing the bid number, date and time. The entire solicitation document is to be returned when submitting a bid unless otherwise directed by the bid document. Failure to return all pages may result in a determination that the submittal is non-responsive.

3. Late Bids: Bids and amendments thereto, if received by the City’s Purchasing Division

(“Purchasing”) after the date and time specified for bid opening, will not be considered. It will be the responsibility of the bidder to see that their bid is received by Purchasing as specified. There will be no exceptions. Date of postmark will not be considered.

Telephone, facsimile, electronic, and verbal bids will not be accepted. Prices or changes shown on the outside of an envelope will not be considered in determination of low bid.

4. City Hall Closure: If City Hall is closed for business at the time scheduled for the bid opening, for whatever reasons, sealed bids will be accepted and opened on the next business day of the City, at the original scheduled hour.

5. Competition Intended: It is the City’s intent that the Invitation for Bid (IFB) permits competition. It shall be the bidder’s responsibility to advise the Contract Officer in writing if any language requirement, specification, etc., or any combination thereof, inadvertently restricts or limits the requirements stated in the IFB to a single source. Such notifications must be received by the Contract Officer five (5) days prior to the date set for the bids to close.

6. Contract Quantities: The quantities specified in the Invitation for Bid are estimates only unless otherwise clearly noted, and are given for the information of bidders and for the purpose of bid evaluation. They do not indicate the actual quantity that will be required, since such volume will depend upon requirements that may develop during the contract period. Quantities shown shall not be construed to represent any amount which the City shall be obligated to purchase under the contract, or relieve the bidder of his obligation to fill all orders placed by the City, except as clearly noted.

7. Delivery: The time of delivery must be stated in definite terms. If time of delivery for different goods and/or services varies, the bidder shall so state.

8. Faith-based Organizations: The City of Suffolk does not discriminate against faith-based organizations.

9. Bidder Qualifications: Only bids from established Bidders for work similar in scope to work herein shall be considered; the City reserves the right to request specific reference information prior to award. Bidder shall demonstrate that he has adequate and appropriate manpower, tools, and equipment to respond and perform in accordance with the provisions herein. The City may, at its option, disqualify a bidder and reject his bid for cause. Reasons deemed to be sufficient for this action shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Evidence of collusion among bidders.

Receipt of more than one bid on any project from an individual, or from a corporation. This restriction does not apply to subcontractors.

Default on any previous contract.

Unreasonable failure to complete a previous contract within the specified time being in arrears on an existing contract without reasonable cause for being in arrears.

Inability to perform as revealed by an investigation of the Bidder's financial statement, experience, and/or plant and equipment.

Bidder does not meet project-specific requirements, as identified in the Contract Documents

10. Pricing to be F.O.B. Destination – Freight Allowed: Pricing shall be F.O.B. destination-freight included for all competitive bids. F.O.B. Destination-Freight Included shall include all shipping costs to the City location(s) at the unit cost. No additional shipping charges shall be allowed.

11. Samples: Samples, when requested, must be furnished free of expense, and upon request, if not destroyed, will be returned at the bidder’s risk and expense.

12. Silence of Specifications: The apparent silence of these specifications and any supplemental specifications as to any detail or the omission from the specifications of a detailed description concerning any point shall be regarded as meaning that only the best commercial practices are to prevail and correct type, size, and design are to be used. All interpretations of these specifications shall be made on the basis of this statement.

13. Capacity of Bidder: All bids must be signed by a responsible officer or employee having the authority to bind the firm in contract. The bidder agrees that its contract performance shall be in strict conformance with the contract documents.

14. Rights to Damages: By signing this bid, the bidder assigns to the City any and all rights that it may have under the antitrust laws of the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia in any way arising from or pertaining to this bid. This provision is remedial in nature and is to be liberally construed by any court in favor of the City.

15. Anti-collusion: The bidder certifies by signing this Invitation of Bid that this bid is made without prior understanding, agreement, or accord with any other person or firm submitting a bid for the same goods and/or services and that this bid is in all respects bona fide, fair, and not the result of any act of fraud or collusion with another person or firm engaged in the same line of business or commerce. Any false statement hereunder may constitute a felony and can result in a fine and imprisonment, as well as civil damages.

16. Contact Prohibition: Direct contact with City departments other than Purchasing, on the subject of this bid is expressly forbidden except with the foreknowledge and permission of the Contract Officer. Violation may result in a determination that your firm is ineligible for an award.

All questions shall be in writing to the Contract Officer shown on the title page of the bid.

The respondents to this IFB shall not contact, either directly or indirectly, any other employee or agent of the City regarding this IFB. This prohibition shall also extend to the Suffolk City Council and locally elected officials. Any such unauthorized contact may disqualify the bidder from this procurement.

17. Debarment Status: By submitting a bid, bidders certify that they are not currently debarred by the Commonwealth of Virginia from submitting bids or proposals on contracts for the type of goods and/or services covered by this solicitation, nor are they an agent of any person or entity that is currently so debarred.

18. Ethics in Procurement: Bidders, Offerors, Contractors, or Consultants must provide written disclosure with their bid or proposal if one of its officers, directors, trustees, partners, employees, or lenders is an employee or an immediate family member (as defined by §2.2-4368 of the Virginia Public Procurement Act) of the City who is involved personally or substantially participates in this procurement transaction or owns or controls an interest of more than three percent (3%) of the company or received more than $5,000 annually from the Bidder, Offeror, Contractor, or Consultant.

19. Addenda: If issued, addenda to this solicitation will be posted on the Purchasing website https://www.suffolkva.us/Bids.aspx?CatID=17 It is the bidder’s responsibility to check the website or contact Purchasing prior to the submittal deadline to ensure that the bidder has a complete, up-to-date package. Acknowledgement of all issued addenda shall be indicated on the bid form in the appropriate spaces. Failure to acknowledge all addenda will result in bid being non-responsive.

20. Withdrawal of Bids: Bidder has the right to request withdrawal of their bids from consideration due to error by giving notice not later than two business days after the bids are publicly opened. Work papers showing evidence of error(s) may be required.

Bids may be withdrawn any time prior to the bid opening. Withdrawal of bids may be accomplished by submitting such request in writing on the issuing company's letterhead either in person, electronically, or by certified mail.

21. Award: Award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The quality of the goods and/or services to be supplied, their conformity with the specifications, their suitability to the requirements, the delivery, qualifications, and references will be taken into consideration in making the award. The City reserves the right to refuse all bids.

Determination of low bid shall be determined by the audited figure shown on the pricing page titled ‘Total Bid Amount.’ In case of error in the extension of prices, the unit price shall govern.

22. Announcements: Upon the award or the announcement of the decision to award a contract, the City will publicly post such notice on the bulletin board located outside of the Purchasing Division and on the City’s web site: https://www.suffolkva.us/Bids.aspx?CatID=17

23. Offer/Acceptance: Each bid is received with the understanding that the acceptance in writing by the City of the bidder to furnish any or all of the goods and/or services described therein, shall constitute a contract between the bidder and the City, which shall bind the bidder to furnish and deliver the goods and/or services quoted at the prices stated and in accordance with the conditions of the accepted bid; and the City on its part to order from https://www.suffolkva.us/Bids.aspx?CatID=17 https://www.suffolkva.us/Bids.aspx?CatID=17 such bidder, except for causes beyond reasonable control; and pay for, at the agreed prices, all goods and/or services specified and delivered.

24. Acceptance of Bid: Receipt of the bid by the City is not to be construed as an award or an order to ship.

25. City’s Rights: The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and to waive any informality if it is determined to be in the best interest of the City.

26. Appeals Procedure: Upon bidder’s request, administrative appeals information will be provided that shall be used for hearing protests of a decision to award, or an award, appeals from refusal to allow withdrawal of bids, appeals from disqualification, appeals for debarment or suspension, or determination of non-responsibility and appeals from decision or disputes arising during the performance of a contract. To be timely all appeals shall be made within the time periods set forth by the Virginia Public Procurement Act, §2.2-4357, et seq. Contact the Contract Officer at once for assistance.

27. Additional Conditions: The Conditions and Instructions in this solicitation are intended to apply to the resulting contract and shall supersede any conflicting terms offered. Any additional conditions a bidder intends be considered must be submitted with the bid and noted as an exception. Such exceptions may result in a finding that the submittal is ‘non-responsive’ to the bid, negating possibility of an award to that bidder. Contractual documents submitted by the successful firm after an award will not be accepted.

28. Conflict: In the event of a conflict between the contract documents, including these

Conditions and Instructions, and the terms of a purchase order or related document issued by Purchasing, the contract documents shall control.

29. Precedence of Documents: In interpreting this Invitation for Bid (IFB) and resolving any ambiguities between the main body of the IFB (Sections A, B and C) and any supplemental documents or appendixes, Sections A, B, and C shall take precedence over any supplemental documents.

30. Governing Document: The solicitation document maintained by Purchasing, in the bid file, shall be considered the official copy. In the case of any inconsistency between bid documents submitted to the City, but not clearly listed as an exception, the language of the official copy shall prevail. Furthermore, any exception or change to the specifications made by the bidder may be cause to disqualify your bid.

31. Negotiation: Unless canceled or rejected, a responsive bid from the lowest responsible bidder shall be accepted as submitted; except that if the bid from the lowest responsible bidder exceeds available funds, the City may negotiate with the apparent low bidder to obtain a contract price within the available funds.

32. Cooperative Agreements: If authorized by the bidder(s), the resultant contract(s) may be extended to any jurisdiction within the Commonwealth of Virginia to purchase at the contract prices in accordance with the contract terms. Any jurisdiction using such contracts shall place its own order(s) directly with the successful bidder(s). The City of Suffolk acts only as the contracting agent and is not responsible for placement of orders, payment, or discrepancies of the participating jurisdictions. It is the bidder’s responsibility to notify the jurisdictions of the availability of contract(s).

33. Prices: Prices shall be stated in units of quantity specified. No additional charges shall be passed on to the City, including any applicable taxes, delivery, or surcharges. Prices quoted shall be the final cost to the City. In case of error in the extension of prices, the unit price shall govern.

34. Corrections: All prices and notations should be in ink or typewritten. Mistakes may be crossed out and corrections made in ink and must be initialed and dated by the person signing the bid.

35. Brand Names: The use of the name of a manufacturer, brand, make, or catalog designation in specifying an item shall restrict bidders to the manufacturer, brand, make, or catalog designation identified, unless qualified by the provision “or approved equal.” If qualified by the provision “or approved equal” the Brand Names are used simply to indicate the character, quality and/or performance equivalence of the goods and/or services desired. The goods and/or services on which bids are submitted must be of such character, quality and/or performance equivalence that it will serve as that specified. In submitting bids on goods and/or services other than as specified, bidder shall furnish complete data and identification with respect to the alternate goods and/or services that they propose to furnish. It shall be in the City’s sole judgment if a substitute product offered is an approved equal and acceptable.

36. Standard Equipment: Any equipment delivered must be standard, new and unused equipment, latest model, except as otherwise specifically stated in the bid. Where any part or the normal accessories of equipment is not described, it shall be understood that all the equipment and accessories that are usually provided in the manufacturer’s stock model shall be furnished.

37. Anti-Discrimination: By submitting their bids, bidders certify to the City that they will conform to the provisions of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, as well as the Virginia Fair Employment Contracting Act of 1975, as amended, where applicable, the Virginians with Disabilities Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and 2.2-4311 of the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA). If the award is made to a faith-based organization, the organization shall not discriminate against any recipient of goods, services, or disbursements made pursuant to the contract on the basis of the recipient's religion, religious belief, refusal to participate in a religious practice, or on the basis of race, age, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin and shall be subject to the same rules as other organizations that contract with public bodies to account for the use of the funds provided; however, if the faith-based organization segregates public funds into separate accounts, only the accounts and programs funded with public funds shall be subject to audit by the public body. (Code of Virginia 2.2.4343.1(E)).

In every contract over $10,000 shall include the following provisions:

1. During the performance of this contract, the bidder agrees as follows:

a. The Contractor will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, service disabled veterans or any other basis prohibited by state law relating to discrimination in employment, except where there is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the Contractor. The

Contractor agrees to post in conspicuous places, available to employees and applicants for employment, notices setting forth the provisions of this nondiscrimination clause.

b. The Contractor, in all solicitations or advertisements for employees placed by or on behalf of the Contractor, will state that such Contractor is an equal opportunity employer.

c. Notices, advertisements and solicitations placed in accordance with federal law, rule or regulation shall be deemed sufficient for the purpose of meeting these requirements.

2. The Contractor will include the provisions of Section a, b, and c above in every subcontract or purchase order over $10,000, so that the provisions will be binding upon each subcontractor or vendor.

CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Alien Employment: The Contractor certifies that he does not and shall not during the performance of the contract for goods and services in the Commonwealth, knowingly employ unauthorized aliens as defined in the federal Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended.

2. Availability of Funds: A contract shall be deemed in force only to the extent of appropriations available to each department for the purchase of such goods and/or services. The City’s extended obligations on those contracts that envision extended funding through successive fiscal periods shall be contingent upon actual appropriations for the following years.

3. Assignment of Contract: A contract shall not be assignable by the Contractor in whole or in part without the written consent of the City.

4. Changes and Additions: It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to notify the City, in writing, of any necessary modifications or additions in the Scope of this Contract. Compensation for changes or additions in the Scope of this Contract will be negotiated and approved by the City, in writing.

It is understood and agreed to by both the City and the Contractor that such modifications or additions to this Contract shall be made only by the full execution of the City’s standard Contract Change Order Form. Furthermore, it is understood and agreed by both parties that any work done by the Contractor on such modification or addition to this Contract prior to the City’s execution of its standard Agreement change order form shall be at the total risk of the Contractor and said work may not be compensated by the City.

5. Contractor’s Form: In cases where the City may accept the Contractor’s form agreement, whereas certain standard clauses that may appear in the Contractor’s form agreement cannot be accepted by the City, and in consideration of the convenience of using that form, and this form, without the necessity of negotiating a separate contract document, the parties hereto specifically agree that, notwithstanding any provisions appearing in the attached Contractor’s form agreement, the City’s contract addendum shall prevail over the terms of the Contractor’s agreement in the event of a conflict.

6. Conflicts of Interests: Contractor shall not accept or receive commissions or other payments from third parties for soliciting, negotiating, procuring, or effecting insurance on behalf of the City.

7. Contractor Failure to Perform: Failure of the Contractor to perform the contract by reason of the City’s non-acceptance of additional conditions submitted after the award shall result in termination of the contract by the City, and may result in debarment of the Contractor for a period of up to three (3) years. Termination and/or debarment of the Contractor shall not constitute a waiver by the City of any other rights or remedies available to the City by law or contract.

8. Contractual Disputes: Bidder, Offeror, Contractor, or Consultant agree all contractual disputes will be conducted in accordance with provision §2.2-4363 of the Virginia Public Procurement Act.

9. Copyright Protection: The Contractor agrees to defend and save the City, its agents, officials, and employees, harmless from liability of any nature or kind, for use of any copyright, composition, secret process, patented or unpatented invention, articles or appliances furnished or used in the performance of the contract, or which the Contractor is not the patentee, assignee, or licensee, to the same extent as provided in the above paragraph.

10. Default: In event of default by the Contractor, the City reserves the right to procure the goods and/or services from other sources and hold the Contractor liable for any excess cost occasioned thereby. Such actions taken by the City shall not release the Contractor from additional remedies that may be allowed by law.

11. Drug-Free Workplace: During the performance of this contract, the Contractor agrees to (1) provide a drug-free workplace for the Contractor's employees; (2) post in conspicuous place, 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 Contractor's workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violations of such prohibition; (3) state in all solicitation or advertisement for employees placed by or on behalf of the Contractor that the Contractor maintains a drug-free workplace; and (4) include the provisions of the foregoing clauses in every subcontract or purchase order of over $10,000, so that the provisions will be binding upon each subcontractor or vendor.

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, 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 contract.

12. Entire Agreement: This contract and any additional or supplementary documents incorporated herein by reference contain all the terms and conditions agreed upon by the parties hereto, and no other agreements, oral or otherwise, regarding the subject matter of this contract or any part thereof shall have any validity or bind any of the parties hereto. This contract shall not be modified, altered, changed, or amended unless in writing and signed by the parties hereto.

13. Exemption from Taxes: The City is exempt from state sales tax and federal excise tax. A tax exempt certificate indicating the City’s tax exempt status will be furnished by the City upon request.

14. Governing Law: This Contract is made, entered into, and shall be performed in the City of Suffolk, Virginia, and shall be governed by the applicable laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia without regard to its conflict of law rules. In the event of litigation concerning this Contract, the parties agree to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the Circuit Court of the City of Suffolk, Virginia; however, in the event that the federal court has jurisdiction over the matter, then the parties agree to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Norfolk Division.

The Contractor shall not cause a delay in services because of the pending or during litigation proceedings, except with the express, written consent of the City or written instruction/order from the Court.

15. Indemnification: Contractor shall defend and indemnify the City, and the City’s employees, agents, and volunteers, from and against any and all damage claim, liability, cost, or expense (including, without limitation, attorney’s fees and court costs) of every kind and nature (including, without limitation, those arising from any injury or damage to any person, property or business) incurred by or claimed against the Contractor, its employees, agents, and volunteers, or incurred by or claimed against the City, the City’s employees, agents, and volunteers, arising out of, or in connection with, the performance of all services hereunder by the Contractor. This indemnification includes, but is not limited to, any financial or other loss, including, but not limited to, any adverse regulatory, agency, or administrative sanction or civil penalties, incurred by the City due to the negligent, fraudulent, or criminal acts of the Contractor or any of the Contractor’s officers, shareholders, employees, agents, consultants, sub-consultants, or any other person or entity acting on behalf of the Contractor. Unless otherwise provided by law, the Contractor indemnification obligations hereunder shall not be limited in any way by the amount or type of damages, compensation, or benefits payable by or for the Contractor under workers’ compensation acts, disability benefit acts, other employee benefit acts, or benefits payable under any insurance policy. This paragraph shall survive the termination of the contract including any renewal or extension thereof.

16. Independent Contractor: The Contractor and any employees, agents, or other persons or entities acting on behalf of the Contractor shall act in an independent capacity and not as officers, employees, or agents of the City.

17. Payment Terms: Payment terms shall be ‘Net 45’ days, from the date of Contractor invoice approval by the City.

Payment terms, if offered, shall not be considered in determining the low bidder.

Discount period, if offered, shall be computed from the date of proper receipt of the Contractor’s correct invoice, or from the date of acceptable receipt of the goods and/or services, whichever is latest.

The payment terms stated herein must appear on the Contractor’s invoice. Failure to comply with this requirement shall result in the invoice being returned to the Contractor for correction.

Late payment charges shall not exceed the allowable rate specified by the Commonwealth of Virginia Prompt Payment Act. (1% per month)

Contractor shall submit invoices in duplicate, such statement to include detailed breakdown of all charges, and shall be based on completion of tasks or deliverables.

Individual Contractors shall provide their social security numbers, and proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations shall provide their federal employer identification number on their submittal.

18. Laws, Regulations: The Contractor shall keep fully informed of all federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations that in any manner affect the conduct of the work. The Contractor shall at all times observe and comply with all such laws, ordinances and regulations.

19. Contractor’s License: If any of the services promulgated under this solicitation consist of construction work, it is required under Title 54.1, Chapter 11, Code of Virginia, for a Contractor who performs or manages construction, removal, repair, or improvement when the total value referred to in a single contract or project is:

One hundred twenty thousand dollars ($120,000) or more, or the total value of all such construction, removal, repair or improvements undertaken by such person within any twelve-month period is seven hundred fifty thousand dollars ($750,000) or more shall show evidence of being licensed as a Class A Contractor.

Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or more, but less than one hundred twenty thousand dollars ($120,000) or the total value of all such construction, removal, repair, or improvement undertaken by such person within any twelve-month period is one hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or more, but less than seven hundred fifty thousand dollars ($750,000) shall show evidence of being licensed as a Class B Contractor.

Over one thousand ($1,000) but less than ten thousand ($10,000), or the total value of all such construction, removal, repair, or improvements undertaken by such person within any twelve-month period is one hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) shall show evidence of being licensed as a Class C Contractor.

The City shall require master certification as a condition of licensure or certification of electrical, plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditions Contractors.

A valid business license from the City may be required. The contractor shall complete whichever of the following notations is appropriate:

“Licensed Class A Virginia Contractor Number

“Licensed Class B Virginia Contractor Number

“Licensed Class C Virginia Contractor Number

20. License Requirement: All firms doing business in the City of Suffolk are required to be licensed in accordance with the City of Suffolk business license ordinance.

Wholesale and retail merchants without a business location in the City of Suffolk are exempt from this requirement. Any questions concerning business licenses should be directed to the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office, (757) 514-4260 or email comrev@suffolkva.us

21. Payments to Subcontractors: Within seven (7) days after receipt of amounts paid by the City for work performed by a subcontractor under this contract, the Contractor shall either:

a. Pay the subcontractor for the proportionate share of the total payment received from the City attributable to the work performed by the subcontractor under this contract; or

b. Notify the City and Subcontractor, in writing, of his intention to withhold all or a portion of the subcontractor’s payment and reason for non-payment.

mailto:comrev@suffolkva.us

The Contractor shall pay interest to the Subcontractor on all amounts owed that remain unpaid beyond the seven (7) day period except for amounts withheld as allowed in Item b. above.

Unless otherwise provided under the terms of this contract, interest shall accrue at the rate of one percent (1%) per month.

The Contractor shall include in each of its subcontracts a provision requiring each subcontractor to include or otherwise be subject to the same payment and interest requirements as set forth above with respect to each lower-tier subcontractor.

The Contractor’s obligation to pay an interest charge to a subcontractor pursuant to the provision my not be construed to be an obligation to the City.

22. Records and Inspection: The Contractor shall maintain full and accurate records with respect to all matters covered under the contract, including, without limitation, accounting records, written policies, procedures, time records, telephone records, and any other supporting evidence used to memorialize, reflect, and substantiate charges or fees related to this contract. The Contractor’s records shall be open to inspection and subject to audit and/or reproduction, during normal working hours, by the City and its employees, agents or authorized representatives after giving at least three (3) days’ notice to the Contractor by the City. The City shall have access to such records from the effective date of this contract, for the duration of the contract, and for five (5) years after the date of final payment by the City to the Contractor pursuant to this contract or any renewal or extension of the contract.

The City’s employees, agents or authorized representatives shall have access to the Contractor’s facilities, shall have access to all necessary records and shall be provided adequate and appropriate work space, in order to conduct audits.

23. Responsibility of Contractor: The Contractor shall, without additional costs or fee to the City, correct or revise any errors or deficiencies in his performance.

Neither the City’s review, approval, acceptance of, or payment for any of the services required under this Agreement shall be deemed a waiver of rights by the City, and the Contractor shall remain liable to the City for all costs which are incurred by the City as a result of the Contractor’s negligent performance of any of the services furnished under this Agreement.

24. Rights and Remedies Not Waived: In no event shall the making by the City of any payment to the Contractor, or the waiver by the City of any provision under this contract including any obligation of the Contractor, constitute or be construed as a waiver by the City of any other provision, obligation, breach of covenant, or any default which may exist under this contract on the part of the Contractor, and the making of any such payment by the City while any such breach or default exists shall not impair or prejudice any right or remedies available to the City.

25. Safety: All Contractors and sub-contractors performing services for the City are required to and shall comply with all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), State and City Safety and Occupational Health Standards and any other applicable rules and regulations. Also all Contractors and sub-contractors shall be held responsible for the safety of their employees and any unsafe acts or conditions that may cause injury or damage to persons or property within and around the work site area under this contract.

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