25AJB0194 Section 1 Scope and Specifications.pdf

Request for Proposal # 25AJB0194 Underground Utility Repair and Infrastructure Services

INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS

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ShopBlue System Support Phone: 716-645-4500 Email: UBS-ShopBlue-Support@buffalo.edu

1. In accordance with the requirements of New York State Finance Law Sections 139j and 139k (“Lobbying Law”), the restricted period for this procurement is now in effect until a binding contractual agreement exists with the selected Contractor and all other Bidders have been notified, or when the University rejects all proposals. Therefore, all communications regarding this procurement must be handled through the designated contacts only. Under no circumstances, may any Bidder or its representative, contact any employee or representative of the University regarding the RFP other than the designated contacts on this RFP. Strict adherence to this important procedural safeguard is required. Any violation of this condition may result in Bidder being considered non-compliant and ineligible for award.

2. Any bid received after the close date/time specified in this RFP will be considered a Late Bid. A Late Bid shall not be considered for award unless: (i) no timely bids meeting the requirements of this RFP are received; or (ii) in the case of a multiple award, an insufficient number of timely bids were received to satisfy the multiple award. Late Bids that are not considered will be held unopened, unless opened for identification, until after award and then retained with other unsuccessful bids. However, any bid bond or guarantee will be returned. Upon receipt of a Late Bid, the University will use the date and time stamp to document the Late Bid’s arrival.

3. SUBMISSION OF QUESTIONS: By submitting a proposal, the bidder agrees that it will neither make any claims for nor assert any right to, damages because of any misunderstandings or lack of information.

Written questions and requests for clarification must cite the RFP section, where applicable. Questions received after the deadline may not be answered by the University. A comprehensive list of questions and the official University response will be issued as an Addendum. The Addendum will not contain the identities of the bidders submitting the questions; those bidders will remain anonymous to the extent allowed by law.

All questions should be submitted via the Question & Answer Board in the University at Buffalo’s ShopBlue Sourcing system on the date indicated in this RFP. The Question & Answer Board is located on the left navigation bar, under Tools.

4. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL: To be deemed “responsive” to this RFP, a Bidder must meet all mandatory requirements and qualifications and its proposal must address all points and questions appearing in this RFP. In the event a Bidder’s proposal is determined by the University to be “non-responsive,” the University may disqualify the proposal. A disqualified proposal will not be further evaluated or considered for contract award.

An authorized person must fully and properly execute the proposal. By signing, you certify (i) your express authority to sign on behalf of yourself, your company, or other entity; (ii) your full knowledge and acceptance of this RFP terms and conditions, Exhibit A (State University of New York Standard Contract Clauses), Exhibit A-1; and (iii) that all information provided is complete, true and accurate.

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Jaggaer Supplier Registration:

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Proposals should be prepared in such a way as to provide straightforward, concise and specific information about the scope of services your company is able and willing to provide. Emphasis should be placed on responsiveness to the University’s desired services and goals.

Any additional information shall be submitted in a separate document in the Bidder Attachments located in the ShopBlue left navigation bar. Any Bidder terms which are attached or referenced with a submission shall not be considered part of the bid or proposal but shall be deemed included for informational purposes only.

Proposals may be withdrawn or modified by written request from the bidder at any time prior to the Bid Close Date/Time.

The submission of a proposal constitutes a non-revocable, binding offer to perform and provide said services. Such binding offer shall be firm and not revocable for a period of ninety (90) days from bid opening. After ninety (90) days, the proposal may remain in effect, subject to withdrawal communicated in writing signed by the Bidder.

The University reserves the right to request clarifications from Bidders for purposes of assuring a full understanding of responsiveness and further reserves the right to permit revisions from all Bidders determined to be susceptible to being selected for contract award, prior to award.

University reserves the right to reject separable portions of any offer, to negotiate terms and conditions consistent with the solicitation, and to make an award for any or all remaining portions.

University reserves the right to eliminate non-material requirements not met by all Bidders.

In the event of a discrepancy between the unit price and the extension, the unit price will govern. Prices must be extended in decimals, not fractions.

Bidder is responsible to bring to the University’s attention any deviations in the technical specifications and to make recommendations for any additional requirements deemed necessary as standard, or for work indicated in the specifications contained in this RFP. If the University, at its discretion, finds the deviations to be significant to require a change in the necessary specifications for the work, the University will notify all Bidders via an Addendum to the RFP. No deviations from the technical specifications provided herein shall be made without written approval of the University.

By submitting a proposal, Bidder agrees that it will not make any claims for, nor assert any right to damages because of any misinterpretation or misunderstanding of the specifications or because of any misinformation or lack of information.

Bidder may be requested to provide evidence that the award of a contract will not result in:

• a conflict of interest with regard to other work performed by Bidder

• a potential conflict of interest among Bidder’s staff

More than one (1) bid from an individual, firm, partnership, corporation or association under the same or different names will not be considered. Reasonable grounds for believing that a bidder is interested in more than one proposal for the same work will cause the rejection of all proposals in which such bidders are believed to be interested.

Any or all proposals will be rejected if there is reason to believe that collusion exists between bidders.

Proposals in which the prices and quantities are obviously unbalanced will be rejected.

Bidder is responsible for all costs that it incurs, direct or indirect, related to the preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this RFP.

University at Buffalo

Request for Proposal (RFP) # 25AJB0194 Underground Utility Repair and Infrastructure Services

DUE DATE AND TIME: September 10, 2026 @ 10:00 A.M. EASTERN STANDARD TIME (EST).

Upon notice of award, the awarded bidder will be required to provide original, wet signatures for all applicable documents. The University and the awarded Bidder will coordinate logistics to facilitate this requirement.

A public bid opening will not be held, late bids will not be accepted.

DESIGNATED CAMPUS CONTACTS: These are the only people that Bidders may speak to until award of this bid. Email correspondence is preferred. The contractual contact must be included on all conversations regarding this bid.

CONTRACTUAL

Amanda Brandis Senior Buyer University at Buffalo Purchasing 224 Crofts Hall Buffalo, NY 14260 Office: 716-645-4504 abrandis@buffalo.edu

RESTRICTED PERIOD: In accordance with the requirements of New York State Finance Law Sections 139j and 139k (“Lobbying Law”), the restricted period for this procurement is now in effect until a binding contractual agreement exists with the selected Contractor and all other Bidders have been notified, or when the University rejects all proposals. Therefore, all communications regarding this procurement must be handled through the above designated contacts only. Under no circumstances, may any Bidder or its representative contact any employee or representative of the University regarding the RFP other than as provided in this section.

Strict adherence to this important procedural safeguard is required. Any violation of this condition may result in Bidder being considered non-compliant and ineligible for award.

Definitions:

The following are interchangeable terms:

• Bidder = Contractor = Vendor = Offeror

• Bid = Proposal = Quote

• Contract = Agreement mailto:abrandis@buffalo.edu

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 SCOPE

The University at Buffalo (“University”) is seeking a qualified and experienced contractor to provide all necessary labor, specialized equipment, materials, traffic control and supervision to perform underground utility repairs and infrastructure services, rehabilitation, replacement, and restoration work. The contractor shall be capable of responding to both planned and emergency utility repairs and completing the work with minimal disruption to facilities operations, public traffic, and surrounding infrastructure. The contractor shall utilize utility locating prior to excavation via a non-destructive investigation. The bidder shall be responsible to perform the abatement of transite pipe as required by the work for any utility. The work shall include but not be limited to the cutting, removal, handling, packaging and transportation and lawful off-site disposal of all identified transite pipe measured by linear footage in accordance with all federal, state and local regulations.

Existing utility systems may include, but are not limited to:

• Water mains ranging from approximately ¾-inch through 24-inch diameter.

• Sewer systems ranging from approximately 2-inch through 36-inch diameter.

• Underground piping constructed of ductile iron, cast iron, copper, PVC, reinforced concrete, steel, and other utility materials.

• Utility depths ranging from approximately 5 feet to more than 20 feet below grade.

These dimensions are provided for general information only and shall not be construed as guarantees of actual field conditions.

The contractor shall furnish all resources necessary to safely and efficiently execute the following core services:

1.) sewer line rehabilitation (repairing cracked, collapse or rooted damage sanitary and storm sewer mains and laterals.

2.) Water main repairs- fixing active leaks, replacing burst pipes, and installing new sections of water main distribution mains.

3.) Manhole restoration- repairing structural defects, sealing leaks and rebuilding /replacing manhole inverts and channels to prevent inflow and infiltration.

4.) Valve and hydrant maintenance- replacing isolation valves, installing new underground gate valves and repairing and upgrading fire hydrants.

5.) Repair and expose underground steam piping systems. Replacing damaged steam piping and associated components.

6.) Site restoration- backfilling, compacting, repaving all impacted roadways, sidewalks and landscape areas to original conditions.

1.2 BACKGROUND

The University at Buffalo (“University”) is the largest and most comprehensive campus in the 64-campus State University of New York system (“SUNY”). Founded in 1846, the University is a premier research-intensive public university dedicated to academic excellence. The University offers a wide range of academic programs including more than 100 undergraduate degrees, 205 master’s degrees and 94 doctoral and professional degrees. Currently there are more than 260,000 alumni taking leadership roles in communities and businesses throughout the United States, 135,000 in New York State, and in 148 countries around the world. Approximately 30,000 students attend the University. The University is a member in the prestigious Association of American Universities (“AAU”).

1.3 METHOD OF AWARD

Award Criteria:

Technical 70% Cost 30%

This RFP is part of a competitive procurement process designed to serve the best interests of the University, State University of New York and the People of the State of New York. It is also designed to provide all bidders with a fair opportunity to have their services considered. The University encourages free and open competition.

Whenever possible, terms, specifications, and conditions are designed to accomplish this objective, consistent with the necessity to satisfy the University’s needs.

The bidder with the highest composite score to Section 5, Evaluation Criteria (separate attachment) will be awarded a contract, as long as they are responsible and responsive to this RFP. The University reserves the right to make awards within ninety (90) days after the date of the bid opening. During which period, bids shall not be withdrawn unless the bidder specifically states in the bid that acceptance thereof must be made within a shorter specific time.

Cost, although a consideration, shall not be the sole determining factor. The University desires to select the bidder who will provide the “best value” taking into consideration the most beneficial combination of qualifications, services, and cost. Only proposals judged to be responsive to the submission requirements set forth in this RFP will be evaluated. The Proposal must be expressly clear as to whether or not the Bidder can satisfy each point of the RFP specifications. The Bidder must describe how they will provide the services specified to satisfy the stated requirements or conditions.

Any other information that may be relevant, but does not fall in the above format, should be provided as an appendix. Minor irregularities in the proposals which are immaterial or inconsequential in nature may be waived, whenever it is determined to be in the best interest of the University. If Bidder company literature or other publications are included and intended to respond to a specific RFP requirement, the response should include reference to the document name and page.

1.3.1 An Evaluation Committee, consisting of staff from the University, will review each proposal and will make a recommendation for contract award using the evaluation criteria listed in Section 5, Evaluation Criteria (separate attachment) following the below review process.

1.3.1.1 Administrative Review: A review of each proposal, received by the due date and time, will be conducted to ensure that all mandatory requirements listed in the RFP are met, including Client References, which will be evaluated as pass/fail. Failure to meet any of the mandatory requirements will result in a proposal being considered non-responsive and the proposal will be eliminated from further evaluation.

1.3.1.2 Technical Review: Each proposal remaining after Administrative Review will advance for technical review. A review of Bidder’s Relevant Experience and Service Plan as provided in the Bidder’s proposal, will be conducted and evaluated.

1.3.1.3 Cost Review: Each proposal remaining after technical review will advance for cost review. The lowest cost proposal will receive full points. A percentage will be assigned in relation to the lowest Bidder’s costs in ascending order.

1.3.2 Final composite score for each Bidder will be the cumulative total of points received for the Technical and Cost scores. Bidder with the highest total composite score will be awarded the contract.

1.3.3 In the event of a tie in composite scores, the award shall go to bidder with the highest cost score (lowest cost). If Technical and Cost scores are both the same, the University will flip a coin to determine award.

1.4 ORDER OF PRECEDENCE

The following documents will be annexed to, and incorporated into, and made part of, the Agreement:

(a) Exhibit A, State University of New York Standard Contract Clause

(b) Exhibit A-1, State University of New York Affirmative Action Clauses

(c) Exhibit B, General Terms and Conditions

(d) The Agreement, including any attachments and schedules thereto

(e) SUNY’s Request for Proposal

(f) Successful Offeror’s Proposal

In the event of any inconsistency in, or conflict among, the document elements described above, such inconsistency or conflict shall be resolved by giving precedence to the document elements in the order set forth above.

1.5 TERM OF AGREEMENT/CONTRACT TERM

The successful bidder will be required to enter into a formal written agreement with the University for a period of five (5) year(s). Award is contingent upon full execution of a contract by the parties and the approval of the State Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and Office of the State Comptroller (OSC), if applicable.

1.6 PRICING

All proposed pricing must be included in Items Tab of the eProcurement System Jagger (ShopBlue) to be considered. Any alternative price quote documents provided in response to this solicitation will not be considered. Prices quoted in Items Tab shall remain firm for the first (1st) full year of the Agreement, except in the event of price decreases which are permitted and encouraged at any time. Increases in annual costs for the second (2nd) through the fifth (5th) year shall not exceed inflation guidelines as established by the nationally accepted consumer price index (CPI) for each year, provided that no annual increase shall exceed five percent (5%). The specific inflation level will be based on the average CPI percentage for the (12) twelve month period ending ninety (90) days prior to each subsequent contract year. The approval document for this contract will be:

U.S. Department of Labor Consumer Price Index, Northeast Urban, All Items. Price increases requested from above CPI levels must be accompanied by support documentation for the increase and said increase must be acceptable to the University and subject to OSC prior approval. Newly negotiated labor agreements, manufacturer’s increases, and nationally accepted fuel cost adjustments are examples of increases, which could exceed CPI averages.

1.7 LATE BID

https://www.bls.gov/regions/mid-atlantic/news-release/consumerpriceindex_northeast.htm#:%7E:text=Over%20the%20last%2012%20months,smallest%20increase%20since%20December%202021.

Any bid received after the time specified in this RFP will be considered a Late Bid. A Late Bid shall not be considered for award unless: (i) no timely bids meeting the requirements of this RFP are received; or (ii) in the case of a multiple award, an insufficient number of timely bids were received to satisfy the multiple award. Upon receipt of a Late Bid, the University will use the ShopBlue (Jaggaer) date and time stamp to document the Late Bid’s arrival. Late Bids that are not considered will be held unopened, unless opened for identification, until after award and then retained with other unsuccessful bids. However, any bid bond or guarantee will be returned.

1.8 SUBMISSION OF QUESTIONS

By submitting a proposal, the bidder agrees that it will neither make any claims for nor assert any right to, damages because of any misunderstandings or lack of information. Questions should be submitted through the University’s eProcurement system, ShopBlue (Jaggaer), Question & Answer Board. See “Instructions to Bidders” attachment for details. Written questions and requests for clarification must cite the RFP section, where applicable. Questions received after the deadline may not be answered by the University. A comprehensive list of questions and the official University response will be issued as an Addendum to the RFP, and will be attached to Contract Reporter ad # 2138065 located at www.nyscr.ny.gov. The Addendum will not contain the identities of the bidders submitting the questions; those bidders will remain anonymous to the extent allowed by law.

SECTION 2: SPECIFICATIONS / SCOPE OF WORK

Each proposal shall be with the understanding that, at a minimum, the successful bidder will be required to provide the services identified below, observing all applicable federal, state and local laws relating to industry, labor, and employment in a manner consistent with U.S. standards of good practice. The University shall not be responsible for any services provided by the successful Bidder that are outside the scope of the contract awarded. The University shall not be responsible for any additional costs other than the costs for the services outlined in Items herein, or for any work performed that has not been properly authorized in writing by the University.

2.1 Scope of Work

2.1.1 Sewer Line Rehabilitation and Repair- Provide repair, rehabilitation, replacement and restoration services for sanitary sewer and storm sewer mains, laterals and associated appurtenances that have been damaged by cracking, collapse, root intrusion, infiltration or other structural failures.

2.1.1.1 Investigate, locate and assess damaged sewer infrastructure.

2.1.1.2 Repair or replace cracked, broken, collapsed, offset, or root damaged sewer mains and laterals.

2.1.1.3 Perform excavation, shoring, dewatering and utility protection as required.

2.1.1.4 Utilize trenchless rehabilitation methods, including pipe bursting and pipe boring when appropriate.

2.1.1.5 Restore sewer systems to full operational capacity and regulatory compliance.

2.1.2 Water Main Repairs-Provide repair, replacement and installation for domestic water mains, chilled water distribution systems and related underground piping infrastructure.

http://www.nyscr.ny.gov/

2.1.2.1 Repairing underground domestic water distribution and underground chilled water piping systems.

2.1.2.2 Locating and repairing active water leaks.

2.1.2.3 Replacing burst or deteriorated pipe sections.

2.1.2.4 Installing new sections of water main distribution piping.

2.1.2.5 Providing temporary bypass systems when required to maintain service continuity.

2.1.3 Manhole Restoration- Provide structural rehabilitation, repair and reconstruction services for sanitary and storm sewer manholes to eliminate infiltration, restore structural integrity and extend service life.

2.1.3.1 Repairing structural deficiencies in sanitary and storm sewer manholes.

2.1.3.2 Sealing groundwater infiltration and exfiltration leaks.

2.1.3.3 Reconstructing or replacing deteriorated manhole inverts, benches and channels.

2.1.3.4 Rebuilding or replacing damaged manhole structures, frames and covers.

2.1.3.5 Applying protective coatings and rehabilitation systems as required.

2.1.4 Underground Steam Line Repairs- Provide repair, replacement and installation services for underground steam distribution piping systems and associated components.

2.1.4.1 Locate and repair active underground steam leaks.

2.1.4.2 Excavate and expose underground steam piping systems.

2.1.4.3 Replace damaged piping, fittings, valves and related components.

2.1.4.4 Install new sections of underground steam lines where required.

2.1.4.5 Perform operational testing and commissioning prior to returning systems to service.

2.1.5 Underground Valve and Hydrant Maintenance- Provide maintenance, repair, replacement and installation services for underground water system valves, valve boxes and fire hydrants.

2.1.5.1 Replace underground branch/isolation valves and valve boxes.

2.1.5.2 Install new gate valves and associated appurtenances.

2.1.5.3 Repair, rebuild, adjust or replace fire hydrants.

2.1.5.4 Verify proper operation of valves and hydrants through testing.

2.1.5.5 Restore system functionality and compliance with applicable standards.

2.1.5.6 Maintain service continuity whenever feasible.

2.1.6 Site Restoration- Restore all distributed surfaces and properly affected by utility repair and construction activities to their original or better condition.

2.1.3.1 Backfill excavations using approved materials.

2.1.3.2 Compact trenches and distributed areas to specified densities.

2.1.3.3 Restore pavement, sidewalks, curbs, parking areas and roadways.

2.1.3.4 Restore landscaping, turf, and other site improvements.

2.1.3.5 Remove excess spoil, debris, and waste materials from the site.

2.1.3.6 Provide final grading, cleanup, and site stabilization.

2.1.7 Testing Commissioning and Support Services- Provide all testing, chlorination, inspection, commissioning, traffic control and support services necessary to complete utility repairs safely and effectively.

2.1.7.1 Provide all labor, supervision, equipment, tools and materials.

2.1.3.3 Furnish traffic control devices, signage, flaggers, and maintenance of traffic operations-

Reference State DOT UMUTCD regulations.

2.1.7.3 Perform hydrostatic pressure testing, chlorination, leakage testing and operational testing as applicable.

2.1.7.4 Coordinate inspections and approvals with University representative and regulatory agencies.

2.1.3.7 Dispose of excavated materials and debris at approved facilities.

2.1.3.8 Maintain all safety procedures in accordance with OSHA and applicable regulations.

2.1.3.9 Provide photo and daily log documentation and provide this information to the University representative and University Facilities Document Library mascheery@buffalo.edu

2.1.8 Trenchless Technologies and Hydro Excavation- Provide trenchless construction, rehabilitation and replacement services for underground utility infrastructure to minimize disruption, reduce excavation requirements, maintain traffic flow and expedite project completion.

2.1.8.1 Provide all labor, supervision, specialized equipment, materials, and technical expertise necessary to perform trenchless utility work.

2.1.8.2 Evaluate site conditions and recommend the most appropriate excavation method and/or trenchless method based on utility type, soil conditions, depth, alignment and project constraints.

2.1.8.3 Perform pipe bursting or pipe boring for installation of new underground utilities as required.

2.1.8.4 Perform all required testing, inspection and quality control procedures before and after installation or rehabilitation.

2.1.8.5 Submit documentation of completed installations, including as built information, testing results and inspection reports to maschery@buffalo.edu

2.1.9 Methods, Strategies and Tools for Successful Delivery

2.1.9.1 Bidder utilizes a comprehensive project management and quality control process to ensure services are completed safely, on schedule and in compliance with University requirements.

2.1.9.2 Project Management- Each Assignment will be managed by a dedicated Project Manager who serves as the primary point of contact for the University. The Project Manager coordinates staffing, scheduling, procurement, subcontractor, quality assurance, safety compliance and project reporting.

2.1.9.2.1 No portion of the work shall be subcontracted without prior written consent and approval of the University. The Contractor shall utilize his/her own staff on the University’s project as much as possible. Reliance on Subcontractors should be limited. All subcontractor proposals shall include cost breakdown of job title, hourly wage and estimated hours.

UB has the right to advise the Successful Bidder of an objectionable employee(s) and/or subcontractor(s). UB’s approval of a subcontractor shall not relieve the Contractor of any of its responsibilities, duties and liabilities under the contract.

The Contractor shall be solely responsible to SUNY for the acts, omissions or defaults of such subcontractors and of such subcontractors' officers, agents and employees, each of whom shall, for this purpose, be deemed to be the agent or employee of the Contractor to the extent of its subcontract. No provisions of the awarded contract shall create or be construed as creating any contractual relation between SUNY and any subcontractor or sub subcontractor or with any person, firm or corporation employed by, contracted with or whose services are utilized by the Contractor. The Contractor shall be fully responsible for the administration, integration, coordination, direction and supervision of all its subcontractors and of all work. Contractor shall check requirements of the work and coordinate and adjust as required so that conflicts in time, workspace, equipment and supplies do not occur in the work being performed by the Contractor with its own employees and the work being performed by its subcontractors.

2.1.9.3 Scheduling and Resource Management- Contractor maintains a dedicated utility repair crew and equipment resources that can be mobilized for both planned and emergency work.

Resources are assigned based on project priority, complexity, and required response time to ensure timely completion of services.

2.1.9.4 Emergency Response- The bidder must provide emergency response support on an as needed basis utilizing a triage approach. The intent of this requirement is for availability for on site emergency response or continuous on call services. This requirement is limited to telephone mailto:maschery@buffalo.edu availability for initial coordination and does not obligate the Bidder to provide immediate on site response or maintain 24/7 staffing. Emergency repair crews can be mobilized rapidly to address water main breaks, sewer failures, steam leaks, manhole collapses and other critical utility incidents.

2.1.9.5 Quality Assurance and Quality Control- Quality control includes preconstruction site evaluation, utility verification and conflict identification, inspection of materials and installation, testing and commissioning procedures, final inspections and punch lists, and documentation closeout review.

Safety Management- Safety is integrated into all phases of work. The crew operate under comprehensive safety procedures that comply with OSHE/PESH regulations and industry best standards, including Excavation and trench safety confine space entry procedures, lockout tagout requirements, traffic control and pedestrian protection, utility isolation procedures and daily safety briefing and hazard assessments.

2.1.9.6 Communication and Reporting- Regular communication with University representatives is maintained throughout project execution. Progress updates, schedules changes, testing results, safety observations, and project documentation are provided as required to ensure transparency and accountability.

2.1.9.7 The Contractor shall coordinate all activities with the University representative.

Unless otherwise approved, planned work shall generally be performed Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Work outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, or holidays, must be authorized in advance by the University representative except in emergency situations.

The Contractor shall be capable of performing services during evenings, weekends, and holidays when required by the University.

2.1.9.8 Equipment costs may either be included within the Contractor's service rates or reimbursed separately at the applicable equipment rental rates established in the awarded pricing schedule.

Equipment rental charges shall only be invoiced when specifically required for the performance of authorized work and approved by the University.

No additional markups, administrative fees, mobilization charges, or handling fees shall be permitted beyond those established in the awarded pricing schedule.

2.1.10 Billing

2.1.10.1 Labor charges shall be invoiced based on actual hours worked at the University job site.

Billing shall begin upon arrival at the job site and end upon departure from the job site.

Travel time to and from the University shall not be billable unless specifically authorized by the University.

Labor categories shall be billed at the rates established in the awarded pricing schedule

2.1.10.2 Equipment charges shall be invoiced only for equipment actively utilized in the performance of authorized work.

Equipment shall be billed at the rates established in the awarded pricing schedule.

Billing shall be based on actual hours used unless otherwise identified within the pricing schedule.

The University reserves the right to verify equipment utilization and supporting documentation.

2.1.10.3 Materials shall be reimbursed at the Contractor's actual net cost plus the material markup percentage established in the awarded pricing schedule.

Upon request, the Contractor shall provide supplier invoices, receipts, or other documentation substantiating material costs.

The University reserves the right to audit all material charges submitted under this contract.

2.1.10.4 Contractor must supply all routine tools, equipment, and vehicles to safely and satisfactorily perform the appropriate services, as defined in this specification. In addition to routine tools and equipment, any additional specialized equipment required may be invoiced at cost plus percentage as indicated by the Bidder/Contractor.

This structured approach enables the award bidder to consistently deliver high quality underground utility repair and rehabilitation services while minimizing disruptions to University operations and maintaining safety of students, faculty, staff and guests.

SECTION 3: BIDDER QUALIFICATONS & REQUIREMENTS

One (1) contract will be awarded to a responsive and responsible Bidder, qualified by experience and in a financial position to do the work specified. The University is not interested in receiving standard marketing materials. The Bidder must provide the following information so that the University can evaluate the Bidder’s stability and ability to support the commitments set forth in response to this RFP. The University reserves the right to require a Bidder provide additional documentation to support and/or clarify their response. In order to facilitate prompt award of the bid, the Bidder shall attest to the following.

3.1 RELEVANT EXPERIENCE (Group 1 in Questions Tab of Jagger)

The Bidder must provide a narrative demonstrating in detail relevant experience and success with services of similar magnitude and scope so that the University can evaluate the Bidder’s stability and ability to support the commitments set forth in response to this RFP. Provide a narrative confirming the below requirements information.

3.1.1 The contractor shall be experienced in the performance and supervision of work of this scope with at least five (5) years’ experience in this type of work. The actual work shall be done by qualified and experienced employees working under the supervision or under the supervision of an experienced supervisor who has also been doing this type of service for five years. Please provide documentation of experience.

3.1.2 More than one bid from an individual firm, partnership, corporation or association under the same or different names will not be considered. Reasonable grounds for believing that a Bidder is interested in more than one proposal for the same work will cause the rejection of all proposals in which such Bidders are believed to be interested.

3.1.3 Any or all proposals will be rejected if there is reason to believe that collusion exists between

Bidders. Proposals in which process and quantities are obviously unbalanced will be rejected.

3.1.4 The contractor shall own or be able to secure necessary equipment for all assigned construction and infrastructure-related work including emergency situations, during and after normal business hours. The contractor will share an equipment disclosure equipment list to be reviewed by the University representative.

3.1. The contractor shall possess the ability to comply with all aspects of the specifications and requirements.

3.2 SERVICE PLAN (Group 2 in Questions section of Jagger)

The Bidder must provide the following information to demonstrate how bidder will provide all services and meet all requirements of the RFP.

3.2.1 A clear and concise description of the array of services and assets that Bidder will provide, a detailed work plan, enumerating priorities by specific requirement, and including specific tasks that the University will be responsible for completing. Itemize all project and asset deliverables and provide examples of each.

3.3 REFERENCES (Group 3 in Questions section of Jagger)

References (Pass/Fail): The Bidder must provide three (3) client references for projects completed within the last five (5) years that are similar in scope, complexity, and nature to the services described in this solicitation and performed for comparable higher education institutions. References must include the institution/company name, contact name and title, address, telephone number, email address, and a brief description of the work performed. References will be contacted to verify service quality, timeliness, responsiveness, scope of work, contract compliance, and overall performance. References may not be current University at Buffalo employees. The Bidder is responsible for ensuring all reference information is accurate and that references are available to respond during the evaluation process. References will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis as outlined in Section 1.3.1.1.

SECTION 4: TERMS AND CONDITIONS