HOWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

10901 LITTLE PATUXENT PARKWAY

COLUMBIA, MD 21044

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB)

Campus Directional Signage Update

IFB NUMBER 26P-003

All sealed bids MUST BE RECEIVED via Equity Hub’s Bid Locker at https://bidlocker.us/details/5514 by 11:00 a.m. local time on Friday, January 9th , 2026.

IMPORTANT: Your response may be considered Not Responsible or Non-Responsive if any portion of this inquiry is not complete. No bid will be accepted after the date and time stated above.

Drewry L. Brown Jr., Ph.D.

Director of Procurement

NOTICE: Prospective Bidders who have received this document from a source other than the Issuing Office should immediately go to the Howard Community College procurement website to ensure that they have received all addendums to the Invitation for

Bids or other communications issued in relation to this IFB. A Prospective Bidder who fails to monitor the Howard Community

College website assumes complete responsibility in the event that they do not receive communications from the Issuing Office prior to the closing date.

December 8, 2025 https://bidlocker.us/details/5514

Howard Community College

IFB Number: 26P-003

IFB Title: Campus Directional Signage Update

Opening Date: December 8, 2025

Closing Date: January 9, 2026

To All Prospective Bidders:

The Board of Trustees of Howard Community College invites bids from a qualified, licensed signage fabrication and installation firm to implement a comprehensive, campus-wide exterior signage and wayfinding update.

Bids will be accepted via Bid Locker until 11:00 a.m. on January 9, 2026, at which time and place the names of the firms submitting bids will be recorded. Late submittals will not be considered. It is the responsibility of each firm to ensure that their submittal is delivered to the proper place prior to the scheduled date and time.

Copies of the Invitation for Bids (IFB) may be obtained from the Howard Community College solicitation website at: www.howardcc.edu/procurement on the current solicitation page. Firms are encouraged to review that website frequently to learn of any changes that may be made in the IFB.

The Board of Trustees of Howard Community College reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any formalities, informalities, or technicalities as it deems necessary, appropriate and in the

College’s best interest. Final award of the contract is subject to the availability of funding for this project.

Sincerely, Drewry L. Brown Jr. Ph.D.

Director of Procurement http://www.howardcc.edu/procurement

IFB Title: Campus Directional Signage Update

TABLE OF CONTENTS

KEY INFORMATION SUMMARY HEET

SPECIFICATIONS/SCOPE OF WORK

SUBMITTAL FORMAT

GENERAL INFORMATION

IFB Title: Campus Directional Signage Update

KEY INFORMATION SUMMARY HEET

Issuing Office: Howard Community College

Invitation for Bids Title: Campus Directional Signage Update

Invitation for Bids No: 26P-003

Procurement Officer:

Title:

Phone:

Email:

Dr. Drewry L. Brown

Director of Procurement

443-518-4448 dbrown6@howardcc.edu

Opening Date: Monday November 24, 2025

Closing Date: Monday, January 9, 2026, at 11 am EST

Pre-Bid Conference (In person – Only) December 18, 2025, at 9:00 am.

MBE Subcontracting Goal: Twenty-nine percent not mandatory but strongly encouraged.

Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price

Contract Duration: One (1) Base Year plus Two (2) Optional Years.

Budget Limitation: shall not exceed $1,100,000

IFB Title: Campus Directional Signage Update

SPECIFICATIONS/SCOPE OF WORK

1.1 OBJECTIVE

Howard Community College (HCC) seeks a qualified, licensed signage fabrication and installation firm to implement a comprehensive, campus-wide exterior signage and wayfinding update.

The selected Contractor shall work in close coordination with HCC’s Public Relations &

Marketing Department (PRM) to provide fabrication, installation, and limited design verification of new signage in accordance with the College’s approved rebranding standards and the prior exterior signage survey conducted for HCC. The objective is to replace approximately 86 signs across the main campus—including vehicle, pedestrian, and building identification signage to include ensuring Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. [ADA compliance refers to meeting the requirements of the Americans with

Disabilities Act (ADA)—a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and ensures equal access to public spaces, services, programs, and communications].

Budget Limitation: In accordance with COMAR 21.06.03.02, the total amount available for this project shall not exceed $1,100,000, inclusive of all labor, materials, permits, disposal, overhead, and profit. Bids exceeding this limit will be deemed non-responsive.

1.2 SPECIFICATIONS

The successful Bidder shall provide the following:

1. Exterior building mounted identification signs. Develop a unified and branded approach to be used when updating current signage, adding additional signs to existing buildings and garages and planning for additional buildings.

2. Provide services to complete the Howard County sign permitting process with a completed sign permit. This may require a variance for the sign.

(Would this exclude sign companies from competing for the installation of the sign)

3. Review existing exterior ground mounted pedestrian wayfinding graphics on existing building and directional signage. Include ground plans and individual sign designs in updated plan.

4. Review messaging and graphics on existing and future roadside wayfinding signage.

Include ground plans and individual sign designs in updated plan.

IFB Title: Campus Directional Signage Update

1.2.1 Fabrication and Installation

• Replace or update approximately 86 signs, including:

o Building identification (pin-mounted lettering and shields) o Vehicular and pedestrian wayfinding signs o Directional kiosks and campus map signs o Parking and destination signage

• Provide new aluminum anodized or powder-coated finishes consistent with HCC brand guidelines.

• Reuse existing bases and posts where feasible, verifying structural integrity.

1.2.2 Permitting

• Manage and obtain required Howard County sign permits for all off-campus-visible signage, including preparation of drawings and coordination for variance hearings if needed.

1.2.3 Schedule

• Work must begin within ten (10) days of Notice-to-Proceed and achieve substantial completion, to allow for occupancy before the Spring Semester.

1.2.4 Coordination

• Coordinate all field activities with HCC’s PR/M, Facilities, and Campus Police for access, safety, and traffic management.

• Submit shop drawings, finish samples, and a detailed installation plan for approval before fabrication.

1.2.5 Warranty

• Minimum one-year warranty on installation and materials; five-year warranty on finishes and illumination components.

1.3 Deliverables

1. Verified sign schedule and installation map.

2. Permit applications and approved permits.

3. Fabrication drawings and color samples.

4. Final installation and inspection sign-off report.

The College’s campus is a dynamic physical campus that may change during the contract period, including new buildings. As major permanent changes occur, the selected Contractor will be expected to enter into an appropriate contract amendment incorporating the changes as appropriate.

IFB Title: Campus Directional Signage Update

SUBMITTAL FORMAT

2.1 INTRODUCTION

All bids must be organized in accordance with the format listed below. Conciseness and clarity of content are emphasized and encouraged. Vague and general bids will be considered non-responsive and result in disqualification. Non-conforming and non-responsive bids may be rejected at the discretion of college officials.

2.2 ORGANIZATION OF BID

Bids must be organized in the format of the sections listed below. Failure to include all the documents may render the bid non-responsive and the offer may be rejected.

2.3 TITLE PAGE

The title page must be on the company letterhead and should include the name and address of the firm submitting the bid, a contact person at the firm for the bid, and the date of submission. The page should also state the IFB title and solicitation number.

2.4 OVERVIEW OF FIRM

Provide a company overview, including size, revenue, services provided, and business outlook.

How many years have the firm been in business? What type of business organization is the firm

(corporation, partnership, individual)? Has the firm ever operated under any other name? If so, provide the name, address, and years in existence of the prior firm. If the firm has multiple office locations, identify the office that would be assigned to the project. How many staff are in this office, by staff level and area of services, and what is the number of clients currently handled by this office? Has the firm ever failed to complete any work that had been awarded to it? If so, state when, where and why. Has any officer or partner of the firm ever been an officer or partner of another organization that failed? If so, state circumstances. List and explain all pending and resolved litigation over the last three years. Also provide a bank reference, including contact name, bank name, address, telephone number, and email. Provide the name, address, telephone number, and website URL for any and all subcontracting firms which will be part of the firm’s team.

2.5 PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

A qualified landscape management contractor shall possess the necessary state and local licenses, appropriate insurance coverage, and certifications such as pesticide applicator or irrigation specialist credentials. The contractor should have at least five years’ experience in providing commercial/institutional Campus Directional Signage Update with demonstrated expertise in horticulture, turf care, irrigation, and pest control. Personnel must be trained in safety procedures and capable of interpreting landscape plans, managing crews, and maintaining detailed records.

The contractor is expected to apply sustainable landscaping practices, comply with OSHA and

IFB Title: Campus Directional Signage Update environmental regulations, and consistently deliver high-quality, aesthetically maintained grounds while demonstrating strong project management and communication skills.

2.6 TECHNICAL PLAN

Describe the detailed plan for meeting the requirements of the project. Include a progress schedule outlining the individual steps involved in accomplishing this project, and the amount of time anticipated in accomplishing the steps. Also include a detailed description of the firm’s abilities to complete the requirements of this project.

2.7 MANAGEMENT PLAN

Describe the detailed plan for managing the requirements of this project. Include a description of the firm’s methods of planning, organizing, scheduling, controlling, and coordinating the total project effort.

2.8 QUALITY CONTROL

Describe the procedures that will be used to assure technical accuracy of planning and implementation, specifications, and cost estimates.

2.9 EXPERIENCE

Describe the firm’s experience providing the goods and services herein. Include a detailed description of the firm’s experience for all required areas and components of the project. Include the project title, institution name, contact person, phone number, e-mail, project start and completion dates.

2.10 ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS

List any additional documents that the firm expects the College to provide.

2.11 FIRM’S REFERENCES

The Procurement Officer may contact references listed in the bid for each project, as well as other sources referred to them in the course of the evaluation. References will be questioned about such items as the Bidder’s overall performance, organization, cooperation, timeliness, and quality of construction, and the owner’s satisfaction with results. The Bidder shall ensure that contact information is current.

Additionally, the Bidder shall provide references from a minimum of three projects of similar scope. All listed projects shall be from a higher education institution. Identify what services were provided. The following information must also be provided: project name, institution name, contact person, phone, email, project dates, contract value.

2.12 SWORN STATEMENT OF ACCURACY FORM

The Affidavit of Accuracy Form is to be completed by the Bidder and the original included in the original bid.

IFB Title: Campus Directional Signage Update

2.13 FIRM INFORMATION FORM

The signed original must be included with the original bid.

2.14 ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF ADDENDA FORM

Bidders must acknowledge receipt of all addenda issued for this IFB. Failure to do so may result in a Bidder’s being rejected. Use the form provided.

2.15 MINORITY PARTICIPATION FORM

The signed original must be included with the original Bid. Include additional Heets as necessary to explain how the firm intends to meet this goal.

2.16 CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

In compliance with the State Public Ethics Law, acquisitions from a business in which a trustee or employee has an interest are prohibited. Interest is deemed present if the trustee or employee or a spouse, parent, child, brother or sister of the trustee or employee has an interest and the trustee or employee knows of the interest. A Conflict-of-Interest Statement is included in this document and must be completed and returned with the bid.

2.17 ETHICS STATEMENT

In compliance with the State Public Ethics Law, an individual or a person that employs an individual who assists the College in the drafting of specifications, an invitation for bids, a request for bids for a procurement, or the selection or award made in response to an invitation for bids or request for bids may not submit a bid or bid for that procurement; or assist or represent another person, directly or indirectly, who is submitting a bid or bid for that procurement. An

Ethics Statement is included in this document and must be completed and returned with the Bid.

2.18 BID/PROPOSAL AFFIDAVIT

The signed original must be included with the original bid.

2.19 LICENSES

The firm and its employees and subcontractors, if any, must have all necessary current business and professional licenses issued by the State of Maryland for relevant trade specialties. Proper documentation shall be attached to the Bid. Provide a copy of the firm’s applicable license or certificate issued by the State of Maryland.

IFB Title: Campus Directional Signage Update

GENERAL INFORMATION

3.1 BID DUE DATE

All responses to this Invitation for Bids will be accepted via Equity Hub’s Bid Locker at https://bidlocker.us/details/5514, until 11:00 a.m. on January 9, 2026, at which time and place the names of the firms submitting bids will be recorded. Firms do not need to be present at the recording. Late submittals will not be considered. It is the responsibility of each firm to ensure their bid is submitted prior to the scheduled date and time.

Oral, mailed, faxed, or emailed proposals are invalid and will not be given consideration. Bids will not be accepted electronically through eMMA. In the event that the College is closed on the bid opening date due to emergency or inclement weather, the bid will be opened at the stated time on the next open business day, unless the Bidder is notified otherwise.

3.2 PRE-BID CONFERENCE

The pre-bid conference and walk-thru will be held on campus on Thursday, December 18, 2025 , starting at 9:00 am EST. Attendance is not mandatory but is strongly encouraged. To

RSVP, all interested parties must email Dr. Brown at dbrown6@howardcc.edu by close of business on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

Any substantive questions that may arise during the pre-bid conference must be emailed to Dr.

Brown for an official response via Addendum. Verbal responses communicated during the pre-bid conference are not binding unless submitted in writing.

Names of attendees will be recorded to aid in the creation of the bid addendum that follows the conference, which will memorialize the topics covered during the pre-bid conference and any questions received during the conference. A list of registered attendees will be shared via an Addendum.

mailto:dbrown6@howardcc.edu

IFB Title: Campus Directional Signage Update

3.3 CONTACT INFORMATION

The sole point of contact for Howard Community College for this IFB is Dr. Drewry Brown, Director of Procurement. He may be reached via email at dbrown6@howardcc.edu. Firms must carefully examine the IFB and related documents. Should any firm find discrepancies or omissions in this IFB or be in doubt as to the content or meaning of any aspect of this document, the firm should direct inquiries or requests for clarification of the documents, specifications, or the process in writing to this contact person. All questions must be received by close of business Monday, December 22, 2025. Firms are advised that the College reserves the right to use its best judgment in choosing to respond or not respond to any questions received after the above cut-off date for questions.

Clarifications of the IFB, in the form of addenda, shall be issued in writing by the College as it deems appropriate and necessary to do so through the Howard Community College procurement webpage. The College reserves the right to waive any and all bid technicalities, formalities, or informalities at any time prior to or after the date of receipt of Bids as it deems appropriate and, in the College’s, best interest. The submission of a bid will indicate that the firm thoroughly understands the terms of the IFB.

Under no circumstances are firms, including third party firms or their staffs, to contact other College staff, faculty or any related constituency for purposes associated with the

IFB, including but not limited to, obtaining, or providing information unless specifically noted in the Scope of the Project. Firms failing to comply with this requirement may be disqualified.

The College may designate one or more of its employees as liaison to interested firms at its discretion. This designation may be made after the bid submission deadline. Communication between the firm and the College would then be made through the designated liaison after that point, as determined by the College.

3.4 SUBMISSION OF BIDS

Bidders must submit two (2) separate PDF files to respond to this IFB:

• One (1) Password-Protected PDF file for the unredacted bid submission.

• One (1) Password-Protected PDF file for the redacted bid submission.

The redacted PDF files must be in accordance with Section 3.23 Claims of Confidentiality.

Each file must be protected with a unique password. The passwords must be provided to the

Procurement Officer within 48 hours upon request. Failure to respond to the Procurement

Officer’s request may result in your firm’s bid being rejected. If your firm chooses to waive password protection, an email must still be sent to the Procurement Officer advising that password protection has been waived.

IFB Title: Campus Directional Signage Update

Bid submissions including Attachment A – Bid Form must include all required information.

All bid packages submitted in response to this IFB must be signed and labeled as follows:

<Firm Name> _26P-003 Campus Directional Signage Update Redacted or Unredacted, whichever is applicable to the file.

Completed bid documents must arrive electronically via Equity Hub’s Bid Locker at https://bidlocker.us/details/5514. Please note that Bidders must register on the Bid Locker website prior to submitting documents, so please plan the upload of the bid package accordingly.

Oral, mailed, faxed, or emailed bids are invalid and will not be given consideration. Bids will not be accepted electronically through eMMA. Failure to follow the submission instructions in this section will result in the rejection of your firm’s bid.

All costs incurred by responding firms associated with the preparation, submission, presentation or bids and attendance at meetings, including but not limited to, costs related to transportation, meals, lodging, bonding and other related expenses, if applicable, will be the sole responsibility of the respondent and will not under any circumstances be reimbursed by the College.

3.5 EVALUATION OF BIDS

Bids must meet the requirements as stated in this IFB. Bidders will be evaluated based on pass/fail criteria. Bids that fail to meet one or more of the criteria may be ineligible for an award. The College may make any investigations deemed necessary to determine the ability of the firm to provide the work as specified herein. If it is in the best interest of the College, Bidders may be required to cure or clarify deficiencies in the bid.

3.6 EVIDENCE OF RESPONSIBILITY AND RESPONSIVENESS

Bidder’s submitting a response to this IFB must provide evidence of the following:

a. Bidder is responsible – bidder demonstrates ability to provide products and services that can meet or exceed requirements. The following criteria will be used to determine responsibleness:

i. The bidder has the equipment, ability, and experience to perform the work as stated in the specifications listed in the bid.

ii. Bidder is financially stable.

b. Bidder is responsive – Bidder follows bid submission instructions and provides all requested materials. The following criteria will be used to determine responsiveness:

i. The bidder has favorable references that can confirm its ability to provide the products and services as stated in the specifications listed in this bid.

ii. Bidder has provided all documentation and samples requested in the

Specifications/Scope of work.

Additionally, the quality of performance of previous contracts or services shall be considered in determining the lowest responsive and responsible Bidder. Quality of performance may be https://bidlocker.us/details/5514

IFB Title: Campus Directional Signage Update determined by contracts or services provided to the College or to other entities. Quality of performance to other entities will be determined from reference checks when references are required. The determination of quality performance includes the Contractor’s history of reasonable and cooperative behavior and commitment to customer satisfaction and the

Contractor’s businesslike concern for the interests of the customer. The College reserves the right to reject any bid deemed not responsible or non-responsive.

3.7 AWARD

The contract will be awarded to the most favorable evaluated bid price that complies with all of the provisions and stated criteria of this IFB, subject to the availability of funding and provided that it is the best interest of Howard Community College to award the contract. The

Bidder's response, the specifications, terms and exhibits of this IFB, and any other applicable documentation relating to this bid will be incorporated into the contract.

The award may be in whole or in part, whichever is in the best interest of the College. The

Board of Trustees reserves the right to waive any informalities in the selection and award process relating to this bid.

In the College’s sole discretion, the College may defer the award of the contract for a period of up to one hundred and twenty (120) calendar days after opening of bids. If no award or other disposition is made, the expiration of the one hundred and twenty (120) calendar days will constitute rejection of all offers without further action by the College.

3.8 PRICING

The price offered on the Bid Form must include all charges and costs (including shipping) incurred in the delivery of this procurement. No allowance will be made later for additional charges due to the Bidder’s omission.

In addition, all Bidders must hold their bid prices for one hundred twenty (120) days after bid opening date, but prior to contract award date. If the awarded Bidder is unable to fulfil the contract, the College reserves the right to re-bid the contract or to award the contract to the next lowest Bidder.

Note: The College will not consider bids that exceed the published budget limitation identified in Section 1.1.

3.9 REJECTION

The College reserves the right to reject any or all offers received because of this solicitation and readvertise for other bids. Offers may also be rejected for any of the following reasons:

a. Failure to meet the mandatory specifications and requirements.

b. Failure to respond in a timely fashion to a request for additional information or data.

c. Failure to supply appropriate and favorable client references.

d. Financial instability of firm submitting the bid.

IFB Title: Campus Directional Signage Update

e. Failure of the firm to successfully negotiate a contract, if applicable.

f. Submitting an incomplete price bid page.

g. Submitting a bid that is not signed; or

h. Failure to demonstrate that the Bidder is qualified to carry out the obligations of the contract and to implement and support the work specified herein.

3.10 SUBCONTRACTS/MAJOR SUPPLIERS

Bidders must submit the names, addresses, and division of work for all subcontractors and major material suppliers to be retained for this project. The College reserves the right to reject.

3.11 CHANGES TO THE CONTRACT

The College may make any alterations, deviations, additions, or omissions from the Invitation for Bid documents which it deems to be in the best interest of the college without affecting the obligations of the Firm or making the contract void. Any alterations, deviations, additions, or omissions shall be processed as a change order.

3.12 CHANGES IN WORK

The College may make any alterations, deviations, additions, or omissions from the IFB documents which it deems to be in the best interest of the College without affecting the obligations of the Contractor or making void the contract. Any alterations, deviations, additions, or omissions shall be processed as a Change Order. Promptly after being notified of a change, Contractor shall submit an itemized estimate of any cost or time increases or savings

Contractor foresees as a result of the change. Detailed back-up documentation for any subcontractor costs shall also be included with the estimate. In giving instructions, the College shall have the authority to make minor changes to the work, not involving extra cost, and consistent with the purposes of the work. But otherwise, except in an emergency endangering life or property, no addition or changes to the Work shall be made except upon the written order of the College, and the College shall not be liable to the Contractor for any increased compensation without such written order. No officer, employee or agent of the College is authorized to direct any extra or changed work orally.

If a requested change results in an increase to the Contract Amount, the amount of the increase shall be limited to the Contractor’s reasonable direct labor and material costs and reasonable actual equipment costs because of the change (including allowance for labor burden costs) plus a maximum ten percent (10%) markup for all overhead and profit. In the event such change

Work is performed by a Subcontractor, a maximum ten percent (10%) markup for all overhead and profit for Subcontractors’ and sub-subcontractors’ direct labor and material costs and actual equipment costs shall be permitted, with a maximum five percent (5%) markup thereon by the Contractor for all its overhead and profit, for a total maximum markup of fifteen percent

(15%). All compensation due Contractor and any Subcontractor or sub-subcontractor for field and home office overhead is included in the markups noted above.

A Change Order shall be issued and executed promptly after an agreement is reached between

Contractor and the College concerning the requested changes. The contractor shall promptly

IFB Title: Campus Directional Signage Update perform changes authorized by duly executed Change Orders. The Contract Amount and

Contract Time shall be adjusted in the Change Order in the manner as the College and

Contractor shall mutually agree.

The College shall have the right to conduct an audit of the Contractor’s books and records to verify the accuracy of the Contractor’s claim with respect to the Contractor’s costs associated with any Change Order.

3.13 DELIVERY

The successful Bidder shall deliver all of the required submittals within ten (10) days of the

Notice to Award and commence Work according to the approved project schedule unless otherwise ordered in writing by the College.

3.14 INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

The Firm shall always maintain in force during the term of the contract, such insurance that will indemnify and hold harmless the College from Worker’s Compensation and Public

Liability claims for property damage and personal injury, including death, which may arise from the Firms’ operations under the contract, or by anyone directly or indirectly employed by the Firm. The Firm’s insurance will be with an insurance carrier licensed to do business in the

State of Maryland acceptable to the College, with the following minimum insurance coverage:

Comprehensive General Liability Insurance – Liability Limits of One Million Dollars

($1,000,000.00) each occurrence and Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000) aggregate.

Comprehensive Business Automobile Liability Insurance – Liability Limit of Five

Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) for any one accident.

Worker’s Compensation Insurance: Statutory coverage, including employer’s liability coverage with a limit of at least One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00).

At the time this contract is made, the Firm shall provide the College with evidence of payment fully of the above insurance coverage throughout the entire term of this contract. Any request for an extension of time for this contract shall also include evidence of payment fully of the above insurance coverage through the entire term of the extension of term for this contract.

The Firm shall furnish the College with a certificate of insurance as evidence of the required coverage. Such insurance should specifically identify the materials and/or equipment and shall name Howard Community College and Howard County, Maryland as an additional insured.

If the Firm’s insurance is terminated, the Firm shall immediately obtain other coverage; any lack of insurance shall be ground for immediate termination of the contract.

IFB Title: Campus Directional Signage Update

3.15 CONFIDENTIALITY OF DATA

All financial, statistical, personal, technical and other data and information which are designated confidential by the College and not otherwise subject to disclosure, and made available to the Firm in order to carry out this Contract, or which become available to the Firm in carrying out this Contract, shall be protected by the Firm using the same level of care in preventing unauthorized disclosure or use of the confidential information that the Firm takes to protect its own information of a similar nature, but in no event, less than reasonable care.

The Firm shall not be required under the provision of this clause to keep confidential any data or information that is or becomes publicly available, is already rightfully in the Firm’s possession, is independently developed by the Firm outside the scope of this Contract or is rightfully obtained from third parties.

3.16 COOPERATIVE PURCHASE

The College reserves the right to extend all of the terms, conditions, specifications, and unit or other prices of any contract resulting from this Request for Bids to any and all public bodies, subdivisions, school districts, community colleges, colleges, and universities. This is conditioned upon the mutual agreement of all parties pursuant to specific requirements, which may be appended thereto. The College assumes no authority, liability, or obligation, on behalf of any other public entity that may use any contract resulting from this IFB. All purchases and payment transactions will be made directly between the Firm and the requesting entity. Any exceptions to this requirement must be specifically noted in the bid response.

3.17 SUBCONTRACTORS

Bidders must submit the names and addresses of all subcontractors to be retained for this project. The College reserves the right to refuse.

3.18 MINORITY PARTICIPATION

It is the policy of Howard Community College to strongly encourage minority business enterprises (MBE) to provide goods and services for the performance of college functions.

Within the evaluation, Bidders can achieve higher consideration if they are a minority business enterprise or demonstrate an effort to achieve a minimum of 29% of the subcontractors or vendors anticipated to be retained by the Bidder for the College’s project. Minority businesses include non-profit entities organized to promote the interests of handicapped persons, and firms that are 51% owned and controlled by a member of socially or economically disadvantaged minority groups, which include: African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaska natives, Asians, Pacific Islanders, women, and the mentally or physically disabled.

3.19 PROCUREMENT REGULATIONS

This Invitation for Bid and any resulting contract shall be governed by §§16-311 through 16-

314 of the Education Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

3.20 MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES

HCC believes that a key characteristic of performance excellence is a solid foundation and understanding of an organization’s mission, vision, and value statements. The College expects

IFB Title: Campus Directional Signage Update all Firms to support the College’s mission, vision, and values by fostering these concepts in their work on campus.

o Mission: providing pathways to success o Vision: a place to discover greatness in yourself and others o Values: INSPIRED-Innovation, Nurturing, Service and sustainability, Partnerships, Integrity, Respect, Excellence, Diversity equity and inclusion

3.21 SMOKE AND TOBACCO-FREE

Howard Community College is a tobacco free environment. Use of tobacco products is prohibited in all colleges owned, leased, and controlled properties including parking lots and garages, and at all college-sponsored activities. Smoking is prohibited in vehicles. This use prohibition extends to Firms, employees, agents, subcontractors, and vendors.

3.22 EMPLOYMENT OF CHILD SEX OFFENDERS

Howard Community College provides a number of programs throughout the main campus that involve minor children, including Kids on Campus. The State of Maryland requires certain child sex offenders to register with the State and with the local law enforcement agency in the county in which they will reside, work, or attend school. If a child sex offender, as determined by the definitions contained in the Criminal Law Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, is employed by the awarded Bidder, the awarded Bidder is prohibited from assigning that employee to perform any type of service on the main campus. Violation of this provision may result in Termination for Cause of the contract.

3.23 CLAIM OF CONFIDENTIALITY

Any information which is claimed to be confidential and/or proprietary information should be identified by page and section number and placed after the Title Page and before the Table of

Contents in the Bid. An explanation for each claim of confidentiality shall be included. The entire Bid cannot be given a blanket confidentiality designation - any confidentiality designation must apply to specific sections, pages, or portions of pages of the Bid and an explanation for each claim shall be included.

THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

IFB Title: Campus Directional Signage Update

BID FORM

To: Howard Community College

Re: 26P-003: Campus Directional Signage Update

From: ________________________________

(Company’s Name)

The undersigned (“Contractor”) proposes to provide all of the necessary labor and materials, as specified in the attached Bid Documents. It is understood that the College will be the sole judge as to the acceptance of the bids and award of the contract. All work shall be completed in accordance with the accompanying Specifications for the amount listed below for Base Bid as applicable in accordance with the terms of the Bid Documents.

By submitting this bid, Contractor agrees to be bound by the College’s General Terms and Conditions, Supplemental Terms and Conditions for Construction, and comply with all insurance mandates.

Bidders are required to submit pricing for every item contained within this bid form. Bidders that do not respond to every item shall be deemed non-responsive.

Bids shall be provided on a one (1) year basis as follows: Year 1 – March 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026;

Year 2 – January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2027; and Year 3 – January 1, 2028 – December 31, 2028.

A. Base bid:

The proposed contract amounts listed below are to provide Howard Community College with Campus

Directional Signage Update, and have examined all matters referred to in the Bid Documents, including

Addenda No. ____, _____, _____, and ____, is:

A. UNIT PRICE: FABRICATION AND INSTALLATION OF SINGLE SIGN WITH 2 WORD BARS

(Written) (Dollars/Cents)

B. PRICE PER ONE (1) ADDITIONAL WORD BAR ADDED TO A SIGN (INCLUDING INSTALLATION)

(Written) (Dollars/Cents)

C. BASE BID: The total cost to complete all work as described in the Invitation for Bid Documents, including all seventeen (17) signs as listed on the Sign Schedule, is:

IFB Title: Campus Directional Signage Update

(In Words): _____________________________________________________________Dollars

(In Numbers): $________________________________________________________________

Note to bidder: Submitted price must be inclusive of all costs associated with the requirements listed herein.

SUBCONTRACTORS

The Bidder shall list all subcontractors proposed for all the parts of the work. Howard Community

College reserves the right to reject any subcontractor who will be performing work related to this project prior to award of Contract. Include Name, Address, Telephone Number, and a contact person. Use separate sheets if necessary:

Name Address Telephone

Number

Contact Person Certified

MBE

(Yes/No)

By signing below, your firm agrees to provide said goods and services as specified and that those goods and services shall be provided or performed in accordance with the bid specifications, stipulations and terms and conditions specified and that your firm has read and agrees to the College terms, conditions, stipulations, and specifications and any College approved or authorized exceptions, and that your firm will adhere to said terms and conditions in any contract resulting.

It is understood that the proposed price will be firm for a period of one hundred (120) calendar days from the deadline for receipt of bids and that if the undersigned be notified of acceptance of this price within this time period, the firm shall execute a contract for the above stated compensation. Failure to properly and completely fill in all blanks may be a cause for rejection of this Price Bid.

Company Name Printed Name

Title Authorized signature and date

IFB Title: Campus Directional Signage Update

FIRM INFORMATION FORM

The undersigned agrees to furnish and deliver the above goods and services in accordance with the specifications issued, and subject to all terms, conditions, and requirements in the solicitation, and in the various bid documents.

(Printed name of Company)

Provide the name and title of the person with legal authority to sign on behalf of the Firm. If the title of the individual is not “President” or “Vice President,” provide verification of the signature authority with your submittal.

Name of Company Signatory (Printed): ___________________________________________

Title of Company Signatory (Printed): _____________________________________________

Please list any exceptions taken to any terms and conditions listed in the bid. Please note any exceptions taken that may affect the award of a contract or purchase order:

Please provide the following information:

Company Name: ___________________________ Corporation (y/n): ___________

Federal Tax Id: ____________________________ Years in Business: ___________

Street Address: ____________________________ City: _______________________________

____________________________ State, Zip ___________________________

Office phone number: ______________________ Fax number: _____________________

Cell phone number: ________________________ Email address: ___________________

Contact Person: ___________________________ Title: ___________________________

Minority Firm: ____ (yes) ______ (no)

If yes, please specify minority classification __________________________________

Company name Name

Title Authorized signature and date.

IFB Title: Campus Directional Signage Update

SWORN STATEMENT OF ACCURACY FORM

The undersigned swears or affirms under the penalty of perjury and upon personal knowledge that the contacts of this Bid are true and correct.

Name of Company Representative/Title

(Signature)

Address Representative/Title

(Print/Type)

Telephone number Date

IFB Title: Campus Directional Signage Update

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF ADDENDA

We, ____________________________________________ acknowledge receipt of the following addenda:

No. _________, Dated _________________________

PLEASE SIGN BELOW TO ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF ADDENDUM AND RETURN WITH

BID.

Company name Name

Date Authorized signature.

IFB Title: Campus Directional Signage Update

REFERENCES

The Bidder shall list at least three projects of similar scope. The referenced work shall have been completed within the last five years. Provide a brief description of the scope of the work. Please make sure references and contact people are current. Use separate Heets if necessary and include with submission. These will become part of the contract.

Reference 1

Company name

Street Address

City, State, Zip

Contact Person

Title

Telephone #

Project Dates

Reference 2

Street Address

City, State, Zip

Contact Person

Title

Reference 3

Street Address

City, State, Zip

IFB Title: Campus Directional Signage Update

Contact Person

Title

Please note: References listed must be able to confirm the Bidder’s ability to provide the services requested in this bid document.

References submitted by: _______________________________________________________

IFB Title: Campus Directional Signage Update

MINORITY PARTICIPATION FORM

PROPOSERS SHALL COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:

I HEREBY REPRESENT THAT OUR/MY FIRM IS _______

IS NOT _______

A MINORITY BUSINESS FIRM AS INDICATED BELOW (check all that apply):

African American _____ Hispanic ______ Asian/Pacific Islander ______

American Indian/Alaska native _____ Disabled ______ Female ______

I HEREBY REPRESENT THAT OUR/MY FIRM: IS ___ IS NOT ____ COMMITTED TO

DEMONSTRATING AN EFFORT TO ACHIEVE A MINIMUM MBE PARTICIPATION LEVEL OF

29%.

I hereby certify that the above information is true and correct, to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Firm Name

Signed Date

Type or Print Name

Title

IFB Title: Campus Directional Signage Update

CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

The undersigned hereby affirms and attests that to the best of my knowledge, no trustee, employee, spouse, parent, child, brother or sister of the trustee or employee, own assets in this business, and of this date are also employed by Howard Community College.

Company: _____________________________________________________________

Authorized signature: _____________________________________________________________

Printed name: _____________________________________________________________

Title: _____________________________________________________________

Date: _____________________________________________________________

IFB Title: Campus Directional Signage Update

ETHICS STATEMENT

In compliance with the Public Ethics Law contained in the Annotated Code of Maryland, Title 5 of the

General Provisions Article, I hereby affirm that no employee of or representative for our company assisted the College in the drafting of specifications, requirements, statements of work, invitation for bids or request for bids for this procurement, nor did any individual or company who assisted in such drafting assist or represent this company, directly or indirectly, in submitting a bid or bid for this procurement.

Firm: _____________________________________________________________

Authorized signature: _____________________________________________________________

Printed name: _____________________________________________________________

Title: _____________________________________________________________

Date: _____________________________________________________________

IFB Title: Campus Directional Signage Update

BID/PROPOSAL AFFIDAVIT

A. AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

I HEREBY AFFIRM THAT:

I am the (title) ____________ and the duly authorized representative of (business) ______________ and that I possess the legal authority to make this Affidavit on behalf of myself and the business for which I am acting.

B. CERTIFICATION REGARDING COMMERCIAL NONDISCRIMINATION

The undersigned Bidder hereby certifies and agrees that the following information is correct: In preparing its bid on this project, the

Bidder has considered all bids submitted from qualified, potential subcontractors and suppliers, and has not engaged in

"discrimination" as defined in §19-103 of the State Finance and Procurement Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

"Discrimination" means any disadvantage, difference, distinction, or preference in the solicitation, selection, hiring, or commercial treatment of a vendor, subcontractor, or commercial customer on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, or national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or on the basis of disability or any otherwise unlawful use of characteristics regarding the vendor's, supplier's, or commercial customer's employees or owners. "Discrimination" also includes retaliating against any person or other entity for reporting any incident of "discrimination". Without limiting any other provision of the solicitation on this project, it is understood that, if the certification is false, such false certification constitutes grounds for the State to reject the bid submitted by the

Bidder on this project, and terminate any contract awarded based on the bid. As part of its bid or bid, the Bidder herewith submits a list of all instances within the past 4 years where there has been a final adjudicated determination in a legal or administrative proceeding in the State of Maryland that the Bidder discriminated against subcontractors, vendors, suppliers, or commercial customers, and a description of the status or resolution of that determination, including any remedial action taken. Bidder agrees to comply in all respects with the State's Commercial Nondiscrimination Policy as described under Title 19 of the State Finance and

Procurement Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

C. AFFIRMATION REGARDING BRIBERY CONVICTIONS

I FURTHER AFFIRM THAT:

Neither I, nor to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief, the above business (as is defined in Section 16-101(b) of the State Finance and Procurement Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland), or any of its officers, directors, partners, controlling stockholders, or any of its employees directly involved in the business's contracting activities including obtaining or performing contracts with public bodies has been convicted of, or has had probation before judgment imposed pursuant to Criminal Procedure Article, §6-220, Annotated Code of Maryland, or has pleaded nolo contendere to a charge of, bribery, attempted bribery, or conspiracy to bribe in violation of Maryland law, or of the law of any other state or federal law, except as follows (indicate the reasons why the affirmation cannot be given and list any conviction, plea, or imposition of probation before judgment with the date, court, official or administrative body, the sentence or disposition, the name(s) of person(s) involved, and their current positions and responsibilities with the business):

D. AFFIRMATION REGARDING OTHER CONVICTIONS

I FURTHER AFFIRM THAT:

Neither I, nor to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief, the above business, or any of its officers, directors, partners, controlling stockholders, or any of its employees directly involved in the business's contracting activities including obtaining or performing contracts with public bodies, has:

(1) Been convicted under state or federal statute of:

(a) A criminal offense incident to obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public or private contract; or

(b) Fraud, embezzlement, theft, forgery, falsification, or destruction of records or receiving stolen property.

(2) Been convicted of any criminal violation of a state or federal antitrust statute.

(3) Been convicted under the provisions of Title 18 of the United States Code for violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act, 18 U.S.C. §1961 et seq., or the Mail Fraud Act, 18 U.S.C. §1341 et seq., for acts in connection with the submission of bids or bids for a public or private contract;

(4) Been convicted of a violation of the State Minority Business Enterprise Law, §14-308 of the State Finance and Procurement Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

(5) Been convicted of a violation of §11-205.1 of the State Finance and Procurement Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

(6) Been convicted of conspiracy to commit any act or omission that would constitute grounds for conviction or liability under any law or statute described in subsections (1)— (5) above.

(7) Been found civilly liable under a state or federal antitrust statute for acts or omissions in connection with the submission of bids or bids for a public or private contract.

(8) Been found in a final adjudicated decision to have violated the Commercial Nondiscrimination Policy under Title 19 of the State Finance and Procurement Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland with regard to a public or private contract; or

IFB Title: Campus Directional Signage Update

(9) Admitted in writing or under oath, during the course of an official investigation or other proceedings, acts or omissions that would constitute grounds for conviction or liability under any law or statute described in §§B and C and subsections D(1)—(8) above, except as follows (indicate reasons why the affirmations cannot be given, and list any…