50-2425014-EMS, Fire and Rescue Equipment and Supplies Additional Manufacturers-IFB Final.pdf

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS)

Invitation for Bids #: 50-2425014

EMS, Fire & Rescue Equipment and Supplies Additional Manufacturers

Date of Issue: April 25, 2025

Bid Opening Date 2:00 PM, May 27, 2025

Direct all inquiries concerning this IFB to:

Grant F. Braley

Director of Procurement & Auxiliary Services

Email: braleyg@nccommunitycolleges.edu

Phone: (919) 807-7199 mailto:braleyg@nccommunitycolleges.edu

Ver. 11/2023

Invitation for Bids #

50-2425014

For internal State agency processing, including tabulation of bids, provide your company’s eVP (Electronic Vendor

Portal) Number. Pursuant to G.S. 132-1.10(b) this identification number shall not be released to the public. This page will be removed and shredded, or otherwise kept confidential, before the procurement file is made available for public inspection.

This page shall be filled out and returned with your bid.

Failure to do so may subject your bid to rejection.

Vendor Name

Vendor eVP#

Note: For a contract to be awarded to you, your company (you) must be a North Carolina registered vendor in good standing. You must enter the vendor number assigned through eVP (Electronic Vendor

Portal). If you do not have a vendor number, register at https://vendor.ncgov.com/vendor/login https://vendor.ncgov.com/vendor/login

Ver: 11/2023 1

EXECUTION

In compliance with this Invitation for Bids (IFB), and subject to all the conditions herein, the undersigned Vendor offers and agrees to furnish and deliver any or all items upon which prices are bid, at the prices set opposite each item within the time specified herein.

By executing this bid, the undersigned Vendor understands that false certification is a Class I felony and certifies that:

▪ this bid is submitted competitively and without collusion (G.S. 143-54),

▪ that none of its officers, directors, or owners of an unincorporated business entity has been convicted of any violations of Chapter 78A of the General Statutes, the Securities Act of 1933, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (G.S. 143-59.2), and

▪ it is not an ineligible Vendor as set forth in G.S. 143-59.1.

Furthermore, by executing this bid, the undersigned certifies to the best of Vendor’s knowledge and belief, that:

▪ it and its principals are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any Federal or State department or agency.

As required by G.S. 143-48.5, the undersigned Vendor certifies that it, and each of its sub-Contractors for any Contract awarded as a result of this

IFB, complies with the requirements of Article 2 of Chapter 64 of the NC General Statutes, including the requirement for each employer with more than 25 employees in North Carolina to verify the work authorization of its employees through the federal E-Verify system.

As required by Executive Order 24 (2017), the undersigned vendor certifies will comply with all Federal and State requirements concerning fair employment and that it does not and will not discriminate, harass, or retaliate against any employee in connection with performance of any

Contract arising from this solicitation.

G.S. 133-32 and Executive Order 24 (2009) prohibit the offer to, or acceptance by, any State Employee associated with the preparing plans, specifications, estimates for public Contract; or awarding or administering public Contracts; or inspecting or supervising delivery of the public

Contract of any gift from anyone with a Contract with the State, or from any person seeking to do business with the State. By execution of this bid response to the IFB, the undersigned certifies, for Vendor’s entire organization and its employees or agents, that Vendor are not aware that any such gift has been offered, accepted, or promised by any employees or agents of Vendor’s organization.

By executing this bid, Vendor certifies that it has read and agreed to the INSTRUCTION TO VENDORS and the NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL TERMS

AND CONDITIONS incorporated below. These documents can be accessed from the Ariba Sourcing Tool.

Failure to execute/sign bid prior to submittal may render bid invalid and it MAY BE REJECTED. Late bids cannot be accepted.

COMPLETE/FORMAL NAME OF VENDOR:

STREET ADDRESS: P.O. BOX: ZIP:

CITY & STATE & ZIP: TELEPHONE NUMBER: TOLL FREE TEL. NO:

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS ADDRESS IF DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE (SEE INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS ITEM #21):

PRINT NAME & TITLE OF PERSON SIGNING ON BEHALF OF VENDOR: FAX NUMBER:

VENDOR’S AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE: DATE: E-MAIL:

North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS)

Refer ALL Inquiries regarding this IFB to:

The procurement lead through the Message

Board in the Sourcing Tool. See section 2.5 for details:

Invitation for Bids #: 50-2425014

Bids will be publicly opened:

2:00 PM EST, May 27, 2025

Using Agency: NCCCS Commodity No. and Description:

46161700 – Rescue Equipment & Accessories Requisition No.: N/a

Bid Number: 50-2425014 Vendor: ____________________________________

Ver: 11/2023 2

FOR STATE USE ONLY: Offer accepted and Contract awarded this ____ day of _______________, 20____, as indicated on the attached certification, by ______________________________________________________

VALIDITY PERIOD

Offer shall be valid for at least 180 days from date of bid opening, unless otherwise stated here: ______ days, or if extended by mutual agreement in writing of the parties. Any withdrawal of this offer shall be made in writing, effective upon receipt by the agency issuing this IFB.

BID ACCEPTANCE

If your bid is accepted, all provisions of this IFB, along with the written results of any negotiations, shall constitute the written agreement between the parties (“Contract”). The NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS are incorporated herein and shall apply. Depending upon the

Goods or Services being offered, other terms and conditions may apply, as mutually agreed.

(Authorized Representative of NCCCS)

Ver: 11/2023 3

1.0 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

1.1 CONTRACT TERM

2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1 INVITATION FOR BID DOCUMENT

2.2 E-PROCUREMENT FEE

2.3 NOTICE TO VENDORS REGARDING IFB TERMS AND CONDITIONS

2.4 IFB SCHEDULE

2.5 BID QUESTIONS

2.6 BID SUBMITTAL

2.7 BID CONTENTS

2.8 ALTERNATE BIDS

2.9 DEFINITIONS, ACRONYMS, AND ABBREVIATIONS

3.0 METHOD OF AWARD AND BID EVALUATION PROCESS

3.1 METHOD OF AWARD

3.2 CONFIDENTIALITY AND PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS DURING EVALUATION

3.3 BID EVALUATION PROCESS

3.4 PERFORMANCE OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES

3.5 INTERPRETATION OF TERMS AND PHRASES

4.0 REQUIREMENTS

4.1 PRICING

4.2 ADDITIONAL DISCOUNT OFFERS/REBATES

4.3 MAKE AND MODEL

4.4 TRANSPORTATION AND IDENTIFICATION

4.5 DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION

4.6 AUTHORIZED RESELLER

4.7 DESCRIPTIVE LITERATURE

4.8 HUB PARTICIPATION

4.9 WARRANTY

4.10 SERVICE

4.11 TRAINING

4.12 MAINTENANCE MANUAL

4.13 INSTRUCTION MANUALS

4.14 REFERENCES

4.15 VENDOR’S REPRESENTATIONS

4.16 FINANCIAL STABILITY

4.17 AGENCY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS MODIFICATION

4.18 LOBBYING ACTIVITY CERTIFICATION FOR FEDERAL GRANTS

5.0 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

SPECIFICATIONS

5.2 CURRENT AWARDED MANUFACTURERS

5.3 CERTIFICATION AND SAFETY LABELS

5.4 DEVIATIONS

6.0 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

Ver: 11/2023 4

6.1 PROJECT MANAGER AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

6.2 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

6.3 PERIODIC STATUS REPORTS

6.4 INVOICES

6.5 DISPUTE RESOLUTION

6.6 RETURN/RESTOCKING POLICY

6.7 PRODUCT RECALL

6.8 OUT-OF-STOCK & BACK-ORDERS

6.9 PRICE ADJUSTMENTS

6.10 CONTRACT CHANGES

6.11 POST AWARD PRODUCT SUBSTITUTIONS, ADDITIONS & REMOVALS

6.12 ATTACHMENTS

Ver: 11/2023 5

1.0 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

The North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) through coordination with the North Carolina Community College System Office (NCCCSO) aids and guides in creating contracts to ensure more competitive pricing by procuring essential products and services for the 58 Community Colleges within the State of North Carolina.

The North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) is seeking qualified Vendors to co-term with the established Agency

Specific Term Contract 50-2324009, in order to furnish, deliver and install a comprehensive multiple manufacturer’s product line for NEW, unused and in current production EMS, Fire and Rescue Equipment & Supplies on an “As Needed” basis, if and when ordered by the community colleges during the contract period in the following categories:

• Category A: EMS Equipment & Supplies

• Category B: Fire Equipment & Supplies

• Category C: Rescue Extraction Equipment

The EMS, Fire and Rescue Equipment & Supplies shall be for additional manufacturers not previously included in the current

Contract # 50-2324009 - Rescue Equipment & Supplies

The contract resulting from this IFB is a convenience except under the conditions specified in G.S. §115D-58.14(a). The Community College System consists of the following colleges:

1. Alamance Community College

2. Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

3. Beaufort County Community College

4. Bladen Community College

5. Blue Ridge Community College

6. Brunswick Community College

7. Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute

8. Cape Fear Community College

9. Carteret Community College

10. Catawba Valley Community College

11. Central Carolina Community College

12. Central Piedmont Community College

13. Cleveland Community College

14. Coastal Carolina Community College

15. College of The Albemarle

16. Craven Community College

17. Davidson-Davie Community College

18. Durham Technical Community College

19. Edgecombe Community College

20. Fayetteville Technical Community College

21. Forsyth Technical Community College

22. Gaston College

23. Guilford Technical Community College

24. Halifax Community College

25. Haywood Community College

26. Isothermal Community College

27. James Sprunt Community College

28. Johnston Community College

29. Lenoir Community College

30. Martin Community College

31. Mayland Community College

32. McDowell Technical Community College

33. Mitchell Community College

34. Montgomery Community College

35. Nash Community College

36. Pamlico Community College

37. Piedmont Community College

38. Pitt Community College

39. Randolph Community College

40. Richmond Community College

41. Roanoke-Chowan Community College

42. Robeson Community College

43. Rockingham Community College

44. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

45. Sampson Community College

46. Sandhills Community College

47. South Piedmont Community College

48. Southeastern Community College

49. Southwestern Community College

50. Stanly Community College

51. Surry Community College

52. Tri-County Community College

53. Vance-Granville Community College

54. Wake Technical Community College

55. Wayne Community College

56. Western Piedmont Community College

57. Wilkes Community College

58. Wilson Community College

1.1 CONTRACT TERM

The Contract shall have an initial term of Date of Award through September 13, 2027. Additional manufacturers will be added to the existing Agency Specific Term Contract for Rescue Equipment & Supplies # 50-2324009. Bids shall be submitted in accordance with the terms and conditions of this IFB and any addenda issued hereto.

2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

Questions or issues related to using the Sourcing Tool itself can be directed to the North Carolina eProcurement Help Desk at 888-

211-7440, Option 2. Help Desk representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM ET to 5:00 PM ET.

https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/BySection/Chapter_115D/GS_115D-58.14.pdf

Ver: 11/2023 2

2.1 INVITATION FOR BID DOCUMENT

The IFB is comprised of the base IFB document, any attachments, and any addenda released before Contract award, which are incorporated herein by reference.

2.2 E-PROCUREMENT FEE

ATTENTION: This is an NC eProcurement solicitation facilitated by the Ariba Network. The E-Procurement fee may apply to this solicitation. See paragraph entitled ELECTRONIC PROCUREMENT of the North Carolina General Terms and Conditions.

General information on the E-Procurement Services can be found at: http://eprocurement.nc.gov/.

What is the Ariba Network?

The Ariba Network is a web-based platform that serves as a connection point for buyers and vendors. Vendors can log in to the

Ariba Network to view purchase orders, respond to electronic requests for quotes, participate in Sourcing Events, and collaborate with buyers on contract documents.

For training on how to use the Sourcing Tool to view solicitations, submit questions, develop responses, upload documents, and submit offers to the State, Vendors should go to the following site: http://eprocurement.nc.gov/training/vendor-training.

2.3 NOTICE TO VENDORS REGARDING IFB TERMS AND CONDITIONS

It shall be the Vendor’s responsibility to read the Instructions to Vendors, the North Carolina General Terms and Conditions, all relevant exhibits and attachments, and any other components made a part of this IFB and comply with all requirements and specifications herein. Vendors also are responsible for obtaining and complying with all Addenda and other changes that may be issued in connection with this IFB.

If Vendors have questions, or issues regarding any component within this IFB, those must be submitted as questions in accordance with the instructions in the BID QUESTIONS Section. If the State determines that any changes will be made as a result of the questions asked, then such decisions will be communicated in the form of an IFB addendum. The State may also elect to leave open the possibility for later negotiation and amendment of specific provisions of the Contract that have been addressed during the question-and-answer period.

Other than through the process of negotiations under 01 NCAC 05B.0503, the State rejects and will not be required to evaluate or consider any additional or modified terms and conditions submitted with Vendor’s bid. This applies to any language appearing in or attached to the document as part of the Vendor’s bid that purports to vary any terms and conditions or Vendors’ instructions herein or to render the bid non-binding or subject to further negotiation. Vendor’s bid shall constitute a firm offer that shall be held open for the period required herein (“Validity Period” above).

The State may exercise its discretion to consider Vendor proposed modifications. By execution and delivery of this IFB Response, the Vendor agrees that any additional or modified terms and conditions, whether submitted purposely or inadvertently, shall have no force or effect, and will be disregarded unless expressly agreed to during negotiations and incorporated by way of a

Best and Final Ofer (BAFO). Noncompliance with, or any attempt to alter or delete, this paragraph shall constitute sufficient grounds to reject Vendor’s bid as non-responsive.

http://eprocurement.nc.gov/

Ver: 11/2023 3

2.4 IFB SCHEDULE

The table below shows the intended schedule for this IFB. The State will make every effort to adhere to this schedule.

Event Responsibility Date and Time

Issue IFB State April 25, 2025

Submit Written Questions Vendor May 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM EST

Provide Responses to Questions State May 13, 2025, 2025

Submit Bids Vendor May 27, 2025 at 2:00 PM ET

The Public Bid Opening will be held virtually. To access the bid opening please follow the Microsoft Teams link ; Click here to join the meeting

Contract Award State TBD

Contract Effective Date State TBD

2.5 BID QUESTIONS

Upon review of the IFB documents, Vendors may have questions to clarify or interpret the IFB in order to submit the best bid possible. To accommodate the Bid Questions process, Vendors shall submit any such questions by the “Submit Written Questions” date and time provided in the IFB SCHEDULE Section above, unless modified by Addendum.

Questions related to the content of the solicitation, or the procurement process should be directed to the person on the title page of this document via the Sourcing Tool's message board by the date and time specified in the IFB SCHEDULE Section of this IFB.

Vendors will enter “IFB # 50-2425014 – Questions” as the subject of the message. Question submittals should include a reference to the applicable IFB section. This is the only manner in which questions will be received.

Questions received prior to the submission deadline date, the State’s response, and any additional terms deemed necessary by the State will be posted in the Sourcing Tool in the form of an addendum and shall become an Addendum to this IFB. No information, instruction or advice provided orally or informally by any State personnel, whether made in response to a question or otherwise in connection with this IFB, shall be considered authoritative or binding. Vendors shall rely only on written material contained in an Addendum to this IFB.

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_OTdmOTBhMTItODMwYS00MWFiLWE0MWItNjk1MjAwNGFiZTIy%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22616f6b2a-f8af-4525-b6c8-f74c6a2b182d%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22bfe106bc-e777-4bc0-97ab-038c0a66a6f3%22%7d

Ver: 11/2023 4

2.6 BID SUBMITTAL

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is an absolute requirement. Late bids, regardless of cause, will not be opened or considered, and will be automatically disqualified from further consideration. Vendor shall bear the sole risk of late submission due to unintended or unanticipated delay. It is the Vendor’s sole responsibility to ensure its bid has been received as described in this IFB by the specified time and date of opening. Failure to submit a bid in strict accordance with instructions provided shall constitute sufficient cause to reject a Vendor’s bid(s). Solicitation responses are subject to Sealed Bidding requirements.

Vendor’s bids for this procurement must be submitted through the Sourcing Tool. For training on how to use the Sourcing Tool to view solicitations, submit questions, develop responses, upload documents, and submit offers to the State, Vendors should go to the following site: https://eprocurement.nc.gov/training/vendor-training.

Tips for Using the Sourcing Tool

1. Vendors should review available training and confirm that they are able to access the Sourcing Event, enter responses, and upload files well in advance of the date and time response are due to allow sufficient time to seek assistance from the North Carolina eProcurement Help Desk.

2. Vendors may submit their responses early to make sure there are no issues, and then submit a revised response any time prior to the response due date and time. The State will only review the most recent response.

3. Vendors should respond to all relevant sections of the Sourcing Event. Certain questions or items are required in order to submit a response and are denoted with an asterisk. The Sourcing Tool will not allow a response to be submitted unless all required items are completed. The Sourcing Tool will provide error messages to help identify any required information that is missing when response is submitted.

4. Simply saving your response in the Sourcing Tool is not the same as submitting your response to the State. Vendors should make sure they complete the submission process and receive a message that their response was successfully submitted.

5. Only Bids submitted through the Content Section of the Ariba Sourcing Event will be considered. Bids submitted through the Message Board will not be accepted or considered for award.

2.7 BID CONTENTS

Vendors shall provide responses to all questions and complete all attachments for this IFB that require the Vendor to provide information and upload them to the Sourcing Event in the Sourcing Tool. Vendor may not be able to submit its response in the

Sourcing Tool unless all required items are addressed. Vendors shall provide authorized signatures where requested. Failure to provide all required items, or Vendor’s submission of incomplete items, may result in the State rejecting Vendor’s bid, in the State’s sole discretion.

Vendors shall upload the following items and attachments in the Sourcing Tool:

a) Cover Letter, must include the following: (i) a statement that confirms that the Vendor has read the IFB in its entirety, including all links, and all Addenda released in conjunction with the IFB; (ii) a statement that Vendor agrees to perform in accordance with the scope of work, requirements, and specifications contained herein; and (iii) Vendor’s agreement to comply with all instructions, terms and conditions, and attachments.

b) Completed and signed version of EXECUTION PAGES, along with the body of the IFB.

c) Signed receipt pages of any addenda released in conjunction with this IFB, if required to be returned.

d) Vendor Response including Sections 4.6 AUTHORIZED RESELLER, 4.7 WARRANTY, 4.9 DESCRIPTIVE LITERATURE, and 4.14

REFERENCES.

e) Completed version of ATTACHMENT A: PRICING FORM

f) Completed and signed version of ATTACHMENT D: HUB SUPPLEMENTAL VENDOR INFORMATION

g) Completed and signed version of ATTACHMENT E: CUSTOMER REFERENCE FORM

h) Completed and signed version of ATTACHMENT F: LOCATION OF WORKERS UTILIZED BY VENDOR

i) Completed and signed version of ATTACHMENT G: CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

j) Completed and signed version of CERTIFICATION FOR CONTRACTS, GRANTS, LOANS, AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS and

OMB STANDARD FORM LLL

https://eprocurement.nc.gov/training/vendor-training

Ver: 11/2023 5

2.8 ALTERNATE BIDS

Unless provided otherwise in this IFB, Vendor may submit alternate bids for comparable Goods, various methods or levels of

Service(s), or that propose different options. Alternate bids must specifically identify the IFB requirements and advantage(s) addressed by the alternate bid. Each bid must be for a specific set of Goods and Services and must include specific pricing. Each bid must be complete and independent of other bids offered. If a Vendor chooses to respond with various offerings, Vendor shall follow the specific instructions for uploading Alternate Bids in the Sourcing Tool

2.9 DEFINITIONS, ACRONYMS, AND ABBREVIATIONS

Relevant definitions for this IFB are provided in 01 NCAC 05A .0112 and in the Instructions to Vendors found Sourcing Tool, which are incorporated herein by this reference.

The following definitions, acronyms, and abbreviations are also relevant to this IFB:

a) EMS: Emergency Medical Services

b) NCCCS: North Carolina Community College System.

c) NCCCSO: North Carolina Community College System Office.

3.0 METHOD OF AWARD AND BID EVALUATION PROCESS

3.1 METHOD OF AWARD

North Carolina G.S. 143-52 provides a general list of criteria the State shall use to award contracts, as supplemented by the additional criteria herein. The Goods or Services being procured shall dictate the application and order of criteria; however, all award decisions shall be in the State’s best interest.

All responsive bids will be reviewed, and award or awards will be based on the responsive bids(s) to provide the estimated requirements as to breadth of lines, highest % discount offered off MSRP List, quantity, quality, delivery, service, and/or geographical coverage. It is the State’s intent to have multiple manufacturers represented in each category.

It is the State’s intent to have multiple manufacturers represented in each category. In the event that two (2), or more Vendors offer the same manufacturer’s product(s), it is the intent of the State to make an award to the Vendor with the most complete offering per category, and highest percentage discount offered off the most recent MSRP List for a particular manufacturer’s product(s).

While the intent of this IFB is to award a Contract(s) for all categories, the State reserves the right to make separate awards to one or more categories, to not award one or more categories, to delete categories prior to making the award, or to cancel this IFB in its entirety without awarding a Contract, if it is considered to be most advantageous to the State to do so.

In the event that two (2) or more Vendors offer the same manufacturer’s product(s), it is the intent of the state to make an award to the Vendor with a combination of the most complete offering and highest % discount offered off most recent MSRP List for a particular manufacturer’s product(s). Products offered must currently be available on the manufacturer’s published MSRP.

Submission of manufacturer’s price schedules developed specifically for this Bid will result in disqualification from award consideration.

While the intent of this IFB is to award a Contract(s) to different Vendors for one or more manufacturers per category. The State reserves the right, to not award any portion of the goods or services or to cancel this IFB in its entirety without awarding a contract, if it is considered to be most advantageous to the State to do so.

The State reserves the right to make partial awards to more than one Vendor of a manufacturer’s products within a category, if the State’s determines it is in its best interest to do so in order to obtain the most complete offering of a manufacturer’s products at the highest % discount offered.

The State reserves the right to waive any minor informality or technicality in bids received.

Ver: 11/2023 6

3.2 CONFIDENTIALITY AND PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS DURING EVALUATION

While this IFB is under evaluation, the responding Vendor, including any subcontractors and suppliers, is prohibited from engaging in conversations intended to influence the outcome of the evaluation. See the Paragraph of the Instructions To Vendors entitled

COMMUNICATIONS BY VENDORS.

Each Vendor submitting a bid to this IFB, including its employees, agents, subcontractors, suppliers, subsidiaries and affiliates, is prohibited from having any communications with any person inside or outside the using agency; issuing agency; other government agency office or body (including the purchaser named above, any department secretary, agency head, members of the General

Assembly and Governor’s office); or private entity, if the communication refers to the content of Vendor’s proposal or qualifications, the content of another Vendor’s proposal, another Vendor’s qualifications or ability to perform a resulting contract, and/or the transmittal of any other communication of information that could be reasonably considered to have the effect of directly or indirectly influencing the evaluation of proposals, the award of a contract, or both.

Any Vendor not in compliance with this provision shall be disqualified from evaluation and award. A Vendor’s proposal may be disqualified if its subcontractor and/or supplier engage in any of the foregoing communications during the time that the procurement is active (i.e., the issuance date of the procurement until the date of contract award or cancellation of the procurement). Only those discussions, communications or transmittals of information authorized or initiated by the issuing agency for this IFB or inquiries directed to the purchaser named in this IFB regarding requirements of the IFB (prior to proposal submission) or the status of the award (after submission) are excepted from this provision.

3.3 BID EVALUATION PROCESS

Only responsive submissions will be evaluated.

The State will conduct an evaluation of responsive Bids, as follows:

Bids will be received according to the method stated in the Bid Submittal section above.

All bids must be received by the issuing agency not later than the date and time specified in the IFB SCHEDULE Section above, unless modified by Addendum. Vendors are cautioned that this is a request for offers, not an offer or request to contract, and the State reserves the unqualified right to reject any and all offers at any time if such rejection is deemed to be in the best interest of the State.

At the date and time provided in the IFB SCHEDULE Section above, unless modified by Addendum, the bids from each responding

Vendor will be opened publicly and all offers (except those that have been previously withdrawn, or voided bids) will be tabulated. The tabulation shall be made public at the time it is created. When negotiations after receipt of bids is authorized pursuant to G.S. 143-49 and 01 NCAC 05B.0503, only the names of offerors and the Goods and Services offered shall be tabulated at the time of opening. Cost and price shall become available for public inspection at the time of the award... Interested parties are cautioned that these costs and their components are subject to further evaluation for completeness and correctness and therefore may not be an exact indicator of a Vendor’s pricing position.

At their option, the evaluators may request oral presentations or discussions with any or all Vendors for clarification or to amplify the materials presented in any part of the bid. Vendors are cautioned, however, that the evaluators are not required to request presentations or other clarification—and often do not. Therefore, all bids should be complete and reflect the most favorable terms available from the Vendor. Prices bid cannot be altered or modified as part of a clarification.

Bids will generally be evaluated, based on completeness, content, cost, and responsibility of the Vendor to supply the requested

Goods and Services. Specific evaluation criteria are listed in Section 3.1 METHOD OF AWARD.

Upon completion of the evaluation process, the State will make Award(s) based on the evaluation and post the award(s) to the electronic Vendor Portal (eVP), https://evp.nc.gov, under the IFB number for this solicitation. Award of a Contract to one

Vendor does not mean that the other bids lacked merit, but that, all factors considered, the selected bid was deemed most advantageous and represented the best value to the State.

The State reserves the right to negotiate with one or more Vendors, or to reject all original offers and negotiate with one or more sources of supply that may be capable of satisfying the requirement, and in either case to require Vendor to submit a Best and Final Offer (BAFO) based on discussions and negotiations with the State.

https://evp.nc.gov/

Ver: 11/2023 7

3.4 PERFORMANCE OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES

Vendor shall complete ATTACHMENT F: LOCATION OF WORKERS UTILIZED BY VENDOR. In addition to any other evaluation criteria identified in this IFB, the State may also consider, for purposes of evaluating proposed or actual contract performance outside of the United States, how that performance may affect the following factors to ensure that any award will be in the best interest of the State:

a) Total cost to the State

b) Level of quality provided by the Vendor

c) Process and performance capability across multiple jurisdictions

d) Protection of the State’s information and intellectual property

e) Availability of pertinent skills

f) Ability to understand the State’s business requirements and internal operational culture

g) Particular risk factors such as the security of the State’s information technology

h) Relations with citizens and employees

i) Contract enforcement jurisdictional issues

3.5 INTERPRETATION OF TERMS AND PHRASES

This IFB serves two functions: (1) to advise potential Vendors of the parameters of the solution being sought by the State; and (2) to provide (together with other specified documents) the terms of the Contract resulting from this procurement. The use of phrases such as “shall,” “must,” and “requirements” are intended to create enforceable contract conditions. In determining whether bids should be evaluated or rejected, the State will take into consideration the degree to which Vendors have proposed or failed to propose solutions that will satisfy the State’s needs as described in the IFB. Except as specifically stated in the IFB, no one requirement shall automatically disqualify a Vendor from consideration. However, failure to comply with any single requirement may result in the State exercising its discretion to reject a bid in its entirety.

4.0 REQUIREMENTS

This Section lists the requirements related to this IFB. By submitting a bid, the Vendor agrees to meet all stated requirements in this Section, as well as any other specifications, requirements, and terms and conditions stated in this IFB. If a Vendor is unclear about a requirement or specification or believes a change in a requirement would allow for the State to receive a better bid, the Vendor is encouraged to submit these items in the form of a question during the question-and-answer period in accordance with the Bid Questions Section above.

4.1 PRICING

Bid price shall constitute the total cost to the State for delivery fully assembled and ready for use, including all applicable charges for shipping, delivery, handling, administrative and other similar fees. Complete ATTACHMENT A: PRICING FORM and upload in the

Sourcing Tool. The pricing provided in ATTACHMENT A, or resulting from any negotiations, is incorporated herein and shall become part of any resulting Contract.

4.2 ADDITIONAL DISCOUNT OFFERS/REBATES

This component of the Pricing Response is optional, but the State encourages Vendors to provide additional financial incentives, if possible, within the scope of this IFB that will benefit the State. These additional incentives could include, but are not l imited to additional discounts based on total spend volumes, tier pricing, rebates, additional discounts by manufacture or product type, etc.

Additional Discount Offers shall be in addition to the discounts bid on Discount Off items.

Volume or tier discounts, if offered, shall also be based on the published retail price list. All discounts offered shall remain in effect for the entire contract period and cannot be decreased. However, the discount may be increased, and any such increase shall remain in effect for the reminder of the contract period and any subsequent extensions. Volume or tier discounts, if offered, shall apply to purchase orders placed for delivery to the same location. Vendor may provide volume or tier discounts to orders that include multiple delivery points from the same agency.

Ver: 11/2023 8

The State reserves the right to accept or reject all or part of proposed Additional Discount Offers as part of a Vendor’s Total Price

Submittal Value. It is at the State’s sole discretion not to assign value to propose Additional Discount Offers which the State cannot quantify or to give only partial value for Additional Discount Offers. Vendors may offer the State additional discount using the

Additional Discount Offers within ATTACHMENT A: PRICING SUBMITTAL WORKBOOK.

4.3 MAKE AND MODEL

Manufacturer’s name and model/catalog numbers used in this IFB are for the sole purpose of identification and to establish general quality level desired. Such references are not intended to be restrictive and comparable products of other manufacturers will be considered. However, Vendors are cautioned that any deviation from the specifications of the identified item are required to be pointed out in its bid. Vendor shall include with its bid sufficient documentary evidence to demonstrate the qualitative, functional, operational, organizational, and conformational equivalence of the bid item to the identified item.

4.4 TRANSPORTATION AND IDENTIFICATION

When an order is placed using a purchase order, the purchase order number shall be shown on all packages and shipping manifests to ensure proper identification and payment of invoices. If an order is placed without using a purchase order, such as via phone, the Buyer’s name shall be show on all packages. A complete packing list shall accompany each shipment. Vendors shall not ship any products until they have received an order.

4.5 DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION

The Vendor shall deliver Free-On-Board (FOB) Destination to any of the 58 community colleges located within the State of North

Carolina with all transportation costs included in the total bid price.

Vendor should complete delivery within thirty (30) consecutive calendar days after receipt of purchase order.

For completion by Vendor: Delivery will be made from __________________________________________ (city, state) within

_____ consecutive calendar days after receipt of purchase order. Promptness of delivery may be used as a factor in the award criteria.

Successful Vendor(s) shall complete delivery as indicated on ATTACHMENT A-PRICING SUBMITTAL WORKBOOK. All orders shall be delivered to the location specified by the Buyer in the Purchase Order. The specified location may include a loading dock or area inside a building. Awarded Vendor shall notify Buyer at least two (2) business days in advance of a delivery to allow for the availability of agency personnel to receive the product(s) if the agency requires on its purchase order.

Vendor shall furnish all necessary transportation, materials, and supplies as may be required to deliver, install and set-in place ready for owner’s use. The successful Vendor(s) shall notify the Buyer when one or more items in an order cannot be delivered within the time specified. After notification to the Buyer of a fulfillment delay of one or more items in a shipment, the Buyer may cancel undelivered items within an order, or an order in its entirety, without penalty or charge, providing the cancellation occurs before the delayed item or order has shipped.

Installation of items requiring custom or complex fitting or assembly efforts due to the nature of the item may be billed under the following conditions: the amount of the installation charge is identified in Vendor’s catalogue in conjunction with the relevant item, the Buyer is provided an option to affirmatively accept or decline installation services at the time of ordering, and any approved charge is listed as a separate line item on the purchase order and invoice.

Acceptance and approval of charges for installation of such items shall be at the sole discretion of the Buyer. Any resulting damages to the item or to other State property during the installation by the Vendor shall be repaired at the Vendor's sole expense. General set-up activities needed to make an item ready for use shall not be considered installation and shall be included in the contract price. Upon completion of the installation, the Vendor shall remove and properly dispose of all waste and debris from the installation site. The Vendor shall be responsible for leaving the installation area clean and ready to use.

Ver: 11/2023 9

4.6 AUTHORIZED RESELLER

The Vendor shall be authorized by the manufacturer to distribute or resell the products and/or maintenance offered in this IFB.

The Vendor shall provide a signed statement from the manufacturer confirming authorization with its bid response. Failure to provide this statement shall constitute sufficient grounds for rejection of Vendor’s offer, at the discretion of the State.

Vendor is the: Manufacturer Dealer Reseller Distributor

Authorized: Yes No Attached Manufacturer’s Authority: Yes No

4.7 DESCRIPTIVE LITERATURE

Each bid shall be accompanied by complete descriptive literature, specifications, certifications, and all other pertinent data necessary for thorough evaluation of the item(s) offered and sufficient to determine compliance of the item(s) with the specifications. Failure to include such information shall be a sufficient basis for rejection of the bid, at the discretion of the State.

4.8 HUB PARTICIPATION

Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute G.S. 143-48, it is State policy to encourage and promote the use of small, minority, physically handicapped, and women contractors in purchasing Goods and Services. As such, this IFB will serve to identify those

Vendors that are minority owned or have a strategic plan to support the State’s Historically Underutilized Business program by meeting or exceeding the goal of 10% utilization of diverse firms as 1st or 2nd tier subcontractors. Vendor shall complete

ATTACHMENT D: HUB SUPPLEMENTAL VENDOR INFORMATION.

4.9 WARRANTY

The Vendor shall state on ATTACHMENT A-PRICING SUBMITTAL WORKBOOK the warranty information for all products offered under this solicitation. Such warranty shall cover the cost of all defective parts replacement, labor, freight, and technicians travel at no additional cost to the State. To the extent not superseded by the terms of this paragraph, manufacturer’s warranty shall apply.

Vendor warrants that all products furnished under this IFB will be newly manufactured, of good material and workmanship. The warranty will apply from date equipment is put into operation for a minimum period of twelve (12) months or the length of the manufacturer’s warranty, whichever is longer. Such warranty shall cover the cost of all defective parts replacement, labor, freight, and technicians’ travel at no additional cost to the State, or as specified by the Purchasing Agency herein. To the extent not superseded by the terms of this paragraph, manufacturer’s warranty terms shall apply. Vendor’s warranty shall be at least the level of coverage provided for its comparable customers.

The report of a problem does not presuppose that every call must result in an “on-site” visit for service/repair. The Vendor and/or service sub-contractor shall utilize best efforts to resolve problems in a timely fashion by using acceptable servicing methods to include, but not limited to, verbal problem analysis and remote diagnosis. The warranty requirement does not impose any additional duty on the State to make other than normal and good faith problem resolution efforts or expenditures of time. Vendor shall be responsible for compliance with warranty terms by any third-party service provider. Vendor shall provide contact information for warranty service provider, below.

Vendor is authorized by manufacturer to repair equipment offered during the warranty period? YES NO

Will the Vendor provide warranty service? YES NO, a manufacturer-authorized third party will perform warranty service.

Contact information for warranty service provider:

Company Name: _______________________________________________________________

Company Address: _______________________________________________________________

Contact Person (name): _______________________________________________________________

Contact Person (phone number): _______________________________________________________________

Contact Person (email): _______________________________________________________________

Ver: 11/2023 10

4.10 SERVICE

Services shall be provided during normal working hours (8:00 AM EST to 5:00 PM EST weekdays). Vendor shall state response time, telephone, information, and location from which service will be provided.

Maximum response time to this location after receipt of service call: ______________ hours

Bidder has toll-free number for service calls: YES NO

If yes, state toll-free number: ____________________

Bidder will accept collect call for service. YES NO

State telephone number: _______________________________

Address of service facility: ______________________________

4.11 TRAINING

If required by the Using Agency, the Vendor shall provide qualified representative(s) to instruct owners' operators in the proper operation, safety issues, routine maintenance, troubleshooting and service based on the complexity of the equipment. Training shall be coordinated with the using agency.

4.12 MAINTENANCE MANUAL

The Vendor shall provide with the delivery of each piece of equipment an operation and maintenance manual, and a copy of all warranties.

4.13 INSTRUCTION MANUALS

Vendor shall furnish to the Buyer a hard copy or electronic copy of the complete set of instruction manuals for the products supplied. The manual shall include complete instructions for unpacking, inspecting, installing, adjusting, aligning, and operating the product, together with layout and interconnection diagrams, preventive and corrective maintenance procedures, and complete parts lists, manufacturer's catalog numbers, and ordering information, if applicable. If available, Vendor shall supply such information electronically with the order, or shall direct the Buyer to where the information can be found on the Internet.

4.14 REFERENCES

Vendors shall upload to the Sourcing Tool at least three (3) references, using ATTACHMENT E: CUSTOMER REFERENCE FORM, for which your company has supplied the exact model of equipment offered. The State may contact these users to determine the quality level of the offered equipment; as well as, but not limited to user satisfaction with Vendor performance. Information obtained may be considered in the evaluation of the bid.

4.15 VENDOR’S REPRESENTATIONS

If Vendor’s bid results in an award, Vendor agrees that it will not enter any agreement with a third party that may abridge any rights of the State under the Contract. If any Services, deliverables, functions, or responsibilities not specifically described in this solicitation are required for Vendor’s proper performance, provision and delivery of the Service and deliverables under a resulting

Contract, or are an inherent part of or necessary sub-task included within such service, they will be deemed to be implied by and included within the scope of the contract to the same extent and in the same manner as if specifically described in the Contract.

Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, Vendor will furnish all of its own necessary management, supervision, labor, facilities, furniture, computer and telecommunications equipment, software, supplies and materials necessary for the Vendor to provide and deliver the Services and/or other Deliverables.

Ver: 11/2023 11

4.16 FINANCIAL STABILITY

As a condition of contract award, the Vendor must certify that it has the financial capacity to perform and to continue to perform its obligations under the Contract; that Vendor has no constructive or actual knowledge of an actual or potential legal proceeding being brought against Vendor that could materially adversely affect performance of this Contract; and that entering into this

Contract is not prohibited by any contract, or order by any court of competent jurisdiction.

Each Vendor shall certify it is financially stable by completing the ATTACHMENT G: CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION. The

State is requiring this certification to minimize potential performance issues from Contracting with a Vendor that is financially unstable. This Certification shall be deemed continuing, and from the date of the Certification to the expiration of the Contract, the Vendor shall notify the State within thirty (30) days of any occurrence or condition that materially alters the truth of any statement made in this Certification.

4.17 AGENCY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS MODIFICATION

Default Insurance Coverage from the General Terms and Conditions applicable to this Solicitation:

☐ Small Purchases

☐ Contract value in excess of the Small Purchase threshold, but up to $1,000,000.00

☒ Contract value in excess of $1,000,000.00

4.18 LOBBYING ACTIVITY CERTIFICATION FOR FEDERAL GRANTS

Federal law prohibits recipients of federal funds, whether through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, from using those funds to influence or attempt to influence (lobby) a federal official in connection with obtaining, extending, or modifying any federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement. Further, federal law requires that applicants for federal funds certify:

• that they abide by the above restriction;

• that they disclose any permissible (non-federal) paid lobbying on the Federal Awards being applied for; and

• that such certification requirements will also be included in any subawards meeting the applicable thresholds.

Vendors must complete and submit the CERTIFICATION FOR CONTRACTS, GRANTS, LOANS, AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS and the OMB STANDARD FORM LLL when responding to this solicitation.

Ver: 11/2023 12

5.0 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

SPECIFICATIONS

Each Vendor shall offer the manufacturer’s complete product line for the categories shown. Items must be available at the percent discount off of the Manufacturer’s Standard Retail Price (MSRP) or other manufacturer’s current published price listing (List Price, Suggested Retail Price, etc.) as referenced for each line item’s category.

1. Category A: EMS Equipment & Supplies

Lot A: Equipment

Ambulance stretchers and cots

Other EMS Equipment

Lot B: Supplies

Other EMS Supplies

Referenced below is a list of Manufacturer(s) currently used or requested by Community Colleges (preferred brands).

Additional manufacturers are also welcome to be submitted and will be considered if not listed under Section 5.2 below.

• Code1 Supply

• Emergency Medical Products

• BoundTree Medical

• The EMS Store

2. Category B: Fire Equipment & Supplies

Lot A: Equipment

Thermal Imaging Cameras

Turn Out Gear (Jackets, Pants, Helmets, Gloves)

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

Fire Hose washer

5’ Hydrassist Hydrant Valve

Fire Service Ladders

Fire extinguisher training system

Ruth Lee Firehouse Manikins GEN2

Adult

Child

Simulators

3 position 911 simulator system

Falcon Fire Simulator

GSW Tommanikin Simulator- Wound

Other Fire Equipment

Lot B: Supplies

Bleeding control training kit

Pick head ax

Nozzle and valve for fire engine operating

High density training smoke

• Other Fire Supplies

Ver: 11/2023 13

Referenced below is a list of Manufacturer(s) currently used or requested by Community Colleges (preferred brands).

Additional manufacturers are also welcome to be submitted and will be considered if not listed under Section 5.2 below.

• Scott, Dräger

• Dalmatian

• FLIR

• Bullard

• Paratech

• Alcolite

• Duo-Safety

• Rhinehart Fire Services (RFS)

• Techline Tech

• Fire Hose Direct

3. Category C: Rescue Extraction Equipment

Lot A: Cutters

Lot B: Spreaders

Lot C: Combi Tools

Lot D: Rams

Lot E: Supplies

Lot F: Extrication Air Bags

Lot G: High Angle Rescue Equipment

Lot H: Vehicle Extrication Prop

Referenced below is a list of Manufacturer(s) currently used or requested by Community Colleges (preferred brands).

Additional manufacturers are also welcome to be submitted and will be considered if not listed under Section 5.2 below.

• Paratech

• Holmatro

• MFC International

• Terradaptor

• PMI

• Paratech

• Genesis Rescue

5.2 CURRENT AWARDED MANUFACTURERS

The following manufacturers are awarded under the current Contract # 50-2324009 - Rescue Equipment & Supplies and will not be considered in this solicitation.

3M HEALTH CARE, 3M HEALTHCARE US OPCO LLC, 410 MEDICAL, A PLUS INTERNATIONAL INC., A. SMITH & SON, INC., ABBOTT, ACME UNITED CORPORATION, ACTION JANITORIAL PAPER SAFETY, ADI…