50015-250624.pdf

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STATE OF LOUISIANA

SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY

HAMMOND, LOUISIANA

A Member of the University of Louisiana System

Invitation to Bid

Furnish Labor and Material necessary to install SOD per specifications at various locations on the Southeastern campus for the Physical Plant Department and Southeastern Louisiana

University. Sod will be ordered on an as-needed basis.

ISSUING AGENCY: Southeastern Louisiana University Purchasing Department

SLU 10800

Hammond, LA 70402-0800

DIRECTOR OF PURCHASING: Richard Himber

PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST: Monette Scott

Telephone: (985) 549-5324

REQUISITIONED BY: Carlos Doolittle

Telephone: (985) 549-2023

RELEASE DATE: May 31, 2025

DEADLINE FOR FAX INQUIRIES: June 10, 2025

Fax To: 985-549-3810

Attn: Monette Scott

BID OPENING DATE: June 24, 2025

BID OPENING TIME: 4:00 p.m., Central Time

BID OPENING LOCATION: Southeastern Louisiana University Purchasing Department

Property Control & Supply

North Oak Street Maintenance Complex

Hammond, Louisiana

THIS SOLICITATION IS A SEALED BID AND MUST BE RETURNED BY MAIL OR DELIVERED IN

PERSON. BID RESPONSE FORMS CANNOT BE FAXED OR EMAILED. ANY FAX OR EMAIL RESPONSES

SHALL BE REJECTED.

STATE OF LOUISIANA

This ITB is available in electronic form at https://wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana.gov/OSP/LaPAC/dspBid.cfm?search=department&term=42 It is available in Excel format by submitting a written request to the Procurement Specialist listed above. It is the Bidder’s responsibility to check the Office of State Purchasing

LaPAC website frequently for any possible addenda that may be issued. Southeastern is not responsible for a bidder’s failure to download any addenda documents required to complete the Invitation to Bid.

https://wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana.gov/OSP/LaPAC/dspBid.cfm?search=department&term=42

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The Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU) Purchasing Department will receive sealed bids until 4:00 P.M. on the bid opening date specified in the solicitation document. No bid responses will be considered by the SLU Purchasing Department after 4:00 P.M. Beginning at that time, bids shall be publicly opened and read aloud to those present in the SLU Purchasing Department.

Mail address: Southeastern LA University Delivery: Southeastern University Purchasing Department Purchasing Department SLU 10800 Property Control & Supply Hammond, LA 70402 2400 North Oak St Hammond, LA 70402

Bids submitted are subject to LA R.S. 39:1551-1736; Purchasing Rules and Regulations; Executive Orders; General Conditions; any Special Conditions; and Specifications listed in the solicitation document.

The purpose of this solicitation is to set forth the requirements and specifications of Southeastern Louisiana University. The contents of this solicitation and the Bidder/ Vendor/ Contractor's bid response shall become contractual obligations if a contract (purchase order) ensues.

INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS

1) Bid Forms: Per LA R.S. 39:1556, all written bids, unless otherwise provided for, must be submitted on, and in accordance with, forms provided, properly signed in ink or electronic signature by an authorized representative of the bidding entity. Bids submitted in the following manner will not be accepted:

(1) Bid contains no signature indicating intent to be bound; (2) Bid filled out in pencil; (3) Bid sent by facsimile equipment or email. Price alterations to bid responses received before bid opening time will be considered provided the written price alteration has been received and timestamped before bid opening time. Any other alterations of the bid response form or foreign conditions attached thereto may cause rejection of the bid response without further consideration.

2) Standard of Quality: Any product or service bid shall conform to all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations and specifications contained in the solicitation document. Unless otherwise specified in the solicitation document, any manufacturer's name, trade name, brand name, or catalog number used in the specifications is for the purpose of describing the quality level and characteristic required. Bidder should specify the brand and model number of the product offered in his bid. Bids not specifying brand and model number shall be considered as offering the exact products specified in the solicitation document.

3) Descriptive Information: Bidders proposing an equivalent brand or model should submit with the bid response information (such as illustrations, descriptive literature and technical data) sufficient for the University to evaluate quality, suitability, and compliance with the specifications of the solicitation document. Failure to submit descriptive information may cause bid to be rejected. Any change made to a manufacturer's published specification submitted for a product shall be verifiable by the manufacturer. If item(s) bid does not comply with specifications (including brand and/or product number), bidder should state in what respect the item(s) deviate. Failure to note exceptions on the response form will not relieve the successful bidder(s) from supplying the actual products requested.

4) Bid Opening: Bidders may attend the bid opening, but no information or opinions concerning the ultimate contract award will be given at the bid opening or during the evaluation process. Bids may be examined 72 hours after request is made. Information pertaining to completed files may be secured by visiting the SLU Purchasing Department during normal working hours. Written bid tabulations will not be furnished.

5) Louisiana Preference: Preference is hereby given to products produced, manufactured, harvested, grown or assembled in Louisiana which are equal in quality to products produced, manufactured, harvested, grown or assembled outside of Louisiana. The bidder shall state his right to claim

3 | P a g e the ten percent (10%) preference in his bid response and the bidder should state the respective Louisiana location where each qualifying item is produced, manufactured, harvested, grown or assembled.

6) Signature Authority: In accordance with LA Revised Statute 39:1594 (Act 121), the person signing the bid must be: (1) A current corporate officer, partnership member or other individual specifically authorized to submit a bid as reflected in the appropriate records on file with the Secretary of State; or (2) An individual authorized to bind the vendor as reflected by an accompanying or as provided upon request corporate resolution or affidavit. By signing the bid, the bidder certifies compliance with the above.

GENERAL CONDITIONS

The SLU Purchasing Department reserves the right to award items separately, grouped or on an all-or-none basis and to reject any or all bids and waive any informalities.

1) Prices: Unless otherwise specified in the solicitation, bid prices shall be complete, including transportation and handling prepaid by the bidder to destination - SLU, Hammond, LA. Bids other than FOB destination may be rejected. Bid prices should be quoted in the unit of measure stated. Bid prices shall be firm for a minimum of thirty (30) calendar days, unless otherwise specified by SLU in the solicitation document.

2) Payment Terms: Cash discounts for less than 30 days may be offered, but will not be considered in determining awards. Bids containing "payment in advance" or "COD" requirements may be rejected. Payment is to be made within 30 days after receipt of properly executed invoice or delivery, whichever is later.

3) Delivery: Bids may be rejected if the delivery time indicated is longer that specified in the solicitation document.

4) Taxes: Bidder is responsible for including all applicable taxes in the bid price. The University is currently exempt from Louisiana State Sales and Use Taxes, and local parish and city taxes. An exemption certificate for state sales and use tax can be provided upon request.

5) New Products: Unless specifically called for in the solicitation document, all products for purchase must be new, never previously used, and the current model and/or packaging. No remanufactured, demonstrator, used or irregular product will be considered for purchase unless otherwise specified in the solicitation document. The manufacturer's standard warranty will apply unless otherwise stated in solicitation.

6) Default of Contractor: Failure to deliver within the time specified in the solicitation document will constitute a default and may cause cancellation of the contract. Where the University has determined the contractor to be in default, the state reserves the right to purchase any or all products or services covered by the contract on the open market and to charge the contractor with cost in excess of the contract price. Until such assessed charges have been paid, no subsequent bid from the defaulting contractor will be considered.

7) Contract Cancellation: The University shall have the right to cancel any contract, in accordance with Purchasing Rules and Regulations, for cause, including but not limited to, the following: (1) failure of the vendor to deliver within the time specified in the contract; (2) failure of the product or service to meet specifications, conform to sample quality, or to be delivered in good condition; (3) misrepresentation by the contractor; (4) fraud, collusion, conspiracy or other unlawful means of obtaining any contract with the state; (5) conflict of contract provisions with constitutional or statutory provisions of state or federal law; (6) any other breach of contract.

8) Applicable Law: All contracts shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Louisiana.

9) Equal Opportunity: By submitting and signing this bid, bidder agrees that

4 | P a g e the will not discriminate in the rendering of services to and/or employment of individuals because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, handicap, disability, veteran status, or any other non-merit factor.

By submitting a response to this solicitation, the bidder or proposer certifies and agrees that the following information is correct: In preparing its response, the bidder or proposer has considered all proposals submitted from qualified, potential subcontractors and suppliers, and has not, in the solicitation, selection, or commercial treatment of any subcontractor or supplier, refused to transact or terminated business activities, or taken other actions intended to limit commercial relations, with a person or entity that is engaging in commercial transactions in Israel or Israeli-controlled territories, with the specific intent to accomplish a boycott or divestment of Israel. The bidder also has not retaliated against any person or other entity for reporting such refusal, termination, or commercially limiting actions. The state reserves the right to reject the response of the bidder or proposer if this certification is subsequently determined to be false, and to terminate any contract awarded based on such a false response.

10) Piggyback: Other Louisiana Governmental Agencies may purchase at the same terms and conditions if agreed upon by awarded bidder.

11) Prohibition of Companies that discriminate against firearm and ammunition industries:

In accordance with La. R.S. 39:1602.2, the following applies to any competitive sealed bids, competitive sealed proposals, or contract(s) with a value of $100,000 or more involving a for-profit company with at least fifty full-time employees.

Unless otherwise exempted by law, submitting a response to this solicitation or entering into this contract, the Bidder, Proposer or Contractor certifies the following:

1. The company does not have a practice, policy, guidance, or directive that discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade association based solely on the entity’s or association’s status as a firearm entity or firearm trade association;

2. The company will not discriminate against a firearm entity or firearm trade association during the term of the contract based solely on the entity’s or association’s status as a firearm entity or firearm trade association.

The State reserves the right to reject the response of the Bidder, Proposer or Contract if this certification is subsequently determined to be false, and to terminate any contract awarded based on such a false response or if the certification is no longer true.

A Member of the University of Louisiana System

Rvsd. 05/2025

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BID RESPONSE FORM

BUSINESS NAME: ________________________________________________________________

TELEPHONE NO.: (______)__________________ FAX NUMBER: (______)_________________

ADDRESS:_______________________________________________________________________

MAILING CITY STATE ZIP

EMAIL:_________________________________________________________________________

SCOPE OF WORK: Furnish Labor and Material necessary to install SOD per specifications at various locations on the Southeastern campus for the Physical Plant Department and Southeastern Louisiana

I/we do hereby acknowledge receipt of the following addenda (if any):

No._______ Dated _____________ No.________ Dated __________

CONTRACT TERM: July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026

CONTRACT CONTINUATION: If mutually agreeable between Southeastern Louisiana

University and the successful bidder the contract period may be extended for an additional four (4), twelve (12) months periods at same prices, terms and conditions.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Bidder shall include the cost of transportation and handling in the unit price of item offered - F.O.B. University, Hammond, LA.

If bidding other than the specified make and model, then the bidder should attach illustrations and descriptive literature of the item(s) offered to the bid response form for evaluation purposes.

The attached Instructions To Bidders/General Conditions shall be a part hereof.

TO THE VENDOR:

Whenever brand name specifications or catalogue numbers are used to describe the standard of quality, performance and other characteristics, the use of such specifications shall not restrict unless otherwise specified, the submission of equivalent products.

TERMS: Net 30 Prox., F.O.B. University, Hammond, LA 70402

TAXES: Any taxes, other than state sales and use tax, shall be included within the bidder's unit price. The University is currently exempt from state sales and use tax.

SIGNATURE TO THE BID RESPONSE FORM SHALL BE CONSTRUED AS ACCEPTANCE OF THE FAXED

RESPONSE IN ITS ENTIRETY.

AUTHORIZED OFFICER:_____________________________ ____________________________

(Signature) (Print or Type Name)

TITLE:____________________________________ DATE:_________________

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The successful Vendor shall be required to execute the below Indemnification Agreement as part of the BID Requirements.

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

The CONTRACTOR agrees to protect, defend, indemnify, save and hold harmless the State of

Louisiana, all State Departments, Agencies, Boards and Commissions, its officers, agents, servants and employees, including volunteers, from and against any and all claims, demands, expenses and liability arising out of injury or death to any person or the damage, loss or destruction of any property which may occur or in any way grow out of any act or omission of

CONTRACTOR, its agents, servants, and employees, or any and all costs, expense and/or attorney fees incurred by CONTRACTOR as a result of any claim, demands, and/or causes of action except of those claims, demands, and/or causes of action arising out of the negligence of the State of Louisiana, all State Departments, Agencies, Boards, Commissions, its agents, representatives, and/or employees. CONTRACTOR agrees to investigate, handle, respond to, provide defense for and defend any such claims, demand, or suit at its sole expense and agrees to bear all other costs and expenses related thereto, even if it (claims, etc.) is groundless, false or fraudulent.

Contractor Name

Signature

Title

Date Accepted

Is Certificate of Insurance Attached? [ ] Yes [ ] No

Contract No. _________________________ for Southeastern Louisiana University

State Agency Name

PURPOSE OF CONTRACT: Furnish Labor and Material necessary to install SOD per specifications at various locations on the Southeastern campus for the Physical Plant Department and Southeastern Louisiana

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INSURANCE RESPONSE FORM

This form is to be completed in its entirety and submitted with the vendor’s response. In addition, a Certificate of Insurance with the coverage outlined will be required before a purchase order is issued.

INSURANCE INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED

Vendor is to list the name and address (street/city/state/zip) of the Louisiana licensed insurance company that is intended to be used to furnish the required minimum levels of insurance coverage.

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION & EMPLOYER’S LIABILITY… STATUTORY MINIMUM COVERAGE

Name of Insurer:_____________________________________________________________

(Not the Agent Company)

Insurer's Address:___________________________________________________________

Check Insurer's A.M. Best Rating: [ ] A Level / [ ] B, C, D, E, F Level

Check Best Financial Size Category Rating: [ ] VI or Greater; [ ] V or Less

If Not A.M. Best Rated - State Type of Insurer:

Agent Company: Telephone No: _____________

COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY ...................... $1,000,000 MINIMUM COVERAGE

Insurer's Address: __________________________________________________________

Agent Company: Telephone No: ______________

AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY ............................. $1,000,000 MINIMUM COVERAGE

Insurer's Address: __________________________________________________________

Agent Company: Telephone No: _____________

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INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Contractor shall procure and maintain for the duration of the contract insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property which may arise from or in connection with the performance of the work hereunder by the Contractor, his agents, representatives, employees or subcontractors. The cost of such insurance shall be included in the Contractor's bid.

The Contractor, prior to commencing work, shall provide at his own expense, proof of the following insurance coverage required by the contract to the

University in insurance companies authorized in the State of Louisiana. Insurance is to be placed with insurers with an A.M. Best's rating of A-:VI or higher. This rating requirement may be waived for workers' compensation coverage only.

A. Workers Compensation Insurance: shall be in compliance with the Workers Compensation law of the State of the Other Party’s headquarters. Employers Liability is included with a minimum limit of $1,000,000 per accident/per person/per disease. If work is to be performed over water and involves maritime exposure, applicable LHWCA, Jones

Act, or other maritime law coverage shall be included.

The insurer shall agree to waive all rights of subrogation against the University, its officers, officials, employees and volunteers for losses arising from work performed by the Contractor for the University.

B. Commercial General Liability Insurance: including Personal and Advertising Injury

Liability and Products and Completed Operations, shall have a minimum limit per occurrence of $1,000,000 and a minimum general annual aggregate of $2,000,000. The

Insurance Services Office (ISO) Commercial General Liability occurrence coverage form

CG 00 01 (current form approved for use in Louisiana), or equivalent, is to be used in the policy. Claims-made form is unacceptable.

The policies are to contain, or be endorsed to contain, that the University, its officers, officials, employees, Boards and Commissions and volunteers are to be added as

"additional insureds" as respects liability arising out of activities performed by and on behalf of the Contractor; products and completed operations of the Contractor, premises owned, occupied or used by the Contractor.

C. Automobile Liability Insurance: shall have a minimum combined single limit per occurrence of $1,000,000. The ISO form number CA 00 01 (current form approved for use in Louisiana), or equivalent, is to be used in the policy. This insurance shall include third-party bodily injury and property damage liability for the following automobile coverage classes: 1. Owned automobiles 2. Hired automobiles 3. Non-owned automobiles Location of operations shall be "All Locations"

The policy shall provide coverage for owned, hired, and non-owned coverage. If an automobile is to be utilized in the execution of this contract, and the contractor does not own a vehicle, then proof of hired and non-owned coverage is sufficient.

The policies are to contain, or be endorsed to contain, that the University, its officers, officials, employees, Boards and Commissions and volunteers are to be added as

"additional insureds" as respects liability arising out of activities performed by and on behalf of the Contractor; products and completed operations of the Contractor, premises owned, occupied or used by the Contractor.

D. An Umbrella Policy may be used to meet minimum requirements.

Each insurance policy shall be endorsed to state that coverage shall not be suspended, voided, canceled by either party, reduced in coverage or in limits except after thirty (30) days' prior written notice has been given to the University.

Any deductibles or self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by the University. At the option of the University, either: the insurer shall reduce or eliminate such deductibles or self-insured retentions as respects the University, its officers, officials, employees and volunteers; or the Contractor shall procure a bond guaranteeing payment of losses and related investigations, claim administration and defense expenses.

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BID RESPONSE FORM

ITEM

DESCRIPTION

Est.

Qty

Unit

Unit Price

Total

Zoysia sod (‘Zenith’ or ‘Empire’), pallet delivered

Zoysia sod (‘Zenith’ or ‘Empire’), pallet delivered and installed

Centipede sod, pallet delivered

4 Centipede sod, pallet delivered and

5 St. Augustine sod, pallet delivered

6 St. Augustine sod, pallet delivered and

7 Bermuda grass

(‘Tifway 419’), pallet delivered

8 Bermuda grass

(‘Tifway 419’), pallet delivered and

Additional installation charge to wheelbarrow a pallet of sod if unable to deliver pallet to installation site.

Note: the quantities listed are for bidding purposes only. Actual quantities may vary as material will be ordered on an as-needed basis.

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Signature Date

Printed or Typed Name

Specifications:

1. A pallet of sod must contain 450 square feet of sod.

2. The weed content must meet Grade A quality standards.

3. The sod must be free of insects, pests, and diseases. diseases.

4. The sod must be of uniform thickness for durability during installation and for proper establishment.

5. The sod must not have been stored on the pallet longer than 24 hours prior to delivery.

6. The price must include the cost for delivery to on-campus locations, Hammond, LA on an As-Needed Basis.

7. Delivery may be requested with a (3) three day notice to vendor.

8. The University reserves, at all times, for cause or convenience, the right to decrease/increase quantities ordered during the terms of this contract. All orders will be placed on an as-needed basis.

9. Vendor / Bidder must attach with the bid response proof of Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry license.

10. Additional quantities may be purchased at the same quoted price through June 30, 2026 on an as-needed basis.

11. Delivery and installation are to be scheduled and coordinated with Landscape Manager, Carlos Doolittle 985-507-9376.

CONTRACT CONTINUTATION: If mutually agreeable, the contract may be extended for four (4) additional (12) twelve month periods at the same prices, terms, and conditions.