52-IFB-1543301447-SDD-Dock Equipment and Pit Mods.pdf

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ADULT CORRECTION

Invitation for Bid #: 52-IFB-1543301447-SDD

DOCK EQUIPMENT AND PIT MODS

May 2, 2025

Bid Opening Date: May 21, 2025

At 3:00 PM ET

Direct all inquiries concerning this IFB to:

David (Duveen) Strickland

Contract Specialist II

Email: david.strickland@dac.nc.gov mailto:david.strickland@dac.nc.gov

Ver. 11/2023

Invitation for Bids #

52-IFB-1543301447-SDD

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

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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.

DEPARTMENT OF ADULT CORRECTION

Refer ALL Inquiries regarding this IFB to:

Carolyn Stephenson, the procurement lead through the Message Board in the Sourcing Tool.

See Section 2.5 for details

Invitation for Bids # 52-IFB-1543301447-SDD Bids will be publicly opened: May 21, 2025 at 3:00 PM ET

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Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 280 082 987 211 9 Passcode: rz7No9tp

Dial in by phone +1 984-204-1487,,861764054# United States, Raleigh Find a local number Phone conference ID: 861 764 054# Join on a video conferencing device Tenant key: ncgov@m.webex.com Video ID: 114 438 360 4 More info For organizers: Meeting options | Reset dial-in PIN

Using Agency: NC Department of Adult Correction Commodity No. and Description: 241018- Dock Equipment Requisition No.: RQ168222 https://aka.ms/JoinTeamsMeeting?omkt=en-US https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NjRmZDlhYWMtNjlhZS00ZGRkLTlhYTQtZGM5OTFiZDA0NWZj%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227a7681dc-b9d0-449a-85c3-ecc26cd7ed19%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%223956dbf2-8793-4597-afab-f503d1c991a8%22%7d tel:+19842041487,,861764054 https://dialin.teams.microsoft.com/c102d528-0544-4660-b869-294e85047e28?id=861764054 mailto:ncgov@m.webex.com https://www.webex.com/msteams?confid=1144383604&tenantkey=ncgov&domain=m.webex.com https://teams.microsoft.com/meetingOptions/?organizerId=3956dbf2-8793-4597-afab-f503d1c991a8&tenantId=7a7681dc-b9d0-449a-85c3-ecc26cd7ed19&threadId=19_meeting_NjRmZDlhYWMtNjlhZS00ZGRkLTlhYTQtZGM5OTFiZDA0NWZj@thread.v2&messageId=0&language=en-US https://dialin.teams.microsoft.com/usp/pstnconferencing

Bid Number: 52-IFB-1543301447-SDD Vendor: ____________________________________

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

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:

VALIDITY PERIOD

Offer shall be valid for at least ninety 90 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 Department of Adult Correction)

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1.0 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

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 URGED AND CAUTIONED SITE VISIT

2.6 BID QUESTIONS

2.7 BID SUBMITTAL

2.8 BID CONTENTS

2.9 ALTERNATE BIDS

2.10 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 PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

4.3 TRANSPORTATION AND IDENTIFICATION

4.4 DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION

4.5 WARRANTY

4.6 DESCRIPTIVE LITERATURE

4.7 HUB PARTICIPATION

4.8 REFERENCES

4.9 VENDOR’S REPRESENTATIONS

4.10 FINANCIAL STABILITY

4.11 AGENCY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS MODIFICATION

5.0 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

SPECIFICATIONS

5.2 DEVIATIONS

6.0 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

6.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

6.2 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

6.3 ACCEPTANCE OF WORK

6.4 INVOICES

6.5 BACKGROUND CHECKS AND PREA TRAINING

6.6 DISPUTE RESOLUTION

6.7 PRODUCT RECALL

6.8 CONTRACT CHANGES

6.9 ATTACHMENTS

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ATTACHMENT A: PRICING FORM

ATTACHMENT B: NORTH CAROLINA INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS

ATTACHMENT C: NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

ATTACHMENT D: HUB SUPPLEMENTAL VENDOR INFORMATION

ATTACHMENT E: CUSTOMER REFERENCE TEMPLATE

ATTACHMENT F: LOCATION OF WORKERS UTILIZED BY VENDOR

ATTACHMENT G: CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

ATTACHMENT H: VENDOR REQUEST FOR EO50 PRICE MATCHING

ATTACHMENT I: ALCOHOL/DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY

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1.0 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

Purpose: The purpose of this Invitation for Bids (IFB) is to seek competitive bids from qualified Vendors to remove existing dock equipment and install new dock levelers and repair pit extension platform at the NC Department of Adult Correction Enterprise Meat Processing Plant.

Background: These items are needed at the NC Department of Adult Correction, Enterprise Meat Processing Plant for safety reasons. The Current dock plates and door cushion present a safety hazard for delivery truck to this facility. The current dock plates do not adequately restrain delivery trucks from striking the walls of this facility.

The intent of this solicitation is to award an Agency Contract.

2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

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 http://eprocurement.nc.gov/

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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 nonresponsive.

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 May 2, 2025 Urged and Cautioned Site Visit Vendor May 9, 2025, at 9:00 AM ET Submit Written Questions Vendor May 14,2025 by 4:00 PM ET Provide Responses to Questions State May 16, 2025, by 5:00 PM ET Submit Bids Vendor May 21, 2025, by 3:00 PM ET Contract Award State TBD upon approval to post

2.5 URGED AND CAUTIONED SITE VISIT

Date: May 9, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM ET Location: NC Department of Adult Correction

Enterprise Meat Processing Plant 1204 East McNeil Street Lillington, NC 27604

Contact #: Lischer Glover, Plant Manager – 910-893-4499

Instructions: Vendor representatives are URGED and CAUTIONED to attend the site visit and apprise themselves of the conditions and requirements which will affect the performance of the work called for by this IFB. A non-mandatory site visit is scheduled for this IFB. Submission of a bid shall constitute sufficient evidence of Vendor’s compliance and no allowance will be made for unreported conditions which a prudent Vendor would recognize as affecting the performance of the work called for in this IFB.

Prior phone confirmation of attendance to Lischer Glover at 910-893-4499 is requested and should be completed no later than May 8, 2025 by 2:00 PM ET. Proper identification is required for admission into the facility. Vendors shall present State issued identification along with Vendor Company identification that includes company name, address, telephone and email address.

Failure to confirm attendance at site visit by the date and time noted, or to present proper identification, will result in denial of entry into site visit.

Vendor is cautioned that any information released to attendees during the site visit other than that involving the physical aspects of the facility referenced above, and which conflicts with, supersedes, or adds to requirements in this IFB, must be confirmed by written addendum before it can be considered as a part of this IFB and any resulting contract.

2.6 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 “52-IFB-1543301447-SDD – 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.

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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.

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.

2.7 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

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 EST to 5:00 PM EST.

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.

2.8 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) Title Page: Include the company name, address, phone number and authorized representative along with the Bid Number.

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

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

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

d) Vendor Response to include:

• Completed Section 4.4 DELIVERY

• Section 4.6 DESCRIPTIVE LITERATURE (required with bid response),

• Section 5.1 SPECIFICATIONS

• Section 5.2 DEVIATIONS

e) Completed version of ATTACHMENT A: PRICING FORM

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

g) Completed version of ATTACHMENT E: CUSTOMER REFERENCE FORM

h) Completed 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 ATTACHMENT H: VENDOR REQUEST FOR EO50 PRICE-MATCHING, if applicable

k) ATTACHMENT I: ALCOHOL/DRUG FREE WORKPLACE POLICY

2.9 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

2.10 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) DAC: Department of Adult Correction

b) ET: Eastern Time

c) STATE DEPARTMENT: Department of Adult Correction

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 bid(s) offering the lowest price that meets the specifications provided herein, to include any required verifications set out herein such as but not limited to past performance, references, and financial documents.

While the intent of this IFB is to award a Contract(s) to a single Vendor for all line items, the State reserves the right to make separate awards to different Vendors for one or more line items, to not award one or more line items 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.

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If a Vendor selected for award is determined by the State to be a non-resident of North Carolina, all responsive bids will be reviewed to determine if any of them were submitted by a North Carolina resident Vendor who requested an opportunity to match the price of the winning bid, pursuant to Executive Order #50 and G.S. 143-59 (for more information, please refer to ATTACHMENT H:

VENDOR REQUEST FOR EXECUTIVE ORDER #50 PRICE MATCHING. If such bid(s) are identified, the State will then determine whether any such bid falls within the price-match range, and, if so, make a Contract award in accordance with the process that implements G.S. 143-59 and Executive Order #50.

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

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.

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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.

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.

https://evp.nc.gov/

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4.2 PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

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.

4.3 TRANSPORTATION AND IDENTIFICATION

The Vendor shall deliver Free-On-Board (FOB) Destination to any requested location within the State of North Carolina with all transportation costs and fees included in the total bid price.

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.

4.4 DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION

The Vendor shall deliver Free-On-Board (FOB) Destination to the following location(s):

NC Department of Adult Correction Enterprise Meat Processing Plant 1204 East McNeil Street Lillington, NC 27546 Attn: Lischer Glover – 919-893-4499

Vendor should complete delivery within ninety (90) 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.

Delivery shall not be considered to have occurred until installation and upfit of dock levelers and dock modifications has been completed. 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.

4.5 WARRANTY

Manufacturer’s standard warranty shall apply. Vendors shall supply a copy of the manufacturer’s standard warranty upon request by the State.

4.6 DESCRIPTIVE LITERATURE

DESCRIPTIVE LITERATURE/CERTIFICATION

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.

4.7 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.

Ver: 11/2023 12

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.

4.8 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 or similar goods and services required in this Invitation for Bid. The State may contact these users to determine 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.

4.9 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.

4.10 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.

4.11 AGENCY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS MODIFICATION

A. 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

Ver: 11/2023 13

5.0 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

SPECIFICATIONS

The below specifications and requirements are drawn around product which the State has evaluated and determined that the size, construction, design layout, special features and performance are necessary. Vendors are requested to offer only comparable Dock Levels and Pit Mods which will provide the features and performance needed and implied.

Item # 1 Minimum Specifications Product/Service Offered Meets Specification

Item 1

Dock Levels and Pit Mods:

Serco VSL Vertical Storing Dock Leveler7’x5’ - Qty of 4

Specifications-

7‘ wide x 5’ long Deck/ 40,000 Lbs Capacity

Leveler Powered Down to Working Range via Constant Pressure Pushbttn

Dual Acting Lip Powered Both Directions

Steel NEMA 12 Control Panel (Interlock Capable) with Raise, Lower, Lip

In, Lip Out, Mushroom-style Stop, Amber & Green Illuminated

Operation Indicator Lights

PLC Programmable Controller

Remote-mounted Power Unit, Valves & Solenoids with Mounting

Bracket & 20" Hydraulic Hose

Patented Hinged Bottom Draft Pad

- Terminals for Interlocking Door or Restraint

Rear Embed Mounting Channel with 5 Factory-Welded Hinges

4" High Runoff Guards

Integral Maintenance Locking Bar with Lock-out/Tag-out Capability

Two VB420-11FF Bumpers with Riser Brackets

SW Fabricated Dock Leveler Pit Steel - 1 Each

Specifications

(4) 8"x8"xl/4" Dock Build Out w/ Welded Tops

Painted Black

- (40) 3x3"xl2" Long Angle w/ 3/4" Holes

Painted Black

YES NO

VENDOR’S RESPONSE

Ver: 11/2023 14

Labor and Installation for Dock Levelers & Pit Mods including

Remove existing Vertical Leveler

- Grind away all fixturlng on existing embed channel

- Using serco weld plate -weld new fixturing to embed channel

- Remove existing dock bumpers & dock seal

- Install new steel tube frame pit extension to face of dock

- Install new vertical leveler & new Dock Bumpers to face of build-out

WEEKDAY INSTALLATION BY FACTORY TRAINED CREW

DOCK SEALS

Serco S-700 Dock Seal w/ head curtain - Qty of 4

Projection: 20“ / Base Fabric: 22 oz vinyl

3" Inside Bottom Flaps / 2" Foam Front

Drop Curtain Length:30"

Labor and Installation for Dock Seals

DOCK Mod & EOD Leveler

Serco EOD Mechanical Dock Leveler

72" wide deck/ 30,000 Lbs capacity

Effective working range of 3" above and below dock

Open lug-style front lip hinge for superior strength

Tire laminated dock bumpers for superior protection that are mounted to steel bumper blocks at 16" projection

Reduced crown and extended beveled lip for superior transition

Reduced lifting force for superior operation and safety

EZ-Hang installation tabs to simplify install and ensure proper

Alignment

SW Fabricated Dock Leveler Pit Extension

Includes Mounting Hardware

Ver: 11/2023 15

Labor and Installation for Dock Mod & EOD Levelers including

- Add SW Structural Pit Extension Platform to (1) Dock w/ Existing Vertical Leveler (Less Up)

- Keeping the existing vertical Leveler in pit stored position and adding the extension platform

- Provide/lnstall new EOD Leveler below to face of the pit extension platform

5.2 DEVIATIONS

The nature of all deviations from the Specifications listed herein shall be clearly described by the Vendor. Otherwise, it will be considered that items offered by the Vendor are in strict compliance with the Specifications provided herein, and the successful Vendor shall be required to supply conforming goods. Deviations shall be explained in detail below or on an attached sheet.

However, no implication is made or intended by the State that any deviation will be acceptable. Do not list objections to the North Carolina General Terms and Conditions in this section.

6.0 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

All Contract Administration requirements are conditioned on an award resulting from this solicitation. This information is provided for the Vendor’s planning purposes

6.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

The Vendor shall be required to designate and make available to the State a contract manager. The contract manager shall be the State’s point of contact for Contract related issues and issues concerning performance, progress review, scheduling, and service.

Contract Manager Point of Contact

Name:

Office Phone #:

Mobile Phone #:

Email:

The Vendor shall be required to designate and make available to the State for customer service. The customer service point of contact shall be the State’s point of contact for customer service-related issues (define roles and responsibilities).

Ver: 11/2023 16

Customer Service Point of Contact

Name:

Office Phone #:

Mobile Phone #:

Email:

6.2 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

The State encourages the Vendor to identify opportunities to reduce the total cost to the State. A continuous improvement effort consisting of various ideas to enhance business efficiencies as performance progresses.

6.3 ACCEPTANCE OF WORK

Performance of the work and delivery of Goods shall be conducted and completed at least in accordance with the Contract requirements and recognized and customarily accepted industry practices. Performance shall be considered complete when the Services or Goods are approved as acceptable by the Contract Administrator.

Acceptance of work products shall be based on the following criteria:

Completion of Upfit and installation of all materials, supplies, parts and equipment as noted in Section 5.1 Specifications and Command Post is ready for immediate use.

The State shall have the obligation to notify Vendor, in writing ten (10) calendar days following completion of such work or delivery of a deliverable described in the Contract that it is not acceptable. The notice shall specify in reasonable detail the reason(s) it is unacceptable. Acceptance by the State shall not be unreasonably withheld; but may be conditioned or delayed as required for reasonable review, evaluation, installation, or testing, as applicable to the work or deliverable. Final acceptance is expressly conditioned upon completion of all applicable assessment procedures. Should the work or deliverables fail to meet any specifications, acceptance criteria or otherwise fail to conform to the Contract, the State may exercise any and all rights hereunder, including, for Goods deliverables, such rights provided by the Uniform Commercial Code, as adopted in North Carolina.

6.4 INVOICES

Vendor shall invoice the Purchasing Agency. The standard format for invoicing shall be Single Invoices meaning that the Vendor shall provide the Purchasing Agency with an invoice for each order. Invoices shall include detailed line item information to allow Purchasing Agency to verify pricing at point of receipt matches the correct price from the original date of order. At a minimum, the following fields shall be included on all invoices:

Vendor’s Billing Address, Customer Account Number, NC Contract Number, Order Date, Buyer’s Order Number, Manufacturer Part Numbers, Vendor Part Numbers, Item Descriptions, Price, Quantity, and Unit of Measure.

INVOICES MAY NOT BE PAID UNTIL AN INSPECTION HAS OCCURRED AND THE GOODS ACCEPTED.

6.5 BACKGROUND CHECKS AND PREA TRAINING

The Awarded Vendor shall be required to complete and clear background checks on any workers who will be in the facility installing the dock plates. Additionally, these workers will have to complete a short (1-2 hour) PREA training. The Contact for the Background Checks and PREA training will be Lischer Glover, Plant Manager – 910-893-4499

Ver: 11/2023 17

6.6 DISPUTE RESOLUTION

During the performance of the Contract, the Parties agree that it is in their mutual interest to resolve disputes informally. Any claims by the Vendor shall be submitted in writing to the State’s Contract Manager for resolution. Any claims by the State shall be submitted in writing to the Vendor’s Project Manager for resolution. The Parties shall agree to negotiate in good faith and use all reasonable efforts to resolve such dispute(s).

During the time the Parties are attempting to resolve any dispute, each shall proceed diligently to perform their respective duties and responsibilities under this Contract. The Parties will agree on a reasonable amount of time to resolve a dispute. If a dispute cannot be resolved between the Parties within the agreed upon period, either Party may elect to exercise any other remedies available under the Contract, or at law. This provision, when agreed in the Contract, shall not constitute an agreement by either party to mediate or arbitrate any dispute.

6.7 PRODUCT RECALL

Vendor expressly assumes full responsibility for prompt notification to the Buyer listed on the face of this IFB of any product recall in accordance with the applicable state or federal regulations. The Vendor shall support the State, as necessary, to promptly replace any such products, at no cost to the State.

6.8 CONTRACT CHANGES

Contract changes, if any, over the life of the Contract shall be implemented by contract amendments agreed to in writing by the State and Vendor.

6.9 ATTACHMENTS

All attachments to this IFB are incorporated herein and shall be submitted by responding in the Sourcing Tool. These attachments can be found at the following Vendor Forms link for reference purposes only:

https://ncadmin.nc.gov/documents/vendor-forms https://ncadmin.nc.gov/documents/vendor-forms

Ver: 11/2023 18

ATTACHMENT A: PRICING FORM

Vendor shall furnish all necessary parts, labor, transportation, equipment, tools, materials and supplies as may be required to deliver, install and set-in place, ready for use Dock Levelers and Pit Mods for the Department of Adult Correction.

ITEM # QTY. UOM DESCRIPTION UNIT PRICE EXTENDED

PRICE

1 1 LOT Serco VSL Vertical Storing Dock Leveler4’xS’ - Qty of 4

SW Fabricated Dock Leveler Pit Steel - 4 Each

Make:

Model:

2 1 LOT Labor and Installation for Dock Mod & EOD Levelers

3 1 LOT DOCK SEALS

4 1 LOT Labor and Installation for Dock Seals

5 1 LOT DOCK Mod & EOD Leveler

6 1 LOT Labor and Installation for Dock Mod & EOD Levelers

TOTAL BID PRICE: $ _______________

Ver: 11/2023 19

ATTACHMENT B: NORTH CAROLINA INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS

The North Carolina Instructions to Vendors can be found here:

https://www.doa.nc.gov/formnorth-carolina-instructions-vendors/download?attachment.

ATTACHMENT C: NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The State of North Carolina Terms and Conditions (T&Cs) apply to this purchase. The Division of Purchase and Contract T&Cs and Statewide IT Procurement T&Cs can be found here:

https://www.doa.nc.gov/form-north-carolina-general-terms-and-conditions-11-2023/download?attachment https://www.doa.nc.gov/formnorth-carolina-instructions-vendors/download?attachment https://www.doa.nc.gov/form-north-carolina-general-terms-and-conditions-11-2023/download?attachment

Ver: 11/2023 20

ATTACHMENT D: HUB SUPPLEMENTAL VENDOR INFORMATION

Solicitation #: __________________________ Vendor Name: __________________________

Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs) consist of minority, women, and disabled business firms that are at least fifty-one percent owned and operated by an individual(s) from one of these categories. Also included in this category are disabled business enterprises and non-profit work centers for the blind and severely disabled.

Pursuant to G.S. 143B-1361(a), 143-48 and 143-128.4, the State invites and encourages participation in this procurement process by businesses owned by minorities, women, the disable, disabled business enterprises, and non-profit work centers for the blind and severely disabled. This includes utilizing individual(s) from these categories as subcontractors to perform the functions required in this Solicitation.

The Vendor shall respond to questions below, as applicable.

PART I: HUB CERTIFICATION

Is Vendor a NC-certified HUB entity? Yes _____ No _______

If yes, provide Vendor #: _________________________

If no, does Vendor qualify for certification as HUB? Yes _____ No _______

Vendors that check “yes” will be referred to the HUB Office for assistance in acquiring certification.

Company Name

Company Address

Website Address

Contact Name

Contact Email

Contact Phone

NC HUB

certified?

Percent of total bid price

Ver: 11/2023 21

PART III: PROCUREMENT OF SERVICES - SUBCONTRACTORS

For Services procurements, are you using Subcontractors to perform any of the services being procured under this solicitation?

Yes _____ No _____

If yes, then provide the following information:

Company Name

Company Address

Website Address

Contact Name

Contact Email

Contact Phone

NC HUB

certified?

Percent of total bid price

Need more information?

Questions concerning NC HUB certification, contact the North Carolina Office of Historically Underutilized Businesses at…