54-ML-PR34506-DOT-Janitorial Services-Div 8 Carthage DOH Facilities.pdf

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

Department of Transportation

Invitation for Bid #: 54-ML-PR34506

JANITORIAL SERVICES – Division 8, Carthage DOH Facilities

Date of Issue: July 10, 2026

Bid Due Date: July 22, 2026

At 2:00 PM ET

Direct all inquiries concerning this IFB to:

Michael Lingenfelter

Procurement Specialist II

Email: mwlingenfelter@ncdot.gov

Phone: 919-707-2642 mailto:mwlingenfelter@ncdot.gov

Ver: 11/2025

Invitation for Bid #

54-ML-PR34506

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://evp.nc.gov/SignIn.

Electronic responses ONLY will be accepted for this solicitation.

https://evp.nc.gov/SignIn

Bid Number:54-ML-PR34506 Vendor: __________________________________________

Ver: 11/2025 1

Refer ALL Inquiries regarding this IFB to:

Michael Lingenfelter mwlingenfelter@ncdot.gov 919-707-2642

Invitation for Bid #: 54-ML-PR34506 Bids will be publicly opened: July 22, 2026, 2:00 PM ET

Using Agency: NCDOT/Division of Highways Commodity No. and Description: Janitorial Services 761115 Cleaning and Janitorial Services Requisition No.: PR34506

EXECUTION

In compliance with this Invitation for Bid (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), 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 contracts; 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 response to the IFB, the undersigned certifies, for Vendor’s entire organization and its employees or agents, that Vendor is not aware that any such gift has been offered, accepted, or promised by any employees of your 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 herein. These documents can be accessed from the ATTACHMENTS page within this document.

Failure to execute/sign bid prior to submittal may render bid invalid and it MAY BE REJECTED. Late bids shall not 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:

VENDOR’S AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE*: DATE: EMAIL:

Department of Transportation

Ver: 11/2025 2

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 of the parties in writing. Any withdrawal of this offer shall be made in writing, effective upon receipt by the agency issuing this IFB.

ACCEPTANCE OF BIDS

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.

FOR STATE USE ONLY: Offer accepted and Contract awarded this________ day of __________, 2026, as indicated on

The attached certification, by ____________________________________________________________________.

(Authorized Representative of the North Carolina Department of Transportation)

Ver: 11/2025 3

Table of Contents

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 MANDATORY 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 VENDOR EXPERIENCE

4.3 REFERENCES

4.4 FINANCIAL STABILITY

4.5 BACKGROUND CHECKS

4.6 PERSONNEL

4.7 VENDOR’S REPRESENTATIONS

4.8 BUILDING REQUIREMENTS

4.9 AGENCY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

4.10 SUBCONTRACTORS

4.11 SECRETARY OF STATE REGISTRATION

4.12 COMMUNICATION SERVICES

4.13 VENDOR EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

4.14 DESCRIPTIVE LITERATURE

Ver: 11/2025 4

4.15 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES AND SPILLS

4.16 INSPECTIONS

4.17 UTILITIES

4.18 TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

4.19 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

5.0 SPECIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF WORK

5.1 GENERAL

5.2 BUILDING LOCATION AND DATA

5.3 GENERAL CLEANING

5.4 MAJOR MAINTENANCE SERVICES

5.5 SUPPLEMENTAL SERVICES/EMERGENCY SERVICES

6.0 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

6.1 VENDOR CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR/NCDOT CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR/SITE

COORDINATOR

6.2 CONTRACT KICK-OFF AND POST AWARD REVIEW

6.3 INVOICES

6.4 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

6.5 ACCEPTANCE OF WORK

6.6 FAITHFUL PERFORMANCE

6.7 DISPUTE RESOLUTION

6.8 CONTRACT CHANGES

7.0 SUPPLEMENTAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

8.0 ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT A: PRICING FORM

ATTACHMENT B: INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS

ATTACHMENT C: NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

ATTACHMENT D: RESERVED

ATTACHMENT E: CUSTOMER REFERENCE FORM

ATTACHMENT F: LOCATION OF WORKERS UTILIZED BY VENDOR

ATTACHMENT G: CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

ATTACHMENT H: BUILDING #1 LOCATION AND DATA

ATTACHMENT I: BUILDING #2 LOCATION AND DATA

Ver: 11/2025 5

1.0 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

The purpose of this Invitation for Bid (IFB) is to obtain pricing for and select a qualified Vendor to provide janitorial services for the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), Division of Highways (DOH), Division 8 DOH Construction and Division Facilities, in Carthage, NC. The contract shall consist of an all-inclusive janitorial service and major maintenance including all reasonable and necessary labor, supervision, materials, equipment, and supplies to keep the subject State building properly cleaned and supplied.

The purpose of this solicitation is to award an Agency Specific Term Contract (ASTC).

1.1 CONTRACT TERM

The Contract shall have an initial term of three (3) years, beginning on September 1st, 2026. In addition, and with the Vendor’s concurrence, the State reserves the right to extend the Contract after the last active term.

Bids shall be submitted in accordance with the terms and conditions of this IFB and any addenda issued hereto.

2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1 INVITATION FOR BID DOCUMENT

This 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: The E-Procurement fee may apply to this solicitation. See the 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/.

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 are also 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 of 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 of specific provisions of the Contract that have been addressed during the question-and-answer period, prior to contract award.

Other than through the process of negotiation 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 or otherwise. 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 upon during negotiations and incorporated by way of a Best and Final Offer (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: 11/2025 6

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 July 10, 2026 Hold Pre-Bid Meeting/Site Visit State July 17, 2026, at 10:30am ET Submit Written Questions Vendor July 20, 2026, by 10:00am ET Provide Response to Questions State July 20, 2026, by 11:00am ET Submit Bids Vendor July 22, 2026, by 2:00pm ET Contract Award State TBD

2.5 MANDATORY SITE VISIT

Date: 7/17/2026 Time: 10:30 AM ET Location: 121 DOT Drive

Carthage, NC, 28327 Contact #: 919-707-2642 Michael Lingenfelter (Purchasing Agent)

Instructions: It shall be MANDATORY that a representative from each Vendor be present for a pre-bid site visit. Attendees must arrive promptly All attendees must sign upon arrival and clearly indicate each prospective Vendor represented on the sign in sheet.

LATE ARRIVALS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO SIGN IN OR PARTICIPATE IN THE SITE VISIT, NOR SHALL THEIR BID BE CONSIDERED. Once the sign-in process is complete, all other persons wishing to attend may do so to the extent that space and circumstances allow.

FAILURE TO ATTEND THE MANDATORY SITE VISIT SHALL RESULT IN VENDOR’S BID BEING DEEMED NON-RESPONSIVE AND NOT

CONSIDERED FOR AWARD.

The purpose of this visit is for all prospective Vendors to apprise themselves of the conditions and requirements which will affect the performance of the work called for by this IFB. Vendors must stay for the duration of the site visit No allowances will be made for unreported conditions that a prudent Vendor would recognize as affecting the work called for or implied by this IFB.

Vendors are 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 to be 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.

Written questions shall be emailed to: mwlingenfelter@ncdot.gov by the date and time specified above. Vendors should enter “IFB # 54-ML-PR34506 Questions” as the subject for the email. Question submittals should include a reference to the applicable IFB section and be submitted in the format shown below:

Reference Vendor Question

IFB Section, Page Number Vendor question …?

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 form of an addendum to the electronic Vendor Portal (eVP), https://evp.nc.gov, 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 the IFB and an addendum to this IFB.

https://evp.nc.gov/

Ver: 11/2025 7

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. The time and date of receipt will be marked on each bid when received. Any bid or portion thereof received after the bid deadline will be rejected.

All bid responses shall be submitted electronically via the electronic Vendor Portal (eVP). Additional information can be found at the eVP updates for Vendors link: https://eprocurement.nc.gov/news-events/evp-updates-vendors.

Failure to submit a bid in strict accordance with these instructions shall constitute sufficient cause to reject a Vendor’s bids(s).

Vendors are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to upload bids.

Critical updated information may be included in Addenda to this IFB. It is important that all Vendors responding to this IFB periodically check the State’s eVP website for any Addenda that may be issued prior to the bid opening date. All Vendors shall be deemed to have read and understood all information in this IFB and all Addenda thereto.

2.8 BID CONTENTS

Vendors shall populate all attachments of this IFB that require the Vendor to provide information and include an authorized signature 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.

Vendor IFB responses shall include the following items and attachments, which shall be arranged in the following order:

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

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

c) Vendor’s Response. Sections 4.2 Vendor Experience, 4.5.5 Background Checks, 4.11 Secretary of State, 4.13 Vendor Equipment and Supplies, 4.14 Descriptive Literature, 6.1 Vendor Contract Administrator

d) Completed version of ATTACHMENT A: PRICING FORM

e) Completed version of ATTACHMENT E: CUSTOMER REFERENCE FORM

f) Completed version of ATTACHMENT F: LOCATION OF WORKERS UTILIZED BY VENDOR

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

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 bid must specifically identify the IFB requirements and advantage(s) addressed by the alternate bid. Any alternate bid, in addition to the marking described above, must be clearly marked with the legend: “Alternate Bid # 54-ML-PR34506”. Each bid must be for a specific set of Goods and Services and must include specific pricing. If a Vendor chooses to respond with various offerings, each must be offered with a separate price and be contained in a separate bid. Each bid must be complete and independent of other bids offered.

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 below which are incorporated herein by this reference.

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

a) Best Quality: That of highest quality, well made.

b) Bonnet Method or Spin Carpet Cleaning: A rotary floor machine with a cleaning pad soaked in solution. As it moves over the carpet, the agitation causes dirt to be absorbed into the cleaning pad.

c) Building Size: Small building = 5000 sq. ft. or less. Medium building = 5001 sq. ft. 50,000 sq. ft. Large Building = 50,001+ sq. ft.

Ver: 11/2025 8

d) Clean: Free of impurities or foreign matter not normally a part of the original component and, if necessary, eliminating objectionable odors.

e) Commercial Quality: Powerful cleaning chemicals that are formulated to be used in Commercial Building and Offices.

Equipment that is designed to provide performance, maneuverability, and durability in heavy-traffic areas typical of Commercial Buildings and open office environments.

f) Descriptive Literature: Refers to brochures, catalogs, drawings, and photographs provided by the vendor to explain a product's construction, features, and operation

g) Hazardous Substances: Any substance, other than oil, which, when discharged in any quantity, may present an imminent and substantial danger to public health or welfare.

h) NCDOT Contract Administrator: Representative of the Department of Transportation who will administer the contract for the State.

i) Oil: Any oil of any kind and in any form, including, but specifically not limited to petroleum, crude oil, diesel oil, fuel oil, gasoline, lubrication oil, oil refuse, oil mixed with other waste, oil sludge, petroleum related products or by-products, and all other liquid hydrocarbons, regardless of specific gravity, whether singly or in combination with other substances.

j) Professional Manner: The personnel performing the Services will possess the skill and competence consistent with the prevailing business standards in the industry.

k) Safe: A condition free of hazards and not having potential for personal injury or harm.

l) Sanitary: Promoting healthful conditions by the elimination of dirt, agents of disease or infection through ventilation, cleansing with disinfectants, or disposal of wastes.

m) Scrub: The use of brushes or other cleaning tools to accomplish the cleaning of various surfaces. Soap and clean water or other approved cleaning materials can be used with the proper cleaning tools.

n) Site Coordinator: Representative of the Department of Transportation who is on site that ensures the specifications and requirements are fulfilled.

o) Unauthorized Person: Any person who has not been approved by NCDOT to clean the building(s) under this Contract or another contract with NCDOT, or a previously approved person whose background check is not current.

p) Wash: To cleanse using water or other liquid, usually with soap or some type of detergent by immersing, dipping, rubbing, or scrubbing.

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 an 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 here in 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, 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.

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 Paragraph 29 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 procurement lead named above, any department secretary, agency head, members of the

Ver: 11/2025 9

General Assembly and Governor’s office); or private entity, if the communication refers to the content of Vendor’s bid 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 procurement lead 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 State’s eVP website 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

Ver: 11/2025 10 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 to a requirement would allow for the State to receive a better bid, the Vendor is urged 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 complete performance in accordance with the requirements and specifications herein, including all applicable charges for handling, transportation, administrative and other similar fees. Complete ATTACHMENT A: PRICING FORM and include in Vendor’s response.

4.2 VENDOR EXPERIENCE

The Vendor must have provided substantially similar cleaning services to those identified in this IFB and at a location with a minimum of 11,625 square feet (75% of total net square footage of locations identified in this IFB). Vendor shall list below a minimum of two (2) locations and their square footage, meeting this requirement where it has provided substantially similar cleaning services.

LOCATION SQ FT

Ver: 11/2025 11

4.3 REFERENCES

Vendor shall provide at least three (3) references, using ATTACHMENT E: CUSTOMER REFERENCE FORM, for which it has provided Services of similar size and scope to those proposed herein. Two (2) of the three (3) required references shall be for the locations provided by the Vendor in Section 4.2.

The State may contact these users to determine whether the Services provided are substantially similar in scope to those proposed herein and whether Vendor’s performance has been satisfactory. The information obtained may be considered in the evaluation of the Bid.

4.4 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 ATTACHMENT G: CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION. The State is requiring this certification to minimize potential issues from contracting with a Vendor that is financially unstable. 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. The Contract Manager may require annual recertification of the Vendor’s financial stability.

4.5 BACKGROUND CHECKS

4.5.1 GENERAL INFORMATION

It is the policy of the State to provide a safe environment for State Government employees to work. Due to the Contract requirements, the State requires criminal background checks of awarded Vendors, including but not limited to: owners, employees, agents, representatives, subcontractors, and all personnel of their respective companies. All costs and expenses associated with criminal background checks are the responsibility of the Vendor.

The following requirements must be met:

a) Criminal background checks shall be current and completed within ninety (90) days of the Contract effective date.

b) The criminal background check shall include a social security verification/check, felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic records covering a minimum of the last seven (7) years for all states and countries where the individual has resided. The criminal background check information shall be first thoroughly reviewed by the Vendor and then sent to the Contract Administrator for review and approval. Out-of-state searches shall be required for persons living in the state of NC for fewer than seven (7) years. Fingerprint background checks may be required in some instances depending on the facility requirements.

c) A criminal background check on the awarded Vendor and its employees shall be provided by the Vendor prior to Contract effective date. Copies of the original criminal background check shall be sent to the Contract Administrator for evaluation. In some cases, badging cannot take place until after the evaluation and approval of the Vendor’s criminal checks.

d) When a new employee or individual is identified to perform Services on this Contract, the Vendor shall provide the Contract Administrator with a criminal background check before the individual can be approved for work. Persons without approved criminal background checks shall not be allowed to work in the relevant buildings until proper documentation is submitted and approved.

e) The State may require the Vendor to exclude the Vendor’s employees, agents, representatives, or subcontractors based on the background check results. Discovery that one or more employees have convictions does not disqualify the Vendor from award.

f) Additionally, the State may use The North Carolina Department of Public Safety Offender Public Information or similar Services to conduct additional background checks on the Vendor’s proposed employees.

4.5.2 BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENTS

As part of Vendor’s criminal background checks, the details below must be provided to the State:

https://webapps.doc.state.nc.us/opi/offendersearch.do?method=view

Ver: 11/2025 12

a) Any criminal felony conviction, or conviction of any crime involving moral turpitude, including but not limited to fraud, misappropriation or deception, of Vendor, its officers or directors, or any of its employees or other personnel to provide Services on this project of which Vendor has knowledge, or provide a statement that Vendor is aware of none;

b) Any criminal investigation for any offense involving moral turpitude, including, but not limited to fraud, misappropriation, falsification or deception pending against Vendor of which it has knowledge, or provide a statement Vendor is aware of none;

c) Any regulatory sanctions levied against Vendor or any of its officers, directors or its professional employees expected to provide Services on this project by any state or federal regulatory agencies within the past three years or a statement that there are none. As used herein, the term “regulatory sanctions” includes the revocation or suspension of any license or certification, the levying of any monetary penalties or fines, and the issuance of any written warnings;

d) Any regulatory investigations pending against Vendor or any of its officers, directors or its professional employees expected to provide Services on this project by any state or federal regulatory agencies of which Vendor has knowledge or provide a statement that there are none.

e) Any civil litigation, arbitration, proceeding, or judgments pending against Vendor during the three (3) years preceding submission of its bid herein, or provide a statement that there are none.

4.5.3 BACKGROUND CHECK LIMITATIONS

Any individual representing the Vendor, who:

a) In his/her lifetime, has been adjudicated as a habitual felon as defined by GS 14-7.1 or a violent habitual felon as defined by GS 14-7.7, shall not be allowed to work in buildings occupied by State Government employees.

b) During the last seven (7) years has been convicted of any criminal felony or misdemeanor sexual offense or a crime of violence shall not be allowed to work in buildings occupied by State Government employees.

c) At any time has an outstanding warrant or a criminal charge for a crime described in (b) above shall not be allowed to work on State property.

d) The Vendor must ensure that all employees have a responsibility to self-report to the Vendor within twenty-four (24) hours any arrest for any disqualifying offense. The Vendor must notify the Contract Administrator within twenty-four (24) hours of all details concerning any reported arrest.

e) Upon the request of the Contract Administrator, the Vendor will re-screen any of its employees, agents, representatives, and subcontractors during the term of the Contract.

f) Vendor’s responses to these background check requests shall be considered a continuing representation, and Vendor’s failure to notify the State within thirty (30) days of any criminal charge, investigation, or proceeding involving Vendor or its then-current officers, directors or persons providing Services under this Contract during its term shall constitute a material breach of contract. The provisions of this paragraph shall also apply to any subcontractor utilized by Vendor to perform Services under this Contract.

g) If there are problems or delays with performance associated with the completion and compliance with this background check requirements, any Vendor’s performance bond could be used to complete these Services.

4.5.4 DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS

Required documentation to be submitted prior to date Contract is effective and for performing any Services on State property shall include:

a) A cover letter by the Vendor on company letterhead with a list of the full names matching a required government issued photo ID, addresses, and birth dates of each person representing the contracting company.

b) Vendor shall also provide a photocopy of the required State or Federal government issued picture ID or Driver License.

Ver: 11/2025 13

c) A letter on company letterhead is not acceptable proof in itself but can be used to further clarify information on the criminal background check submitted. All documentation shall be submitted at the same time. Submit documents which are clear and legible.

d) Background checks consisting of:

1. Original unaltered criminal background check from the organization providing the background check.

2. The background check provider’s company name, company mailing address, and contact phone numbers.

3. The full name of the individual, which matches the government issued photo ID.

4. The current address of individual being checked.

5. The date the criminal background check search was conducted.

4.5.5 VENDOR BACKGROUND CHECK AGREEMENT

Vendor agrees to conduct a criminal background check per the specifications above in this section on all employees proposed to work under this Contract, at its expense, and provide the required documentation to the State in order to perform Services under this Contract:

YES NO

4.6 PERSONNEL

Vendor warrants that qualified personnel shall provide Services under this Contract in a professional manner. “Professional manner” means that the personnel performing the Services will possess the skill and competence consistent with the prevailing business standards in the industry. Vendor will serve as the prime contractor under this Contract and shall be responsible for the performance and payment of all subcontractor(s) that may be approved by the State. Names of any third-party Vendors or subcontractors of Vendor may appear for purposes of convenience in Contract documents; and shall not limit Vendor’s obligations hereunder. Vendor will retain executive representation for functional and technical expertise as needed in order to incorporate any work by third party subcontractor(s).

Should the Vendor’s bid result in an award, the Vendor shall be required to agree that it will not substitute key personnel assigned to the performance of the Contract without prior written approval by the Contract Lead. Vendor shall further agree that it will notify the Contract Lead of any desired substitution, including the name(s) and references of Vendor’s recommended substitute personnel. The State will approve or disapprove the requested substitution in a timely manner. The State may, in its sole discretion, terminate the Services of any person providing Services under this Contract. Upon such termination, the State may request acceptable substitute personnel or terminate the contract Services provided by such personnel.

4.7 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.

4.8 BUILDING REQUIREMENTS

4.8.1 BUILDING SIGN IN/SIGN OUT SHEET

Ver: 11/2025 14

All people representing the Vendor shall individually sign in and out on the building sign in/sign out sheet (provided by the Contract Administrator/Site Coordinator) each time they enter and exit the building. This includes but is not limited to Vendor, Vendor’s Subcontractor (s), and all personnel of their respective companies. Signing in and out at the time of arrival is not acceptable. Days not signed on the building sheet by the cleaning employees shall not be paid for unless the Contract Administrator/Site Coordinator, or Vendor, can verify that cleaning was completed. The building sheet shall be located at a place agreeable to the Vendor and the Contract Administrator/Site Coordinator and the building sheet must remain at the assigned location. The Contract Administrator/Site Coordinator shall provide a new building sign in/sign out sheet each month. A copy of the building sheet will be available to the Vendor upon request.

4.8.2 BUILDING SECURITY

Vendor, Vendor Subcontractor(s), and all personnel of their respective companies shall immediately re-lock and secure all doors which were locked upon entry and shall not leave keys in doors or unsecured places or intentionally allow any unauthorized persons to accompany them into any building. Vendor, Vendor Subcontractor(s), and all personnel of their respective companies shall obtain prior approval from the Contract Administrator/Site Coordinator for admittance of unauthorized persons into the building.

Vendor, Vendor Subcontractor(s), and any personnel of their respective companies shall not leave exterior doors or windows unlocked after they have left the premises.

During major maintenance all exterior doors must remain locked during any cleaning process unless the door is in view of the Vendor, Vendor Subcontractor(s), and all personnel of their respective companies. The Vendor shall take all necessary precautions to ensure that no unauthorized persons enter the building while any door is unlocked for cleaning purposes. An employee who has been approved by NCDOT to clean another NCDOT building shall be considered authorized, subject to the Vendor’s prior notification to the Contract Administrator/Site Coordinator that the employee will be performing services at the alternate site.

Intentional allowance of unauthorized persons on the premises by the Vendor, Vendor Subcontractor(s), and all personnel of their respective companies is a breach of security.

Information relating to the security and operation of the premises is protected and shall not to be discussed with anyone except employees working directly with the Vendor, Vendor Subcontractor(s), and all personnel of their respective companies.

4.8.3 KEYS/KEYCARDS

a) All keys or keycards shall be signed for and issued through the Contract Administrator/Site Coordinator. Issuance and recall of keys or keycards shall be at the discretion of the Contract Administrator/Site Coordinator. No keys or keycards shall be issued to the Vendors, Vendors Subcontractors, and any personnel of their respective companies without the approved information, i.e., criminal background checks. After approval, the Contract Administrator/Site Coordinator shall arrange for the Security Section to issue an NCDOT keycard. Keys or keycards shall not to be duplicated by the Vendors, Vendors Subcontractors, and any personnel of their respective companies.

b) The Vendor, Vendor Subcontractor(s) and all personnel of their respective companies shall, within twenty-four (24) hours after termination of any of its staff, inform the Contract Administrator/Site Coordinator that the officer, employee, worker, Vendor’s Subcontractors or Vendors Subcontractor’s employee has been terminated. The Vendor shall collect all keys or keycards upon termination of an employee and return such items to the Contract Administrator/Site Coordinator within this twenty-four (24) hour period.

c) No deposit is required; however, the Vendor will be responsible for lost keys or keycards. All lost keys or keycards must be reported to the building Contract Administrator/Site Coordinator within twenty-four (24) hours. The Contract Administrator/Site Coordinator shall then arrange to have new keys or keycards issued. The Vendor shall be responsible for the cost of any keys, keycards, and lock replacements. There shall be a $10.00 charge per key for replacement of interior door keys and dispenser keys. At the end of the contract, all keys or keycards shall be collected by the Vendor and turned in to the Contract Administrator/Site Coordinator on the last effective date of the contract. A charge of $200.00 for keys or keycards not returned by the Vendor, Vendors Subcontractor, and any personnel of respective Vendor will be assessed. The final invoice for this contract shall not be paid until all the keys or keycards are returned and any charges for those not returned have been collected.

Ver: 11/2025 15

d) Secured areas will be addressed by the Contract Administrator/Site Coordinator during the Kick-off Meeting and are noted on the attached building data sheet. (ATTACHMENT H). Vendor, Vendor Subcontractor(s), and all personnel of respective Vendor shall not enter secured areas without prior approval by the Contract Administrator/Site Coordinator.

4.8.4 IDENTITY REQUIREMENTS

All individuals representing the Vendor, Vendor Subcontractor(s), and all personnel of respective Vendor shall, at all times while on the premises, wear a State of North Carolina or Federal issued picture identification badge or state issued keycard (where there is controlled access) visible to State employees. In addition, the Vendor shall provide their employees with company logo clothing showing the company name (distinct company shirt, vest, or smock). The logo shall be permanently affixed to the clothing. The clothing shall be provided in sufficient quantity to maintain a clean appearance at all times while on the premises. No offensive apparel shall be worn at any time (as determined by the Contract Administrator/Site Coordinator). Any person representing the Vendor not dressed in company logo clothing, not wearing their picture ID badge, or wearing offensive apparel may be turned away from cleaning the building.

4.9 AGENCY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

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

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

4.10 SUBCONTRACTORS

No portion of the work shall be subcontracted without prior written consent of the State. In the event that the Vendor desires to subcontract some part of the work specified herein, the Vendor shall furnish with their bid the names, qualifications, and experience of their proposed subcontractors. The Vendor shall, however, remain solely and fully liable and responsible for the work done by its subcontractor(s) and shall assure compliance with all the requirements and specifications of the contract.

4.11 SECRETARY OF STATE REGISTRATION

Prior to entering into a contract with the State, the awarded Vendor(s) must complete registration with the NC Secretary of State.

Upon notification of award, the selected Vendor(s) must furnish evidence of filing within 10 business days. Failure to provide this documentation may result in the disqualification of the Vendor(s) bid from further consideration for the award. No purchase orders shall be issued prior to confirmation of completed registration with the Secretary of State.

Vendor registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State: Yes☐ No ☐

A contract award under the above-referenced solicitation, and the resulting purchase orders, will produce repeated orders and transactions in North Carolina and will constitute “transacting business” in the…