8-26-0135 Specifications Ramps.docx

SPECIFICATIONS

Election ADA Ramps, Platform, Rails, and Other Related Items

SCOPE

Harris County is soliciting bids for a term contract for the Harris County Clerk’s Office to provide portable election ADA approved ramps, platforms, rails, and other related items for Harris County for the term beginning on or about July 1, 2026 and ending one (1) year thereafter or until all services ordered prior to the expiration date have been satisfactorily delivered and accepted or performed satisfactorily for the using department(s).

It is the responsibility of each vendor to examine the entire bid package, seek clarification in writing, and review their bid for accuracy before submitting. Questions relating to this bid must be submitted in writing and directed to Tamara Twiner, Office of the Purchasing Agent, through Bonfire. The deadline for submission of questions relating to this bid is listed on the Event schedule of this project. All questions submitted in writing prior to the deadline will be compiled and answered in writing. A copy of all questions and answers will be released as a Public Notice to all firms. The County will not be bound by any information conveyed verbally.

M/WBEs Harris County strives to engage with prime contractors and subcontractors that represent the diverse businesses of the County. We will ensure that historically underutilized minority- and woman-owned businesses (M/WBEs) receive a fair and equal opportunity to participate in the County's procurement process. The County expects Vendors to make a good faith effort and the Vendor agrees to reasonably assist the County to meet or exceed goals for awarding contracts associated with a project the County procures, operates, maintains, or constructs to M/WBEs.

RENEWAL OPTIONS

Harris County may consider four (4) one-year renewal options, renewable one (1) year at a time, based upon the same terms, conditions and pricing as the original year. Renewal is subject to approval by the Harris County Commissioners Court. Once renewal options are exhausted, the contract must be rebid. Harris County reserves the right to rebid at any time as is in its best interest and is not automatically bound to renew.

CERTIFICATE OF INTERESTED PARTIES (FORM 1295)

Texas law requires all parties who enter into any contract with the County which must be approved by Commissioners Court to disclose all interested parties. Form 1295 must be completed in its entirety at the following website: https://ethics.state.tx.us/filinginfo/1295/ prior to submitting your response. Failure to do so may result in disqualification of your response.

USAGE REPORTS

Harris County reserves the right to request, and receive at no additional cost, up to two (2) times during the contract period, a usage report detailing the products and/or services furnished to date under a contract resulting from this bid. The reports must be furnished no later than five (5) working days after written request and itemize all purchases to date by Harris County department, description of each item purchased, quantity of each item purchased, per unit and extended price of each item purchased, and total amount and price of all items purchased.

CHANGE IN CONTRACT

Should any changes to the contract be required, a Change in Contract form shall be generated by Harris County Purchasing and will be sent to the awarded vendor(s) for execution. Any changes in contract shall be in writing and must be signed by both Harris County and the awarded vendor.

PURCHASE ORDERS

Products and/or services must not be provided and invoices will not be paid without a purchase order, signed by the Harris County Purchasing Agent. Purchase orders will be written in annual increments when applicable. Once a purchase order is issued, the using department will contact vendor directly to place orders.

NO CONFIDENTIALITY OF BIDS

Once opened, bids are public record. There are no exceptions. When submitting a bid, the vendor must be sure to redact confidential information if the information is needed to address requirements of the bid. If there are any questions concerning confidentiality of information to be submitted, contact Tamara Twiner immediately at tamara.twiner@harriscountytx.gov.

ALTERATION OF DOCUMENT

No alterations may be made to this document. Any alterations made may result in the bid being deemed non-responsive and rejected. The terms and conditions contained within this bid supersede all conflicting terms within any cooperative purchasing contracts associated with this purchase.

TOLL/PARKING FEES

Any and all toll/parking FEES incurred by the vendor during the term of this contract will be the responsibility of the vendor.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Vendor may offer for sale additional items related to the scope of goods and/or services described herein and/or listed on the BidTable. Though the related items offered may be considered during the award recommendation, and/or may be made a part of a subsequent contract, if any, with Harris County, the affect of the related items cannot be extended and totaled in determining the lowest bidder since an estimated usage is unknown. Purchases by Harris County of related items should not exceed 20% of the total annual purchases under the contract.

The rates quoted on the BidTable must be all-inclusive. “All-inclusive” shall be constructed as costs incorporating all charges for labor, material, equipment, testing and any other cost incurred. No separate line item rates or charges will be accepted.

During the term of the contract, only industry-wide changes in price, reflected by documentation from supplying manufacturer/mill(s) will be approved. Pricing is subject to manufacturer’s increase/decrease, and for the amount of the increase/decrease only. Prices cannot be increased for ninety (90) days after the contract begins. Prices cannot be increased within ninety (90) days of any previous price increase. Price reductions must be applied to Harris County costs as soon as applied to vendor’s costs.

This bid or Commissioners Court approved award does not obligate Harris County to the eventual purchase of any product/service described, implied or which may be proposed. Progress toward this end is solely at the discretion of Harris County and may be terminated at any time.

The County may award to more than one (1) vendor as “Primary” and “Secondary” vendor. The “Secondary” vendor will be utilized due to time constraints, availability, etc.

SPECIFICATION

1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1.1 Scope of Work

The vendor shall furnish, deliver, and provide all necessary labor, materials, equipment, and documentation for portable, modular, ADA-compliant ramps, platforms, handrails, and related components for use by Harris County (the “County”), primarily for election operations.

All equipment and materials provided under this contract shall comply with:

· The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and regulations

· Standards for Accessible Design with Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG)

· All applicable federal, state and local regulations

· All applicable Harris County Purchasing Rules and Regulations

The equipment shall be used at polling locations to ensure safe and equitable access for voters with mobility impairments, including individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, canes, or other assistive devices.

1.2 Additional Requirements

· All equipment shall be new, unused, and of current production. Refurbished, demo, or previously used equipment will not be accepted.

· Equipment shall be commercial-grade, modular, and designed for repeated assembly, disassembly, transport, and storage.

· All components shall be fully compatible and interchangeable within the system provided.

· Equipment shall be delivered fully complete and operational, including all necessary hardware and accessories.

· Vendor shall be responsible for ensuring that all equipment performs as intended under normal and expected use conditions.

1.3 Substitutions and Approvals

· No substitutions, alternates, or use of non-OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) components shall be permitted without prior written approval from the County.

· Requests for substitutions must include:

· Complete technical specifications

· Manufacturer documentation

· Performance comparisons demonstrating equal or superior quality

· The County reserves the sole right to approve or reject any substitution request.

1.4 Delivery Requirements

· Delivery shall occur within forty-five (45) calendar days from receipt of a valid Purchase Order (PO), unless otherwise approved in writing by the County.

· Delivery shall be FOB Destination, Inside Delivery, freight prepaid and included in the bid price.

· Vendor retains full responsibility for equipment until final inspection and acceptance by the County.

Delivery Conditions

· Deliveries shall be coordinated with the County at least 48 hours in advance.

· Deliveries shall occur during normal County business hours unless otherwise approved.

· Partial shipments are not allowed without prior written approval.

· Vendor shall immediately notify the County in writing of any anticipated delays, including cause and proposed resolution.

Required Delivery Documentation Each shipment shall include:

· Purchase Order number

· Itemized packing slip

· Product descriptions and quantities

· Manufacturer documentation and cut sheets

· Warranty documentation

Risk and Liability Vendor shall be responsible for:

· All shipping and freight costs

· Any damage occurring during transportation

· Any damage to County property during delivery

· Vendor assumes all risks related to market conditions, supply chain disruptions, and material shortages, and such factors shall not justify price increases or delays without County approval.

1.5 Packaging and Identification

All equipment shall be packaged to prevent damage during shipment, handling, and storage.

· Packaging shall comply with all applicable:

· Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements

· Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations

· Packaging shall be suitable for repeated handling and extended storage conditions.

Each package shall be clearly labeled with:

· Purchase Order number

· Item description

· Quantity

· Manufacturer identification

· Vendor shall be responsible for any damage resulting from inadequate packaging.

2. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

2.1 Inspection

All equipment shall be subject to inspection by the County upon delivery and/or prior to acceptance. Inspection may include but not limited to:

· Verification of dimensions and tolerances

· Compliance with ADA requirements and specifications

· Structural integrity and workmanship

· Verification of materials and finish

· Confirmation of completeness and functionality The County reserves the right to inspect equipment after deployment if latent defects or non-compliance are identified.

2.2 Acceptance

Acceptance shall occur only after the County determines that all equipment fully complies with the requirements of this Bid.

The County reserves the right to:

· Reject any equipment that does not meet specifications

· Require replacement at no additional cost

· Reject partial shipments

· Cancel all or part of the order for non-compliance

2.3 Rejection and Replacement

· Rejected items shall be removed and replaced by the vendor within ten (10) calendar days, or as otherwise directed by the County.

· All costs associated with replacement, including shipping and handling, shall be borne by the vendor.

· If the vendor fails to provide acceptable replacement, the County may procure from alternate sources and charge the vendor for any additional costs incurred.

3. VENDOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Vendor shall be solely responsible for ensuring that all equipment, materials, and components furnished under this contract fully comply with all applicable requirements and perform as intended for public use in election environments.

3.1 Compliance and Performance

Vendor shall ensure that all equipment:

· Meets all ADA requirements, including slope, width, landing size, and handrail specifications

· Complies with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations

· Meets applicable industry standards, including American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and OSHA where relevant

Performance Requirements

· Equipment shall support a minimum of:

· A minimum uniform live load of 100 pounds per square foot (psf)

· A minimum concentrated vertical load of 300 pounds

· Maintain full structural integrity under all normal and expected use conditions, without bending, warping, cracking, loosening, or failure.

· Be designed to withstand repeated assembly, disassembly, transportation, and use without degradation in performance or safety.

· Include walking surfaces that are slip-resistant under both wet and dry conditions and suitable for public pedestrian use.

Quality Assurance

· All equipment shall be free from defects in materials and workmanship.

· Vendor shall be responsible for ensuring all components are complete, properly assembled (if applicable), and fully functional at the time of delivery.

· Any deficiencies identified by the County shall be corrected by the vendor at no additional cost.

3.2 Delivery and Transportation Responsibilities

The vendor shall:

· Deliver all equipment within required timelines

· Be responsible for all freight and handling

· Be liable for any damage to:

· Equipment

· County property

· Facilities during delivery

· The vendor shall promptly repair or reimburse the County for any damages.

4. SERVICE AND SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS

4.1 General Service Requirements

Vendor shall provide comprehensive service and support for all equipment furnished under this contract for this duration of the contract term and any applicable warranty period.

At a minimum, the vendor shall provide:

· Technical assistance, including guidance on installation, assembly, configuration, and proper use of equipment.

· Troubleshooting support to diagnose and resolve equipment issues

· Replacement parts and components, including expedited provision of critical components when needed

· Warranty support and coordination with manufacturers, as applicable

4.2 Service Availability

· Vendor shall maintain adequate staffing and resources to support the County’s operational needs, particularly during election periods, which are considered mission-critical.

· Vendor shall designate a primary point of contact and at least one alternate contact for service requests.

· Contact information (phone and email) shall be provided to the County and kept current at all times.

4.3 Response Time

Vendor shall respond to all service requests within the timeframes defined below. A “response” is defined as acknowledgement of the request and initiation or corrective action.

Standard Response Times

· Routine Requests: Response within forty-eight (48) hours (e.g., general questions, non-urgent replacement parts)

· Urgent Requests: Response within eight (8) hours (e.g., equipment issues impacting usability but not halting operations)

· Emergency Requests (Election-Related): Response within four (4) hours (e.g., equipment failure affecting accessibility at active polling locations)

Resolution Expectations

· Vendor shall make all reasonable efforts to resolve issues as quickly as possible, with priority given to election-related needs.

· For emergency requests, the vendor shall provide:

· Immediate remote support, if applicable

· On-site support or replacement solutions when required

· Failure to meet response requirements may be considered non-performance and may result in corrective action or contract remedies.

4.4 After-Hours, Weekend, and Holiday Support

Vendor shall provide service and support outside of normal business hours as required to meet the County’s operational needs.

Required Availability Support shall be available during:

· Evenings and after normal business hours

· Weekends

· County-recognized holidays

· Early voting periods and Election Day Election Support Requirements

· Vendor shall ensure enhanced availability during election periods, including staffing sufficient to respond to multiple simultaneous requests if necessary.

· Vendor shall prioritize all election-related service requests over non-critical requests.

EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS

All equipment, components, and materials furnished under this contract shall be designed, manufactured, and delivered to meet the operational needs of Harris County and shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including ADA requirements.

General Equipment Requirements Vendor shall ensure that all equipment:

· Is modular in design, allowing components to be easily configured, adjusted, expanded, or reconfigured to accommodate varying site conditions and accessibility needs.

· Is fully compatible and interchangeable within the system provided, including ramps, platforms, handrails, connectors, and accessories.

· Is new, unused, and of current production, and free from defects in materials and workmanship.

· Is constructed of commercial-grade materials capable of withstanding repeated use, transport, assembly, and disassembly without degradation in performance or safety.

· Is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and resistant to environmental conditions including rain, heat, humidity, and sunlight.

Safety and Design Requirements All equipment shall:

· Be free from sharp edges, burrs, protrusions, pinch points, or other hazards that may cause injury to users or installation personnel.

· Provide safe, stable, and secure operation under all normal and anticipated use conditions.

· Be designed to prevent tripping hazards, gaps, or uneven transitions between components or adjacent surfaces.

· Include secure fastening and connection mechanisms that prevent loosening, shifting, or separation during use.

· Maintain structural integrity and alignment when installed on varying ground surfaces.

Assembly and Deployment

· Equipment shall be designed for efficient assembly and disassembly with minimal tools and labor.

· The system shall support rapid deployment and removal, particularly for time-sensitive election operations.

· Components shall be clearly identifiable and designed to minimize installation errors.

Performance and Durability

· Equipment shall be designed for efficient assembly and disassembly with minimal tools and labor.

· The system shall support rapid deployment and removal, particularly for time-sensitive election operations.

· Components shall be clearly identifiable and designed to minimize installation errors.

Brand Name and Equivalency

· Any reference to a specific brand name, product, or manufacturer shall be interpreted as establishing a minimum standard of quality and performance.

· Equivalent products (“approved equal”) may be submitted for consideration, provided that the vendor submits:

· Complete technical specifications

· Manufacturer documentation

· Performance data demonstrating equal or superior quality, durability, and functionality

· The County reserves the sole right to determine whether a proposed product meets the “approved equal” standard.

5.1 RAMPS

Vendor shall furnish portable, modular ADA-compliant ramp systems designed for safe public access at temporary polling locations. All ramp systems shall meet or exceed the requirements outlined below and comply with all applicable ADA standards.

Materials and Construction

5.2 PLATFORMS

Vendor shall furnish portable, modular ADA-compliant platforms (landings) designed to integrate with ramp systems and provide safe, stable, and accessible transitions at polling locations and other County facilities.

Materials and Construction

· Platforms shall be constructed of high-strength, corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy (e.g., 6061-T6, 6005-T5, or approved equal) suitable for repeated transport, installation, and outdoor use.

· All materials shall be commercial-grade, durable, and resistant to rust, corrosion, and environmental exposure, including rain, humidity, heat, and sunlight.

· All components shall be free from sharp edges, burrs, protrusions, or defects that may create safety hazards.

Load Capacity and Structural Performance

· Platforms shall be engineered and certified to support:

· A minimum uniform live load of 100 pounds per square foot (psf)

· A minimum concentrated vertical load of 300 pounds

· Platforms shall maintain structural integrity under all normal and anticipated use conditions, without bending, warping, deflection, or failure.

· Structural performance shall remain consistent after repeated assembly, disassembly, and transportation.

Walking Surface

· Platform surfaces shall be slip-resistant under both wet and dry conditions.

· Surface material shall provide high-traction performance comparable to Gecko Grip® or approved equal.

· Surfaces shall be designed to prevent water accumulation and reduce slipping hazards.

Dimensions and ADA Compliance

· Platforms shall meet all applicable ADA requirements for landings, including:

· Adequate size to accommodate wheelchair access and maneuvering (typically minimum sixty (60) inches by sixty (60) inches, unless otherwise permitted by ADA)

· Level surface with minimal slope as required by ADA standards

· Proper alignment with connected ramps and transition points

· Platform height (without support legs) shall be a minimum of 5.5 inches, or as required for system compatibility and ADA compliance.

Guardrails and Safety Features

· Platforms shall include guardrails where required by height and ADA standards.

· Guardrails shall:

· Have a top rail height of approximately forty-two (42) inches (in alignment with safety standards)

· Include midrails at approximately twenty-one (21) to twenty-two (22) inches height

· Be designed to prevent fall hazards

· Infill protection shall:

· Prevent passage of objects greater than 4 inches in diameter

· Provide continuous protection along open sides

Compatibility and Modularity

· Platforms shall be fully compatible with the ramp system and all related components provided under this contract.

· Platforms shall be modular and interchangeable, allowing flexible configurations for different site conditions.

· Connection points shall be secure, stable, and designed to prevent movement or separation during use.

Assembly and Stability

· Platforms shall be designed for efficient assembly and disassembly with minimal tools.

· When installed, platforms shall:

· Provide a stable, level surface

· Be capable of accommodating uneven ground conditions through adjustable or compatible support systems

· Not shift, rock, or create unsafe conditions during use

Substitutions

· Any proposed substitution or deviation from these specifications must be submitted in writing and approved by the County prior to delivery.

· Substitutions must demonstrate equal or greater performance, safety, durability, and ADA compliance.

5.3 LEGS

Vendor shall furnish adjustable support legs designed for use with portable ramp and platform systems. Support legs shall provide stable, load-bearing support under all anticipated field conditions encountered at temporary polling locations.

Materials and Construction

· Support legs shall be constructed of high-strength, corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy, such as 6061-T6, 6005-T5, or approved equal.

· Materials shall be commercial-grade, suitable for repeated assembly, disassembly, transport, and outdoor exposure.

· All components shall be free of defects, deformation, or structural inconsistencies.

Structural Design and Load Requirements

· Support legs shall be designed to safely transfer vertical structural loads directly to the ground without bending, buckling, or failure.

· Legs shall be capable of supporting all ramp and platform loads in compliance with the system requirements, including:

· Minimum 100 pounds per square foot (psf) uniform load capacity (system requirement)

· Minimum 300-pound concentrated load capacity (system requirement)

· Load transfer shall be axial and evenly distributed, ensuring stability under dynamic and static conditions.

Dimensions and Adjustability

· Legs shall have a nominal cross-section of approximately 1.5 inches square or equivalent structural profile.

· Leg lengths shall be manufacturer-determined and variable, based on application requirements.

· Legs shall be compatible with adjustable configurations to accommodate uneven terrain and varying installation heights, where applicable.

Footing and Ground Contact

· Each support leg shall terminate in a non-slip, non-marring polymer or composite foot designed to:

· Provide stable ground contact

· Prevent sinking or shifting on common outdoor surfaces

· Minimize damage to flooring or ground surfaces

· Minimum foot size shall be sufficient to ensure stability under load and prevent tipping or displacement.

Installation and Orientation

· Support legs shall install perpendicular (vertical) to the ground plane when properly deployed.

· The design shall ensure:

· Proper load transfer without lateral stress

· Stability under uneven or variable ground conditions

· Connection points shall be secure and resistant to loosening during repeated use.

Performance and Durability

· Support legs shall:

· Maintain structural integrity under repeated installation, removal, and transport cycles

· Resist corrosion, warping, bending, and fatigue under normal use conditions

· Perform reliably in outdoor environments, including exposure to heat, humidity, rain, and temperature fluctuations

Compatibility

· Legs shall be fully compatible with ramp and platform systems provided under this contract.

· All connection points shall be standardized to ensure interchangeability within the system.

Substitutions

· Any proposed substitution of materials, dimensions, or design must be submitted in writing and approved by the County prior to delivery.

TRANSITION PLATE

· Made with aircraft grade aluminum

· Slip resistant walking surface

OTHER RELATED ITEMS

Vendor shall furnish all accessories, connectors, hardware, and ancillary components necessary to ensure a fully functional, safe, and ADA-compliant portable ramp and platform system. All items shall be fully compatible with the ramp, platform, rail, and support systems provided under this contract.

All accessories and components shall be:

Ramp Accessories (General Hardware and Structural Components) Vendor shall provide all necessary ramp accessory components, including but not limited to:

· Hex head bolts

· Low-profile hex nuts

· Nylon insert locknuts

· Thumb screws (spade head or equivalent)

· Structural connection and reinforcement components, including:

· Upper and lower end loops

· Aluminum frames and structural framing members

· Aluminum square tubing

· Transition hangers

· Strapping systems and securing devices

· Connector kits for modular assembly

· Ramp closure brackets

· Platform closure brackets All fastners and connectors shall be corrosion-resistant and suitable for repeated use in outdoor environments.

Ramp Handrails Systems Vendor shall provide complete handrail systems for all ramp configurations, designed to ensure ADA-compliant accessibility and user safety.

Handrail systems shall include configurations for:

· Six (6) foot starter ramps (72” x 37.5”)

· Six (6) foot standard ramps (72” x 37.5”)

· Four (4) foot starter ramps (36” x 37.5”)

· Four (4) foot standard ramps (36” x 37.5”)

· Two (2) foot ramps (24” x 37.5”)

Handrail Requirements

· Handrails shall be continuous, structurally secure, and designed for safe grasping.

· Handrail height shall comply with ADA requirements (typically 34–38 inches above walking surface)

· Handrails shall be constructed of durable, corrosion-resistant materials (e.g., aluminum or approved equal)

· All handrail systems shall be compatible with ramp and platform structures and allow for secure attachment without movement or loosening during use

Transition & Connection Components Vendor shall provide all transition and interface components required to ensure smooth, safe, and ADA-compliant passage between surfaces.

Components shall include:

· Low-profile ground transition bridge plates

· Ramp hanger pairs for:

· Low-profile platforms

· Standard-height platforms All transition components shall:

· Provide smooth, stable transitions between elevations

· Be slip-resistant under wet and dry conditions

· Support repeated load cycles without deformation or failure

Platform & Safety Components Vendor shall provide all necessary platform safety and support components, including but not limited to:

· Side rails for:

· Standard platforms (Commercial platform two-line rail 60”).

· Low-profile platforms (Commercial platform two line rail 60”).

· Platform foot legs

· Ramp standing legs

· Modular Entry Landing Threshold (MELT) or equivalent Transition plates (approximately 36 inches by 6.75 inches or as required for system compatibility) Platform Rail Requirements

· Rail systems shall provide fall protection and meet ADA and applicable safety standards

· Rail heights and configurations shall be compatible with system design and ensure continuous protection where required

· All rails shall be structurally secure, corrosion-resistant, and suitable for repeated deployment System Compatibility and Integration

· All accessories, connectors, and components shall by fully compatible with the ramp and platform system provided under this contract.

· Components shall be designed to ensure modular integration and interchangeability

· No component shall require modification or field alteration to function properly within the system

Documentation Requirements For all accessories and related items, the vendor shall provide:

· Detailed technical specifications

· Manufacturer cut sheets

· Installation and assembly instructions

· Material composition data

· Warranty documentation All documentation shall be submitted with delivery or upon request by the County.

Substitutions

· No substitutions shall be permitted without prior written approval from the County.

· Proposed substitutes must demonstrate equal or superior performance, safety, durability, and ADA compliance.

· The County reserves sole discretion to determine acceptability of any substitute product.

Warranty The awarded vendor shall warrant that all products furnished under this contract are new, free from defects in material and workmanship, and conform to the requirements and specifications of this solicitation.

Delivery of all products shall occur within forty-five (45) calendar days from the date of purchase order issuance, unless otherwise approved in writing by Harris County.

The vendor shall provide complete product documentation with each order or upon request, including but not limited to product specifications, manufacturer cut sheets, installation instructions, manufacturer information, and all applicable warranty documentation.

All warranty coverage shall be clearly stated and shall include the duration of coverage, applicable terms and conditions, and the process for submitting warranty claims or obtaining replacement or repair services. The vendor shall be responsible for coordinating with the manufacturer and/or providing warranty support directly to the County during the warranty period.

Any product found to be defective or non-compliant during the warranty period shall be repaired or replaced at no additional cost to the County, including all shipping, handling, and associated service costs.