RFQ # 23-09-004

Request for Qualifications

SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM MODELING AND ANNUAL SUPPORT

Oconee County Board of Commissioners

RFQ# 23-09-004

Sanitary Sewer System Modeling and Annual Support

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Invitation to Bid…………………………………………………………………………

• Advertisement…………………………………………………………………………........................................…...3

• Section I – General Instructions…………………………………………………………

• Section II – General Terms & Conditions………………………………............................……………….. 10

• Section III – Technical Specifications…………………………………………….............................……

• Bidder’s Checklist…………………………………………………………………………................................…

Bid Forms

Notice for Request for Qualifications No. 23-09-004

Sanitary Sewer System Modeling and Annual Support

ISSUE DATE

CLOSING DATE & TIME

September 6, 2022

October 6, 2022 at 2:00 PM

Commissioner’s Chambers

Oconee County Courthouse 23 N Main Street, Suite 205 Watkinsville, Georgia 30677

RFQ NUMBER

23-09-004

ACCEPTANCE PLACE/AGENCY

Finance Department – Procurement Officer 23 N. Main Street, Suite 203

MANDATORY PRE-BID MEETING September 20, 2022 at 10:00 AM

Commissioner’s Chambers Oconee County Courthouse 23 N Main Street, Suite 205

QUESTIONS & RESPONSES Questions regarding this RFQ shall be received in writing via email no later than 5:00 PM on September 26, 2022.

Responses will be provided via addenda no later than 5:00 PM on September 30, 2022.

CONTACT Jessica Ellis, Procurement Officer ocbids@oconee.ga.us

ITB documents can be downloaded from our website: https://oconeecounty.com

23 N. Main Street

Watkinsville, GA 30677

RFQ No. 23-09-004 Sanitary Sewer System Modeling and Annual Support

Issue Date: September 6, 2022

The Oconee County Board of Commissioners is seeking Statements of Qualifications from firms interested in developing and maintaining a model of the County’s sanitary sewer system. Qualified firms will be invited to submit a technical approach, schedule, and rate table.

A mandatory pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for September 20, 2022 at 10:00 AM at the Oconee County Board of Commissioners Commission Chambers, located at 23 N. Main Street, Suite 205, Watkinsville, GA 30677. Attendance is required to qualify as a respondent.

Sealed qualification packages will be accepted at the Oconee County Finance Department, located at the Oconee County Courthouse, 23 N. Main Street, Suite 203, Watkinsville, Georgia, 30677 until 2:00 PM on October 6, 2022. At the time and date above, the names will be read aloud in the Commission Chambers, located at 23 N. Main Street, Suite 205, Watkinsville, Georgia 30677. Qualification packages received after this time will not be accepted.

Each sealed envelope must be plainly marked on the outside as “Sanitary Sewer System Modeling and Annual Support RFQ No. 23-09-004” and should include the respondent’s name and address.

Questions regarding this RFQ should be directed to Ms. Jessica Ellis, Procurement Officer via email at ocbids@oconee.ga.us and shall be received no later than 5:00 PM, September 26, 2022. Bid documents may be obtained from the County’s website on the “Doing Business” tab under “Bid Opportunities” and are available to view at the Finance Department.

The OCBOC reserves the right to cancel this solicitation and/or reject any and all proposals in whole or in part if Oconee County determines that cancellation and/or rejections are advantageous to the County. RFQs are legal and binding upon the Respondent when submitted. It will also be the responsibility of each Respondent to obtain any addenda issued from the Procurement Office. The written RFQ documents supersede any verbal or written prior communications between the parties.

By Oconee County Board of Commissioners The Honorable John Daniell

Section I - General Instructions

A. GENERAL INFORMATION

The Oconee County Board of Commissioners is seeking Statements of Qualifications from firms interested in developing a model of Oconee County’s Sanitary Sewer System, including the collection system, lift stations, and the treatment facility. See Section III for more information.

B. BID REQUIREMENTS

1. Bidder Qualifications

a. Oconee County may make any investigations deemed necessary to determine bidder’s ability to perform the work, and bidder shall furnish all information and data requested by the county. The county reserves the right to reject any bid from any bidder that the county considers not properly qualified to carry out agreement obligations or able to satisfactorily complete the work on schedule.

2. Examination of Bid Documents

a. Before submitting each a bid, each bidder shall: examine the bid document package thoroughly; become familiar with local conditions affecting cost and work progress or performance; become familiar with federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules, regulations affecting cost and work progress or performance; study and carefully correlate bidder’s observations with the bid document package; and notify the county concerning conflicts, errors, or discrepancies in the bid document package.

b. Bid submission will constitute incontrovertible representation that bidder understands and has complied with requirements contained in this article, and that bidder has read and understood the bid document package and hereby stipulates that the documents are sufficient in scope and detail to indicate and convey understanding for terms and conditions in order to perform work.

3. Copies of Bid Documents

a. The solicitation document package includes the Advertisement, Sections I-III, all attachments, exhibits, and addenda issued during the solicitation period.

b. Complete sets of the solicitation document package shall be used in preparing bids. The county assumes no responsibility for errors or misinterpretations resulting from using incomplete sets of the bid document package.

c. The county, in making the RFQ document package available on the above terms, does so only to obtain bids on work and does not confer license or grant for any other use.

d. Any part of the RFQ document package may be modified by addenda.

C. CONTACT PERSON

1. Bidders are encouraged to contact Jessica Ellis, Procurement Officer by email at ocbids@oconee.ga.us to clarify any part of the RFQ requirements. All questions that arise prior to the DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS due date shall be directed to the contact person in writing via email. Any unauthorized contact shall not be used as a basis for responding to this RFQ and also may result in the disqualification of the contractor's submittal.

2. Bidders may not contact any elected official or other county employee to discuss the bid process or bid opportunities except through the purchasing officer named herein or as provided by existing work agreement(s). This policy shall be strictly enforced and the county reserves the right to reject the submittal of any vendor violating this provision.

D. ADDENDA AND INTERPRETATIONS

1. Oconee County will issue responses to inquiries and any other corrections or amendments it deems necessary in written addenda issued prior to the due date posted on the county’s website under the bid information. Bidder should not rely on any representations, statements, or explanations other than those made in this RFQ or in any addendum to this RFQ. Where there appears to be a conflict between the RFQ and any addenda issued, the last addendum issued will prevail. Bidders are advised to check the website for addenda before submitting their bids.

2. Bidders shall acknowledge any issued addenda by including the Addenda Acknowledgement Form with the bid submittal. Bid submittals that fail to acknowledge the bidder’s receipt of any addendum may result in the rejection of the bid if the addendum contains information that substantially changes the owner’s requirements.

3. Addenda may be issued to modify the bid document package as deemed necessary by Oconee County.

E. BID SUBMISSIONS

1. A total of five (5) sealed bids, one (1) unbound original, three (3) copies, and one (1) digital must be received no later than 2:00 PM EST on October 6, 2022. Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope with the following clearly labeled on the outside “Sanitary Sewer System Modeling and Annual Support RFQ# 23-09-004” and should include the respondent’s name and address. Each envelope should be addressed to:

Oconee County Board of Commissioners Attn: Procurement Officer

23 N. Main Street, Suite 203 Watkinsville, GA 30677

2. Hard copies may be delivered to the above address ONLY between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM EST, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays observed by the Oconee County Government. Bid must meet required specifications and must be of a quality that will adequately serve the use and purpose for which intended.

3. Submittals or modifications received after the due date and time will not be considered. Oconee County Government assumes no responsibility for the premature opening of submittals not properly addressed and identified and/or delivered to the proper designation. Late proposals properly addressed to the Oconee County Board of Commissioners shall be returned to the respondent unopened.

4. Each bid shall contain the following completed county forms and documents.

a. Bidder’s Checklist

b. Bidder’s Information

c. Partnership Affidavit (if applicable)

d. Corporate Affidavit (if applicable)

e. Individual Affidavit (if applicable)

f. Addenda Acknowledgement Form

g. Subcontractor List

h. Certificate of Non-Collusion

i. Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Affidavit (E-Verify)

j. S.A.V.E. Affidavit

k. Drug Free Workplace Certificate

l. W-9

5. More than one bid received for the same work from an individual, firm, partnership, corporation, or association under the same or different names will not be considered. Reasonable grounds for believing any applicant is interested in more than one bid for the same work will cause the county to reject all bids from the applicant. If the county believes collusion exists among applicants, bids from participants in collusion will not be considered.

6. Conditions, limitations, or provisions attached by the applicant to the bid forms may cause its rejection. Bids containing items not included in the form of bids will be considered irregular.

F. MODIFICATION AND WITHDRAWAL OF BIDS

1. Withdrawal prior to time for receiving bids: Bids may be modified or withdrawn by appropriate document duly executed and delivered to the place where bids are to be submitted at any time prior to the deadline for submitting bids. Bid withdrawals will not prejudice applicant’s rights to submit a new bid prior to the deadline for submitting bids.

2. Withdrawal after the time for receiving bids: After the period for receiving bids has expired, no bid may be withdrawn, modified, or explained, except as provided for in the below article.

G. AWARD OF CONTRACT

1. To extent permitted by applicable state and federal laws and regulations, the county reserves right to reject any and all bids, to waive any and all informalities, and to disregard nonconforming, non-responsive, or conditional bids. Bids may be considered irregular and subject to rejection if they show serious omission, unauthorized form alterations, use of unauthorized forms, unauthorized alternate bids, or other irregularities.

No bid shall be altered, amended, or withdrawn, unless the acceptance date has expired, after the opening date of bids. Negligence on the part of the bidder in preparing the bid confers no right for the withdrawal of the bid after it has been opened. Any mistake, which is obviously a clerical one, may be corrected by Oconee County after verification is made by the applicant.

2. Contract will be awarded by the county pursuant to applicable law. Nothing contained herein shall place duty upon the county to reject bids or award bids based upon anything other than the county's sole discretion as described herein.

3. The county will award the project at the county’s discretion.

H. SIGNATURE REQUIRED

1. Each bidder shall furnish all information required as outlined in Section III. Each bidder shall sign the bid and print or type his or her name on the submittal package. . The person signing the submittal must initial erasures or other changes. An authorized agent of the company must sign bids. A VALID SUBMITTAL MUST BE SIGNED.

I. ALTERATIONS OF SOLICITATION AND ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS

1. Alterations of county documents are strictly prohibited and will result in automatic disqualification of the bidder’s solicitation response. If there are “exceptions” or comments to any of the solicitation requirements or other language, then the supplier may make notes to those areas, but may not materially alter any document language.

J. OCONEE COUNTY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

The following recommended minimum insurance limits apply to vendors doing business with the Oconee County Board of Commissioners. The Standard Insurance Limits are recommended for all procurements of goods and ancillary services. The specific requirements for vendors providing high risk services supersede the Standard Insurance Limits.

Coverage types and limits are recommended minimums and should be increased as appropriate based on contract value and potential risks to the County.

To achieve the appropriate coverage levels, a combination of a specific policy written with an umbrella policy covering liabilities above stated limits is acceptable. 1

Important:

All policies shall contain a provision that coverage afforded under the policies shall not be canceled, changed, allowed to lapse, or allowed to expire until thirty (30) calendar days after written notice has been given to the certificate holder on the certificate of insurance. All such coverage shall remain in full force and effect during the initial term of the agreement and any renewal or extension thereof.

All policies must be issued by an insurance company licensed to do business in the State of Georgia, with a minimum AM Best rating of A-, and signed by an authorized agent.

1 For example: If appropriate limits are $2 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, acceptable coverage would include a specific policy covering $1 million per occurrence and $1 million aggregate written with an umbrella policy for an additional $1 million.

Certificate Holder should read: Oconee County Board of Commissioners

23 North Main Street Watkinsville, Georgia 30677

Certificates of Insurance, and any subsequent renewals, must reference specific bid/contract by projected name and project/bid number.

Contractor shall incorporate a copy of the insurance requirements as herein provided in each and every subcontract with each and every Subcontractor in any tier, and shall require each and every Subcontractor of any tier to comply with all such requirements. Contractor agrees that if for any reason Subcontractor fails to procure and maintain insurance as required, all such required Insurance shall be procured and maintained by Contractor at Contractor's expense.

No Contractor or Subcontractor shall commence any work of any kind under this Contract until all insurance requirements contained in this Contract have been complied with and until evidence of such compliance satisfactory to Oconee County as to form and content has been filed with Oconee County.

Compliance by the Contractor and all subcontractors with the foregoing requirements as to carrying insurance shall not relieve the Contractor and all Subcontractors of their liability provisions of the Contract.

The Contractor and all subcontractors are to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, Public Law 91-956, and any other laws that may apply to this Contract.

The Contractor shall at a minimum apply risk management practices accepted by the Contractors’ industry.

A. STANDARD INSURANCE LIMITS FOR GOODS AND ANCILLARY SERVICES

Workers Compensation (WC):

Statutory Limits – required in all contracts

Bodily injury by Accident – each employee $ 100,000

Bodily injury by Disease – each employee $ 100,000

Bodily Injury by Disease – policy limit $ 100,000

Commercial General Liability (CGL):

Each Occurrence Limit $ 1,000,000

Personal & Advertising Injury Limit $ 1,000,000

General Aggregate Limit $ 2,000,000

Products/Completed Ops. Aggregate Limit $ 2,000,000

Automobile Liability:

Combined Single Limit $ 1,000,000

END OF SECTION I

Section II - General Terms & Conditions

A. CONTRACT AND CONTRACT DOCUMENTS

The Solicitation and Offeror’s response shall form part of the Purchase Order, and the provisions thereof shall be as binding upon the parties.

B. DEFINITIONS

1. ‘Alternate bids’ means the amount stated in the bid or proposal to be added to or deducted from the amount of the base bid or base proposal if the corresponding change in project scope or alternate materials or methods of construction is accepted.

2. ‘Base bid’ or ‘base proposal’ means the amount of money stated in the bid or proposal as the sum for which the bidder or proposer offers to perform the work.

3. Bid bond’ means a bond with good and sufficient surety or sureties for the faithful acceptance of the contract payable to, in favor of, and for the protection of the governmental entity for which the contract is to be awarded.

4. ‘Change order’ means an alteration, addition, or deduction from the original scope of work as defined by the contract documents to address changes or unforeseen conditions necessary for project completion.

5. ‘Competitive sealed bidding’ means a method of soliciting public works construction contracts whereby the award is based upon the lowest responsive, responsible bid in conformance with the provisions of subsection (b) of Code Section 36-91-21.

6. ‘Competitive sealed proposals’ means a method of soliciting public works contracts whereby the award is based upon criteria identified in a request for proposals in conformance with the provisions of subsection (c) of Code Section 36-91-21.

7. ‘Emergency’ means any situation resulting in imminent danger to the public health or safety or the loss of an essential governmental service.

8. ‘Governing authority’ means the official or group of officials responsible for governance of a governmental entity.

9. ‘Governmental entity’ means a county, municipal corporation, consolidated government, authority, board of education, or other public board, body, or commission but shall not include any authority, board, department, or commission of the state, or a public transportation agency as defined by Chapter 9 of Title 32.

10. ‘Payment bond’ means a bond with good and sufficient surety or sureties payable to the governmental entity for which the work is to be done and intended for the use and protection of all subcontractors and all persons supplying labor, materials, machinery, and equipment in the prosecution of the work provided for in the public works construction contract.

11. ‘Performance bond’ means a bond with good and sufficient surety or sureties for the faithful performance of the contract and to indemnify the governmental entity for any damages occasioned by a failure to perform the same within the prescribed time. Such bond shall be payable to, in favor of, and for the protection of the governmental entity for which the work is to be done.

12. ‘Public works construction’ means the building, altering, repairing, improving, or demolishing of any public structure or building or other public improvements of any kind to any public real property other than those projects covered by Chapter 4 of Title 32. Such term does not include the routine operation, repair, or maintenance of existing structures, buildings, or real property.

13. ‘Responsible bidder’ or ‘responsible offeror’ means a person or entity that has the capability in all respects to perform fully and reliably the contract requirements.

14. ‘Responsive bidder’ or ‘responsive offeror’ means a person or entity that has submitted a bid or proposal that conforms in all material respects to the requirements set forth in the invitation for bids or request for proposals.

15. ‘Scope of project’ means the work required by the original contract documents and any subsequent change orders required or appropriate to accomplish the intent of the project as described in the bid documents.

16. ‘Scope of work’ means the work that is required by the contract documents.

17. ‘Sole source’ means those procurements made pursuant to a written determination by a governing authority that there is only one source for the required supply, service, or construction item.

C. AGREEMENT RENEWAL (IF APPLICABLE)

This agreement may be renewed up to four (4) successive, one-year periods contingent upon the appropriation of funds by the Oconee County Board of Commissioners in the annual budget for such fiscal year. The execution of all documents is subject to the Owner's approval. Written notice shall be given approximately sixty (60) days prior to the expiration date of each agreement period

D. NONAPPROPRIATION OF FUNDS

The Contractor acknowledges that the Finance Department cannot contract for the payment of funds not yet appropriated by the Oconee County Board of Commissioners (OCBOC). If funding to a Department is reduced due to an order by the OCBOC or the Governor, or is required by State law, or if federal funding (when applicable) is not provided, the OCBOC may terminate this contract or proportionately reduce the services and purchase obligations and the amount due from the OCBOC upon 30 days written notice. In the case that funds are not appropriated or are reduced, the OCBOC will reimburse Contractor for products delivered or services performed through the date of cancellation or reduction, and the OCBOC will not be liable for any future commitments, penalties, or liquidated damages.

E. DISCREPANCIES

Should a Bidder find discrepancies in the bid documents and/or specifications or be in doubt as to the meaning or intent of any part thereof, the Bidder shall request clarification from the County in writing, not later than five (5) working days prior to the date for Bid to close. Any changes to the RFQ that result from such a clarification will be communicated through a written addendum and posted on the Finance Department "Bid Opportunities" page at www.oconeecounty.com. Failure to request such a clarification is a waiver of any claim by the Bidder for additional expenses because its interpretation was different than the County's.

F. MATERIALS, SERVICES AND FACILITIES

1. It is understood that, except as otherwise specifically stated in the Contract Documents, the Contractor shall provide and pay for all materials, labor, tools, equipment, water, light, power, transportation, superintendence, temporary construction of every nature, and all other services and facilities of every nature whatsoever necessary to execute, complete, and deliver the work within the specified time.

2. Any work necessary to be performed after regular hours, on Sundays or Legal Holidays shall be performed without additional expense to the Owner.

G. CONTRACTOR’S TITLE TO MATERIALS

No materials or supplies for the work shall be purchased by the Contractor or by any subcontractor subject to any chattel mortgage or under a conditional sale contract or other agreement by which an interest is retained by the seller. The contractor warrants that he has good title to all materials and supplies used by him in the work, free from liens, claims, or encumbrances.

H. BRAND OR MANUFACTURER'S REFERENCE

The County has determined that any manufacturer’s brand defined in the RFQ Specifications meets the County’s product and support need. The manufacturer’s reference is not intended to be restrictive, but descriptive of the type and quality the County desires to purchase. Bids for similar manufactured products of like quality will be considered if the Bid is fully noted with the manufacturer’s brand name and model unless “No Substitutions” has been noted in the bid documents. The County reserves the right to determine products and support of equal value.

I. INSPECTION AND SUPERVISION

The work under this contract shall be done in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia and under the direct supervision and to the entire satisfaction of Oconee County, Ga. Further, the County may, from time to time, make inspections of the work performed under the Agreement. Any inspection by the County does not relieve the Contractor of any responsibility in meeting the Agreement requirements. The decision of the Project Manager, upon any question connected with the execution of the work under this contract, and interpretation of the specifications or upon failure or delay of the work by the contractor, shall be final and conclusive.

J. WARRANTY

The Contractor agrees to warrant and assume responsibility for all products (including hardware, firmware, and/or software products) that it licenses, contracts, or sells to the Oconee County Board of Commissioners (OCBOC) under this contract for a period of one year, unless otherwise specified and mutually agreed upon elsewhere in this contract. The Contractor (seller) acknowledges that all warranties granted to the buyer by the Uniform Commercial Code of the State of Georgia apply to this contract. Product liability disclaimers and/or warranty disclaimers from the seller are not applicable to this contract unless otherwise specified and mutually agreed upon elsewhere in this contract. In general, the Contractor warrants that: (1) the product will do what the salesperson said it would do,

(2) the product will live up to all specific claims that the manufacturer makes in their advertisements,

(3) the product will be suitable for the ordinary purposes for which such product is used, (4) the product will be suitable for any special purposes that the County has relied on the Contractor’s skill or judgment to consider when it advised the County about the product, (5) the product has been properly designed and manufactured, and (6) the product is free of significant defects or unusual problems about which the County has not been warned. Remedies available to the County include the following: The Contractor will repair or replace (at no charge to the County) the product whose nonconformance is discovered and made known to the Contractor in writing. If the repaired and/or replaced product proves to be inadequate, or fails of its essential purpose, the Contractor will refund the full amount of any payments that have been made. Nothing in this warranty will be construed to limit any rights or remedies the OCBOC may otherwise have under this contract.

K. SEVERABILITY

In the event that any provision shall be adjudged or decreed to be invalid, such ruling shall not invalidate the entire Agreement but shall pertain only to the provision in question and the remaining provisions shall continue to be valid, binding and in full force and effect.

L. APPLICABLE LAWS/FORUM

This Agreement shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of Georgia. Any judicial action shall be filed in the State of Georgia, County of Oconee.

M. OPEN RECORDS

Offeror acknowledges and agrees that the county is obligated to timely comply with requests for information pursuant to state and federal law and regulation. Offeror agrees to comply with all provision of the Georgia Open Records Act ("ORA") (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et. seq.), and to make records pertaining to performance of services, provision of goods or other functions under this contract available for public inspection upon request, unless otherwise exempt under other provisions of the ORA. Offeror shall provide the county with immediate notice should Offeror receive an Open Records Request. If Offeror asserts that any information in its response or in any information provided to the county with respect to the services or products under this contract are a protectable trade secret, as that term is defined in O.C.G.A. § 10-1-761, then the Offeror must follow the requirements of the ORA set forth at O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(a) (34) and submit an affidavit declaring and specifically describing their trade secrets, including those of their subcontractor.

N. NOTICES

All notices and other communications hereunder shall be deemed to have been given when made in writing and either (a) delivered in person, (b) delivered to an agent, such as an overnight or similar delivery service, or (c) deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, certified or registered, addressed as follows:

TO CONTRACTOR TO COUNTY:

TBD Oconee County Finance Department Attn: Procurement Officer 23 N. Main Street, Suite 203

Post Office Box 1527 Watkinsville, Georgia 30677

O. PROCEDURES

The extent and character of the services to be performed by the Contractor shall be subject to the general control and approval of the Department Director or his/her authorized representative(s). The Contractor shall not comply with requests and/or orders issued by anyone other than Department Director or his/her authorized representative(s) acting within their authority for the County. Any change to the Agreement must be approved in writing by the Finance Director and the Contractor.

P. DELAYS

If delay is foreseen, the Contractor shall give immediate written notice to the Department Director.

The Contractor must keep the County advised at all times of the status of the project. Default in promised delivery (without accepted reasons) or failure to meet specifications, authorizes

Procurement to purchase services elsewhere and charge full increase in cost and handling to defaulting Contractor.

Q. WORKMANSHIP

All work under this Agreement shall be performed in a skillful and workmanlike manner. The Contractor and its employees shall be professional and courteous at all times. The County may, in writing, require the Contractor to remove any employee from work for reasonable cause, as determined by the County.

R. QUALITY

All materials used for the manufacture or construction of any supplies, materials, vehicles, or equipment covered by this bid shall be new (unless otherwise specified), the latest model, of the best quality, and highest-grade workmanship. Vehicles and/or equipment shall be equipped with such necessary equipment complying with the Georgia State Law, but not including licensing. In addition, materials must comply with all applicable Federal and State OSHA requirements in affect at the time of bid.

S. DELIVERY

Orders must be shipped directly to ordering agency at address specified. Shipments must be made in accordance with the item(s) as described and priced on this order. In addition, orders must be shipped F.O.B. Destination, Freight Prepaid, unless other shipping instructions are described in this order.

UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE, ALL ORDERS MUST BE SHIPPED PROMPTLY (WITHIN 5 WORKING

DAYS), UPON RECEIPT OF ORDER.

Responsibility and liability for loss or damage will remain with Contractor until final inspection and acceptance when responsibility will pass to the State except as to latent defects, fraud and Contractor's warranty obligations.

T. CLEANING UP

The Contractor shall at all times keep the property free from rubbish and the accumulation of any waste materials. Contractor shall be responsible for the removal of all trash at the end of each day, or more frequently as may be required by the Department Director.

U. SUBCONTRACTORS

All applicants shall include a list of all subcontractors with their bid. The County reserves the right to reject the successful Bidder’s selection of subcontractors for good cause. If a subcontractor is rejected, the contractor may replace that subcontractor with another subcontractor subject to the approval of the County. Any such replacement shall be at no additional expense to the County nor shall it result in an extension of time without the County’s approval.

V. EXEMPTION FROM TAXES

The Contractor shall not charge the County for Georgia State Sales or Use Taxes or Federal Excise Tax on the finished goods or services provided under the Agreement. However, this exemption does not apply to the Contractor, and the Contractor shall be responsible for the payment of any sales, use, or excise tax it incurs in providing the goods required by the Agreement, including, but not limited to, taxes on materials purchased by a Contractor for incorporation in or use on a construction project.

Nothing in this section shall prohibit the Contractor from including its own sales tax expense in connection with the Agreement in its Agreement price.

W. INVOICING AND PAYMENT

Upon completion of work, the Contractor shall submit a proper invoice, in duplicate, detailing a breakdown of all charges that shall be based on completion of tasks or deliverables.

Invoices shall be submitted to:

Oconee County Water Resources Department Attn: Adam Layfield

P. O. Box 88 Watkinsville, GA 30677

All such invoices will be paid within thirty (30) days of final inspection by the County unless other payment terms have been detailed in writing prior to the start of project. Should any items thereon be questioned, in which event payment will be withheld pending verification of the amount claimed and the validity of the claim. The Contractor shall provide complete cooperation during any such investigation.

Contractor shall provide the purchase order number on the pricing form.

X. AGREEMENT DISPUTES

The Contractor shall give written notice to the Finance Director of intent to file a claim for money or other relief within ten (10) calendar days of the occurrence-giving rise to the claim or at the beginning of the work upon which the claim is to be based, whichever is earlier.

The claim, with supporting documentation, shall be submitted to the Finance Director by US Mail, courier, or overnight delivery service, no later than sixty (60) days after final payment. The Contractor shall submit its invoice for final payment within thirty (30) days after completion or delivery of the services. If the claim is not disposed of by agreement, the Finance Director shall reduce his/her decision to writing and mail or otherwise forward a copy thereof to the Contractor within thirty (30) days of the County’s receipt of the claim.

The Finance Director’s decision shall be final unless the Contractor appeals within thirty (30) days by submitting a written letter of appeal to the Finance Director or his/her designee. The Finance Director shall render a decision within sixty (60) days of receipt of the appeal.

Y. ASSIGNMENT OF CONTRACT

The Agreement may not be assigned in whole or in part without the written consent of the Finance Department.

Z. CHANGE ORDERS OR AGREEMENT MODIFICATIONS

Oconee County may order changes within the general scope of the contract at any time by change order or modification to the purchase order. Changes within the scope of the agreement are generally initiated between contractor and project manager. The project manager will submit a change order request to the Finance Department for administrative approval. Once a signed change order has been submitted to Purchasing, a revised purchase order is issued and distributed. The contractor shall comply with the notice upon receipt. The contractor shall be compensated for any additional costs incurred as the result of such order and shall give Oconee County a credit for any savings. Said compensation shall be determined by mutual agreement between Oconee County entity and the contractor in writing.

AA. TIME FOR COMPLETION AND LIQUIDATED DAMAGES (IF APPLICABLE)

It is hereby understood and mutually agreed, by and between the Contractor and the Owner, that the date of beginning and the time for completion as specified in the Contract of the work to be done hereunder are ESSENTIAL CONDITIONS of this contract; and it is further mutually understood and agreed that the work embraced in this contract shall be commenced on a date to be specified in the Notice to Proceed.

The Contractor agrees that said work shall be prosecuted regularly, diligently, and uninterruptedly at such rate of progress as will insure full completion thereof within the time specified. It is expressly agreed that the established contract time for the work described herein is a reasonable time for the completion of the same, taking into consideration the average climatic range and usual industrial conditions prevailing in this locality.

If the said Contractor shall neglect, fail or refuse to complete the work within the time herein specified, or any proper extension thereof granted by the Owner, then the Contractor does hereby agree, as a part consideration for the awarding of this contract, to pay to the Owner, not as a penalty but as liquidated damages for such breach of contract hereinafter set forth, (insert amount) for each and every calendar day that the Contractor shall be in default after the time stipulated in the contract for completing the work.

BB. CORRECTION OF WORK

All work, all materials, whether incorporated in the work or not, all processes of manufacture, and all methods of construction shall be at all times and places subject to the inspection of Oconee County, Ga. Oconee County, GA. shall be the final judge of the quality and suitability of the work, materials, processes of manufacture, and methods of construction fail to meet their approval, they shall be forthwith reconstructed, made good, replaced and/or corrected, as the case may be, by the Contractor at his own expense. Rejected material shall immediately be removed from the site. If, in the opinion of the Owner, it is undesirable to replace any defective or damaged materials or to reconstruct or correct any portion of the work injured or not performed in accordance with the Contract Documents, the compensation to be paid to the Contractor hereunder shall be reduced by such amount as in the judgment of the Owner shall be equitable.

CC. ACCEPTANCE OF FINAL PAYMENT AS RELEASE

The acceptance by the Contractor of final payment shall be and shall operate as a release to the Owner of all claims and all liability to the Contractor for all things done or furnished in connection with this work and for every act and neglect of the Owner and others relating to or arising out of this work. No payment, however, final or otherwise, shall operate to release the Contractor from any obligations under this contract.

DD. TERMINATION

Subject to the provisions below, this Agreement may be terminated by the County upon thirty (30) days advance written notice to the Contractor; but if any work or service hereunder is in progress, but not completed as of the date of termination, then the Agreement may be extended upon written approval of the County until said work or services are completed and accepted:

a) Termination for Convenience-

The County may terminate this Agreement for convenience at any time in which the case the parties shall negotiate reasonable termination costs.

b) Termination for Cause-

In the event of Termination for Cause, the thirty (30) days advance notice is waived and the Contractor shall not be entitled to termination costs.

c) Termination Due to Unavailability of Funds in Succeeding Fiscal Years-

If funds are not appropriated or otherwise made available to support continuation of the performance of this Agreement in a subsequent fiscal year, then the Agreement shall be canceled with no further cost to the County.

EE. BID BONDS, PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BONDS

If required, each bidder must deposit with his bid a Bid Bond or Certified Check for five percent (5%) of the total bid amount, and a Consent of Surety form from a surety company licensed to do business in the State of Georgia. The Consent of Surety shall state that upon award of the Agreement, a Performance and Payment Bond each for one hundred percent (100%) of the Total Agreement Amount can be furnished. The payment and performance bonds are required before the Notice to Proceed can be issued. NOT ALL BID SOLICITAIONS REQUIRE A BID BOND. IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS

REGARDING BID BONDS, PLEASE CONTACT THE PROCUREMENT

OFFICER.

FF. CONTRACTOR’S AND SUBCONTRACTOR’S INSURANCE

Contractors and Subcontractors Insurance: The Contractor shall not commence work under this contract until he has obtained all the insurance required under this paragraph and such insurance has been approved by the Owner, nor shall the Contractor allow any subcontractor to commence work on his subcontract until the insurance required of the subcontractor has been so obtained and approved.

Contractor shall incorporate a copy of the insurance requirements as herein provided in each and every subcontract with each and every Subcontractor in any tier, and shall require each and every Subcontractor of any tier to comply with all such requirements. Contractor agrees that if for any reason Subcontractor fails to procure and maintain insurance as required, all such required Insurance shall be procured and maintained by Contractor at Contractor's expense.

Compliance by the Contractor and all subcontractors with the foregoing requirements as to carrying insurance shall not relieve the Contractor and all Subcontractors of their liability provisions of the Contract.

The Contractor and all Subcontractors are to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, Public Law 91-956, and any other laws that may apply to this Contract.

The Contractor shall at a minimum apply risk management practices accepted by the contractors’ industry.

Compensation Insurance: The Contractor shall procure and shall maintain during the life of this contract Workmen’s Compensation Insurance as required by applicable State or territorial law for all of his employees to be engaged in work at the site of the project under this contract and, in case of any such work sublet, the Contractor shall require the subcontractor similarly to provide Workmen’s Compensation Insurance for all of the latter’s employees to be engaged in such work unless such employees are covered by the protection afforded by the Contractor’s Compensation Insurance. In case any class employees engaged in hazardous work on the project under this contract is not protected under the Workmen’s Compensation Statute, the Contractor shall provide and shall cause each subcontractor to provide adequate employer’s liability insurance for the protection of such of his employees as are not otherwise protected.

Contractor’s Public Liability and Property Damage Insurance and Vehicle Liability Insurance: The

Contractor shall procure and shall maintain during the life of this contract Contractor’s Public Liability Insurance, Contractor’s Property Damage Insurance and Vehicle Liability.

Subcontractor’s Public Liability and Property Damage Insurance and Vehicle Liability Insurance: The

Contractor shall require each of his subcontractors to procure and to maintain during the life of his subcontract, Subcontractor’s Public Liability and Property Damage Insurance and Vehicle Liability Insurance of the type.

GG. PATENT INDEMNITY

The contractor guarantees to hold the County, its agents, officers or employees harmless from liability of any nature or kind for use of any copyrighted or uncopyrighted composition, secret process, patented or unpatented invention, articles or appliances furnished or used in the performance of the contract, for which the contractor is not the patentee, assignee or licensee.

HH. GENERAL INDEMNIFICATION

It is understood that in the event of contractor negligence, Oconee County is protected against third party claims. The Contractor is required to provide legal counsel to protect the owner and pay all damages arising from its negligent act.

II. AGREEMENT

Each Bid is received with the understanding that the acceptance in writing by the County of the offer to furnish any or all of the commodities or services described therein shall constitute an agreement between the Bidder and the County which shall bind the Bidder on his part to furnish and deliver the articles quoted at the prices stated in accordance with the conditions of said accepted bid. The County, on its part, may order from such contractor, except for cause beyond reasonable control, and to pay for, at the agreed prices, all articles specified and delivered.

a) The Board of Commissioners may enter into contracts and agreements as provided by state law.

All capital contracts or agreements must be approved by the Board, and may be amended with the issuance of a change order under the signature of the Chair.

b) “no parole evidence”- prohibits oral modifications to the contract or allowance for past practices by the County.

c) Modifications, such as a written change order or amendment signed by the contracting authority, shall be the only allowable method for modification of the contract.

JJ. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND ELIGIBILITY

The bidder shall obtain and maintain all licenses, permits, liability insurance, workman’s compensation insurance and comply with any and all other standards or regulations required by federal, state, or county statute, ordinances and rules during the performance of any contract between the bidder and the County. Any such requirement specifically set forth in any contract document between the bidder and the County shall be supplementary to this section and not in substitution thereof. The County may choose not to accept the bid of a bidder who is in default on the payment of taxes, licenses or other monies due to the County. Failure to respond to three (3) consecutive times for any given commodity/service may result in removal from the supplier list under that commodity/service.

KK. GENERAL CONTRACTOR LICENSE (IF APPLICABLE)

Licensed General Contractors shall furnish to the County, personally or through his or her authorized agent specifically designated to act on his or her behalf in a sworn written document, his or her general contractor license number and the identity of any business organization for which such Applicant is serving as qualifying agent that is undertaking or contracting as a general contractor to construct or manage the construction.

Respondents and any subcontractors chosen by the Respondent shall be qualified and licensed Contractors, with the exception of “specialty contractors” under Chapter 14 of Title 43 (http://sos.ga.gov/admin/files/SpecialtyLTD.pdf )

LL. AUTHORITY TO BIND FIRM IN AGREEMENT (Bidder’s Affidavit)

Bids MUST give full firm name and address of bidder. Failure to manually sign bid may disqualify it.

Person signing bid will show TITLE or AUTHORITY TO BIND THE FIRM IN AGREEMENT. Firm name and authorized signature must appear on bid in the space provided on the pricing page. See Mandatory Forms section.

Those authorized to sign are as follows:

a) If a sole proprietorship, the owner may sign.

b) If a general partnership, any general partner may sign.

c) If a limited partnership, a general partner must sign.

d) If a limited liability company, a “member” may sign or a “manager” must sign if so specified by the articles or organization.

e) If a regular corporation, the CEO, President or Vice-President must sign.

f) Others may be granted authority to sign but the County requires that a corporate document authorizing him/her to sign be submitted with bid. This document is included in the bid package for your convenience.

MM. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION

Oconee County, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally-assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises as defined at 49 CFR Part 23 will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this Request for Proposal and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap/disability in consideration of an award.

NN. GEORGIA SECURITY AND IMMIGRATION COMPLIANCE ACT

Vendors submitting a Bid package in response to this solicitation must provide the following information in the package to indicate compliance with the Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act. The form is provided for completion.

a) A statement that indicates the contractor will conduct itself in compliance with O.C.G.A. §13-10-91 and Rule 300-10-.02 in the execution of the contract.

b) By completing the affidavit that is provided with this solicitation, the vendor is attesting to the following:

1. The affiant has registered with and is authorized to use the federal work authorization program;

2. The user identification number and date of authorization for the affiant;

3. The affiant is using and will continue to use the federal work authorization program throughout the contract period;

4. Any employee, contractor, or subcontractor of such contractor or subcontractor shall also be required to satisfy the requirements set forth in this paragraph; and

5. Upon contracting with a new subcontractor, a contractor or subcontractor shall notify Oconee County and shall deliver a completed Subcontractor Affidavit to Oconee County within five (5) working days of entering into a contract or agreement of hire with the subcontractor before the new subcontractor begins any work.

c) Failure to provide the completed and notarized affidavit with the contractor’s proposal will result in immediate disqualification as required by the Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act.

END OF SECTION II

Section III - Technical Specifications

Sanitary Sewer System Modeling and Annual Support RFQ No. 23-09-004

INTRODUCTION

Oconee County is a small, growing community in northeast Georgia that provides sanitary sewer service for its customers. The Department of Water Resources seeks to contract with a firm to develop a computer model of its sanitary sewer system and provide annual support for the model.

PART 1 – GENERAL ITEMS

1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND BACKGROUND

Oconee County has a total area of 186 square miles (480 km2) and is located in the Upper Oconee River…