DE00380 HL-0008G Wake County

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

HIGHWAY DIVISION 5

PROPOSAL

DATE AND TIME OF BID OPENING: September 9, 2026 AT 2:00 PM

CONTRACT ID: DE00380

WBS ELEMENT NO.: 49367.3.3

FEDERAL AID NO.: 1375007

COUNTY: Wake County

TIP NO.: HL-0008G

MILES: 0.254

ROUTE NO.: SR 1375 (Lake Wheeler Road)

LOCATION: SR 1375 (Lake Wheeler Road) at SR 1393 (Hilltop Needmore Road)

TYPE OF WORK: GRADING, DRAINAGE, PAVING, WIDENING AND SIGNALS

NOTICE:

ALL BIDDERS SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL APPLICABLE LAWS REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF

GENERAL CONTRACTING AS CONTAINED IN CHAPTER 87 OF THE GENERAL STATUTES OF

NORTH CAROLINA WHICH REQUIRES THE BIDDER TO BE LICENSED BY THE N.C. LICENSING

BOARD FOR CONTRACTORS WHEN BIDDING ON ANY NON-FEDERAL AID PROJECT WHERE THE

BID IS $40,000 OR MORE, EXCEPT FOR CERTAIN SPECIALTY WORK AS DETERMINED BY THE

LICENSING BOARD. BIDDERS SHALL ALSO COMPLY WITH ALL OTHER APPLICABLE LAWS

REGULATING THE PRACTICES OF ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, HEATING AND AIR

CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION CONTRACTING AS CONTAINED IN CHAPTER 87 OF THE

GENERAL STATUTES OF NORTH CAROLINA. NOTWITHSTANDING THESE LIMITATIONS ON

BIDDING, THE BIDDER WHO IS AWARDED ANY FEDERAL - AID FUNDED PROJECT SHALL

COMPLY WITH CHAPTER 87 OF THE GENERAL STATUTES OF NORTH CAROLINA FOR

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS WITHIN 60 CALENDAR DAYS OF BID OPENING.

THIS IS A ROADWAY PROJECT. BID BOND IS REQUIRED.

NAME OF BIDDER

ADDRESS OF BIDDER

PROPOSAL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF

CONTRACT No. DE00380 IN WAKE COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION,

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA

The Bidder has carefully examined the location of the proposed work to be known as Contract No. DE00380; has carefully examined the plans and specifications, which are acknowledged to be part of the proposal, the special provisions, the proposal, the form of contract, and the forms of contract payment bond and contract performance bond; and thoroughly understands the stipulations, requirements and provisions. The undersigned bidder agrees to bound upon his execution of the bid and subsequent award to him by the Department of Transportation in accordance with this proposal to provide the necessary contract payment bond and contract performance bond within fourteen days after the written notice of award is received by him. The undersigned Bidder further agrees to provide all necessary machinery, tools, labor, and other means of construction; and to do all the work and to furnish all materials, except as otherwise noted, necessary to perform and complete the said contract in accordance with the 2024 Standard Specifications for Roads and Structures by the dates(s) specified in the Project Special Provisions and in accordance with the requirements of the Engineer, and at the unit or lump sum prices, as the case may be, for the various items given on the sheets contained herein.

The Bidder shall provide and furnish all the materials, machinery, implements, appliances and tools, and perform the work and required labor to construct and complete Contract No. DE00380 in Wake County, for the unit or lump sum prices, as the case may be, bid by the Bidder in his bid and according to the proposal, plans, and specifications prepared by said Department, which proposal, plans, and specifications show the details covering this project, and hereby become a part of this contract.

The published volume entitled North Carolina Department of Transportation, Raleigh, Standard Specifications for Roads and Structures, January 2024 with all amendments and supplements thereto, is by reference incorporated into and made a part of this contract; that, except as herein modified, all the construction and work included in this contract is to be done in accordance with the specifications contained in said volume, and amendments and supplements thereto, under the direction of the Engineer.

If the proposal is accepted and the award is made, the contract is valid only when signed either by the Contract Officer or such other person as may be designated by the Secretary to sign for the Department of Transportation. The conditions and provisions herein cannot be changed except over the signature of the said Contract Officer or Division Engineer.

The quantities shown in the itemized proposal for the project are considered to be approximate only and are given as the basis for comparison of bids. The Department of Transportation may increase or decrease the quantity of any item or portion of the work as may be deemed necessary or expedient.

An increase or decrease in the quantity of an item will not be regarded as sufficient ground for an increase or decrease in the unit prices, nor in the time allowed for the completion of the work, except as provided for the contract.

Accompanying this bid is a bid bond secured by a corporate surety, or certified check payable to the order of the Department of Transportation, for five percent of the total bid price, which deposit is to be forfeited as liquidated damages in case this bid is accepted and the Bidder shall fail to provide the required payment and performance bonds with the Department of Transportation, under the condition of this proposal, within 14 calendar days after the written notice of award is received by him, as provided in the Standard Specifications; otherwise said deposit will be returned to the Bidder.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COVER SHEET

PROPOSAL SHEET

PROJECT SPECIAL PROVISIONS

DIVISION LET PREQUALIFICATION: .................................................................................. G-1 BOND REQUIREMENTS: ........................................................................................................ G-1 HAUL ROADS: .......................................................................................................................... G-1 BUILD AMERICA, BUY AMERICA (BABA): ....................................................................... G-1 CONTRACT TIME AND LIQUIDATED DAMAGES: ........................................................... G-2

INTERMEDIATE CONTRACT TIME NUMBER (1) AND LIQUIDATED DAMAGES: ..... G-2

INTERMEDIATE CONTRACT TIME NUMBER (2) AND LIQUIDATED DAMAGES: ..... G-3

INTERMEDIATE CONTRACT TIME NUMBER (3) AND LIQUIDATED DAMAGES: ..... G-4

INTERMEDIATE CONTRACT TIME NUMBER (4) AND LIQUIDATED DAMAGES: ..... G-4

PERMANENT VEGETATION ESTABLISHMENT:............................................................... G-5 MAJOR CONTRACT ITEMS: .................................................................................................. G-5 SPECIALTY ITEMS: ................................................................................................................. G-6 FUEL PRICE ADJUSTMENT: .................................................................................................. G-6 SCHEDULE OF ESTIMATED COMPLETION PROGRESS: ................................................. G-7 DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (DIVISIONS): ............................................. G-7 CERTIFICATION FOR FEDERAL-AID CONTRACTS: ...................................................... G-21 RESTRICTIONS ON ITS EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES: .................................................. G-22 USE OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM (UAS): .......................................................... G-22 EQUIPMENT IDLING GUIDELINES: ................................................................................... G-23 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION HOTLINE: ................................................. G-23 SUBSURFACE INFORMATION: ........................................................................................... G-24 ELECTRONIC BIDDING: ....................................................................................................... G-24 TWELVE MONTH GUARANTEE: ........................................................................................ G-24 OUTSOURCING OUTSIDE THE USA: ................................................................................. G-25

EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL/STORMWATER CERTIFICATION: ................. G-25

PROCEDURE FOR MONITORING BORROW PIT DISCHARGE: ..................................... G-30 NOTE TO CONTRACTOR: .................................................................................................... G-32

ROADWAY .................................................................................................................................R-1

STANDARD SPECIAL PROVISIONS

AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS – TERMINATION OF CONTRACTS ..................................SSP-1 NCDOT GENERAL SEED SPECIFICATION FOR SEED QUALITY ................................SSP-2 ERRATA..................................................................................................................................SSP-5 PLANT AND PEST QUARANTINES ...................................................................................SSP-8 MINIMUM WAGES ...............................................................................................................SSP-9 TITLE VI AND NONDISCRIMINATION: .........................................................................SSP-10

CONTRACT PROVISIONS FOR FEDERAL-AID CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS ....SSP-18

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING ....................................................................................................SSP-31 MINIMUM WAGES (GENERAL DECISION for WAKE County) ....................................SSP-34

UNIT PROJECT SPECIAL PROVISIONS

UTILITY CONSTRUCTION ................................................................................................... UC-1 UTILITY BY OTHERS ......................................................................................................... UBO-1 EROSION CONTROL ............................................................................................................. EC-1 TRAFFIC SIGNALS .................................................................................................................TS-1

FUEL USAGE FACTOR ADJUSTMENT FORM

BID BOND

BID FORM

INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS

PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

BEFORE PREPARING AND SUBMITTING YOUR BID.

All bids shall be prepared and submitted in accordance with the following requirements.

Failure to comply with any requirement may cause the bid to be considered irregular and may be grounds for rejection of the bid.

For preparing and submitting the bid electronically, refer to Subarticle 102-8(B) of the Standard Specifications.

Bidders that bid electronically on Raleigh Central-Let projects will need a separate request to bid from the approved electronic bidding website for Division Contracts.

ELECTRONIC ON-LINE BID:

1. Plans and the proposal can be found on the Connect NCDOT website.

2. In accordance with Subarticle 102-8(B)(1) of the Standard Specifications, obtain an account and valid Digital Signature to bid with Bid Express (bidx.com)

3. In accordance with Subarticle 102-8(B)(3) of the Standard Specifications, if bid bond is required and bid deposit is not chosen register bond with Surety2000 or Tinubu and submit with the online bid.

4. In accordance with Article 102-3 of the Standard Specifications, registration on the Interested Parties List is required unless SP1 G02 Interested Parties List Not Required provision is included in the proposal.

5. Prepare and submit a bid electronically using the approved electronic bidding provider website.

6. Electronic bidding website necessary for electronic bidding can be found on the Bid Express website following the directions at: https://connect.ncdot.gov/letting/Pages/Electronic- Bidding.aspx.

7. Questions should be emailed 7 calendar days prior to the bid opening to Kayla N. Cooper at kncooper@ncdot.gov. Contact with any other NCDOT personnel concerning this project is strictly prohibited, unless otherwise noted, and may result in bids being considered non-responsive.

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PROJECT SPECIAL PROVISIONS

GENERAL

DIVISION LET CONTRACT PREQUALIFICATION:

(07-01-14)(12-1-16) SPD 01-410

Any firm that wishes to bid as a prime contractor shall be prequalified as a Bidder or PO Prime Contractor prior to submitting a bid. Information regarding prequalification can be found at:

https://connect.ncdot.gov/business/Prequal/Pages/default.aspx.

Prior to performing the work, the prime contractor and/or subcontractor(s) shall be prequalified in the work code(s) which are identified as work items in the prime contractor’s construction progress schedule that they will complete themselves. Any contractor identified as working outside their expertise may be considered in default of contract.

BOND REQUIREMENTS:

(6-1-16)(Rev.1-16-24) 102-8, 102-10 SPD 01-420A

A Bid Bond is required in accordance with Article 102-10 of the Standard Specifications for Roads and Structures.

Contract Payment and Performance Bonds are required in accordance with Article 103-7 of the Standard Specifications.

HAUL ROADS:

(7-16-24) 105 SP1 G04

Revise the Standard Specifications as follows:

Page 1-45, Article 105-15 RESTRICTION OF LOAD LIMITS, line 31, add the following after second sentence of the second paragraph:

At least 30 days prior to use, the Contractor shall notify the Engineer of any public road proposed for use as a haul road for the project.

BUILD AMERICA, BUY AMERICA (BABA):

(11-15-22)(Rev. 7-16-24) 106 SP1 G05 A

Page 1-48, Article 106-1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS, add the following after line 49:

(C) Build America, Buy America (BABA)

All manufactured products and construction materials permanently incorporated into any project must meet requirements of the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Before any material or product shown on the Department’s Build America, Buy America (BABA) List is included for payment on a monthly estimate, the

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Contractor shall furnish the Engineer with a notarized certification certifying that the items conform to the BABA Act. The Department’s Build America Buy America (BABA) List can be found on the Department’s website below.

https://connect.ncdot.gov/letting/LetCentral/NCDOT%20BABA%20Materials%20List.pdf

Each purchase order issued by the Contractor or a subcontractor for items on the BABA List to be permanently incorporated into any project shall contain in bold print a statement advising the supplier that the manufactured products and construction materials must be produced in the United States of America. The Contractor and all affected subcontractors shall maintain a separate file for BABA List items so that verification of the Contractor’s efforts to purchase items produced in the United States can readily be verified by an authorized representative of the Department or the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

CONTRACT TIME AND LIQUIDATED DAMAGES:

(4-17-12)(Rev. 5-16-23) 108 SP1 G08 C

The date of availability for this contract is October 7, 2026.

The completion date for this contract is March 6, 2028.

Except where otherwise provided by the contract, observation periods required by the contract will not be a part of the work to be completed by the completion date and/or intermediate contract times stated in the contract. The acceptable completion of the observation periods that extend beyond the final completion date shall be a part of the work covered by the performance and payment bonds.

The liquidated damages for this contract are Two Hundred Dollars ($ 200.00) per calendar day.

These liquidated damages will not be cumulative with any liquidated damages which may become chargeable under Intermediate Contract Time Number 1.

INTERMEDIATE CONTRACT TIME NUMBER (1) AND LIQUIDATED DAMAGES:

(7-1-95) (Rev. 2-21-12) 108 SP1 G13 A

Except for that work required under the Project Special Provisions entitled Planting, Reforestation and/or Permanent Vegetation Establishment, included elsewhere in this proposal, the Contractor will be required to complete all work included in this contract and shall place and maintain traffic on same.

The date of availability for this intermediate contract time is October 7, 2026.

The completion date for this intermediate contract time is September 5, 2027.

The liquidated damages for this intermediate contract time are One Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($ 1,600.00) per calendar day.

Upon apparent completion of all the work required to be completed by this intermediate date, a final inspection will be held in accordance with Article 105-17 and upon acceptance, the Department will assume responsibility for the maintenance of all work except Planting, DE00380 HL-0008G G-3 Wake County

Reforestation and/or Permanent Vegetation Establishment. The Contractor will be responsible for and shall make corrections of all damages to the completed roadway caused by his planting operations, whether occurring prior to or after placing traffic through the project.

INTERMEDIATE CONTRACT TIME NUMBER (2) AND LIQUIDATED DAMAGES:

(2-20-07) 108 SP1 G14 A

The Contractor shall complete the required work of installing, maintaining, and removing the traffic control devices for lane closures and restoring traffic to the existing traffic pattern. The Contractor shall not close or narrow a lane of traffic on SR 1375 (Lake Wheeler Road) or SR 1393 (Hilltop Needmore Road) during the following time restrictions:

DAY AND TIME RESTRICTIONS

MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 6:00 A.M. TO 9:00 A.M.

MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 3:00 P.M. TO 7:00 P.M.

SUNDAY 6:00 A.M. TO 2:00 P.M.

In addition, the Contractor shall not close or narrow a lane of traffic on SR 1375 (Lake Wheeler Road) or SR 1393 (Hilltop Needmore Road), detain and/or alter the traffic flow on or during holidays, holiday weekends, special events, or any other time when traffic is unusually heavy, including the following schedules:

HOLIDAY AND HOLIDAY WEEKEND LANE CLOSURE RESTRICTIONS

1. For unexpected occurrence that creates unusually high traffic volumes, as directed by the

Engineer.

2. For New Year's Day, between the hours of 6:00 A.M. December 31st and 7:00 P.M.

January 2nd. If New Year's Day is on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday, then until 7:00 P.M. the following Tuesday.

3. For Easter, between the hours of 6:00 A.M. Thursday and 7:00 P.M. Monday.

4. For Memorial Day, between the hours of 6:00 A.M. Friday and 7:00 P.M. Tuesday.

5. For Independence Day, between the hours of 6:00 A.M. the day before Independence Day and 7:00 P.M. the day after Independence Day.

If Independence Day is on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday, then between the hours of 6:00 A.M. the Thursday before Independence Day and 7:00 P.M. the Tuesday after Independence Day.

6. For Labor Day, between the hours of 6:00 A.M. Friday and 7:00 P.M. Tuesday.

7. For Thanksgiving Day, between the hours of 6:00 A.M. Tuesday and 7:00 P.M. Monday.

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8. For Christmas, between the hours of 6:00 A.M. the Friday before the week of Christmas Day and 7:00 P.M. the following Tuesday after the week of Christmas Day.

9. For events that are significant traffic generators from one (1) hour before the event to one

(1) hour after the event, as directed by the Engineer.

Holidays and holiday weekends shall include New Year's, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The Contractor shall schedule his work so that lane closures will not be required during these periods, unless otherwise directed by the Engineer.

The time of availability for this intermediate contract work shall be the time the Contractor begins to install all traffic control devices for lane closures according to the time restrictions listed herein.

The completion time for this intermediate contract work shall be the time the Contractor is required to complete the removal of all traffic control devices for lane closures according to the time restrictions stated above and place traffic in the existing traffic pattern.

The liquidated damages are Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) per fifteen minutes or portion thereof.

INTERMEDIATE CONTRACT TIME NUMBER (3) AND LIQUIDATED DAMAGES:

(2-20-07) (Rev. 6-18-13) 108 SP1 G14 H

The Contractor shall complete the work required of Phase I as shown on Sheet(s) TMP-6 & TMP-7 and shall place and maintain traffic on same.

The date of availability for this intermediate contract time is the date the Contractor elects to begin the work.

The completion date for this intermediate contract time is the date which is Thirty (30) consecutive calendar days after and including the date the Contractor begins this work.

The liquidated damages are One Thousand Dollars ($ 1,000.00) per calendar day.

INTERMEDIATE CONTRACT TIME NUMBER (4) AND LIQUIDATED DAMAGES:

(5-21-13) 108 SP1 G14 I

The Contractor shall complete the work required of installing each new inductive loop after the removal of each existing loop by the milling, patching or resurfacing operations and shall place and maintain traffic on same.

The date of availability for this intermediate contract time for each inductive loop installation will be the date when the Contractor elects to disturb the existing inductive loop.

The completion date for this intermediate contract time for each inductive loop installation will be the date which is seven (7) consecutive calendar days after the date of availability.

The liquidated damages are Five Hundred Dollars ($ 500.00) per calendar day.

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PERMANENT VEGETATION ESTABLISHMENT:

(2-16-12)(Rev. 1-16-24) 104 SP1 G16

Establish a permanent stand of the vegetation mixture shown in the contract. During the period between initial vegetation planting and final project acceptance, perform all work necessary to establish permanent vegetation on all erodible areas within the project limits, as well as, in borrow and waste pits. This work shall include erosion control device maintenance and installation, repair seeding and mulching, supplemental seeding and mulching, mowing, and fertilizer topdressing, as directed. All work shall be performed in accordance with the applicable section of the Standard Specifications. All work required for initial vegetation planting shall be performed as a part of the work necessary for the completion and acceptance of the Intermediate Contract Time (ICT). Between the time of ICT and Final Project acceptance, or otherwise referred to as the vegetation establishment period, the Department will be responsible for preparing the required National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) inspection records.

Once the Engineer has determined that the permanent vegetation establishment requirement has been achieved at an 80% vegetation density (the amount of established vegetation per given area to stabilize the soil) and no erodible areas exist within the project limits, the Contractor will be notified to remove the remaining erosion control devices that are no longer needed. The Contractor will be responsible for, and shall correct any areas disturbed by operations performed in permanent vegetation establishment and the removal of temporary erosion control measures, whether occurring prior to or after placing traffic on the project.

Payment for Response for Erosion Control, Seeding and Mulching, Repair Seeding, Supplemental Seeding, Mowing, Fertilizer Topdressing, Silt Excavation, and Stone for Erosion Control will be made at contract unit prices for the affected items. Work required that is not represented by contract line items will be paid in accordance with Articles 104-7 or 104-3 of the Standard Specifications. No additional compensation will be made for maintenance and removal of temporary erosion control items.

MAJOR CONTRACT ITEMS:

(2-19-02)(Rev. 1-16-24) 104 SP1 G28

The following listed items are the major contract items for this contract (see Article 104-5 of the Standard Specifications):

Line # Description Asphalt 16-18

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SPECIALTY ITEMS:

(7-1-95)(Rev. 1-16-24) 108-6 SP1 G37

Items listed below will be the specialty items for this contract (see Article 108-6 of the Standard Specifications).

Line # Description 28-33 Masonry Drainage Structures 51-57 Long-Life Pavement Markings 67-90 Erosion Control

FUEL PRICE ADJUSTMENT:

(11-15-05)(Rev. 1-16-24) 109-8 SP1 G43

Page 1-82, Article 109-8, FUEL PRICE ADJUSTMENTS, add the following:

The base index price for DIESEL #2 FUEL is $ 4.3487 per gallon. Where any of the following are included as pay items in the contract, they will be eligible for fuel price adjustment.

The pay items and the fuel factor used in calculating adjustments to be made will be as follows:

Description Units Fuel Usage

Factor Diesel

Unclassified Excavation Gal/CY 0.29 Borrow Excavation Gal/CY 0.29 Class IV Subgrade Stabilization Gal/Ton 0.55 Aggregate Base Course Gal/Ton 0.55 Sub-Ballast Gal/Ton 0.55 Erosion Control Stone Gal/Ton 0.55 Rip Rap, Class _____ Gal/Ton 0.55 Asphalt Concrete Base Course, Type ____ Gal/Ton 0.90 or 2.90 Asphalt Concrete Intermediate Course, Type ____ Gal/Ton 0.90 or 2.90 Asphalt Concrete Surface Course, Type ____ Gal/Ton 0.90 or 2.90 Open-Graded Asphalt Friction Course Gal/Ton 0.90 or 2.90 Permeable Asphalt Drainage Course, Type ____ Gal/Ton 0.90 or 2.90 Sand Asphalt Surface Course, Type ____ Gal/Ton 0.90 or 2.90 Ultra-thin Bonded Wearing Course Gal/Ton 0.90 or 2.90 Aggregate for Cement Treated Base Course Gal/Ton 0.55 Portland Cement for Cement Treated Base Course Gal/Ton 0.55 > 11" Portland Cement Concrete Pavement Gal/SY 0.327 Concrete Shoulders Adjacent to > 11” Pavement Gal/SY 0.327 9” to 11" Portland Cement Concrete Pavement Gal/SY 0.272 Concrete Shoulders Adjacent to 9” to 11” Pavement Gal/SY 0.272 < 9” Portland Cement Concrete Pavement Gal/SY 0.245 Concrete Shoulders Adjacent to < 9” Pavement Gal/SY 0.245

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For the asphalt items noted in the chart as eligible for fuel adjustments, the bidder may include the Fuel Usage Factor Adjustment Form with their bid submission if they elect to use the fuel usage factor. The Fuel Usage Factor Adjustment Form is found at the following link:

https://connect.ncdot.gov/letting/LetCentral/Fuel%20Usage%20Factor%20Adjustment%20Form %20-%20%20Starting%20Nov%202022%20Lettings.pdf

Select either 2.90 Gal/Ton fuel factor or 0.90 Gal/Ton fuel factor for each asphalt line item on the Fuel Usage Factor Adjustment Form. The selected fuel factor for each asphalt item will remain in effect for the duration of the contract.

Failure to complete the Fuel Usage Factor Adjustment Form will result in using 2.90 gallons per ton as the Fuel Usage Factor for Diesel for the asphalt items noted above. The contractor will not be permitted to change the Fuel Usage Factor after the bids are submitted.

SCHEDULE OF ESTIMATED COMPLETION PROGRESS:

(7-15-08)(Rev. 6-16-26) 108-2 SP1 G58

The Contractor's attention is directed to the Standard Special Provision entitled Availability of Funds Termination of Contracts included elsewhere in this proposal. The Department of Transportation's schedule of estimated completion progress for this project as required by that Standard Special Provision is as follows:

The Contractor shall also furnish his own progress schedule in accordance with Article 108-2 of the Standard Specifications. Any acceleration of the progress as shown by the Contractor's progress schedule over the progress as shown above shall be subject to the approval of the Engineer.

DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (DIVISIONS):

(10-16-07)(Rev. 10-21-25) 102-15(J) SP1 G62

Description

The purpose of this Special Provision is to carry out the U.S. Department of Transportation’s policy of ensuring nondiscrimination in the award and administration of contracts financed in whole or in part with Federal funds. This provision is guided by 49 CFR Part 26.

Definitions

Additional DBE Subcontractors - Any DBE submitted at the time of bid that will not be used to meet the DBE goal. No submittal of a Letter of Intent is required.

Committed DBE Subcontractor - Any DBE submitted at the time of bid that is being used to meet the DBE goal by submission of a Letter of Intent. Or any DBE used as a replacement for a previously committed DBE firm.

Fiscal Year Progress (% of Dollar Value) 2027 (7/01/26 - 6/30/27) 65% of Total Amount Bid 2028 (7/01/27 - 6/30/28) 35% of Total Amount Bid

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Contract Goal Requirement - The approved DBE participation at time of award, but not greater than the advertised contract goal.

DBE Goal - A portion of the total contract, expressed as a percentage, that is to be performed by committed DBE subcontractor(s).

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) - A firm certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise through the North Carolina Unified Certification Program.

Goal Confirmation Letter - Written documentation from the Department to the bidder confirming the Contractor's approved, committed DBE participation along with a listing of the committed DBE firms.

Manufacturer - A firm that owns (or leases) and operates or maintains a factory or establishment that produces on the premises, the materials or supplies obtained by the Contractor. A firm that makes minor modifications to the materials, supplies, articles, or equipment is not a manufacturer.

Regular Dealer - A firm that owns (or leases), and operates a store, warehouse, or other establishment in which the materials or supplies required for the performance of the contract are bought, kept in sufficient quantities, and regularly sold to the public in the usual course of business.

A regular dealer engages in, as its principal business and in its own name, the purchase and sale or lease of the products in question. A regular dealer in such bulk items as steel, concrete or concrete products, gravel, stone, asphalt and petroleum products need not keep such products in stock, if it owns and operates distribution equipment for the products. Any supplement of regular dealers’ own distribution equipment shall be by a long-term operating lease and not on an ad hoc or contract-by-contract basis.

Distributor – A firm that engages in the regular sale or lease of the items specified by the contract.

A distributor assumes responsibility for the items it purchases once they leave the point of origin (e.g., a manufacturer’s facility), making it liable for any loss or damage not covered by the carrier’s insurance.

Replacement / Substitution – A full or partial reduction in the amount of work subcontracted to a committed (or an approved substitute) DBE firm.

North Carolina Unified Certification Program (NCUCP) - A program that provides comprehensive services and information to applicants for DBE certification, such that an applicant is required to apply only once for a DBE certification that will be honored by all recipients of USDOT funds in the state and not limited to the Department of Transportation only. The Certification Program is in accordance with 49 CFR Part 26.

United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) - Federal agency responsible for issuing regulations (49 CFR Part 26) and official guidance for the DBE program.

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Forms and Websites Referenced in this Provision

DBE Payment Tracking System - On-line system in which the Contractor enters the payments made to DBE subcontractors who have performed work on the project.

https://apps.dot.state.nc.us/Vendor/PaymentTracking/

DBE-IS Subcontractor Payment Information - Form for reporting the payments made to all DBE firms working on the project. This form is for paper bid projects only.

https://connect.ncdot.gov/business/Turnpike/Documents/Form%20DBE- IS%20Subcontractor%20Payment%20Information.pdf

RF-1 DBE Replacement Request Form - Form for replacing a committed DBE.

https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/construction/Construction%20Forms/DBE%20MBE%20WBE %20Replacement%20Form%20and%20Instructions.pdf

SAF Subcontract Approval Form - Form required for approval to sublet the contract.

https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/construction/Construction%20Forms/SAF%20Form%20- %20Subcontract%20Approval%20Form%20Revised%2004-19.xlsm

JC-1 Joint Check Notification Form - Form and procedures for joint check notification. The form acts as a written joint check agreement among the parties providing full and prompt disclosure of the expected use of joint checks.

https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/construction/Construction%20Forms/Joint%20Check%20Noti fication%20Form.pdf

Letter of Intent - Form signed by the Contractor and the DBE subcontractor, manufacturer or regular dealer that affirms that a portion of said contract is going to be performed by the signed DBE for the estimated amount (based on quantities and unit prices) listed at the time of bid.

http://connect.ncdot.gov/letting/LetCentral/Letter%20of%20Intent%20to%20Perform%20as%20 a%20Subcontractor.pdf

Listing of DBE Subcontractors Form - Form for entering DBE subcontractors on a project that will meet this DBE goal. This form is for paper bids only.

http://connect.ncdot.gov/municipalities/Bid%20Proposals%20for%20LGA%20Content/08%20D BE%20Subcontractors%20(Federal).docx

Subcontractor Quote Comparison Sheet - Spreadsheet for showing all subcontractor quotes in the work areas where DBEs quoted on the project. This sheet is submitted with good faith effort packages.

http://connect.ncdot.gov/business/SmallBusiness/Documents/DBE%20Subcontractor%20Quote %20Comparison%20Example.xls

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DBE Regular Dealer/Distributor Affirmation Form – Form is used to make a preliminary counting determination for each DBE listed as a regular dealer or distributor to assess its eligibility for 60 or 40 percent credit, respectively of the cost of materials or supplies based on its demonstrated capacity and intent to perform as a regular dealer or distributor, as defined in section 49 CFR 26.55 under the contract at issue. A Contractor will submit the completed form with the Letter of Intent.

https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/construction/Construction%20Forms/DBE%20Regular%20De aler-Distributor%20Affirmation%20Form%20-%20USDOT%202024.pdf

DBE Goal

There is NO goal for participation by Disadvantaged Business Enterprises for this contract.

Directory of Transportation Firms (Directory)

Real-time information is available about firms doing business with the Department and firms that are certified through NCUCP in the Directory of Transportation Firms. Only firms identified in the Directory as DBE certified shall be used to meet the DBE goal. The Directory can be found at the following link.

https://www.ebs.nc.gov/VendorDirectory/default.html

The listing of an individual firm in the directory shall not be construed as an endorsement of the firm’s capability to perform certain work.

Listing of DBE Subcontractors

At the time of bid, bidders shall submit all DBE participation that they anticipate to use during the life of the contract. Only those identified to meet the DBE goal will be considered committed, even though the listing shall include both committed DBE subcontractors and additional DBE subcontractors. Additional DBE subcontractor participation submitted at the time of bid will be used toward the Department’s overall race-neutral goal. Only those firms with current DBE certification at the time of bid opening will be acceptable for listing in the bidder's submittal of DBE participation. The Contractor shall indicate the following required information:

(A) Electronic Bids

Bidders shall submit a listing of DBE participation in the appropriate section of the electronic submittal file.

(1) Submit the names and addresses of DBE firms identified to participate in the contract. If the bidder uses the updated listing of DBE firms shown in the electronic submittal file, the bidder may use the dropdown menu to access the name and address of the DBE firm.

(2) Submit the contract line numbers of work to be performed by each DBE firm.

When no figures or firms are entered, the bidder will be considered to have no DBE participation.

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(3) The bidder shall be responsible for ensuring that the DBE is certified at the time of bid by checking the Directory of Transportation Firms. If the firm is not certified at the time of the bid-letting, that DBE's participation will not count towards achieving the DBE goal.

(B) Paper Bids

(1) If the DBE goal is more than zero,

(a) Bidders, at the time the bid proposal is submitted, shall submit a listing of DBE participation, including the names and addresses on Listing of DBE Subcontractors contained elsewhere in the contract documents in order for the bid to be considered responsive. Bidders shall indicate the total dollar value of the DBE participation for the contract.

(b) If bidders have no DBE participation, they shall indicate this on the Listing of DBE Subcontractors by entering the word “None” or the number “0.”

This form shall be completed in its entirety. Blank forms will not be deemed to represent zero participation. Bids submitted that do not have DBE participation indicated on the appropriate form will not be read publicly during the opening of bids. The Department will not consider these bids for award and the proposal will be rejected.

(c) The bidder shall be responsible for ensuring that the DBE is certified at the time of bid by checking the Directory of Transportation Firms. If the firm is not certified at the time of the bid-letting, that DBE’s participation will not count towards achieving the DBE goal.

(2) If the DBE goal is zero, entries on the Listing of DBE Subcontractors are not required, however any DBE participation that is achieved during the project shall be reported in accordance with requirements contained elsewhere in the special provision.

DBE Prime Contractor

When a certified DBE firm bids on a contract that contains a DBE goal, the DBE firm is responsible for meeting the goal or making good faith efforts to meet the goal, just like any other bidder. In most cases, a DBE bidder on a contract will meet the DBE goal by virtue of the work it performs on the contract with its own forces. However, all the work that is performed by the DBE bidder and any other DBE subcontractors will count toward the DBE goal. The DBE bidder shall list itself along with any DBE subcontractors, if any, in order to receive credit toward the DBE goal.

For example, if the DBE goal is 45% and the DBE bidder will only perform 40% of the contract work, the prime will list itself at 40%, and the additional 5% shall be obtained through additional DBE participation with DBE subcontractors or documented through a good faith effort.

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DBE prime contractors shall also follow Sections A or B listed under Listing of DBE Subcontractor just as a non-DBE bidder would.

Written Documentation – Letter of Intent

The bidder shall submit written documentation for each DBE that will be used to meet the DBE goal of the contract, indicating the bidder’s commitment to use the DBE in the contract. This documentation shall be submitted on the Department’s form titled Letter of Intent.

The documentation shall be received in the office of the Engineer no later than 2:00 p.m. of the fifth calendar day following opening of bids, unless the fifth day falls on Saturday, Sunday or an official state holiday. In that situation, it is due in the office of the Engineer no later than 10:00 a.m. on the next official state business day.

If the bidder fails to submit the Letter of Intent from each committed DBE to be used toward the DBE goal, or if the form is incomplete (i.e. both signatures are not present), the DBE participation will not count toward meeting the DBE goal. If the lack of this participation drops the commitment below the DBE goal, the Contractor shall submit evidence of good faith efforts, completed in its entirety, to the Engineer no later than 2:00 p.m. on the eighth calendar day following opening of bids, unless the eighth day falls on Saturday, Sunday or an official state holiday. In that situation, it is due in the office of the Engineer no later than 10:00 a.m. on the next official state business day.

Submission of Good Faith Effort

If the bidder fails to meet or exceed the DBE goal the apparent lowest responsive bidder shall submit to the Department documentation of adequate good faith efforts made to reach the DBE goal.

One complete set and copies of this information shall be received in the office of the Engineer no later than 2:00 p.m. of the fifth calendar day following opening of bids, unless the fifth day falls on Saturday, Sunday or an official state holiday. In that situation, it is due in the office of the Engineer no later than 10:00 a.m. on the next official state business day.

Note: Where the information submitted includes repetitious solicitation letters, it will be acceptable to submit a representative letter along with a distribution list of the firms that were solicited. Documentation of DBE quotations shall be a part of the good faith effort submittal. This documentation may include written subcontractor quotations, telephone log notations of verbal quotations, or other types of quotation documentation.

Consideration of Good Faith Effort for Projects with DBE Goals More Than Zero

Adequate good faith efforts mean that the bidder took all necessary and reasonable steps to achieve the goal which, by their scope, intensity, and appropriateness, could reasonably be expected to obtain sufficient DBE participation. Adequate good faith efforts also mean that the bidder actively and aggressively sought DBE participation. Mere pro forma efforts are not considered good faith efforts.

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The Department will consider the quality, quantity, and intensity of the different kinds of efforts a bidder has made. Listed below are examples of the types of actions a bidder will take in making a good faith effort to meet the goal and are not intended to be exclusive or exhaustive, nor is it intended to be a mandatory checklist.

(A) Soliciting through all reasonable and available means (e.g. attendance at pre-bid meetings, advertising, written notices, use of verifiable electronic means through the use of the NCDOT Directory of Transportation Firms) the interest of all certified DBEs who have the capability to perform the work of the contract. The bidder must solicit this interest within at least 10 days prior to bid opening to allow the DBEs to respond to the solicitation.

Solicitation shall provide the opportunity to DBEs within the Division and surrounding Divisions where the project is located. The bidder must determine with certainty if the DBEs are interested by taking appropriate steps to follow up initial solicitations.

(B) Selecting portions of the work to be performed by DBEs in order to increase the likelihood that the DBE goals will be achieved.

(1) Where appropriate, break out contract work items into economically feasible units to facilitate DBE participation, even when the prime contractor might otherwise prefer to perform these work items with its own forces.

(2) Negotiate with subcontractors to assume part of the responsibility to meet the contract DBE goal when the work to be sublet includes potential for DBE participation (2nd and 3rd tier subcontractors).

(C) Providing interested DBEs with adequate information about the plans, specifications, and requirements of the contract in a timely manner to assist them in responding to a solicitation.

(D) (1) Negotiating in good faith with interested DBEs. It is the bidder’s responsibility to make a portion of the work available to DBE subcontractors and suppliers and to select those portions of the work or material needs consistent with the available DBE subcontractors and suppliers, so as to facilitate DBE participation. Evidence of such negotiation includes the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of DBEs that were considered; a description of the information provided regarding the plans and specifications for the work selected for subcontracting; and evidence as to why additional agreements could not be reached for DBEs to perform the work.

(2) A bidder using good business judgment would consider a number of factors in negotiating with subcontractors, including DBE subcontractors, and would take a firm’s price and capabilities as well as contract goals into consideration.

However, the fact that there may be some additional costs involved in finding and using DBEs is not in itself sufficient reason for a bidder’s failure to meet the contract DBE goal, as long as such costs are reasonable. Also, the ability or desire of a prime contractor to perform the work of a contract with its own organization does not relieve the bidder of the responsibility to make good faith efforts. Bidding contractors are not, however, required to accept higher quotes from DBEs if the price difference is excessive or unreasonable.

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(E) Not rejecting DBEs as being unqualified without sound reasons based on a thorough investigation of their capabilities. The bidder’s standing within its industry, membership in specific groups, organizations, or associates and political or social affiliations (for example, union vs. non-union employee status) are not legitimate causes for the rejection or non-solicitation of bids in the bidder’s efforts to meet the project goal.

(F) Making efforts to assist interested DBEs in obtaining bonding, lines of credit, or insurance as required by the recipient or bidder.

(G) Making efforts to assist interested DBEs in obtaining necessary equipment, supplies, materials, or related assistance or services.

(H) Effectively using the services of available minority/women community organizations;

minority/women contractors’ groups; Federal, State, and local minority/women business assistance offices; and other organizations as allowed on a case-by-case basis to provide assistance in the recruitment and placement of DBEs. Contact within 7 days from the bid opening the Business Opportunity and Work Force Development Unit at BOWD@ncdot.gov to give notification of the bidder’s inability to get DBE quotes.

(I) Any other evidence that the bidder submits which shows that the bidder has made reasonable good faith efforts to meet the DBE goal.

In addition, the Department may take into account the following:

(1) Whether the bidder’s documentation reflects a clear and realistic plan for achieving the DBE goal.

(2) The bidders’ past performance in meeting the DBE goals.

(3) The performance of other bidders in meeting the DBE goal. For example, when the apparent successful bidder fails to meet the DBE goal, but others meet it, you may reasonably raise the question of whether, with additional reasonable efforts the apparent successful bidder could have met the goal. If the apparent successful bidder fails to meet the DBE goal, but meets or exceeds the average DBE participation obtained by other bidders, the Department may view this, in conjunction with other factors, as evidence of the apparent successful bidder having made a good faith effort.

If the Department does not award the contract to the apparent lowest responsive bidder, the Department reserves the right to award the contract to the next lowest responsive bidder that can satisfy to the Department that the DBE goal can be met or that an adequate good faith effort has been made to meet the DBE goal.

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Non-Good Faith Appeal

The Engineer will notify the Contractor verbally and in writing of non-good faith. A Contractor may appeal a determination of non-good faith made by the Goal Compliance Committee. If a Contractor wishes to appeal the determination made by the Committee, they shall provide written notification to the Engineer. The appeal shall be made within 2 business days of notification of the determination of non-good faith.

Counting DBE Participation Toward Meeting DBE Goal

(A) Participation

The total dollar value of the participation by a committed DBE will be counted toward the contract goal requirement. The total dollar value of participation by a committed DBE will be based upon the value of work performed by the DBE and the actual payments to DBE firms by the Contractor.

(B) Joint Checks

Prior notification of joint check use shall be required when counting DBE participation for services or purchases that involves the use of a joint check. Notification shall be through submission of Form JC-1 (Joint Check Notification Form) and the use of joint checks shall be in accordance with the Department's Joint Check Procedures.

(C) Subcontracts (Non-Trucking)

A DBE may enter into subcontracts. Work that a DBE subcontracts to another DBE firm may be counted toward the contract goal requirement. Work that a DBE subcontracts to a non-DBE firm does not count toward the contract goal requirement. If a DBE contractor or subcontractor subcontracts a significantly greater portion of the work of the contract than would be expected on the basis of standard industry practices, it shall be presumed that the DBE is not performing a commercially useful function. The DBE may present evidence to rebut this presumption to the Department. The Department's decision on the rebuttal of this presumption is subject to review by the Federal Highway Administration but is not administratively appealable to USDOT.

(D) Joint Venture

When a DBE performs as a participant in a joint venture, the Contractor may count toward its contract goal requirement a portion of the total value of participation with the DBE in the joint venture, that portion of the total dollar value being a distinct clearly defined portion of work that the DBE performs with its forces.

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(E) Manufacturer, Regular Dealer, Distributor

A Contractor may count toward its DBE requirement 40 percent of its expenditures for materials or supplies (including transportation costs) from a DBE distributor, 60 percent of its expenditures for materials or supplies (including transportation costs) from a DBE regular dealer and 100 percent of such expenditures obtained from a DBE manufacturer.

A Contractor may count toward its DBE requirement the following expenditures to DBE firms that are not manufacturers, regular…