Bid Notice-Micro Surfacing _ Sealing Existing Joints _ Cracks - NC 53 - Bladen County.pdf

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

HIGHWAY DIVISION 6

PROPOSAL

DATE AND TIME OF BID

OPENING: SEPTEMBER 16, 2026 AT 2:00 PM

CONTRACT ID: DF00571

TIP NO.: ------

FEDERAL AID NO.: STATE FUNDED

WBS ELEMENT NO.: 2027CPT.06.11.10091.1

ROUTE NO.: NC 53

LOCATION: FROM SR 1326 TO CUMBERLAND COUNTY

COUNTY: BLADEN

TYPE OF WORK: MICRO SURFACE & SEALING EXISTING JOINTS AND CRACKS

LENGTH OF PROJECT: 7.03 MILES

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 PROPOSAL. 5% BID BOND OR BID DEPOSIT REQUIRED.

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PROPOSAL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF

CONTRACT No. DF00571 IN BLADEN 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. DF00571; 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. DF00571 in Bladen 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.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

COVER SHEET .............................................................................................................................. C-1

PROPOSAL SHEET ....................................................................................................................... C-2

TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................ C-3

INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS .................................................................................................... C-4

PROJECT SPECIAL PROVISIONS .............................................................................................. G-1

STANDARD SPECIAL PROVISIONS ...................................................................................... SSP-1

UNIT PROJECT SPECIAL PROVISIONS

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

TRAFFIC CONTROL .............................................................................................................. TC-1

UTILITY CONSTRUCTION .................................................................................................. UC-1

FORMS ............................................................................................................................................. F-1

ACCEPTANCE SHEET ............................................................................................................ ACC-1

PROPOSAL ITEMS SHEET ...................................................................................................... PIF-1

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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 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 Neil Butler at jnbutler@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

BIDS OVER LIMIT:

(08-01-16) SPD 01-400

In accordance with GS 136-28.1(b), if the total bid amount of the contract exceeds $5.0 million, the bid will not be considered for award.

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.

CONTRACT TIME AND LIQUIDATED DAMAGES:

(7-1-95) (Rev. 12-18-07) SP1 G10 A

The date of availability for this contract October 19, 2026.

The completion date for this contract is October 1, 2027.

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.

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The liquidated damages for this contract are Six Hundred Dollars ($ 600.00) per calendar day.

INTERMEDIATE CONTRACT TIME NUMBER 1 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 ALL ROADS within 1 mile of any school during the following time restrictions:

DAY AND TIME RESTRICTIONS

MONDAY THRU FRIDAY

7:15 AM TO 8:15 AM

2:30 PM TO 3:30 PM

In addition, the Contractor shall not narrow or close a lane of traffic on ALL ROADS detain and /or alter the traffic flow on or during 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 4:00 p.m. December 31st and 8:30 a.m. January 2nd. If

New Year's Day is on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday, then until 8:30 a.m. the following Tuesday.

3. For Easter, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. Thursday and 8:30 a.m. Monday.

4. For Memorial Day, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

5. For Independence Day, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. the day before Independence Day and 8:30 a.m. the day after Independence Day.

If Independence Day is on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday, then between the hours of 4:00 p.m.

the Thursday before Independence Day and 8:30 a.m. the Tuesday after Independence Day.

6. For Labor Day, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

7. For Thanksgiving Day, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. Tuesday and 8:30 a.m. Monday.

8. For Christmas, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. the Friday before the week of Christmas Day and 8:30 a.m. the following Tuesday after the week of Christmas Day.

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 are not required during these periods, unless otherwise directed by the Engineer.

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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 herein and place traffic in the correct traffic pattern.

The liquidated damages are Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($ 250.00) per hour.

SITE INVESTIGATION AND REPRESENTATION:

(3-3-2014) 102-6 SPD 01-280

By signing the proposal documents, the Contractor acknowledges that:

(A) He understands the nature of the work and general and local conditions, particularly those bearing on transportation;

(B) He is familiar with the availability and cost of labor and materials;

(C) He will to adhere to State regulations for safety and security of property, roads, and facilities;

(D) He is able to prosecute the work in accordance with all applicable local, state and federal rules and regulations, and;

(E) He has thoroughly investigated the project site(s).

Any failure on the part of the Contractor to acquaint himself with all available information shall not relieve him from the responsibility any aspect of the contracting process. No adjustment in contract time or contract prices will be made due to the Contractor’s negligence in familiarizing himself with the contract or project site(s).

AUTHORITY OF THE ENGINEER:

(01-30-14) 105-1 SPD 01-460

The Engineer for this project shall be the Division Engineer, Division 6, Division of Highways, North Carolina Department of Transportation, acting directly or through his duly authorized representative.

The Engineer will decide all questions which may arise as to the quality and acceptability of work performed and as to the rate of progress of the work; all questions which may arise as to the interpretation of the contract; and all questions as to the acceptable fulfillment of the contract on the part of the Contractor. His decision shall be final, and he shall have executive authority to enforce and make effective such decisions and orders as the Contractor fails to carry them out promptly.

PROSECUTION AND PROGRESS:

(3-16-10)(Rev. 1-16-24) 108 SPD 1-700

The Contractor shall pursue the work diligently with workmen in sufficient numbers, abilities, and supervision, and with equipment, materials, and methods as may be required to complete the work described in the contract by the completion date and in accordance with the Standard Specifications.

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The Contractor's operations are restricted to daylight hours. No work may be performed on Sundays and legal State holidays, unless otherwise approved by the Engineer. Work shall only be performed when weather and visibility conditions allow safe operations.

RAILROAD GRADE CROSSING:

(7-1-95) (Rev. 1-16-24) 107-9 SP1 G17R

When the use of slow moving or stopped equipment is required over at-grade railroad crossings, the contractor shall contact the appropriate track owner to gain Right of Entry. The contractor shall be responsible for ascertaining and contacting the railroad track owner.

No separate payment will be made for conforming with the requirements of this Special Provision. Please contact the Resident Engineer or the NCDOT Rail Division - Engineering Coordination & Safety Branch - Surfaces & Encroachment Manager with any questions pertaining to the Right of Entry.

NO MAJOR CONTRACT ITEMS:

(2-19-02) (Rev. 8-21-07) 104 SP1 G31

None of the items included in this contract will be major items.

NO SPECIALTY ITEMS:

(7-1-95)(Rev. 1-16-24) 108-6 SP1 G34

None of the items included in this contract will be specialty items (see Article 108-6 of the Standard Specifications).

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.

MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE AND WOMEN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (DIVISIONS):

(10-16-07)(Rev. 10-21-25) 102-15(J) SP1 G67

Description

The purpose of this Special Provision is to carry out the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s policy of ensuring nondiscrimination in the award and administration of contracts financed in whole or in part with State funds.

Fiscal Year Progress (% of Dollar Value) 2027 (7/01/26 - 6/30/27) 75 % of Total Amount Bid 2028 (7/01/27 - 6/30/28) 25 % of Total Amount Bid 2029 (7/01/28 - 6/30/29) 0 % of Total Amount Bid

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Definitions

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

Combined MBE/WBE Goal: A portion of the total contract, expressed as a percentage that is to be performed by committed MBE/WBE subcontractors.

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

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

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

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

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

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) MBE/WBE firm.

North Carolina Unified Certification Program (NCUCP) - A program that provides comprehensive services and information to applicants for MBE/WBE certification. The MBE/WBE program follows the same regulations as the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in accordance with 49 CFR Part 26.

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

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

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

Forms and Websites Referenced in this Provision

Payment Tracking System - On-line system in which the Contractor enters the payments made to MBE and WBE 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 MBE/WBE 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 MBE/WBE Replacement Request Form - Form for replacing a committed MBE or WBE.

https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/construction/Construction%20Forms/DBE%20MBE%20WBE%20Rep lacement%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.

http://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/construction/Construction%20Forms/Joint%20Check%20Notification% 20Form.pdf

Letter of Intent - Form signed by the Contractor and the MBE/WBE subcontractor, manufacturer or regular dealer that affirms that a portion of said contract is going to be performed by the signed MBE/WBE 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%20a%20Su bcontractor.pdf

Listing of MBE and WBE Subcontractors Form - Form for entering MBE/WBE subcontractors on a project that will meet the Combined MBE/WBE goal. This form is for paper bids only.

http://connect.ncdot.gov/municipalities/Bid%20Proposals%20for%20LGA%20Content/09%20MBE- WBE%20Subcontractors%20(State).docx

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

http://connect.ncdot.gov/business/SmallBusiness/Documents/DBE%20Subcontractor%20Quote%20Com parison%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%20Dealer- Distributor%20Affirmation%20Form%20-%20USDOT%202024.pdf

Combined MBE/WBE Goal

There is NO MBE/WBE Goal for this project.

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 MBE and WBE certified shall be used to meet the Combined MBE / WBE 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 MBE/WBE Subcontractors

At the time of bid, bidders shall submit all MBE and WBE participation that they anticipate to use during the life of the contract. Only those identified to meet the Combined MBE/WBE goal will be considered committed, even though the listing shall include both committed MBE/WBE subcontractors and additional MBE/WBE subcontractors. Any additional MBE/WBE subcontractor participation above the goal will follow the banking guidelines found elsewhere in this provision. All other additional MBE/WBE subcontractor participation submitted at the time of bid will be used toward the Department’s overall race-neutral goals. Only those firms with current MBE and WBE certification at the time of bid opening will be acceptable for listing in the bidder's submittal of MBE and WBE participation. The Contractor shall indicate the following required information:

(A) Electronic Bids

Bidders shall submit a listing of MBE and WBE participation in the appropriate section of the electronic submittal file.

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

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

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

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(3) The bidder shall be responsible for ensuring that the MBE and WBE are 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 MBE’s or WBE's participation will not count towards achieving the Combined MBE/WBE goal.

(B) Paper Bids

(1) If the Combined MBE/ WBE goal is more than zero,

(a) Bidders, at the time the bid proposal is submitted, shall submit a listing of MBE/WBE participation, including the names and addresses on Listing of MBE and WBE 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 MBE and WBE participation for the contract.

(b) If bidders have no MBE or WBE participation, they shall indicate this on the Listing of MBE and WBE 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 MBE and WBE 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 MBE/WBE 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 MBE’s or WBE’s participation will not count towards achieving the Combined MBE/WBE goal.

(2) If the Combined MBE/WBE Goal is zero, entries on the Listing of MBE and WBE

Subcontractors are not required for the zero goal, however any MBE or WBE participation that is achieved during the project shall be reported in accordance with requirements contained elsewhere in the special provision.

MBE or WBE Prime Contractor

When a certified MBE or WBE firm bids on a contract that contains a Combined MBE/WBE Goal, the 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 MBE or WBE bidder on a contract will meet the Combined MBE/WBE goal by virtue of the work it performs on the contract with its own forces. However, all the work that is performed by the MBE or WBE bidder and any other similarly certified subcontractors will count toward the goal. The MBE or WBE bidder shall list itself along with any MBE or WBE subcontractors, if any, in order to receive credit toward the goals.

MBE/WBE prime contractors shall also follow Sections A or B listed under Listing of MBE/WBE Subcontractors just as a non-MBE/WBE bidder would.

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Written Documentation – Letter of Intent

The bidder shall submit written documentation for each MBE/WBE that will be used to meet the Combined MBE/WBE goal of the contract, indicating the bidder’s commitment to use the MBE/WBE 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 MBE and WBE to be used toward the Combined MBE/WBE goal, or if the form is incomplete (i.e. both signatures are not present), the MBE/WBE participation will not count toward meeting the Combined MBE/WBE goal. If the lack of this participation drops the commitment below the Combined MBE/WBE goal, the Contractor shall submit evidence of good faith efforts for the goal not met, completed in its entirety, to the Engineer no later than 2:00 p.m. of 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.

Banking MBE/WBE Credit

If the committed MBE/WBE participation submitted exceeds the algebraic sum of the Combined MBE/WBE goal by $1,000 or more, the excess will be placed on deposit by the Department for future use by the bidder. Separate accounts will be maintained for MBE and WBE participation and these may accumulate for a period not to exceed 24 months.

When the apparent lowest responsive bidder fails to submit sufficient participation by MBE and WBE firms to meet the advertised goal, as part of the good faith effort, the Department will consider allowing the bidder to withdraw funds to meet the Combined MBE/WBE goal as long as there are adequate funds available from the bidder’s MBE and WBE bank accounts.

Submission of Good Faith Effort

If the bidder fails to meet or exceed the Combined MBE/WBE goal, the apparent lowest responsive bidder shall submit to the Department documentation of adequate good faith efforts made to reach that specific goal.

One complete set and 3 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 MBE/WBE 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.

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Consideration of Good Faith Effort for Projects with a Combined MBE/WBE Goal 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 MBE/WBE participation. Adequate good faith efforts also mean that the bidder actively and aggressively sought MBE/WBE participation. Mere pro forma efforts are not considered good faith efforts.

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 goals 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 MBEs/WBEs that are also prequalified subcontractors. The bidder must solicit this interest within at least 10 days prior to bid opening to allow the MBEs/WBEs to respond to the solicitation. Solicitation shall provide the opportunity to MBEs/WBEs within the Division and surrounding Divisions where the project is located. The bidder must determine with certainty if the MBEs/WBEs are interested by taking appropriate steps to follow up initial solicitations.

(B) Selecting portions of the work to be performed by MBEs/WBEs in order to increase the likelihood that the Combined MBE/WBE goal will be achieved.

(1) Where appropriate, break out contract work items into economically feasible units to facilitate MBE/WBE 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 advertised goal when the work to be sublet includes potential for MBE/WBE participation (2nd and 3rd tier subcontractors).

(C) Providing interested certified MBEs/WBEs that are also prequalified subcontractors 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 MBEs/WBEs. It is the bidder’s responsibility to make a portion of the work available to MBE/WBE subcontractors and suppliers and to select those portions of the work or material needs consistent with the available MBE/WBE subcontractors and suppliers, so as to facilitate MBE/WBE participation. Evidence of such negotiation includes the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of MBEs/WBEs 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 MBEs/WBEs to perform the work.

(2) A bidder using good business judgment would consider a number of factors in negotiating with subcontractors, including MBE/WBE subcontractors, and would take a firm’s price and capabilities as well as the advertised goal into consideration. However, the fact that there may be some additional costs involved in finding and using MBEs/WBEs is not in itself sufficient reason for a bidder’s failure to meet the advertised goal, as long as such costs are

DF00571 G-11 Bladen 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 MBEs/WBEs if the price difference is excessive or unreasonable.

(E) Not rejecting MBEs/WBEs 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 MBEs/WBEs in obtaining bonding, lines of credit, or insurance as required by the recipient or bidder.

(G) Making efforts to assist interested MBEs/WBEs 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 MBEs/WBEs. 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 MBE or WBE quotes.

(I) Any other evidence that the bidder submits which shows that the bidder has made reasonable good faith efforts to meet the advertised 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 Combined MBE/WBE goal.

(2) The bidders’ past performance in meeting the contract goal.

(3) The performance of other bidders in meeting the advertised goal. For example, when the apparent successful bidder fails to meet the 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 advertised goal, but meets or exceeds the average MBE and WBE 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 Combined MBE/WBE goal can be met or that an adequate good faith effort has been made to meet the advertised 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 MBE/WBE Participation Toward Meeting the Combined MBE/WBE Goal

(A) Participation

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

(B) Joint Checks

Prior notification of joint check use shall be required when counting MBE/WBE 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 MBE/WBE may enter into subcontracts. Work that a MBE subcontracts to another MBE firm may be counted toward the anticipated MBE participation. The same holds for work that a WBE subcontracts to another WBE firm. Work that a MBE/WBE subcontracts to a non-MBE/WBE firm does not count toward the contract goal requirement. It should be noted that every effort shall be made by MBE and WBE contractors to subcontract to the same certification (i.e., MBEs to MBEs and WBEs to WBEs), in order to fulfill the MBE or WBE participation breakdown. This, however, may not always be possible due to the limitation of firms in the area. If the MBE or WBE firm shows a good faith effort has been made to reach out to similarly certified firms and there is no interest or availability, and they can get assistance from other certified firms, the Engineer will not hold the prime responsible for meeting the individual MBE or WBE breakdown. If a MBE or WBE 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 MBE or WBE is not performing a commercially useful function.

(D) Joint Venture

When a MBE or WBE 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 MBE or WBE in the joint venture, that portion of the total dollar value being a distinct clearly defined portion of work that the MBE or WBE performs with its forces.

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(E) Manufacturer, Regular Dealer, Distributor

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

A Contractor may count toward its MBE/WBE requirement the following expenditures to MBE/WBE firms that are not manufacturers, regular dealers or distributors:

(1) The fees or commissions charged by a MBE/WBE firm for providing a bona fide service, such as professional, technical, consultant, or managerial services, or for providing bonds or insurance specifically required for the performance of a DOT-assisted contract, provided the fees or commissions are determined to be reasonable and not excessive as compared with fees and commissions customarily allowed for similar services.

(2) With respect to materials or supplies purchased from a MBE/WBE, which is neither a manufacturer, regular dealer, nor a distributor count the entire amount of fees or commissions charged that the Department deems to be reasonable, including transportation charges for the delivery of materials or supplies. Do not count any portion of the cost of the materials and supplies themselves.

A Contractor will submit a completed DBE Regular Dealer/Distributor Affirmation Form with the Letter of Intent to the Engineer. The Engineer will forward to the State Contractor Utilization Engineer or DBE@ncdot.gov. The State Contractor Utilization Engineer will make a preliminary assessment as to whether a MBE/WBE supplier has the demonstrated capacity to perform a commercially useful function (CUF) on a contract-by-contract basis prior to its participation.

Commercially Useful Function

(A) MBE/WBE Utilization

The Contractor may count toward its contract goal requirement only expenditures to MBEs and WBEs that perform a commercially useful function in the work of a contract.

A MBE/WBE performs a commercially useful function when it is responsible for execution of the work of the contract and is carrying out its responsibilities by performing, managing, and supervising the work involved. To perform a commercially useful function, the MBE/WBE shall also be responsible with respect to materials and supplies used on the contract, for negotiating price, determining quality and quantity, ordering the material and installing (where applicable) and paying for the material itself. To determine whether a MBE/WBE is performing a commercially useful function, the Department will evaluate the amount of work subcontracted, industry practices, whether the amount the firm is to be paid under the contract is commensurate with the work it is performing and the MBE/WBE credit claimed for its performance of the work, and any other relevant factors. If it is determined that a MBE or WBE is not performing a Commercially Useful Function, the contractor may present evidence to rebut this presumption to the Department.

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(B) MBE/WBE Utilization in Trucking

The following factors will be used to determine if a MBE or WBE trucking firm is performing a commercially useful function:

(1) The MBE/WBE shall be responsible for the management and supervision of the entire trucking operation for which it is responsible on a particular contract, and there shall not be a contrived arrangement for the purpose of meeting the Combined MBE/WBE goal.

(2) The MBE/WBE shall itself own and operate at least one fully licensed, insured, and operational truck used on the contract.

(3) The MBE/WBE receives credit for the total value of the transportation services it provides on the contract using trucks it owns, insures, and operates using drivers it employs.

(4) The MBE may subcontract the work to another MBE firm, including an owner-operator who is certified as a MBE. The same holds true that a WBE may subcontract the work to another WBE firm, including an owner-operator who is certified as a WBE. When this occurs, the MBE or WBE who subcontracts work receives credit for the total value of the transportation services the subcontracted MBE or WBE provides on the contract. It should be noted that every effort shall be made by MBE and WBE contractors to subcontract to the same certification (i.e., MBEs to MBEs and WBEs to WBEs), in order to fulfill the participation breakdown. This, however, may not always be possible due to the limitation of firms in the area. If the MBE or WBE firm shows a good faith effort has been made to reach out to similarly certified transportation service providers and there is no interest or availability, and they can get assistance from other certified providers, the Engineer will not hold the prime responsible for meeting the individual MBE or WBE participation breakdown.

(5) The MBE/WBE may also subcontract the work to a non-MBE/WBE firm, including from an owner-operator. The MBE/WBE who subcontracts the work to a non-MBE/WBE is entitled to credit for the total value of transportation services provided by the non- MBE/WBE subcontractor not to exceed the value of transportation services provided by MBE/WBE-owned trucks on the contract. Additional participation by non-MBE/WBE subcontractors receives credit only for the fee or commission it receives as a result of the subcontract arrangement. The value of services performed under subcontract agreements between the MBE/WBE and the Contractor will not count towards the MBE/WBE contract requirement.

(6) A MBE/WBE may lease truck(s) from an established equipment leasing business open to the general public. The lease must indicate that the MBE/WBE has exclusive use of and control over the truck. This requirement does not preclude the leased truck from working for others during the term of the lease with the consent of the MBE/WBE, so long as the lease gives the MBE/WBE absolute priority for use of the leased truck. This type of lease may count toward the MBE/WBE’s credit as long as the driver is under the MBE/WBE’s payroll.

(7) Subcontracted/leased trucks shall display clearly on the dashboard the name of the

MBE/WBE that they are subcontracted/leased to and their own company name if it is not identified on the truck itself. Magnetic door signs are not permitted.

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MBE/WBE Replacement

When a Contractor has relied on a commitment to a MBE or WBE subcontractor (or an approved substitute MBE or WBE subcontractor) to meet all or part of a contract goal requirement, the contractor shall not terminate the MBE/WBE subcontractor or any portion of its work for convenience. This includes, but is not limited to, instances in which the Contractor seeks to perform the work of the terminated subcontractor with another MBE/WBE subcontractor, a non-MBE/WBE subcontractor, or with the Contractor’s own forces or those of an affiliate.

The Contractor must give notice in writing both by certified mail and email to the MBE/WBE subcontractor, with a copy to the Engineer of its intent to request to terminate a MBE/WBE subcontractor or any portion of its work, and the reason for the request. The Contractor must give the MBE/WBE subcontractor five (5) business days to respond to the Contractor’s Notice of Intent to Request Termination and/or Substitution.

If the MBE/WBE subcontractor objects to the intended termination/substitution, the MBE/WBE, within five (5) business days must advise the Contractor and the Department of the reasons why the action should not be approved. The five-day notice period shall begin on the next business day after written notice is provided to the MBE/WBE subcontractor.

A committed MBE/WBE subcontractor may only be terminated or any portion of its work after receiving…