BL095-21 INV

August 27, 2021

INVITATION TO BID

BL095-21

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners is soliciting competitive sealed bids from qualified contractors for the Provision of Meter Reading Services on an Annual Contract (4) One Year Options to Renew for the Department of Water Resources.

Bids should be typed or submitted in ink and returned in a sealed container marked on the outside with the BL# and Company Name. Bids will be received until 2:50 P.M. local time on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at the Gwinnett County Financial Services - Purchasing Division – 2nd Floor, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046. Any bid received after this date and time will not be accepted. Bids will be publicly opened and read at 3:00 P.M. Apparent bid results will be available the following business day on our website www.gwinnettcounty.com.

Questions regarding bids should be directed to Teresa Beecham, Purchasing Associate II at teresa.beecham@gwinnettcounty.com or by calling 770-822-7788, no later than 3:00 P.M. on Thursday, September 16, 2021. Bids are legal and binding upon the bidder when submitted. All bids should be submitted in duplicate.

All contractors must submit with bid, a bid bond, certified check or cashier's check in the amount of five percent (5%) of the total bid. Failure to submit a bid bond with the proper rating will result in the bid being deemed non-responsive.

Successful supplier will be required to meet insurance requirements, submit a one hundred percent (100%) performance bond and a one hundred percent (100%) payment bond. Insurance and Bonding Company should be licensed to do business by the Georgia Secretary of State, authorized to do business in Georgia by The Georgia Insurance Department, listed in the Department of Treasury's Publication of Companies holding Certificates of Authority as Acceptable Surety on Federal Bonds and as acceptable reinsuring companies. The bid bond, payment bond, and performance bond must have an A.M. Best rating of A-5 or higher.

Gwinnett County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to its programs or activities.

Any requests for reasonable accommodations required by individuals to fully participate in any open meeting, program or activity of Gwinnett County Government should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Gwinnett County Justice and Administration Center, 770-822-8165.

The written bid documents supersede any verbal or written prior communications between the parties.

Award will be made to the contractor submitting the lowest responsive and responsible bid. Gwinnett County reserves the right to reject any or all bids to waive technicalities, and to make an award deemed in its best interest. Bids may be split or awarded in entirety. Gwinnett County reserves the option to negotiate terms, conditions and pricing with the lowest responsive, responsible bidder(s) at its discretion.

Award notification will be posted after award on the County website, www.gwinnettcounty.com and contractors submitting a bid will be notified via email.

We look forward to your bid and appreciate your interest in Gwinnett County.

Sincerely, Teresa Beecham Purchasing Associate II`

The following should be returned as your bid: Contractor Transition Plan Submittal Bid Schedule, Pages 10-11 References, Page 12 Sub-Contractors List, Page 13 Bid Bond, Pages 15-16 Ethics Affidavit, Page 31 http://www.gwinnettcounty.com/ mailto:teresa.beecham@gwinnettcounty.com

BL095-21 Page 2

BIDDING REQUIREMENTS

1. Qualifications and Experience of Staff The contractor will be required to provide a combined minimum of 60 meter readers and field service order technicians, along with supervisory personnel, or subcontractors, for the efficient operation of the services hereunder. The contractor represents that all its employees, agents, subcontractors and suppliers who perform services under this contract shall be qualified and competent to perform such services. Any persons employed by the contractor in connection with such operation will be on the contractor’s payroll and will be deemed employees of the contractor for all purposes including taxes and insurance. Any subcontractor not listed in the original bid must be preapproved by Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources (DWR) prior to their use.

DWR shall not be responsible for any increase in price associated with the use of a new subcontractor proposed for use after award of the contract. The contractor’s employees and subcontractors will comply with all rules promulgated by the County for the safe and orderly conduct of the activities carried out within the County.

Upon request, the contractor will provide detailed information that clearly demonstrates an employee’s qualifications and their abilities to fulfill the requirements for this project.

2. Certifications

According to the current State law and County ordinances, meter reading personnel are not required to be certified. However, the contractor will be responsible for adhering to applicable State and local law and any subsequent changes/amendments thereto during the contract period, as exercised.

3. Respondent Identification/Profile

Give the full legal Name of the contractor, the contractor's principal business office and its satellite offices, if any; and indicate the location(s) from which these services for the Department would be staged. Contractor is responsible for providing their own office facilities. Provide the location of the contractor and the driving distance to the Department of Water Resources–Central Facility located at 684 Winder Highway, Lawrenceville 30045. DWR may request information on the contractor's history, business activities, size, employees, officers, affiliates, subsidiaries, ownership and other corporate data. Project teams are acceptable, provided that overall project accountability is with the lead contractor. If an association with other firm(s) is proposed, describe the working relationship, identify specific areas of responsibility of each firm, and identify the lead firm that will have overall project accountability, as well as any specific past experiences with said firm(s) and the working relationship. NOTE: Bid must be submitted by lead contractor, and subcontractors should be listed on the enclosed “List of Subcontractors” form. Contract shall be executed by the lead contractor who submits the bid.

The lead contractor shall be solely responsible for the execution and quality of the work performed. The Department shall have no contractual obligations to or with the sub-contractors.

4. References

All bidders are required to submit a minimum of three (3) references of projects similar in size, scope and nature to that of this project. Each reference should include the project name, location, description (size and characteristics), date of completion, contract amount, and contact information. Indicate the extent of the contractor’s role, whether as lead, subcontractor, or partner. All information supplied should be correct, current, and easily verifiable. Failure to provide adequate information may result in bid being deemed non-responsive.

References presented should clearly demonstrate the contractor’s ability to accomplish DWR’s key objectives.

Similar projects are projects that required the same level of service, or greater, at the same order of magnitude, or greater, as will be required for this project. The experience must be that of the contractor(s) listed in the bid and not that of a parent or related company or the experience of an individual(s). The contractor should have been in business for a minimum of five (5) years. Of relevance would be experience of the contractor in providing meter reading services for State, County and Municipal governments or Water, Sewer and Power Utilities. If contractor submits references and project experience provided by subcontractor(s), they must be the subcontractor(s) for this project in a role relevant to the experience listed, or the associated reference will not be considered valid. Experience will be a determinant in establishing the responsibility of the contractor. If needed, additional references may be requested. References obtained by the County outside of what is submitted by the contractors may be taken into consideration.

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SECTION 1

STATEMENT OF WORK

1.0 SCOPE

The Contractor shall provide daily water meter readings and completion of field service orders on an annual contract for Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources (DWR). DWR has approximately 277,000 water meters that must be read each month (currently ranging from approximately 13,000 to 18,000 per workday). In addition, field service orders are assigned on an as-needed basis to address other needs beyond meter reads.

During 2021, DWR assigned an average of 8,300 service orders per month to the contractor, but this number varies month to month. It shall be the responsibility of the contractor to supply a combined minimum of 60 meter readers and field service order technicians to successfully read all meters and perform all service orders within the timeframe set forth in this contract.

The quantities listed in the Bid Schedule are approximated and are for the sole purpose of assuring uniformity between contractors. Payment shall be for the actual quantities assigned and successfully completed.

TRANSITION PLAN SUBMITAL

The contractor’s submittal to address their plan for ensuring the continuity of service during the transition phase between the existing service provider and the initiation of services under this contract. Aspects to be covered should include but not necessarily be limited to, the provision of uninterrupted meter reading, data transfer and integrity, processing of service orders, and maintaining the quality of service provided to the customers.

1.1 PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Meter Reading Volume:

Contractor will be required to complete approximately 13,000 to 18,000 meter reads per day, as assigned by DWR. Additional work assigned in the form of service orders shall not be considered valid reason for failure to complete the meter reading volumes set out herein.

Meter-reading routes will be standard routes defined by DWR and must be strictly adhered to.

Number of accounts per route may be adjusted upon thirty (30) days written notice by DWR. The Contractor may request adjustment of routes by written notice to the DWR representative. However, final determination of any adjustment will be made by DWR. Based on conservative growth estimates, an average of 5,000 new meters may be added to the system each year. It is the contractor’s responsibility to account for additional staffing level requirements based on the addition of new meters.

Approximately 85% of the meters in the system are designated as residential and it is estimated that the ratio of walking routes to driving routes for these residential meters is 50/50. The remaining meters are associated to commercial and multi-family accounts, which are sized 2" to 10". Approximately 2,000 of these commercial meter locations are contained in vaults or pits and are expected to require special handling and/or entry by 2-person teams. All new 2" meters are installed into regular meter boxes.

All meter readings are completed using the Smart Phone Meter Reading (SPMR) system using Android smart phones. The Android phones are to be provided by the Contractor All service orders (transfer, move-out, move-in, lock-offs and reconnects) will be assigned to the contractor, and completed through, a custom DWR web application on cell phones (smart phones). Cell phones for all field staff are to be provided by the winning contractor at their own expense and must be compatible with both cell phone applications.

1.1.2 Work Schedule:

Completed routes should be uploaded the same day of completion, no later than 9:00 PM. Files uploaded after 9:00PM will be considered submitted on the next business day.

The following holidays will be observed by DWR, unless otherwise notified. If the Contractor desires to perform field activities on the following holidays, they must acquire DWR approval, and minimize impacts to County staff

BL095-21 Page 4 and residents.

New Year’s Day Martin Luther King Jr., Day Presidents' Day Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Veterans' Day Thanksgiving Day Day After Thanksgiving Christmas Eve Christmas Day

1.2 Quality Assurance:

Meter reads must be accurate, with an error level of no greater than 1 error per 1000 reads. On a monthly basis, a penalty of $5.00 may be assessed for each reading error in excess of 1 per 1000 reads. Errors are defined as misreads found by field audit, re-reads requested by billing, customer requested rechecks which, after investigation, confirm a reading error, or meters that were unread without an associated skip code.

Example: 277,000 Meter Reads per Month 300 Read errors during the month -277 Allowable error rate (1 per 1,000) 23 Errors (penalty to be assessed) $5.00 Penalty per read error $115.00 Penalty to be subtracted from invoice

Meter reading errors for the vaulted meters will be allowed for 1 out of each 1000 accounts. Errors are defined as misreads found by field audit, re-reads requested by billing, or customer requested rechecks which, after investigation, confirm a reading error. A penalty of $10.00 will be assessed for each reading error in excess of 1 per 1000.

1.3 Performance of Services:

Startup of Contract and new service areas

The Contractor should be fully operational and familiar with all routes and County operating procedures on the first day that the contract is in effect, except for special requests that are mutually agreed to between the Contractor and the County. The current contract for meter reading services expires on December 31, 2021. The successful contractor will be required to work with DWR staff to coordinate the workflow during the transition phase to ensure that there is not an interruption in services. The anticipated start date is January 01, 2022.

As development continues, DWR will add meter reading service areas and either adjust or add routes. Contractor to be given no more than thirty (30) calendar days to familiarize itself with new service areas added during the contract period.

Schedule: DWR will provide a meter reading schedule consisting of approximately 20 read days per month.

Three days are allowed to complete each of the 20 portions. Contractor shall comply with this schedule to maintain the County's billing cycle. Gwinnett County operates on a daily billing cycle consisting of one portion per day. Each of the portions must be completed on the scheduled day, and all portions must be completed during the month. Failure by the Contractor to complete all scheduled meter readings and required re-reads within the allotted time will result in a charge back to the contractor in the amount of $1,000.00 for each additional business day required to complete the meter reading portion.

Completed Routes: Time is of the essence in relation to the work to be performed. All meter reads are to be completed on the day scheduled. Weather conditions must not prevent the accomplishment of services under

BL095-21 Page 5 this contract unless otherwise agreed to by an authorized representative of DWR. A waiver of penalties for a weather delay in one instance shall not be construed to mean that future waivers will be granted.

Incomplete Routes: Individual accounts within routes, full routes, or partial routes that are returned to DWR as “no read” will be reviewed daily. If upon further investigation it is determined that a reading should have been obtained under contract provisions and could have been obtained by the Contractor through a reasonable level of effort, a penalty of $5.00 per account not read may be assessed. DWR may consider requests for a waiver of such penalty if contractor demonstrates that the missed reads were due to circumstances which could not be reasonably overcome, and were beyond the control of the contractor, such as a deliberate interference by the property owner or failure of the County software. Mechanical failure of contractor’s vehicles or equipment shall not be sufficient reason to wave associated penalties.

If the Contractor finds meter routes can be changed to increase productivity, the Contractor should notify the DWR representative in writing and request changes accordingly.

Meter Conditions: Any physical condition of meter boxes which pose an impediment to readers or citizens must be entered in the hand-held processors by readers when observed. This shall include codes to create work orders to correct broken or obscured meter glass, box, etc. and any note of special interest must be entered such as illegal hookups (straight pipes). Special Notification to the authorized DWR representative is required when the meter reader observes a public safety problem.

Meter/Meter Box Maintenance: The Contractor will be responsible for the routine cleaning of meters and ensuring that accessibility to meters is not hampered by grass, sand, dirt, mud or debris of any kind. It is unacceptable for meter lids to be left off of meters after reading. The Contractor is to note any meter needing a replacement for a missing or broken lid, and a service order will be issued for the Contractor to replace it. Lids will be provided by DWR, and broken lids are to be returned to DWR. No service orders for repairs to meters or meter boxes will be issued to the Contractor.

The Contractor will be responsible for placing pre-printed door notices, provided by DWR, informing the customer of problems and conditions such as possible leaks and high consumption when such conditions are identified.

Transfer Orders: The contractor will be responsible for obtaining a final meter read for customers that are moving out, and to obtain an initial reading for customers that are moving in. Two work orders will be issued and completed as one complete work order. Transfer orders must be completed no later than three business days after issuance or incur a $20.00 penalty.

Move Out Orders: The contractor will be responsible for obtaining a final meter reading for customers that are moving out with no new customer signing up for service at that time. A final meter reading will be taken, and the water meter will be locked off using a DWR supplied device. Two pictures shall be taken of the meter when the move out order is completed. One should show the reading on the meter and the second should show the lock-off device on the curb stop. Move Out orders must be completed no later than three days after issuance or incur a $20.00 penalty.

Move In Application Orders: The contractor will be responsible for obtaining an initial meter reading, unlocking and restoring water services for customers that are moving in. If the customer is not present and there is evidence of a leak or constant flow upon restoring service, water service should be stopped but not locked and a door hanger should be placed to inform the customer of the situation. If a lock-off device is not on the curb stop when the move in order is completed, two pictures must be taken to document this. One should show the meter reading taken and the second should show the serial number of the meter and the curb stop. Move In orders must be completed on the same of day of issuance or incur a $100.00 penalty.

Lock-off Orders: The contractor will be responsible for obtaining a meter reading for customers that are past due on their account. A meter reading will be taken, and the water meter will be locked off using a DWR supplied device. Two pictures shall be taken of the meter when the lock-off order is completed; one showing the reading on the meter, the second showing the lock-off device on the curb stop. Lock-off orders must be completed no later than three days after issuance or incur a $20.00 penalty.

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Reconnect Orders: The contractor will be responsible for obtaining a meter reading for customers that were locked off. A meter reading will be taken, and the water meter will be unlocked, and the water service restored.

If the customer is not present and there is evidence of a leak or constant flow upon restoring service, water service should be stopped but not locked and a door hanger should be placed to inform the customer of the situation. The contractor will be responsible for identifying and reporting evidence of tampering or water theft.

If a lock-off device is not on the curb stop when the reconnection order is completed, two pictures must be taken to document this. One should show the meter reading taken; the second should show the serial number of the meter and the curb stop. Reconnect orders must be completed on the same of day of issuance or incur a $100.00 penalty.

Quality Standards: Meter reading errors for the service orders (Move In, Move-Out, Transfer, Reconnect and Lock-off) will be allowed for 1 out of each 1,000 orders. Errors are defined by each work order issued wherein a customer requests a re-read and after investigation, a reading error is confirmed. A penalty of $20.00 will be assessed for each reading error in excess of 1 per 1,000 Move In, Move-Out, Transfer, Reconnect and Lock-off Orders issued. Error rates are calculated based on the calendar month in which the service request was issued.

Timeliness Standards: DWR will issue the Move In Application, Move Out, Transfer, Lock-off and Reconnect orders no later than 8:00am each day.

1.4 Reporting Requirements:

The Contractor is responsible for submitting to the County, on a daily basis, pictures taken of meters, full reports with meter codes, and any incidents that may relate to the meter reading performance and the distribution system. The format of reports, and the reporting process used, must be approved by the County. Appropriate and accurate use of meter reader entered codes is critical to the County's utility billing operation and is a required part of the meter reading function. Inaccurate codes entered by the meter reader which result in estimated customer utility bills may be charged back to the contractor, at the rate of $5.00 per inaccurately entered code.

1.5.1 Contractor Performance Incentives:

The County intends to provide incentive to the Contractor for assistance in resolving meter conditions which result in under-billing of utility charges to consumers. Specifically, the County will pay $25.00 to the Contractor for each inoperative meter identified by the Contractor and verified by DWR, which has not been previously identified as inoperative by either party, and which is not inoperative due to abuse or damage. Furthermore, the County will pay $25.00 to the Contractor for each meter connection reported by the Contractor to the County, which has not been previously identified, and has not been billed or obtained a meter reading within the previous six (6) months.

Gwinnett County will consider other instances in which incentive pay may be offered to the contractor, provided a savings to the County has been proven.

At DWR’s request, the Contractor will schedule meetings to provide input and recommendations related to the performance of the contract, any deviations from schedule or performance, and potential improvements in the following areas: meter reading technology, meter reader productivity, lost/found meters, meter reading error reduction initiatives, potential opportunities to enhance County revenues or reduce County expenditures, and any other potential proposed improvements that the meter reading vendor would like to discuss.

SECTION 2

SUCCESSFUL CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

2.0 Contractor's Employees:

The Contractor will provide an adequate staffing level as set out in Section 1; 1.0 to successfully perform the work described herein.

If the Contractor plans to use subcontractor(s), the name(s) should be provided in the bid document with a percentage of how much work will be done by the subcontractor(s) (see attached list below). The successful contractor will be responsible for entering into a contract with the County and will be responsible for completion

BL095-21 Page 7 of the services as specified. Failure of any subcontractor to perform will not relieve the Contractor from accountability to the contract.

If the County objects to the continued use of any of the Contractor’s employees or subcontractors at any level, the Contractor will be notified in writing, stating the reason for its objection. The successful Contractor will immediately remove such employee from activities related to this contract until such issues are resolved to DWR’s satisfaction.

2.1 Training:

DWR will provide one 8-hour session of initial training for up to 65 persons to outline the use of the Smart Phone Meter Reading (SPMR) and SmartWorks system application. This will include an overview of DWR service territory for Contractor-selected personnel prior to the start of the contract. This session will be cooperatively scheduled between DWR and the Contractor. Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring the attendance of the session by their staff, and for any future educational needs of new staff.

2.2 Supervision:

The Contractor is an independent contractor and will be solely responsible for full time supervision of all personnel. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, arranging for work assignments; follow-up monitoring of meter readers in the field; scheduling; and monitoring reader activity from reports and follow-up. Problems encountered in the field which could result in schedule delays must be coordinated through the authorized DWR Representative.

2.3 Employee Identification:

Personnel assigned will be required to wear a Contractor provided uniform and picture identification badge. The design of the uniform is subject to approval of the DWR. The badge shall have a photograph of the Contractors employee. Identification badges must be always worn and visible in the field.

When an employee is terminated the identification badge must be returned to the Contractor immediately.

Contractor is to demonstrate that these processes and policies are in effect to the satisfaction of DWR.

Failure to wear appropriate uniform and ID may result in a $25.00/day/employee penalty.

Cleaning of the uniforms will be the responsibility of the Contractor. Contractor’s employees must maintain a neat and clean appearance while providing meter- reading services. Appropriate personnel safety equipment is required and should be provided by the Contractor for all field personnel.

2.4 Drivers License:

Contractor must ensure that all employees required to drive during the performance of this contract, will maintain a valid State of Georgia driver's license. Employees without a valid Georgia driver's license are prohibited from driving a vehicle during performance of this contract.

2.5 Customer Relations:

The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that its employees conduct themselves in a courteous and professional manner when dealing with all customers of DWR. The Contractor shall ensure that DWR customers and their property are always treated with respect.

2.6 Transportation:

The Contractor will be responsible for all transportation needs necessary to complete the work. Contractor owned/provided vehicles are required. Compliance with all insurance requirements per this bid document will be verified through submittal of the Certificate of Insurance provided by the bidder. All vehicles must be maintained to provide a clean appearance, and operate without offensive exhaust emissions, noise pollution, or vehicle leakage. Safety equipment appropriate for the work being undertaken, such as placards (Caution- Frequent Stops), and four-way flashers must be provided by the Contractor for each vehicle used for reading purposes.

All vehicle and equipment related charges shall be incorporated into the per meter read cost as proposed.

BL095-21 Page 8

The Contractor must furnish vehicle identification for each vehicle used to perform services under this contract clearly indicating its use in meter reading services. It should include the company name and logo. Signage to be provided by Contractor at their own expense and must be approved by DWR. Replacements for damaged vehicles can be used without signage at the discretion of DWR.

2.7 Materials and Supplies:

The Contractor must furnish all hand-tools, materials, and supplies necessary to provide services including, but not limited to meter keys, pliers, vault keys, reading tubes and hand pumps.

The County will provide locking devices for accounts identified to be locked off or services to be discontinued and meter box lids for replacing damaged or missing lids.

The Contractor shall be responsible for providing and maintaining all field crews with cellular devices compatible with the web-application used for receiving and processing service requests.

2.8 Meter Reading Devices:

Android smart phones to be used for meter reading and work orders shall be provided by the Contractor. Android smart phones must be compatible with the SPMR and SmartWorks cell phone applications.

2.9 OSHA Standards and Safety:

The Contractor and Contractors employees shall comply with all OSHA safety standards to include, but not limited to, regulations for confined space entry, particularly as it related to large meter vaults.

It is the Contractor's responsibility for the prevention of accidents regarding persons engaged in contract-related work, or persons in the vicinity of the work site. Contractor shall establish and implement safety measures, policies and standards conforming to those required or recommended by governmental or quasi-governmental authorities having jurisdiction.

2.10 Licenses and Permits:

The Contractor shall, at its own expense, obtain all necessary licenses and permits pertaining to the Contract and comply with all statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations and orders of any governmental or quasi-governmental authority having jurisdiction over the Contract or the performance thereof, including, but not limited to, those relating to safety issues, employment issues, and vehicle operation. Contractor shall promptly correct any violations of such statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, orders committed by Contractor, its agents, servants and employees; and Contractor shall receive and respond to, and shall defend, indemnify and save harmless the County, as well as anyone to whom the County is obligated, and their agents, and employees from and against any loss, liability, or expense arising from, any such violations and any citations, assessments, fines, or penalties resulting thereof

2.11 Communications:

At all times, Contractor shall maintain effective and clear lines of communication with the DWR representative through a designated contact and/or backup and shall provide and maintain a current list of contact names, phone numbers and email addresses to ensure that immediate contact can be established if needed.

SECTION 3

SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

3.0 Contract Termination:

Upon termination of this contract, the Contractor agrees to return to DWR all copies, whether physical or electronic, of customer-related information in its possession or control either directly or via sub-contractors at any level. The provisions of this paragraph shall survive termination of this agreement and remain in full force and effect.

Upon termination of this contract, the Contractor agrees to collect and remove any identification, signage, labeling, etc. which would present the appearance of performing official County business.

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3.1 Information Disclosure:

The Contractor or Contractor’s employees shall not, without the prior written consent of DWR, disclose to any person not directly involved with the execution of the contract, any information regarding the customers of DWR acquired by the Contractor while providing services. The Contractor shall not deal with, or make use of, any such information except during and for the purpose of providing services under this contract. Contractor shall be responsible for enforcing this paragraph throughout their organization including subcontractors at any level.

3.2 Upon Notice of Award:

The successful contractor is required within ten (10) days of the Notice of Award to provide the following:

a. Certificate of Insurance as specified in the bid document.

b. Two (2) properly executed contract documents.

c. Payment and Performance Bonds

3.3 Insurance and Payment and Performance Bonds:

Prior to execution of the contract, and always that this Contract is in force, the Contractor shall obtain, maintain, and furnish to the County Certificates of Insurance, and Payment and Performance Bonds from licensed companies licensed to do business in the State of Georgia and acceptable to the County, per the attached requirements.

3.4 Personal or Real Property Damage:

The Contractor shall be responsible for repairing or reimbursing the County for any repairs required from damage made to personal or real property of DWR customers, which was caused during performance of the contract by the Contractor's employee(s). If repairs are provided by Gwinnett County, the total bill will be invoiced to the Contractor for reimbursement.

3.5 Contract Award

Gwinnett County reserves the right to request additional information from Contractors to determine responsiveness/responsibility of Contractors prior to award. Additionally, Gwinnett County may conduct a pre-award meeting with the apparent low responsive/responsible Contractor.

FAILURE TO RETURN THIS PAGE AS PART OF YOUR BID DOCUMENT MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF BID.

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BID SCHEDULE

Having carefully examined the bid documents and having also examined the site conditions, the undersigned Bidder hereby offers to furnish all labor, tools, materials needed for the performance of the entire contract in accordance with said documents and the following Bid Schedule:

ITEM APPROX. QTY DESCRIPTION UNIT TOTAL TOTAL PRICE

1 3,400,000 EA Meter Reading Services per Meter Read, Complete Outsourced Cycles, per specifications $ $

2 22,500 EA Vaulted Meter Reading Services with Entry Required per Meter Read, per specifications $ $

3 3,700 EA Meter Reading Services, Large Remote Meters with Touch Pads per Meter Read, per specifications $ $

4 3,600 EA Detector Check (Fire Line) Vaulted Meters, to be read once a year, per specifications $ $

5 10,000 EA Move In Orders, per specifications $ $

6 29,500 EA Transfer Orders, per specifications $ $

7 13,000 EA Move Out Orders, per specifications $ $

8 40,000 EA Lock Off Orders, per specifications $ $

9 40,000 EA Reconnect Orders, per specifications $ $

10 1,250 EA Meter Lid Replacements, per specifications $ $

TOTAL $

COMPANY NAME: _______________________________________________________________________________

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BID SCHEDULE CONTINUED

In compliance with the attached specifications, the undersigned offers and agrees, if this bid is accepted by the Board of Commissioners within ninety (90) days of the date of bid opening, to furnish any or all the items upon which prices are quoted, at the price set opposite each item, delivered to the designated point(s) within the time specified in the bid schedule. Gwinnett County requires pricing to remain firm for the duration of the initial term of the contract. Failure to hold firm pricing for the initial term of the contract will be sufficient cause for Gwinnett County to declare bid non-responsive. Unless otherwise prices will remain firm for four (4) additional one-year renewal periods. Contract to begin January 01, 2022.

Renewal Option One: ________% Increase _________ % Decrease (Explanation: ______________________________________________________)

Renewal Option Two: ________% Increase _________ % Decrease (Explanation: ______________________________________________________)

Renewal Option Three: ________% Increase _________ % Decrease (Explanation: ______________________________________________________)

Renewal Option Four: ________% Increase _________ % Decrease (Explanation: ______________________________________________________)

Termination for Cause: The County may terminate this agreement for cause upon ten days prior written notice to the contractor of the contractor’s default in the performance of any term of this agreement. Such termination shall be without prejudice to any of the County’s rights or remedies by law.

Termination for Convenience: The County may terminate this agreement for its convenience at any time upon 30 days written notice to the contractor. In the event of the County’s termination of this agreement for convenience, the contractor will be paid for those services performed. Partially completed performance of the agreement will be compensated based upon a signed statement of completion to be submitted by the contractor, which shall itemize each element of performance.

Certification Of Non-Collusion in Bid Preparation Signature Date

By submission of this bid, I understand that Gwinnett County uses Electronic Payments for remittance of goods and services. Contractors should select their preferred method of electronic payment upon notice of award. For more information on electronic payments, please refer to the Electronic Payment information in the instructions to bidders. Pricing to remain firm until award by the Board of Commissioners or beginning of the contract period, January 1, 2021.

Legal Business Name

Federal Tax ID

Address

Does your company currently have a location within Gwinnett County? Yes No

Representative Signature Printed Name

Telephone Number Fax Number E-mail address http://www.gwinnettcounty.com/portal/gwinnett/Departments/FinancialServices/Treasury/

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REFERENCES

All bidders are required to submit three completed (3) references of a similar size and scope as the proposed project. Each reference should include the reference name, location, description (size and characteristics), date of completion, contract amount, and a contact person with phone number, address, and email address.

All information shall be correct, current, and easily verifiable. Failure to provide adequate information may result in bid being deemed non-responsive. Please state contractor’s role, whether as lead, subcontractor, or partner.

1. Reference Name Location Description (size and characteristics)

Contractor Role:

Date of Completion Final Contract Amount $ Contact Person Address City State Zip Phone Number Email Address

2. Reference Name Location Description (size and characteristics)

Contractor Role:

Date of Completion Final Contract Amount $ Contact Person Address City State Zip Phone Number Email Address

3. Reference Name Location Description (size and characteristics)

Contractor Role:

Date of Completion Final Contract Amount $ Contact Person Address City State Zip Phone Number Email Address

Company Name

BL095-21 Page 13

GWINNETT COUNTY, GEORGIA

LIST OF SUBCONTRACTORS

I do , do not , propose to subcontract some of the work on this project. I propose to Subcontract work to the following subcontractors:

NAME AND ADDRESS

TYPE OF WORK

% WORK TO BE

PERFORMED BY

SUBCONTRACTOR

Company Name

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BONDING AND CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

General Bond Requirements

1. Bid Bonds - Amount of bond should be 5% of contract amount and submitted with your bid. Gwinnett County form Attached (Attachment A). Failure to use Gwinnett County Bid Bond Form may result in bid being deemed non-responsive and automatic rejection may occur.

2. Performance Bond - (Supplied by successful vendor) - Amount of bond should be 100% of contract amount.

(MUST USE COUNTY FORM)

3. Payment, Labor and Materials Bonds - (Supplied by successful vendor) - Amount of bond should be 100% of contract amount. (MUST USE COUNTY FORM)

4. Bonding company must be authorized to do business by the Georgia Insurance Department.

5. An original/certified copy of the Bonding company's Certificate of Authority or Power of Attorney must be attached to bond. The Certificate of Authority may be obtained from the Georgia Insurance Department.

6. Bonding company must have a minimum AM Best rating of A-5 or higher as stated in Insurance Requirements.

7. Bonding Company must be listed in the Department of the Treasury's publication of companies holding

Certificates of Authority as acceptable surety on Federal Bonds and as acceptable reinsuring companies. (Dept.

Circular 570; 1992 Revision).

8. After bid opening, vendor has up to forty-eight (48) hours to notify the Gwinnett County Purchasing Office of an obvious error made in calculation of Bid. Withdrawal of Bid Bond for this reason must be done in writing within the forty-eight (48) hour period. Bid Bond may not be withdrawn otherwise.

Contract Requirements

1. Successful vendor is required to do the following within ten (10) days of notification.

A. Return to Purchasing Office contract documents executed by the principal of the company and attested by the secretary or assistant secretary.

B. Provide Insurance certificates as specified in the bid documents.

C. Provide bonding as required by the bid documents.

2. Failure to execute the Contract, Contract Performance Bond and Payment Bond, or furnish satisfactory proof of carriage of the insurance required within ten days after the date of Notice of Award of the Contract may be just cause for the annulment of the award and for the forfeiture of the bid guaranty to Gwinnett County, not as a penalty, but as liquidation of damages sustained. At the discretion of the County, the award may then be made to the next lowest, responsible bidder, or the work may be re-advertised or constructed by County forces. The Contract and Contract Bonds shall be executed in duplicate.

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BID BOND

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: that

(Name of Contractor)

(Address of Contractor) a

(Corporation, Partnership or Individual) hereinafter called Principal, and

(Name of Surety)

(Address of Surety) a Corporation of the State of , and a surety authorized by law to do business in the State of Georgia, hereinafter called Surety, are held and firmly bound unto

Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners (Name of Obligee)

75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046 (Address of Obligee)

Thereinafter referred to as Obligee: in the penal sum of Dollars ($ ) in lawful money of the United States, for the payment of which sum will and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors, administrators and successors, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents.

WHEREAS, the Principal is about to submit, or has submitted, to Gwinnett County, Georgia, a proposal for furnishing materials, labor, and equipment for:

WHEREAS, the Principal desires to file this Bond in accordance with law in lieu of a certified Bidder's check otherwise required to accompany this Proposal.

NOW, THEREFORE, the conditions of this obligation are such that if the proposal be accepted, the Principal shall within ten days after receipt of notification of the acceptance, execute a Contract in accordance with the Proposal and upon the terms, conditions, and prices set forth in the form and manner required by Gwinnett County, Georgia, and execute a sufficient and satisfactory Performance Bond and Payment Bond payable to Gwinnett County, Georgia, each in the amount of 100% of the total Contract Price, in form and with security satisfactory to said Gwinnett County, Georgia, and otherwise, to be and remain in full force and virtue in law, and the Surety shall, upon failure of the Principal to comply with any or all of the foregoing requirements within the time specified above, immediately pay to Gwinnett County, Georgia, upon demand, the amount hereof in good and lawful money of the United States of America, not as a penalty, but as liquidated damages.

Gwinnett County, Georgia PROVIDED, FURTHER, that Principal and Surety agree and represent that this bond is executed pursuant to and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, as Amended, including, but not limited to, O.C.G.A. § 36-91-1 et seq., and is intended to be and shall be constructed as a bond in compliance with the requirements thereof.

Signed, sealed and dated this day of , A.D., 20 .

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ATTEST:

(Principal)

(Principal Secretary)

By:

(SEAL)

(Address)

(Witness as to Principal)

(Surety)

ATTEST: By:

(Attorney-in-Fact)

Resident or Nonresident Agent

(Witness as to Surety)

NOTE: If Contractor is Partnership, all partners should execute Bond. Surety Companies executing Bonds must appear on the Treasury Department's most current list (Circular 570 as amended) and be authorized to transact business in the State where the Project is located.

Principal Secretary, Principal and Witness as to Principal signature lines must be signed by three different individuals.

Additionally, Resident or Nonresident Agent, Witness as to Surety, and Attorney-in-fact must be signed by three different individuals.

BONDING AGENT CONTACT INFO

Print Name

Company Name

E-Mail

Phone

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GENERAL CONDITIONS

To Service Provider AGREEMENT

Article

1 Definitions

2 Contract Documents

3 Changes and Extra Work

4 Personnel and Equipment

5 Accuracy of Work

6 Findings Confidential

7 Termination of Agreement for Cause

8 Termination for Convenience of the COUNTY

9 SERVICE PROVIDER to Cooperate with other SERVICE PROVIDERS

10 Indemnification

11 Covenant Against Contingent Fees

12 Insurance

13 Prohibited Interests

14 Subcontracting

15 Assignability

16 Equal Employment Opportunity

17 Anti-Kickback Clause

18 Audits and Inspectors

19 Ownership, Publication, Reproduction and Use

20 Verbal Agreement or Conversation

21 Independent Service provider

22 Notices

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1 DEFINITIONS

Wherever used in this Agreement, whether in the singular or in the plural, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

1.1 COUNTY-means Gwinnett County, Georgia, a political subdivision of the State of Georgia.

1.2 SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT-means a written order to SERVICE PROVIDER signed by COUNTY and accepted by SERVICE PROVIDER, effecting an addition, deletion or revision in the Work, or an adjustment in the Agreement Price or the Contract Time, issued after execution of this Agreement.

1.3 CONTRACT-means the Agreement Documents specifically identified and incorporated herein by reference in Section 2, CONTRACT DOCUMENTS.

1.4 AGREEMENT EXECUTION-means the date on which SERVICE PROVIDER executes and enters into an Agreement with the COUNTY to perform the Work.

1.5 AGREEMENT PRICE-means the total monies, adjusted in accordance with any provision herein, payable to the SERVICE PROVIDER under this Agreement.

1.6 CONTRACT TIME-means the period of time stated in this Agreement for the completion of the Work.

1.7 SERVICE PROVIDER-means the party or parties contracting directly with the COUNTY to perform Work pursuant to this Agreement.

1.8 DEPARTMENT- means the Director or designee of requesting department(s) named in this solicitation.

1.9 DRAWINGS-means collectively, all the drawings, receipt of which is acknowledged by the COUNTY, listed in this Agreement, and also such supplementary drawings as the SERVICE PROVIDER may issue from time to time in order to clarify or explain such drawing or to show details which are not shown thereon.

1.10 SPECIFICATIONS-means the written technical provisions including all appendices thereto, both general and specific, which form a part of the Agreement Documents.

1.11 SUBSERVICE PROVIDER-means any person, firm, partnership, joint venture, company, corporation, or entity having a contractual agreement with SERVICE PROVIDER or with any of its subservice providers at any tier to provide a part of the Work called for by this Agreement.

1.12 WORK-means any and all obligations, duties and responsibilities, including furnishing equipment, engineering, design, workmanship, labor and any other services or things necessary to the successful completion of the Project, assigned to or undertaken by SERVICE PROVIDER under this Agreement.

1.13 LIAISON-Representative of the COUNTY who shall act as Liaison between the County and the SERVICE

PROVIDER for all matters pertaining to this Agreement, including review of SERVICE PROVIDER'S plans and work.

2 CONTRACT DOCUMENTS

2.1 LIST OF DOCUMENTS

The Agreement, any required bonds, the General Conditions, the Appendices, the Detailed Scope of Work, the Specifications, the Drawings, the Exhibits, and all Agreement Supplemental Agreements shall constitute the Agreement Documents.

2.2 CONFLICT AND PRECEDENCE

2.2.1 The Agreement Documents are complementary, and what is called for by one is as binding as if called for by all. In the event there are any conflicting provisions or requirements in the

BL095-21 Page 19 component parts of this Agreement, the several Agreement Documents shall take precedence in the following order:

1. Supplemental Agreements

2. Agreement

3. General Conditions

4. Detailed Scope of Work

5. Specifications

6. Drawings

3 CHANGES AND EXTRA WORK

The COUNTY may, at any time, request changes in the work to be performed hereunder. All such changes, including any increase or decrease in the amount of the SERVICE PROVIDER'S compensation, which are mutually agreed upon by and between the COUNTY and the SERVICE PROVIDER, shall be incorporated in written Supplemental Agreements to the Agreement.

4 PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT

The SERVICE PROVIDER represents that it has secured or will secure, at its own expense, all personnel necessary to complete this Agreement; none of whom shall be employees of, or have any contractual relationship with, the COUNTY.

Primary liaison with the COUNTY will be through its designee. All of the services required hereunder will be performed by the SERVICE PROVIDER under its supervision, and all personnel engaged in the work shall be fully qualified and shall be authorized or permitted under law to perform such services.

The SERVICE PROVIDER shall employ only persons duly registered in the appropriate category in responsible charge of supervision and design of the work; and further shall employ only qualified surveyors in responsible charge of…