BRIDGETON BOARD OF EDUCATION

BRIDGETON, NEW JERSEY 08302

Goods and Services

Bid Specifications

General Requirements

PAINTING SERVICE

Bid No. FY 27-020

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Bid Opening Date

10:00 a.m.

Bid Opening Time

Pasquale Yacovelli

School Business Administrator/Board Secretary

Jamie Weldon Purchasing Agent

BRIDGETON, NEW JERSEY 08302

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Bid Advertisement

The BRIDGETON Board of Education hereby advertises for competitive bid pricing in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-21(a) (b).

Bid No. FY 27-020 Painting Service

All necessary bid specifications and bid forms may be secured upon written request to:

Bridgeton Board of Education 41 Jack Surrency Way

(GPS Directions: 41 Bank Street) Bridgeton, New Jersey 08302

E mail: Purchasing@bridgeton.org

Bids may be submitted in a sealed envelope and delivered to the Office of the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary of Bridgeton Board of Education OR Bids may be electronically submitted via School District's e-Procurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/bridgetonk12nj on or before the date and time indicated below.

The envelope to bear the following information:

Title: Painting Service Bid Number: FY 27-020

Name and Address of the Bidder:

Bid Opening Date Wednesday, September 2, 2026 Bid Opening Time: 10:00 a.m.

Location of Bid Opening;

Bridgeton Board of Education 41 Jack Surrency Way (GPS Directions: 41 Bank Street)

Bridgeton, New Jersey 08302

The bid opening process will begin on the above advertised date and time at the Bridgeton Board of Education, Street Address, Bridgeton, New Jersey 08302. Bids may also be submitted to the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary or his designee at the bid opening meeting, prior to the advertised date and time. On the advertised date and time, the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary shall publicly receive and open all bids.

No bids shall be received after the time designated in the advertisement. (N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-21(b)).

“Bidders are required to comply with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 17:27 et seq.”

Statement of Ownership Requirement: Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:25-24.2, Bidders shall submit a statement setting forth the names and addresses of all persons and entities that own ten percent or more of its stock or interest of any type at all levels of ownership.

A Non-Collusion Affidavit and a Contractor Questionnaire/Certification also must be submitted with the bid.

The bid package will also include other documents that must be completed and returned with the bid. Failure to comply with Instructions to Bidders and to complete and submit all required forms, may be cause for disqualification and rejection of the bid.

The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all bids pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-2(s), (t), (x), (y), N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-4(a), N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-22, and to waive minor informalities or non-material exceptions, that may be in the best interest of the Board.

ETHICS IN PURCHASING

Statement to Vendors

BOARD OF EDUCATION RESPONSIBILITY

Recommendation of Purchases

It is the desire of the Board of Education to have all Board employees and officials practice exemplary ethical behavior in the procurement of goods, materials, supplies, and services.

School officials and employees who recommend purchases shall not extend any favoritism to any vendor. Each recommended purchase should be based upon quality of the items, service, price, delivery, and other applicable factors in full compliance with N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-1 et.seq.

Solicitation/Receipt of Gifts – Prohibited

School officials and employees are prohibited from soliciting and receiving funds, gifts, materials, goods, services, favors, and any other items of value from vendors doing business with the Board of Education or anyone proposing to do business with the Board.

VENDOR RESPONSIBILITY

Offer of Gifts, Gratuities -- Prohibited

Any vendor doing business or proposing to do business with the Board of Education, shall neither pay, offer to pay, either directly or indirectly, any fee, commission, or compensation, nor offer any gift, gratuity, or other thing of value of any kind to any official or employee of the Board or to any member of the official’s or employee’s immediate family.

Vendor Influence -- Prohibited

No vendor shall cause to influence or attempt to cause to influence any official or employee of the Board, in any manner which might tend to impair the objectivity or independence of judgment of said official or employee.

VENDOR CERTIFICATION

Vendors or potential vendors will be asked to certify that no official or employee of the Board of Education or immediate family members are directly or indirectly interested in this request or have any interest in any portions of profits thereof. The vendor participating in this request must be an independent vendor and not an official or employee of the Board of Education.

ADVISORY INFORMATION FOR BIDDERS

1. PROMPTNESS OF BID SUBMITTAL

It is the responsibility of the bidder to ensure that their sealed bid is presented to the Office of the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, prior to the advertised bid date and time. The advertised bid date and time for this bid is Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. No bids shall be received after the time designated in the bid advertisement. No extensions or exceptions will be made. The Business Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm according to the school calendar. Access to the Business Office may be delayed because of Security clearance. Bids may be electronically submitted via School District's e-Procurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/bridgetonk12nj. Bidders may also submit bids to the School

Business Administrator/Board Secretary at the bid opening meeting held in the Board of Education Meeting Room, prior to the advertised bid opening date and time. Once again, bids will not be received after the time designated in the advertisement.

2. PARKING

Parking in the vicinity of the Board of Education Administration Building is at a premium. Allow enough time to locate a parking space.

3. MAIL

Mail is brought to the Board Offices at approximately 11:00a.m. each day. The mail is then sorted within the district system, by departments. The Business Office routinely receives its mail at approximately 11:30 a.m.

4. UPS / FED EX / AND OTHER EXPRESS DELIVERY SERVICES

Deliveries of this type usually begin at 11:00a.m. These items are brought only to the receptionist at the main building entrance. The receptionist then calls the various departments with a request to pick up their items. There may be some delay in getting bids to the Business Office on the top floor because of

Security clearance and/or the slowness of the elevator to the Third Floor of the Administration Building.

5. HAND DELIVER BIDS – SUGGESTED PRACTICE

Keeping the aforementioned items in mind, the Board suggests that bidders arrange to hand deliver their bid to the Office of the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary, before the advertised date and time. Please understand that bids arriving after the advertised bid date and time for any reason, cannot be accepted, opened or considered.

BID CHECKLIST

A. Documents to be Returned with Bid

1. Acknowledgement of Addenda

2. Affirmative Action Questionnaire or Certificate of Employee Information Report stapled to Questionnaire.

3. Bid Guarantee (Bid Bond, Cashier’s Check, or Certified Check) (Only if Required)

4. Bid Proposal Form

5. Bidder Comment Form – Optional

6. Business Registration Certificate – New Jersey (Prior to issuance of a contract)

7. Certificate (Consent) from Surety (Only if Required)

8. Chapter 271 Political Contribution Disclosure Form

9. Contractor/Vendor Questionnaire / Certification

10. Non-Collusion Affidavit

11. Stockholders’ /Partnership Disclosure Affidavit, and Ownership Declaration

12. Disclosure of Investment Activities in IRAN

13. Certification of Non-Involvement in Prohibited Activities in Russia or Belarus

14. W-9 Form

The documents listed above when required, are to be submitted with the bid package. Failure to submit them may be cause for disqualification for being non-responsive pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-2(y).

B. Reminder Checklist As a courtesy, the Office of the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary has prepared this reminder checklist for items pertaining to this bid. The checklist is not considered to be all -inclusive. Bidders are to read and become familiar with all instructions outlined in the bid package.

Item Yes No

1. Have you verified your pricing to ensure accuracy?

2. Have you answered question fully and accurately?

3. Have you signed all your documents (blue ink)? No facsimile signature.

4. Have you prepared all documents for submission?

5. Did you make a copy of the bid package for your records?

6. Did you submit a Bid Guarantee? Consent of Surety? (Only if required)

7. Did you correctly address the envelope?

8. Have you allowed ample time for the bid to reach the Business Office?

GENERAL

SPECIFICATIONS

Painting Service

INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS

1. BIDS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED TO: Jamie Weldon

Bridgeton Board of Education 41 Jack Surrency Way (GPS Directions: 41 Bank Street)

BY: 10:00 a.m. PREVAILING TIME ON: Wednesday, September 2, 2026

2. Bids may be submitted in a sealed envelope and delivered to the Office of the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary of Bridgeton Board of Education OR Bids may be electronically submitted via School District's e-Procurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/bridgetonk12nj on or before the date and time indicated below.

3. Bids placed in a sealed envelope/package must be clearly marked with Painting Service on the front of the envelope/package.

Title: Painting Service

Bid Number: FY 27-020 Name and Address of the Bidder

Bid Opening Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2026 Bid Opening Time: 10:00 a.m.

Failure to properly label the bid envelope may lead to the rejection of the bid.

4. BID OPENING MEETING

All bids will be publicly received and unsealed by the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary in the Board of Education Boardroom, 41 Jack Surrency Way (GPS Directions: 41 Bank Street), Bridgeton, New Jersey 08302 and read beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Bidders and/or their authorized agents, and the general public are invited to be present at the bid opening. It is the responsibility of each bidder to ensure that their bid is complete and presented to the School Business

Administrator/Board Secretary prior to the advertised bid date and time. No bids shall be received or accepted by the Board of Education after the advertised bid date and time. (N.J.S.A. 18A:18A:21(b))

5. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION REQUIREMENTS

Each company shall submit to the Board of Education, after notification of award, but prior to execution of a goods and services contract, one of the following three documents:

• Appropriate evidence that the contractor is operating under an existing federally approved or sanctioned affirmative action program;

• A certificate of Employee Information Report approval issued in accordance with N.J.A.C.17:27-4;

or

• The successful bidder (respondent) shall complete an Employee Information Report, Form AA-302, and submit it to the Division of Purchase and Property Contract Compliance and Audit Unit with a check or money order for $150.00 made payable to the Treasurer, State of NJ and forward a copy of the form and check/money order to the board of education. Upon submission and review by the Division, the Report shall constitute evidence of compliance with the regulations.

Please note: A completed and signed Affirmative Action Questionnaire is requested with submission of bid/proposal. However, the Board will accept in lieu of the Questionnaire, Affirmative Action Evidence in the form of a current Certificate of Employee Information Report submitted with the bid/proposal.

If awarded a contract your company/firm will be required to comply with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 17:27 et seq., and the terms and conditions of the Mandatory Equal Employment Opportunity Language—Exhibit A.

Sample Certificate of Employee Information Report

All respondents are urged to submit with their response, a copy of their firm’s Certificate of Employee Information Report. Failure to submit the Certificate of Employee Information Report or other

Affirmative Action evidence prior to the execution or award of contract will result in the rejection of the bid/proposal.

6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS

All disputes relating to the performance of the contract shall be submitted first to non-binding mediation by a single mediator. The mediation shall be held at the Board of Education offices before a single mediator who is mutually acceptable to the parties. The parties shall share the mediator’s fees equally. If the dispute is submitted for mediation, the neutral party must demonstrate knowledge of the Public School Contracts Law.

The arbitration of claims is expressly excluded under this contract. This alternative dispute resolution practices required by this section shall not apply to disputes concerning the bid solicitation process, or to the formation of contracts. Nothing shall prevent either party from seeking injunctive or declaratory relief in court at any time.

7. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

The contractor must comply with all provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), P.L 101-336, in accordance with 42 U.S.C. S121 01 et seq.

8. ANTI-BULLYING BILL OF RIGHTS—REPORTING OF HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION AND BULLYING—

CONTRACTED SERVICE

The contracted service provider shall comply with all applicable provisions of the New Jersey Anti -Bullying Bill of Rights Act—N.J.S.A. 18A:37-13.1 et seq., all applicable code and regulations, and the Anti-Bullying Policy of the Board of Education. The district shall provide to the contracted service provider a copy of the board’s Anti-Bullying Policy.

In accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.7 (c), a contracted service provider, who has witnessed, or has reliable information that a student has been subject to harassment, intimidation, or bullying shall immediately report the incident to any school administrator or safe schools resource officer, or the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary.

9. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION PROVISIONS—N.J.S.A. 10:2-1

N.J.S.A. 10:2-1. Anti-discrimination provisions. Every contract for or on behalf of the State or any county or municipality or other political subdivision of the State, or any agency of or authority created by any of the foregoing, for the construction, alteration or repair of any public building or public work or for the acquisition of materials, equipment, supplies or services shall contain provisions by which the contractor agrees that:

a. In the hiring of persons for the performance of work under this contract or any subcontract hereunder, or for the procurement, manufacture, assembling or furnishing of any such materials, equipment, supplies or services to be acquired under this contract, no contractor, nor any person acting on behalf of such contractor or subcontractor, shall, by reason of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation or sex, discriminate against any person who is qualified and available to perform the work to which the employment relates;

b. No contractor, subcontractor, nor any person on his behalf shall, in any manner, discriminate against or intimidate any employee engaged in the performance of work under this contract or any subcontract hereunder, or engaged in the procurement, manufacture, assembling or furnishing of any such materials, equipment, supplies or services to be acquired under such contract, on account of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation or sex;

c. There may be deducted from the amount payable to the contractor by the contracting public agency, under this contract, a penalty of $50.00 for each person for each calendar day during which such person is discriminated against or intimidated in violation of the provisions of the contract; and

d. This contract may be canceled or terminated by the contracting public agency, and all money due or to become due hereunder may be forfeited, for any violation of this section of the contract occurring after notice to the contractor from the contracting public agency of any prior violation of this section of the contract.

No provision in this section shall be construed to prevent a board of education from designating that a contract, subcontract or other means of procurement of goods, services, equipment or construction shall be awarded to a small business enterprise, minority business enterprise or a women's business enterprise pursuant to P.L.1985, c.490 (C.18A:18A-51 et seq.).

10. BID GUARANTEE AND BONDING REQUIREMENTS (N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-24)

Please note: The name, address, and phone number of the Bond Underwriter as well as the Bond Number shall be included with all bonds submitted to the Board of Education.

A. Bid Guarantee X REQUIRED NOT REQUIRED

When required, each bid shall be accompanied by a bid bond, cashiers or certified check for ten per cent (10%) of the amount of the total contract, but not in excess of $20,000. This guarantee shall be made payable to the BRIDGETON Board of Education. Such deposit shall be forfeited upon refusal of a bidder to execute a contract; otherwise, checks shall be returned when the contract is executed and the performance bond (if required) is filed with the Board of Education. The bid number assigned to this bid shall be included on the bid bond, cashiers or certified check.

The bid Security check for unsuccessful bidders, if requested, will be returned as soon after the bid opening as possible but in no event later than (10) days after the bid opening.

Please note: Uncertified business checks, personal checks or money orders are not acceptable.

All bid bonds submitted, must be signed and witnessed with original signatures. The Board will not accept facsimile or rubber stamp signatures on the bid bond. Failure to sign the bid bond by either the

Surety or Principal shall be deemed cause for disqualification of the bid. The Attorney-in-Fact who executes the bond on behalf of the surety shall affix to the bond a certified and current copy of the

Power of Attorney. The name, address and phone number of the Bond Underwriter as well as the Bond Number shall be included with all bonds submitted to the Board. The bid guarantee shall include the bid number or solicitation number assigned by the board of education.

The Board of Education will only accept bid bonds from companies that are licensed and qualified to do business in the State of New Jersey. A list (Approved Surety Companies) may be available upon request to the State of New Jersey, Department of Banking and Insurance, P.O. Box 325, Trenton, New Jersey

08625.

The bid number assigned to this bid shall be included on the bid bond, cashiers or certified check.

The board will not accept a bid with multiple bid numbers listed on the bid bond.

Failure to submit or sign a bid guarantee by either the Surety or Principal, and/or failure to submit the properly executed bid bond with the bid package shall be deemed cause for disqualification and rejection of bid.

B. Certificate (Consent) of Surety REQUIRED X NOT REQUIRED

When required, each bidder shall submit with its bid, a certificate from a surety company stating that the surety company will provide the contractor with a performance bond in an amount equal to the amount of the contract (N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-25). Such surety company must be licensed and qualified to do business in the State of New Jersey. The certificate (consent) of Surety, together with a power of attorney, must be submitted with the bid. Failure to submit or sign the Certificate (Consent) of Surety by either the

Surety or Principal, and/or failure to submit the properly executed Certificate (Consent) of Surety with the bid package shall be deemed cause for disqualification and rejection of bid.

C. Performance Bond REQUIRED X NOT REQUIRED

When required, the successful bidder shall furnish a Performance, Payment and Completion Bond in a sum of at least one hundred percent (100%) of the total amount payable by the terms of this Contract.

Such written guarantee shall be made payable to the BRIDGETON Board of Education and shall be in the form required by Statute.

Such bond shall further carry a stipulation that no advance, premature, excessive or delayed payments by the Board shall in any way affect the obligation of the Surety on its bond.

Such bond shall further stipulate that no payments made to the Contractor, nor partial or entire use of occupancy of the work by the Board shall be an acceptance of any work or materials not in accordance with this Contract and the Surety shall be equally bound to the same extent as the Contractor.

It is expressly stipulated that the Surety for the Contractor on the project shall be obligated to make periodic inquiries of the Board at reasonable times, to determine whether its Principal has performed or was performing the Contract in accordance with all of its terms and conditions, particularly in relation to the progress payments scheduled under said Contract with the Board.

In the event the Contractor defaults or fails to perform or finish the work prescribed under the Contract for any reason whatsoever, it shall become the unqualified obligation of the Surety for the defaulting contractor to complete the Contract in accordance with its terms following receipt of notice from the owner of such default.

The Contractor shall execute a formal contract with the Board in the form required and in such number of counterparts as the Board may request. Such Performance, Payment and Completion Bond shall be furnished and such Contracts shall be executed and delivered by the contractor within ten

(10) days after the receipt by the contractor of notice accepting his bid by the Board.

The Board of Education will only accept performance bonds from surety companies that are licensed and qualified to do business in the State of New Jersey.

11. BID PRICE GUARANTEE – Ninety (90) Days from Award of Contract

When the Board of Education requests bid prices for supplies, materials and equipment, the contractor(s) shall agree to guarantee the bid price(s) for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of the award of contract. Contractor(s) may extend the bid price guarantee through written permission to the Board of Education.

12. BID PRICES

In the event of discrepancy between the unit price and the extension, the unit price will govern. The Board assumes no responsibility to recalculate totals if award is made on the basis of totals.

13. BID PROPOSAL FORM

All bids are to be written in by typewriter or ink in a legible manner on the official Bid Proposal Form. Any bid price showing any erasure or alteration must be initialed by the bidder in ink, at the right margin next to the altered entry. Failure to initial any erasure or alteration may be cause to disqualify that particular bid entry.

If the disqualified entry is a required one, the entire bid may be subject to rejection. Bidders are urged to fill out and complete all entries with care.

The Bid Proposal Form must be duly signed by the authorized representative of the company in the appropriate space, at the end of the Bid Proposal Form. Failure to sign the Bid Proposal Form may be cause to disqualify the entire bid. If the Bid Proposal Form contains more than one sheet, then bidders are requested to affix the company name and address on each intervening sheet between the front sheet and the signature sheet which already bear the company information.

The Board of Education will not consider any bid on which there is any alteration to, or departure from, the bid specifications. Bidders are not to make any changes on the Bid Proposal Form, or qualify their bid with conditions differing from those defined in the bid specification documents. If bidders do make changes on the Bid Proposal Form, except as noted above for initialed clerical mistakes, it shall be cause to disqualify that particular bid as non-responsive N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-2(y).

Bidders are to submit one bid price per item. The Board will not accept multiple bids on an individual basis, nor will the Board accept a “bottom line” or “all or none” bid subject to the bidder receiving the entire contract.

14. BIDDER’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR BID SUBMITTAL

It is the responsibility of the bidder to ensure that their bid is presented to the Office of the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary and officially received before the advertised date and time of the bid. It is understood and agreed upon that any person in the Board of Education will be absolved from responsibility for the premature opening of any bid envelope not properly labeled and sealed.

15. BRAND NAME OR EQUIVALENT

Whenever the Board of Education requests a brand name for a particular item, it will consider a “brand name or equivalent”. If the bidder desires to bid an equivalent item the bidder shall do the following:

a. On the Bid Proposal Form, write in ink next to the item requested, the bidder’s substitute item, including brand name, model number and full description of item. This is the only change to the Bid Proposal Form the Board will accept.

b. Provide a sample of the substitute item if requested. The sample item must be provided before or at the time of the bid opening. With the sample item shall be a paper, brochure or illustrative literature outlining the brand/manufacturer name, model number and full description of item.

c. If a sample is not required the Board requests a brochure, pamphlet, or illustrative literature that outlines the specifications of the item including manufacturer’s name, model number, etc.

d. Failure to provide a sample item or literature about substitute bids when requested may be cause for disqualification of that item from the bid.

e. It is the responsibility of the bidder to demonstrate equivalency of items offered.

Please note: Bidders are to only bid brand name or equivalent. The Board will not accept multiple bids on individual items.

16. BUSINESS REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE (N.J.S.A. 52:32-44)

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:32-44, the board of education is prohibited from entering into a contract with an entity unless the bidder/proposer/contractor, and each subcontractor that is required by law to be named in a bid/proposal/contract has a valid Business Registration Certificate on file with the Division of

Revenue and Enterprise Services within the Department of the Treasury.

Request of the Board of Education All bidders or companies providing responses for requested proposals, are requested to submit with their response package a copy of their “New Jersey Business Registration Certificate” as issued by the Department of Treasury of the State of New Jersey.

The Board reminds all respondents that failure to submit the New Jersey Business Registration Certificate prior to the award of contract will result in the rejection of the proposal.

Subcontractors

Prior to contract award or authorization, the contractor shall provide the Contracting Agency with its proof of business registration and that of any named subcontractor(s).

Subcontractors named in a bid or other proposal shall provide proof of business registration to the bidder, who in turn, shall provide it to the Contracting Agency prior to the time a contract, purchase order, or other contracting document is awarded or authorized.

During the course of contract performance:

(1) The contractor shall not enter into a contract with a subcontractor unless the subcontractor first provides the contractor with a valid proof of business registration.

(2) The contractor shall maintain and submit to the Contracting Agency a list of subcontractors and their addresses that may be updated from time to time.

(3) The contractor and any subcontractor providing goods or performing services under the contract, and each of their affiliates, shall collect and remit to the Director of the Division of Taxation in the Department of the Treasury, the use tax due pursuant to the Sales and Use Tax Act, (N.J.S.A. 54:32B-1 et seq.) on all sales of tangible personal property delivered into the State. Any questions in this regard can be directed to the Division of Taxation at (609)292-6400. Form NJ-REG can be filed online at http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/revenue/busregcert.shtml.

Before final payment is made under the contract, the contractor shall submit to the Contracting Agency a complete and accurate list of all subcontractors used and their addresses.

N.J.S.A. 54:49-4.1: Violations of Registration Requirements; Penalties.

A business organization that fails to provide a copy of a business registration as required pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2001, c.134 (C.52:32-44 et al.) or subsection e. or f. of section 92 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-92), or that provides false information of business registration under the requirements of either of those sections, shall be liable for a penalty of $25 for each day of violation, not to exceed $50,000 for each business registration copy not properly provided under a contract with a contracting agency or under a casino service industry enterprise contract.

SAMPLES OF

NEW JERSEY

BUSINESS

REGISTRATION

CERTIFICATES ➔

17. CHALLENGES TO BID SPECIFICATIONS (N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-15)

Any prospective bidder who wishes to challenge a bid specification shall file such challenge in writing with the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary no less than three (3) business days prior to the opening of bids. Challenges filed after that time shall be considered void and having no impact on the Board of Education or the award of a contract.

18. COMPLIANCE WITH ALL LAWS -- Where applicable

Special attention is called to requirements for Public Liability and Property Damage Insur ance, Workmen’s Compensation Insurance, Social Security Act, Labor, Employment, Unemployment, Wages, Hours, Discrimination in Employment and Assignment of Contract.

The provisions of the New Jersey School Law shall bind all parties and interests to the Contract. Contractor shall comply with all Federal and State Laws, and all rules and regulations of health, public or other authorities controlling or limiting the methods, materials to be used or actions of those employed in work of this kind.

Any labor or material in addition to that described in the specifications and which is necessary to comply with these laws, rules, ordinances or regulations shall be provided by the Contractor.

Contractor shall keep himself informed of all existing and future State and Federal Laws in any manner affecting those engaged or employed in the work, and shall protect and indemnify the Owner, its officers, members and agents against any claim or liability arising from or based on the violation of any such law, ordinance, regulation order or defects.

19. CONTRACTOR/VENDOR REQUIREMENTS—ACCESS AND MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS

Contractors/vendors doing business with the board of education are reminded of the following legal requirements pertaining to the Office of the New Jersey State Comptroller:

A. Access to Relevant Documents and Information—N.J.S.A. 52:15C-14 (d)

Private vendors or other persons contracting with or receiving funds from a unit in the Executive branch of

State government, including an entity exercising executive branch authority, independent State authority, public institution of higher education, or unit of local government or board of education shall upon request by the State Comptroller provide the State Comptroller with prompt access to all relevant documents and information as a condition of the contract and receipt of public monies. The State Comptroller shall not disclose any document or information to which access is provided that is confidential or proprietary. If the State Comptroller finds that any person receiving funds from a unit in the Executive branch of State government, including an entity exercising executive branch authority, independent State authority, public institution of higher education, or unit of local government or board of education refuses to provide information upon the request of the State Comptroller, or otherwise impedes or fails to cooperate with any audit or performance review, the State Comptroller may recommend to the contracting unit that the person be subject to termination of their contract, or temporarily or permanently debarred from contracting with the contracting unit.

B. Maintenance of Contract Records—N.J.A.C. 17:44-2.2

Relevant records of private vendors or other persons entering into contracts with covered entities are subject to audit or review by OSC pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:15C-14(d).

The contractor/vendor to whom a contract has been awarded, shall maintain all documentation related to products, transactions or services under this contract for a period of five years from the date of final payment. Such records shall be made available to the New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller upon request.

Board of Education Requirement

In addition to, and independent of, the requirements of N.J.S.A. 52:15C-14 (d) and N.J.A.C. 17:44-2.2, the Contractor shall also maintain and make any or all books and records related to products transactions or services rendered under this contract, available to the Board of Education upon request.

20. CONTRACTS

A. Award of Contract, Rejection of Bid(s)

The contract shall be awarded, if at all, to the lowest responsible bidder as determined by the Board of Education. The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all bids pursuant to N.J.S.A.

18A:18A-2(s), (t), (x), (y), 18A:18A-4(a), 18A:18A-22, to waive minor informalities or non-material exceptions, that may be in the best interest of the Board. The Board may at its option accept the lowest bid on each item and split awards among the various bidders who submit the lowest responsible bids.

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-36 the Board of Education shall award the contract or reject all bids within sixty (60) days, noting the exception highlighted in the law.

B. Equal Prices

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-37(d) when two or more bidders submit equal prices and the prices are the lowest responsible bids, the Board may award the contract to the vendor whose response, in the discretion of the Board, is the most advantageous, price and other factors considered.

C. Return of Contracts and Related Contract Documents--When required

Upon notification of award of contract by the Board of Education, the contractor shall sign and execute a formal contract agreement between the Board of Education and the contractor, when required.

Purchase Order—considered to be a contract. N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-2 (n) If a formal contract is not required by the Board of Education, an approved and signed Board of Education Purchase Order will constitute as a contractual agreement. When a formal contract is required, the contractor shall sign and execute said contracts and return the contracts with other required documents to the Office of the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary. Failure to execute the contract and return said contract and related documents within the prescribed time may be cause for a delay in payment for services rendered or products received or the annulment of award by the Board of Education with the bid Security becoming property of the Board of Education. The Board of Education reserves the right to accept the bid of the next lowest responsible bidder, in such a case.

D. Renewal of Contract; Services

The Board of Education may, at its discretion, request that a contract for services be renewed in full accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-42. The School Business Administrator/Board Secretary may negotiate terms for a renewal of contract proposal and present such negotiated proposal to the Board of Education. All multi-year contracts and renewals are subject to the availability and appropriation annually of sufficient funds as may be needed to meet the extended obligation. The Board of Education is the final authority in awarding renewals of contracts.

E. Term of Contract

The contractor, to whom the contract is awarded, will be required to do and perform the work/services and to provide and furnish the materials in connection therewith in accordance with the plans and specifications for the 2026-2027 school year.

F. Purchase Order Required; Notice to Proceed

No contractor or vendor shall proceed with any project, provide any service, or deliver any goods until he is in receipt of an approved purchase order authorizing work to begin or goods to be delivered.

21. DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, OR DISQUALIFICATION

The Board of Education will not enter into a contract for work with any person, company or firm that is on the State Department of Labor and Workforce Development; Prevailing Wage Debarment List, or the

State of New Jersey Consolidated Debarment Report

(www.state.nj.us/treasury/debarred). Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:32-44.1 (a), any person that is debarred at the federal level from contracting with a federal government agency shall be debarred from contracting for any public work in this State.

All bidders are required to submit a sworn statement indicating whether the entity listed on the bid form or any person employed by this entity, nor the person’s affiliates are not debarred from contracting with a federal government agency, nor debarred from contracting with the State of New

Jersey. The Board of Education will verify the certification by consulting

• New Jersey Department of Treasury – Consolidated Debarment Report

• NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development– Prevailing Wage Debarment List

• Federal Debarred Vendor List—System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

22. DELETION OF BIDDERS FROM BIDDERS LIST

The Board of Education will delete the name of vendors from the Board’s list of bidders if on three (3) occasions the vendor did not respond to a request for bids. A letter from the vendors stating “no bid” will not be considered as a “no response to bid.”

23. DELIVERY

FOB Destination, Freight Prepaid - The contractor, to whom the contract is awarded, retains title and control of goods and selects the carrier and is responsible for the risk of transportation; title passes to the Board of Education upon delivery and ownership by the Board; the successful bidder pays and bears the costs of all freight and delivery charges listed below. The Board of Education recognizes two (2) types of delivery:

A. Inside Delivery

Items are to be delivered to a Board of Education location and taken off the truck by transportation carrier personnel and brought to a designated area inside the school or office building.

B. Spotted Delivery

Items are to be delivered to a Board of Education location and taken off the truck by transportation carrier personnel and brought to a designated area inside the school or office building. Transportation carrier personnel are responsible to then uncrate, set up, assemble items to determine good working order and remove all debris to the satisfaction of the Board of Education.

Contractors are cautioned to provide adequate personnel to deliver goods as none will be provided by the Board of Education. If a specialized person is needed to set up, assemble or an erect item, such assembly shall be completed within five (5) school days of the actual delivery date. Failure to assemble, setup, or erect items within the stated time may result in a $100.00 per day assessment against the bidder for each day items are not assembled, setup or erected.

The Board of Education will not be responsible for any extra delivery costs. All bid prices for materials, goods and supplies are to include all shipping, freight, delivery and handling costs. Specific delivery instructions are provided in the General Specifications.

Please note! All packages, boxes, cartons etc., when delivered, must be plainly marked on the outside as to contents, and the Board of Education’s purchase order number must be clearly printed on the packages, boxes, cartons, etc.

Delivery Guarantee

The contractor agrees to deliver the item(s) so listed in the bid specifications within the prescribed number of days also outlined in the bid specifications. Failure to deliver the designated items within the prescribed period of time shall cause the Board of Education to deduct penalties as per the schedule listed in the general specifications.

24. DOCUMENTS, MISSING/ILLEGIBLE

The bidder shall familiarize himself with all forms provided by the Board that are to be returned with the bid. If there are any forms either missing or illegible, it is the responsibility of the bidder to contact the

School Business Administrator/Board Secretary at for duplicate copies of the forms. This must be done before the bid date and time. The Board accepts no responsibility for duplicate forms that were not received by the bidder in time for the bidder to submit with his bid.

25. DOCUMENT SIGNATURES – ORIGINAL; BLUE INK

All documents submitted with this bid shall be signed with an original signature in ink (blue). Failure to sign and return all required documents with the bid package may be cause for disqualification and for the bid to be rejected pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-2(y) (non-responsive). The Board will not accept facsimile or rubber stamp signatures.

Forms provided by the Board of Education must be returned with bid. Please check your bid package for these forms!

• Acknowledgement of Addenda

• Affirmative Action Questionnaire or Certificate of Employee Information Report stapled to Questionnaire.

• Bid Guarantee (Bid Bond, Cashier’s Check, or Certified Check) (Only if Required)

• Bid Proposal Form

• Bidder Comment Form – Optional

• Business Registration Certificate – New Jersey (Prior to issuance of a contract)

• Certificate (Consent) from Surety (Only if Required)

• Chapter 271 Political Contribution Disclosure Form

• Contractor/Vendor Questionnaire / Certification

• Non-Collusion Affidavit

• Stockholders’ /Partnership Disclosure Affidavit, and Ownership Declaration

• Disclosure of Investment Activities in IRAN

• Certification of Non-Involvement in Prohibited Activities in Russia or Belarus

• W-9 Form

• Certificate of Site Visit

26. ESTIMATED QUANTITIES

It is the intention of the Board of Education to order the quantities of items listed on the Bid Proposal Form. Bidders are notified that the aforementioned quantities are estimated quantities that the Board intends to purchase and are not to be relied upon as the actual quantity to be purchased. There may be some deviation to the number of items actually ordered because of budgeting and financial constraints of the school district.

27. EXAMINATION OF SPECIFICATIONS, ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The bidder, by submitting a proposal, acknowledges that he has carefully examined the bid specifications, documents, addenda (if any), and the site; and that from his investigation, he has satisfied himself as to the nature and location of the work, the general and local conditions and all matters which may in any way affect the work or its performance, and that as a result of such examination, he fully understands the intent and purpose thereof, his obligations thereunder, and that he will not make any claim for, or have any right to damages, because of the lack of any information.

Each bidder submitting a bid for a service contract shall include in his bid price all labor, materials, equipment, services, and other requirements necessary, or incidental to, the completion of the work, and other pertinent work as hereinafter described, in accordance with the bid specifications and documents.

28. FALSE MATERIAL REPRESENTATION – N.J.S.A. 2C:21-34-97(b)

A person commits a crime if the person knowingly makes a material representation that is false in connection with the negotiation, award or performance of a government contract. If the contract amount is for $25,000.00 or above, the offender is guilty of a crime of the second degree. If the contract amount exceeds $2,500.00, but is less than $25,000.00, the offender is guilty of a crime of the third degree. If the contract amount is for $2,500.00 or less, the offender is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.

Bidders should be aware of the following statutes that represent “Truth in Contracting” laws:

• N.J.S.A. 2C:21-34, et seq. governs false claims and representations by bidders. It is a serious crime for the bidder to knowingly submit a false claim and/or knowingly make material misrepresentation.

• N.J.S.A. 2C:27-10 provides that a public servant commits a crime if said public servant solicits or receives a benefit directly or indirectly, for an official act performed or to be performed by a public servant, which is a violation of official duty.

• N.J.S.A. 2C:27-11 provides that a bidder commits a crime if said person, directly or indirectly, confers or agrees to confer any benefit not allowed by law to a public servant.

29. FORCE MAJEURE

Neither party shall be liable in damages for any failure, hindrance or delay in the performance of any obligation under this Agreement if such delay, hindrance or failure to perform is caused by conditions beyond the control of either party, including, but not limited to, Acts of God, flood, fire, war or the public enemy, explosion, government regulations whether or not valid (including the denial or cancellation of any export or other necessary license), court order, state funding, or other unavoidable causes beyond the reasonable control of the party whose performance is affected which cannot be overcome by due diligence. Vendors, and/or contractors who have a contract with the Board of Education to provide goods or services cannot unilaterally claim an increase in the cost of the contract because of Force Majeure .

30. INSURANCE AND INDEMNIFICATION X REQUIRED NOT REQUIRED

When required by the Board of Education, the vendor/contractor to whom the contract is awarded for any service, work, or supplying of goods, and, shall secure, pay the premiums for and keep in force until the contract expires, insurance of the types and amounts listed below:

Commercial General Liability with a $1,000,000 and $2,000,000 General Aggregate per each occurrence for Bodily Injury, Personal and Advertising Injury, Property Damage and Products Liability.

Automobile Liability with a $1,000,000 Combined Single Limit of Liability for Bodily Injury and Property Damage per accident.

Cyber Security and Privacy Liability with a $1,000,000 per occurrence or claim.

Other Insurance Coverage $ 100,000 Pollution Cleanup

$ 50,000 Fire Damage $ 5,000 Medical Expense $4,000,000 Excess Umbrella Liability $1,000,000 Sexual Harassment, Abuse or Molestation

(A) Insurance Certificate – When Required

The vendor/contractor must present to the Board of Education an insurance certificate in the above types and amounts before any work or service begins.

Automobile liability insurance shall be included to cover any vehicle used by the insured.

The certificate holder shall be as follows:

Bridgeton Board of Education c/o School Business Administrator/Board Secretary 41 Jack Surrency Way

Additional Insured Claim -- The vendor/contractor shall include the following clause on the insurance certificate.

“Bridgeton Board of Education is named as an additional insured”

WORKERS COMPENSATION Evidence of adequate Workers Compensation Insurance as required by the laws of the State of New Jersey and the United States, must be available for perusal. The minimum limits are the following, unless a greater amount is required by law:

Bodily Injury by Accident $1,000,000. Each Accident Bodily Injury by Disease $1,000,000. Policy Limit Bodily Injury by Disease $1,000,000. Each Employee

(B) Indemnification

The vendor/contractor shall assume all risk of and responsibility for, and agrees to indemnify, defend, and save harmless the Board and its agents, employees and Board members, from and against any and all claims, demands, suits, actions, recoveries, judgments and costs and expenses (including, but not limited to, attorneys fees) in connection therewith on account of the loss of life or property or injury or damage to any person, body or property of any person or persons whatsoever, which shall arise from or result directly or indirectly from the work and/or materials supplied under this contract and the performance by contractor of services under the contract or by a party for whom the contractor is liable.

This indemnification obligation is not limited by, but is in addition to, the insurance obligations contained in this agreement. The vendor/contractor is to assume all liability of every sort incident to the work, including property damage caused by him or his men or by any subcontractor employed by him or any of the subcontractor’s men.

31. INTERPRETATIONS AND ADDENDA

No interpretation of the meaning of the specifications will be made to any bidder orally. Every request for such interpretations should be made in writing to the School Business Administrator/Board Secretary must be received at least ten (10) days, not including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, prior to the date fixed for the opening of bids to be given consideration. Any and all interpretations and any supplemental instructions will be distributed in the form of a written addenda to the specifications. The addenda will be provided in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-21(c) to the bidders by certified mail or certified fax no later than seven (7) days Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays excepted, prior to the date for acceptance of bids.

All addenda so issued shall become part of the contract document.

32. IRAN DISCLOSURE OF INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-49.4

The Board of Education, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-49.4, shall implement and comply with Public…