hudson Opportunity__RFP_312-2026_Groundskeeping_Services_2026-07-24_180914.pdf

COUNTY OF HUDSON, N.J.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

HUDSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS

AND

HUDSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ROADS AND PUBLIC PROPERTY

FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF GROUNDSKEEPING SERVICES.

ISSUED: JULY 24, 2026

DUE: AUGUST 14, 2026

Christine Moro, Esq., QPA Division of Purchasing

567 Pavonia Avenue, 3rd Floor Jersey City, N.J. 07306

The County of Hudson (“the County”) is seeking proposals from qualified Respondents for the Procurement of Groundskeeping Services. Award will be made pursuant to the Competitive Contracting provisions in the Local Public Contracts Law found at N.J.S.A. 40A:11-4.1 et seq.

Notice is hereby given that on August 14, 2026, by no later than 11:00 a.m., sealed Proposals will be received by the Hudson County Division of Purchasing at 567 Pavonia Avenue, 3rd Floor, Jersey City, New Jersey 07306 at which time and place Proposals will be opened and read in public for:

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF GROUNDSKEEPING SERVICES

The Hudson County Department of Parks and the Department of Roads and Public Property, is issuing this Request for Proposals(“RFP”) to select an experienced vendor to provide these services. Consultant selection will be based upon the Evaluation Criteria established within this RFP and shall include Management, Technical, and Cost Critera.

Qualifications shall be detailed in the proposal (for the consultant and its sub-consultants) in its own section of the proposal and shall include a statement of qualifications, detailed experience and expertise, description of relevant projects, and resumes of key personnel.

The Request for Proposal Specifications (hereinafter referred to as “RFP” must be obtained on the County Purchasing Portal at http://www.hudsoncountynjprocure.org/. Registering on the Hudson County Purchasing Portal and obtaining the RFP is free of charge. The RFP will be available for download under the “Opportunities” Section of the Purchasing Portal. It is the Respondent’s responsibility to ensure that the Proposal package is physically delivered (either by the Respondent, via mail, or courier service) to the Division of Purchasing no later than the Proposal opening date and time, August 14, 2026, by no later than 11:00 a.m. Any Proposal received after this deadline, or any amended deadline established by the Division of Purchasing, will not be accepted, in accordance with applicable law, regardless of the method of delivery. Proposals cannot be faxed or emailed to the County of Hudson.

Responses must be made on the forms included within the RFP, be enclosed in a sealed package bearing the name and address of the Respondent and the title, “PROCUREMENT OF GROUNDSKEEPING SERVICES” printed on the outside, and addressed to the Hudson County Division of Purchasing at the address above.

Any Addenda will be published as required by law on the official website of the County of Hudson www.hcnj.us under “Legal Notices” and published on the website of the New Jersey Department of State www.nj.gov/state under “Statewide Legal Notices”. Any and all addenda will be issued on the Hudson County Purchasing Portal. All Respondents who have downloaded and received the RFP from the Purchasing Portal should check the Purchasing Portal from now through the opening date and time for Addenda. All Respondents who have downloaded the RFP from the Purchasing Portal will, as required by law, automatically receive notification that an addendum has been posted for their review. It is the responsibility of the Respondent to include properly completed addenda forms in the Proposal as required. Failure to do so will automatically deem a proposal non-responsive.

No proposals may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days after the date and time set for the opening of the proposals.

Issued by:

Christine Moro, Esq., QPA Purchasing Agent

For:

Craig Guy County Executive

Denise Dalessandro, Director of Roads and Public Property

Jonathan DeFilippo, Director of Parks

Adv.: 7-24-26

PROPOSAL CHECKLIST – check off items to ensure proper completion The following is a checklist which has been compiled to assist you in successfully completing your Proposal submission. All items identified below are to be included with the Proposal, unless otherwise noted. Specifically, bold faced items with an asterisk are mandatory and must be submitted, fully completed, with the Proposal. Failure to do so will automatically deem your proposal non-responsive. Certain Items in the list are statutorily required to be submitted prior to award. Those items will indicate that next to them. Non bolded items without additional direction next to them are requested to be submitted with the Proposal but must be submitted after notification of award but prior to the execution of the Contract”

Please check off and initial each item as it is read and/or completed

1. Proposal Guarantee/Bid Bond (Required with Proposal)* ______

2. Consent of Surety (Required with Proposal)* ______

3. Performance Bond (Required only of Successful Respondent After Award)* ______

4. Pricing Sheets* ______

5. Proposal Narrative-including proof of experience with references* ______

6. Statement of Ownership Disclosure* ______

7. Respondent’s Acknowledgement Form ______

8. Respondent Lobbyist/Consultant Disclosure Statement Form ______

9. First Source Agreement ______

10. IRS Form W-9 ______

11. Living Wage Ordinance Nos. 363-6-2014, 429-7-2025 ______

12. County Ordinance 720-12-2023 ______

13. Equal Opportunity Act-Mandatory Language ______

14. Investment Activities in Iran Certification (Must be submitted prior to award) ______

15. American with Disabilities Act-Mandatory Language ______

16. NJ Business Registration and/or Charities Registration (Must be submitted prior to award) ___ ___

17. Acknowledgement of Receipt of Addendum * ______

18. Non-Involvement in Prohibited Acti. in Russia/ Belarus(Must be submitted prior to award) ______

19. Proof of Proper Licenses Needed ________

20. Equipment List _________

COUNTY OF HUDSON REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

PROCUREMENT OF GROUNDSKEEPING SERVICES

I. OVERVIEW & GENERAL INFORMATION

By this request for proposal (“RFP”), the County of Hudson (“the County”) is seeking proposals from interested persons and/or firms for the provision of Groundskeeping Services as more particularly described herein.

The successful vendor will receive up to a five (5) year contract. The County may chose to award the contract in a variety of different year combinations, however, the totality shall not exceed a total of five years.

II. PROCEDURE AND SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

The County is utilizing the provisions of “Competitive Contracting” (N.J.S.A. 40A:11-4.1, et seq.) within the “New Jersey Local Public Contracts Law” (N.J.S.A 40A: 11-1 et seq.). All submitted proposals will be evaluated based on those competitive contract statutes. It is the County of Hudson’s intention to evaluate each respondent on their ability to deliver the desired services and whose proposal is most advantageous to the County cost and other factors considered.

The County shall not be responsible for any costs or expenses associated with the preparation of any proposal submitted in response to this Request for Proposals. The County reserves the right, with proper notice in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40A:11-4.4(c) , to supplement, amend, or otherwise request additional information from Respondents. Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:34-4.3(d)(3), additional information can only, and will only, be requested “ after Proposals are received and opened but prior to completing the evaluation of the Proposals.”

The County reserves the right, pursuant to applicable law, to reject any or all proposals, to ask or change the procurement process or schedule at any time, or to terminate the project for any reason. Any information submitted which has been determined to be false will constitute immediate disqualification and rejection of the proposal. Plagiarism by one respondent of another respondent’s previous proposal submitted to the County will be cause for determination by the County of Hudson that the respondent is “not responsive” or “not responsible” and the proposal will be rejected.

The County reserves the right to investigate, contact or otherwise inquire as to the accuracy and completeness of any and all information furnished by the respondent. The respondent shall be fully liable for any inaccuracies, omissions and misstatements in its supporting documentation.

No proposal shall be deemed accepted or a contract awarded until the public adoption of a resolution to that effect by the Hudson County Board of County Commissioners within sixty (60) days.

This section sets forth the administrative conditions and requirements of the RFP involving the procurement of requested services. Any proposed change, modification, or exception that is made to these conditions and requirements by a Respondent shall be the basis for the County to determine the Proposal as non-responsive to the RFP if it is a material deviation from the RFP.

A. SCHEDULE

The following schedule has been established by the County for the RFP:

RFP ISSUED: 7-24-26

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT QUESTIONS: 7-30-26 by 2:00p.m.

RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS/ADDENDA ISSUED: 8-5-26 by 4:00p.m PROPOSAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 8-14-26 by 11:00 AM

PROPOSAL REVIEW: TBD

RESPONDENT SELECTION: TBD

CONTRACT START DATE: Approximately October 2026

* the County reserves the right to adjust this schedule, if necessary.

The County has no responsibility for Proposals that are received after the designated date and time set for receipt of Proposals. Proposals may be submitted via hand delivery, by courier, or via mail service. If the Proposal is sent by express mail service, the Title of the RFP must appear on the outside of the express mail envelope. Proposals received after the designated time and date will not be accepted and will be returned unopened to the Respondent.

The County recommends you should NOT send your Proposals via USPS regular mail as all mail gets delivered to a central mail facility and does not come directly to the Division of Purchasing, which may cause a delay in receiving the Proposal by the deadline.

Respondents must submit one (1) original, and one (1) USB (containing a secure copy of the complete Proposal in either word or pdf) of their Proposal. All submitted data will become property of the County of Hudson. In the event of any discrepancy between a written Proposal and the information contained on the digital media, the information contained in the written Proposal shall be presumed to be the accurate information upon which the County will rely on for the evaluation. Respondents should clearly mark the submittal package with the title of this RFP and the name of the responding firm, addressed to the County of Hudson, Division of Purchasing, 567 Pavonia Avenue, 3rd Floor, Jersey City, New Jersey 07306. The original Proposal shall be marked “original” to distinguish it from the copies. Responses delivered before the submission date and time specified may be withdrawn (prior to the deadline) upon written application of the Respondent who shall be required to produce evidence showing that the individual is or represents the principal(s) involved in the Proposal.

Proposals must be submitted in a sealed box or envelope. Proposals may be submitted prior to the scheduled deadline/opening during normal business hours (if hand delivering) Monday-Friday 8-4pm excluding holidays.

Sealed Proposals will be publicly opened, and the Cost Proposal will be read aloud, in accordance with New Jersey Competitive Contracting procedures.

The County of Hudson assumes no responsibility for delays in any form of carrier or delivery service causing the Proposal to be received after the above-referenced due date and time. Submissions by fax, e-mail or telephone are not permitted.

**There is a lot of construction going on in the area around the Division of Purchasing. In addition, there is very limited parking. Please take this into consideration if planning on hand-delivering the Proposal on the date of the deadline.

B. Request for Information (“RFI”) and Addenda

Respondents are expected to examine this RFP with care and observe all of its requirements. Any and all questions must be submitted via email request only to the Division of Purchasing at questions.purchasing@hcnj.us prior to July 30, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Responses to all of the questions will be provided no later than August 5, 2026 at 4:00 p.m via Addenda which will be posted on the Purchasing Portal and which notice of such addendum will be on the official website of the County of Hudson www.hcnj.us under “Legal Notices” and published on the website of the New Jersey Department of State www.nj.gov/state under “Statewide Legal Notices”.. Notice of the posting of the addendum will be automatically sent to all Respondents who had previously downloaded the RFP from the Purchasing Portal.

Only questions responded to by formal written Addenda will be binding. Oral interpretations, statements or clarifications are without legal effect. Questions should only be submitted via email at the address indicated above. Questions made via phone call or any other manner will not be answered. Questions submitted after the deadline, or any extension thereof, will not be considered.

C. Evaluation Process and Criteria

The award of the contract shall be at the sole discretion of the County of Hudson. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11- 4.4(c) and N.J.A.C. 5:34-4.2, the award of this competitive contract shall be based on an evaluation of the proposals as to technical, management, and cost-related criteria. The County reserves the right to enter into a contract with the Respondent whose proposal is most advantageous to the County cost and other factors considered.

The County shall weigh various factors including experience, capability, skill, quality of the proposal, and price.

Each proposal submission will be independently evaluated, and selection will be made according to the criteria listed below.

• Technical Criteria:

o Understanding the Requested Work:

Does the proposal demonstrate a clear understanding of the requested work?

Completeness and responsiveness to the RFP.

Compliance with instructions and requests.

o Knowledge, Professional, and Technical Competence Vendor’s record of reliability and quality of service.

Documentation of the company’s experience in performing the requested work.

• Management Criteria:

o Experience in providing the requested groundskeeping services.

o Record of reliability and quality of service.

o Management and employment information.

• Cost criteria:

o Relative cost: How does the cost compare to other similarly scored proposals?

o Full explanation: Is the price and its component charges, fees, etc. adequately explained or documented in the project budget?

D. Duration of Contract and Contract Termination

The term of the Contract to be awarded pursuant to this Request for Proposal shall be for up to a five (5) year period. The County may chose to award a variety of combinations of time of the contract but at no time shall the contract exceed a total of five (5) years. The time period shall commence upon the award of the contract, in accordance with Competitive Contracting procedures in the “Local Public Contracts Law” (N.J.S.A.

40A:11-1 et seq.). The County of Hudson may terminate this agreement at any time, upon written notice given to the contractor 30 days prior to termination.

In the event services are scheduled to end either by contract expiration or by termination, it shall be incumbent upon the respondent to continue the services or accept reauthorized services, if requested by the County, until new services can be completely operational. This transitional period may extend up to 180 days beyond the expiration date of the existing contract. The respondent will be reimbursed for this service at the rate in effect when the County invoked this transitional period clause. The successful vendor shall comply with all applicable federal, state, county and local statutes, rules and regulations. Failure to comply may be cause for termination.

It is the respondent's responsibility to verify and obtain any additional information necessary to ensure that their submission is accurate and contains all costs.

The respondent may submit any additional information s/he feels would be beneficial to the County’s analysis.

However, this additional material may or may not be considered by the evaluation committee depending on whether the additional material conforms to the evaluation criteria set forth herein.

III. GENERAL SCOPE OF SERVICES

The following is a description of the services the successful respondent shall provide for the County.

The Hudson County Department of Parks (“Parks”) and the Hudson County Department of Roads and Public Property (“RPP”) are in need of groundskeeping services, specifically landscape maintenance of Parks and RPP locations. One (1) vendor will be awarded a contract to provide these services for the County. Vendors must receive a minimum score of 75 to be awarded a contract. The full scope of services will be included in a separate document for this procurement.

IV. GENERAL CONDITIONS AND ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS

a. Proposal Completion- The Respondent shall complete the Proposal using blue or black ink, typewriter, or any other electronic or computerized method and sign the same in ink or electronic signature.

Erasures or other changes in the Proposal must be explained or noted Respondent next to the signature of the Respondent. Proposals containing any conditions, omissions, unexplained erasures or alterations, or any item not called in the Proposal, or irregularities if any kind, may be cause for rejection by the County.

b. Partnership -If the firm submitting a Proposal is a Partnership, the Proposal shall be signed by at least one (1) partner. If the person signing does not state that he/she is a partner, this Proposal shall be rejected.

c. Corporation-If the firm submitting a Proposal is a Corporation, the Proposal shall be signed by its President or other corporate officers, Vice President, Treasurer, Comptroller, or Secretary.or any other individual duly authorized to so act on the behalf of the corporate officers, pursuant to a resolution of the corporate Board of Directors. In that event, a certified copy of said Resolution or Authorization shall be attached to the Proposal. If a certified copy of the Resolution or Authorization is not attached, the Proposal shall be rejected.

d. Limited Liability Company (LLC)- If a firm submitting a Proposal is an LLC, under the provision of the N.J.S.A. 42:2B-1, New Jersey limited liability Company Act; the Proposal shall be signed by a Member or Manager of the LLC, as defined by the Title 42: 2B-9or any another individual who has been duly authorized to so act on behalf of the LLC, pursuant to a resolution by the LLC. In this event, a certified copy of said Resolution or Authorization must be attached to the Proposal. If a certified copy of the Resolution or Authorization is not attached, the Proposal shall be rejected.

e. Conditional Proposals and Changes to Specifications- Conditional Proposals will not be accepted under any circumstances. Any variation to the specifications issued by the County will cause the Proposal to be deemed non-responsive immediately.

f. Award of Contract- The County will award a contract to a Respondent based upon the evaluation criteria contained in Proposal Section X Evaluation Process (beginning on page 17 below).

Evaluation Criteria for the award of a contract includes RFP compliance, program approach, goals and objectives, performance, capacity and experience and program budget. The Proposal that is the most advantageous price and other factors considered, shall be awarded the Contract.

g. Challenge to the Request for Proposal Specifications- Any challenge to the Request for Proposal

Specifications must be made, no later than three (3) business days prior to opening. All challenges must be made in writing and emailed to the Hudson County Purchasing Department Attention: Division of Purchasing at questions.purchasing@hcnj.us. The name of the RFP and the words “Challenge to Specifications” should be indicated on the subject field.

h. Travel Time- The County will not pay directly for travel time. All costs necessary to fulfill the scope of services must be included in the Proposal.

i. Withdrawal of Proposal- Any Proposal may be withdrawn on written request received from an Respondent prior to the time fixed for the opening. The written request shall be signed by the Respondent.

j. Comparison of Proposals - Unit prices (if applicable) must include the cost of insurance, bonding and other charges incidental to the work or delivery of materials, including personnel, office expenses, equipment, travel consultants, and other overhead costs.

k. Tax Exempt -Prices quoted in all Proposals shall include delivery (Free on Board destination) and exclusive of all Federal, State or local taxes from which the County is exempt.

l. Hudson County Living Wage Ordinance (Applicable to this RFP)-Respondents are advised that the County of Hudson has adopted Ordinance Nos. 363-6-2014 and 429-7-2025 mandating certain minimum hourly rates of pay, vacation, and medical benefits for certain non-County employees providing services to Hudson County. Copies of Ordinance Nos. 363-6-2014 and 429-7-2025 are attached to this RFP. A new Living Wage Ordinance will be adopted during the course of the contract and must be adhered to. PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS CONTRACT WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE

ABOVE LISTED ORDINANCES. THIS CONTRACT IS NOT SUBJECT TO PREVAILING

WAGE.

m. NJ Competitive Contracting- This Proposal is being solicited through the Competitive Contracting

Law found at N.J.S.A. 40A:11-4.1, et seq.

n. Right to Reject Proposals- The County may reject all bids pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-13.2 and any proposal that is non-responsive or submitted by a Respondent that is not responsible.to waive any minor informalities or non material exceptions in a proposal in any Proposal,.

o. Laws, Ordinances, and Regulations

The Respondent shall keep fully informed of all federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, safety codes, regulations and all orders and decrees of bodies or tribunals having any jurisdiction or authority, which in any manner affect those engaged or employed in the services, or which in any way affect the services. The Respondent and all the employees of the Respondent shall at times observe and comply with all such laws, ordinances, safety codes, regulations, orders or decrees.

The Respondent must secure all insurance, licenses and pay any inspection in accordance with provisions as set forth in laws, ordinances and resolutions by all governmental agencies affecting the work at the Respondents’ own expense. The successful Respondent shall be solely responsible for any damage resulting from neglect to obey all laws, regulations, rules and ordinances. Ignorance regarding such requirements shall in no way serve to modify the provisions of the contract. The County of Hudson shall be listed as additionally insured on all insurance policies relevant to any work performed pursuant to this

RFP.

p. Indemnity- The successful Respondent shall assume all liability for, and shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless, the County, its commissions, boards and authorities, and its respective agents and employees, from and against all loss and expense (including costs and attorney fees) by reason of liability imposed by law upon the County, its commissions, boards and authorities for damages because of injury or death resulting therefrom, to any person or persons, and damage to and destruction of property, including the loss of use thereof, by reason of an accident or occurrence out of Respondent’s operations, or that of its subRespondents, or anyone directly or indirectly employed by the Respondent or its subRespondents.

q. Certifications of Availability of Funds- (N.J.A.C. 5:30-5.3) This Contract is contingent on the availability of sufficient funds for the Contract. This Contract will be funded by Local County Funds.

r. Multiple Proposals Not Accepted- More than one Proposal from an individual, a firm or partnership, a corporation or association under the same or different names shall not be considered.

s. Authority to Audit or Review Contract Records- N.J.A.C. 19:70-1.6

I. Relevant Records of private Respondents or other persons entering into contract with covered entities are subject to audit or review by the Office of the State Comptroller pursuant to N.J.S.A 52:15C-14(d) II. “The Respondent shall maintain all documentation related to products, transactions or services under this contract 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.”

t. Incorporation of RFP into Contract- all of the terms and conditions listed within this RFP will be incorporated into the Contract that is awarded to the successful Respondent.

u. Payment of Interest by Contracting Unit (N.J.S.A. 40:11-19.1) A contracting unit, as defined in N.J.S.A. 40A:11-2, shall pay interest on the amount due a business concern pursuant to a properly executed invoice, when required, if the required payment is not made on or before the required payment date.

Unless otherwise provided for in the contract, the required payment date shall be 60 calendar days from the date specified in the contract or if no request payment is specified in the contract, then the required payment date shall be 60 calendar days from the receipt of a properly executed invoice, or 60 calendar days from the receipt of goods or services, whichever is later. Interest shall not be paid unless goods and services are rendered.

Interest on amounts due shall be paid to the business concern for the period beginning on the day after the required payment date and ending on the date on which the check for payment is drawn.

Interest may be paid by separate payment to a business concern, but shall be paid within 30 days of the late payment.

A contracting unit may waive the interest payment for a delinquency due to circumstances beyond the control of the contracting unit, including, but not limited to a strike or natural disaster.

As used in this section, “business concern” means any person engaged in trade or business, including a private nonprofit entity operating as an independent Respondent, providing goods or services directly to a contracting unit or to a designated third party and operating pursuant to a contract with a contracting unit which requires either a single payment or multiple payments, but shall not include a “public entity” as defined in R.S. 48:2-13.

V. RESPONSE FORMAT

All responses shall be submitted in the following format to assist in making an award as expeditiously as possible. Each section should be tabbed and labeled.

A. Letter of Introduction

1. The letter of introduction shall include a company profile and your market as it relates to this Request for Proposal. The letter of introduction shall include a history of the company, detailing the number of years it has been in business under its present name and the number of years the company has been under the current management.

2. Provide a description of the business organization (i.e., corporation, partnership, business venture, etc.) of your firm and its ownership. Provide the names and business addresses of all Principals of the firm submitting the Request for Proposal. For purposes of this Request for Proposal, “Principals” mean persons possessing an ownership interest in the respondent. If the respondent is a corporation, “Principals” shall include each investor who would have any amount of operational control over the respondent and every stockholder having an ownership interest of ten percent or more in the organization. If the organization is a partially-owned or a wholly-owned subsidiary of another firm, identify the parent company and describe the nature and extent of the parent company’s approval rights over the activities of the firm submitting the Request for Proposal. If the respondent is a partnership or similar organization, provide comparable information as required above for each member of the partnership or similar organization.

B. Professional & Company Information Respondent must provide the following information on past experience in the RFP: (description and relevant work not to exceed 10 pages).

i. Once awarded, no substitutions of personnel outlined, will be allowed without prior approval of the

County. After award of contract, the County reserves the right to reject all substitutions of personnel for any reason.

ii. The Respondent, in response to this RFP, shall include a statement that all personnel as identified within the above paragraph are available and will be ready to commence in the assigned positions upon signing the contract.

iii. Once awarded, the Respondent may not engage third parties or outside vendors which were not disclosed in the proposal for any project services.

1. All proposals shall include resumes of all professional staff to be assigned to this contract, setting forth their education, qualifications, experience and training. Any certifications and licenses referred to in an employee’s resume shall be provided. Resumes shall include employees’ length of service with respondent. Employees shall have demonstrable experience in supporting the work described herein. No more than a two (2) page resume will be required to be submitted and such resume should show experience in regard to projects of similar size, scope and nature. Provide resumes only for those personnel that will be utilized in a full-time capacity on the project.

Any and all certifications and licenses requested in the RFP should be submitted.

2. The respondent should provide a current table of organization.

3. The respondent should provide a client list of its current and recent (within last two years) projects, facilities, agencies, etc. which your company is providing similar services. The client list must include company name and address, company subdivision, department or office, contract starting and ending time periods, contact name(s), their phone number and an email address.

5. The respondent should provide the County of Hudson with a list of three (3) professional references that are not current clients. The professional references must include company name and address, company subdivision, department or office, contact name(s), their phone and fax numbers. The County will provide will evaluator forms for all references to complete and return.

6. The respondent shall list all immediate relatives of its Principal(s) who are County employees or elected officials of the County. For purposes of the above, “immediate relative” means a spouse, parent, stepparent, brother, sister, child, stepchild, direct-line aunt or uncle, grandparent, grandchild, and in-laws by reason of relation. If the Principal(s) have no immediate relatives employed or elected, it must be stated as so.

7. The respondent shall provide a complete history of any legal filings or litigation your company is or has been involved in regarding your client base. Please include the caption, docket number, nature of the allegation, or, in cases that were settled, the amount and nature of the settlement. This list shall include litigation related to your company and/or its principals. Please disclose any past or current proceedings, actions, orders or other stipulations against the responding contractors by federal or state regulatory agencies. Please disclose any material judgments, decrees, stipulations, arbitrations, investigations, labor disputes, other administrative proceedings or claims threatened against or affecting your business, its financial condition or its assets which may alter the terms and conditions of your proposal to the County of Hudson.

The successful respondent and its employees may be required to undergo a criminal background check encompassing all four levels of government: federal, state, county and municipal.

C. Profile of Services

A profile of the services and approach to management of this project must be set forth in this section. This should include a detailed description of your experience as it relates to the County. The profile of services and management approach to this project should be supplied in a manner that allows the County of Hudson to understand your firm’s offerings, your approach to management, and should support your letter of introduction.

D. Cost Proposal

The pricing designation form shall reflect the total estimated cost for the project. Only one contract will be awarded through this competitive contracting process.

E. STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS AND FORMS REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED WITH

PROPOSAL

Copies of all of the following documents should be included with the submission.

1. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS- Any contract awarded by the County shall be subject to compliance with the laws of the State of New Jersey, and Federal Law, as may be applicable.

2. REQUIRED FORMS - (forms that are bolded and followed by an asterisk are required to be submitted with your Proposal. Failure to submit those documents with the Proposal, or if they are not completed correctly, will deem the Proposal non-responsive. All other items must be submitted before a contract can be awarded. The County highly recommends all documents to be included within your Proposal for ease of review:

a. Letter of Qualification and Letter of Intent (Appendix A & B)

b. Pricing Sheets**-Potential Respondents must complete and include the County’s pricing sheets with their Proposal. Failure to include will deem the Proposal non-responsive. Respondent must use the forms provided.

c. PROPOSAL GUARANTEE- ** See N.J.S.A. 40A:11-21- each proposal must be accompanied by a certified check, cashier’s check or bid bond in the amount of not less than 10% of the total amount in the Proposal, but not to exceed $20,000.00. No cash will be accepted. The certified check, cashier’s check or bid bond is offered as evidence of good faith and as a guarantee that, if awarded the contract, the Respondent shall Execute the contract and provide a performance bond as stated below. If a bid bond is offered as a guarantee, it must be made by a surety company qualified and authorized to do business in the State of New Jersey and must be signed by an officer or agent of the surety company. It will be non-conditional. Included with the bid bond must be documents which indicate that the officer or agent is authorized to execute the bid bond. If a certified check or cashier’s check is offered as a guarantee, it shall be made payable to the County of Hudson. Failure to provide the Proposal Guarantee with the Proposal will be cause for rejection of the Proposal.

d. CONSENT OF SURETY ** See N.J.S.A. 40A:11-22- All respondents must submit, with their proposals a certificate from an approved surety company, authorized to do business in the State of New Jersey, stating that it will provide the Respondent with a performance bond for the amount stated in this RFP. The successful potential respondent will be required to furnish a surety corporation bond in the amount of the contract conditioned on the faithful performance thereof. The consent of surety will be non-conditional.

Failure to provide the Consent of Surety from an approved surety company authorized to do business in New Jersey with the Proposal will be cause for rejection of the proposal.

e. PERFORMANCE BOND (Required of successful respondent-to be provided after award)-Within ten (10) days after notice of the award, the Respondent to whom the contract has been awarded must furnish and deliver a surety bond, conditioned for the faithful performance and completion of the work, and for the payment of all lawful claims and bills against the Respondent for all labor, material, tools and equipment used on or in connection therewith. The bond shall not be returned or canceled until all liability to any and all persons protected by the conditions of said bond shall have been met by the Potential Respondent or person primarily liable for the payment thereof, or by the surety on said bond. The bond required for the faithful performance of the contract, shall be in the amount of 100% of the total amount for each year for the duration of the contract and shall be non-conditional and satisfactory to the County Counsel and shall be executed by a Surety Company licensed to do business in the State of New Jersey. During the term of the Contract a continuous bond Certificate shall be in the amount of 100% of the yearly contract amount issued to the County Ninety (90) Days prior to the yearly anniversary date. In no case shall the successful Potential Respondent begin work prior to approval of said bond by the County.

f. Equipment List- Respondents must provide the County with a list of all of their current equipment.

g. NJ Business Registration Certificate (or Charities Registration) -Firms conducting business with public entities in New Jersey are required, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:32-44(b), to register their business with the State of New Jersey. Respondents should submit their NJ Business Registration Certificate (BRC) with their Proposals. Not-for-profit agencies must include proof of 501(c)3 non-profit status. Failure to submit a BRC or 501 (c) 3 certificate upon request will prevent the County to enter into any Contract with the Respondent. Business Registration Certificates are easily obtained at http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/revenue/busregcert.shtml. For Respondents that are a not-for-profit agency subject to Charitable Registration, a Charities Registration Certificate should be submitted in lieu of the BRC.

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 54:49-4.1, a business organization that fails to provide a copy of a business registration as required, or that provides false business registration information, shall be liable for a penalty of $25 for each day of violation, not to exceed $50,000, for each proof of business registration not properly provided under a contract with a contracting agency Sample BRC

3. Statement of Ownership Disclosure Certification Form** -In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:25-24.2 all Respondents shall submit with the Proposal a statement setting forth the names and addresses of all stockholders in the corporation, or partners, in the partnership, who own (10) ten percent or more of its stock, of any class, or of all individual partners in the partnership, who own (10) ten percent or greater interest therein, as the case may be, if the stockholder is itself a corporation, the stockholders holding (10) ten percent or more of that corporation's stock or the individual partners owning (10) ten percent or greater interest in the partnership as the case may be, shall be listed.

i. Attached is a form (Statement of Ownership Disclosure) which shall be used to comply with this agreement.

ii. Please note that all Respondents, including not-for-profits, must fully complete, sign, and submit this document and submit the form WITH THE PROPOSAL. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN A NON-RESPONSIVE PROPOSAL as pursuant to the statute.

4. Non-Collusion Affidavit Form

Respondents are required to complete the enclosed Non-Collusion Affidavit Form.

5. Respondent's Acknowledgment Form Respondents are required to complete the enclosed Respondent's Acknowledgment Form.

6. Respondent's Lobbyist/Consultant Disclosure Statement Form Respondents are required to submit the enclosed Respondent's Lobbyist/Consultant Disclosure Statement.

7. Statement of Non-Retention of Lobbyist/Consultant Form Respondents are required to submit the enclosed Statement of Non-Retention of Lobbyist/Consultant Form.

8. Mandatory Affirmative Action Language: Employee Information Report If awarded a contract, the Respondent will be required to comply with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 10:5-

31 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 17:27-1 et seq. The following information summarizes the full, required regulatory text, which is included as of this bid specification.

Affirmative Action Evidence

The goods and services Respondent awarded a Contract, professional service Respondents and construction Respondents) shall be required to submit evidence of appropriate affirmative action compliance. Specifically, each Respondent/Respondent shall submit to the Public Agency, prior to execution of Public Agency contract, one of the following documents:

Goods, Professional Services and General Service Respondents

Letter of Federal Approval indicating that the Respondent is under an existing federally approved or sanctioned affirmative action program. A copy of the approval letter is to be provided by the Respondent to the Public Agency and the Division. This approval letter is valid for one year from the date of issuance.

Or, A Certificate of Employee Information Report (hereafter “Certificate”), issued in accordance with N.J.A.C. 17:27-1.1 et seq. The Respondent must provide a copy of the Certificate to the Public Agency as evidence of its compliance with the regulations. The Certificate represents the review and approval of the Respondent’s Employee Information Report, Form AA-302 by the Division.

The period of validity of the Certificate is indicated on its face. Certificates must be renewed prior to their expiration date in order to remain valid.

Or, The Respondent shall complete an Initial Employee Report, Form AA-302and submit it to the Division with a copy to the Public Agency. Upon submission and review by the Division, this report shall constitute evidence of compliance with the regulations.

After notification of award but prior to execution of goods and services and professional services contracts, the Affirmative Action evidence must be submitted.

9. Statements of Recognition and Compliance Intent of County Ordinances Respondents must complete and sign two (2) statements relative to Hudson County Ordinance 363-6-2014, and Hudson County Ordinance No. 429-7-2025. Collectively these two Ordinances are commonly known as the County’s Living Wage Ordinances. Two (2) statements and the two ordinances are attached to this RFP as Attachment A.

10. Acknowledgement of Receipt of Addendum** The County may or may not have the need to issue an addendum to the RFP. If the County issues an addendum, then the “Acknowledgement of Receipt of Addendum” shall be mandatory, and it must be properly completed with the date of the addendum and signed by your organization. If it is not received with the RFP submission, then the submission must be deemed non-responsive. It is the responsibility of the Respondent to regularly check the Purchasing Portal to make sure they are aware of any addendum and to get access too any and all addendum. If the Respondent has downloaded the opportunity from the purchasing portal prior to the date of the addendum, they will automatically receive notification when an addendum is issued. Notice of any addendum will also be advertised as required by law.

11. Certification of Non-Involvement in Prohibited Activities in Russia or Belarus Respondents are required to complete the enclosed Certification of Non-Involvement in Prohibited Activities in Russia or Belarus Form and submit the Form to the County prior to the contract award.

12. Ordinance 720-12-2013 – Ordinance Providing for a 90 Day Transition Period in Which Service Workers are Able to Retain their Jobs in the Event of Change in Contractors Relative to those Contracts providing Certain Services to the County of Hudson (Attachment O)

13. Other Language Incorporated into Contract

Forms to be submitted by the Successful Respondent Only- All items must be provided within 10 days of notification of contract award

1. Affirmative Action Documents (as listed in number 10 on the previous page)

2. Certification of Insurance Prior to the commencement of work, the successful Respondent shall provide and maintain in full force and effect during the term of the contract, or an extension thereof, insurance coverage for operation as follows:

Certificates of Insurance shall identify the following minimum insurance coverage.

County of Hudson

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS – Work Contractors

The contractor shall maintain the following kinds of insurance with the limits not less than the amounts indicated. All insurers must have an AM Best’s rating of at least A- Class VII. The specifications outlined are standard industry Insurance Services Office (ISO) forms that are used by most insurers. In the event a carrier utilizes a proprietary policy form, the agent or broker must provide a statement that the policy provides a scope of coverage at least as broad as the requested ISO form.

Prior to the commencement of any work the contractor will provide a Certificate of Insurance evidencing the following coverage.

Worker’s Compensation & Employers Liability- Worker’s Compensation as required by statute.

Employers Liability with limits of: $1,000,000 Each Accident $1,000,000 Disease – Policy Limit $1,000,000 - Each Employee

Commercial General Liability- Limits: $1,000,000 Each Occurrence $1,000,000 Personal & Advertising Injury Limit $2,000,000 General Aggregate $2,000,000 Products-Completed Operations Aggregate

The following endorsements are to be included:

• Additional Insured, during work, in favor of: The County of Hudson and the Board of Commissioners.

• Additional Insured, completed operations, in favor of: The County of Hudson and the Board of Commissioners.

THIS MUST BE CARRIED FOR MINIMUM OF 3 YEARS AFTER COMPLETION OF WORK.

• Primary and Noncontributory – Other Insurance Condition.

• Limited Contractual Liability coverage for Personal and Advertising Injury- Designated Contract or Agreement:

All work performed for or on behalf of The County of Hudson and the Board of Commissioners.

• Waiver of Transfer of Rights of Recovery Against Others to Us– Applies in favor of: The County of Hudson and the Board of Commissioners.

Regarding Commercial General Liability Form CG0001, the coverage cannot contain any of the following endorsements that restrict or amend the coverage:

• Coverage A. exclusion b (Contractual exclusion) - An amendment to the definition of “Insured Contract” is not acceptable.

• Coverage A. exclusion e. (Employer’s Liability) - An amendment to the definition of “employee” is not acceptable.

• Coverage A. exclusion f (Pollution exclusion) – An amendment to the exclusion is not acceptable. An exception is made if there is a separate Contractors Pollution Liability policy.

• Condition 7 – Separation of Insureds - An “insured versus insured” exclusion or Cross Liability Exclusion is not acceptable. A “Named Insured versus Named Insured” exclusion is acceptable.

• Endorsements excluding operations relating to Explosion, Collapse, Underground activities (X,C,U) are not acceptable.

Business Automobile Policy- Liability Limit: $1,000,000 - Symbol 1 “Any Auto”

Umbrella/Excess Liability- Limits: $10,000,000 Per Occurrence $10,000,000 Aggregate Coverage maybe an umbrella form or “follow form excess” but in no event shall coverage be more restrictive than underlying insurance for: Commercial General Liability; Business Automobile Liability; Employer’s Liability.

Contractor’s Pollution-Professional Liability/Errors & Omissions- Limit: $5,000,000 Per Claim/Aggregate

• The County of Hudson and the Board of Commissioners as Additional Insured with respect to Pollution Liability coverage.

3. First Source Agreement - The Respondent, is required to complete, and comply with, Hudson County Ordinance No. 744-11-2019 which requires such Respondents to sign an agreement that requires them to consider Hudson County residents in their hiring process for Hudson County.

4. Anticipated Employment List - If it is anticipated that your firm will hire new employees when awarded the this contract, please provide an Anticipated Employment List pursuant to the example below:

Position Anticipated Hiring Date 1) 2) 3) This information will be forwarded to the County’s Central Respondent Registry.

Please follow the procedure outlined in the attached First Source Agreement when hiring a Hudson County resident at any point during the contract.

5. Signed Contract (Contract will be sent to successful Respondent upon notification of award.

V. OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Anticipated Employment List

If it is anticipated that your firm will hire new employees when awarded the full amount of this contract, and then please fill-out the following list that describes the position(s) to be hired.

Position Anticipated Hiring Date

1)

2)

3)

If additional space is needed please use the other side of this page.

This information will be forwarded to the County’s Central Applicant Registry.

Please follow the procedure outlined in the attached First Source Agreement when hiring a Hudson County resident at any point during this contract.

Requirements under Right to Know

As required by the Workers’ Right-To-Know Act, material safety data sheets must be submitted with signed contract documents, where applicable, concerning hazardous substances.

Cancellation of Contract

The County reserves the right to unilaterally cancel this contract upon 30 days’ notice to the vendor.

Additional Payment

The successful respondent shall make no claim for additional payment or other concession because of any misinterpretation or misunderstanding of the contract documents on his/her part or because of any failure to fully acquaint him/herself with any condition or provision of the contract documents.

Indemnification

The Vendor and/or Supplier shall indemnify and hold harmless the County of Hudson, Board of Commissioners, Insurance Fund Commission, their Employees, Agents and Servants from and against any and all losses, penalties, damages, settlements, costs, charges, professional fees (including attorney’s fees) or other expenses or liabilities including the investigation and defense of any claims, arising out of or resulting from the…