IFB 27028.pdf

IFB#: 27028

October 9, 2026

INVITATION FOR BID

IFB #27028

PROJECT: Aquia Plant Aluminum Sulfate Tank Replacement

BID DUE DATE: Wednesday, November 4, 2026, 2:00 PM local prevailing time.

***Bids received after that time will not be accepted***

BID SUBMISSION: Bids will be received via www.eva.virginia.gov ONLY.

For help in submitting your bid, please call eVA Customer Care 1-866-289-7367 or visit https://eva.virginia.gov/get-help-customer-care-forms.html

Questions from Bidders must be received by Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM local prevailing time. Questions must be emailed to procurement@staffordcountyva.gov. The subject line must include IFB #27028 Aquia Plant Aluminum Sulfate Tank

Replacement, or your question(s) may not be received and answered in a timely manner. The County is not responsible for verbal clarification of information provided by parties other than staff of the Procurement Division.

BID OPENING: A public bid opening will be hosted via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 2:30 PM local prevailing time.

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/215954828534331?p=4GEGCEYafb8DwuJQUR

Meeting ID: 215 954 828 534 331

Passcode: Wr6RL2XF

If an emergency, unanticipated event, or closing of County offices interrupts or suspends normal County business operations so that the bid opening cannot be held, then bids will be opened at the same time of day specified on the first work day that normal County business operations resume.

The Bid Package and the Construction Plans are available at no charge on the Commonwealth of Virginia’s electronic procurement system, eVA (www.eva.virginia.gov). It is the obligation of the Bidders to be aware of and comply with all Bid instructions and specifications.

The County reserves the right to reject any or all Bids and to waive any informalities in the bidding.

Mussarat Arif, Procurement Technician http://www.eva.virginia.gov/ https://eva.virginia.gov/get-help-customer-care-forms.html mailto:procurement@staffordcountyva.gov https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/215954828534331?p=4GEGCEYafb8DwuJQUR

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Invitation for Bid (IFB) is to solicit bids from qualified bidders to establish a standard contract to provide Aquia Plant Tank Replacement for Stafford County (County), as described below in the Scope of Work.

The County intends for this IFB to result in one (1) contract with a qualified contractor to replace two (2)

Aquia aluminum sulfate plant tanks in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of this

IFB and resulting contract, if awarded.

2. SCOPE OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS

The Contractor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment, supervision, and subcontracted services necessary to remove, replace, and install the two (2) 9,700-gallon Fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) tanks.

The existing tanks hold and distribute aluminum sulfate into the wastewater process. The project is located at the Aquia Wastewater Treatment Facility (AWT), located at 71 Coal Landing Road, Stafford, VA 22555.

The work shall include removal and disposal of the existing FRP storage tanks, furnishing and installation of new insulated and heated FRP tanks, as well as all associated piping, valves, fittings, instrumentation, electrical work, concrete repairs and protective coatings, and related site restoration and testing necessary to provide a complete and operational alum storage system. Materials used shall be in accordance with the

Utilities Design and Standard Manual (DSM) found here:

(hhtps://utilities.staffordcountyva.gov/residential/forms_and_documents.php#outer-89)

The Contractor shall coordinate with AWT operations to maintain continuity of alum service and shall be performed in accordance with applicable codes, manufacturer recommendations, and the requirements identified in the project documents. The Contractor will be responsible for the following:

1. Remove and dispose of two (2) existing ~9,700‑gallon FRP alum tanks (Owner to drain/rinse beforehand) at

AWT; work one tank at a time unless temporary totes are used.

2. Maintain AWT plant operations by coordinating and assisting with temporary alum feed systems.

3. Install two (2) new insulated, heated ~8,000‑gallon FRP alum tanks with required fittings, 2‑inch fill-line dip tubes, level instruments, and signal wiring; perform hydrostatic testing with Owner‑provided water.

4. Provide and install new Schedule 80 PVC piping, valves, flanges, 316 SS flange kits, and insulated/heated interconnecting piping with self‑regulating heat tracing.

5. Provide all foam insulation, aluminum jacketing, stainless‑steel pipe supports, and related hardware. All metal components and hardware must be 316 SS.

6. Perform concrete repairs, install and coat an 18" x 18" x 3" containment sump (Owner to provide sump pump), and apply chemical‑resistant epoxy coating to containment areas.

7. Provide all electrical work (conduits, wiring, boxes) required for new equipment, NEC‑compliant and compatible with existing systems.

8. Supply all labor, supervision, tools, equipment, temporary facilities, and coordinate required subcontractors.

9. Perform acoustical testing and PE stamping of tank calculations.

The Contractor shall provide the following information as part of their bid:

1. Provide three (3) references in the reference sheet.

https://utilities.staffordcountyva.gov/residential/forms_and_documents.php

2. Provide copies of two (2) similar replacement projects.

Notes: All costs shall be provided on a turnkey basis, inclusive of all labor, materials, equipment, services, and any other expenses required to deliver a complete, fully operational solution.

The contractor shall add $50,000 as an owner contingency as part of the bid for work that is not expected. This cost shall be only used if authorized by the Owner. The Contractor will not have access to these funds unless prior approval is provided by the Owner. The fixed $50,000 contingency amount listed in Part B must be added to the

Part A Total to calculate the Total Base Bid.

SECTION A - INFORMATION FOR BIDDERS

PART I - GENERAL

1.01 SUBMISSION OF BIDS AND BID OPENING

A. Bids will be received by the Stafford County Procurement Division via eVA

(eva.virginia.gov) at the time set forth in the Invitation for Bid. The Total Bid amount will be read aloud during the public bid opening.

B. Bidders, or their representatives, and other interested persons may be present at the opening of Bids via Microsoft Teams.

C. The Bidder shall assume full responsibility for timely submission of the Bid.

D. Bids received after the date and time specified for receipt in the Invitation for Bid will not be considered.

1.02 BIDDING DOCUMENTS

A. Bidding Documents shall include the:

1. Invitation to Bid,

2. Section A - Information for Bidders – return completed Section 1.04 Qualification of

Bidder with bid submission;

3. Section B – Bid Form with all required attachments- return completed forms with bid submission;

4. Section C – Owner-Contractor Agreement, and

5. Section D – General Conditions- Small Construction;

6. References; and

7. Past Performance Information – Two Similar Projects.

8. Any Addenda issued prior to receipt of Bids, return completed signature section with bid submission

All requirements and obligations of the Bidding Documents are hereby incorporated by reference into the Contract Documents and are binding on the successful Bidder upon award of the Contract.

Failure to provide these items may result in rejection of the bid.

B. Bidders shall use complete sets of Bidding Documents in preparing Bids; neither the County nor the Engineer will assume any responsibility for errors or misinterpretations resulting from the use of incomplete sets of Bidding Documents.

C. The County in making copies of the Bid Documents available does so only for the purpose of obtaining Bids on the Work and does not confer a license or grant for any other use.

1.03 DEFINITIONS

A. THE BID:

A Bid is a complete and properly signed Bid to do the work for the sum stipulated therein, submitted in accordance with the Bidding Documents.

B. BASE BID:

The Base Bid is the sum stated in the Bid for which the Bidder offers to perform the Work described in the Bidding Documents as the base, to which work may be added or from which work may be deleted for sums stated in Alternate Bids, if any.

C. ALTERNATES:

An Alternate Bid (or Alternate) is an amount stated in the Bid to be added to or deducted from the amount of the Base Bid if the corresponding change in the Work, as described in the Bidding Documents, is accepted.

1.04 QUALIFICATION OF BIDDER

A. The successful Bidder shall perform at least that percentage of the Work specified in Article

7 of the Owner-Contractor Agreement with forces that are in the direct employment of the

Contractor’s organization. If requested by the County, prior to the signing of the Contract, the successful Bidder shall submit a statement of work to be performed by his/her own forces.

B. Prior to Contract award or within seven (7) days of the County's request to do so, the successful Bidder shall be prepared to demonstrate that his/her present organization, direct labor force and prior work experience is of adequate size and development to maintain responsible control of the project and to schedule, coordinate and perform the work in an expeditious manner and in accordance with the Contract Documents.

C. Bidders, whether residents or nonresidents of Virginia, will be required to show evidence of a certificate or registration as required by Chapter 11 of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia before their Bids will be considered. If a Bid is $120,000 or more, or if the Contractor's annual volume is $750,000 or more, the Contractor must be licensed as a "Class A

Contractor." If a Bid is $10,000 or more but less than $120,000, the Contractor must be licensed as at least a "Class B Contractor". If a Bid is $1,000 or more but less than $10,000, the Contractor must be licensed as at least a "Class C Contractor". The Bidder shall include a copy of their license with the Bid, and provide one of the following notations, as applicable:

☐ "Licensed Class A Virginia Contractor No. ."

☐ "Licensed Class B Virginia Contractor No. ."

☐ "Licensed Class C Virginia Contractor No. ."

☐ "Contract is less than $1,000 therefore licensure is not required."

D. The County will consider, in determining the qualifications of a Bidder, his/her record in the performance of any Contracts for the construction work into which he/she may have entered with the County or with such public bodies or corporations. The County expressly reserves the right to reject the Bid of any Bidder if such record discloses that such Bidder, in the opinion of the County, has not properly performed such contracts; or has habitually and without just cause neglected the payment of bills; or has otherwise disregarded his/her obligations to Subcontractors, material men, suppliers or employees; or has had, in the sole and exclusive judgment of County, a poor safety record from prior projects performed within or outside of the County.

E. The County may make such investigation as he/she deems necessary to determine the ability of the Bidder to perform the work, and the Bidder shall furnish to the County all such information and data for his/her purpose as he/she may request. The County reserves the right to reject any Bid if the evidence submitted by, or investigation of such Bidder, fails to satisfy the County that such Bidder is a responsive and responsible Bidder in accordance with the criteria set forth herein. Conditional Bids will not be accepted.

1.05 BIDDER REPRESENTATIONS

Each Bidder by submitting his/her Bid represents that:

A. Bidder has read and understands the Bidding Documents and his/her Bid is made in accordance therewith; and Bidder agrees to be bound by the terms and requirements set forth in the Bidding and Contract Documents;

B. Bidder has visited the site, has familiarized himself with the 1ocal conditions under which the Work is to be performed in accordance with Article 1.08 of the Information for Bidders and has correlated his/her observations with the requirements of the proposed Contract

Documents;

C. The Bid is based upon the materials, systems and equipment required by the Bidding

Documents without exception; and

D. Bidder has the capability, in all respects, and the moral and business integrity, reliability, technical ability, financial resources, plant, management, superintendence, equipment and materials which will assure effective and efficient good faith performance in full compliance with the Contract Documents and with any and all schedules and Milestone and Completion dates required by the County. The Bidder acknowledges and represents that he/she has made allowances for normal inclement weather indigenous to the Project Site, in his/her estimating, planning, and scheduling of the Work. The Bidder further acknowledges that the

Contract Documents are, in his/her opinion, appropriate and adequate for completing this project and for the construction of sound and suitable work. The Bidder hereby certifies that the work shall be completed, in place, in full accordance with the Contract Documents, within the time limits specified.

1.06 BID SECURITY

A. Each Bid for $100,000 or more must be accompanied by (1) Letter of Credit; or (2) a copy of the Cashier’s Check or a Certified Check from the Bidder in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the Bid, made payable to the County of Stafford; or (3) a Bidder’s Bond on the Bid Bond Form provided herein or on a similar form which in every respect materially complies with said Bid Bond Form, in the amount of five percent (5%) of his/her Bid. The

Bidder’s Bond shall be issued by a surety company licensed to conduct business in Virginia and acceptable to the County. The original Cashier’s Check or Certified Check shall be received by the Procurement Division within two (2) business days from the date bids are due. Failure to submit a copy of the Cashier’s Check or Certified Check in eVA, and to provide the original version of the check to the Procurement Division as set forth herein may result in rejection of the Bid as nonresponsive.

B. Said Bid security is given as a guarantee that the Bidder will enter into a Contract if awarded the work and, in the case of refusal or failure to enter into said Contract, the security shall be declared forfeited to the County. Such security shall be returned to all but the three (3) lowest Bidders within three (3) days after the opening of Bids and the remaining security will be returned within forty-eight (48) hours after the County and the Successful Bidder have executed the Contract. If no Contract has been awarded or the Bidder has not been notified of the acceptance of his/her Bid, within ninety (90) days of the Bid opening, the

Bidder may withdraw his/her Bid and request the return of his/her Bid security. If, at the

County's request, the Bidder agrees to extend and maintain his/her Bid beyond the specified ninety (90) days, his/her Bid security will not be returned.

1.07 LIQUIDATED DAMAGES

A. The successful Bidder, upon his/her failure or refusal to execute the Contract within fifteen

(15) days after he/she has received notice of the acceptance of his/her Bid, shall forfeit to the

County the security deposited with his/her Bid, as liquidated damages for such failure or refusal.

1.08 SITE CONDITIONS AND CONDITIONS OF WORK

A. An optional site visit will be held on October 15, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. Attendance at this site visit will be optional for submitting a bid. Bids will only be accepted from those bidders who are represented at this site visit. Bidders are requested to notify the

Procurement Division of their intent to attend the site visit at

Procurement@StaffordCountyVA.gov. Site visit details will be provided in response to the bidder’s notification of intent to attend. Attendance will be limited to two (2) persons per bidder.

B. Each Bidder shall acquaint himself thoroughly as to the character and nature of the work to be done. Each Bidder furthermore shall make a careful examination of the site of the work and inform himself fully as to the difficulties to be encountered in the performance of the mailto:Procurement@StaffordCountyVA.gov work, the facilities for delivering; storing and placing materials and equipment, and other conditions relating to construction and labor.

C. No plea of ignorance of conditions that exist prior to submission of bids, or may hereafter exist on the site of the work subsequent to the Notice to Proceed, or difficulties that may be encountered in the execution of the work, as a result of failure to make necessary investigations and examinations, will be accepted as an excuse for any failure or omission on the part of the successful Bidder to fulfill in every detail all the requirements of the Contract

Documents and to complete the work for the consideration set forth therein, or as a basis for any claim whatsoever.

D. Insofar as possible or as required by the Contract Documents, the successful Bidder, in carrying out his/her work, must employ such methods or means as will not cause interruption of or interference with the work of the County or any separate contractor.

1.09 BIDDERS' QUESTIONS, ADDENDA AND INTERPRETATIONS

A. Bidders and sub-bidders shall promptly notify the County of any ambiguity, inconsistency or error that they may discover upon examination of the solicitation and Contract Documents or of the site and local conditions. No interpretation of the meaning of the contract documents will be made to any Bidder orally.

B. Every request for such interpretation should be in writing via email addressed to the Stafford

County Procurement Division at procurement@staffordcountyva.gov and include “IFB

#27028 Aquia Plant Aluminum Sulfate Tank Replacement” in the subject line to ensure your question is addressed. To be given consideration questions must be received no later than

2:00 PM local prevailing time on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

C. Any and all such interpretations and any supplemental instructions will be in the form of written Addenda to the Bidding Documents which, if issued, will be available on www.eVA.Virginia.gov. The County will not be responsible for any other explanations or interpretations of the proposed documents. Failure of any Bidder to receive any such

Addendum or interpretation shall not relieve any Bidder from any obligation under his/her

Bid as submitted. All Addenda so issued shall become part of the Contract Documents.

D. If the Bidder (or sub-bidder, any person bidding to Bidder and/or subsequently in contract with the Bidder, relating to the subject project) knows, or should have known, that an ambiguity, discrepancy, error, omission or conflicting statement exists in the Bidding or

Contract Documents, said Bidder (or sub-bidder) has an obligation to seek a clarification thereof from the County prior to Bid. The County will welcome such a clarification request, and, if deemed necessary by the County, the County will issue a written Addendum clarifying the matter in question. Should the Bidder fail to seek such a clarification prior to

Bid, Bidder thereby waives, and agrees to indemnify and hold the County and Engineer harmless from, any claim, suit or cause of action arising out of or related to such ambiguity, discrepancy, error, omission or conflicting statement which the Bidder (and any person bidding to Bidder and/or subsequently in contract with Bidder, relating to the subject project) knew or should have known existed at the time of Bid.

mailto:Procurement@StaffordCountyVA.gov

E. Each Bidder shall ascertain prior to submitting his/her Bid that he/she has received all

Addenda issued, and he/she shall acknowledge receipt and inclusion in his/her Bid of all

Addenda.

1.10 SECURITY FOR FAITHFUL PERFORMANCE

For each bid of $100,000 or more, the successful Bidder shall furnish a Performance Bond in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Sum as security for the faithful performance of this Contract, and also a Labor and Material Payment Bond in an amount not less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Contract Sum, as security for the payment of all persons performing labor and furnishing materials under this Contract. The Performance Bond and the Labor and Material Payment Bond shall be in separate instruments acceptable to the County, in accordance with State law and shall be delivered to the County within 15 calendar days after notification of award. The surety shall be such surety company or companies that are acceptable to the County and that are authorized to transact business in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

1.11 TIME FOR COMPLETION, LIQUIDATED DAMAGES FOR NONCOMPLETION

A. The time for completion of this Contract shall be as fixed in the Owner-Contractor

Agreement.

B. Liquidated damages for non-completion within the stipulated time shall be assessed in accordance with the Owner-Contractor Agreement.

C. It is the intent of the County to execute a Contract with the successful Bidder within ninety

(90) days after receiving Bids.

1.12 LOCATION OF WORK

A. The site of the proposed work is on County owned property, public streets, easements and/or other right of ways, as shown on the drawings or attachments.

1.13 LIABILITY INSURANCE AND WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION

A. The successful Bidder will be required to carry public liability and workmen's compensation and other insurance in the amount and under the terms stipulated in the General Conditions.

1.14 BIDDERS REFERRED TO LAWS

A. The attention of Bidders is called to the provisions of all County, State, and Federal laws, regulations, ordinances and resolutions, including but not limited to laws, regulations, ordinances, resolutions and permits relating to obstructing streets, maintaining signals, storing and handling of explosives, or affecting the Bidder, or his/her employees or his/her work hereunder in his/her relation to the County or any other person. The Bidder shall obey all such laws, regulations, ordinances, permits or resolutions controlling or limiting

Contractors while engaged in the prosecution of work under this Contract.

B. The provisions of this contract shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of Virginia and in accordance with the laws, ordinances, regulations, permits and resolutions of Stafford

County.

1.15 TAXES

All applicable Federal, State and Local Taxes shall be included in the Bidder's bid.

1.16 RIGHT TO REJECT BIDS

A. The County expressly reserves the right to reject any or all Bids, to waive any informalities in the Bids received, and to accept that Bid which, in its judgment, best serves the interest of the County.

1.17 EQUAL PRODUCTS

A. Unless otherwise provided in the Contract Documents, the naming of a certain brand, make or manufacturer or article, device, product, material, fixture, form or type construction by name, make or catalog number, shall convey the general style, type, character and standard of quality of the article desired and shall not be construed as limiting competition. Any

Bidder, in such cases, may, with County approval, use any article, device, product, material, fixture, form or type of construction which in the judgement of the A/E/CM, as defined in the Owner-Contractor Agreement, and County is equal to that specified considering quality, workmanship, economy of operation, suitability for the purpose intended, and acceptability for use on the project. Approval by the County prior to bid opening will be in the form of an

Addendum to the Specifications issued to all prospective Bidders indicating that the additional makes or brands are equivalent to those specified.

B. Equal Products Prior to Bid Opening:

1. To obtain such approval of makes or brands of materials other than those specified in

Contract Documents, the Bidder shall submit his/her request with adequate supporting technical data, as required below, to the County via email to procurement@staffordcountyva.gov no later than 2:00 PM local prevailing time on

Monday, October 19, 2026. The subject line must include “IFB #27028 Aquia Plant

Aluminum Sulfate Tank Replacement” or your request may not be received and answered in a timely manner.

2. The Bidder's request for approval of any equal product shall include:

a. Itemized comparison of proposed equal product with product or method specified;

b. Product identification, including manufacturer's name, address and phone number,

c. Manufacturer's literature showing complete product description, performance and test data, and all reference standards,

d. Samples and colors in the case of articles or products, mailto:procurement@staffordcountyva.gov

e. Name and address of similar projects on which the product was used and date of installation,

f. For construction methods, include a detailed description for proposed method and drawings illustrating same, and

3. The Bidder's request for approval, prior to bid, shall also include the form, entitled

“Bidder's Request for Equal Product and Bidder's Representations”. If approved by an

Addendum, said form shall be submitted by the Bidder (and all other Bidders that desire to use the product or substitution) with the Bid Form, at the time of bid.

C. A change in brand or make from the originally specified item or product may also be considered if satisfactory written evidence that the original manufacturer cannot make scheduled delivery of the approved items is presented to the A/E/CM and approved by the

County.

D. The decision of the County regarding the approval of items as equal products will be final.

1.18 PREPARATION AND SUBMITTAL OF BID FORM:

A. Bids shall be submitted utilizing the Section B – Bid Form as found herein, or otherwise provided with the Contract Documents, and shall be complete in every respect. The total

Bid amount shall be entered in words and figures in the space provided. Where applicable, the unit price or lump sum items, and their extensions shall be entered in figures in the respective columns provided for each Bid item. All entries shall be typewritten or printed in ink. The signatures of all persons shall be in longhand. Any entry of amount that appears on the face of the Bid to have involved an erasure, deletion, whiteout and/or substitution or other such change or alteration shall show by them the initials of the person signing the Bid and the date of the change or alteration. A failure to comply with this requirement may be cause for disqualification of the Bid.

B. For Unit Price Bids, in the event of any discrepancies between the unit prices and the extensions thereof or the total bid amount, the unit price shall govern. For Lump Sum Bids, in the event of a discrepancy between the amount in writing and that in figures, the written value shall govern.

C. Bids shall not contain any restatement or qualifications of work to be done and alternate Bids will not be considered unless called for. No oral, telegraphic or telephonic Bids or modifications will be considered.

D. Bids shall be submitted in eVA to the County on or before the day and hour set for the receipt of Bids.

1.19 MODIFICATION OR WITHDRAWAL OF BID

A. Clerical Mistake. A Bidder may withdraw his/her Bid from consideration if the price bid was substantially lower than the other bids due solely to a mistake therein, provided the Bid was submitted in good faith and the mistake was a clerical mistake, as opposed to a judgment mistake, and was actually due to an unintentional arithmetic error or an unintentional omission of a quantity of work, labor or material made directly in the compilation of a Bid, which can be clearly shown by objective evidence drawn from inspection of original work papers, documents and materials used in the preparation of the Bid sought to be withdrawn.

B. Clerical and Judgement Mistake. If a Bid contains both clerical and judgment mistakes, a

Bidder may withdraw his/her Bid from consideration if the bid price would have been substantially lower than the other Bids due solely to the clerical mistake, that was an unintentional arithmetic error or an unintentional omission of a quantity of work, labor or material made directly in the compilation of a Bid that shall be clearly shown by objective evidence drawn from inspection of original work papers, documents and materials used in the preparation of the Bid sought to be withdrawn.

C. Notice. The Bidder shall give notice in writing of his/her claim of right to withdraw his/her

Bid within two (2) business days after the conclusion of the bid opening procedure and shall submit original work papers with such notice.

D. No Bid shall be withdrawn under this section when the result would be the awarding of the contract on another Bid of the same Bidder or of another Bidder in which the ownership of the withdrawing Bidder is more than five percent (5%).

E. No Bidder who is permitted to withdraw a Bid shall, for compensation, supply any material or labor to or perform any subcontract or other work agreement for the person or firm to whom the contract is awarded or otherwise benefit, directly or indirectly, from the performance of the project for which the withdrawn bid was submitted.

F. Prior to the time and date designated for receipt of Bids, any Bid submitted may be modified or withdrawn by notice to the Procurement Division. Such notice shall be in writing over the signature of the Bidder and shall be emailed, or mailed and postmarked on or before the date and time set for receipt of Bids, and it shall be so worded as not to reveal the amount of the original Bid.

1.20 DETAILED BID BREAKDOWN

The low Bidder on lump sum contracts shall, if requested by County provide the County a detailed breakdown of his/her Bid, broken down by major areas of work and/or by specification section, within three (3) working days of the request. In addition to verifying accounting requirements, the breakdown may be used by the County to determine whether the Bidder has grossly misjudged the requirements of any area. Failure to provide the requested detailed breakdown may result in rejection of the Bid.

1.21 SAFETY

A. It shall be required tha t each Bid submitted to the County for a contract for construction, alteration, and/or repairs, including painting or decorating of a building, highway, street, bridge, sidewalk, culvert, sewer, excavation, grading, or any other construction, include a list of all the following actions which have become final in the three

(3) years prior to the bid submission:

1. Willful, criminally willful, failure to abate, or repeated violations, for which the bidder was cited by (a) the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration; (b) the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Administration; or (c) the occupational safety and health plan for any other public jurisdiction; or

2. Three (3) or more serious singular safety violations for which the bidder was cited by the

(a) United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration; or (b) the Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI); or (c) the occupational safety and health plan from any other public jurisdiction.

3. Termination of a contract between the contractor and any public entity by their purchasing agent or his/her designee for safety violations.

B. If the bidder, or any prior name or alias of bidder’s entity/business, has not received or been the subject of any such violations referenced in paragraph A in the three (3) years prior to the bid submission, then the bidder shall so indicate on the Bid Form entitled “Certification of

Safety Violations.” The bidder will also indicate on this form each state in which work was performed in the three (3) years prior to the bid submission, and all current and prior names of bidder’s entity/business used in the past three (3) years.

C. No bidder or contractor may bid on a County construction contract who has been the subject of any citations for the type and number of violations listed in aforementioned paragraph A, which have become final within the three (3) years prior to the bid submission.

1. Notwithstanding the language of paragraph C, above, any bidder or contractor who has been the subject of a violation, as described in paragraph A.1, which has become final in the three (3) years prior to the bid submission, may bid, if the bidder or contractor meets the eligibility criteria set forth in paragraph E, below.

2. Notwithstanding the language of paragraph C, above, any bidder or contractor who has been the subject of the type and number of violations as described in paragraph A.2, which have become final within three (3) years prior to bid submission, may bid, if the bidder or contractor meets the eligibility criteria in paragraph E, below.

3. Notwithstanding the language of paragraph C, above, any bidder or contractor who has previously been terminated from a public contract, as described in paragraph A.3, within three (3) years prior to the bid submission, may bid, if the bidder or contractor meets the eligibility criteria in paragraph E, below.

D. Prior to bidding on a project, under the provisions of paragraph C above, a contractor may request that a determination be made by the Chief Financial Officer or designee, regarding their eligibility to submit a bid on a contract under the terms of this resolution. However, this request for determination and any subsequent adjudication process must be completed prior to submitting a bid on any project and the request for determination must be received by the County Administrator no later than twenty-one (21) days before bids are due unless otherwise stated in the Invitation to Bid. A notice of the bidder’s request for determination of eligibility will be posted publicly for comments by any interested party. The bidder’s request for determination of eligibility and all supporting documentation provided by the bidder to the County in support of its request shall be open to the inspection of any interested person, firm or corporation in accordance with the requirements of the Virginia Freedom of

Information Act.

E. At the request of the Chief Financial Officer or designee, the County shall evaluate a contractor's eligibility. Contractors may be subject to a special audit of their safety records as required. The criteria used by the County in evaluating contractor’s eligibility shall include but not be limited to the following:

1. Corrective action taken by a bidder or contractor to prevent the recurrence of safety violations.

2. Days Away From Work Incident Rate for the past three (3) years.

3. Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses/Incident Rate for the past three (3) years.

4. Worker’s Compensation Experience Modification Rating for the past three (3) years.

5. Fatality record for the past five (5) years.

6. Detailed information regarding the firm’s safety program including but not limited to a

Safety and Health plan and qualifications of the safety personnel.

7. Verification that management staff directly in charge of projects that experienced safety violations listed in aforementioned paragraph A will not be involved in the County project.

8. Incorporation of safety and health related issues into their new employee orientation programs.

9. Incorporation of work safety as a part of an employee's performance evaluation.

10. Support of safety related matters by senior/corporate management. Does the firm have a safety policy statement signed by a member of senior/corporate management?

11. Designation of a full time Safety Manager or individual designated with these duties.

Does this person report to a high level, authoritative position within the Company?

12. Daily and as-needed safety inspections conducted at work sites.

13. The number and type of safety training programs conducted for employees.

14. Frequency of safety "tailgate meetings" conducted by the firm.

15. Designation of an active safety committee, frequency of their meetings and list of members of the committee.

16. Active membership in a recognized construction safety organization.

F. The determination of eligibility rendered by the Chief Financial Officer or his designee shall be final unless it is appealed within ten (10) days to the Chief Financial Officer in accordance with Article 1.25.

G. It shall be a condition of each County construction contract, as discussed above, that no contractor or subcontractor contracting for any part of the contract work shall require any laborer, mechanic, or other person employed in the performance of the contract to work in surroundings or under working conditions which are hazardous or dangerous to his/her safety, as determined under safety standards promulgated by the U.S. Department of Labor, or the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry.

H. The contractor awarded a County construction contract shall certify in writing that they will not knowingly, willfully, or recklessly employ or contract with any person, company, corporation, or any other entity for services pursuant to that contract if such person, company, corporation, or other entity could not have been awarded such contract due to the restrictions in paragraph C, above.

I. The contractor shall also certify in writing that all safety related information provided in accordance with this Article 1.21 is complete, accurate and truthful.

J. The failure to provide information requested pursuant to this Article 1.21 or the failure to conform to the certification requirements of this Article 1.21 shall be grounds for disqualifying a prospective bidder.

K. The County may impose the following sanctions upon a contractor who willfully submits any false or misleading certification or information regarding material facts in connection with submissions pursuant to this Article 1.21, or willfully omits any certification or information regarding material facts. The term willful shall include intentional or reckless acts or omissions.

1. Disqualify the prospective bidder from bidding a contract.

2. Debar the contractor from bidding future contracts for a period not to exceed three years.

3. Terminate the contract awarded to the bidder after providing notice and opportunity to be heard.

1.22 AWARD OF CONTRACT

The Contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible Bidder.

A. The lowest Bidder shall be determined by the lowest Total Bid Price set forth in the Bid

Form.

B. A responsive Bidder shall mean a Bidder who has submitted a Bid which conforms, in all material respects, to the Bidding Documents.

C. A responsible Bidder shall mean a Bidder who has the capability, in all respects, to perform fully the contract requirements and the moral and business integrity and reliability which will assure good faith performance. In determining responsibility, the following criteria will be considered:

1. The ability, capacity and skill of the Bidder to perform the contract or provide the service required;

2. Whether the Bidder can perform the contract or provide the service promptly, or within the time specified, without delay or interference;

3. The character, integrity, reputation, judgment, experience and efficiency of the Bidder;

4. The quality of performance of previous contracts or services. For example, the following information will be considered:

a. The administrative and consultant cost overruns incurred by County on previous contracts with Bidder,

b. The Bidder's compliance record with contract general conditions on other projects,

c. The submittal by the Bidder of excessive and/or unsubstantiated extra cost proposals and claims on other projects.

d. The Bidder's record for completion of the work within the contract time or within contract milestones and Bidder's compliance with scheduling and coordination requirements on other projects,

e. The Bidder's demonstrated cooperation with the County, its Engineer, and other contractors on previous contracts,

f. Whether the work performed and materials furnished on previous contracts was in accordance with the Contract Documents; and

g. Whether the work performed on other contracts was of high quality.

5. The previous and existing compliance by the Bidder with laws and ordinances relating to contracts or services;

6. The sufficiency of the financial resources and ability of the Bidder to perform the contract or provide the service;

7. The quality, availability and adaptability of the goods or services to the particular use required;

8. The ability of the Bidder to provide future maintenance and service for the warranty period;

9. The number and scope of the conditions attached to the bid;

10. Whether the Bidder is in arrears to Stafford County on debt or contract or is a defaulter on surety to Stafford County or whether the Bidder's Stafford County taxes or assessments are delinquent; and

11. Such other information as may be secured by the County, having a bearing on the decision to award the contract, to include, but not limited to:

a. The ability, experience and commitment of the Bidder to properly and reasonably plan, schedule, coordinate and execute the Work,

b. Whether the Bidder has ever been debarred from bidding or found ineligible for bidding on any other projects.

D. The purpose of the above is to enable the County, in its opinion, to select the Bid which is in the best interests of the County. The ability of the low Bidder to provide the required bonds will not of itself demonstrate responsibility of the Bidder.

E. The County reserves the right to require from the Bidder: (1) submissions of references, to include a listing of previous and current projects and (2) financial statements indicating current financial status prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, by a CPA licensed to do business in Virginia.

F. The County reserves the right to defer award of this Contract for a period of ninety (90) days after the due date of Bids. During this period of time, the Bidder shall guarantee the prices quoted in his/her bid.

1.23 TIE-BIDS

A. When two or more responsible bidders submit bids, which are responsive and contain identical prices, preference shall be given to the bidder whose principal place of business is in Stafford County (“Stafford County bidder”). In the event that there is no Stafford

County bidder, or that this does not resolve the tie, preference shall be given to the bidder whose principal place of business is in the Commonwealth of Virginia (“Virginia bidder”).

B. In the event that there is no Virginia bidder, or that this does not resolve the tie, preference shall be given to bidders that produce the goods or services in the

Commonwealth of Virginia, otherwise the tie shall be decided by lot.

C. Whenever the lowest responsive and responsible bidder is a resident of any other state and such state under its laws allows a resident contractor of that state a preference, a like preference shall be allowed to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder who is a resident of Virginia and is the next lowest bidder. If the lowest responsive and responsible bidder is a resident of any other state and such state under its laws allows a resident contractor of that state a price-matching preference, a like preference shall be allowed to responsive and responsible bidders who are residents of Virginia. If the lowest bidder is a resident contractor of a state with an absolute preference, the bid shall not be considered.

D. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (a) and (b), in the case of a tie bid in instances where goods are being offered, and existing price preferences have already been considered, preference shall be given to the bidder whose goods contain the greatest amount of recycled content.

E. For the purposes of this section, a Virginia person, firm or corporation shall be deemed to be a resident of Virginia if such person, firm or corporation has been organized pursuant to Virginia law or maintains a principal place of business within Virginia.

1.24 APPEAL OF DETERMINATION OF NONRESPONSIBILITY

Refer to Stafford County Procurement Policy Article 8.

1.25 PROTEST OF AWARD OR DECISION TO AWARD

Refer to Stafford County Procurement Policy Article 8.

1.26 ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS PROCEDURE

A. The County Administrator or a designee shall hear appeals of protests to the Chief Financial

Officer decision for refusal to allow withdrawal of Bids and appeals from disqualification.

The Chief Financial Officer shall provide for a hearing, the opportunity to present pertinent information and shall issue a written decision containing findings or facts. The findings of fact shall be final and conclusive and shall not be set aside unless the same are fraudulent, arbitrary or capricious, or so grossly erroneous as to imply bad faith. No determination on an issue of law shall be final if appropriate legal action is instituted in a timely manner. A

Bidder/ contractor may not institute legal proceedings until all administrative remedies as set forth herein or as required by the ordinances or resolutions of Stafford County have been exhausted.

1.27 NEGOTIATION WITH LOWEST RESPONSIBLE AND RESPONSIVE BIDDER

A. The County reserves the right to waive informalities, and to reject any and all bids. If the bid from the lowest responsible Bidder exceeds available funds, the County reserves the right to negotiate with the apparent low Bidder to obtain a contract price within available funds. If, upon review of the lowest responsible bid, it is determined, in writing, by the

County that sufficient funds are not currently budgeted in the project to award this contract and it is in the County's best interest to proceed with the construction of the project without delay, the County may review the plans and contract documents to determine, in writing, possible areas of modification or reduction which can be made without significantly affecting the scope of the project. Upon determination that such areas may exist, the County shall notify the lowest responsive and responsible Bidder of the County's decision to exercise its option under this provision and request an interview with the apparent low

Bidder or his/her designee. If a satisfactory bid price is obtained, the County shall then enter into a contract as modified during the negotiation session(s).

B. If a satisfactory price cannot be agreed to, then negotiations shall be terminated, all bids rejected and, if the requirement is still valid, the project shall be re-advertised.

1.28 FAITH-BASED CLAUSE

This public body does not discriminate against faith-based organizations in accordance with the

Code of Virginia Section 2.2-4343.1 or against a Bidder because of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability or any other prohibited by state law relating to discrimination in employment.

1.29 BIDDER DEBARMENT

By submitting a bid, the Bidder is certifying that he/she is not currently debarred by the County or any political subdivision or entity of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

1.30 BIDDER DISCLOSURE

Each Bidder shall certify, upon signing a Bid, that to the best of his/her knowledge no Stafford

County official or employee having official responsibility for the procurement transaction, or member of his/her immediate family, has received or will receive any financial benefit of more than nominal or minimal value relating to the award of this contract. If such a benefit has been received or will be received, this fact shall be with the bid or as soon thereafter as it appears that such a benefit will be received. Failure to disclose the information prescribed above may result in suspension or debarment, or rescission of the contract made, or could affect payment pursuant to the terms of the contract.

1.31 PROOF OF AUTHORITY TO TRANSACT BUSINESS IN VIRGINIA

A Bidder organized or authorized to transact business in the Commonwealth pursuant to Title 13.1 or

Title 50 of the Code of Virginia shall include in its bid the identification number issued to it by the

State Corporation Commission. Any Bidder that is not required to be authorized to transact business in the Commonwealth as a foreign business entity under Title 13.1 or Title 50 of the Code of Virginia or as otherwise required by law shall include in its bid a statement describing why the Bidder is not required to be so authorized. Any Bidder described herein that fails to provide the required information shall not receive an award unless a waiver of this requirement and the administrative policies and procedures established to implement this Article is granted by the County Administrator

(https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter43/section2.2-4311.2/).

1.32 W-9 FORM

In the event of a contract award, this information is required in order to issue Purchase Orders and payments to your Firm. A copy of this form can be downloaded from http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf .

1.33 IMMIGRATION REFORM AND CONTROL ACT OF 1986

By accepting a contract award, Bidder certifies that it does not and will not during the performance of this Contract violate the provisions of the Federal Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, which prohibits the employment of illegal aliens.

1.34 VIRGINIA FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title2.2/chapter43/section2.2-4311.2/ http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf

All proceedings, records, contracts and other public records relating to procurement transactions shall be open to the inspection of any citizen, or any interested person, firm or corporation, in accordance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq., except as provided below:

A. Cost estimates relating to a proposed procurement transaction prepared by or for a public body shall not be open to public inspection.

B. Any competitive sealed bidding Bidder, upon request, shall be afforded the opportunity to inspect bid records within a reasonable time after the opening of all Bids but prior to award, except in the event that the County decides not to accept any of the Bids and to reopen the contract.