IFB 54-JB-1260005 .pdf

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

Department of Transportation

Invitation for Bid #54-JB-1260005

Various Trailers

Date Issued: August 27, 2027

Bid Opening Date: September 9, 2027

At 2:00 PM ET

Direct all inquiries concerning this IFB to:

James E. ”Jimmy’’ Bryant, Jr.

Procurement Specialist III

Email: jebryant@ncdot.gov

Phone: 919-707-2626 mailto:jebryant@ncdot.gov

Ver. 11/2025

Invitation for Bid #

54-JB-1260005

For internal State agency processing, including tabulation of bids, provide your company’s eVP (Electronic Vendor Portal) Number. Pursuant to G.S. 132-1.10(b) this identification number shall not be released to the public. This page will be removed and shredded, or otherwise kept confidential, before the procurement file is made available for public inspection.

This page shall be filled out and returned with your bid.

Failure to do so shall be sufficient cause to reject your bid.

Vendor Name

Vendor eVP #

Note: For a contract to be awarded to you, your company (you) must be a North Carolina registered Vendor in good standing. You must enter the Vendor number assigned through eVP (Electronic Vendor

Portal). If you do not have a Vendor number, register at https://evp.nc.gov/SignIn

Electronic responses ONLY will be accepted for this solicitation.

https://evp.nc.gov/SignIn

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EXECUTION

In compliance with this Invitation for Bids (IFB), and subject to all the conditions herein, the undersigned Vendor offers and agrees to furnish and deliver any or all items upon which prices are bid, at the prices set opposite each item within the time specified herein.

By executing this bid, the undersigned Vendor understands that false certification is a Class I felony and certifies that:

this bid is submitted competitively and without collusion (G.S. 143-54), that none of its officers, directors, or owners of an unincorporated business entity has been convicted of any violations of Chapter 78A of the General Statutes, the Securities Act of 1933, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (G.S. 143-59.2), and it is not an ineligible Vendor as set forth in G.S. 143-59.1.

Furthermore, by executing this bid, the undersigned certifies to the best of Vendor’s knowledge and belief, that:

it and its principals are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any Federal or State department or agency.

As required by G.S. 143-48.5, the undersigned Vendor certifies that it, and each of its sub-Contractors for any Contract awarded as a result of this IFB, complies with the requirements of Article 2 of Chapter 64 of the NC General Statutes, including the requirement for each employer with more than 25 employees in North Carolina to verify the work authorization of its employees through the federal E-Verify system.

As required by Executive Order 24 (2017), the undersigned Vendor certifies will comply with all Federal and State requirements concerning fair employment and that it does not and will not discriminate, harass, or retaliate against any employee in connection with performance of any Contract arising from this solicitation.

G.S. 133-32 and Executive Order 24 (2009) prohibit the offer to, or acceptance by, any State Employee associated with the preparing plans, specifications, estimates for public Contract; or awarding or administering public Contracts; or inspecting or supervising delivery of the public Contract of any gift from anyone with a Contract with the State, or from any person seeking to do business with the State. By execution of this bid response to the IFB, the undersigned certifies, for Vendor’s entire organization and its employees or agents, that Vendor are not aware that any such gift has been offered, accepted, or promised by any employees or agents of Vendor’s organization.

By executing this bid, Vendor certifies that it has read and agreed to the INSTRUCTION TO VENDORS and the NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS incorporated herein. These documents can be accessed from the ATTACHMENTS page within this document.

Failure to execute/sign bid prior to submittal may render bid invalid and it MAY BE REJECTED. Late bids cannot be accepted.

COMPLETE/FORMAL NAME OF VENDOR:

STREET ADDRESS: P.O. BOX: ZIP:

CITY & STATE & ZIP: TELEPHONE NUMBER: TOLL FREE TEL. NO:

PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS ADDRESS IF DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE (SEE INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS ITEM #21):

PRINT NAME & TITLE OF PERSON SIGNING ON BEHALF OF VENDOR:

VENDOR’S AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE: DATE: E-MAIL:

Department of Transportation

Refer ALL Inquiries regarding this IFB to:

James E. Bryant, Jr., jebryant@ncdot.gov

Invitation for Bids # 54-JB-1260005 Bids will be publicly opened: September 9, 2027

Using Agency: NCDOT Commodity No. and Description: 251817 Product and Material Trailers Requisition No.: N/A

Bid Number: 54-JB-1260005 Vendor: ____________________________________

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FOR STATE USE ONLY: Offer accepted and Contract awarded this ____ day of _______________, 20____, as indicated on the attached certification, by ______________________________________________________

VALIDITY PERIOD

Offer shall be valid for at least one hundred twenty (120) days from date of bid opening, unless otherwise stated here: ______ days or if extended by mutual agreement of the parties. Any withdrawal of this offer shall be made in writing, effective upon receipt by the agency issuing this IFB.

BID ACCEPTANCE

If your bid is accepted, all provisions of this IFB, along with the written results of any negotiations, shall constitute the written agreement between the parties (“Contract”). The NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS are incorporated herein and shall apply.

Depending upon the Goods or Services being offered, other terms and conditions may apply, as mutually agreed.

(Authorized Representative of Department of Transportation)

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Table of Contents

1.0 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

1.1 CONTRACT TERM

2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1 INVITATION FOR BID DOCUMENT

2.2 E-PROCUREMENT FEE

2.3 NOTICE TO VENDORS REGARDING IFB TERMS AND CONDITIONS

2.4 IFB SCHEDULE

2.5 BID QUESTIONS

2.6 BID SUBMITTAL

2.7 BID CONTENTS

2.8 ALTERNATE BIDS

2.9 DEFINITIONS, ACRONYMS, AND ABBREVIATIONS

3.0 METHOD OF AWARD AND BID EVALUATION PROCESS

3.1 METHOD OF AWARD

3.2 CONFIDENTIALITY AND PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS DURING EVALUATION

3.3 BID EVALUATION PROCESS

3.4 PERFORMANCE OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES

3.5 INTERPRETATION OF TERMS AND PHRASES

4.0 REQUIREMENTS

4.1 PRICING

4.2 ESTIMATED QUANTITIES

4.3 PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

4.4 TRANSPORTATION AND IDENTIFICATION

4.5 DELIVERY

4.6 AUTHORIZED RESELLER

4.7 WARRANTY

4.8 DESCRIPTIVE LITERATURE

4.9 REFERENCES

4.10 VENDOR’S REPRESENTATIONS

4.11 FINANCIAL STABILITY

4.12 AGENCY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS MODIFICATION

4.13 SECRETARY OF STATE REGISTRATION

4.14 SUSTAINIBILITY EFFORTS

4.15 SUBCONTRACTORS

5.0 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

SPECIFICATIONS

5.2 CERTIFICATION AND SAFETY LABELS

5.3 DEVIATIONS

6.0 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

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6.1 CONTRACT MANAGER AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

6.2 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

6.3 ACCEPTANCE OF WORK

6.4 INVOICES

6.5 DISPUTE RESOLUTION

6.6 PRODUCT RECALL

6.7 CONTRACT CHANGES

6.8 EQUIPMENT PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE QUESTIONNAIRE (EPMQ)

7.0 ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT A: PRICING FORM

ATTACHMENT B: INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS

ATTACHMENT C: NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

ATTACHMENT D: RESERVED

ATTACHMENT E: CUSTOMER REFERENCE FORM

ATTACHMENT F: LOCATION OF WORKERS UTILIZED BY VENDOR

ATTACHMENT G: CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

ATTACHMENT H: VENDOR REQUEST FOR EO50 PRICE-MATCHING

ATTACHMENT I: EQUIPMENT PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE QUESTIONNAIRE (EPMQ)

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1.0 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

The Purpose of this Invitation for Bids (IFB) is to obtain pricing for various types of open and enclosed trailers. The trailers will be used by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for hauling and storing orange barrels, traffic cones, road signs, and road barricades.

The intent of this solicitation is to award an Agency Specific Term Contract.

1.1 CONTRACT TERM

The Contract shall have an initial term of three (3) years, beginning on the date of final Contract execution (the “Effective Date”). In addition, and with the Vendor’s concurrence, the State reserves the right to extend a contract term after the last active term.

Bids shall be submitted in accordance with the terms and conditions of this IFB and any addenda issued hereto.

2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1 INVITATION FOR BID DOCUMENT

The IFB is comprised of the base IFB document, any attachments, and any addenda released before Contract award, which are incorporated herein by reference.

2.2 E-PROCUREMENT FEE

ATTENTION: The E-Procurement fee may apply to this solicitation. See paragraph entitled ELECTRONIC PROCUREMENT of the North Carolina General Terms and Conditions.

General information on the E-Procurement Services can be found at: http://eprocurement.nc.gov/.

2.3 NOTICE TO VENDORS REGARDING IFB TERMS AND CONDITIONS

It shall be the Vendor’s responsibility to read the Instructions to Vendors, the North Carolina General Terms and Conditions, all relevant exhibits and attachments, and any other components made a part of this IFB and comply with all requirements and specifications herein. Vendors also are responsible for obtaining and complying with all Addenda and other changes that may be issued in connection with this IFB.

If Vendors have questions, issues, or exceptions regarding any component within this IFB, those must be submitted as questions in accordance with the instructions in the BID QUESTIONS Section. If the State determines that any changes will be made as a result of the questions asked, then such decisions will be communicated in the form of an IFB addendum. The State may also elect to leave open the possibility for later negotiation of specific provisions of the Contract that have been addressed during the question-and-answer period, prior to contact award.

Other than through this process or negotiation under 01 NCAC 05B.0503, the State rejects and will not be required to evaluate or consider any additional or modified terms and conditions submitted with Vendor’s bid. This applies to any language appearing in or attached to the document as part of the Vendor’s bid that purports to vary any terms and conditions or Vendors’ instructions herein or to render the bid non-binding or subject to further negotiation. Vendor’s bid shall constitute a firm offer that shall be held open for the period required herein (“Validity Period” above).

The State may exercise its discretion to consider Vendor proposed modifications. By execution and delivery of this IFB response, the Vendor agrees that any additional or modified terms and conditions, whether submitted purposely or inadvertently, shall have no force or effect, and will be disregarded unless expressly agreed upon through negotiations and incorporated by way of a Best and Final Offer (BAFO). Noncompliance with, or any attempt to alter or delete, this paragraph shall constitute sufficient grounds to reject Vendor’s bid as non-responsive.

http://eprocurement.nc.gov/

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2.4 IFB SCHEDULE

The table below shows the intended schedule for this IFB. The State will make every effort to adhere to this schedule.

Event Responsibility Date and Time

Issue IFB State August 27, 2027 Submit Written Questions Vendor August 31, 2027 Provide Responses to Questions State September 3, 2027 Submit Bids Vendor September 9, 2027 Contract Award State TBD Public bid opening for this solicitation will be conducted via conference call. Vendors may use the links below or use the call-in number to join the bid opening.

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/226707936707664?p=m0eRKm7IWGf5dRrjS8

Meeting ID: 226 707 936 707 664

Passcode: KH6346dh

Need help? | System reference

Dial in by phone

+1 984-204-1487,,548385800# United States, Raleigh

Find a local number

Phone conference ID: 548 385 800#

Join on a video conferencing device

Tenant key: ncgov@m.webex.com

Video ID: 117 709 692 7

More info

For organizers: Meeting options | Reset dial-in PIN

2.5 BID QUESTIONS

Upon review of the IFB documents, Vendors may have questions to clarify or interpret the IFB in order to submit the best bid possible. To accommodate the Bid Questions process, Vendors shall submit any such questions by the “Submit Written Questions” date and time provided in the IFB SCHEDULE Section above, unless modified by Addendum.

Written questions shall be e-mailed to jebryant@ncdot.gov by the date and time specified above. Vendors will enter “IFB # 54- JB-1260005 Questions” as the subject for the email. Question submittals will include a reference to the applicable IFB section and be submitted in the format shown below:

Reference Vendor Question

IFB Section, Page Number Vendor question …?

Questions received prior to the submission deadline date, the State’s response, and any additional terms deemed necessary by the State will be posted in the form of an addendum to the electronic Vendor Portal (eVP), https://evp.nc.gov, and shall become an Addendum to this IFB. No information, instruction or advice provided orally or informally by any State personnel, whether made in response to a question or otherwise in connection with this IFB, shall be considered authoritative or binding.

Vendors shall rely only on written material contained in an Addendum to this IFB.

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/226707936707664?p=m0eRKm7IWGf5dRrjS8 https://aka.ms/JoinTeamsMeeting?omkt=en-US https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YzkxYjYzOWYtYTc1ZS00ODQyLWJiZjgtZGU3MDk2MDBhNmQ1%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227a7681dc-b9d0-449a-85c3-ecc26cd7ed19%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2258310392-cc56-4e81-8acc-dbcaeb4537ad%22%7d tel:+19842041487,,548385800 https://dialin.teams.cloud.microsoft/c102d528-0544-4660-b869-294e85047e28?id=548385800 https://www.webex.com/msteams?confid=1177096927&tenantkey=ncgov&domain=m.webex.com https://teams.microsoft.com/meetingOptions/?organizerId=58310392-cc56-4e81-8acc-dbcaeb4537ad&tenantId=7a7681dc-b9d0-449a-85c3-ecc26cd7ed19&threadId=19_meeting_YzkxYjYzOWYtYTc1ZS00ODQyLWJiZjgtZGU3MDk2MDBhNmQ1@thread.v2&messageId=0&language=en-US https://dialin.teams.cloud.microsoft/usp/pstnconferencing https://evp.nc.gov/

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2.6 BID SUBMITTAL

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is an absolute requirement. Vendor shall bear the risk of late submission due to unintended or unanticipated delay. It is the Vendor’s sole responsibility to ensure its bid has been received as described in this IFB by the specified time and date of opening. The date and time of receipt will be marked on each bid when received. Any bid or portion thereof received after the bid submission deadline will be rejected.

All bid responses shall be submitted electronically via the electronic Vendor Portal (eVP). Additional information can be found at the eVP updates for Vendors link: https://eprocurement.nc.gov/news-events/evp-updates-vendors.

If confidential and proprietary information is included in the bid, also submit one (1) signed, REDACTED copy of the bid. Such information may include trade secrets defined by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 66-152 and other information exempted from the Public Records Act pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. §132- 1.2. Vendor may designate information, Products, Services or appropriate portions of its response as confidential, consistent with and to the extent permitted under the statutes and rules set forth above. By so redacting any page, or portion of a page, the Vendor warrants that it has formed a good faith opinion, having received such necessary or proper review by counsel and other knowledgeable advisors, that the portions determined to be confidential and proprietary and redacted as such, meet the requirements of the Rules and Statutes set forth above. However, under no circumstances shall price information be designated as confidential.

If the Vendor does not provide a redacted version of the bid with its bid submission, the Department may release an unredacted version if a record request is received.

Failure to submit a bid in strict accordance with these instructions shall constitute sufficient cause to reject a Vendor’s bid(s).

Vendors are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to upload bids.

Critical updated information may be included in Addenda to this IFB. It is important that all Vendors responding on this IFB periodically check the State’s eVP website for any Addenda that may be issued prior to the bid opening date. All Vendors shall be deemed to have read and understood all information in this IFB and all Addenda thereto.

2.7 BID CONTENTS

Vendors shall populate all attachments of this IFB that require the Vendor to provide information and include an authorized signature where requested. Failure to provide all required items, or Vendor’s submission of incomplete items, may result in the State rejecting Vendor’s bid, in the State’s sole discretion

Vendor IFB responses shall include the following items and attachments, which shall be arranged in the following order:

a) Completed and signed version of EXECUTION PAGES, along with the body of the IFB.

b) Signed receipt pages of any addenda released in conjunction with this IFB, if required to be returned.

c) Completed version of ATTACHMENT A: PRICING FORM

d) Completed version of ATTACHMENT F: LOCATION OF WORKERS UTILIZED BY VENDOR

e) Completed and signed version of ATTACHMENT G: CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

f) Completed and signed version of ATTACHMENT H: VENDOR REQUEST FOR EO50 PRICE-MATCHING, if applicable

2.8 ALTERNATE BIDS

Unless provided otherwise in this IFB, Vendor may submit alternate bids for comparable Goods, various methods or levels of Service(s), or that propose different options. Alternate bids must specifically identify the IFB requirements and advantage(s) addressed by the alternate bid. Any alternate bid, in addition to the marking described above, must be clearly marked with the legend: “Alternate Bid #54-JB-1260005 [for ‘name of Vendor’]”. Each bid must be for a specific set of Goods and Services and must include specific pricing. If a Vendor chooses to respond with various offerings, each must be offered with a separate price and be contained in a separate bid. Each bid must be complete and independent of other bids offered.

https://eprocurement.nc.gov/news-events/evp-updates-vendors

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2.9 DEFINITIONS, ACRONYMS, AND ABBREVIATIONS

Relevant definitions for this IFB are provided in 01 NCAC 05A .0112 and in the Instructions to Vendors referenced below which are incorporated herein by this reference.

The following acronyms are also relevant to this IFB:

FMVSS: Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

LED: Light Emitting Diode

LT: Light Truck

SAE: Society of Automotive Engineers

USDOT: United States Department of Transportation

3.0 METHOD OF AWARD AND BID EVALUATION PROCESS

3.1 METHOD OF AWARD

North Carolina G.S. 143-52 provides a general list of criteria the State shall use to award contracts, as supplemented by the additional criteria herein. The Goods or Services being procured shall dictate the application and order of criteria; however, all award decisions shall be in the State’s best interest.

All responsive bids will be reviewed, and award(s) will be based on the responsive bid(s) offering the lowest price that meets the specifications to include any required verifications set out herein, such as but not limited to past performance, references, and financial documents.

While the intent of this IFB is to award a Contract(s) to a single Vendor for all line items, the State reserves the right to make separate awards to different Vendors for one or more line items, to not award one or more line items or to cancel this IFB in its entirety without awarding a Contract, if it is considered to be most advantageous to the State to do so.

If a Vendor selected for award is determined by the State to be a non-resident of North Carolina, all responsive bids will be reviewed to determine if any of them were submitted by a North Carolina resident Vendor who requested an opportunity to match the price of the winning bid, pursuant to Executive Order #50 and G.S. 143-59 (for more information, please refer to ATTACHMENT H: VENDOR REQUEST FOR EXECUTIVE ORDER #50 PRICE MATCHING. If such bid(s) are identified, the State will then determine whether any such bid falls within the price-match range, and, if so, make a Contract award in accordance with the process that implements G.S. 143-59 and Executive Order #50.

The State reserves the right to waive any minor informality or technicality in bids received.

3.2 CONFIDENTIALITY AND PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS DURING EVALUATION

While this IFB is under evaluation, the responding Vendor, including any subcontractors and suppliers, is prohibited from engaging in conversations intended to influence the outcome of the evaluation. See Paragraph 29 of the Instructions To Vendors entitled COMMUNICATIONS BY VENDORS.

Each Vendor submitting a bid to this IFB, including its employees, agents, subcontractors, suppliers, subsidiaries and affiliates, is prohibited from having any communications with any person inside or outside the using agency; issuing agency; other government agency office or body (including the procurement lead named above, any department secretary, agency head, members of the General Assembly and Governor’s office); or private entity, if the communication refers to the content of Vendor’s bid or qualifications, the content of another Vendor’s bid, another Vendor’s qualifications or ability to perform a resulting contract, and/or the transmittal of any other communication of information that could be reasonably considered to have the effect of directly or indirectly influencing the evaluation of bids, the award of a contract, or both.

Any Vendor not in compliance with this provision shall be disqualified from evaluation and award. A Vendor’s bid may be disqualified if its subcontractor and/or supplier engage in any of the foregoing communications during the time that the

Ver: 11/2025 9 procurement is active (i.e., the issuance date of the procurement until the date of contract award or cancellation of the procurement). Only those discussions, communications or transmittals of information authorized or initiated by the issuing agency for this IFB, or inquiries directed to the procurement lead named in this IFB regarding requirements of the IFB (prior to bid submission) or the status of the award (after submission) are excepted from this provision.

3.3 BID EVALUATION PROCESS

Only responsive submissions will be evaluated.

The State will conduct an evaluation of responsive Bids, as follows:

Bids will be received according to the method stated in the Bid Submittal section above.

All bids must be received by the issuing agency not later than the date and time specified in the IFB SCHEDULE Section above, unless modified by Addendum. Vendors are cautioned that this is a request for offers, not an offer or request to contract, and the State reserves the unqualified right to reject any and all offers at any time if such rejection is deemed to be in the best interest of the State.

At the date and time provided in the IFB SCHEDULE Section above, unless modified by Addendum, the bids from each responding Vendor will be opened publicly and all offers (except those that have been previously withdrawn, or voided bids) will be tabulated. The tabulation shall be made public at the time it is created. When negotiations after receipt of bids are authorized pursuant to G.S. 143-49 and 01 NCAC 05B.0503, only the names of offerors and the Goods and Services offered shall be tabulated at the time of opening. If negotiation is anticipated, cost and price shall become available for public inspection at the time of the award. Interested parties are cautioned that these costs and their components are subject to further evaluation for completeness and correctness and therefore may not be an exact indicator of a Vendor’s pricing position.

At their option, the evaluators may request oral presentations or discussions with any or all Vendors for clarification or to amplify the materials presented in any part of the bid. Vendors are cautioned, however, that the evaluators are not required to request presentations or other clarification—and often do not. Therefore, all bids should be complete and reflect the most favorable terms available from the Vendor. Prices bid cannot be altered or modified as part of a clarification.

Bids will generally be evaluated, based on completeness, content, cost and responsibility of the Vendor to supply the requested Goods and Services. Specific evaluation criteria are listed in Section 3.1 METHOD OF AWARD.

Upon completion of the evaluation process, the State will make Award(s) based on the evaluation and post the award(s) to the State’s eVP website under the IFB number for this solicitation. Award of a Contract to one Vendor does not mean that the other bids lacked merit, but that, all factors considered, the selected bid was deemed most advantageous and represented the best value to the State.

The State reserves the right to negotiate with one or more Vendors, or to reject all original offers and negotiate with one or more sources of supply that may be capable of satisfying the requirement, and in either case to require Vendor to submit a Best and Final Offer (BAFO) based on discussions and negotiations with the State.

3.4 PERFORMANCE OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES

Vendor shall complete ATTACHMENT F: LOCATION OF WORKERS UTILIZED BY VENDOR. In addition to any other evaluation criteria identified in this IFB, the State may also consider, for purposes of evaluating proposed or actual contract performance outside of the United States, how that performance may affect the following factors to ensure that any award will be in the best interest of the State:

a) Total cost to the State

b) Level of quality provided by the Vendor

c) Process and performance capability across multiple jurisdictions

d) Protection of the State’s information and intellectual property

e) Availability of pertinent skills

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f) Ability to understand the State’s business requirements and internal operational culture

g) Particular risk factors such as the security of the State’s information technology

h) Relations with citizens and employees

i) Contract enforcement jurisdictional issues

3.5 INTERPRETATION OF TERMS AND PHRASES

This IFB serves two functions: (1) to advise potential Vendors of the parameters of the solution being sought by the State; and

(2) to provide (together with other specified documents) the terms of the Contract resulting from this procurement. The use of phrases such as “shall,” “must,” and “requirements” are intended to create enforceable contract conditions. In determining whether bids should be evaluated or rejected, the State will take into consideration the degree to which Vendors have proposed or failed to propose solutions that will satisfy the State’s needs as described in the IFB. Except as specifically stated in the IFB, no one requirement shall automatically disqualify a Vendor from consideration. However, failure to comply with any single requirement may result in the State exercising its discretion to reject a bid in its entirety.

4.0 REQUIREMENTS

This Section lists the requirements related to this IFB. By submitting a bid, the Vendor agrees to meet all stated requirements in this Section, as well as any other specifications, requirements, and terms and conditions stated in this IFB. If a Vendor is unclear about a requirement or specification or believes a change in a requirement would allow for the State to receive a better bid, the Vendor is encouraged to submit these items in the form of a question during the question and answer period in accordance with the Bid Questions Section above.

4.1 PRICING

Bid price shall constitute the total cost to the State for delivery fully assembled and ready for use, including all applicable charges for shipping, delivery, handling, administrative and other similar fees. Complete ATTACHMENT A: PRICING FORM and include in Vendor’s response.

4.2 ESTIMATED QUANTITIES

The quantities indicated herein are annual estimates only and are provided for informational purposes based on the anticipated usage during the previous three (3) year period. No maximum or minimum quantities are guaranteed. It shall be understood and agreed that the State may purchase more or less than the estimated quantities during the contract period. The State reserves the right to increase or decrease the quantities as needed. The State shall not be obligated to purchase more than its normal requirements. The State will be responsible only for items requested and received.

4.3 PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

SUITABILITY FOR INTENDED USE

Vendors are requested to offer only items directly complying with the specifications herein or comparable items which will provide the equivalent capabilities, features and diversity called for herein. The State reserves the right to evaluate all bids for suitability for the required use and to award the one best meeting requirements and considered to be in the State’s best interest.

4.4 TRANSPORTATION AND IDENTIFICATION

The Vendor shall deliver Free-On-Board (FOB) Destination to any requested location within the State of North Carolina with all transportation costs and fees included in the total bid price.

When an order is placed using a purchase order, the purchase order number shall be shown on all packages and shipping manifests to ensure proper identification and payment of invoices. If an order is placed without using a purchase order, such as via phone, the Buyer’s name shall be shown on all packages. A complete packing list shall accompany each shipment. Vendors shall not ship any products until they have received an order.

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4.5 DELIVERY

The Vendor shall deliver Free-On-Board (FOB) Destination to the following location(s):

NCDOT

Fleet and Material Management Unit 4809 Beryl Road Raleigh, NC 27606

Delivery Notes

• The equipment delivery entrance is located in the 600 block of Blue Ridge Road, marked by a sign that reads: NCDOT New Equipment Delivery

• Deliveries are ONLY accepted at the Fleet and Material Management Unit between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except State approved holidays.

• Delivery authorization must be received one (1) business day prior to delivery from Clayton Blackman at (919) 835- 8065 before any equipment is delivered.

Vendor should complete delivery within one hundred twenty (120) consecutive calendar days after receipt of purchase order.

For completion by Vendor: Delivery will be made from __________________________________________ (city, state) within _____ consecutive calendar days after receipt of purchase order. Promptness of delivery may be used as a factor in the award criteria.

4.6 AUTHORIZED RESELLER

The Vendor shall be authorized by the manufacturer to distribute or resell the products and/or maintenance offered in this IFB.

The Vendor shall provide a signed statement from the manufacturer confirming authorization with its bid response. Failure to provide this statement shall constitute sufficient grounds for rejection of Vendor’s offer, at the discretion of the State.

Vendor is the: Manufacturer Dealer Reseller Distributor

Authorized: Yes No Attached Manufacturer’s Authority: Yes No

4.7 WARRANTY

Vendor warrants that all equipment furnished under this IFB will be newly manufactured, of good material and workmanship.

The warranty will apply from date equipment is put into operation for a minimum period of twelve (12) months or the length of the manufacturer’s warranty, whichever is longer. Such warranty shall cover the cost of all defective parts replacement, labor, freight, and technicians’ travel at no additional cost to the State, or as specified by the Procurement Entity herein. To the extent not superseded by the terms of this paragraph, manufacturer’s warranty terms shall apply. Vendor’s warranty shall be at least the level of coverage provided for its comparable customers.

The report of a problem does not presuppose that every call must result in an “on-site” visit for service/repair. The Vendor and/or service sub-contractor shall utilize best efforts to resolve problems in a timely fashion by using acceptable servicing methods to include, but not limited to, verbal problem analysis and remote diagnosis. The warranty requirement does not impose any additional duty on the State to make other than normal and good faith problem resolution efforts or expenditures of time. Vendor shall be responsible for compliance with warranty terms by any third-party service provider. Vendor shall provide contact information for warranty service provider, below.

Vendor is authorized by manufacturer to repair equipment offered during the warranty period? YES NO

Will the Vendor provide warranty service? YES NO, a manufacturer-authorized third party will perform warranty service.

Contact information for warranty service provider:

Company Name: _______________________________________________

Company Address: _____________________________________________

Ver: 11/2025 12

Contact Person (name): _________________________________________

Contact Person (phone number): __________________________________

Contact Person (email): _________________________________________

4.8 DESCRIPTIVE LITERATURE

Descriptive Literature, specifications, certifications, and all other pertinent data necessary for thorough evaluation of the item(s) offered and sufficient to determine compliance of the item(s) with the specifications are not required prior to the bid opening; however, descriptive literature, specifications, certifications, and all other pertinent data may be required at a later time. If requested, Vendor must furnish descriptive literature, specifications, certifications, and all other pertinent data within five (5) consecutive calendar days after the request is made by the State. Failure to provide such information shall be a sufficient basis for rejection of the bid.

4.9 REFERENCES

References are not required prior to the bid opening; however, references may be required at a later time. If so requested, Vendor agrees to furnish at least three (3) references for which your company has provided substantially similar items to those offered in its bid response, using ATTACHMENT E: CUSTOMER REFERENCE FORM. The references must be received within five

(5) consecutive calendar days after the request is made by the State. Failure to comply with this requirement shall be a sufficient basis for rejection of the bid without further consideration.

The State may contact these users to determine quality level of the offered equipment; as well as but not limited to user satisfaction with Vendor performance. Information obtained may be considered in the evaluation of the bid.

4.10 VENDOR’S REPRESENTATIONS

If the bid results in an award, Vendor agrees that it will not enter any agreement with a third party that may abridge any rights of the State under the Contract. If any Services, deliverables, functions, or responsibilities not specifically described in this solicitation are required for Vendor’s proper performance, provision and delivery of the Service and deliverables under a resulting Contract, or are an inherent part of or necessary sub-task included within such service, they will be deemed to be implied by and included within the scope of the contract to the same extent and in the same manner as if specifically described in the Contract. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, Vendor will furnish all of its own necessary management, supervision, labor, facilities, furniture, computer and telecommunications equipment, software, supplies and materials necessary for the Vendor to provide and deliver the Services and/or other Deliverables.

4.11 FINANCIAL STABILITY

As a condition of contract award, the Vendor must certify that it has the financial capacity to perform and to continue to perform its obligations under the Contract; that Vendor has no constructive or actual knowledge of an actual or potential legal proceeding being brought against Vendor that could materially adversely affect performance of this Contract; and that entering into this Contract is not prohibited by any contract, or order by any court of competent jurisdiction

Each Vendor shall certify it is financially stable by completing the ATTACHMENT G: CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION.

The State is requiring this certification to minimize potential performance issues from contracting with a Vendor that is financially unstable. This Certification shall be deemed continuing, and from the date of the Certification to the expiration of the Contract, the Vendor shall notify the State within thirty (30) days of any occurrence or condition that materially alters the truth of any statement made in this Certification.

4.12 AGENCY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS MODIFICATION

Default Insurance Coverage from the General Terms and Conditions applicable to this Solicitation:

Contract value in excess of the Small Purchase threshold, but up to $1,000,000.00

Ver: 11/2025 13

4.13 SECRETARY OF STATE REGISTRATION

A contract award under the above-referenced solicitation, and the resulting purchase orders, will produce repeated orders and transactions in North Carolina and will constitute “transacting business” in the State, which requires a certificate of authority from the North Carolina Secretary of State as provided in G.S. §55-15-01 (corporations) or §57D-7-01 (LLCs). Please go to:

https://www.sosnc.gov/ to register.

Vendor registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State: Yes☐ No ☐

Prior to entering into a contract with the State, the awarded Vendor(s) must complete registration with the NC Secretary of State. Upon notification of award, the selected Vendor(s), if unregistered, must furnish evidence of filing within ten (10) business days. Failure to provide this documentation may result in the disqualification of the Vendor(s) offer from further consideration for the award. No purchase orders shall be issued prior to confirmation of completed registration with the Secretary of State.

4.14 SUSTAINIBILITY EFFORTS

According to G.S. 143-58.2, it is the policy of this State to encourage and promote the purchase of products with recycled content and to purchase items that are reusable, refillable, repairable, more durable, and less toxic to the extent that the purchase or use is practicable and cost effective.

4.15 SUBCONTRACTORS

No portion of the work shall be subcontracted without prior written consent of the State. In the event that the Vendor desires to subcontract some part of the work specified herein, the Vendor shall furnish with their bid the names, qualifications, and experience of their proposed subcontractors. The Vendor shall, however, remain solely and fully liable and responsible for the work done by its subcontractor(s) and shall assure compliance with all the requirements and specifications of the contract.

The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank

Ver: 11/2025 14

5.0 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

SPECIFICATIONS

The specific items and any specifications that the Procurement Entity is seeking are listed below. Items offered by the Vendor must meet or exceed the listed specifications. Units offered shall be new, unused and the current model under standard production by the manufacturer.

ITEM #1-3 - OPEN SINGLE AXLE UTILITY TRAILERS

SPEC

NUMBER

REQUIRED SPECIFICATION

VENDOR RESPONSE

GENERAL

1 Trailer shall be a pull-type utility trailer ☐ YES ☐ NO 2 Trailer shall have a 1.5-ton (3,000-pound) GVWR ☐ YES ☐ NO 3 Trailer shall have an overall outside width (including tires) of

102 inches or less.

____inches wide

HITCH

Hitch shall have a ball type 2-inch ball coupler.

☐ YES ☐ NO

TONGUE

Tongue shall be a minimum of 52 inches long from the front of the trailer platform to center of the hitch. ____inches long

6 Tongue safety chains shall include clevis and hooks with safety latch.

☐ YES ☐ NO

Tongue safety chains and all connections shall comply with applicable SAE, FMVSS and USDOT standards. ☐ YES ☐ NO

Tongue shall have a screw type, flip up jack with load rating equivalent to trailer payload with the jack located so as not to interfere with a lowered truck tailgate.

YES

NO

FLOOR AND FRAME

9 Floor shall have a usable deck width of 72 inches to 80 inches ____inches wide

10 Floor shall be constructed of continuous 2-inch X 6- inch treated dimensional wood to match the length of the deck.

☐ YES ☐ NO

Frame for the floor frame shall be fabricated with crossmembers spaced at 16-inch centers ☐ YES ☐ NO

12 Frame shall have fenders designed for wheel coverage and shall include one lighted license plate bracket on the drivers’ side.

☐ YES ☐ NO

13 Frame shall have cargo tie downs at each corner. ☐ YES ☐ NO

RAILING AND TAILGATE

14 Railing shall be standard 13-inch to 15-inch-tall tubing uprights and tubing top rails.

☐ YES ☐ NO

Tailgate shall have 4-foot dropdown reinforced mesh tailgate with gate spring assist ☐ YES ☐ NO

SUSPENSION AND AXLES

Suspension shall be leaf spring suspension.

☐ YES ☐ NO

Axle shall be a single with 2 single wheels.

☐ YES ☐ NO

WHEELS AND TIRES

Ver: 11/2025 15

18 Wheel and tire capacity must equal or exceed rated trailer capacity.

☐ YES ☐ NO

19 Wheels shall be steel disk type minimum 15 inch. ☐ YES ☐ NO 20 Tires shall be LT series, tubeless radial, minimum 8 ply. ☐ YES ☐ NO

Full size mounted spare tire shall be affixed to the trailer in a secure location. ☐ YES ☐ NO

LIGHTING

Lighting system shall be 12-volt (LED).

Lighting system shall include brake and turn signal lights, a license plate light and reflectivity tape in accordance with

FMVSS

and North Carolina regulations.

Lighting system shall have a 4-pin flat electrical trailer connector with a harness that extends 4 feet from trailer coupler.

Wiring harness shall be sealed and properly secured to frame and all wiring suitably protected where passing through frame members (rubber grommets) or other metal structure to prevent chaffing.

Conspicuity tape shall be red and white and shall be applied to both sides, rear frame and tailgate as per FMVSS regulation.

☐ YES ☐ NO

CERTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION CARD HOLDER

27 Certification shall be for the required 3000-pound GVWR at

65 mph and have a permanent certification label affixed in accordance with USDOT Safety Regulation.

28 Registration card holder shall be affixed to the trailer.

Valid Federal DOT (sticker affixed) or NC Safety Inspection paperwork shall be provided at the time of delivery. ☐ YES ☐ NO

Serial number shall be stamped on the tongue of the trailer.

☐ YES ☐ NO

ITEM #4-7 - TANDEM UTILITY/LANDSCAPE TRAILERS

SPEC

NUMBER REQUIRED SPECIFICATION

VENDOR RESPONSE

GENERAL

1 Trailer shall be a pull-type utility trailer ☐ YES ☐ NO 2 Trailer shall have a 3.5-ton (7,000-pound) GVWR ☐ YES ☐ NO 3 Trailer shall have an overall outside width (including tires) of

102 inches or less.

____inches wide

HITCH

Each unit shall be furnished with a ball type 2 5/16-inch ball coupler. ☐ YES ☐ NO

TONGUE

5 Tongue shall be a minimum of 60 inches long from the front of the trailer platform to center of the hitch.

____inches long

6 Tongue safety chains shall include clevis and hooks with safety latch.

☐ YES ☐ NO

applicable SAE, FMVSS, and USDOT standards. ☐ YES ☐ NO

Ver: 11/2025 16

8 Tongue shall have a screw type, flip up jack with load rating equivalent to trailer payload with the jack located so as not to interfere with a lowered truck tailgate.

☐ YES ☐ NO

9 Floor shall have a usable deck width of 80 inches to 85 inches.

____inches wide

10 Floor shall be constructed of a continuous 2-inch X 6- inch treated dimensional wood to match the length of the deck.

Frame for the floor frame shall be fabricated with crossmembers spaced at 16-inch centers. ☐ YES ☐ NO

12 Frame shall have fenders designed for wheel coverage and shall include one lighted license plate bracket, drivers’ side.

☐ YES ☐ NO

13 Frame shall have cargo tie downs at each corner. ☐ YES ☐ NO 14 Frame shall support the option for a Beavertail for rear ramp entry.

☐ YES ☐ NO

RAILING AND TAILGATE

15 Railing shall be standard 13-inch to 15-inch-tall tubing uprights and tubing top rails

☐ YES ☐ NO

16 Tailgate shall have 4-foot dropdown constructed of reinforced mesh with gate spring assist

☐ YES ☐ NO

SUSPENSION AND AXLES

17 Suspension shall be leaf spring suspension. ☐ YES ☐ NO

Axle shall be a tandem axle with 2 single wheels.

☐ YES ☐ NO

WHEELS AND TIRES

19 Wheel and tire capacity must equal or exceed rated trailer capacity.

☐ YES ☐ NO

Wheels shall be steel disk type minimum 15 inch.

☐ YES ☐ NO

21 Tires shall be LT series, tubeless radial, minimum 8 ply. ☐ YES ☐ NO

Full size mounted spare tire shall be affixed to the trailer in a secure location. ☐ YES ☐ NO

BRAKES

23 Trailer shall have adjustable electrical brakes assembly on all 4 wheels rated for the size of the axle.

Trailer brake systems meet FMVSS and USDOT requirements.

All wiring shall be properly protected and secured.

Trailer shall have a breakaway system and a kit that includes a battery case, battery, battery charger, and breakaway switch. ☐ YES ☐ NO

LIGHTING

Lighting system shall have a 12-volt (LED).

license plate light and reflectivity tape in accordance with FMVSS and North Carolina regulations.

Lighting system shall include a seven (7) flat prong electrical connector (SAE J2863) for use on units with brakes and a power cable that extends 4 feet ahead of trailer coupler.

Ver: 11/2025 17 and all wiring suitably protected where passing through

Conspicuity tape shall be red and white and shall be applied to both sides, rear frame and tailgate as per FMVSS regulation. ☐ YES ☐ NO

CERTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION CARD HOLDER

31 Certification shall be required for 7,000-pound GVWR at 65 mph and have a permanent certification label affixed in accordance with USDOT Safety Regulation.

☐ YES ☐ NO

32 Registration card holder shall be affixed to the trailer. ☐ YES ☐ NO

Valid Federal DOT (sticker affixed) or NC Safety Inspection paperwork shall be provided at the time of delivery. ☐ YES ☐ NO

Serial number shall be stamped on the tongue of the trailer.

☐ YES ☐ NO

ITEM #8-10-ENCLOSED CARGO TRAILERS

SPEC

NUMBER

REQUIRED SPECIFICATION

VENDOR RESPONSE

GENERAL

1 Trailer shall be pull-type, enclosed trailer. ☐ YES ☐ NO 2 Trailer shall have a 1.5-ton (3,000-pound) GVWR ☐ YES ☐ NO 3 Trailer shall have an overall outside width (including tires) of

102 inches or less.

____inches wide

HITCH

Hitch shall have a ball type 2-inch ball coupler.

☐ YES ☐ NO

TONGUE

5 Tongue shall be a minimum of 52 inches long from the front of the trailer platform to center of the hitch.

____inches long

6 Tongue safety chains shall include clevis and hooks with safety latch.

☐ YES ☐ NO

Tongue safety chains and all connections shall comply with applicable SAE, FMVSS and USDOT standards. ☐ YES ☐ NO

8 Tongue shall have a screw type, flip up jack with load rating equivalent to the trailer payload with the jack located so as not to interfere with a lowered truck tailgate.

YES ☐

Floor shall be 3/4-inch, treated plywood or equivalent water-resistant flooring material. ☐ YES ☐ NO

If offering equivalent specify here_____________________

Frame for the floor shall be fabricated with crossmembers spaced at 16-inch centers.

☐ YES ☐ NO

Frame shall have fenders designed for wheel coverage and shall include one lighted license plate bracket on the drivers’ side.

☐ YES ☐ NO

12 Floor shall have cargo tie downs installed every 4 feet. ☐ YES ☐ NO

CEILING, WALLS, ROOF, AND TAILGATE

13 Ceiling shall have a minimum height of 6 feet-6 inches and a ____Height in Feet

Ver: 11/2025 18 maximum height of 7 feet-2 inches ____Height in Inches

Wall shall have 3/8-inch treated plywood or equivalent water resistant wall material. ☐ YES ☐ NO

If offering equivalent specify here____________________

Wall shall have 1 row of E-Track installed 24 inches from floor.

☐ YES ☐ NO

Wall studs shall be a minimum 1-inch x 1.25-inch tubing on 16-inch centers. ☐

YES NO ☐

Front wall shall have a flat front with rounded corners and a stone guard. ☐ YES ☐ NO

Curb side of wall shall have one lockable side entry door on the curb side of the trailer. ☐ YES ☐ NO

Side wall shall have side air vent scoops.

☐ YES ☐ NO

Roof members shall be a minimum 1-inch x 1.25-inch tubing on 24-inch centers ☐ YES ☐ NO

21 Roof exterior shall be one piece aluminum. ☐ YES ☐ NO 22 Tailgate shall have a lockable barn door rear entry ☐ YES ☐ NO 23 Tailgate shall support the option for a lockable rear ramp entry.

☐ YES ☐ NO

SUSPENSION AND AXLES

Suspension shall be leaf spring suspension.

☐ YES ☐ NO

Axle shall be a tandem axle with 2 single wheels.

☐ YES ☐ NO

WHEELS AND TIRES

26 Wheel and tire capacity must equal or exceed rated trailer capacity.

27 Wheels shall be steel disk type minimum 15 inch. ☐ YES ☐ NO 28 Tires shall be LT series, tubeless radial, minimum 8 ply. ☐ YES ☐ NO

Full size mounted spare tire shall be affixed to the outside of the trailer in a secure location. ☐ YES ☐ NO

LIGHTING

Lighting system shall have a 4-pin flat electrical trailer connector with a harness that extends four feet from trailer coupler.

and all wiring suitably protected where passing through

Conspicuity tape shall be red and white and shall be applied to both sides, the rear frame, and the tailgate as per FMVSS regulation.

Ver: 11/2025 19

CERTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION CARD HOLDER

35 Certification shall be for the required 3000-pound GVWR at

65 mph with a permanent certification label affixed in accordance with USDOT Safety Regulation.

☐ YES ☐ NO

36 Registration card holder shall be affixed to the trailer. ☐ YES ☐ NO

Valid Federal DOT (sticker affixed) or a NC Safety Inspection paperwork shall be provided at the time of delivery. ☐ YES ☐ NO

Serial number shall be stamped on the tongue of the trailer.

☐ YES ☐ NO

ITEM # 11-13-ENCLOSED TANDEM CARGO TRAILERS

SPEC

NUMBER

REQUIRED SPECIFICATION

VENDOR RESPONSE

GENERAL

1 Trailer shall be a pull-type, enclosed trailer. ☐ YES ☐ NO 2 Trailer shall have a 5-ton (10,000 pound) GVWR ☐ YES ☐ NO 3 Trailer shall have an overall outside width (including tires) of

102 inches or less.

____inch…