IFB 56-2504BWIFB - Network & Structured Cabling Services BID.pdf

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

Invitation for Bid #: 56-2504BWIFB

NETWORKING & STRUCTURED CABLING SERVICES CONTRACT

Date of Issue: September 5th, 2024

Bid Opening Date: October 9th, 2024

At 3:00 PM ET

Direct all inquiries concerning this IFB to:

Brooks White

Purchasing Specialist

Email: whitewa18@ecu.edu

Phone: 252-328-1007

Ver: 11/2023

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

Invitation for Bid #

56-2504BWIFB

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 may subject your bid to rejection.

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://vendor.ncgov.com/vendor/login

Electronic responses ONLY will be accepted for this solicitation.

https://vendor.ncgov.com/vendor/login

Bid Number: 56-2504BWIFB Vendor: ____________________________________

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EXECUTION: In compliance with this Invitation for Bid (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),

▪ 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 contracts; 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 response to the IFB, the undersigned certifies, for Vendor’s entire organization and its employees or agents, that Vendor is not aware that any such gift has been offered, accepted, or promised by any employees of your organization.

By executing this bid, Vendor certifies that it has read and agreed to the Terms and Conditions incorporated herein. These documents are located in the ATTACHMENTS within this document. Failure to execute/sign bid prior to submittal may render bid invalid and it MAY BE REJECTED. Late bids shall not 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: FAX NUMBER:

VENDOR’S AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE*: DATE: EMAIL:

Offer shall be valid for at least sixty (60) days from date of bid opening, unless otherwise stated here: ______ days, or if extended by mutual agreement of the parties in writing. Any withdrawal of this offer shall be made in writing, effective upon receipt by the agency issuing this IFB. 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 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.

FOR STATE USE ONLY: Offer accepted and Contract awarded this________ day of __________, 20____, as indicated on

The attached certification, by ____________________________________________________________________.

(Authorized Representative of East Carolina University)

Refer ALL Inquiries regarding this IFB to:

MATERIALS MANAGEMENT

Brooks White Purchasing Specialist Whitewa18@ecu.edu

(O) 252-328-1007

Invitation for Bid #: 56-2504BWIFB

Bids will be publicly opened: Wednesday October 9th @ 3PM ET.

Using Agency: East Carolina University

Commodity No. and Description: 96218 – Structured Cabling Services

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

mailto:Whitewa18@ecu.edu

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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

2.2 NOTICE TO VENDORS REGARDING IFB TERMS AND CONDITIONS

2.3 IFB SCHEDULE

2.4 MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE

2.5 BID QUESTIONS

2.6 BID SUBMITTAL

2.7 BID CONTENTS

2.8 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 INVOICES

4.3 FINANCIAL STABILITY

4.4 HUB PARTICIPATION

4.5 REFERENCES

4.6 BACKGROUND CHECKS

4.7 PERSONNEL

4.8 VENDOR’S REPRESENTATIONS

5.0 SPECIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF WORK

5.1 SPECIFICATIONS

5.2 WARRANTY, CERTIFICATION AND SAFETY LABELS

6.0 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

6.1 CONTRACT MANAGER AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

6.2 POST AWARD PROJECT REVIEW MEETINGS

6.3 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

6.4 TRANSITION ASSISTANCE

6.5 DISPUTE RESOLUTION

6.6 CONTRACT CHANGES

7.0 ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT A: PRICING

ATTACHMENT B: DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS

ATTACHMENT C: DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TERMS AND CONDITIONS

ATTACHMENT D: HUB SUPPLEMENTAL VENDOR INFORMATION

ATTACHMENT E: CUSTOMER REFERENCE FORM

ATTACHMENT F: LOCATION OF WORKERS UTILIZED BY VENDOR

ATTACHMENT G: CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

ATTACHMENT H: EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY TERMS AND CONDITIONS

ATTACHMENT I: EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY COMPLIANCE STANDARDS

ATTACHMENT J: EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY DATA SECURITY STANDARDS

ATTACHMENT K: EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY QUESTIONAIRE

ATTACHMENT L: EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY VENDOR CONDUCT ON CAMPUS

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1.0 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

East Carolina University and its Information Technology and Computing Services Department (ITCS) is seeking bids from qualified vendors to install, repair and remove communications cabling and equipment located on/in any East Carolina University building/facility on either East or West Campus, within the City of Greenville and Pitt County as well as other East Carolina University locations within the State.

East Carolina University Information Technology and Computing Services (ITCS) is responsible for installations, upgrades, and interconnection of the communications infrastructure in more than 200 buildings on the East Carolina University campuses located withing the City of Greenville and Pitt County. This work involves installation, removal, troubleshooting, interconnecting of cabling, passive and active voice/data/CA TV equipment and other equipment that is part of the Information Technology (IT) Infrastructure. The awarded Vendor(s) will provide the labor required to perform these duties and requested services. East Carolina University reserves the right to award this to one or more Vendors to perform the requested duties, services and related work.

It is highly recommended that each bidder read and understand the requirements of this bid solicitation and provide all required information. Incomplete bid responses will be considered nonresponsive and therefore will not be considered. The intent of this solicitation is to award a multi-year Agency Contract.

Note: The use of ECU Official Logos are not permitted without the prior written consent and approval of East Carolina University.

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

Electronic responses ONLY will be accepted for this solicitation.

Bids shall be submitted in accordance with the requirements, terms and conditions of this IFB and any addenda(s) issued hereto.

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”). For the first three (3) years of the Contract the pricing/hourly labor rate shall remain firm and may consider a onetime cost increase not to exceed 5% for the additional years four (4) and five (5). The awarded Vendor shall begin work under the Contract on the execution/effective date. At the end of the Contract’s initial term, the State shall have the option, in its sole discretion, to renew the Contract on the same terms and conditions for up to two (2) additional one-year terms – years four (4) and five (5). The State will give the Vendor written notice of its intent to exercise each option no later than sixty (60) days before the end of the Contract’s then-current term. In addition to any optional renewal terms, and with the Vendor’s concurrence, the State reserves the right to extend the Contract after the last active term for a period of up to 180 days in 90-day-or-less increments. Bids shall be submitted in accordance with the terms and conditions of this IFB and any addenda issued hereto.

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2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1 INVITATION FOR BID DOCUMENT

This 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: THIS IS NOT and E-PROCUREMENT SOLICITATION therefore this does not apply to this Solicitation.

The E-Procurement fee may apply to this solicitation. See the 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/.

2.2 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 are also responsible for obtaining and complying with all Addenda and other changes that may be issued in connection with this IFB.

If Vendors have questions or issues regarding any component of 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 contract award.

Other than through the process of 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 or otherwise.

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 during 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 nonresponsive.

2.3 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 Thursday, September 5th

Hold Pre-Bid Meeting/Site Visit State Thursday, September 12th (9AM – 11AM)

Submit Written Questions Vendor Friday, September 20th (COB)

Provide Response to Questions State Friday, September 27th (COB)

Submit Bids Vendor Wednesday, October 9th (3PM)

Contract Award State TBD http://eprocurement.nc.gov/

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2.4 MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE

Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference

Date: Thursday September 12th, 2024 Time: 9am to 11am Eastern Time Location: Materials Management Bldg. 141 - Conference Room

200 East 1st. Street Greenville, NC 27858

****RSVP Prior to COB of Wednesday September 11th – whitewa18@ecu.edu**** ****No more than 2 representatives per company****

Instructions: It shall be MANDATORY that a representative from each Vendor be present for a pre-bid conference. Attendees must arrive promptly. All attendees must sign in upon arrival and clearly indicate each prospective Vendor represented on the sign in sheet. LATE ARRIVALS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO SIGN IN OR PARTICIPATE IN THE PRE-BID CONFERENCE, NOR SHALL THEIR BID BE CONSIDERED. Once the sign-in process is complete, all other persons wishing to attend may do so to the extent that space and circumstances allow.

FAILURE TO ATTEND THE MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE SHALL RESULT IN VENDOR’S BID BEING DEEMED

NON-RESPONSIVE AND NOT CONSIDERED FOR AWARD.

The purpose of this conference is for all prospective Vendors to apprise themselves of the conditions and requirements which will affect the performance of the work called for by this IFB. Vendors must stay for the duration of the conference. No allowances will be made for unreported conditions that a prudent Vendor would recognize as affecting the work called for or implied by this IFB.

Vendors are cautioned that any information released to attendees during the conference, other than that involving the physical aspects of the facility referenced above, and which conflicts with, supersedes, or adds to requirements in this IFB, must be confirmed by written addendum before it can be considered to be a part of this IFB and any resulting contract.

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 emailed to whitewa18@ecu.edu by the date and time specified above. Vendors should enter “IFB # 56-2504BWIFB: Questions” as the subject for the email. Question submittals should 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 the IFB and an addendum to this IFB.

mailto:whitewa18@ecu.edu mailto:whitewa18@ecu.edu https://evp.nc.gov/

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2.6 BID SUBMITTAL

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is an absolute requirement. Late bids, regardless of cause, will not be opened or considered, and will be automatically disqualified from further consideration. Vendor shall bear the sole 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 time and date of receipt will be marked on each bid when received. Any bid or portion thereof received after the bid deadline will be rejected.

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://vendor.ncgov.com/vendor/login

Electronic responses ONLY will be accepted for this solicitation.

eVP (Electronic Vendor Portal)

If applicable to this RFQ and using eVP, all proposal 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.

Failure to submit a bid in strict accordance with these instructions shall constitute sufficient cause to reject a Vendor’s bids(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 to 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) Cover Letter, which must include all of the following: (i) a statement that confirms that the Vendor has read the IFB in its entirety, including all links, and all Addenda released in conjunction with the IFB; (ii) a statement that the Vendor agrees to perform in accordance with the scope of work, requirements, and specifications contained herein; and (iii) Vendor’s agreement to comply with all instructions, terms and conditions, and attachments.

b) Title Page: Include the company name, address, phone number and authorized representative along with the Bid Number.

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

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

e) Completed version of Section 4.6 BACKGROUND CHECKS

f) Section 5.0 SPECIFICATIONS AND SCORE of WORK

g) Completed version of Vendor’s Response Table

h) Completed version of Section 5.2 WARRANTY, CERTIFICATIONS & SAFETY LABELS

i) Completed version of Section 6.0 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

j) Completed version of ATTACHMENT A: PRICING

k) Completed version of ATTACHMENT D: HUB SUPPLEMENTAL VENDOR INFORMATION

l) Completed version of ATTACHMENT E: CUSTOMER REFERENCE FORM

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

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

o) Completed and signed version of ATTACHMENT K: EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY QUESTIONAIRE

p) Completed and signed version of ATTACHMENT L: EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY VENDDOR CONDUCT on

CAMPUS

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2.8 DEFINITIONS, ACRONYMS, AND ABBREVIATIONS

Relevant definitions for this IFB are provided in ATTACHMENT B: DEPARTMENT of INROMATION TECHNOLOGY INSTRUCTIONS to VENDORS found below which are incorporated herein by this reference.

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 an award or awards will be based on the responsive bid(s) offering the lowest most advantageous price that meets the specifications provided herein, to include any required verifications set out here in 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 OR multiple Vendors, 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. 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. 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 purchaser 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 proposal, 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 proposals, 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 proposal may be disqualified if its subcontractor and/or supplier engage in any of the foregoing communications during the time that the 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 purchaser named in this IFB regarding requirements of the IFB (prior to proposal 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 is 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. 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

Ver: 11/2023 9 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

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.

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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 to a requirement would allow for the State to receive a better bid, the Vendor is urged 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 complete performance in accordance with the requirements and specifications herein, including all applicable charges for handling, transportation, administrative and other similar fees. Vendor shall not invoice for any amounts not specifically allowed for in this IFB. Complete ATTACHMENT A: PRICING FORM and include in Vendor’s response. Reminder – this contract shall have an initial term of three (3) years and the pricing/hourly rate shall remain firm during that initial term. After the initial term the contract may consider a onetime cost increase not to exceed 5% for years four (4) and five (5).

4.2 INVOICES

Vendor will receive a completed timesheet from ECU ITCS Finance Admin Personnel. Vendor will then submit an invoice to ECU ITCS Finance Admin Personnel no more than ten (10) business days after receipt of timesheet. At a minimum, the following fields must be included on all invoices.

Vendor’s Billing Address, Vendor’s Federal ID Number, NC Vendor ID Number, Customer Account Number, NC Contract Number, Order Date, Buyer’s Order Number, Manufacture Part Numbers, Vendor Part Numbers, Item Descriptions, Price, Quantity, and Unit of Measure.

4.3 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 ATTACHMENT G: CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION. The State is requiring this certification to minimize potential issues from contracting with a Vendor that is financially unstable. 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. The Contract Manager may require annual recertification of the Vendor’s financial stability.

4.4 HUB PARTICIPATION

Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute G.S. 143-48, it is State policy to encourage and promote the use of small, minority, physically handicapped, and women contractors in purchasing Goods and Services. As such, this IFB will serve to identify those Vendors that are minority owned or have a strategic plan to support the State’s Historically Underutilized Business program by meeting or exceeding the goal of 10% utilization of diverse firms as 1st or 2nd tier subcontractors. Vendor shall complete ATTACHMENT D: HUB SUPPLEMENTAL VENDOR INFORMATION.

4.5 REFERENCES

Vendor shall provide at least three (3) references, using the ATTACHMENT E: CUSTOMER REFERENCE FORM, for which it has provided Services of similar size and scope to those proposed herein. The State shall contact these users to determine whether the Services provided are substantially similar in scope to those proposed herein and whether Vendor’s performance has been satisfactory. The information obtained shall be considered in the evaluation of the Bid.

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4.6 BACKGROUND CHECKS

Vendor and its personnel are required to provide or undergo background checks at Vendor’s expense prior to beginning work with the State. As part of Vendor background, the following details must be provided to the State:

a) Any criminal felony conviction, or conviction of any crime involving moral turpitude, including, but not limited to fraud, misappropriation or deception, by Vendor, its officers or directors, or any of its employees or other personnel to provide Services on this project, of which Vendor has knowledge, or provide a statement that Vendor is aware of none;

b) Any criminal investigation for any offense involving moral turpitude, including, but not limited to fraud, misappropriation, falsification or deception pending against Vendor of which it has knowledge, or provide a statement Vendor is aware of none;

c) Any regulatory sanctions levied against Vendor or any of its officers, directors or its professional employees expected to provide Services on this project by any state or federal regulatory agencies within the past three years or a statement that there are none. As used herein, the term “regulatory sanctions” includes the revocation or suspension of any license or certification, the levying of any monetary penalties or fines, and the issuance of any written warnings;

d) Any regulatory investigations pending against Vendor or any of its officers, directors or its professional employees expected to provide Services on this project by any state or federal regulatory agencies of which Vendor has knowledge or a statement that there are none.

e) Any civil litigation, arbitration, proceeding, or judgments pending against Vendor during the three (3) years preceding submission of its bid herein or a statement that there are none.

Vendor’s response to these requests shall be considered a continuing representation, and Vendor’s failure to notify the State within thirty (30) days of any criminal litigation, investigation or proceeding involving Vendor or its then current officers, directors or persons providing Services under this Contract during its term shall constitute a material breach of contract. The provisions of this paragraph shall also apply to any subcontractor utilized by Vendor to perform Services under this Contract.

4.6.1 GENERAL INFORMATION

It is the policy of the State to provide a safe environment for State Government employees to work. Due to the Contract requirements, the State requires criminal background checks of awarded Vendors, including but not limited to: owners, employees, agents, representatives, subcontractors, and all personnel of their respective companies. All costs and expenses associated with criminal background checks are the responsibility of the Vendor.

The following requirements must be met:

a) Criminal background checks shall be current and completed within ninety (90) days of the Contract effective date.

b) The criminal background check shall include a social security verification/check, felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic records covering a minimum of the last seven (7) years for all states and countries where the individual has resided. The criminal background check information shall be first thoroughly reviewed by the Vendor and then sent to the Contract Administrator for review and approval. Out of state searches shall be required for persons living in the state of NC for fewer than seven (7) years. Fingerprint background checks may be required in some instances depending on the facility requirements.

c) A criminal background check on the awarded Vendor and its employees shall be provided by the Vendor prior to Contract effective date. Copies of the original criminal background check shall be sent to the Contract Administrator for evaluation. In some cases, badging cannot take place until after the evaluation and approval of the Vendor’s criminal checks.

d) When a new employee or individual is identified to perform Services on this Contract, the Vendor shall provide the Contract Administrator with a criminal background check before the individual can be approved for work. Persons without approved criminal background checks shall not be allowed to work in the relevant buildings until proper documentation is submitted and approved.

e) The State may require the Vendor to exclude the Vendor’s employees, agents, representatives, or subcontractors based on the background check results. Discovery that one or more employees have convictions does not disqualify the Vendor from award.

f) Additionally, the State may use The North Carolina Department of Public Safety Offender Public Information or similar Services to conduct additional background checks on the Vendor’s proposed employees.

https://webapps.doc.state.nc.us/opi/offendersearch.do?method=view

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4.6.2 BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENTS

As part of Vendor’s criminal background checks, the details below must be provided to the State:

a) Any criminal felony conviction, or conviction of any crime involving moral turpitude, including but not limited to fraud, misappropriation or deception, of Vendor, its officers or directors, or any of its employees or other personnel to provide Services on this project of which Vendor has knowledge, or provide a statement that Vendor is aware of none;

b) Any criminal investigation for any offense involving moral turpitude, including, but not limited to fraud, misappropriation, falsification or deception pending against Vendor of which it has knowledge, or provide a statement Vendor is aware of none;

c) Any regulatory sanctions levied against Vendor or any of its officers, directors or its professional employees expected to provide Services on this project by any state or federal regulatory agencies within the past three years or a statement that there are none. As used herein, the term “regulatory sanctions” includes the revocation or suspension of any license or certification, the levying of any monetary penalties or fines, and the issuance of any written warnings;

d) Any regulatory investigations pending against Vendor or any of its officers, directors or its professional employees expected to provide Services on this project by any state or federal regulatory agencies of which Vendor has knowledge, or provide a statement that there are none.

e) Any civil litigation, arbitration, proceeding, or judgments pending against Vendor during the three (3) years preceding submission of its bid herein, or provide a statement that there are none.

4.6.3 BACKGROUND CHECK LIMITATIONS

Any individual representing the Vendor, who:

a) In his/her lifetime, has been adjudicated as a habitual felon as defined by GS 14-7.1 or a violent habitual felon as defined by GS 14-7.7, shall not be allowed to work in buildings occupied by State Government employees.

b) During the last seven (7) years has been convicted of any criminal felony or misdemeanor sexual offense or a crime of violence shall not be allowed to work in buildings occupied by State Government employees.

c) At any time has an outstanding warrant or a criminal charge for a crime described in (b) above shall not be allowed to work on State property.

d) The Vendor must ensure that all employees have a responsibility to self-report to the Vendor within twenty-four (24) hours any arrest for any disqualifying offense. The Vendor must notify the Contract Administrator within twenty-four (24) hours of all details concerning any reported arrest.

e) Upon the request of the Contract Administrator, the Vendor will re-screen any of its employees, agents, representatives, and subcontractors during the term of the Contract.

f) Vendor’s responses to these background check requests shall be considered a continuing representation, and Vendor’s failure to notify the State within thirty (30) days of any criminal charge, investigation, or proceeding involving Vendor or its then-current officers, directors or persons providing Services under this Contract during its term shall constitute a material breach of contract. The provisions of this paragraph shall also apply to any subcontractor utilized by Vendor to perform Services under this Contract.

g) If there are problems or delays with performance associated with the completion and compliance with this background check requirements, any Vendor’s performance bond could be used to complete these Services.

4.6.4 DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS

Required documentation to be submitted prior to date Contract is effective and for performing any Services on State property shall include:

a) A cover letter by the Vendor on company letterhead with a list of the full names matching a required government issued photo ID, addresses, and birth dates of each person representing the contracting company.

b) Vendor shall also provide a photocopy of the required State or Federal government issued picture ID or Driver

License.

c) A letter on company letterhead is not acceptable proof in itself but can be used to further clarify information on the criminal background check submitted. All documentation shall be submitted at the same time. Submit documents which are clear and legible.

d) Background checks consisting of:

1. Original unaltered criminal background check from the organization providing the background check.

2. The background check provider’s company name, company mailing address, and contact phone numbers.

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3. The full name of the individual, which matches the government issued photo ID.

4. The current address of individual being checked.

5. The date the criminal background check search was conducted.

4.6.5 VENDOR BACKGROUND CHECK AGREEMENT

Vendor agrees to conduct a criminal background check per the specifications above in this section on all employees proposed to work under this Contract, at its expense, and provide the required documentation to the State in order to perform Services under this Contract:

YES NO

4.7 PERSONNEL

Vendor warrants that qualified personnel shall provide Services under this Contract in a professional manner.

“Professional manner” means that the personnel performing the Services will possess the skill and competence consistent with the prevailing business standards in the industry. Vendor will serve as the prime contractor under this Contract and shall be responsible for the performance and payment of all subcontractor(s) that may be approved by the State. Names of any third-party Vendors or subcontractors of Vendor may appear for purposes of convenience in Contract documents; and shall not limit Vendor’s obligations hereunder. Vendor will retain executive representation for functional and technical expertise as needed in order to incorporate any work by third party subcontractor(s).

Should the Vendor’s bid result in an award, the Vendor shall be required to agree that it will not substitute key personnel assigned to the performance of the Contract without prior written approval by the Contract Lead. Vendor shall further agree that it will notify the Contract Lead of any desired substitution, including the name(s) and references of Vendor’s recommended substitute personnel. The State will approve or disapprove the requested substitution in a timely manner. The State may, in its sole discretion, terminate the Services of any person providing Services under this Contract. Upon such termination, the State may request acceptable substitute personnel or terminate the contract Services provided by such personnel.

4.8 VENDOR’S REPRESENTATIONS

If Vendor’s 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.

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5.0 SPECIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF WORK

East Carolina University and its Information Technology and Computing Services Department (ITCS) is seeking bids from qualified vendors to install, repair and remove communications cabling and equipment located on/in any East Carolina University building/facility on either East or West Campus, within the City of Greenville and Pitt County as well as other East Carolina University locations within the State.

East Carolina University Information Technology and Computing Services (ITCS) is responsible for installations, upgrades, and interconnection of the communications infrastructure in more than 200 buildings on the East Carolina University campuses located withing the City of Greenville and Pitt County. This work involves installation, removal, troubleshooting, interconnecting of cabling, passive and active voice/data/CA TV equipment and other equipment that is part of the Information Technology (IT) Infrastructure. The awarded Vendor(s) will provide the labor required to perform these duties and requested services. East Carolina University reserves the right to award this to one or more Vendors to perform the requested duties, services and related work.

It is highly recommended that each bidder read and understand the requirements of this bid solicitation and provide all required information. Incomplete bid responses will be considered nonresponsive and therefore will not be considered. The intent of this solicitation is to award a multi-year Agency Contract.

The Contract shall have an initial term of three (3) years, beginning on the date of final Contract execution (the “Effective Date”). For the first three (3) years of the Contract the pricing/hourly labor rate shall remain firm and may consider a onetime cost increase not to exceed 5% for the additional years four (4) and five (5). The awarded Vendor shall begin work under the Contract on the execution/effective date. At the end of the Contract’s initial term, the State shall have the option, in its sole discretion, to renew the Contract on the same terms and conditions for up to two (2) additional one-year terms – years four (4) and five (5). The State will give the Vendor written notice of its intent to exercise each option no later than sixty (60) days before the end of the Contract’s then-current term. In addition to any optional renewal terms, and with the Vendor’s concurrence, the State reserves the right to extend the Contract after the last active term for a period of up to 180 days in 90-day-or-less increments. Bids shall be submitted in accordance with the terms and conditions of this IFB and any addenda issued hereto.

5.1 SPECIFICATIONS

The specific items and any specifications that the Purchasing Agency is seeking are listed below. Items offered by the Vendor must meet or exceed the listed Specifications to be considered for award.

Materials will be provided by East Carolina University. Samples of the types of materials include:

a) Cabling – Cables are industry-standard fiber optic cables up to 144 count, UTP copper cables, and coaxial cables. Cables (horizontal and riser) are those typical of intra-building infrastructure construction.

b) Cross-Connect Hardware – Hardware consists of industry-standard termination blocks, panels, faceplates, patch cords, etc.,

c) Support Hardware – Hardware includes industry standard equipment racks, cable managers, ladder racks, backboards, sleeves, conduits, splice enclosures, etc. Also included is typical structured wiring support hardware (plywood, wall and trapeze brackets, grounding equipment, etc.).

d) Active Equipment – A variety of communications equipment shall be installed, connected, and cut over for end users. This includes data network switches, wireless access points, telephone handsets, emergency notification call and speaker systems, Uninterruptible Power Source(s) (UPS), CATV distribution hardware, etc.

e) Material Installation – Repair and removal may require Heavy Work, which is defined as: Exerting up to 100lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 50lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 20lbs. of force constantly to move objects.

Material Acquisition

• All materials (cables, hardware, equipment, etc.) will be furnished by ITCS Network Services. Materials will be located at the ITCS Network Services Warehouse. The Vendor shall pick-up materials at the warehouse, Ver: 11/2023 15 transport them to the job site, and return unused materials to the warehouse using standard ITCS Network Services Operations processes.

Quantities

• ITCS Network Services anticipates the need for a minimum of two (2) Vendor provided employees on…