IFB_BLADEN_GOV_HOUSE_LANDSCAPING.pdf

STATE OF MARYLAND

DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES (DGS)

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB)

ANNAPOLIS PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

LANDSCAPING SERVICES FOR

BLADEN STREET / GOVERNMENT HOUSE

ANNAPOLIS, MD 21041

IFB NUMBER BPM041321

ISSUE DATE: DECEMBER 14, 2023

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

NOTICE

A Prospective Bidder that has received this document from a source other than eMarylandMarketplace (eMMA) https://procurement.maryland.gov should register on eMMA. See Section 4.2.

MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISES ARE ENCOURAGED TO

RESPOND TO THIS SOLICITATION.

ANNAPOLIS PB&G BLADEN STREET/GOV’T HOUSE

LANDSCAPING

Solicitation #: BPM041323

IFB Document

IFB for The Department of General Services Page ii of 33

NO BID NOTICE/VENDOR FEEDBACK FORM

To help us improve the quality of State solicitations, and to make our procurement process more responsive and business friendly, please provide comments and suggestions regarding this solicitation.

Please return your comments with your response. If you have chosen not to respond to this solicitation, please email or fax this completed form to the attention of the Procurement Officer (see Key Information Summary Sheet below for contact information).

Title: Annapolis PB&G Bladen St/Gov’t House Solicitation No: BPM041323

1. If you have chosen not to respond to this solicitation, please indicate the reason(s) below:

� Other commitments preclude our participation at this time

� The subject of the solicitation is not something we ordinarily provide

� We are inexperienced in the work/commodities required

� Specifications are unclear, too restrictive, etc. (Explain in REMARKS section)

� The scope of work is beyond our present capacity

� Doing business with the State is simply too complicated. (Explain in REMARKS section)

� We cannot be competitive. (Explain in REMARKS section)

� Time allotted for completion of the Bid is insufficient

� Start-up time is insufficient

� Bonding/Insurance requirements are restrictive (Explain in REMARKS section)

� Bid requirements (other than specifications) are unreasonable or too risky (Explain in REMARKS section)

� MBE or VSBE requirements (Explain in REMARKS section)

� Prior State of Maryland contract experience was unprofitable or otherwise unsatisfactory.

(Explain in REMARKS section)

� Payment schedule too slow

� Other: __________________________________________________________________

2. If you have submitted a response to this solicitation, but wish to offer suggestions or express concerns, please use the REMARKS section below. (Attach additional pages as needed.)

REMARKS:

Vendor Name: ________________________________ Date: _______________________

Contact Person: _________________________________ Phone (____) _____ - _________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________

E-mail Address: ________________________________________________________________

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STATE OF MARYLAND

THE DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES (DGS)

KEY INFORMATION SUMMARY SHEET

Invitation for Bids Landscaping Services- Bladen St./Gov’t House

Solicitation Number: BPM041323

IFB Issue Date: December 14, 2023

IFB Issuing Office: Department of General Services (DGS) Annapolis Public Buildings and Grounds

Procurement Officer: Jessica Knott 100 Community Place Crownsville, MD 21032 e-mail:

Office Phone:

jessica.knott@maryland.gov 410-260-2921

Bids are to be sent to: submit via eMMA

Pre-Bid Conference: NOT APPLICABLE

Questions Due Date and Time December 18, 2023; 5pm EST

Bid Due (Closing) Date and Time:

December 20, 2023; 5pm EST Local Time Bidders are reminded that a completed Feedback Form is requested if a no-bid decision is made (see page iv).

Onsite Visit Requests All requests shall be emailed to the Procurement Officer

MBE Subcontracting Goal: NOT APPLICABLE

VSBE Subcontracting Goal: NOT APPLICABLE

Contract Type: Firm Fixed Pricing

Contract Duration: January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024

Primary Place of Performance:

Bladen St. and Gov’t House Annapolis, MD 21041

SBR Designation: NO

Federal Funding: NO

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TABLE OF CONTENTS – IFB

1 Minimum Qualifications

1.1 Bidder Minimum Qualifications

2 Contractor Requirements: Scope of Work

2.1 Summary Statement

2.2 Background and Purpose

2.3 Responsibilities and Tasks.......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

3 Contractor Requirements: General

3.1 Contract Initiation Requirements

3.2 End of Contract Transition

3.3 Invoicing

3.6 Insurance Requirements

3.7 Security Requirements

3.12 Work Orders

4 Procurement Instructions

4.1 Pre-Bid Conference

4.2 eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA)

4.3 Questions

4.4 Procurement Method

4.5 Bid Due (Closing) Date and Time

4.6 Multiple or Alternate Bids

4.7 Receipt, Opening and Recording of Bids

4.8 Confidentiality of Bids / Public Information Act Notice

4.9 Award Basis

4.10 Tie Bids

4.11 Duration of Bids

4.12 Revisions to the IFB

4.13 Cancellations

4.14 Incurred Expenses

4.15 Protest/Disputes

4.16 Bidder Responsibilities

4.17 Acceptance of Terms and Conditions

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4.18 Bid/Proposal Affidavit

4.19 Contract Affidavit

4.20 Compliance with Laws/Arrearages

4.21 Verification of Registration and Tax Payment

4.22 False Statements

4.23 Payments by Electronic Funds Transfer

4.24 Prompt Payment Policy

4.25 Electronic Procurements Authorized

5 Bid Format

5.1 One Part Submission

5.2 Labeling

5.3 Bid Price Form

5.4 Required Bid Submission

5.5 Delivery

5.6 Documents Required upon Notice of Recommendation for Contract Award

6 Bid Evaluation and Award

6.1 Bid Evaluation Criteria

6.2 Reciprocal Preference

6.3 Award Determination

6.4 Documents Required upon Notice of Recommendation for Contract Award

7 IFB ATTACHMENTS AND APPENDICES

Attachment A. Bid Instructions & Form

Attachment B. Bid/Proposal Affidavit

Attachment N. Contract Affidavit

Appendix 1. – Abbreviations and Definitions

Appendix 2. – Bidder Information Sheet

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1 Minimum Qualifications

1.1 Bidder Minimum Qualifications

As part of the determination to be considered responsive, the Bidder must document in its Bid that it satisfies the following Minimum Qualifications:

1.1.1 The Bidder shall provide proof with its Bid that the following Minimum Qualifications have been met:

Required Documentation: The Bidder shall have a minimum of one staff member with each of the following certifications:

Certified Professional Horticulturist (CPH) Certified Perennial Gardner (CPG) Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional: Professional Certified I&II Landscape Design Certified (LDC)

1.1.2 Prior to submitting a bid for the work covered by the specifications of this solicitation, the successful Bidder MUST HAVE:

1.1.2.1 A minimum of five (5) consecutive years of its entity being formed and in business

1.1.2.2 A minimum of five (5) complete and consecutive years within the last five (5) years of successful landscaping service performance comparable in scope, type, size, magnitude, and complexity as required in this IFB

1.1.2.3 Three (3) references that can substantiate this experience timely upon the request of the Procurement Officer

1.1.2.4 Three (3) examples of work substantially similar in scope, type, size, magnitude, and complexity of done in the past three (3) years

1.1.2.5 Whether the Bidder has been terminated for any reason from a prior job in the past three (3) years

1.1.2.6 Whether the Bidder has been involved in any litigation within the past three (3) years

1.2 Upon request, the Contractor shall submit documentation qualifying the Project Manager to include: a resume, background clearance, and three (3) client references. These documents must reflect at least five (5) years’ experience with landscaping installation supervision for services of the type and size of this IFB. With each reference on the resume, it must list details of length of employment, type, and size (square footage) of the buildings serviced by the Project Manager.

1.3 Each reference must include:

a. Name and complete address of business or company

b. Name of the contact person, email address, and current phone number

c. Term and Length of each contract

d. Size and type of facility (square footage)

e. Type of services provided

f. Name of Supervisory personnel who will perform under the contract, specifying the length and type of experience of each such personnel

g. Contract Value

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The Department of General Services reserves the right to request additional references or utilize references not provided by Bidder.

1.4 List of Current or Prior State Contracts: (References used to meet any Bidder Minimum Qualifications may be used to meet this request.

Provide a list of all contracts with any entity of the State of Maryland for which the Bidder is currently performing services or for which services have been completed within the last five (5) consecutive years. For each identified contract, the Bidder is to provide:

a. The State contracting agency

b. A brief description of the services provided

c. The dollar value of the contract

d. The terms of the contract

e. The State employee contract person (name, title, telephone number, and email address)

f. Whether the contract was terminated before the end of the term specified in the original contract, including whether any available renewal option was not exercised.

1.5 Qualifications of Bidder and Determination for Responsibility / Communication

a. The bidder/contractor must provide a reliable means of contract throughout the responsibility determination and throughout the execution of any contract. Failure to respond to any contact (phone, email, fax, letter, etc.) by the Procurement Officer or designee within 24 hours will jeopardize a Bidders determination of responsibility and the bid may be rejected.

THE CONTRACTOR SHALL COMPLETE ALL THE WORK OUTLINED BELOW TO THE

SATISFACTION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF ANNAPOLIS PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND

GROUNDS.

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2 Contractor Requirements: Scope of Work

2.1 Summary Statement

2.1.1 The Department of General Services (DGS) is issuing this Invitation for Bids (IFB) for the purpose of providing comprehensive landscaping services (installation and maintenance) to the Annapolis Public Buildings and Grounds – Lawyers Mall location at 29 St. Johns Street.

2.1.2 It is the State’s intention to obtain goods and services, as specified in this IFB, from a Contract between the selected Bidder and the State.

2.1.3 DGS intends to make a single award for this solicitation.

2.1.4 A Bidder, either directly or through its subcontractor(s), must be able to provide all goods and services and meet all of the requirements requested in this solicitation and the successful Bidder (the Contractor) shall remain responsible for Contract performance regardless of subcontractor participation in the work.

2.1.5 Maryland State and local entities as defined in Finance and Procurement §13-110(a) and nonprofit entities within the State of Maryland may purchase from the Contractor goods or services covered by the Contract at the same prices chargeable to the State. All such purchases by non-executive branch entities, non-State governments, government agencies or nonprofit entities:

Shall constitute Contracts between the Contractor and that entity;

Shall not constitute purchases by the State or State agencies under the Contract;

Shall not be binding or enforceable against the State; and

May be subject to other terms and conditions agreed to by the Contractor and the purchaser.

2.1.6 All Contract prices, terms, and conditions must be provided to any Maryland local government or nonprofit entity requesting services under the Contract. The Contractor bears the risk of determining whether or not a government, agency or organization with which the Contractor is dealing is a State entity.

2.1.7 The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, tools, materials, supplies, utilities, and equipment necessary to maintain the landscaping area at the Lawyers Mall location, in a neat and well-manicured condition.

2.2 Background and Purpose

2.2.1 The Department of General Services (DGS) is issuing this Invitation for Bids (IFB) for the purpose of providing landscaping services (installation and maintenance) to the Annapolis Public Buildings and Grounds – Bladen St and Rowe Blvd Planters.

2.2.2 Project Goals

a) Seasonal Watering 2024

1) Watering and fertilizing of all (6) six existing raised brick planters’ bed on Rowe Blvd from the first week in June 2024 to September 30, 2024.

2) Service shall include (2) two weekly visits to water and fertilize pending weather.

b) Monthly Maintenance 2024 – All work to be completed with one monthly visit May 15th-October 15th

1) Monthly weeding and selective pruning of evergreen and deciduous shrubs as necessary.

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2) Application of preemergent to all planters per month for weed control.

c) Spring Maintenance 2024

1) Removal of leaves and natural occurring debris from all planting beds

2) Application of selective preemergent to inhibit weed growth in planting beds.

3) Application of both Holly-tone and Plant Tone fertilizer to all existing plant material.

4) Installation of black mulch on all planting boxes.

5) All debris generated shall be hauled from the site.

d) Fall Maintenance 2024

1) Removal of summer annuals, leaves, and natural occurring debris from all planting beds.

2) Application of selective pre-emergent to inhibit weed growth in planting beds.

3) Installation of black mulch on all planting boxes.

4) All debris generated shall be hauled off from site.

e) Fall Bulb Installation 2024

1) Installation of (150) one hundred fifty tulip bulbs in each of the (6) six planter boxes for spring bloom. Total spring bulbs, (900) nine hundred.

2) Areas disturbed shall be top-dressed with black mulch.

f) Fall Annual Color 2024

1) Installation of (600) six hundred (6”) six-inch yellow and red pansies to (6) six planter boxes.

g) Summer Annual Color 2024

1) Installation of (600) six hundred (6”) six-inch Annuals in (6) six existing planters.

2) Installation of top dressing of all disturbed areas with black mulch.

3) First watering shall be included in bid.

4) Installation of (20) twenty #1 Gal. Coreopsis ‘Zagreb’ per planter – (120) one hundred twenty in total.

h) Government House Planters Fall Maintenance 2024

1) Removal of all leaves and natural occurring debris from all planting beds.

2) Application of selective pre-emergent to inhibit weed growth in planting beds.

3) Installation of premium hardwood mulch to both planting boxes.

4) All debris generated shall be hauled from the site.

i) Qualifications and Guidelines for State of Maryland Landscape:

Enhancement and Maintenance

1) The Contractor shall not use any of the pictures, illustrations, or drawings of work to be done for any form of advertising without consent and approval from the DGS Office of the Secretary

2) All plant material installed shall conform to “American Standard for Nursery Stock (Size and Measurements)” published by A.H.I. Association 2014 American Horticulture

3) All garden preparation and planning shall follow “Landscape Contractors Association MD, DC, VA, Exterior Landscape Installation Guidelines

4) All landscape maintenance shall follow “Landscape Contractors Association MD, DC, VA, Exterior Landscape Maintenance Guidelines

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5) All safety standards shall conform to the OSHA Standards for Landscape & Construction

6) A project manager shall be on site during all demolition and installation to ensure proper landscape practices and safety guidelines are observed. This person MUST BE fluent in both English and Spanish languages

7) Once the contract begins, work is to proceed until the contract is fulfilled.

8) Plant Materials, trees and shrubs shall be warranted for a period of two years, except for annuals which shall be warranted for one year. Replacement of materials shall be made as necessary.

9) A Professional Landscape Architect must be on staff and review all stages of installations.

a) The State is responsible for providing required information, data, documentation, and test data to facilitate the Contractor’s performance of the work and will provide such additional assistance and services as is specifically set forth.

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3 Contractor Requirements: General

3.1 Contract Initiation Requirements

THIS SECTION IS INAPPLICABLE TO THIS IFB.

3.2 End of Contract Transition

3.2.1 The Contractor shall provide transition assistance as requested by the State to facilitate the orderly transfer of services to the State or a follow-on contractor, for a period up to <<60>> days prior to Contract end date, or the termination thereof. Such transition efforts shall consist, not by way of limitation, of:

a) Provide additional services and support as requested to successfully complete the transition;

b) Maintain the services called for by the Contract at the required level of proficiency;

c) Provide updated System Documentation (see Appendix 1), as appropriate; and

d) Provide current operating procedures (as appropriate).

3.2.2 The Contractor shall work toward a prompt and timely transition, proceeding in accordance with the directions of the Contract Monitor. The Contract Monitor may provide the Contractor with additional instructions to meet specific transition requirements prior to the end of the Contract.

3.2.3 The Contractor shall ensure that all necessary knowledge and materials for the tasks completed are transferred to the custody of State personnel or a third party, as directed by the Contract Monitor.

3.2.4 The Contractor shall support end-of-Contract transition efforts with technical and project support to include but not be limited to:

a) The Contractor shall provide a draft Transition-Out Plan <<120 Business Days>> in advance of Contract end date.

The Transition-Out Plan shall address at a minimum the following areas:

1) Any staffing concerns/issues related to the closeout of the Contract;

2) Communications and reporting process between the Contractor, the Department of General Services and the Contract Monitor;

3) Security and system access review and closeout;

4) Any hardware/software inventory or licensing including transfer of any point of contact for required software licenses to DGS or a designee;

5) Any final training/orientation of DGS staff;

6) Connectivity services provided, activities and approximate timelines required for Transition-Out;

7) Knowledge transfer, to include:

a) A working knowledge of the current system environments;

b) Review with the DGS the procedures and practices that support the business process and current system environments;

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c) Working knowledge of all technical and functional matters associated with the solution, its architecture, data file structure, interfaces, any batch programs, and any hardware or software tools utilized in the performance of the Contract;

d) Documentation that lists and describes all hardware and software tools utilized in the performance of the Contract;

8) Plans to complete tasks and any unfinished work items (including open change requests, and known bug/issues); and

9) Any risk factors with the timing and the Transition-Out schedule and transition process.

The Contractor shall document any risk factors and suggested solutions.

The Contractor shall ensure all documentation and data including, but not limited to, System Documentation and current operating procedures, is current and complete with a hard and soft copy in a format prescribed by the Contract Monitor.

The Contractor shall provide copies of any current daily and weekly back-ups to the DGS or a third party as directed by the Contract Monitor as of the final date of transition, but no later than the final date of the Contract.

Access to any data or configurations of the furnished product and services shall be available after the expiration of the Contract as described in Section 3.2.5.

3.3 Invoicing

3.3.1 General

a) The Contractor shall upload the original of each invoice and signed authorization to invoice to eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA).

All invoices for services shall be verified by the Contractor as accurate at the time of submission.

An invoice not satisfying the requirements of a Proper Invoice (as defined in COMAR 21.06.09) cannot be processed for payment. To be considered a Proper Invoice, invoices must include the following information, without error:

1) Contractor name and address

2) Remittance address

3) Federal taxpayer identification (FEIN) number, social security number, as appropriate

4) Invoice period (i.e. time period during which services covered by invoice were performed)

5) Invoice date

6) Invoice number

7) State assigned Contract number

8) State assigned Purchase Order number(s)

9) Goods or services provided

10) Amount due

11) Any additional documentation required by regulation or the Contract.

Invoices that contain both fixed price and time and material items shall clearly identify each item as either fixed price or time and material billing.

DGS reserves the right to reduce or withhold Contract payment in the event the Contractor does not provide DGS with all required deliverables within the time frame specified in the Contract or otherwise

IFB for The Department of General Services Page 8 of 33 breaches the terms and conditions of the Contract until such time as the Contractor brings itself into full compliance with the Contract.

Any action on the part of the DGS or dispute of action by the Contractor, shall be in accordance with the provisions of Md. Code Ann., State Finance and Procurement Article §§ 15-215 through 15-223 and with

COMAR 21.10.04.

The State is generally exempt from federal excise taxes, Maryland sales and use taxes, District of Columbia sales taxes and transportation taxes. The Contractor, however, is not exempt from such sales and use taxes and may be liable for the same.

Invoices for final payment shall be clearly marked as “FINAL” and submitted when all work requirements have been completed and no further charges are to be incurred under the Contract. In no event shall any invoice be submitted later than 60 calendar days from the Contract termination date.

3.3.2 Invoice Submission Schedule

The Contractor shall submit invoices in accordance with the following schedule:

a) For items of work for which there is one-time pricing (see Attachment B –Bid Form) those items shall be billed in the month following the acceptance of the work by the DGS.

b) For items of work for which there is annual pricing, see Attachment B–Bid Form, those items shall be billed in equal monthly installments for the applicable Contract year in the month following the performance of the services.

3.3.3 For the purposes of the Contract an amount will not be deemed due and payable if:

a) The amount invoiced is inconsistent with the Contract

b) The proper invoice has not been received by the party or office specified in the Contract

c) The invoice or performance is in dispute, or the Contractor has failed to otherwise comply with the provisions of the Contract

d) The item or services have not been accepted

e) The quantity of items delivered is less than the quantity ordered

f) The items or services do not meet the quality requirements of the Contract

g) If the Contract provides for progress payments, the proper invoice for the progress payment has not been submitted pursuant to the schedule

h) If the Contract provides for withholding a retainage and the invoice is for the retainage, all stipulated conditions for release of the retainage have not been met

i) The Contractor has not submitted satisfactory documentation or other evidence reasonably required by the Procurement Officer or by the Contract concerning performance under the Contract and compliance with its provisions

3.3.4 Travel Reimbursement

Travel will not be reimbursed under this IFB.

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3.4 Insurance Requirements

The Contractor shall maintain, at a minimum, the insurance coverages outlined below, or any minimum requirements established by law if higher, for the duration of the Contract, including option periods, if exercised:

3.4.1 The following type(s) of insurance and minimum amount(s) of coverage are required:

a) Commercial General Liability - of $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence for bodily injury, property damage, and personal and advertising injury and $3,000,000 annual aggregate.

The minimum limits required herein may be satisfied through any combination of primary and umbrella/excess liability policies.

b) Errors and Omissions/Professional Liability - $1,000,000 per combined single limit per claim and $3,000,000 annual aggregate.

c) Crime Insurance/Employee Theft Insurance - to cover employee theft with a minimum single loss limit of $1,000,000 per loss, and a minimum single loss retention not to exceed $10,000.

The State of Maryland and the DGS should be added as a “loss payee.”

d) Cyber Security / Data Breach Insurance – (For any service offering hosted by the Contractor) ten million dollars ($10,000,000) per occurrence. The coverage must be valid at all locations where work is performed or data or other information concerning the State’s claimants or employers is processed or stored.

e) Worker’s Compensation - The Contractor shall maintain such insurance as necessary or as required under Workers’ Compensation Acts, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, and the Federal Employers’ Liability Act, to not be less than. one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence (unless a state’s law requires a greater amount of coverage).

Coverage must be valid in all states where work is performed.

f) Automobile or Commercial Truck Insurance - The Contractor shall maintain Automobile or Commercial Truck Insurance (including owned, leased, hired, and non-owned vehicles) as appropriate with Liability, Collision, and PIP limits no less than those required by the State where the vehicle(s) is registered, but in no case less than those required by the State of Maryland.

3.4.2 The State shall be listed as an additional insured on the faces of the certificates associated with the coverages listed above, including umbrella policies, excluding Workers’ Compensation Insurance and professional liability.

3.4.3 All insurance policies shall be endorsed to include a clause requiring the insurance carrier to provide the Procurement Officer, by certified mail, not less than 30 days’ advance notice of any non-renewal, cancellation, or expiration. The Contractor shall notify the Procurement Officer in writing if policies are cancelled or not renewed within five (5) days of learning of such cancellation or nonrenewal. The Contractor shall provide evidence of replacement insurance coverage to the Procurement Officer at least 15 days prior to the expiration of the insurance policy then in effect.

3.4.4 Any insurance furnished as a condition of the Contract shall be issued by a company authorized to do business in the State.

3.4.5 The recommended awardee must provide current certificate(s) of insurance with the prescribed coverages, limits and requirements set forth in this section within five (5) Business Days from notice of recommended award. During the period of performance for multi-year contracts, the

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Contractor shall provide certificates of insurance annually, or as otherwise directed by the Contract Monitor.

3.4.6 The Contractor shall require any subcontractors to obtain and maintain comparable levels of coverage and shall provide the Contract Monitor with the same documentation as is required of the Contractor.

3.5 Security Requirements

The following requirements are applicable to the Contract:

3.5.1 Employee Identification

a) Contractor Personnel shall display his or her company ID badge in a visible location at all times while on State premises. Upon request of authorized State personnel, each Contractor Personnel shall provide additional photo identification.

b) Contractor Personnel shall cooperate with State site requirements, including but not limited to, being prepared to be escorted at all times, and providing information for State badge issuance.

c) Contractor shall remove any Contractor Personnel from working on the Contract where the State determines, in its sole discretion, that Contractor Personnel has not adhered to the Security requirements specified herein.

d) The State reserves the right to request that the Contractor submit proof of employment authorization of non-United States Citizens, prior to commencement of work under the Contract.

3.5.2 Security Clearance / Criminal Background Check

a) The Contractor shall obtain at its own expense a Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) State and federal criminal background check, including fingerprinting, for all Contractor Personnel listed in sub-paragraph A. This check may be performed by a public or private entity.

b) Persons with a criminal record may not perform services under the Contract unless prior written approval is obtained from the Contract Monitor. The Contract Monitor reserves the right to reject any individual based upon the results of the background check. Decisions of the Contract Monitor as to acceptability of a candidate are final. The State reserves the right to refuse any individual Contractor Personnel to work on State premises, based upon certain specified criminal convictions, as specified by the State.

c) The CJIS criminal record check of each Contractor Personnel who will work on State premises shall be reviewed by the Contractor for convictions of any of the following crimes described in the Annotated Code of Maryland, Criminal Law Article:

1) §§ 6-101 through 6-104, 6-201 through 6-205, 6-409 (various crimes against property);

2) any crime within Title 7, Subtitle 1 (various crimes involving theft);

3) §§ 7-301 through 7-303, 7-313 through 7-317 (various crimes involving telecommunications and electronics);

4) §§ 8-201 through 8-302, 8-501 through 8-523 (various crimes involving fraud);

5) §§9-101 through 9-417, 9-601 through 9-604, 9-701 through 9-706.1 (various crimes against public administration); or

6) a crime of violence as defined in CL § 14-101(a).

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d) Contractor Personnel with access to systems supporting the State or to State data who have been convicted of a felony or of a crime involving telecommunications and electronics from the above list of crimes shall not be permitted to work on State premises under the Contract; Contractor Personnel who have been convicted within the past five (5) years of a misdemeanor from the above list of crimes shall not be permitted to work on State premises.

e) A particular on-site location covered by the Contract may require more restrictive conditions regarding the nature of prior criminal convictions that would result in Contractor Personnel not being permitted to work on those premises. Upon receipt of a location’s more restrictive conditions regarding criminal convictions, the Contractor shall provide an updated certification regarding the Contractor Personnel working at or assigned to those premises.

3.5.3 On-Site Security Requirement(s)

a) For the conditions noted below, Contractor Personnel may be barred from entrance or leaving any site until such time that the State’s conditions and queries are satisfied.

1) Contractor Personnel may be subject to random security checks when entering and leaving State secured areas. The State reserves the right to require Contractor Personnel to be accompanied while on secured premises.

2) Some State sites, especially those premises of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, require each person entering the premises to document and inventory items (such as tools and equipment) brought onto the site, and to submit to a physical search of his or her person. Therefore, Contractor Personnel shall always have available an inventory list of tools being brought onto a site and be prepared to present the inventory list to the State staff or an officer upon arrival for review, as well as present the tools or equipment for inspection. Before leaving the site, the Contractor Personnel will again present the inventory list and the tools or equipment for inspection.

Upon both entering the site and leaving the site, State staff or a correctional or police officer may search Contractor Personnel. Depending upon facility rules, specific tools or personal items may be prohibited from being brought into the facility.

b) Any Contractor Personnel who enter the premises of a facility under the jurisdiction of the DGS may be searched, fingerprinted (for the purpose of a criminal history background check), photographed and required to wear an identification card issued by the DGS.

c) Further, Contractor Personnel shall not violate Md. Code Ann., Criminal Law Art. Section 9-410 through 9-417 and such other security policies of the agency that control the facility to which the Contractor Personnel seeks access. The failure of any of the Contractor Personnel to comply with any provision of the Contract is sufficient grounds for the State to immediately terminate the Contract for default.

3.6 Work Orders

a) Additional services will be provided via a Work Order process. Work shall not begin in advance of a fully executed Work Order. A Work Order may be issued for fixed price. Work Order.

b) Requests (See sample at http://doit.maryland.gov/contracts/Documents/_procurementForms/WorkOrderSample.pdf) for the provision of services or resources that are within the scope of this IFB will be issued to the Contractor. The Work Order Request will include:

1) Technical requirements and description of the service or resources needed;

http://doit.maryland.gov/contracts/Documents/_procurementForms/WorkOrderSample.pdf

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2) Performance objectives and/or deliverables, as applicable;

3) Due date and time for submitting a response to the request; and

4) Required place(s) where work must be performed.

c) The Contractor shall e-mail a response to the Contract Monitor within the specified time and include at a minimum:

1) A response that details the Contractor’s understanding of the work;

2) A price to complete the Work Order Request using the format provided using the format provided (see online sample).

3) A description of proposed resources required to perform the requested tasks, with labor categories listed in accordance with Attachment B.

4) An explanation of how tasks shall be completed. This description shall include proposed subcontractors and related tasks.

5) Contractor’s expectations for State-furnished information, work site, and/or access to equipment, facilities, or personnel

6) The proposed personnel resources, including any subcontractor personnel, to complete the task.

d) For a T&M Work Order, the Contract Monitor will review the response and will confirm the proposed labor rates are consistent with this IFB. For a fixed price Work Order, the Contract Monitor will review the response and will confirm the proposed prices are acceptable.

e) The Contract Monitor may contact the Contractor to obtain additional information, clarification, or revision to the Work Order, and will provide the Work Order to the Procurement Officer for a determination of compliance with the Contract and a determination whether a change order is appropriate. Written Procurement Officer approval is required before Work Order execution by the State.

f) Proposed personnel on any type of Work Order shall be subject to DGS approval. The Contractor shall furnish resumes of proposed personnel specifying the labor category(ies) proposed. The Contract Monitor shall have the option to interview the proposed personnel and, in the event of an interview or not, shall notify the Contractor of acceptance or denial of the personnel.

g) Performance of services under a Work Order shall commence consistent with an NTP issued by the Contract Monitor for such Work Order.

h) The Purchase Order (PO) issued as a result of the solicitation, and any subsequent amendments, modifications or options issued relevant to the solicitation or PO, complies with all the terms, conditions and specifications issued with the solicitation and is incorporated in and made part of the Contract – Attachment M.

3.7 Additional Clauses

3.7.1 The State of Maryland’s Commitment to Purchasing Environmentally Preferred

Products and Services (EPPs)

Maryland’s State Finance & Procurement Article §14-410 defines environmentally preferable purchasing as “the procurement or acquisition of goods and services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing goods or https://trackbill.com/bill/maryland-house-bill-629-environmentally-preferable-procurement-maryland-green-purchasing-committee/647077/

IFB for The Department of General Services Page 13 of 33 services that serve the same purpose.” Accordingly, Bidders are strongly encouraged to offer EPPs to fulfill this contract, to the greatest extent practicable.

3.7.2 No-Cost Extensions

In accordance with BPW Advisory 1995-1 item 7.b, in the event there are unspent funds remaining on the Contract, prior to the Contract's expiration date the Procurement Officer may modify the Contract to extend the Contract beyond its expiration date for a period up to, but not exceeding, one-third of the base term of the Contract (e.g., eight-month extension on a two-year contract) for the performance of work within the Contract's scope of work. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, no funds may be added to the Contract in connection with any such extension.

IFB for The Department of General Services Page 14 of 33

4 Procurement Instructions

4.1 Pre-Bid Conference

There is NO Pre-Bid Conference required for this solicitation.

4.2 eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA)

4.2.1 eMMA is the electronic commerce system for the State of Maryland. The IFB, Conference summary and attendance sheet, Bidders’ questions and the Procurement Officer’s responses, addenda, and other solicitation-related information will be made available via eMMA.

4.2.2 In order to receive a contract award, a vendor must be registered on eMMA. Registration is free.

Go to emma.maryland.gov, click on “New Vendor? Register Now” to begin the process, and then follow the prompts.

4.3 Questions

4.3.1 All questions, including concerns regarding any applicable MBE or VSBE participation goals, shall identify in the subject line the Solicitation Number and Title BPM041321 – Annapolis PB&G Lawyers Mall Landscaping and shall be submitted in writing via e-mail to the Procurement Officer no later than the date and time specified the Key Information Summary Sheet. The Procurement Officer, based on the availability of time to research and communicate an answer, shall decide whether an answer can be given before the Bid due date.

4.3.2 Answers to all questions that are not clearly specific only to the requestor will be distributed via the same mechanism as for IFB amendments and posted on eMMA.

4.3.3 The statements and interpretations contained in responses to any questions, whether responded to verbally or in writing, are not binding on DGS unless it issues an amendment in writing.

4.4 Procurement Method

A Contract will be awarded in accordance with the Competitive Sealed Bidding method under COMAR 21.05.02.

4.5 Bid Due (Closing) Date and Time

4.5.1 Bids, in the number and form set forth in Section 5 Bid Format, must be received by the

Procurement Officer no later than the Bid due date and time indicated on the Key Information Summary Sheet in order to be considered.

4.5.2 Bidders submitting Bids should allow sufficient delivery time to ensure timely receipt by the Procurement Officer. Except as provided in COMAR 21.05.02.10, Bids received after the due date and time listed in the Key Information Summary Sheet will not be considered.

4.5.3 The date and time of an e-mail submission is determined by the date and time of arrival in the e-mail address indicated on the Key Information Summary Sheet.

4.5.4 Bids may be modified or withdrawn by written notice received by the Procurement Officer before the time and date set forth in the Key Information Summary Sheet for receipt of Bids.

4.5.5 Bids may not be submitted by e-mail or facsimile. Bids will be opened publicly at the date and time indicated on the Key Information Summary Sheet.

https://emma.maryland.gov/page.aspx/en/usr/login?ReturnUrl=%2fpage.aspx%2fen%2fbuy%2fhomepage

IFB for The Department of General Services Page 15 of 33

4.5.6 Potential Bidders not responding to this solicitation are requested to submit the “No Bid Notice/Vendor Feedback” form, which includes company information and the reason for not responding (e.g., too busy, cannot meet mandatory requirements).

4.6 Multiple or Alternate Bids

Multiple or alternate Bids will not be accepted.

4.7 Receipt, Opening and Recording of Bids

4.7.1.1 Upon receipt, each Bid and any timely modification(s) to a Bid shall be stored in a secure place until the time and date set for bid opening. Before Bid opening, the State may not disclose the identity of any Bidder.

4.7.1.2 Bids shall be opened publicly, at the time, date and place designated in the IFB Key Information Summary Sheet (near the beginning of the solicitation, after the Title Page and Notice to Vendors). The name of each Bidder, the Total Bid Price, and such other information as is deemed appropriate shall be read aloud or otherwise made available and recorded at the time of bid opening.

4.8 Confidentiality of Bids / Public Information Act Notice

4.8.1 The Bidder should give specific attention to the clear identification of those portions of its Bid that it considers confidential and/or proprietary commercial information or trade secrets, and provide justification why such materials, upon request, should not be disclosed by the State under the Public Information Act, Md. Code Ann., General Provisions Article, Title 4. This information should be identified by page number and placed in the Transmittal Letter with the Bid.

4.8.2 The Bids shall be tabulated or a Bid abstract made. The opened Bids shall be available for public inspection at a reasonable time after Bid opening, but in any case before contract award, except to the extent the Bidder designates trade secrets or other proprietary data to be confidential as set forth in this solicitation. Material so designated as confidential shall accompany the Bid and shall be readily separable from the Bid in order to facilitate public inspection of the non-confidential portion of the Bid, including the Total Bid Price.

4.8.3 For requests for information made under the PIA, the Procurement Officer shall examine the Bids to determine the validity of any requests for nondisclosure of trade secrets and other proprietary data identified in writing. Nondisclosure is permissible only if approved by the Office of the Attorney General.

4.9 Award Basis

4.9.1 A Contract shall be awarded to the responsible Bidder(s) submitting a responsive Bid with the most favorable bid price or most favorable evaluated bid price (as referenced in COMAR 21.05.02.13) for providing the goods and services as specified in this IFB. Bidders must bid all line items. Partial or incomplete bids will be rejected unless otherwise stated in the solicitation.

See IFB Section 6 for Bid evaluation and award information.

4.9.2 Award of this contract will not be final and complete until after: (1) the Contractor submits complete and satisfactory documentation required under the Contract and/or documentation required by the Procurement Officer; and (2) the Contract is signed by the Department following

IFB for The Department of General Services Page 16 of 33 any required approvals of the Contract, including approval by the Board of Public Works, if such approval is required.

4.10 Tie Bids

Tie Bids will be decided pursuant to COMAR 21.05.02.14.

4.11 Duration of Bids

Bids submitted in response to this IFB are irrevocable for the latest of the following: 120 days following the Bid due date and time or the date any protest concerning this IFB is finally resolved. This period may be extended at the Procurement Officer’s request only with the Bidder’s written agreement.

4.12 Revisions to the IFB

4.12.1 If the IFB is revised before the due date for Bids, the DGS shall post any addenda to the IFB on eMMA and shall endeavor to provide such addenda to all prospective Bidders that were sent this IFB or are otherwise known by the Procurement Officer to have obtained this IFB. It remains the responsibility of all prospective Bidders to check eMMA for any addenda issued prior to the submission of Bids.

4.12.2 Bidders shall acknowledge the receipt of all addenda to this IFB issued before the Bid due date.

4.12.3 Failure to acknowledge receipt of an addendum does not relieve the Bidder from complying with the terms, additions, deletions, or corrections set forth in the addendum, and may cause the Bid to be deemed not responsive.

4.13 Cancellations

4.13.1 The State reserves the right to cancel this IFB, accept or reject any and all Bids, in whole or in part, received in response to this IFB and to waive or permit the cure of minor irregularities.

4.13.2 In the event a government entity proposes and receives the recommendation for award, the procurement may be cancelled, and the award processed in accordance with COMAR 21.01.03.01.A(4).

4.13.3 If the services that are the subject of the IFB are currently being provided under an interagency agreement with a public institution of higher education and the State determines that the services can be provided more cost effectively by the public institution of higher education, then the IFB may be cancelled in accordance with Md. Code Ann., State Finance and Procurement Art., § 3- 207(b)(2).

4.14 Incurred Expenses

The State will not be responsible for any costs incurred by any Bidder in preparing and submitting a Bid or performing any other activities related to submitting a Bid in response to this solicitation.

4.15 Protest/Disputes

Any protest or dispute related to this solicitation, or the Contract award shall be subject to the provisions of COMAR 21.10 (Administrative and Civil Remedies).

IFB for The Department of General Services Page 17 of 33

4.16 Bidder Responsibilities

4.16.1 Bidders must be able to provide all goods and services and meet all of the requirements requested in this solicitation and the successful Bidder shall be responsible for Contract performance including any subcontractor participation.

4.16.2 If applicable, subcontractors utilized in meeting the established MBE or VSBE participation goal(s) for this solicitation shall be identified as provided in the appropriate Attachment(s) to this IFB (see Section 4.26 “MBE Participation Goal” and Section 4.27 “VSBE Goal”).

4.16.3 If the Bidder is the subsidiary of another entity, all information submitted by the Bidder, including but not limited to references, financial reports, or experience and documentation (e.g.

insurance policies, bonds, letters of credit) used to meet minimum qualifications, if any, shall pertain exclusively to the Bidder, unless the parent organization will guarantee the performance of the subsidiary. If applicable, the Bidder’s Bid shall contain an explicit statement, signed by an authorized representative of the parent organization, stating that the parent organization will guarantee the performance of the subsidiary.

4.16.4 A parental guarantee of the performance of the Bidder under this Section will not automatically result in crediting the Bidder with the experience or qualifications of the parent under any evaluation criteria pertaining to the actual Bidder’s experience and qualifications. Instead, the Bidder’s responsibility will be assessed to the extent to which the State determines that the experience and qualifications of the parent are applicable to and shared with the Bidder, any stated intent by the parent to be directly involved in the performance of the Contract, and the value of the parent’s participation as determined by the State.

4.17 Acceptance of Terms and Conditions

By submitting a Bid in response to this IFB, the Bidder, if selected for award, shall be deemed to have accepted the terms and conditions of this IFB and the Contract, attached hereto as Attachment M. Any exceptions to this IFB or the Contract must be raised prior to Bid submission. Changes to the solicitation, including the Bid Form or Contract, made by the Bidder may result in Bid rejection.

4.18 Bid/Proposal Affidavit

A Bid submitted by the Bidder must be accompanied by a completed Bid/Proposal Affidavit. A copy of this Affidavit is included as Attachment C of this IFB.

4.19 Contract Affidavit

All Bidders are advised that if a Contract is awarded as a result of this solicitation, the successful Bidder will be required to complete a Contract Affidavit. A copy of this Affidavit is included for informational purposes as Attachment N of this IFB. This Affidavit must be provided within five (5) Business Days of notification of recommended award. For purposes of completing Section “B” of this Affidavit (Certification of Registration or Qualification with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation), a business entity that is organized outside of the State of Maryland is considered a “foreign” business.

4.20 Compliance with Laws/Arrearages

By submitting a Bid in response to this IFB, the Bidder, if selected for award, agrees that it will comply with all federal, State, and local laws applicable to its activities and obligations under the Contract.

By submitting a response to this solicitation, each Bidder…