RFP #26058

Greenville County Issue Date: January 9, 2026

Procurement Services Division Opening Date: February 3, 2026

LAWN MOWING AND LANDSCAPE

MAINTENANCE SERVICES

RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO:

https:// procurement.opengov.com/portal/greenvillecounty/greenvillecounty

Robert Brewer, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB

Procurement Services Division Director https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/%7bproject.government.code%7d

Greenville County

LAWN MOWING AND LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES

I. Public Notice II. Introduction

III. Scope of Work IV. Instructions to Offerors V. General Information

VI. Insurance VII. Evaluation Phases

VIII. Terms and Conditions IX. Sample Contract X. Vendor Questionnaire

XI. Pricing Proposal

Attachments:

A - COG Sub W9

B - Sample Services Agreement

C - 2026_inventory-pricing_sheet_rev 2

D - 2026_Attachment D - Property Location Reference

E - Pavilion_Map_-

_Red_turf_treatment_Green_Landscape_mulch_beds_and_trees

Title: LAWN MOWING AND LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES

1. Public Notice

Greenville County is soliciting sealed proposals in response to LAWN MOWING AND LANDSCAPE

MAINTENANCE SERVICES, subject to the conditions and all provisions set forth herein and attached.

Sealed proposals will be received through the County’s online procurement portal located at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/greenvillecounty until Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 3:00 pm, then publicly opened. The goods and/or services must be furnished as described and specified herein and submitted to Greenville County.

All inquiries regarding this proposal shall be submitted no later than Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 2:00 pm via the County’s online procurement Portal, located at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/greenvillecounty. Please note the deadline for submitting inquiries. All answers to inquiries will be posted on the County’s online procurement Portal. Offerors may also click “Follow” on this proposal to receive an email notification when answers are posted. It is the responsibility of the Offeror to check the website for answers to inquiries.

https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/greenvillecounty

2. Introduction

2.1. Summary

Greenville County is seeking reliable, professional vendors to provide routine lawn mowing and maintenance services for 46 County-owned properties, including parks, sports complexes, community centers, and other locations noted across our community. The County desires to enter into an initial one

(1) year term with up to four (4) annual renewal options.

We welcome proposals from contractors of all sizes and may award this project to multiple sources.

Both regional operators with county-wide capabilities and local businesses serving specific geographic areas are encouraged to submit proposals. The County reserves the right to modify the number of locations served as operational needs change. Vendors may submit proposals for all sites or for specific regions (North, Central, or South County).

The selected contractor(s) shall furnish all labor, supervision, equipment, tools, materials, transportation, and incidentals necessary to provide comprehensive grass cutting and maintenance services. Services shall be performed in a manner that promotes proper health and growth of turf to ensure a rich green color and neat appearance free of debris. Incidental services include edging where grass meets pavement, string-trimming edges and abutments, blowing and/or collecting grass clippings, and protecting non-lawn areas on site.

2.2. Contact Information

Anthony Dawson

Buyer

301 University Ridge, Suite N-2400

Greenville, SC 29601

Email: adawson@greenvillecounty.org

Phone: (864) 467-4954

Department:

PARKS ADMINISTRATION

2.3. Timeline

Release Project Date January 9, 2026

Question Submission Deadline January 27, 2026, 2:00pm

Proposal Submission Deadline February 3, 2026, 3:00pm mailto:adawson@greenvillecounty.org tel:(864)467-4954

Review of Proposals Feb 6 - Feb 16

Tentative Date of Award February 17, 2026

Contract Negotiations Feb 18 - Feb 26

Issue Notice to Proceed February 27, 2026

3. Scope of Work

3.1. Definitions

Frequently used terminology contained in this Request for Proposals (RFP) is defined by the County as follows:

A. Mowing – The process of maintaining grass and/or weeds on a property within acceptable height limits and community standards. Mowing may require the use of power mowing equipment, string trimmers, commercial mowers or heavier equipment such as tractors with mowing attachments.

B. Trash – A large accumulation of litter, household items, or waste deposits not contained by a proper receptacle thereby creating an eyesore to surrounding property owners.

C. Litter – Paper, plastics, cardboard or other such items not confined to a proper receptacle and subject to being scattered by wind.

D. Brush and Debris – Brush and debris shall be defined as large accumulations of grass clipping, tree limbs, or other organic material resulting from lawn care or natural processes.

E. Proper Receptacle – A provided trash/garbage can or dumpster on property.

3.2. General Conditions

The County expects for the Awarded Contractor(s) to meet the following conditions to perform Lawn

Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services, to the satisfaction of Greenville County:

A. Standards

1. The contractor(s) shall have trained and properly supervised staff while on County property.

2. All landscaping and grass cutting services, equipment, and materials shall comply with accepted industry and OSHA safety standards.

3. The contractor(s) staff shall wear appropriate clothing displaying the name of the company at all times.

4. The contractor(s) shall provide his/her own machinery, equipment, and personal protective gear.

5. The County shall not be responsible for any loss or damage of the contractor(s) equipment, tools, supplies, or materials

B. Contractor(s) Staffing Requirements

1. The contractor(s) shall provide sufficient work force to handle supervision to perform the services described herein at each location.

2. The contractor(s) staff shall behave in a manner consistent with proper behavior in public places.

C. Inspection

1. The County will conduct an inspection of all sites at the completion of each lawn service.

The contractor(s) may be present during the inspection. The County Inspector will identify any areas of correction for that service area and the contractor(s) shall have 48 hours to correct any identified deficiencies. If the contractor is not present during the inspection, the

County Inspector shall notify the contractor(s) within 24 hours of the areas that need to be corrected.

2. The contractor(s) shall notify the County of any damages or hazardous conditions that may affect the appearance, condition, or safety of the grounds to be serviced. Failure to correct any deficiencies by the contractor(s) shall be grounds to withhold payment of the invoice until the services have been corrected. The contractor(s) shall not be allowed to continue with the next grass cutting service until all matters have been satisfactorily resolved. The

County reserves the right to procure other vendors for the lawn care service and bill the difference to the contractor(s).

3. The contractor(s) shall be responsible for all property damages or personal injury resulting from its operations. All property damage and personal injury shall be reported to the County immediately.

3.3. Specifications

The County expects for the Awarded Contractor(s) to perform Lawn Mowing and Grounds Maintenance

Services in accordance with the following specifications:

A. Mowing

1. Grass shall be cut no lower than 2 inches and left no higher than 4 inches. Any bare ground areas may become populated with grass or weeds through natural spread, i.e., not artificially planted, thus these areas shall be cut also. Grass cutting shall be done such that it is free of scalping, rutting, bruising, or rough cutting to produce uneven surfaces. The only acceptable exception to the grass height stated above is during extreme heat and drought conditions. If such conditions occur, and only at the direction of the County, the contractor(s) shall cut the grass not to exceed 3 inches.

2. Prior to mowing, the contractor(s) shall remove and dispose of all trash and litter and brush and debris which includes, but is not limited to, rocks, paper, and other removable objects on the ground or from any tree or shrubbery within the area to be mowed. All such items shall be removed from the County property and/or placed in a proper receptacle before mowing occurs. If there is a large amount of trash and litter or brush and debris, the contractor(s) shall notify the County Inspector and work together to determine the proper method of removing the items.

3. If the property has a building, structure, walkway(s), or any other paved area, the contractor(s) shall maintain the areas clear of brush or debris, including grass clippings, before leaving the site.

4. The Contractor(s) shall be responsible for removal of all trash and litter from the areas being mowed. The contractor(s) shall dispose of such trash off the County property the same day.

B. Trimming and Edging

1. All grass under and around trees, shrubs, fences, poles, walls, sprinkler heads, valves, paved areas, sidewalks, or any other permanent structure shall be trimmed to match the height and appearance of the surrounding mowed grass.

2. Trimming may be accomplished by hand clipping or by use of a “weed eater” type device.

Any trees, shrubs, or grass areas that are killed by the trimming operation shall be replaced, and any structure damaged by the trimming operation shall be repaired or replaced, by the contractor(s) in a timely manner at no cost to the County.

3. Trimming operation shall be performed on the same day as the grass cutting. Grass cutting shall not be considered complete until all trimming operations are accomplished.

4. Grass clippings and trimmings shall be removed from sidewalks and other paved areas the same day grass is mowed.

C. Litter Control

1. Litter control shall be performed prior to the commencement of any mowing. Removal of all natural vegetation (fallen leaves, limbs/branches, grass clippings, etc.) as well as inorganic materials (plastic, glass, metal, paper, rocks, vehicle parts, etc.) or any other miscellaneous debris material from the area to be maintained.

2. The property, including walkways, parking areas, drive aisles, and roadways shall be free from dirt, grass clippings, trimmings, dead weeds, or debris at the conclusion of lawn maintenance at each site.

3. Power blowers may be used to aid in the clean-up process; however, resulting debris shall be gathered, collected, and disposed of off-site. Blowing grass clippings, trimmings, and all other material into adjacent areas, properties, or roadways is strictly forbidden. Potential damage caused by flying debris, to include traffic incidents, personal incidents, or other incidents is the responsibility and liability of the contractor(s).

4. All collected trash and litter shall be legally discarded in a proper receptacle on-site or off-site at a reputable landfill/waste facility at the contractor’s expense.

D. Debris Removal

1. Contractor(s) shall remove all materials and debris from landscape maintenance operations from the site promptly after each visit. The site shall be left free from dirt, clippings, dead weeds, fallen leaves, and/or other debris. Use of power blower, rake, broom, and/or dustpan to keep areas clean is required. All trash/debris collected shall be discarded off-site at a property solid waste/compost disposal facility at the contractor’s expense.

2. Contractor(s) shall take care not to simply blow debris into adjacent areas outside the project limits or into the streets. Care shall be taken to avoid any damage to surrounding amenities or property as a result from flying debris generated from mowers or power blowers.

E. Performance Requirements

1. Mowing services shall be performed on a weekly, bi-weekly, quarterly or as needed basis as outlined in the grounds maintenance property listing.

2. Mowing services shall be performed Monday through Saturday, between the hours of

8:00AM and 6:00PM only, or as approved by the County.

3. Only those services requested and approved by the County shall be reimbursed. These services will be outlined in the contract and subject to approval by the County Inspector.

3.4. Detention Ponds

Detention Ponds are included in this bid proposal as alternates and priced per cut per location. The

County anticipates an average of two cuts per year to cut back vegetation and keep in good maintenance condition.

3.5. Pavilion Recreation Complex - Full Landscape Maintenance Program

A. Turf Management

A comprehensive program of turf management for all turf grass areas will be the responsibility of contractor.

Mowing - Turf grass shall be mowed regularly during the growing season and as needed during the remainder of the year to maintain a neat and finished appearance and compiling with standard horticulture practices.

Line Trimming- All mowing obstacles shall be trimmed as needed. Obstacles such as fence lines and poles/posts may be be selectively treated with approved herbicides in the proper manner.

Edging - Street drives, walking path edges, and ornamental beds shall be edges as needed.

Blowing - All debris generated from mowing operation shall be blown from streets, drives, and walks to maintain a near finished appearance.

Debris - Common areas will be policed on the scheduled service day to maintain such areas free of litter and debris prior to mowing.

B. Ornamental Bed Management

Ornamental plantings will be maintained by contractor in accordance with accepted horticultural practices.

Pruning - Ornamental plants shall be maintained to the natural character of the plant. All unwanted limbs, branches of outcroppings that are below 10' and are accessible without the use of ladders, bucket truck or other heavy equipment will be managed as needed to achieve the desired visual results and to maintain the health of the plant.

Weeding - Weeds in ornamental bed areas will be controlled chemically and mechanically as to maintain a neat and orderly appearance of all bed areas.

Debris - All debris generated from bed management services shall be hauled away and disposed of in a legal manner.

C. Turf & Ornamental Shrubs Health Services

Fertilization - Contractor shall provide labor, materials and equipment for all fertilization applications customized for the turf type on the property. The turf shall be monitored for health and treated as needed, this includes fertilization in the Spring and Fall with a well-balanced, specially formulated, slow-release turf fertilizer. All ornamental beds shall be monitored for health and fertilized as needed to correct nutritional deficiencies.

Weed Control - Contractor will provide weed control in turf and beds through the application of pre-emergency and post emergent treatments. This will include spraying weeds and hand pulling weeds as necessary.

Pest Management - Contractor shall provide labor, materials, and equipment to treat outbreaks of insects and disease as needed on a curative basis as they appear in the turf and/or ornamental beds.

The County shall be advised of any additional cost to apply insecticides or fungicides to treat outbreaks that are not included in the scope of the base maintenance package. All pesticide/fungicide applications shall be done in accordance with all Federal, State, County or local laws and regulations governing the use of horticultural chemicals and shall be applied by properly trained and license operators.

D. Irrigation

Contractor will monitor, adjust, and reset irrigation on an ongoing basis to ensure adequate coverage and reduce wasteful usage, Contractor will provide irrigation personnel for repair and maintenance of the irrigation system. Parts and labor for repairs will be proposed, approved and invoices outside of this contract.

E. Inclement Weather

Damage from typical weather conditions involving lightning or winds less than 40 MPH is included in the scope of the base maintenance package. Clean up of debris will be performed on the next scheduled service day.

In the event of a major storm damage from flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, named stormed or other

Acts of God, contractor will perform emergency services and cleanup at the direction of the County at pre-agreed labor and equipment rates. Damage and litter from extreme weather conditions involving any named storm, lightning or winds in excess of 40 MPH, is outside the scope of the base contract.

F. Tree Management

Low-lying hardwood tree limbs below 10' that are accessible without the use of ladders, bucket truck, or other heavy equipment, will be pruned or managed as needed.

H. Seasonal Color

Contractor will design, prepare and install annuals and perennials at designated entrance areas in spring and fall. Routine maintenance shall be performed and will include fertilization, disease and insect control applications, irrigation monitoring, weeding and dead heading to provide optimal appearance at all times of the year.

I. Mulch

Contractor shall supply all labor and materials to install hardwood mulch in designated areas in spring and fall.

3.6. Locations

A list of facilities that the County desires to have lawn mowing and grounds maintenance services performed, is attached; this list includes accompanying addresses, property acreage, approximate mowing acreage and frequency of mowing requested. Additionally, GIS Maps of the specific locations are also included for reference. The County reserves the right to contract with one or more vendors to provide these services and to modify the facilities served under the contract(s).

3.7. Schedule

The County anticipates the schedule to begin on or around March 2nd and end on or around November

2nd of calendar year 2026.

4. Instructions to Offerors

4.1. Pre-Proposal Meeting

A Pre-Proposal meeting is not scheduled for this project.

4.2. Pricing

Pricing must be based upon payment in thirty (30) days. Discounts for payment in less than thirty (30) days will not be considered in making award.

Discounts shall be stated in proposals as a percentage. Time in connection with discount offered will be computed from date of delivery of commodities to carrier, when inspecting and acceptance is at point of origin; or date of delivery at destination; or if laboratory inspection is made part of bid, from date of laboratory report.

Unit pricing will govern over extended pricing, unless stated otherwise. Pricing shall include packing.

Unless indicated by County, pricing must be firm.

Vendors shall include pricing in the Attachment Pricing Sheet C & the Electronic Pricing Proposal

4.3. Bonding

Bonding will not be required for this project.

4.4. Statement of Qualifications

Vendor shall include the following with their response:

A. Company Overview and Background

Years in business, ownership structure, number of employees and crew supervisors, service area and counties currently served, types and number of properties routinely maintained (municipal, commercial, residential).

B. Equipment and Resources

Description of mowing and maintenance equipment available for this contract, backup equipment availability or rental arrangements for equipment failure, equipment maintenance practices.

C. Project References

List of at least three (3) references for lawn maintenance services within the past three (3) years. For each reference provide: client name, contact person, phone number, number of sites serviced (if applicable), and scope of services.

South Carolina governmental entity references preferred but not required.

D. Capacity and Service Area

Geographic service preference indicating which region(s) you are bidding on (North County, Central

County, South County, or County-wide), minimum and maximum number of sites your firm can reliably https://procurement.opengov.com/governments/864/projects/225261/builder/create/document-editor?activeSection=6 https://procurement.opengov.com/governments/864/projects/225261/builder/create/document-editor?activeSection=8 service under this contract, current workload and availability to begin services within 30 days of Notice to Proceed, proposed staffing structure for this contract.

E. Scope of Work Understanding

Narrative demonstrating comprehension of service requirements, quality control procedures and site inspection practices, communication protocol for weather delays, schedule changes, and service issues.

F. Operational Plan

Proposed mowing rotation schedule based on number of sites awarded, employee training, screening, and supervision practices, backup staffing plan for employee absences or peak demand periods, severe weather response and catch-up procedures.

G. Sample Certificate of Insurance meeting County requirements to be provided upon award.

4.5. Submission Procedures and Requirements

A. All submissions must be received by Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 3:00 pm. Submissions will not be accepted after the deadline. There will be no exceptions. Responders submitting proposals shall be responsible for all cost of preparing such proposals. Information requested and not received at the time of submission may disqualify the submitted proposal.

B. Responders to this solicitation shall closely examine the specific requirements noted herein and the attached Terms and Conditions. Facsimile transmittals, hard copies, emails or offers communicated by telephone will not be accepted or considered.

C. Proposals shall be organized in the following manner with the subject headings and sequence indicated.

1. Statement of Qualifications section from above (A-G)

2. Pricing - Attachment C & Electronic Pricing Proposal

3. Other Information Requested

D. License and Permits – The selected Contractor shall obtain all required licenses and permits, and promptly pay all taxes required by the State of South Carolina and Greenville County.

https://procurement.opengov.com/governments/864/projects/225261/builder/create/document-editor?activeSection=6 https://procurement.opengov.com/governments/864/projects/225261/builder/create/document-editor?activeSection=8

4.6. Inquiries and Addenda

Offerors shall submit all inquiries regarding this RFP via the County’s online procurement Portal, located at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/greenvillecounty. Please note the deadline for submitting inquiries. All answers to inquiries will be posted on the County’s online procurement Portal. Offerors may also click “Follow” on this bid to receive an email notification when answers are posted. It is the responsibility of the bidder to check the website for answers to inquiries. The County will not be responsible for or bound by any oral instructions made by any employee(s) of the County in regard to this RFP.

Addenda Notification: This RFP represents the most definite statement Greenville County will make concerning information upon which proposals are to be based. Offerors are required to register for an account via the County’s online procurement Portal hosted by OpenGov. Once you have completed the registration, you will receive addenda notifications to your email by clicking “Follow” on this project.

Ultimately, it is sole responsibility of each proposer to periodically check the site for any addenda at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/greenvillecounty. No addenda will be issued later than five

(5) working days prior to the date for receipt for proposals except an addendum which, if necessary, postpones the date for receipt of proposals or cancels this RFP. Vendors shall acknowledge receipt of all addenda.

5. General Information

A. Proprietary Information – The County of Greenville is a public body and governed by the South

Carolina Freedom of Information Act. Documents submitted to the County relating to this

Solicitation are subject to requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and may be deemed public records.

B. Errors and Omissions – The Responder will not be allowed to take advantage of any errors or omissions in the Request for Proposals. Where errors or omissions appear in the RFP, the

Responder shall promptly notify the County of Greenville in writing of such error or omission it discovers. Any significant error, omission and/or inconsistency in the specifications are to be reported as soon as possible but no later than five (5) days before such time the response is to be submitted.

C. Withdrawal of Proposal – An official representative of a Responder may withdraw a

Responder’s response at any time prior to the proposal submission deadline. Acceptable proof establishing that he/she is the representative of the Responder must be provided.

D. Non-Endorsement – If the County awards a contract, the successful Responder shall not issue any news release or other statement relating to the award or servicing of the agreement which state or imply the County of Greenville’s endorsement of the successful Responder’s services.

6. Insurance

6.1. Insurance Requirements

The contractor is responsible for and must have all required insurance listed below and shall not commence work under the associated contract until it has obtained all insurance required, and the

County has approved such insurance in writing, nor shall the Contractor allow any subcontractor to commence work on its subcontract until all similar insurance required of the subcontractor has been obtained. All insurance policies shall be maintained for the life of the contract.

A. THE COUNTY SHALL BE NAMED AS “ADDITIONAL INSURED” FOR ITS INTERESTon all policies of insurance except Worker’s Compensation, Automobile Liability, and Professional Errors and

Omissions, as regards ongoing operations, products and completed operations, and this shall be noted on the face of the Certificate of Insurance. As a part of the certificate of insurance requirement the contractor shall also include acknowledgement and acceptance of the wavier of subrogation provision granted to Greenville County. This acknowledgement and acceptance should be included in the same section of the Certificate of Insurance that evidences the

“Additional Insured” provision.

B. Certificates for all such policies of insurance shall be provided by the Contractor's insurance agent or broker to the County within 10 working days from the date of Notice of Award.

C. All Certificates of Insurance submitted shall provide on the face of the certificate reference to

County's RFP #RFP #26058.

D. Contractor will provide County a minimum of 30 days advance notice in the event the insurance policies (or an insurance policy) are canceled. Subcontractors approved to perform work on this project are subject to all of the requirements in this Section.

E. Contractor agrees to maintain and keep in force during the life of this Agreement, with a company or companies authorized to do business in South Carolina, the following insurance policies:

1. Comprehensive General Liability:

a. $1,000,000 per occurrence - combined single limit /

b. $2,000,000 general aggregate, to include products and completed operations.

2. Automobile Liability:

a. $1,000,000 per occurrence - combined single limit (Coverage shall include bodily injury and property damage and cover all vehicles including owned, non-owned and hired)

3. Statutory Worker's Compensation:

a. Coverage A - State of SC

b. Coverage B - Employers liability

i. $1,000,000 Each Accident

ii. $1,000,000 Disease, Per Employee

iii. $1,000,000 Disease, Policy Limit

c. Policies shall contain a waiver of subrogation in favor of and/or that applies to

Greenville County, its departments, agencies, boards, employees, and commissions for losses from work performed by or on behalf of the contractor.

No deviation from this coverage’s will be accepted unless, in the County’s sole discretion, it is more advantageous to the County, i.e., $1,000,000 - a $2,000,000 or $5,000,000 limit would be acceptable.

7. Evaluation Phases

The proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria. Greenville County reserves the right to interview responders or have demonstrations to this RFP at its discretion. Greenville County will not be responsible for any costs associated with interviews of responders or demonstrations. If interviews or demonstrations are needed, a second phase of the evaluation process may be implemented at the

County's discretion.

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. Responsiveness to solicitation 0-5 Points 5 (25% of Total)

2. Experience and Capacity Relative to Scope

Proposed 0-5 Points 5

(25% of Total)

3. References 0-5 Points 5 (25% of Total)

4. Pricing 0-5 Points 5 (25% of Total)

8. Terms and Conditions

8.1. Safety, Health, and Security

Contractor shall be solely responsible for its activities, that of its employees on the site and activities of its consultants, contractors and/or subcontractors for maintaining a safe job site. Contractor’s activities and activities of its consultants, contractors and/or subcontractors shall comply with all local, state, and federal safety regulations and their enforcement agencies. Contractor shall at all times conduct its operations under this Contract in a manner to avoid risk of endangerment to the health and safety of persons and property. The Contractor shall have sole responsibility for implementing its safety and health programs, taking all safety and health precautions necessary and continuously inspecting all equipment, materials and work to prevent, discover, determine and correct any conditions which might result in personal injury, equipment damage or damage to property or the public. Contractor’s safety, health and security programs shall be in compliance with all regulatory requirements and shall furnish accident, incident, injury, and other records and reports required by the Occupational Safety and Health

Administration, State and Local laws, or by the County.

8.2. Response Opening and Award:

Responses shall be publicly opened and only the names of the offerors disclosed at the opening. For

IFBs, the name of the responder as well as the price will be disclosed. However, no decision will be made until Procurement Services and the user Division have had ample time to review each response. Award will be made at the earliest possible date. The County reserves the right to award in whole or in part, by item, group of items, geographic area or by section where such action serves the County’s best interest.

The contract will be awarded to the response that meets the requirements and criteria set forth in the

Solicitation. No response may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days after the opening date.

Submissions will not be accepted after the deadline. There will be no exceptions. By submission of a response, you are guaranteeing that all goods and services meet the requirement of the solicitation during the contract period.

8.3. Rights Reserved by Greenville County:

Greenville County reserves the right to reject any and all responses, any portion thereof, and waive any technicalities. Accordingly, the right is reserved to make awards in the best interest of the County.

Integrity, reputation, experience and past performance will be heavily weighed in response evaluation.

This solicitation does not commit the County of Greenville to award a contract, to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of the response, or to procure or contract for goods or services listed herein.

8.4. Responders Qualification:

Responders must, upon request of the County, furnish satisfactory evidence of their ability to furnish products or services in accordance with the terms and conditions of these specifications. The County reserves the right to make the final determination as to the responder’s ability to provide the products or services requested herein.

8.5. Responders Responsibility:

Each responder shall be fully acquainted with the conditions relating to the scope and restrictions attending the execution of the work under the conditions of this response. It is expected that this will sometimes require on-site observation. The failure or omission of a responder to be acquainted with existing conditions shall in no way relieve the responder of any obligations with respect to this response or to any contract as a result of this response.

8.6. References:

The County requires responders to list at least three (3) references including their company name, name of contact, address, telephone number, and email address of contact person with whom the responder has performed or provided similar work, service or product. The reference may be contacted to fill out a short questionnaire on the work with that company. If the reference does not complete the questionnaire by the time requested, the County may ask the responder to give an alternate reference.

The County asks that responders do not list County representatives or departments as a reference.

8.7. Waiver:

The County reserves the right to waive any Instructions to Responders, General or Special Terms and

Conditions, specifications, or technicalities when it is deemed to be in the best interest of the County to do so.

8.8. Rejection:

Greenville County reserves the right to reject any response that contains prices for individual items or services that are inconsistent or unrealistic when compared to pricing of like responses; or ambiguous responses which are uncertain as to terms, delivery, quantity, or compliance with specifications may be rejected or otherwise disregarded if such action is in the best interest of the County.

8.9. Response Signature and Solicitation Alterations:

The responder shall sign the response correctly or the response may be rejected. If the response shows any omissions, alteration of form, unauthorized additions, a conditional response or any irregularities of any kind, the response may be rejected.

8.10. Specification Changes, Additions and Deletions:

Responders are required to register for an account via the County’s online procurement Portal hosted by OpenGov. Once responder has completed registration, you will receive addenda notifications to your email by clicking “Follow” on this project. Ultimately, it is sole responsibility of each responder to periodically check the site for any addenda at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/greenvillecounty.

The County of Greenville shall not be responsible for any verbal information given by any employees of the County of Greenville in regard to this proposal.

8.11. Response Changes:

Responses, amendments thereto or withdrawal requests received after the advertised time for response opening, shall be void regardless of when they were submitted.

8.12. Response Price:

The price presented as a result of these specifications shall be for the contract period. The response shall be acceptable for sixty (60) days from the date of opening. All prices and notations shall be printed in ink or typewritten. Errors should be crossed out, corrections entered and initialed by the person signing the response. Erasures or use of typewriter correction fluids may be cause for rejection. No response shall be altered or amended after specified time for opening.

8.13. Federal, State and Local Laws:

The contractor assumes full responsibility and liability for compliance with any and all local, state and federal laws and regulations applicable to the contractor and its employees including, but not limited to, compliance with the EEO guidelines, the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, and minimum wage guidelines.

8.14. Tie Bids:

In the case of tie bids, the County reserves the right to make the award based on the factors outlined in

Section 7-305(9) of the Greenville County Code of Ordinance (Chapter 7, Article VIII), or in what it considers to be in the best interest of the County.

8.15. Deduction and Holdbacks:

In addition to the County’s right of termination, the County shall be entitled to full reimbursement for any costs incurred by the County by reason of the contractor’s failure to perform or to satisfactorily perform its responsibilities and duties. Such costs may include, but are not limited to, the cost of using the County’s employees or employees of any other entity to perform the obligations of the contract. The

County may obtain any such reimbursement by deduction from payments otherwise due to the contractor or by any other proper and lawful means. All deductions from any money due the contractor are to be as liquidated damages and not as a penalty. It is the County’s intent to give the contractor a reasonable opportunity whenever practicable, to correct any such failure to perform or satisfactorily perform its responsibilities and duties. In no circumstances shall any uncorrected situation extend for more than five days. The County will make the following deductions from the contract sum in the event that the contractor fails to perform any of the required work within the required time limits in the event the County carries out the work using its forces or another contractor.

A. For use of County’s forces – actual cost involved.

B. For use of another contractor – the amount charged by said contractor.

The County reserves the right to hold back and/or withhold part of complete payments for unsatisfactory work, deficiencies, etc. until said defects are satisfactorily corrected or cleared.

8.16. Evaluation Criteria:

The proposals will be evaluated using the criteria listed in the Evaluation Phases included in this RFP.

Greenville County reserves the right to interview responders or ask for demonstrations to this RFP at its discretion. Greenville County will not be responsible for any costs associated with interviews of responders or demonstrations.

8.17. Quality:

Unless otherwise indicated in this solicitation it is understood and agreed that any items offered or shipped on this solicitation shall be new and in first class condition unless otherwise indicated herein.

8.18. Affirmative Action - Small, Disadvantaged and Minority Businesses (SDMB):

A. Vendors submitting responses are encouraged to solicit small, disadvantaged and minority businesses participation in fulfilling their contract. Indicate in your response any SDMB areas of involvement for monitoring purposes.

B. The successful vendor will take affirmative action in complying with all Federal and State requirements concerning fair employment and treatment of all employees, without regard or discrimination by reason of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin or physical handicap.

8.19. Default:

In case of default by vendor the County may procure the item or services from other sources and may recover the loss occasioned thereby from any unpaid balance due the vendor or by proceeding against the vendor’s performance bond, if any, and/or by suit against vendor.

8.20. Termination for Cause:

Any awarded contract is subject to termination for failure to comply with the specifications, terms and conditions by the County or the contractor upon written notice by registered mail. Such termination will be effective not less than ten (10) days nor more than sixty (60) days after receipt of such notice from the County nor less than thirty (30) days nor more than sixty (60) days after receipt by the County from the contractor. Receipt of notice by one party to terminate the contract will nullify any subsequent reciprocal notice by the receiving party prior to the announced termination date. In the event of termination, the County shall be responsible to pay the contractor only for work satisfactorily completed upon the effective date of termination and shall not be responsible for any other charges.

8.21. Termination for Convenience:

Greenville County may terminate for convenience any contract resulting from this solicitation by providing sixty (60) calendar days advance written notice to the vendor.

8.22. Non-Appropriation:

Any contract entered into by the County resulting from this solicitation shall be subject to cancellation without damages or further obligation when funds are not appropriated or otherwise made available to support continuation of performance in a subsequent fiscal period or appropriated year.

https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/greenvillecounty/projects/225261/document?section=2125974

8.23. Incorporation of Proposal into Contract:

The terms, conditions, and specifications of this proposal and the selected firm’s response are to be incorporated, in total, into the contract.

8.24. S.C. Law Clause:

Upon award of contract under this response, the person, partnership, association or corporation to whom the award is made must comply with the laws of South Carolina which require such person or entity to be authorized and/or licensed to do business with this State. Notwithstanding the fact that applicable statutes may exempt or exclude the successful bidder from requirements that it be authorized and/or licensed to do business in this State, by submission of this signed response, the responder understands and agrees to be bound to the jurisdiction and process of the courts of the State of South Carolina, as to all matters and conflicts or future conflicts under the contract and the performance thereof, including any questions as to the liability for taxes, licenses, or fees levied by the

State.

8.25. Illegal Immigration Reform Act Compliance:

By submitting an offer, Contractor certifies that it will comply with the applicable requirements of Title

8, Chapter 14 of the South Carolina Code of Laws (originally enacted as Section 3 of The South Carolina

Illegal Immigration Reform Act , 2008 S.C. Act No. 280) and agrees to provide upon request any documentation required to establish either: (a) the applicability of Title 8, Chapter 14 to Contractor and any subcontractors or sub-subcontractors; or (b) the compliance with Title 8, Chapter 14 by Contractor and any subcontractor or sub-subcontractor. Pursuant to Section 8-14-60, “A person who knowingly makes or files any false, fictitious, or fraudulent document, statement, or report pursuant to this chapter is guilty of a felony, and upon conviction, must be fined within the discretion of the court or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both.” Contractor agrees to include in any contracts with its subcontractors language requiring the subcontractors to (a) comply with the applicable requirements of

Title 8, Chapter 14, and (b) include in any contracts with the sub-subcontractors language requiring the sub- subcontractor to comply with the applicable requirements of Title 8, Chapter 14. In the event any contractor, subcontractor and/or sub-subcontractor is found not to be in compliance with the SC

Immigration Reform Act [hereinafter "The Act"], the contractor agrees to fully indemnify the County for any loss suffered by the County as a result of such contractor, subcontractor or sub-subcontractor's failure to comply with the Act.

8.26. Assignment Clause:

Successful responder will be required to give the County ninety (90) days’ notice in the event of a change in the ownership of this contract. The County is under no obligation to continue this contract with an assignee. No contract or its provisions may be assigned, sublet, or transferred without the written consent of the County.

8.27. Indemnification:

Contractor agrees to defend, indemnify and save harmless the County and all County officers, agents and employees from and against any loss, damage, claim or action, including all expenses incidental to such claim and action, to the extent arising from any negligent acts or omissions by Contractor, its agents, staff, consultants and contractors employed by it, in the performance of the services under this

Agreement. Contractor shall not be responsible for any loss, damage, or liability to the extent arising from acts of the County, its agents, staff, and other consultants employed by it.

8.28. Deviations from Specifications:

Any deviation from specifications indicated herein must be clearly pointed out; otherwise, it will be considered that items offered are in strict compliance with these specifications, and successful responder will be held responsible therefore. Deviations must be explained in detail on separate attached sheets(s). The listing of deviations, if any, is required but will not be construed as waiving any requirements of the specifications. Deviations found in the evaluation of the response and not listed may be cause for rejection. Responders offering substitute or equal items must provide information sufficient enough to determine acceptability of item offered.

8.29. Minor Deviations:

The County reserves the right to negotiate minor deviations from the prescribed terms, conditions and requirements with the selected vendor.

8.30. Contractor License Requirement:

The contractor shall procure all permits and licenses, and pay all charges and fees necessary and incidental to the lawful conduct of his business. Contractor shall keep fully informed of existing and future Federal, State, and Local Laws, ordinances and regulations which in any manner affect the fulfillment of his contract and shall comply with the same.

8.31. Conflict of Interest Statement:

The contractor may become involved in situations where a conflict of interest could occur due to individual or organizational activities within the County. The vendor, by submitting a response, is in essence assuring the County that the company, and/or subcontractors, is in compliance with all federal, state, and local conflict of interest laws, statutes, and regulations.

8.32. Contracts:

The County reserves the option to prepare and negotiate its own contract with the vendor, giving due consideration to the stipulations of the vendor’s contracts and associated legal documents. Vendors should include with their submittal a copy of any proposed standard contract.

8.33. Contractor Liability:

The contractor assumes full responsibility for all injuries to, or death of any person and for all damage to property, including property and employees of the County and for all claims, losses or expense which may in any way arise out of the performance of the work, whether caused by negligence or otherwise;

and the contractor shall indemnify and save the County harmless from all claims, losses, expense, or suits for any such injuries, death or damages to property, and from all liens, losses, expenses, claims or causes of action of any sort which may arise out of the performance of the work, and shall defend, on behalf of the County and suit brought against the County for attorney’s fees and for all other expenses incurred by the County in connection with or as a result of any such suit, claims, or loss. Under no circumstances and with no exception will Greenville County act as arbitrator between the contractor and any subcontractor. The contractor will be solely responsible for compliance with building code requirements, all dimensions, and all conditions relating to his work under this contract. Workmanship shall be first quality in every respect. All measures necessary to ensure a first class job shall be taken.

8.34. Sub-Contracting:

The contractor shall not subcontract any portion of this contract without proper written approval from the County.

8.35. Non-Collusion:

The contractor expressly warrants and certifies that neither the Contractor nor its employees or associates has directly or indirectly entered into any agreement, participated in any collusion or otherwise taken any action in restraint of free competitive bidding in conjunction with this response.

8.36. Prohibition of Gratuities:

Neither the contractor nor any person, firm or corporation employed by the contractor in the performance of the contract shall offer or give, directly or indirectly, to any employee or agent of the

County, any gift, money, or anything of value, or promise any obligations, or contract for future reward or compensation at any time during the term of this contract.

8.37. Publicity Releases:

Contractor agrees not to refer to the award of this contract in commercial advertising in such a manner as to state or imply that the products or services provided are endorsed or preferred by the user. The contractor shall not have the right to include the County’s name in its published list of customers without prior approval of the County. With regard to news releases, only the name of the County, type and duration of contract may be used and then only with prior approval of the County. The contractor also agrees not to publish, or cite in any form, any comments or quotes from the County Staff unless it is a direct quote from the Public Information Officer.

8.38. Public Record:

The County of Greenville is a public body and governed by the South Carolina Freedom of Information

Act. Documents submitted to the County relating to this Solicitation are subject to requirements of the

Freedom of Information Act and may be deemed public records.

8.39. Precedence:

In the event of conflict between the terms and conditions and the specifications, the more restrictive instruction shall take precedence unless stated otherwise in the specifications.

8.40. Compliance With Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA):

By submitting an offer, Contractor certifies that it will comply with the applicable requirements of The

Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 and agrees to provide or submit the needed information to (a) examine the criminal history of Contractor or any subcontractor who will perform services, which result in contact with inmates and (b) Contractor agrees to disclose any information regarding past history of allegations of sexual harassment or sexual abuse by Contractor or any subcontractor. Contractor and subcontractor agree to complete Training provided by the County and sign an acknowledgement of understanding of PREA requirements. In the event the Contractor or any subcontractor is found not to be in compliance with PREA, the Contractor agrees to fully indemnify the County for any loss suffered by the County as a result of such Contractor or subcontractor’s failure to comply with the Act.

8.41. Americans with Disabilities Act -

All work shall be compliant with the…