nj transit IFB 0000256 Goods and Services Instructions to Bidder final.pdf

Goods and Services (State) Electronic Bidding Instructions to Bidders

Revised April 2026

July 31, 2026

THIS IS AN ELECTRONIC BID.

PAPER BID SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

NEW JERSEY TRANSIT (NJ TRANSIT) will receive bids for: BID NO. 0000256

Newark Broad Street Station & Plaza Area Facility Maintenance and Management

Service Contract

This Project is being bid solely by use of an electronic bidding platform, Bid Express. Electronic bidding information is available on the website: www.bidexpress.com. The Bidder shall download all bid documents from the website. NJ TRANSIT assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the downloaded documents except as specifically provided for in the Contract Documents. The Bidder shall address questions or problems with downloading solicitation documents, but not the requirements of the Contract, to:

NJ TRANSIT Bid Express Administrator E-Mail: intakeunit@njtransit.com or

Bid Express Customer Support Tel: (888) 352-2439

FAX: (888)971-4191

E-Mail: bidexpress.support@infotechinc.com

In order to obtain all pertinent Bid Documents, interested firms must register with BID EXPRESS at www.bidexpress.com. To subscribe, Bidders should follow the instructions on the BID EXPRESS website. There are no costs for submitting a bid. In order to submit a Bid, NJ TRANSIT recommends that Bidders apply for a digital ID at least seven (7) business days prior to the Bid due date. Note you will be required to download and install the plugin as well as any additional software provided by Bid Express prior to uploading your bid. Your corporate or personal security settings may require additional steps before the software can be installed. You may submit bids as early as possible as bids are held at BidExpress.com until the bid opening.

You may resubmit bids as many times as you need to, however only your latest bid received by the bid opening date/time is valid.

A. The Invitation for Bid (IFB) is the method of procurement being used for this

Contract.

The IFB electronic bidding file package contains the following Contract Documents available for download, and fillable forms on the electronic bidding website www.bidexpress.com.

Electronic Bidding File Contract Documents and Exhibits

These forms are accessible in the electronic bidding file. Please read each form thoroughly and follow directions to complete and/or upload the form.

1. Instruction to Bidders

2. Contract (General Provisions and Technical Specifications)

3. Bid Price Form

4. Sample Bid Bond Form

5. Non-Collusion Affidavit

6. Contractors Certification of Eligibility

7. Mandatory Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Language

8. NJ TRANSIT Corporation's Protest Procedure

9. Affidavit of Compliance/ NJ TRANSIT’s Code of Ethics for Vendors

10. Ownership Disclosure Form

11. Source Disclosure Certification (For Service Procurements Only)

12. Disclosure of Investment Activities in Iran

13. Certification of Non-Involvement in Prohibited Activities in Russia or Belarus

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:32-60.1

14. NJ TRANSIT Corporation’s SBE and/or DVOB Requirements and Forms

15. Addenda Acknowledgement Certification

16. Asset Management Plan Sample Spreadsheet

17. Statement of Joint Venture

Attachments

1. Attachment A – Technical Specification

2. Attachment B – Prequalification

3. Attachment C – Intent to Propose

B. FORMS TO BE SUBMITTED VIA THE ELECTRONIC BIDDING WEBSITE:

WWW.BIDEXPRESS.COM

1. All Bidders shall submit the following with their Bid:

• Bid Price Form

• Bid Bond or other Bid Security

• Non-Collusion Affidavit

• Contractors Certification of Eligibility

• Affidavit of Compliance/ NJ TRANSIT’s Code of Ethics for Vendors

• Ownership Disclosure Form

• Addenda Acknowledgement Certification

2. Bids must be received by BidExpress.com no later than November 10, 2026 at 2:00 pm

Eastern Standard Time (EST). NJ TRANSIT will not accept any bids received after that time. In consideration of the health, safety, and welfare of the agency employees and the bidding community alike, the public bid opening for the Newark Broad Street Station & Plaza Area Facility Maintenance and Management Service Contract, which is scheduled for November 10, 2026 at 2:00 pm EST, will be by CONFERENCE CALL ONLY. Please see meeting information below:

Microsoft Teams Meeting or Dial-In: 1-862-294-4371 Conference ID: 726 838 598#.

Join Microsoft Teams Meeting

All Bidders should submit the following with the Bid, but shall submit it within the indicated number of days after Bid Opening:

• SBE/DVOB Forms (Within five (5) calendar** days of Bid Opening)

• Source Disclosure Certification (For Service Procurements Only) (Within five (5) calendar days of Bid Opening)

• Disclosure of Investment Activities in Iran Form ( Prior to Contract award)

• Business Registration Certificate (Prior to Contract award)

**NOTE: If a form or notification submission required for this IFB is measured in calendar days and, if the last day is a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, the submission period continues to run until the end of the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.

3. Bids may be modified or withdrawn up to the bid opening date/time.

4. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 27:25-11, Bidders shall include a bid security equal to ten percent

(10%) of the total bid price. Bid security may be in the form of a bid bond, cashier's check, certified check, or letter of credit. Cash shall not be considered an acceptable form of bid security. If multiple or alternate Bids are submitted, the security shall be equal to ten percent (10%) of the maximum bid price submitted. The Bidder shall ensure that the Bid Bond is properly completed and furnished by a corporation or corporations authorized to issue surety bonds in the State of New Jersey and listed in the current U.S. Treasury Department Circular 570 as of the date for the receipt of Bids and made payable to the New Jersey Transit Corporation.

Bidders may supply either an electronic bid bond or a paper bid bond.

Whenever the Bid Security accompanying the Bid is a Letter of Credit, it shall be issued by an “insured bank” within the meaning of the Act creating the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (12 U.S.C. 1811). When the Bid Security accompanying the Bid is a Cashier's Check or a Certified Check, it shall be drawn on an account with one of the banks identified in this paragraph.

Cashier's Checks, Certified Checks or Irrevocable Letters of Credit based on accounts with, or guaranteed by, persons, corporations, or institutions other than those identified in the preceding paragraph shall not be considered acceptable Bid Security and the Bid shall be declared non-responsive.

All forms of Bid Security shall be valid for a minimum of one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days from the date of bid opening. If not, the Bid Security shall not be considered acceptable, and the Bid shall be declared non-responsive.

Electronic

If the Bid Security accompanying the Bid is an electronic Bid Bond, the Bidder shall choose one of two sureties available on the website, specifically:

Surety 2000 Telephone: (800) 660-3263 Email:

help@surety2000.com http://www.surety2000.com/

Tinubu Surety Telephone: (800) 989-6417 Email:

support@suretywave.com https://spd.suretywave.com

Bidder must complete the electronic bond form from the surety website and enter the electronic bid bond number in the Electronic Bid Bond section in the space provided in the electronic bidding file.

Paper Whenever the Bid Security accompanying the Bid is a Bid Bond in non-electronic form, the Bidder shall ensure that the Bid Bond is properly completed and furnished by a corporation or corporations authorized to issue surety bonds in the State of New Jersey and listed in the current U.S. Treasury Department Circular 570 as of the date for the receipt of Bids and made payable to the New Jersey Transit Corporation.

Types of Paper Bid Bonds The types of acceptable paper bid bonds are: Letter of credit, Cashier’s Check, Certified Check, or Irrevocable letter of Credit.

Delivery of Paper Bid Bond The original Bid Bond shall be delivered to NJ TRANSIT’s Procurement Intake Unit (PIU) between Monday-Thursday 10am-3pm, located at Two Gateway 283-299 Market Street, Suite #1000A, Newark, NJ 07102-5310 prior to the time and date set for the opening of bids. Failure to deliver such original Bid Bond to NJTRANSIT’s PIU prior to the time set for the opening of bids shall result in rejection of the bid as non-responsive.

5. The Bidder is advised of its responsibility to file an annual disclosure statement of any political contributions with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC), pursuant to N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.27, et seq., if the Bidder receives $50,000 or more in the aggregate through agreements or contracts with a public entity in a calendar year. It is the Bidder’s responsibility to determine if filing is necessary. Failure to so file can result in the imposition of financial penalties by ELEC. Additional information about this requirement is available from ELEC at 888-313-3532 or at www.elec.state.nj.us.

6. In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:32-44, all New Jersey and out of State business organizations must obtain a Business Registration Certificate (BRC) from the State of New Jersey, Department of the Treasury, Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services (DORES), and submit in the space provided in the electronic bidding file prior to contract award by NJ TRANSIT.

The Bidder must submit its BRC and that of any named subcontractor prior to the time the Contract is awarded. No Contract with a Bidder or with a Subcontractor shall be awarded without proof of the BRC.

Any questions in this regard can be directed to DORES at (609) 292-1730. The business registration form (Form NJ-REG) can be found online at http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/revenue/busregcert.shtml.

7. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:25-24.2, Bidders must submit an “Ownership Disclosure Form” prior to or with its Bid in the space provided in the electronic bidding file.

8. (For Services Procurement Only) In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:34-13.2, Bidders should submit a “Source Disclosure Certification Form” for all service Contracts in the space provided in the electronic bidding file. If the information is not submitted with the bid, it shall be submitted within five (5) calendar days of the Bid opening date.

Failure to submit the Source Disclosure Certification Form shall preclude award of a contract to the bidder.

9. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:32-58 et seq., any person or entity that submits a bid or proposal or otherwise proposes to enter into or renew a contract must certify, prior to contract award, that neither the person nor entity, nor any of its parents, subsidiaries, or affiliates, is identified on the New Jersey Department of the Treasury’s Chapter 25 List as a person or entity engaged in investment activities in Iran. The Chapter 25 list is found on the Division’s website at https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/purchase/pdf/Chapter25List.pdf.

Vendors/Bidders must review this list prior to completing the below certification. If the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property finds a person or entity to be in violation of the law, s/he shall take action as may be appropriate and provided by law, rule or contract, including but not limited to, imposing sanctions, seeking compliance, recovering damages, declaring the party in default and seeking debarment or suspension of the party.1

1 https://www.nj.gov/treasury/purchase/forms/DisclosureofInvestmentActivitiesinIran.pdf

10. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:32-60.1, et seq., any person or entity (hereinafter “Vendor ”) that seeks to enter into or renew a contract with a State agency for the provision of goods or services, or the purchase of bonds or other obligations, must complete the certification indicating whether or not the Vendor is engaged in prohibited activities in Russia or Belarus; and whether the vendor is identified on the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons list of Vendors engaged in prohibited activities in Russia or Belarus.2 If OFAC finds that a Vendor has made a certification in violation of the law, it shall take any action as may be appropriate and provided by law, rule or contract, including but not limited to, imposing sanctions, seeking compliance, recovering damages, declaring the party in default and seeking debarment or suspension of the party. Failure to complete and submit this certification prior to contract award will preclude award of a contract to the Bidder.

11. Small Business Enterprise (“SBE”)/Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (“DVOB”) Set-Aside Program Goal Assignment

As an aid in meeting the commitment of New Jersey’s Small Business Enterprise (SBE) /Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (DVOB) Set-Aside Program, NJ TRANSIT has assigned a Twenty five percent (25%) Category 3 goal on the gross sum amount of the Bid or Contract for SBE and/or DVOB utilization. All Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services registered/certified SBE and/or DVOB firms, including suppliers, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:32-17 et seq.; N.J.S.A 52:32-31.1 et seq., and N.J.A.C. 17:13-1.1 et seq.;

N.J.A.C. 17:14-1.11 et seq., or other applicable regulations, shall have the maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of this Agreement and any subcontract under

it. NJ TRANSIT and the Contractor shall take all necessary and reasonable steps, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:32-17 et seq., N.J.S.A 52:32-31.1 et seq., and N.J.A.C.

17:13-1.1; 17:14-1.1 et seq. and the provisions set forth in “Requirements for State Funded Goods and Services Contracts and Subcontracts with Small Business Enterprises (SBEs)/Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (DVOBs) attached to this IFB and available for download in the electronic bidding file in the "Exhibit and Attachment List", to ensure that SBE and/or DVOB firms have equal opportunity to participate. Failure by the Bidder to carry out the requirements of this Article shall be deemed a material breach of this Agreement.

NJ TRANSIT’s SBE/DVOB Program is accorded the same priority as compliance with all other legal obligations required under this agreement. Bidders shall comply with the SBE/DVOB Program requirements in the award and administration of NJ TRANSIT contracts. Failure by the Bidder to carry out these requirements shall constitute a breach of the Contract, which may result in the termination of the Contract or other such remedy, as NJ TRANSIT deems appropriate.

Small Business Enterprise (“SBE”)/Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (“DVOB”) Program Compliance Requirements

The Bidder shall refer to NJ TRANSIT’s “Requirements for State Funded Goods and Services Contracts and Subcontracts with Small Business Enterprises (SBEs)/Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (DVOBs)”, attached to this IFB, for instructions, guidance, 2 https://www.nj.gov/treasury/administration/pdf/DisclosureofProhibitedActivitesinRussiaBelarus.pdf explanations, and mandatory required forms for SBE/DVOB Program obligations under this Contract.

For this Contract, the Bidder shall identify all SBE, DVOB, Non-SBE, Non-DVOB subcontractors/subconsultants, and suppliers proposed to participate in and those solicited for this Contract, and shall complete and submit to NJ TRANSIT, in care of the Contract Specialist, the mandatory SBE and/or DVOB Forms A,A1,A2 and B. (Form A – SBE and/or DVOB Utilization, Form A1 - Contractor Solicitation & Contractor Information Log, Form A2 - Non-SBE/DVOB Subcontractor / Subconsultant / Supplier Utilization and Form B - Intent to Perform as a SBE or DVOB Subcontractor/Subconsultant/Supplier). The Bidder shall also print and submit the SBE/DVOB firm’s current SBE/DVOB Certification Profile from the SBE and/or DVOB Business Directory SAVI at https://www20.state.nj.us/TYTR_SAVI/vendorSearch.jsp for each SBE/DVOB firm identified to perform under this Contract. Additionally, the Bidder shall submit any applicable supplemental forms (Form D - Good Faith Effort), if applicable. All required SBE/DVOB forms and “Certification Profiles” shall be submitted to NJ TRANSIT in care of the Contract Specialist with the Bid or within five (5) calendar days after the Bid Opening date. However, Bidders are strongly encouraged to submit all mandatory documents with the Bid to prevent delay of the Contract award. Bidders shall review carefully and complete the forms entirely, with no blank fields.

Notwithstanding the date of submission of the mandatory SBE/DVOB forms, all negotiations between a Bidder and any potential SBE/DVOB subcontractor, subconsultant, or supplier shall be completed prior to the Bid Opening date. All SBE and/or DVOB forms are included in the “Requirements for State Funded Goods and Services Contracts and Subcontracts with Small Business Enterprises (SBEs)/Disabled Veteran- Owned Businesses (DVOBs)”, attached to this IFB and available for download in the electronic bidding file in the "Exhibit and Attachment List".

Failure to submit any and all mandatory material SBE/DVOB documentation within five (5) calendar days after the Bid Opening date shall result in a rejection of a Bid as non-responsive.

Any questions regarding the SBE/DVOB requirements or the mandatory required forms for this contract should be directed to:

Benjamin A. Richardson Business Development Specialist

973-491-7192 BRichardson@njtransit.com

The State of New Jersey provides a searchable Diversity Registry of all registered and approved SBE and/or DVOB firms at the following website:

https://www20.state.nj.us/TYTR_SAVI/vendorSearch.jsp

12. The Bidder shall certify on the “Contractor’s Certification of Eligibility” in the space provided in the electronic bidding file that it is not included on the State of New Jersey, Department of Treasury, Consolidated Debarment Report, on the Workplace Accountability in Labor List, or on the State of New Jersey, Department of Labor and

Workforce Development, Division of Wage and Hour Compliance, Prevailing Wage Debarment List.

Bidders must also have no exclusions with the System for Award Management (S.A.M).

If the Bidder is included on any exclusion report, it may not be eligible for award of Contract.

C. PRE-BID MEETING

NJ TRANSIT will not hold an in-person Pre-Bid Conference. The Pre-Bid Conference will be held utilizing a telephone and video conference via Microsoft Teams, which is scheduled for August 12, 2026 at 10:00 am EST (subject to change by Addenda) to the IFB, for the purpose of discussing general information relating to the project. All interested firms are urged to participate. Attendance at the Pre-Bid Conference is highly recommended but not mandatory. Recipients of this IFB that do not attend may be at a disadvantage when submitting a Bid.

The Pre-Bid Conference link that provides access to the Teams Meeting is available at the link below:

Click here to Join Teams Meeting

A site visit is scheduled for August 14, 2026 at 10:00 am EST. Any prospective bidder interested in attending the site visit must RSVP for the site visit by emailing the assigned contract specialist at rgiovene@njtransit.com at least two (2) days prior to the site visit.

D. PRE-QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

This is a two (2) step Invitation for Bid (IFB) procurement process. All firms must be pre-qualified by NJ TRANSIT prior to submitting a Bid. The Bidders Pre-Qualification Package is available as Attachment B on Bid Express.

Step One (1) of this IFB will involve a pre-qualification process. All Bidders must complete the required sections in Attachment B, which will be reviewed by the NJ TRANSIT Pre- Qualification Committee (PQC) to determine whether the firm has qualified to advance to the submission of a Bid in Step Two (2). The Bidder must submit Attachment B by email to rgiovene@njtransit.com on or before 4:00 pm EST August 21, 2026, in order for the Bidder to be considered by the PQC. Late submissions shall not be accepted. Bidders who are deemed to have successfully pre-qualified to advance to Step Two, bid submission, will be notified of their status by September 14, 2026, by 4:00 pm EST.

D.1. Step One (Pre-Qualification Instructions):

a. Attachment B identifies the areas that the PQC will use for their evaluation.

Specifically, Attachment B includes a list of questions that are intended to provide the PQC with a better understanding of the Bidder’s qualifications and ability to perform.

b. The PQC will decide whether Bidders pass or fail after evaluating the completed Attachment B.

c. The Bidder must score at least seventy-five percent (75%) to pass. In addition to the percentage, the overall scoring criteria will be identified in the instructions in Attachment B.

d. The PQC will consider a number of factors in their assessment of the Bidder’s responses. The Bidder should be as descriptive as possible when answering the questions and if requested, provide any required documentation to substantiate their response.

e. Bidders shall review and become familiar with Attachment A - Scope of Work and all other Attachments, as applicable and acknowledge where required.

f. Bidders shall not include prices with their Pre-Qualification Package.

g. After the Intent to Propose Forms are received, the Technical Proposals are due on the date specified.

Bidders are advised that NJ TRANSIT reserves the right to meet with one or more prospective Bidders to discuss details of their Pre-Qualification submission, and to request written clarification or additional details necessary. Any such meetings shall be held only at the request of NJ TRANSIT and shall take place prior to the Bidder progressing to Step Two of this procurement.

Further information on Step Two (2) for bid submission, can be found in Section H, below, PREPARATION OF THE BID.

E. WHERE TO SUBMIT BIDS AND/OR REQUEST ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1. Bids must be submitted via the internet at www.bidexpress.com. Manual or paper bids will not be accepted.

2. All Bidders are advised that communications with NJ TRANSIT that in any way relate to this procurement shall be conducted with or through the authorized representative of the Contracting Officer in NJ TRANSIT's Division of Procurement. All other contacts are strictly prohibited and are considered improper. Bidders are advised that violation of this prohibition may result in the removal of the firm from consideration for this Contract and possible suspension/debarment.

3. Bidders may resubmit Bids as many times as needed, prior to the Bid opening date, however, only the latest Bid will be valid on Bid Express. Bids may be withdrawn at any time prior to the Bid opening date by removing or deleting the uploaded file. Bids may be corrected or withdrawn after the bid opening, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 16:72-2.19.

4. Submission of more than one (1) Bid from an individual, firm, partnership, corporation or combination thereof under the same or different names shall be cause for disqualification of the Bids submitted by such entities. Reasonable grounds for believing that any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, or combination thereof, is interested as a principal in more than one Bid for the procurement contemplated may cause the rejection of all Bids submitted by such individual, firm, partnership, corporation, or combination thereof.

F. HOW TO REQUEST CHANGES IN THIS IFB

1. Wherever brand names may appear in this IFB, they are included for the purpose of establishing identification and a general description of the item. Wherever such names may appear, the term "or approved equal" is considered to follow. NJ TRANSIT will render the decision on the approved equal at its sole discretion.

2. All inquiries, requests for clarifications, approved equals, and contract modifications or changes regarding the Contract Documents must be received no later than October 1, 2026 at 4:00 pm EST and shall be submitted in the space provided in the electronic bidding file on Bid Express with any attachments, supporting documentations, and/or red-line edits to the General Provisions (Agreement), emailed to Rgiovene@njtransit.com. Any requests for approved equals must be supported by detailed specification or other pertinent information that indicates that the substitute offered is equal to or better than that specified. Failure to submit changes to Exhibit 2 during the Request for Information period may preclude the Bidder from requesting changes during any negotiations period.

3. Bidders may submit more than one inquiry or request for clarification within the same Q&A text box. NJ TRANSIT will respond to Request(s) for Changes in writing to all Bidders within a reasonable number of days before the Bid opening date, and the Bid opening may be rescheduled at NJ TRANSIT's discretion to allow a reasonable amount of time between the response and Bid opening. Any response that NJ TRANSIT may choose to make will be by a written Addendum to the IFB. NJ TRANSIT will not be bound by any informal explanation, clarification, or interpretation oral or written, by whosoever made, that is not incorporated into an Addendum to the IFB. All such Addenda will be posted on the electronic bidding website prior to the opening of Bids. It is the obligation of the Bidder to check the website for Addenda. Certain Addenda will contain amendments to the IFB. The Bidder shall ensure that the “Schedule of Items” as identified on the electronic bidding website and in the electronic bidding file contains an acknowledgement of all applicable Addenda.

4. Bidders are required to acknowledge receipt of all Addenda on the “Addenda Acknowledgement Certification” in the space provided in the electronic bidding file.

Failure to acknowledge receipt of all Addenda may cause the rejection of the Bid as non-responsive. The Bidder shall acknowledge and affirm that they have obtained, reviewed and applied all Addenda issued during the bidding period by selecting Yes or No and input the number of Addenda it has received.

5. NJ TRANSIT has the right to reject Bids that do not contain a completed Addenda Acknowledgement Form. No response may be made by NJ TRANSIT to inquiries received later than the submittal date identified in the Instructions to Bidders.

G. QUANTITY

When applicable, Bidders must bid a fixed price for the estimated quantity specified. NJ TRANSIT reserves the right to amend any such quantities.

H. PREPARATION OF THE BID

1. The Bidder shall carefully review the Contract Documents, Specification and Bid Price

Form. By submitting a Bid(s), the Bidder acknowledges that they have carefully reviewed the Contract Documents and attested that their submission satisfies the requirements for this procurement.

Single Bid: This is an all or nothing contract.

An award will be made to:

• The lowest responsive and responsible Bidder who was Pre-Qualified at the conclusion of Step One (1), and;

• Deemed the lowest responsive and responsible Bidder at the conclusion of Step Two (2).

2. The Bidder shall ensure that all Addenda, including Amendments to the Bid Form, are applied to the Bid and properly acknowledged. The Bidder shall insert the price for each Pay Item in the appropriate box provided under the column designated “Unit Price.” The only entries permitted in the Bid Form will be the lump sum prices or unit prices for items that shall be bid. The e-bidding software will perform all extensions of the unit prices and calculate the total bid amounts.

3. Prices shall be provided for all items called for on the Bid Form. All bid prices must be quoted in numeric form. When the Bidder intends to bid zero dollars ($0.00) for a Pay Item, the Bidder shall insert a “0” in the appropriate box under the “Unit Price” column. Where no figure is provided by the Bidder in the "Unit Price" column for one or more Contract Items, the Bid will be considered to be nonconforming and may be rejected.

4. Alternate bids for any item will not be considered unless specifically requested in the Bid.

5. The Bidder shall check the bid before submission using the Check Bid button.

I. CAUSES FOR REJECTION OF BIDS

1. Bids will be considered irregular and shall be rejected for the following reasons:

• If the Bid materially fails to conform to the requirements of the Invitation for Bids.

• If the Bid is not received by the specified date and time.

• If the Bidder fails to furnish satisfactory Bid Security with the Bid.

• If the Bidder takes material exception to any of the Bid requirements, specifications, or Contract Terms.

• If the Bid offer is valid for less than one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days for acceptance.

• If the Bid includes payment terms requiring payment in less than thirty (30) calendar days.

• If the Bid is not signed by the authorized representative of the Bidder.

• If the Bidder fails to complete and deliver before receipt of the Bid or with the Bid, the

Ownership Disclosure Form as required by N.J.S.A. 52:25-24.2.

• If the Bidder fails to comply with all material SBE/DVOB requirements.

• If the Bidder fails to submit pricing for the total contract term as listed on the Bid Price

Form.

2. Bids will be considered irregular and may be rejected for the following reasons:

• (For Service Procurements only) If the Bidder fails to complete and submit the Source Disclosure certification.

• If the Bid is not properly completed.

• If all addenda are not properly acknowledged.

• If the Bid contains prices that are materially unbalanced.

• For other reasons, if it is in the best interest of NJ TRANSIT.

3. NJ TRANSIT, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to reject any and all Bids and to waive minor informalities and irregularities in Bids received, notwithstanding other provisions of the Contract Documents.

J. AWARD PROCEDURES

1. NJ TRANSIT reserves the right to request additional information from any and all Bidders if clarification is needed.

2. NJ TRANSIT reserves the right to conduct a pre-award responsibility survey to insure the successful Bidder has adequate facilities, equipment, and staff to perform the Contract within the time specified and provide warranty service.

3. NJ TRANSIT intends to award a contract or contracts within sixty (60) calendar days of the Bid opening, but reserves the right to award within one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days. Accordingly, all Bids must be valid for a minimum of one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days from the date of Bid opening.

4. Prompt payment discounts will not be considered in determining the low Bidder.

5. The award of a firm fixed price contract, if awarded, will be to the responsive and responsible Bidder whose Bid, conforming to the Invitation for Bids, is lowest in price for each (item for the total term of the contract, including option years.

6.. Prior to execution of a contract, each successful Bidder will be required to:

• Provide appropriate Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action information or certificates as required by N.J.A.C. 17:27-1.1 et seq., and described within the “Equal Employment Opportunity Requirements” and submit an Affirmative Action Employee Information Report (AA302);

• Provide any required SBE/DVOB forms submitted with the Bid or within five calendar

(5) days of the Bid Opening;

• Provide its BRC from DORES;

• Provide evidence of adequate levels of insurance as indicated in Section 31 of the

“General Provisions” naming NJ TRANSIT as additional insured and providing for thirty (30) calendar days advance notice of cancellation;

• (For Service Procurements only) In accordance with N.J.S.A. 52:34-13.2, submit a

“Source Disclosure Certification Form” in the space provided in the electronic bidding file for all services contracts. If the information is not submitted with the Bid, it shall be submitted within five (5) calendar days of the Bid opening date.

• If Specifications so require, submit within ten (10) calendar days after notification of

NJ TRANSIT's intent to award, performance and payment bonds in the amount indicated in the specifications. The surety must comply with all requirements of N.J.S.A. 2A:44-143 (P. L. 1995, c.384).

K. OTHER INFORMATION

1. If only one (1) Bid is received, a cost proposal may be requested of the single Bidder. A cost/price analysis and/or audit may be performed in order to determine if the price is fair and reasonable.

2. NJ TRANSIT is a public agency and exempt from paying Sales and Federal Excise Taxes.

Bidders shall not include these taxes in their bid price.

3. This contract will be awarded subject to the availability of funds.

4. Summary of critical dates:

STEP ONE

• Date of Invitation for Bid: July 31, 2026

• Pre-bid Conference: August 12, 2026 at 10:00 am EST

• Site Visit: August 14, 2026 at 10:00 am EST

• Pre-Qualification Due Date: August 21, 2026 by 4:00 pm EST

• Notice of Approval: September 14, 2026 by 4:00 pm EST

• Intent to Propose: September 17, 2026 by 4:00 pm EST

• Request for Changes: October 01, 2026 by 4:00 pm EST

• Technical Proposals Due: October 14, 2026 by 4:00 pm EST

• Selection of Pre-approved October 27, 2026 by 4:00pm EST Vendors

Revised April 2026

STEP TWO

• Bid Opening: November 10, 2026 at 2:00 pm

5. Proposers or Bidders are hereby notified that all documents, data, materials, and information submitted by Proposers or Bidders in response to a solicitation constitutes public information and/or government records under New Jersey law. When the Proposal or Bid contains a negotiation component, the Proposal or Bid will not be subject to public disclosure until a notice of intent to award is issued by NJ TRANSIT. Portions of a submission may be exempt from public disclosure by the New Jersey Open Public Records Act, N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq., (“OPRA”) and the common law. As part of its Proposal or Bid, a Proposer or Bidder may identify any data or material it asserts are exempt from public disclosure under OPRA, N.J.A.C. 16:72-1.11, and/or the common law. The Proposer or Bidder must provide the good faith basis for any such assertions. The Proposer or Bidder must provide a detailed statement clearly identifying those portions of the Proposal or Bid that it claims are exempt from public disclosure, as well as the facts that support the exemption. The location of any such designation(s) in the Bid or Proposal must be clearly stated in a cover letter. Designations of confidentiality and the basis thereof must be provided with the Proposal or Bid. NJ TRANSIT will not honor assertions of confidentiality made after a Proposal or Bid is opened. NJ TRANSIT will not honor any attempt by a Proposer or Bidder to designate its entire bid or entire sections or pages therein as proprietary, confidential and/or to claim copyright protection for its entire bid. This includes boilerplate claims of confidentiality in the header and/or footer of Proposal or Bid documents, generalized statements of confidentiality that do not contain the specificity and rationale required by applicable laws, and claims of confidentiality that are not accompanied by a relevant legal justification. By submitting an assertion of confidentiality pursuant to this section, the Proposer or Bidder agrees that it shall defend, indemnify, protect, and save harmless NJ TRANSIT from and against all suits, actions, claims, demands, and/or damages of any kind arising as a result of the Proposer’s or Bidder’s designation(s), including court costs, counsel fees, settlements, judgments or otherwise. The Proposer or Bidder may elect to defend its assertion of exemption from the public disclosure requirements of OPRA or the common law, but in doing so, all costs and expenses associated therewith shall be the responsibility of the Proposer or Bidder or Contractor. NJ TRANSIT assumes no such responsibility or liability.

Sincerely, Bernice K. Wilson Senior Director Purchasing & Materials Management NJ TRANSIT Procurement & Logistics