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REQUEST FOR

QUALIFICATIONS

No. 2026-17

On-Call Geotechnical Engineering Services

Publish Date October 8, 2025

Last Day for Questions October 24, 2025, 5:00pm

Proposal Due Date December 8, 2025, 2:00pm

Table Of Contents

1. SECTION ONE: SCOPE/STATEMENT OF WORK

1.1. Introduction/Purpose

1.2. Scope of Work

2. SECTION TWO: SUBMISSION FORMAT AND EVALUATION CRITERIA

2.1. Submission Format

2.2. Evaluation Process and Criteria

2.3. General Award and Criteria Information

3. SECTION THREE: SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS AND SOLICITATION-SPECIFIC

TERMS

3.1. Written Questions Deadline

3.2. Proposal Submittal Process

3.3. Proposal Submittal Deadline

3.4. Term of Agreement

3.5. Payment to Contractor

3.6. Permits and Licenses

3.7. Security Required

3.8. Additional Information and Inquiries

4. SECTION FOUR: TERMS AND CONDITIONS

4.1. Preparation, Submission and Withdrawal of Qualifications Statements

4.2. Non-Collusion Oath

4.3. Offeror Representations

4.4. Award of Contract

4.5. Notice of Award of Contract

4.6. Contract Document

4.7. Modification

4.8. Notice to Proceed

4.9. Offeror's Qualifications

4.10. Subcontractors

4.11. Indemnification

4.12. State and Local Taxes

4.13. Drug-Free Workplace Act

4.14. Insurance Requirements

4.15. Utilization by Other Public Agencies Clause

4.16. All County Departments Eligible to Purchase

4.17. Confidential Information

4.18. Intellectual Property

5. SECTION FIVE: SAMPLE CONTRACT

5.1. Sample Contract

6. SECTION SIX: REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS, FORMS AND INFORMATION

6.1. Vendor Questionnaire

6.2. Attachments and Exhibits

1. SECTION ONE: SCOPE/STATEMENT OF WORK

1.1. Introduction/Purpose

Dorchester County seeks to establish an on-call contract with qualified firms to provide professional geotechnical engineering and support services on an as-needed basis for County's in-house design projects for Water & Sewer. While most of the services will be for Water & Sewer projects, services may also be required by the Public Works or Capital Projects Departments for geotechnical investigations, soil testing, and recommendations supporting County roads, facilities, drainage, and other capital improvement projects.

1.2. Scope of Work

Services may include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Subsurface investigations (borings, sampling, lab testing).

2. Foundation design recommendations for structures, tanks, and pipelines.

3. Settlement, slope stability, and ground improvement analysis.

4. Pavement design recommendations.

5. Geotechnical reports and consultation during construction.

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2. SECTION TWO: SUBMISSION FORMAT AND EVALUATION CRITERIA

2.1. Submission Format

Each firm must submit its Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) based on the guidelines below and in the same order as listed. The SOQ format requirements were developed to aid Offerors in their submission development; they also provide a structured format, so reviewers can systematically evaluate several

SOQ. These directions apply to all submissions.

A. Cover Letter

1. Brief introduction of the firm, interest in the project, and primary point of contact.

B. Firm Background and Qualifications

1. Legal name, business address, and years in business.

2. Overview of relevant disciplines (structural, electrical, geotechnical, wetlands).

3. Licenses and certifications (South Carolina PE registrations, environmental certifications, etc.).

C. Project Team

1. Organizational chart.

2. Resumes of key personnel expected to perform work.

3. Identification of subconsultants (if any).

D. Relevant Experience

1. Description of at least five (5) recent projects of similar scope and complexity.

2. Include client, project description, role of firm, and outcomes.

E. Technical Approach

1. Narrative of firm’s approach to on-call task order assignments.

2. Discussion of quality control/quality assurance procedures.

3. Safety practices and regulatory compliance.

F. References

1. At least three (3) client references with contact information.

2.2. Evaluation Process and Criteria

A. Selection Committee

The Selection Committee shall be comprised of staff from Dorchester County and facilitated by the

Purchasing Services Manager. The Committee shall determine the firms which meet the minimum requirements pursuant to the selection criteria of the RFQ and procedures. The Committee may negotiate with one or more firms during the same period and may, at its discretion, terminate negotiations with any or all firms. The Committee shall make a recommendation regarding the award to the County Administrator.

B. Selection Criteria

The Selection Committee shall assign up to the maximum number of points as stated in this section for each evaluation item to each of the proposing firms. All assignments of points shall be at the sole discretion of the Committee. All instructions contained in this RFQ shall be met in order to qualify as a responsive and responsible firm and participate in the consideration for award. Offerors who do not meet or comply with the instructions of this RFQ may be considered non-conforming and deemed non-responsive and subject to disqualification at the sole discretion of the Committee.

The selection of the firm(s) will be made in accordance with the Dorchester County Procurement

Ordinance. Qualifications Statements will not be accepted from any firm, company, individual, person or party, parent, or subsidiary, against which the County has an outstanding claim, or a financial dispute relating to a prior contractual performance with the County. Qualifications Statements may be withdrawn by offeror prior to, but not after, the time set for the opening. Upon receipt by the County, the

Qualifications Statement shall become the property of the County, without compensation to the offeror, for disposition or usage by the County at its discretion. The County shall have the sole discretion in evaluating both the submission and the qualifications of the offerors. The County reserves the right to reject any and all Statements and is not bound to accept any submissions, if the acceptance is contrary to the best interest of the County. The County reserves the right to waive or modify any information, irregularity, or inconsistency in submissions received or request modification to submissions from any or all offerors during the review. The Proposal Review Committee may contact any customer of the vendor, whether or not included in the vendor’s reference list, and use such information in the evaluation process. All proposals shall be evaluated using the same criteria and scoring process.

Each criterion will be rated on a scale of 0-5 according to the table below:

Scale Description

0 Unacceptable. The proposal fails to address the criterion or cannot be assessed as a result of missing or incomplete information.

1 Poor. The criterion is inadequately addressed, or there are serious weaknesses.

2 Fair. The proposal broadly addresses the criterion, but there are significant weaknesses.

3 Good. The proposal addresses the criterion well, but a number of shortcomings are present.

4 Very Good. The proposal addresses the criterion very well, but a small number of shortcomings are present.

5 Excellent. The proposal successfully addresses all relevant aspects of the criterion. Any shortcomings are minor.

The following criteria shall be used by the Committee to evaluate Qualification Statements:

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. Firm Qualifications and

Experience

A. What we are looking for: Firms with demonstrated expertise in geotechnical engineering for municipal infrastructure.

B. How to demonstrate: Provide certifications, laboratory capabilities, and prior work for public sector water/sewer projects.

0-5 Points 30

(30% of Total)

2. Key Personnel

A. What we are looking for:

Geotechnical engineers and field staff who are knowledgeable in soil testing, sampling, and analysis.

B. How to demonstrate: Submit resumes of geotechnical PEs, field technicians, and laboratory staff.

Identify personnel’s roles in investigations, analysis, and reporting.

0-5 Points 25

(25% of Total)

3. Relevant Project Experience

A. What we are looking for: Experience with soil borings, settlement analysis, slope stability, and foundation recommendations for tanks, pipelines, and water/wastewater facilities.

B. How to demonstrate: Provide project summaries with methods used, outcomes, and how recommendations impacted design.

0-5 Points 20

(20% of Total)

4. Technical Approach

A. What we are looking for: A clear process for conducting subsurface investigations and producing reliable recommendations.

B. How to demonstrate: Describe equipment, sampling techniques, lab testing, and reporting formats.

Explain QA/QC measures.

0-5 Points 15

(15% of Total)

5. References

A. What we are looking for: Evidence of past performance, reliability, and technical quality.

B. How to demonstrate: Provide three client references, preferably from municipal or utility agencies.

0-5 Points 10

(10% of Total)

2.3. General Award and Criteria Information

To be initially selected, the submission(s) must be considered responsive by the Purchasing Services

Manager. Failure to submit all required information may be grounds the designation of the submission as nonresponsive, unless waived by the Purchasing Services Manager.

After the conditions outlined above are met, Offeror(s) will be scored based on the quality of the response to this RFQ.

Vendors are encouraged to review the Evaluation Criteria to see how submissions will be scored and verify that the response has sufficient documentation to support each criterion identified.

The County will select the firm that represents the best value to the County based on a comparative analysis and an integrated assessment of submissions against all source selection criteria in the solicitation.

Dorchester County reserves full discretion to determine the competence and responsibility, professionally and/or financially, of vendors. Vendors are to provide in a timely manner any and all information that the

County may deem necessary to make a decision.

Any and all exceptions taken by the Offeror must be listed and prominently displayed in submission materials.

The County reserves the right to request Offeror(s) to appear for an additional presentation followed by a question-and-answer period, in order to further evaluate qualifications. The additional presentations, if any, will be scored and combined with prior scoring to determine the successful Offeror. Compensation will be negotiated with the highest-ranked firm following evaluation based solely on qualifications, as permitted under applicable law. If a reasonable cost cannot be negotiated, the County will then move to the next highest-ranked firm to negotiate compensation. If made, the award will go to the Offeror providing the most responsive, responsible submission that provides the best overall value and service to the County.

The Purchasing Services Division may contact any vendor in order to clarify uncertainties or eliminate confusion concerning contents of a proposal.

The Evaluation Team may contact any customer of the vendor, whether or not included in the vendor’s reference list, and use such information in the evaluation process.

3. SECTION THREE: SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS AND SOLICITATION-

SPECIFIC TERMS

3.1. Written Questions Deadline

The last day and time for submittal of written questions shall be no later than Friday, October 24, 2025 at 5:00 pm.

3.2. Proposal Submittal Process

Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted electronically through the OpenGov Procurement

Portal. County Proposals may be found by visiting the following link:

3.3. Proposal Submittal Deadline

SOQ's will be received until Monday, December 8, 2025 at 2:00 pm, after which time they will be evaluated. Late submissions will not be accepted.

3.4. Term of Agreement

The term of the contract will be one year with up to four additional one-year renewals.

3.5. Payment to Contractor

Payment shall be due within thirty (30) days of approved invoices.

3.6. Permits and Licenses

The successful Offeror shall, without additional expense to the County, be responsible for obtaining and maintaining all necessary licenses and permits required by the State of South Carolina, a municipality or the County or any other authority having jurisdiction.

3.7. Security Required

3.8. Additional Information and Inquiries

Questions or clarifications concerning this invitation should be posted to the solicitation on the OpenGov

Procurement Portal at the link provided above, or only directed by email to

RDantzler@DorchesterCountySC.gov. Contact with other County personnel during the solicitation process may result in a determination of non-responsiveness for any SOQ submitted by your firm.

mailto:RDantzler@Dorchester

4. SECTION FOUR: TERMS AND CONDITIONS

4.1. Preparation, Submission and Withdrawal of Qualifications Statements

A. Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted in the manner described in the RFQ documents.

B. SOQ must be electronically submitted via the OpenGov website; however, Dorchester County is not responsible if SOQ are not received due to website or user errors.

C. SOQ submitted after the due date and time are considered late and will not be opened or considered.

D. SOQ may be withdrawn by written request received from the Offeror prior to the time set for opening of submissions, but not thereafter.

E. Offerors shall promptly notify the Dorchester County Purchasing Office, in writing, and no later than the last date and time for the submittal of written questions, of any ambiguity, inconsistency or error which they may discover upon examination of the RFQ documents or the project premises and local conditions.

F. Offerors requiring clarification or interpretation of the RFQ documents shall make a written request which must be received at the Dorchester County Purchasing Office no later than the last date and time for submittal of written questions.

G. Any interpretation, correction or change of the RFQ documents will be made by addendum. It is the proposer’s responsibility to monitor the OpenGov Procurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/dorchestercountysc for any additional information, revisions, or addenda that may be posted.

H. No substitutions will be considered after the Contract award except by amendment or change order.

4.2. Non-Collusion Oath

A. Each SOQ must be accompanied by a notarized affidavit of non-collusion, executed by the Proposer or in the case of a corporation, by a duly authorized representative of said corporation. The Non-Collusion Oath is provided herein.

4.3. Offeror Representations

A. Each Offeror by submitting an SOQ represents that:

1. The Offeror has read and understands this RFQ (including all specifications and attachments) and that their SOQ is made in accordance therewith.

2. The Offeror has reviewed the RFQ, has become familiar with the local conditions under which the

Work is to be performed, and has correlated personal observations with the requirements of the proposed Contract Documents.

3. The SOQ is based on the terms, services, materials, systems, and equipment required by this RFQ, without exception.

4. The Offeror is qualified to provide the services and equipment required under this RFQ and, if awarded the Contract, will do so in a professional, timely manner using Offeror's best skill and attention.

4.4. Award of Contract

A. Award of Contract will be made to the responsive and responsible Offeror(s) whose SOQ, conforming to the RFQ, is most advantageous to the County, price and other factors considered. The County reserves the right to make multiple awards based on the capacity of each Offeror.

B. The County reserves the right to 1) reject any or all SOQ and any part of a submission; 2) waive informalities, technical defects, and minor irregularities in submissions received; and 3) award the submission(s) received on the basis of individual items or services or groups of items or services or the entire list of items or services.

C. The County shall be the sole judge of the suitability of the items or services to be provided pursuant to this RFQ.

D. The County reserves the right to request the Offeror’s latest financial statements and other such additional information as may be reasonably necessary to determine whether the Offeror should be awarded the contract.

E. For debriefings, protests and appeals after the award of a contract, contractors are advised to consult the

Procurement Policy Manual located on the Dorchester County website at:

www.dorchestercountysc.gov/purchasing.

4.5. Notice of Award of Contract

A. The successful Offeror will be notified of acceptance of SOQ by a written Letter of Intent to Award the contract. The successful Offeror shall not undertake any work, and the County will not be responsible for payment for any work whatsoever undertaken by successful Offeror prior to execution of the contract by both parties.

B. The successful Offeror shall be required to submit acceptable Insurance Certificate(s) and Endorsement(s) within Five (5) Business Days after the issuance of the Notice of Award.

4.6. Contract Document

A. The successful Offeror shall be required to execute a formal contract within Ten (10) business days after issuance of a Letter of Intent to Award.

B. Said Contract shall be virtually identical in substance and form to the Sample Contract contained herein.

The only anticipated changes will be to include additional exhibits, to fill in the blanks to identify the successful Offeror, and terms relating to compensation, or to revise the contract to accommodate corrections, changes in the scope of work, or changes pursuant to addenda issued prior to the solicitation opening.

C. Because the signed contract will be substantively and substantially derived from the Sample Contract, Offeror is urged to seek independent legal counsel as to any questions about the terms, conditions or provisions contained in the Sample Contract, before submitting a SOQ. Again, the Sample Contract, contains important legal provisions and is considered part and parcel of this RFQ.

https://www.dorchestercountysc.gov/purchasing

D. Offerors should raise any questions regarding the terms of the Contract, or submit requested changes in said terms, in the form of written questions or submittals, subject to the deadline for questions and should include on their Exceptions form.

E. Failure or refusal to sign aforesaid Contract shall be grounds for the County to revoke any Letter of Intent to Award which has been issued, for the Offeror to forfeit their proposal security, and for the County to award the Contract to another Offeror.

4.7. Modification

A. The County has defined this section in the Sample Contract.

4.8. Notice to Proceed

A. A Notice to Proceed will be in the form of a purchase order after the successful Offeror has executed the

Contract and has submitted acceptable performance and payment bonds (if applicable) to the County as well as other submittals specified herein as required to be delivered before the Notice to Proceed is issued.

B. The successful Offeror shall not deliver any equipment to the work site or commence work until the successful Offeror has received a written Notice to Proceed from the Purchasing Services Manager or other authorized County representative.

4.9. Offeror's Qualifications

A. Before a submission is considered for award, the Offeror may be requested by the County to submit a statement providing additional information regarding their previous experience in performing comparable work.

4.10. Subcontractors

A. If any subcontractors will be used for this service, the successful Offeror shall provide to the Purchasing

Services Manager a list of names of any of the intended subcontractors, the subcontractor's applicable license number(s), and a description of the work to be done by each subcontractor on the Subcontractor

Data Report Form included herein.

B. The successful Offeror shall not substitute other subcontractors without the written consent of the

Purchasing Services Manager.

C. The successful Offeror shall be responsible for all services performed by a subcontractor as though they had been performed by the successful Offeror. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, compliance with any applicable licensing regulations.

D. If at any time the Purchasing Services Manager determines that any subcontractor is incompetent or undesirable, the director shall notify the successful Offeror accordingly, and the successful Offeror shall take immediate steps for cancellation of the subcontract and replacement.

E. Nothing contained in any contract resulting from this RFQ shall create any contractual relationship between any subcontractor and the County.

F. It shall be the successful Offeror's responsibility to ensure that all terms required in the attached Contract are incorporated into all subcontracts.

4.11. Indemnification

A. The County has defined this section in the Sample Contract.

4.12. State and Local Taxes

A. Except as otherwise provided, Contract prices shall include all applicable state and local taxes.

B. The successful Offeror shall calculate that portion of the Contract which is subject to the seven percent

(7%) sales and/or use tax, which amount shall be itemized and shown on all invoices and shall be paid to

South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) by Offeror. If the successful Offeror is a non-South

Carolina company, the County will withhold said amount from all invoices and remit payment to the

SCDOR, unless the Offeror furnishes County with a valid South Carolina Use Tax Registration Certificate

Number.

C. The successful Offeror shall indemnify and hold harmless the County for any loss, cost, or expense incurred by, levied upon, or billed to the County as a result of the successful Offeror’s failure to pay any tax of any type due by Offeror in connection with this Contract.

D. The successful Offeror shall ensure that the above sections are included in all subcontracts and sub-subcontracts and shall ensure withholding on out of state sub and sub-subcontractors to which withholding is applicable.

4.13. Drug-Free Workplace Act

A. By submitting an offer, Offeror certifies that, if awarded a contract, Offeror will comply with all applicable provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act, Section 44-107-10, et seq., South Carolina Code of Laws, 1976, as amended.

4.14. Insurance Requirements

The successful proposer shall procure, maintain, and provide proof of, insurance coverage for injuries to persons and/or property damage as may arise from or in conjunction with, the work performed on behalf of the County by the proposer, his agents, representatives, employees, or subcontractors. Proof of coverage as contained herein shall be submitted prior to the commencement of work and such coverage shall be maintained by the proposer for the duration of the contract period; for occurrence policies.

4.14.1. General Liability

A. Coverage shall be as broad as: Comprehensive General Liability endorsed to include Broad Form, Commercial General Liability form including Products/Completed Operations.

Minimum Limits - General Liability:

$1,000,000 General Aggregate Limit

$1,000,000 Products & Completed Operations

$1,000,000 Personal and Advertising Injury

$1,000,000 Each Occurrence Limit

$50,000 Fire Damage Limit

$5,000 Medical Expense Limit

4.14.2. Automobile Liability

A. Coverage sufficient to cover all vehicles owned, used, or hired by the proposer, his agents, representatives, employees or subcontractors.

Minimum Limits - Automobile Liability:

$1,000,000 Combined Single Limit

$1,000,000 Each Occurrence Limit

$5,000 Medical Expense Limit

4.14.3. Workers' Compensation

A. Limits as required by the Workers' Compensation Act of SC. Employers Liability: $1,000,000.

4.14.4. Owners' & Contractors' Protective Liability

A. Policy will be in name of County. Minimum limits required are $1,000,000. Required if work is defined as a construction project where the proposal total exceeds $1,000,000.

4.14.5. Professional Liability

A. Minimum limits are $1,000,000 per occurrence.

4.14.6. Coverage Provisions

A. All deductibles or self-insured retention shall appear on the certificate(s).

B. The County of Dorchester, its' officers/ officials, employees, agents and volunteers shall be added as

"additional insured" as their interests may appear. This provision does not apply to Professional Liability or Workers' Compensation/Employers' Liability.

C. The offeror's insurance shall be primary over any applicable insurance or self-insurance maintained by the County.

D. Shall provide 30 days written notice to the County before any cancellation, suspension, or void of coverage in whole or part, where such provision is reasonable.

E. All coverage for subcontractors of the proposer shall be subject to all of the requirements stated herein.

F. All deductibles or self-insured retention shall appear on the certificate(s) and shall be subject to approval by the County. At the option of the County, either; the insurer shall reduce or eliminate such deductible or self-insured retention; or the proposer shall be required to procure a bond guaranteeing payment of losses and related claims expenses.

G. Failure to comply with any reporting provisions of the policy(s) shall not affect coverage provided the

County, its officers/officials, agents, employees, and volunteers.

H. The insurer shall agree to waive all rights of subrogation against the County, its' officers/officials, agents, employees or volunteers for any act, omission or condition of premises which the parties may be held liable by reason of negligence.

I. The proposer shall furnish the County certificates of insurance including endorsements affecting coverage. The certificates are to be signed by a person authorized by the insurance company(s) to bind coverage on its' behalf, if executed by a broker, notarized copy of authorization to bind, or certify coverage must be attached.

J. All insurance shall be placed with insurers maintaining an A.M. Best rating of no less than an A:VII. If

A.M. Best rating is less than A:VII, approval must be received from County’s Risk Manager.

4.15. Utilization by Other Public Agencies Clause

A. The use of this solicitation and resulting contract shall be made available to other local governmental agencies and agencies established for the public benefit (“Public Agencies”). The parties agree to allow other governmental agencies to enter into separate agreements with the successful Offeror under the terms and prices in effect between the County and the successful Offeror, upon prior approval from Offeror of proposed pricing for other governmental agencies. The parties also agree that any other agency utilizing the terms and prices of this agreement shall not be deemed to be an agent or employee of the County of

Dorchester for any purpose whatsoever. The parties further agree that any Public Agency will enter its own separate contract with the successful Offeror.

B. The County is not otherwise responsible for the Public Agencies’ performance of the Contract between the individual Public Agencies and the successful Offeror or for any obligation or liability accruing to the

Public Agencies in the performance thereof. The Public Agencies and the Offeror further agree to waive any rights they may have in making the County of Dorchester a party to a dispute between a Public Agency and the Offeror.

C. The County may advertise the resulting contract to other public agencies for their use as described in above on third-party platforms.

4.16. All County Departments Eligible to Purchase

A. This solicitation may be issued by a specific department, but the County shall have the discretion to permit

ALL County departments, divisions, or other business units to purchase the goods or services solicited at the terms, conditions, and pricing as agreed-upon in the contract resulting from the solicitation. Expansion of the contract to include other County departments, divisions, or other business units may be accomplished by purchase order, change order, or amendment, as determined by the Purchasing Services

Manager.

4.17. Confidential Information

A. Offerors must clearly mark as “confidential” each part of their response which they consider to be trade secrets or information of a personal nature that could be exempt from disclosure under the South Carolina

Freedom of Information Act (SCFOIA) as set forth in Chapter 4, Title 30, of the South Carolina Code of

Laws, 1976, as amended. The County reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to determine whether this information should be exempt from disclosure and no legal action may be brought against the County or its agents for its determination in this regard. Upon receipt of an SOQ package by the County, the submittal shall become the property of the County without compensation to the Offeror, for disposition or usage by the County at its discretion. The details of the proposal documents will remain confidential until final award, except for sections that are marked “confidential” as explained above and below and except as required by law. If Offeror submits confidential information, an additional redacted copy of the SOQ should be submitted.

4.18. Intellectual Property

A. Any information, data, instruments, documents, studies, reports, or deliverables given to, exposed to, or prepared or assembled by the proposer shall be kept as confidential information of the County and not divulged or made available to any individual or organization except as required by law. Such information, data, instruments, documents, studies, reports, or deliverables will be the sole property of the County and not the Offeror.

B. All intellectual property, including, but not limited to, patentable inventions, patentable plans, copyrightable works, mask works, trademarks, service marks, and trade secrets invented, developed, created, or discovered in performance of this contract shall be property of the County.

5. SECTION FIVE: SAMPLE CONTRACT

5.1. Sample Contract

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF DORCHESTER

THIS CONTRACT (hereinafter the “Contract”) entered into this day of XXXXX 2025, between the

COUNTY OF DORCHESTER, South Carolina, a public body corporate and politic and political subdivision of the State of South Carolina, (hereinafter the "County") and (NAME OF

COMPANY/INDIVIDUAL), a (State Name) Sole Proprietorship/Partnership/Corporation, Limited

Liability Corporation (choose one), the address of which is Street, City, State, Zip (hereinafter the

"Consultant"), (“Party” as to each; collectively the “Parties”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the County wishes to contract for [Description of Services], as described in Solicitation

No. [####] (“Work” and/or “Services”); and

WHEREAS, the Consultant has represented to the County that its staff is qualified to provide the Work and perform this Contract in a professional and timely manner; and

WHEREAS, the County has relied upon the above representations by the Consultant; and

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of these promises, of the mutual covenants herein set forth, and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and the above-referenced recitals incorporated into this Contract herein by reference, the Parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

SECTION ONE

Contract Documents

The Parties agree that the Contract Documents shall include the following, which are incorporated herein by reference:

Exhibit A: Solicitation No. [###]

Exhibit B: Consultant’s Insurance Certificate(s) and Endorsement(s)

Exhibit C: Consultant's submission dated [dddd]

Exhibit D: Consultant’s Cost Proposal and Preliminary Schedule dated [dddd]

Exhibit E: Required Forms appended to this contract

In the event of any conflict, discrepancy, or inconsistency among any of the documents which make up this Contract, the following shall control:

A. As between the Contract and the Contract Documents or any other documents which make up this

Contract, this Contract shall govern.

B. In the event of any conflict, discrepancy, or inconsistency among any of the other Contract Documents, the Consultant shall diligently review all such documents and notify the County immediately upon discovery of same for resolution by the County.

C. Any documents not included or expressly contemplated in this Contract do not, and shall not, form a part of this Contract. The Contract Documents are intended to be complementary, and a requirement in one document shall be deemed a requirement in all documents.

In order to induce the County to execute this Contract and recognizing that the County is relying thereon, the Consultant, by executing this Contract, makes the following express representations to the

County:

The Consultant is fully qualified to act as the design professional for the work and has, and shall maintain, any and all licenses, permits or other authorizations necessary to act as the design professional for, and to design the work;

The Consultant has become familiar with the work site and the local conditions under which the work is to be constructed and operated. “Work Site” means the site or sites where the Work is performed.

The Consultant has received, reviewed and examined all of the documents which make up this Contract, and has found them to the best of its knowledge, to be complete, accurate, adequate, consistent, coordinated and sufficient.

SECTION TWO

Scope of Work

The Consultant agrees to perform and furnish all labor, supervision, materials, equipment, transportation and supplies necessary for the completion of the Work required under this Contract in a professional manner, in accordance with the customarily accepted professional standard of care and all applicable laws, rules and regulations.

Scope of Work and Specifications:

Contractor will provide task orders as requested by County for specific projects.

SECTION THREE

Contract Price: Payment Terms

The Contract Price shall be based on each individually approved Task Order. The Consultant shall submit the associated Fee with each Task Order’s Scope of Work. The Consultant shall submit monthly invoices for work performed on the Task Order or submit invoices based on agreed Task Order milestones. Monthly submissions shall indicate the estimated work completion on the Task Order. A department director or his designee shall review the Invoice Submission and recommend Payment for the services.

Payment shall be due within thirty (30) days of approved invoices.

SECTION FOUR

Time: Term of Contract

The term of the Contract shall commence upon issuance of a Notice to Proceed by the Purchasing

Services Manager. The contract term shall be one year with the option to renew up to four additional one-year terms.

SECTION FIVE

Surety Bonds

[Intentionally Omitted]

SECTION SIX Insurance Requirements

The Consultant, at its own expense, shall at all times during the term of the Contract, maintain insurance as included in the General Terms and Conditions of RFP No. [ ], which is attached hereto and previously incorporated by reference. The County may contact the Consultant’s insurer(s) or insurer(s)' agent(s) directly at any time regarding the Consultant’s coverages, coverage amounts, or other such relevant and reasonable issues related to this Contract. The Consultant shall also require any subconsultants to carry the same coverages in the same amounts.

The County must be advised immediately of any changes in required coverages.

SECTION SEVEN

Compliance with Legal Requirements

All applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances, and rules and regulations of any authorities

(including, but not limited to, any laws, ordinances or regulations relating to the S.C. Department of

Revenue) shall be binding upon the Consultant throughout the pendency of this Work. The Consultant shall be responsible for compliance with any such law, ordinance, rule or regulation, and shall hold the

County harmless and indemnify same in the event of non-compliance as set forth in the Contract.

The Consultant certifies that it will comply with the applicable requirements of Title 8, Chapter 14 of

South Carolina Code of Laws, 1976, as amended, and agrees to provide to the State upon request any documentation required to establish either: (a) that Title 8, Chapter 14 is inapplicable to the Consultant and its subConsultants or sub-subConsultants; or (b) that the Consultant and its subConsultants or sub-subConsultants are in compliance with Title 8, Chapter 14.

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.”

The Consultant agrees to include in any contracts with subConsultants, language requiring subConsultants to (a) comply with applicable requirements of Title 8, Chapter 14, and (b) include in its contracts with the sub-Consultants language requiring the sub-subConsultants to comply with the applicable requirements of Title 8, Chapter 14.

The Consultant agrees to and shall certify agreement to abide by the requirements under Title VI of the

Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other non-discrimination authorities under Federal Executive Order

Number 11246, as amended, and specifically, the provisions of the equal opportunity clause. It is the policy of Dorchester County Government to assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise discriminated against under any of its federally funded programs and activities. Any person who believes his/her Title VI protection has been violated may file a complaint. For additional information concerning Title VI complaint procedures please contact the

Title VI Coordinator, at 843-563-0242 or pjhart@dorchestercountysc.gov.

The Consultant shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations of any authorities throughout the duration of this Contract. The Consultant shall be responsible for compliance with any such law, ordinance, rule or regulation, and shall hold County harmless and indemnify same in the event of non-compliance.

SECTION EIGHT

Drug-free Workplace Act

The Consultant shall comply with the South Carolina Drug-free Workplace Act, Section 44-107-10 et seq., S.C. Code of Laws (1976, as amended).

SECTION NINE

Consultant's Warranties and Representations

The Consultant represents that its staff is knowledgeable about and experienced in performing the Work required in this Contract and warrants use of reasonable skill and attention to provide above-described

Work in a professional manner and in accordance with a mutually agreed-upon schedule.

The Consultant warrants and represents that it shall be responsible for all subconsultants working directly for it, as well as for their Work product, as though the Consultant had performed the Work itself.

mailto:pjhart@dorchestercountysc.gov

The Purchasing Services Manager may, in writing, require the Consultant to remove from the Work Site any employee the Purchasing Services Manager deems incompetent, careless or otherwise objectionable.

SECTION TEN

Retention of Records

The Consultant agrees to maintain for three (3) years from the date of Final Payment, or until the end of any audit or closure of all pending matters under this Contract, whichever is later, all books, documents, papers, and records pertinent to this Contract. The Consultant agrees to provide to the County, any federal grantor agency, the Comptroller General of the United States, any state grantor agency, any assignee, or any of their duly authorized representatives access to such books, documents, papers, and records for the purpose of examining, auditing, and copying them. The Consultant further agrees to include these provisions in any subcontracts issued in connection with this Contract.

SECTION ELEVEN

State and Local Taxes

Except as otherwise provided, Contract prices shall include all applicable state and local taxes.

The Consultant shall calculate that portion of the Contract which is subject to the seven percent (7%)

South Carolina sales and/or use tax, which amount shall be itemized and shown on all invoices and shall be paid to South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) by the Consultant. If the Consultant is a non-South Carolina company, the County will withhold said amount from all invoices and remit payment to the SCDOR, unless the Consultant furnishes the County with a valid South Carolina Use

Tax Registration Certificate Number.

The Consultant shall indemnify and hold harmless the County for any loss, cost, or expense incurred by, levied upon or billed to the County as a result of the Consultant's failure to pay any tax of any type due in connection with this Contract.

The Consultant shall ensure that the above sections are included in all subcontracts and sub-subcontract, and shall ensure withholding on out of state sub and sub-subconsultants to which withholding is applicable.

SECTION TWELVE Independent Consultant

The Consultant is an independent Consultant and shall not be deemed the agent or employee of the

County for any purpose whatsoever. The Consultant shall not hold himself out as an employee of the

County and shall have no power or authority to bind or obligate the County in any manner, except the

County shall make payment to the Consultant for Work and expenses as herein provided. The

Consultant shall obtain and maintain all licenses and permits required by law for performance of this

Contract by him or his employees, agents, and servants. The Consultant shall be liable for and pay all taxes required by local, state or federal governments, including but not limited to social security, Workers’ Compensation, employment security, and any other taxes and licenses or insurance premiums required by law. No employee benefits of any kind shall be paid by the County to or for the benefit of the Consultant or its employees, agents, or servants by reason of this Contract.

SECTION THIRTEEN

Other Contracts

The County reserves the right to undertake or award other contracts for additional Work, and may elect to complete portions of the Work included in this Contract using its own forces or through other contracts, and the Consultant shall fully cooperate with such other Consultants, County employees and carefully fit its own Work to such Work as may be directed by the County. The Consultant shall not commit or permit any act by its forces or subConsultants which will interfere with the performance of

Work by any other Consultant or by the County and or Department employees.

SECTION FOURTEEN

Permits and Licenses

The Consultant shall, without additional expense to the County, be responsible for obtaining and maintaining all necessary licenses and permits required by the State of South Carolina, a municipality or the County or any other authority having jurisdiction.

SECTION FIFTEEN

Safety, Health, and Security Precautions

The Consultant shall take proper safety, health and security precautions to protect its workers and the

County's property, workers and the public at all times during the term of this Contract.

SECTION SIXTEEN

Inspection and Acceptance

All Work shall be subject to inspection and test by the County at all reasonable times and places. The

Consultant shall, without charge, correct any workmanship found by the County not to conform to the

Contract requirements.

SECTION SEVENTEEN

Conditions Affecting the Work

The Consultant shall be responsible for having taken steps reasonably necessary to ascertain the nature and location of the Work, and the general and local conditions which can affect the Work or the cost thereof. Any failure by the Consultant to do so will not relieve it from responsibility for successfully performing the Work without additional expense to the County. The County assumes no responsibility for any understandings or representations concerning conditions made by any of its officers or agents prior to the execution of this Contract unless such understandings or representations by the County are expressly stated in this Contract.

SECTION EIGHTEEN

Cleanup Work; Repair of Damages

During the performance of the Work, the Consultant shall continuously keep its Work Site in an orderly condition, free and clear from debris and discarded materials.

The Consultant will restore or replace, when and as directed by the County, any public or private property damaged or destroyed by the Consultant's negligence to a condition at least equal to that existing immediately prior to the beginning of the Work.

SECTION NINETEEN

Actual Damages

The Consultant expressly agrees that if the Work, or any part thereof, is not performed or completed in a professional manner in accordance with this Contract or any amendment thereto, the Consultant shall be liable to the County for actual damages which relate to the Consultant’s failure to perform or complete the Work in the manner described above. If actual damages are agreed to by the County and the

Consultant or awarded by the Court, the County shall have the right to deduct from and retain out of monies which may be then due or which may become due and payable to the Consultant, the amount of such actual damages; and if the amount so retained by the County is not sufficient to pay in full such actual damages, the Consultant and/or its sureties shall pay to the County the amount necessary to effect payment in full of such actual damages.

SECTION TWENTY

Liquidated Damages

[Intentionally Omitted]

SECTION TWENTY-ONE

Suspension of Work

The Purchasing Services Manager may order, in writing, the Consultant to suspend, delay, or interrupt all or any part of the Work for such period of time as he may determine to be appropriate for the convenience of the County. The County may suspend performance of its obligations under this Contract in good faith for the convenience of the County or to investigate matters arising in the Work.

The Purchasing Services Manager may order suspension of the Work in whole or in part for such time as he deems necessary because of the failure of the Consultant to comply with any of the requirements of this Contract, and the Contract's completion date shall not be extended on account of any such suspension of Work.

When the Purchasing Services Manager orders any suspension of the Work under the paragraph above, the Consultant shall not be entitled to any payment for Work with respect to the period during which such Work is suspended and shall not be entitled to any costs or damages resulting from such suspension.

The rights and remedies of the County provided in this Section are in addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law or under this Contract.

SECTION TWENTY-TWO

Ownership of Documents

Basic notes, sketches, charts and other data prepared, furnished or obtained under this Agreement will become the property of the County without restriction or limitation on their use. No material produced in whole or in part under this Agreement will be subject to copyright in the United States or in any other country. The County shall have unrestricted authority to publish, disclose, distribute and otherwise use, in whole or in part, any reports, data, or other materials prepared under this Agreement. The County shall retain ownership of all plans, drawings, specifications and related documents.

Any reuse of such documents without the Consultant’s written verification of suitability for the specific purpose intended shall be without liability or legal exposure to the Consultant or to the Consultant’s independent professional associates, subcontractors, or consultants.

SECTION TWENTY-THREE

Modification of Contract

The County’s Purchasing Services Manager has the unilateral right to modify this Contract when the modification is in the best interest of the County, provided however, the Consultant is given written notice of any such modification and the County is responsible for paying the Consultant for any additional expenses incurred by the Consultant which relate to the modification. Subject to the above, the Consultant shall immediately notify the County in writing of any proposed adjustment in its fee. The

Consultant is obligated to perform the revised contract when so directed by the Purchasing Services

Manager and the County is obligated to pay for the work performed pursuant to the modification. No claim by the Consultant for an adjustment hereunder shall be allowed if asserted after Final Payment under this Contract.

SECTION TWENTY-FOUR

Termination

A. For Convenience

The Purchasing Services Manager, by seven (7) days’ advance written notice, may terminate this

Contract when it is in the best interests of the County. If this Contract is so terminated, the Consultant shall be compensated for all necessary and reasonable direct costs of performing the Work actually accomplished. The Consultant will not be compensated for any other costs in connection with a termination for convenience. The Consultant will not be entitled to recover any damages in connection with a termination for convenience.

B. For Default

If the Consultant refuses or fails to perform the Work or any separable part thereof in as timely a manner as allowed by the applicable professional standard of care, and in accordance with the Contract

Documents, or otherwise fails, in the sole opinion of the County, to comply with any of the terms and conditions of the Contract Documents deemed, in the sole opinion of the County, to be material

(including, without limitation, the requirement that the Consultant obtain and maintain in force all necessary permits), such refusal or failure shall be deemed a default under this Contract.

In the event of a default under this Section, the County shall have the right to terminate forthwith this

Contract by written notice to the Consultant.