May 4, 2026

INVITATION TO QUOTE

PA026-26

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners is soliciting competitive sealed bids from qualified service providers for the Provision of Backflow Testing and Re-Testing on an Annual Contract with four (4) options to renew for various Gwinnett County Departments.

Quotes should be typed or submitted in ink and returned to the Attention of Savannah Anderson, Purchasing Associate II.

Quotes should be received by 3:00 p.m. May 22, 2026, via email at Savannah.Anderson@GwinnettCounty.com or sent to the Gwinnett County Financial Services - Purchasing Division – 2nd Floor, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046.

A pre-quote conference is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on May 7, 2026, in Conference Room 2W156 at Gwinnett County Financial Services - Purchasing Division – 2nd Floor, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046. All bidders are strongly urged to attend. Questions regarding Quotes should be directed to Savannah Anderson, Purchasing Associate II at Savannah.Anderson@GwinnettCounty.com by 3:00 p.m. May 13, 2026. Quotes are legal and binding upon the vendor when submitted.

Successful service providers will be required to meet insurance requirements. The Insurance Company should be authorized to do business in Georgia by the Georgia Insurance Department and must have an A.M. Best rating of A-7 or higher.

Gwinnett County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to its programs or activities. Any requests for reasonable accommodations required by individuals to fully participate in any open meeting, program or activity of Gwinnett County Government should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Gwinnett County Justice and Administration Center, 770-822-8165.

The written Quote documents supersede any verbal or written prior communications between the parties.

Award will be made to the service providers submitting the lowest responsive and responsible Quote. Gwinnett County reserves the right to reject any or all Quotes, to waive technicalities, and to make an award deemed in its best interest. Quotes may be split or awarded in entirety. Gwinnett County reserves the option to negotiate terms, conditions, and pricing with the lowest responsive, responsible vendor(s) at its discretion.

We look forward to your quote and appreciate your interest in Gwinnett County.

Savannah Anderson Purchasing Associate II

The following pages should be returned in duplicate as your bid: Quote Schedule, Page 5 References, Page 6 E-Verify Affidavit, Page 7 mailto:Savannah.Anderson@GwinnettCounty.com mailto:Savannah.Anderson@GwinnettCounty.com

PA026-26 Page 2

I. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

A. PROJECT SCOPE

Gwinnett County is soliciting quotes from qualified service providers for the Provision of Backflow Testing and Re-Testing on an Annual Contract with four options to renew for various Gwinnett County departments.

B. BIDDING REQUIREMENTS

1. Work will be assigned on an as needed basis. Failure to satisfy the requirements set forth in this solicitation and/or poor performance will be grounds for the County to Terminate for Cause. The County reserves the right to terminate by Line Item or terminate the entire Contract.

2. Gwinnett County requests a minimum of three (3) verifiable references where work of a similar size and scope has been successfully completed. Quotes will be considered only from experienced and well-equipped service providers engaged in work of this type and magnitude.

List similar work successfully completed within the last three years, giving the number of Backflow assemblies tested. References must specify the role of the service provider on the job, including specific work, responsibilities, and level of authority (Prime/Sub/Vendor). The service provider is responsible for the provision of accurate reference contact information.

C. GENERAL NOTES

1. It is the County’s intent to award to one service provider; however, the County reserves the right to award the contract in its best interest.

2. Normal working hours for all field related work will be 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. local time, Monday through Friday. Certain situations may arise that will limit these normal hours. Work outside the normal hours, on holidays and weekends, will require prior written approval from Gwinnett County. Verbal extensions of normal work hours by Gwinnett County will be restricted to unforeseen or emergency situations requiring immediate attention.

3. Field related work requiring the assistance of Gwinnett County personnel must be scheduled a minimum of 48-hours in advance.

4. All field staff (service provider as well as sub-consultants and sub-contractors) must wear, at all times, a readily observable identification badge indicating their name and the name of the service provider’s firm. All vehicles used in the field must have a company logo on both the driver and passenger side of the vehicle that is easily read from a distance.

5. Any vehicles used for this work shall be properly supplied and equipped to perform the work effectively and safely. The vehicles shall have warning lights and traffic safety equipment (e.g., warning cones, flags, signage, etc.) sufficient to provide protection in traffic lanes for the public and workers. Service provider must follow all applicable standards for deploying safety measures on public streets.

6. The service provider shall identify a contact person or persons who shall be on call 24 hours per day during the life of the project. The service provider’s contact person(s) is/are responsible to know the general location of all field crews every day and must have the means to contact them within 15 minutes.

PA026-26 Page 3

7. All work shall be conducted in a manner that minimizes any inconvenience and/or disruptions to Gwinnett County and its citizens.

8. The service provider, as well as all sub-contractors utilized by the service provider, must be properly licensed/certified in the State of Georgia.

II. TESTING SERVICES SPECIFICATIONS

A. SCOPE

The service provider shall supply all labor, equipment, tools, and vehicles necessary to inspect and perform testing on backflow prevention assemblies assigned to them by the County under this contract. Field inspection and testing includes but is not limited to: locating, inspecting, assessing, flushing and testing of the backflow prevention assembly. The service provider will not perform repairs under this contract.

The County owns approximately 750 backflow assemblies; however, the number of backflow assemblies may vary that will be assigned under this contract for inspection. In general, each backflow assembly will be assigned each year for inspection/testing.

B. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

I. Test various sizes, types, models, and manufacturers of backflow assemblies at various locations within Gwinnett County in accordance with Federal, State, and Local codes.

II. Testing procedures used shall follow the procedures outined in the University of Southern California Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (USCFCCCHR) Manual of Cross Connection Control, latest edition.

III. Service provider shall submit reports to the Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources via the online test report submittal portal no later than 10 days after completing the testing.

Copies of the reports shall also be submitted to the Contract Manager for each Department with your invoice.

IV. At the request of the Contract Manager, pictures of each backflow device before and after testing may be required to be submitted. Gwinnett County Representative will check backflows periodically to insure testing is completed accurately.

V. Service provider submitting quotes must be listed and current on the Gwinnett County

Department of Water Resources approved Backflow Prevention Device Testers List (bf_testers.pdf) at time of award. Applications can be submitted during this solicitation process, but approval must be received by the quote due date/time. Successful service provider must remain on this list throughout the contract period. Service provider shall have OSHA approved confined space entry equipment.

VI. The Gwinnett County Contract Manager will notify successful service provider as to the device(s) to be tested and their location. Testing must be completed within 14 days after notification.

https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/content/localuser/dwruser/backflowtester/bf_testers.pdf

PA026-26 Page 4

VII. Service provider MUST verify Meter #, Serial #, Type, Size, Make, Model, and Location of each backflow assembly.

VIII. Successful service provider will be responsible for locating, digging, pumping, or cleaning water and debris out of boxes and vaults to access device.

IX. If a backflow assembly is unable to be located, the service provider must notify the Contract Manager within 2 business days. Additionally, there will be no charge allowed for any backflow device that is unable to be located.

X. Failed assemblies must be reported to the Gwinnett County Contract Manager within 2 business days of test along with explanation of failure. The Gwinnett County Contract Manager will notify service provider for retesting when repairs have been completed.

XI. Access to restricted areas is available most business days from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with assistance from Gwinnett County personnel.

XII. Quantities listed on bid schedule are approximate. There are multiple assemblies at most locations. Gwinnett County reserves the right to add or delete assemblies and locations as needed.

XIII. All invoices submitted must be itemized and include the Purchase Order number, facility name and location within facility, dated before and after pictures as requested, the number of passed tests, the number of failed tests, the number of retests, and a legible copy of each test.

III. EXPLANATION OF BID SCHEDULE

A. Testing and Re-Testing Items 1 and 2 - Price per testing and retesting of various sized and type backflow assemblies.

Sizes will range from ¾” and up. Assemblies will range from Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ), Double Check (DC), Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB), and Double Check Detector Assembly’s (DCDA). All tools and equipment needed for testing will be provided by service provider. Test reports will be filled electronically by service provider within 10 days of testing.

PA026-26 Page 5 FAILURE TO RETURN THIS PAGE AS PART OF YOUR QUOTE MAY RESULT IN YOUR QUOTE BEING DEEMED NON-

RESPONSIVE.

ITEM

APPROX.

ANNUAL

QTY

DESCRIPTION

UNIT

PRICE

TOTAL

PRICE

Testing and Re-Testing

1 815 ea Test of Various Sized Backflow Assemblies

2 246 ea Retest of Various Sized Back Flow Assemblies

Quote Total $

Gwinnett County requires pricing to remain firm for the duration of the initial term of the contract. Failure to hold firm pricing for the initial term of the contract will be sufficient cause for Gwinnett County to declare quote non-responsive. Contract to begin upon award.

Unless otherwise noted, quoted prices will remain firm for four (4) additional 12-month periods. If a percentage increase/decrease is a part of the renewal options, please note this in the space provided together with an explanation.

Renewal Option 1: % Increase % Decrease Explanation Renewal Option 2: % Increase % Decrease Explanation Renewal Option 3: % Increase % Decrease Explanation Renewal Option 4: % Increase % Decrease Explanation

The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the following addenda, listed by number and date as issued appearing on each:

Addendum No. Date Addendum No. Date

Certification of Non-Collusion in Quote Preparation Signature Date In compliance with the attached specifications and requirements outlined in the Instructions to Vendors, the undersigned offers and agrees, within ninety (90) days of the date of quote opening, to furnish any or all of the items upon which prices are quoted, at the price set opposite each item, delivered to the designated point(s) within the time specified in the fee schedule. By submission of this quote, I understand that Gwinnett County uses Electronic Payments for remittance of goods and services. Vendors should select their preferred method of electronic payment upon notice of award. For more information on electronic payments, please refer to the Electronic Payment information in the instructions to vendors.

Legal Business Name

Address

Does your company currently have a location within Gwinnett County? Yes No

Representative Signature

Printed Name

Telephone Number Fax Number

E-mail address http://www.gwinnettcounty.com/portal/gwinnett/Departments/FinancialServices/Treasury/

PA026-26 Page 6 FAILURE TO RETURN THIS PAGE AS PART OF YOUR QUOTE MAY RESULT IN YOUR QUOTE BEING DEEMED NON-

RESPONSIVE.

REFERENCES

Gwinnett County requests a minimum of three (3) references where work of a similar size and scope has been completed.

Note: References should be customized for each project, rather than submitting the same set of references for every project bid. The references listed should be of similar size and scope of the project being bid on. Do not submit a project list in lieu of this form.

1. Company Name

Brief Description of Project

Completion Date

Contract Amount $ Start Date

Contact Person Telephone

E-Mail Address

2. Company Name

3. Company Name

Company Name

BL105-25 Page 7

PA026-26 Provision of Backflow Testing and Re-Testing on an Annual Contract Page 7

CONTRACTOR AFFIDAVIT AND AGREEMENT

(THIS FORM SHOULD BE FULLY COMPLETED AND RETURNED WITH YOUR SUBMITTAL)

By executing this affidavit, the undersigned contractor verifies its compliance with The Illegal Immigration Reform

Enhancements for 2013, stating affirmatively that the individual, firm, or corporation which is contracting with the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners has registered with and is participating in a federal work authorization program* [any of the electronic verification of work authorization programs operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security or any equivalent federal work authorization program operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security] to verify information of newly hired employees, pursuant to the Immigration Reform and Control Act, in accordance with the applicability provisions and deadlines established therein.

The undersigned further agrees that, should it employ or contract with any subcontractor(s) in connection with the physical performance of services or the performance of labor pursuant to this contract with the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, contractor will secure from such subcontractor(s) similar verification of compliance with the Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act on the Subcontractor Affidavit provided in Rule 300-10-01-.08 or a substantially similar form.

Contractor further agrees to maintain records of such compliance and provide a copy of each such verification to the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners at the time the subcontractor(s) is retained to perform such service.

E-Verify * User Identification Number Date Registered

Legal Company Name

Street Address

City/State/Zip Code

BY: Authorized Officer or Agent Date (Contractor Signature)

Title of Authorized Officer or Agent of Contractor

Printed Name of Authorized Officer or Agent

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN

BEFORE ME ON THIS THE

_______ DAY OF ______________________, 20_______

Notary Public My Commission Expires: ___________________________

* As of the effective date of O.C.G.A. 13-10-91, the applicable federal work authorization program is “E-Verify” operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Bureau of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in conjunction with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

For Gwinnett County Use Only:

Document ID #________________

Issue Date: ___________________

Initials: ______________________

PA026-26 Page 8

GWINNETT COUNTY

FINANCIAL SERVICES │ RISK MANAGEMENT

VENDOR INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Insurance:

Contractor shall provide evidence of insurance for at least the coverage and amounts set forth below. All insurance shall be maintained in the form and with a company (or companies) satisfactory to the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners. The Contractor and their Subcontractor’s/vendor’s Certificates of Insurance shall require that the County be notified in writing thirty (30) days prior to cancellation, modification, or non-renewal of any insurance policy listed on the certificate(s). Upon request, the County will be provided certified copies of all required insurance policies.

A. Minimum Coverage

Commercial General Liability (Occurrence Form):

General Aggregate (other than Prod/Comp Ops Liability) $2,000,000 Products/Completed Operations Aggregate $2,000,000 Personal & Advertising Injury Liability $1,000,000 Each Occurrence $1,000,000

• Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners to be named as Additional Insured

• Additional Insured Endorsement CG 20 10 (edition dates of 07/04, 04/13, 12/19 or a substitute endorsement providing equivalent coverage) and CG 2037 (edition dates of 07/04, 04/13, 12/19 or a substitute endorsement providing equivalent coverage) must be provided with your Certificate of Insurance.

• Primary and Non-Contributory Endorsement to be specified in writing

• Contractual Liability

• Broad Form Property Damage

• Severability of Interest

• Underground, explosion, and collapse coverage

• Personal Injury (deleting both contractual and employee exclusions)

• Incidental Medical Malpractice

• Hostile Fire Pollution Wording

• Include Waiver of Subrogation in favor of Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners

• If project or operations are within 50 ft of a railroad, Contractor is required to name the specific Railroad as an Additional Insured and provide a copy of the Additional Insured Endorsement CG2417 or its equivalent.

• In the event the General Liability insurance required by this Contract is written on a claims-made basis, Contractor warrants that any retroactive date under the policy shall precede the effective date of this Contract; and that either continuous coverage will be maintained, or an extended discovery period will be exercised for a period of five (5) years or applicable statute of limitation period following completion of the work.

Automobile Liability to include:

Combined Single Limit – Each Accident $1,000,000

• Comprehensive form providing coverage for bodily injury, death of any person, and property damage arising out of the ownership, maintenance, and use of all owned, non-owned, leased, hired, borrowed vehicles, and any other statutorily required automobile coverage.

PA026-26 Page 9

• Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners to be named as Additional Insured

• Additional Insured Endorsements must be provided with the Certificate of Insurance

• Coverage to include loading and unloading

• Contractual Liability

Worker’s Compensation & Employer’s Liability Coverage to include:

Workers Compensation Georgia State Statutory Limits Employers Liability

Bodily Injury by Accident – Each Accident $ 500,000 Bodily Injury by Disease – Policy Limit $ 500,000 Bodily Injury by Disease – Each Employee $ 500,000

• Waiver of Subrogation in favor of Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners

Umbrella/Excess Liability Insurance with policy limits as determined by Contract Sums (higher limits may be required depending on the extent of contract):

Contract Sums:

Contracts up to $999,999

Each Occurrence and Aggregate Limit $1,000,000

Contracts from $1,000,000 to $1,999,999 Each Occurrence and Aggregate Limit

$3,000,000

Contracts from $2,000,000 to $4,999,999 Each Occurrence and Aggregate Limit

$5,000,000

Contracts Over $5,000,000 Each Occurrence and Aggregate Limit

$10,000,000

• Concurrency of Effective Dates with Primary

• Blanket Contractual Liability

• Drop Down Feature

• Umbrella Policy must be as broad as the primary policy.

• Coverage excess over General Liability, Business Auto Liability, and Employers Liability

• In the event the Umbrella/Excess Liability insurance required by this Contract is written on a claims-made basis, Contractor warrants that any retroactive date under the policy shall precede the effective date of this Contract; and that either continuous coverage will be maintained or an extended discovery period will be exercised for a period of five (5) years or applicable statute of limitation period following completion of the work.

• Evidence of coverage in the form of a Certificate of Insurance shall be provided to the County prior to start of work.

• Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners shall be Additional Insureds.

• Contractor shall be liable for money, securities, or other property of the County.

• Such coverage shall include an owner coverage endorsement for County and County shall be included as a loss payee.

• Additional Insured Endorsements must be provided with the Certificate of Insurance.

PA026-26 Page 10

Cyber Liability Insurance: Applies if scope of work includes the storage or transfer of any County data or sensitive data (including but not limited to personally identifiable, health, or payment card data) or the related hosting of database(s) or internet site(s):

Limit of Insurance per Claim $1,000,000 Aggregate Limit $1,000,000

The Contractor shall maintain insurance coverage for network security and privacy risks, including, but not limited to, insurance for data breach or introduction of virus or malicious codes, consumer notification, whether or not required by law, forensic investigation, public relations and crisis management and credit or identity monitoring or similar remediation services, unauthorized access, failure of security information theft, damage to destruction of or alteration of electronic information, breach of privacy perils, wrongful disclosure and release of private information, collection, or other negligence in the handling of confidential information, and including coverage for related regulatory fines, defenses, and penalties allowed by law.

Property Insurance:

The Contractor is fully and solely responsible for any physical loss or damage to all tools, equipment, construction office trailers and their contents, vehicles or any other personal property utilized in the performance of the Contractor’s work. Contractor agrees to waive its rights of recovery and cause its insurers, if any, to waive their rights of subrogation against Owner and Company for any such damage or loss, however caused.

Riggers Liability Insurance:

If any work to be performed involves the rigging, lifting. lowering or moving of property or equipment, then those parties performing such work shall carry Rigger’s Liability Insurance in an amount adequate to insure against the physical loss or damage to the property or equipment in its care

Aviation Insurance: Applies if scope of work requires the use of aircraft, including helicopters, unmanned aircraft systems (e.g., drones) and/or fixed-wing aircraft:

Maintain (or require aircraft owner or operator to maintain), and Contractor shall furnish proof of, Aircraft Liability insurance with minimum limits of $10,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage of all aircraft.

Unmanned aircraft systems, minimum limits of $2,000,000 for bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury (including invasion of privacy) for unmanned aircraft systems, and guest voluntary settlement bodily injury coverage (for any aircraft except unmanned aircraft systems)

• Such policy shall include contractual liability covering all owned and non-owned aircraft

• If the party providing the Aircraft Liability insurance is not Contractor, then Contractor shall require such party to (a) waive any subrogation rights of recovery they and/or their insurance carriers may have against County and any other indemnified parties and (b) name County and such other parties as Additional Insureds

• The Contractor shall (or shall require aircraft owner or operator) to hire, employ, and utilize pilots certified by the Federal Aviation Administration to operate any such aircraft.

B. Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners (and any applicable Authority) must be specified in writing as an Additional Insured on General Liability, Auto Liability and Umbrella Liability policies.

C. Gwinnett County should be provided with a minimum of 30 days advance written notice of cancellation, material change, or non-renewal of policies required by the contract.

D. Certificate Holder should read:

Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners 75 Langley Drive Lawrenceville, GA 30046-6935

PA026-26 Page 11

E. Insurance Company, except Worker' Compensation carrier, must have an A.M. Best Rating of A-7 or higher.

Certain Workers' Comp funds may be accepted subject to the approval of the Gwinnett County Insurance Unit.

European markets including those based in London and domestic surplus lines markets that operate on a non-admitted basis are exempt from this requirement provided that the Contractor’s broker/agent can provide financial data to establish that a market is equal to or exceeds the financial strengths associated with the A.M.

Best’s rating of A-7 or better.

F. Insurance companies providing coverage should be licensed, and authorized to do business by the Office of the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner of Georgia ("Insurance Commissioner"), with the exception of non- admitted carriers, in which case the broker placing coverage should be licensed by the Insurance Commissioner. All agents placing coverage should be licensed by the Insurance Commissioner, either as a resident or non- resident.

G. Certificates of Insurance, and any subsequent renewals, must reference each corresponding bid/contract by project name and project/bid number, if applicable.

H. The Contractor shall agree to provide complete certified copies of current insurance policy(ies) or a certified letter from the insurance company(ies) if requested by the County to verify compliance with these insurance requirements.

I. All insurance coverage required to be provided by the Contractor shall state that it is primary over any insurance program carried by the County.

J. Contractor shall incorporate a copy of the insurance requirements as herein provided in each and every subcontract with each and every subcontractor in any tier and shall require each and every subcontractor of any tier to comply with all such requirements. The Contractor agrees that if for any reason a subcontractor fails to procure and maintain insurance as required, all such required Insurance shall be procured and maintained by Contractor at Contractor's expense.

K. No Contractor or Subcontractor shall commence any work of any kind under this Contract until all insurance requirements contained in this Contract have been complied with and until evidence of such compliance satisfactory to Gwinnett County as to form and content has been filed with Gwinnett County. The ACORD Certificate of Insurance or a preapproved substitute is the required form in all cases where reference is made to a Certificate of Insurance or an approved substitute.

L. The Contractor and its insurer(s) shall agree to waive all rights of subrogation against the County, the Board of Commissioners, its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers from losses arising from work performed by the Contractor for the County.

M. Special Form Contractors’ Equipment and Contents Insurance covering owned, used, and leased equipment, tools, supplies, and contents is required to perform the services called for in the Contract. The coverage must be on a replacement cost basis. The County will be included as a Loss Payee in this coverage for County owned equipment, tools, supplies, and contents.

N. The Contractor shall make available to the County, through its records or the records of its insurer, information regarding any claim related to a County project. Any loss run information relating to a County project will be made available to the County upon its request.

O. Compliance by the Contractor and Subcontractors with the foregoing insurance requirements shall not relieve the Contractor and Subcontractors of liability under the Contract and any applicable law.

P. The Contractor and all Subcontractors are to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, Public Law 91-956, and any other laws that may apply to this Contract.

Q. The Contractor shall at a minimum apply risk management practices accepted by the Contractors’ industry.

R. The Contractor shall advise the County if required limits of insurance become eroded or impaired.

PA026-26 Page 12

Surety Bond (if required)

All of the surety requirements will stay the same except the Surety Company must have the same rating as set forth in item E above.

FAILURE TO RETURN THIS PAGE MAY RESULT IN REMOVAL OF YOUR COMPANY

FROM COMMODITY LISTING.

PA026-26

Buyer Initials: SA

IF YOU DESIRE TO SUBMIT A "NO BID" IN RESPONSE TO THIS PACKAGE, PLEASE INDICATE BY

CHECKING ONE OR MORE OF THE REASONS LISTED BELOW AND EXPLAIN.

Do not offer this product or service; remove us from your bidder's list for this item only.

Specifications too "tight"; geared toward one brand or manufacturer only.

Specifications are unclear.

Unable to meet specifications

Unable to meet bond requirements

Unable to meet insurance requirements

Our schedule would not permit us to perform.

Insufficient time to respond.

Other

COMPANY NAME

AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

SIGNATURE

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR VENDORS 1| 11

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES │ PURCHASING

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR VENDORS,

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

***ATTENTION***

FAILURE TO RETURN THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS MAY RESULT IN SUBMITTAL BEING DEEMED NON-

RESPONSIVE AND AUTOMATIC REJECTION. THE COUNTY SHALL BE THE SOLE DETERMINANT OF

TECHNICALITY VERSUS NON-RESPONSIVE SUBMITTAL:

1. FAILURE TO USE COUNTY FEE SCHEDULE.

2. FAILURE TO RETURN OR ACKNOWLEDGE APPLICABLE COMPLIANCE/SPECIFICATION SHEETS.

3. FAILURE TO RETURN OR ACKNOWLEDGE APPLICABLE ADDENDA.

4. FAILURE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION OR ALTERNATES OR EQUIVALENTS.

5. FAILURE TO PROVIDE BID BOND, WHEN REQUIRED, WILL RESULT IN SUBMITTAL BEING DEEMED

NON-RESPONSIVE AND AUTOMATIC REJECTION. BID BONDS ARE NOT REQUIRED ON ALL

SOLICITATIONS. BOND REQUIREMENTS ARE CLEARLY STATED ON THE INVITATION PAGE. IF

CLARIFICATION IS NEEDED, CONTACT THE PURCHASING ASSOCIATE LISTED IN THE

INVITATION. IF BONDS ARE REQUIRED, FORMS WILL BE PROVIDED IN THIS SOLICITATION

DOCUMENT.

6. FAILURE TO PROVIDE CONTRACTOR AFFIDAVIT AND AGREEMENT, WHEN REQUIRED, MAY

RESULT IN SUBMITTAL BEING DEEMED NON-RESPONSIVE AND REJECTED. THE CONTRACTOR

AFFIDAVIT AND AGREEMENT IS NOT REQUIRED ON ALL SOLICITATIONS. IF CLARIFICATION IS

NEEDED, CONTACT THE PURCHASING ASSOCIATE LISTED IN THE INVITATION.

7. FAILURE TO PROVIDE AN ETHICS AFFIDAVIT WHEN REQUIRED MAY RESULT IN SUBMITTAL

BEING DEEMED NON-RESPONSIVE AND REJECTED. THE ETHICS AFFIDAVIT IS REQUIRED ON ALL

FORMAL SOLICITATIONS OVER $100,000.00. IF CLARIFICATION IS NEEDED, CONTACT THE

PURCHASING ASSOCIATE LISTED IN THE INVITATION.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR VENDORS 2| 11

I. PREPARATION OF SUBMITTAL

A. Each vendor shall examine the drawings, specifications, schedule, and all instructions. Failure to do so will be at the vendor’s risk, as the vendor will be held accountable for their submittal.

B. Each vendor shall furnish all information required by the solicitation form or document. Each vendor shall sign the submittal and print or type his or her name on the fee schedule. The person signing the submittal should initial erasures or other changes. An authorized agent of the vendor must sign the submittal.

C. Fee schedule pricing should only have two decimal places unless otherwise stated. In the event of a calculation error in total price, the unit pricing prevails.

D. Except for solicitations for the sale of real property, individuals, firms, and businesses seeking an award of a Gwinnett County contract may not initiate or continue any verbal or written communications regarding a solicitation with any County officer, elected official, employee, or other County representative other than the Purchasing Associate named in the solicitation between the date of the issuance of the solicitation and the date of the final award. The Purchasing Director will review violations. If determined that such communication has compromised the competitive process, the offer submitted by the individual, firm, or business may be disqualified from consideration for award. Solicitations for the sale of real property may allow for verbal or written communications with the appropriate Gwinnett County representative.

E. Sample contracts (if pertinent) are attached. These do NOT have to be filled out with the submittal but are contained for informational purposes only. If awarded, the successful vendor(s) will be required to execute these documents prior to County execution.

F. Effective July 1, 2013 and in accordance with the Georgia Illegal Immigration Reform Enhancements for 2013, an original signed, notarized, and fully completed Contractor Affidavit and Agreement should be included with vendor’s submittal, if the solicitation is for the physical performance of services for all labor or service contract(s) that exceed $2,499.99 (except for services performed by an individual who is licensed pursuant to Title 26, Title 43, or the State Bar of Georgia). Failure to provide the Contractor Affidavit and Agreement with your submittal may result in being deemed non-responsive and automatic rejection.

II. DELIVERY

A. Each vendor should state time of proposed delivery of goods or services.

B. Words such as “immediate”, “as soon as possible,” etc. should not be used. The known earliest date or the minimum number of calendar days required after receipt of order (delivery A.R.O.) should be stated. If calendar days are used, include Saturday, Sunday, and holidays in the number.

III. EXPLANATION TO VENDORS

Any explanation desired by a vendor regarding the meaning or interpretation of the solicitation, drawings, specifications, etc. must be requested by the question cutoff deadline stated in the solicitation for a reply to reach all vendors before the deadline of the solicitation. Any information given to a prospective vendor concerning a solicitation will be furnished to all prospective vendors as an addendum to the solicitation if such information is necessary or if the lack of such information would be prejudicial to uninformed vendors. The written solicitation documents supersede any verbal or written communications between the parties. Receipt of addenda should be acknowledged in the

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR VENDORS 3| 11

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR VENDORS,

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

submittal. It is the vendor’s responsibility to ensure they have all applicable addenda prior to their submittal. This may be accomplished by contacting the assigned Purchasing Associate prior to the submittal or visiting GwinnettCounty.com.

IV. SUBMISSION OF FORMAL OFFERS/SUBMITTALS

A. Formal bid and proposal submittals shall be enclosed in a sealed package or envelope, addressed to the Gwinnett County Purchasing Division with the name of the vendor, the date and hour of opening, and the solicitation number on the face of the package or envelope. Facsimile or emailed submittals will not be considered. Any addenda should be enclosed in the sealed envelopes as well.

B. ADD/DEDUCT: Add or deduct amounts indicated on the outside of the envelope are allowed and will be applied to the lump sum amount. Amount shall be clearly stated and should be initialed by an authorized representative.

C. Samples of items, when required, must be submitted within the time specified and, unless otherwise specified by the County, at no expense to the County. Unless otherwise specified, samples will be returned at the vendor’s request and expense, if items are not destroyed by testing.

D. Items offered must meet required specifications and must be of a quality that will adequately serve the use and purpose for which intended.

E. Full identification of each item submitted, including brand name, model, catalog number, etc. must be furnished to identify exactly what the vendor is offering. Manufacturer’s literature may be furnished, but vendor should not submit excessive marketing material.

F. The vendor must certify that items to be furnished are new and that the quality has not deteriorated to impair its usefulness.

G. Unsigned submittals will not be considered except in cases where it is enclosed with other documents that have been signed. The County will determine acceptability in these cases.

H. Gwinnett County is exempt from federal excise tax and Georgia sales tax regarding goods and services purchased directly by Gwinnett County. Vendors are responsible for federal excise tax and sales tax, including taxes for materials incorporated in county construction projects. Vendors should contact the State of Georgia Sales Tax Division for additional information. Agreements were there is a cost-plus mark-up, mark-up will not be paid on taxes.

I. Information submitted by a vendor in the solicitation process shall be subject to disclosure after the public opening in accordance with the Georgia Open Records Act.

V. WITHDRAWAL DUE TO ERRORS

Vendors must give Gwinnett County Purchasing Division written notice within two (2) business days of completion of the opening stating that they wish to withdraw their submittal without penalty for an obvious clerical or calculation error. Submittal may be withdrawn from consideration if the price was substantially lower then the other submittals due solely to a mistake therein, provided pricing was submitted in good faith, and the mistake was a clerical mistake as opposed to a judgment mistake and was due to an unintentional arithmetic error on an unintentional omission of a quantity of work, labor, or material made directly in the compilation of the submittal. The unintentional arithmetic error or omission can be clearly proven through inspection of the original work papers, documents, and file:///C:/Users/sranderson/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/3J1HZDVX/GwinnettCounty.com

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materials used in preparing the submittal sought to be withdrawn. The vendor’s original work papers shall be the sole acceptable evidence of error and mistake if a vendor elects to withdraw their submittal. If a quote or bid submittal is withdrawn under the authority of this provision, the lowest remaining responsive offer shall be deemed to be low bid. No vendor who is permitted to withdraw their submittal shall, for compensation, supply any material or labor or perform any subcontract or other work agreement for the person or firm to whom the contract is awarded or otherwise benefit, directly or indirectly, from the performance of the project for which the withdrawn bid or proposal was submitted.

Vendors who fail to request withdrawal by the required forty-eight (48) hours may automatically forfeit bid bond if a bond was required. Bid may not be withdrawn otherwise.

Withdrawal is not automatically granted and will be allowed solely at Gwinnett County’s discretion.

VI. TESTING AND INSPECTION

Since tests may require several days for completion, the County reserves the right to use a portion of any supplies before the results of the tests are determined. Cost of inspections and tests of any item that fails to meet the specifications, shall be borne by the vendor.

VII. F.O.B. POINT

Unless otherwise stated in the request for invitation and any resulting contract, or unless qualified by the vendor, items shall be shipped F.O.B. Destination, Freight Prepaid, and Allowed. The seller shall retain title for the risk of transportation, including the filing for loss or damages. The invoice covering the items is not payable until items are delivered and contract of carriage has been completed. Unless the F.O.B. clause states otherwise, the seller assumes transportation and related charges either by payment or allowance.

VIII. PATENT INDEMNITY

The vendor guarantees to hold the County, its agents, officers, or employees harmless from liability of any nature or kind for use of any copyrighted or uncopyrighted composition, secret process, patented, or unpatented invention, articles, or appliances furnished or used in the performance of the contract, for which the vendor is not the patentee, assignee, or licensee.

IX. BID BONDS AND PAYMENT AND PERFORMANCE BONDS (IF REQUIRED, FORMS WILL BE PROVIDED IN

THIS DOCUMENT)

A five percent (5%) bid bond, a one hundred percent (100%) performance bond, and a one hundred percent (100%) payment bond must be furnished to Gwinnett County for any solicitation as required in the solicitation package or document. Failure to submit a bid bond with the proper rating will result in submittal being deemed non-responsive. Bonding company must be authorized to do business in Georgia by the Georgia Insurance Commission, listed in the Department of the Treasury’s publication of companies holding certificates of authority as acceptable surety on Federal bonds and as acceptable reinsuring companies, and have an A.M. Best rating as stated in the insurance requirement of the solicitation. The bid bond, payment bond, and performance bond must have the proper A.M. Best rating as stated in the solicitation document.

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X. DISCOUNTS

A. Time payment discounts may be considered in arriving at net prices and in award of solicitations.

Offers of discounts for payment within ten (10) days following the end of the month are preferred.

B. In connection with any discount offered, time will be computed from the date of delivery and acceptance at destination, or from the date correct invoice or voucher is received, whichever is the later date. Payment is deemed to be made for the purpose of earning the discount on the date of the County check.

XI. AWARD

A. Award will be made to either the highest scoring firm (for proposals) or the lowest responsive and responsible vendor (for quotes/bids). The quality of the articles to be supplied, their conformity with the specifications, their suitability to the requirements of the County, and the delivery terms will be taken into consideration in making the award. The County may make such investigations as it deems necessary to determine the ability to the vendor to perform, and the vendor shall furnish to the County all such information and data for this purpose as the County may request. The County reserves the right to reject any submittal if the evidence submitted by, or investigation of such vendor fails to satisfy the County that such vendor is properly qualified to carry out the obligations of the contract.

B. The County reserves the right to reject or accept any or all offers and to waive technicalities, informalities, and minor irregularities in the submittals received.

C. The County reserves the right to make an award as deemed in its best interest, which may include awarding to a single vendor or multiple vendors; or to award the whole solicitation agreement, only part of the agreement, or none of the agreement, based on its sole discretion of its best interest.

D. In the event of proposal scores rounded to the nearest whole number result in a tie score, the award will be based on lowest cost.

E. If proposal negotiations with the highest ranked firm are unsuccessful, the County may then negotiate with the second ranked firm and so on until a satisfactory agreement has been reached.

XII. DELIVERY FAILURES

Failure of a vendor to deliver within the time specified or within reasonable time as interpreted by the Purchasing Director, or failure to make replacement of rejected articles/services when so requested, immediately or as directed by the Purchasing Director, shall constitute authority for the Purchasing Director to purchase in the open market articles/services of comparable grade to replace the articles/services rejected or not delivered. On all such purchases, the vendor shall reimburse the County within a reasonable time specified by the Purchasing Director for any expense incurred in excess of the contract prices, or the County shall have the right to deduct such amount from monies owed the defaulting vendor. Alternatively, the County may penalize the vendor one percent (1%) per day for a period of up to ten (10) days for each day that delivery or replacement is late. Should public necessity demand it, the County reserves the right to use or consume articles/services delivered which are substandard in quality, subject to an adjustment in price to be determined by the Purchasing Director.

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XIII. COUNTY FURNISHED PROPERTY

No material, labor, or facilities will be furnished by the County unless so provided in the solicitation package.

XIV. REJECTION OF SUBMITTALS

Failure to observe any of the instructions or conditions in this solicitation package may constitute grounds for rejection.

XV. CONTRACT

Each submittal is received with the understanding that the acceptance in writing by the County of the offer to furnish any or all the commodities or services described therein shall constitute a contract between the vendor and the County, which shall bind the vendor on his part to furnish and deliver the articles quoted at the prices stated in accordance with the conditions of said accepted submittal. The County, on its part, may order from such vendor, except for cause beyond reasonable control, and to pay for, at the agreed prices, all articles specified and delivered.

Upon receipt of a solicitation package containing a Gwinnett County “Sample Contract” as part of the requirements, it is understood that the vendor has reviewed the documents with the understanding that Gwinnett County requires that all agreements between the parties must be entered into via this document. If any exceptions are taken to any part, each must be stated in detail and submitted as part of the vendor’s submittal. If no exceptions are stated, it is assumed that the vendor fully agrees to the provisions contained in the “Sample Contract” in its entirety.

Any Consultant as defined in O.C.G.A. §36-80-28 that is engaged to develop or draft specifications/requirements or serve in a consultative role during the procurement process for any County procurement method, by entering into such an arrangement or executing a contract, the consultant agrees to abide by the current state law and: 1) Avoid any appearance of impropriety and shall follow all policies and procedures of the County, 2) Disclose to the County any material transaction or relationship pursuant to §36-80-28, that is considered a conflict of interest, any involvement in litigation or other dispute, relationship, or financial interest not disclosed in the ethics affidavit, and 3) Acknowledge that any violation or threatened violation of the agreement may cause irreparable injury to the County, entitling the County to seek injunctive relief in addition to all other legal remedies.

When the vendor has performed in accordance with the provisions of this agreement, Gwinnett County shall pay to the vendor, within thirty (30) days of receipt of any department approved payment request and based upon work completed or service provided pursuant to the contract, the sum so requested, less the retainage stated in this agreement, if any. If Gwinnett County fails to pay the vendor within sixty

(60) days of receipt of a pay request based upon work completed or service provided pursuant to the contract, the County shall pay the vendor interest at the rate of ½% per month or pro rata fraction thereof, beginning the sixty-first (61st) day following receipt of pay requests. The vendor’s acceptance of progress payments or final payment shall release all claims for interest on said payment.

The parties agree that this Contract shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia.

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XVI. NON-COLLUSION

Vendor declared that the submittal is not made in connection with any other vendor’s submittal for the same commodity or commodities, and that the submittal is bona fide and is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud. An affidavit of non-collusion shall be executed by each vendor. Collusion and fraud in submittal preparation shall be reported to the State of Georgia Attorney General and the United States Justice Department.

XVII. DEFAULT

The contract may be canceled or annulled by the Purchasing Division in whole or in part by written notice of default to the vendor upon non-performance or violation of contract terms. An award may be made to the next low responsive and responsible vendor, or the next highest scoring responsive and responsible prosper, or articles specified may be purchased on the open market similar to those so terminated. In either event, the defaulting vendor (or their surety) shall be liable to the County for costs to the County in excess of the defaulted contract prices; provided, however, that the vendor shall continue the performance of this contract to the extent not terminated under the provisions of this clause. Failure of the vendor to deliver materials or services within the time stipulated on their offer, unless extended in writing by the Purchasing Director, shall constitute contract default.

XVIII. TERMINATION FOR CAUSE

The County may terminate this agreement for cause upon ten (10) days prior written notice to the vendor of the vendor’s default in the performance of any term of this agreement. Such termination shall be without prejudice to any of the County’s rights or remedies by law.

XIX. TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE

The County may terminate this agreement for its convenience at any time upon thirty (30) days written notice to the vendor. In the event of the County’s termination of this agreement for convenience, the vendor will be paid for those services actually performed. Partially completed performance of the agreement will be compensated based upon a signed statement of completion to be submitted by the vendor, which shall itemize each element of performance.

XX. SUBSTITUTIONS

Vendors offering substitutions or who are deviating from the attached specifications shall list…