For more information, please visit our online supplier portal, located at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/dorchestercountysc

INVITATION FOR BID

No. 2027-06

Pump Station 87 Rehabilitation

Publish Date August 31, 2026

Pre-Bid Meeting (Non-

Mandatory)

September 8, 2026, 9:00am

Pump Station 87 located at the intersection of

International Circle and W.

5th North Street in

Summerville, SC

Last Day for Questions September 11, 2026, 5:00pm

For more information, please visit our online supplier portal, located at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/dorchestercountysc

Bid Opening September 16, 2026, 2:00pm

Table Of Contents

1. SECTION ONE: SPECIFICATIONS

1.1. General Description

1.2. Temporary Bypass Pumping

1.3. County-Furnished Equipment

1.4. Pump and Wet Well Improvements

1.5. Electrical Improvements

1.6. SCADA Coordination

1.7. Existing Conditions and Field Verification

1.8. Removal, Disposal, and Site Restoration

1.9. Testing, Startup, and Commissioning

1.10. Removal, Disposal, and Site Restoration

1.11. Project Completion and Closeout

2. SECTION TWO: SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS AND SOLICITATION-SPECIFIC TERMS

2.1. Written Questions Deadline

2.2. Bid Submittal Process

2.3. Bid Submittal Deadline

2.4. Term of Agreement

2.5. Payment to Contractor

2.6. Shipping

2.7. Permits and Licenses

2.8. Security Required

2.9. Bid Holding Time

2.10. Additional Information

3. SECTION THREE: TERMS AND CONDITIONS

3.1. Preparation, Submission and Withdrawal of Proposals

3.2. Interpretation of Bid Prices and Mathematical Errors

3.3. Non-Collusion Certification Requirements

3.4. Bidder Representations

3.5. Local Vendor Preference

3.6. Award of Contract

3.7. Notice of Award of Contract

3.8. Contract Document

3.9. Inspections and Testing

3.10. Modification

3.11. Notice to Proceed

3.12. Bidder's Qualifications

3.13. Subcontractors

3.14. Indemnification

3.15. Termination

3.16. State and Local Taxes

3.17. Drug-Free Workplace Act

3.18. Insurance Requirements

3.19. Utilization by Other Public Agencies Clause

3.20. All County Departments Eligible to Purchase

3.21. Confidential Information

3.22. Intellectual Property

4. SECTION FOUR: SAMPLE CONTRACT

4.1. Sample Contract

5. SECTION FIVE: ATTACHMENTS, REQUIRED FORMS AND INFORMATION

5.1. Bid Proposal

5.2. Vendor Questionnaire

Attachments:

A - 2027-06_Supplemental PS 87 Rehab

1. SECTION ONE: SPECIFICATIONS

1.1. General Description

Dorchester County is soliciting bids from qualified contractors to provide all labor, supervision, equipment, tools, materials, transportation, temporary facilities, and incidentals necessary to rehabilitate

Pump Station 87, located at the intersection of International Circle and W. 5th North Street.

The work generally consists of providing temporary bypass pumping; installing County-furnished pumps, guide rail assemblies, valves, controls, and related equipment; replacing wet well piping; constructing a new electrical equipment rack; completing electrical service and grounding improvements; coordinating installation of the County-furnished SCADA panel; lining new piping; inspecting the wet well; and completing all associated work necessary to place the rehabilitated pump station into complete and satisfactory operation.

Unless specifically identified as County-furnished or County-performed, the Contractor shall furnish all materials, equipment, labor, and services necessary for a complete installation.

1.2. Temporary Bypass Pumping

The Contractor shall:

A. Add a permanent bypass connection as part of the pump station rehabilitation.

B. Provide, install, operate, monitor, maintain, and remove a temporary six-inch (6") bypass pumping system as necessary to maintain continuous wastewater service during construction.

C. Furnish all pumps, piping, hoses, fittings, valves, connections, fuel, power, controls, and other equipment required for the temporary bypass operation.

D. Maintain sufficient bypass pumping capacity to prevent sanitary sewer overflows, backups, or interruption of service throughout construction.

E. Coordinate all bypass operations and pump station shutdowns with Dorchester County Water & Sewer

(DCWS) prior to commencing the affected work.

F. Immediately respond to and correct any failure of the temporary bypass system.

At no time shall the Contractor intentionally discharge wastewater to the ground, storm drainage system, or waters of the State.

1.3. County-Furnished Equipment

The County will furnish the following equipment for installation by the Contractor:

A. Two (2) ABS Model XFP-100E, CB-1.5, PE-56/4, 7.5 HP, 230 Volt, 3 Phase pumps with stainless steel lift bails, 4-9' power cables, and stainless steel Kellem grips.

B. Two (2) 4-inch ABS dual guide rail assemblies with integral elbows and hardware.

C. Two (2) upper dual guide brackets, 316 stainless steel.

D. Lot of 2-inch Schedule 40 guide rail pipe, 316 stainless steel.

E. Two (2) 6-inch AVK check valves.

F. One (1) duplex pump control panel in a NEMA 4X stainless steel enclosure, painted white, including:

o Pump circuit breakers;

o NEMA-rated starters;

o Hand-Off-Auto selector switches;

o 120-volt transformer with fuses;

o Duplex alternator with switch;

o Aluminum inner door;

o Three-phase loss voltage/sequence monitor;

o Lightning and surge protection;

o Duplex GFCI receptacle;

o Time delay on lag pump;

o Terminals for high-water level sensor;

o Terminals for motor bimetallic/Klixon switch;

o Moisture sensor relay with indicator light;

o Auxiliary circuit breakers;

o Alarm horn with silencer;

o Side-mount alarm light;

o SCADA connections;

o Elapsed time meters;

o Pump run lights; and o UL listing.

G. One (1) Pulsar Ultra 5 Controller.

H. Two (2) Roto Floats with 50-foot cables.

I. One (1) Pulsar DBR8 Transducer with 20-meter cable.

J. Two (2) ¼-inch stainless steel lifting chains with shackles, 25 feet each.

K. One (1) six-hook cable bracket, 316 stainless steel.

L. One (1) County SCADA panel.

The Contractor shall coordinate with DCWS regarding delivery, receipt, storage, handling, and installation of County-furnished equipment. The Contractor shall inspect County-furnished equipment prior to installation and promptly notify DCWS of any apparent damage, missing components, incompatibility, or other condition that may affect installation.

The Contractor shall be responsible for protecting County-furnished equipment while it is in the

Contractor's custody and for properly installing the equipment in accordance with manufacturer requirements and the requirements of this solicitation.

1.4. Pump and Wet Well Improvements

The Contractor shall:

A. Remove existing pumps, piping, guide rails, valves, equipment, and appurtenances as necessary to perform the rehabilitation.

B. Install the County-furnished pumps, guide rail assemblies, guide brackets, guide rail piping, lifting chains, cable bracket, check valves, level-control equipment, and associated components.

C. Replace the existing six-inch (6") piping within the wet well. Piping shall reduce from six inches (6") to four inches (4") at the pumps.

D. Furnish and install all piping, fittings, flanges, supports, restraints, fasteners, hardware, gaskets, and other incidental components not specifically identified as County-furnished that are required for a complete and operational installation.

E. Raven line the new piping.

F. Inspect the existing wet well coating/lining following removal of existing equipment and during installation of the new equipment.

G. Touch up or repair the wet well lining where needed as a result of the rehabilitation work or where otherwise directed by DCWS based upon the inspection.

H. Use corrosion-resistant materials and stainless steel hardware where appropriate for the wastewater environment and compatible with the equipment being installed.

1.5. Electrical Improvements

The Contractor shall provide all electrical work necessary for the pump station rehabilitation, including, but not limited to:

A. Furnish and install a new electrical equipment rack suitable for the pump station environment and equipment to be mounted.

B. Mount the County-furnished SCADA panel on the new electrical rack.

C. Furnish and install conduit from the SCADA panel to the new pump control panel.

D. Furnish and install a new main circuit breaker.

E. Furnish and install a new basic lightning arrestor.

F. Furnish and install new grounding for the pump station electrical system.

G. Furnish and install a new splice box.

H. Furnish and install new electrical service conduit and wiring if required based upon the final location of the new electrical rack.

I. Install and connect the County-furnished duplex pump control panel and associated pump and level-control equipment.

J. Provide all conduit, conductors, fittings, junction boxes, disconnects, supports, connectors, hardware, and incidental electrical components necessary for a complete installation unless specifically identified as County-furnished.

K. Coordinate electrical work with the existing electrical service and field conditions.

All electrical work shall comply with applicable electrical codes, utility requirements, manufacturer requirements, and all other applicable laws, codes, and standards.

1.6. SCADA Coordination

The Contractor shall mount the County-furnished SCADA panel on the new electrical rack and provide the required conduit between the SCADA panel and the new pump control panel.

Dorchester County Water & Sewer will perform the SCADA wiring and programming.

The Contractor shall coordinate its work with DCWS personnel to ensure that the rack, conduit, control panel, electrical components, and other improvements are ready and accessible for completion of the

County's SCADA work.

1.7. Existing Conditions and Field Verification

Bidders are responsible for familiarizing themselves with existing site conditions and verifying dimensions, elevations, electrical conditions, access limitations, existing piping configurations, equipment locations, and other field conditions that may affect performance of the Work.

The Contractor shall coordinate the final location and configuration of the new electrical rack and associated improvements with DCWS prior to installation.

The Contractor shall immediately notify DCWS if existing conditions differ materially from those anticipated or if a conflict is discovered that may affect installation of the specified equipment.

1.8. Removal, Disposal, and Site Restoration

The Contractor shall remove existing equipment, piping, electrical components, and other materials replaced as part of the rehabilitation. Prior to disposal, the Contractor shall coordinate with DCWS to identify any removed equipment or materials the County wishes to retain. Materials designated for retention shall be placed or delivered at a location designated by DCWS.

All remaining removed materials shall be properly transported and disposed of in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

The Contractor shall maintain the work area in a safe and orderly condition throughout construction. Upon completion, the Contractor shall remove temporary equipment, construction debris, and surplus materials and restore areas disturbed by construction to a condition equal to or better than their condition prior to construction. Damage to existing County property, utilities, pavement, structures, landscaping, or other improvements caused by the Contractor's operations shall be repaired or replaced at no additional cost to the County.

1.9. Testing, Startup, and Commissioning

Upon completion of installation, the Contractor shall perform all testing and startup activities necessary to demonstrate that the rehabilitated pump station is complete and operating properly, including:

A. Verification of proper pump installation, rotation, and operation;

B. Testing of pumps in manual and automatic operating modes;

C. Verification of lead/lag pump operation and alternation;

D. Testing of level controls, floats, transducer, alarms, and associated controls;

E. Testing of check valves and piping for proper operation and leakage;

F. Verification of electrical system operation, grounding, and protective devices;

G. Coordination with DCWS for SCADA testing; and

H. Correction of deficiencies identified during testing.

The temporary bypass system shall remain available until DCWS confirms that the rehabilitated pump station is operational and may be returned to normal service.

1.10. Removal, Disposal, and Site Restoration

The Contractor shall perform the Work in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, ordinances, permit requirements, and industry standards and shall be responsible for jobsite safety and compliance with applicable OSHA requirements.

Entry into the wet well or other permit-required confined spaces shall be performed only by properly trained and equipped personnel in accordance with applicable OSHA requirements.

Pump Station 87 is an active wastewater facility. The Contractor shall plan, sequence, and coordinate the

Work to maintain continuous wastewater service and minimize disruption to County operations. No shutdown, bypass operation, interruption of electrical service, or other activity affecting operation of the pump station shall occur without prior coordination and approval from DCWS.

1.11. Project Completion and Closeout

The Work shall be considered complete when all required equipment, piping, electrical components, controls, and appurtenances have been installed; required wet well lining and piping coating work has been completed; testing and startup have been successfully completed; SCADA coordination and testing have been completed; identified deficiencies have been corrected; and the pump station has been returned to normal service.

Prior to final completion, the Contractor shall remove temporary bypass equipment and construction materials, complete required site restoration and cleanup, and provide applicable manufacturer documentation, warranties, test results, and other required closeout documentation to the County.

2. SECTION TWO: SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS AND SOLICITATION-SPECIFIC

TERMS

2.1. Written Questions Deadline

The last day and time for submittal of written questions shall be no later than Friday, September 11, 2026 at 5:00 pm.

2.2. Bid Submittal Process

Bids must be submitted electronically through the OpenGov Procurement Portal. County Bids may be found by visiting the following link:

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

2.3. Bid Submittal Deadline

Bids will be received until Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 2:00 pm, after which time they will be publicly read. Late bids will not be accepted. Bidders are invited to attend the opening of this bid at the time stated above. Virtual attendance is also available using the instructions below.

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2.4. Term of Agreement

Notice to Proceed will be issued in coordination with expected delivery of County-provided equipment.

Time for completion will be Thirty (30) Calendar Days from Notice to Proceed.

2.5. Payment to Contractor

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

2.6. Shipping

Shipping terms shall be F.O.B. Destination.

2.7. Permits and Licenses

The successful Bidder 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.

2.8. Security Required

2.8.1. Bid Security

Any bid over $25,000 must be accompanied by a bid bond acceptable to the County. Bid bonds must be issued by a corporate surety registered and authorized to do business in the State of South Carolina. Bid bonds shall be payable to the County, shall be for at least five (5%) percent of the total amount of the bid, and shall serve as a guarantee deposit that the bid will be carried out to the complete satisfaction of the

County.

County may request hard copies of electronically submitted bid bonds.

2.8.2. Forfeiture of Bid Security

Nonperformance by the successful Bidder, or its failure to execute the Contract and meet performance and payment bond requirements and insurance requirements within Five (5) Business Days after issuance of

Notice of Award, shall result in its bid security being forfeited as liquidated damages, and the Notice of

Award and Contract will be rescinded and awarded to another Bidder. Withdrawal of a bid after the opening date and time but prior to final award after the opening date, may also result in forfeiture of bid security.

2.8.3. Return of Bid Security

Bid security will be returned to all bidders after the successful Bidder has executed the Contract and delivered all required bonds and insurance certificates and endorsements. Bidders will not be entitled to any interest earnings on returned funds, and in the case of bid security by check, such will be returned to bidder.

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2.8.4. Payment and Performance Security

The successful Bidder shall provide performance and payment bonds, in a form satisfactory to the County, in the following amounts:

Payment Bond: 100% of the total amount of the Contract.

Performance Bond: 100% of the total amount of the Contract.

The aforesaid payment and performance bonds must be issued by a corporate surety, registered and authorized to do business in South Carolina, and must be counter-signed by a licensed, authorized South

Carolina agent.

Attorneys-in-fact who sign bid bonds or performance bonds must file with each bond a certified and effective, dated copy of their power of attorney.

2.9. Bid Holding Time

Bids must remain valid for at least sixty (60) days from opening.

2.10. Additional Information

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

Procurement portal at the link provided above, or directed by email to only Rebecca Dantzler at

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

mailto:RDantzler@DorchesterCountySC.gov

3. SECTION THREE: TERMS AND CONDITIONS

3.1. Preparation, Submission and Withdrawal of Proposals

A. Bids for this solicitation must be submitted electronically through the County’s OpenGov Procurement

Portal. No other method of submission is authorized.

B. Bids shall not be submitted by email, fax, hand delivery, mail, courier, or any other means. Any bid or pricing information received outside of OpenGov — including bids emailed to County staff — will be considered an unauthorized and non-responsive submission and will not be opened, accepted, or considered.

C. If bid security is required, it may be uploaded electronically through OpenGov. If a bid bond is uploaded electronically, the Purchasing Services Manager may, at their discretion, require the apparent low bidder to provide the original physical bond after bid opening.

D. Dorchester County is not responsible for bids not received due to technical issues, user error, connectivity problems, or failure to complete the submission process in OpenGov prior to the deadline.

E. Bids may be withdrawn by the Bidder prior to the time set for opening of bid, but not thereafter.

F. Bidders 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 IFB documents or the project premises and local conditions.

G. Bidders requiring clarification or interpretation of the IFB 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.

H. Any interpretation, correction or change of the IFB documents will be made by addendum. It is your responsibility to monitor the Purchasing Services website by selecting Procurement Portal at www.dorchestercountysc.gov/purchasing for any additional information, revisions, or addenda that may be posted.

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

J. Failure to submit a bid on the form requested or inclusion of any alternates, unit prices, conditions, limitations or provisions not called for, will render the bid irregular; and shall be considered sufficient cause for rejection of a bid. Failure to complete entries in all blanks on the Bid Form shall be considered cause for rejection of a bid.

K. Bidders shall complete all fields within the Bid Form, Schedule of Values, and any pricing tables provided by the County. No pricing line item, cell, or field shall be left blank.All pricing fields shall contain a numeric value. Where no additional charge applies, the Bidder shall enter '0'. Blank fields may be interpreted by the County as an incomplete response and may result in the Bid or Proposal being deemed non-responsive. The County reserves the right to seek clarification of apparent clerical errors;

however, the County is under no obligation to do so.The Bidder/Proposer is solely responsible for http://www.dorchestercountysc.gov/purchasing ensuring that all required pricing information is provided and that the submitted pricing accurately reflects all costs necessary to perform the Work in accordance with the solicitation requirements.

3.2. Interpretation of Bid Prices and Mathematical Errors

A. The unit price shall prevail over the extended price.

B. The sum of the corrected line item totals shall prevail over any stated subtotal or grand total.

C. Words shall prevail over figures where both are provided for the same bid amount.

D. The County reserves the right to correct obvious clerical or mathematical errors and may request written clarification when necessary. Clarification shall not permit modification of the bid or any change that would affect the bidder's competitive position.

3.3. Non-Collusion Certification Requirements

A. Each bid submitted in response to this solicitation shall include an electronic non-collusion certification.

By submitting a bid, the Bidder affirms that its response is genuine and not collusive or sham and that the Bidder has not colluded, conspired, or agreed with any other bidder or person to fix prices, restrict competition, or otherwise undermine the competitive procurement process.The electronic submission of a bid constitutes the Bidder’s legally binding certification and execution of this requirement, and no notarized affidavit is required.

3.4. Bidder Representations

A. Each Bidder by submitting a bid represents that:

1. The Bidder has read and understands this IFB (including all specifications and attachments) and that their bid is made in accordance therewith.

2. The Bidder has reviewed the IFB, 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 bid is based on the terms, materials, systems and equipment required by this IFB, without exception.

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

3.5. Local Vendor Preference

A. Dorchester County has adopted a Local Vendor Preference in accordance with Chapter 2, Article VI, Division 10 of the Dorchester County Code of Ordinances.A bidder seeking consideration for the Local

Vendor Preference must complete and submit the County's Vendor Preference Affidavit with its solicitation response. Failure to submit the completed affidavit with the solicitation response shall constitute a waiver of any claim for local vendor preference.The Local Vendor Preference applies only when authorized by the County's Procurement Ordinance and shall not apply where prohibited by state or federal law, regulation, grant requirements, or other funding restrictions.

3.6. Award of Contract

A. Award of Contract will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder(s) whose bid, conforming to the IFB, 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 Bidder, beginning with the Lowest

Responsible Bidder.

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

C. The County reserves the right to accept or reject any alternates in any combination. Award may be made on the base bid alone or on the base bid plus or minus any alternates, whichever is determined by the

County to be in its best interest. For purposes of award, the County will evaluate the combination of base bid and alternates selected by the County.

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

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

F. 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.

3.7. Notice of Award of Contract

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

B. The successful Bidder 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.

3.8. Contract Document

A. The successful Bidder 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 Bidder, 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 bid opening.

C. Because the signed contract will be substantively and substantially derived from the Sample Contract, Bidder is urged to seek independent legal counsel as to any questions about the terms, conditions or http://www.dorchestercountysc.gov/purchasing provisions contained in the Sample Contract, before submitting a bid. Again, the Sample Contract, contains important legal provisions and is considered part and parcel of this IFB.

D. Bidders 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.

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 bidder to forfeit their bid security, and for the County to award the Contract to another Bidder.

3.9. Inspections and Testing

A. Unless otherwise specified, Geotechnical and Special Inspection testing and SWPPP inspections / monitoring shall be by the Owner’s third-party agent and are not part of the Contract Sum. Inspections and tests not explicitly assigned to Owner are Contractor’s responsibility. Costs for retesting and reinspection construction that replaces or is necessitate by work that failed to comply with the Contract

Documents will be charged to Contractor, and the Contract Sum will be adjusted by Change Order.

3.10. Modification

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

3.11. Notice to Proceed

A. A Notice to Proceed will be issued after the successful Bidder 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 Bidder shall not deliver any equipment to the work site or commence work until the successful Bidder has received a written Notice to Proceed from the Purchasing Services Manager.

3.12. Bidder's Qualifications

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

3.13. Subcontractors

A. If any subcontractors will be used for this project, the successful Bidder 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 Bidder shall not substitute other subcontractors without the written consent of the

Purchasing Services Manager.

C. The successful Bidder shall be responsible for all services performed by a subcontractor as though they had been performed by the successful Bidder. 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 Bidder accordingly, and the successful Bidder shall take immediate steps for cancellation of the subcontract and replacement.

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

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

3.14. Indemnification

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

3.15. Termination

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

3.16. State and Local Taxes

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

B. The successful Bidder 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 Contractor. If the successful Bidder is a non-South

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

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

Certificate Number.

C. The successful Bidder 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 Bidder’s failure to pay any tax of any type due in connection with this Contract.

D. The successful Bidder 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.

3.17. Drug-Free Workplace Act

A. By submitting an offer, Bidder certifies that, if awarded a contract, Bidder 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.

3.18. Insurance Requirements

The successful bidder 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 bidder, 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 bidder for the duration of the contract period; for occurrence policies.

3.18.1. 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

3.18.2. Automobile Liability

A. Coverage sufficient to cover all vehicles owned, used, or hired by the bidder, 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

3.18.3. Workers' Compensation

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

3.18.4. 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 bid total exceeds $1,000,000.

3.18.5. Professional Liability

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

3.18.6. 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 bidder 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 bidder 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 bidder 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.

3.19. 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 Contractor under the terms and prices in effect between the County and the Contractor. 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 Contractor.

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

Agencies in the performance thereof. The Public Agencies and the Contractor 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 Contractor.

C. The County may advertise the resulting contract to other public agencies for their use as described in 17.1 on third-party platforms.

3.20. 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.

3.21. Confidential Information

A. Bidders 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 a bid package by the County the submittal shall become the property of the County without compensation to the bidder, for disposition or usage by the County at its discretion. The details of the bid documents will remain confidential until final award, except for sections that are marked “confidential” as explained above and except as required by law.

3.22. Intellectual Property

A. Any information, data, instruments, documents, studies, reports or deliverables given to, exposed to, or prepared or assembled by the bidder 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 bidder.

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.

4. SECTION FOUR: SAMPLE CONTRACT

4.1. Sample Contract

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF DORCHESTER

THIS CONTRACT (hereinafter the “Contract”) entered into this day of (Month) 2026, 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

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

WITNESSETH

WHEREAS, the County wishes to contract for the project identified as [Project Name]; and

WHEREAS, the Contractor 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 Contractor;

WHEREAS, the Dorchester County Director of [Dept] has recommended that a contract for aforesaid construction be entered into with the Contractor; 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:

ARTICLE 1

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

This contract includes the plans and specifications for the Project, specifically identified as the following:

Exhibit A: Invitation for Bids (IFB) No. [Bid #], including specifications, drawings, other attachments, and all addenda

Exhibit B: Specifications and Drawings

Exhibit C: Contractor’s Insurance Certificate(s) and Endorsement(s)

Exhibit D: Contractor’s Bid and Bid Submittals dated

All of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Contract Documents”). Change orders issued hereafter, Construction Change

Directives, a Direction for a Minor Modification in the work issued by the County, and any other amendments executed by the County and the Contractor shall become and be a part of 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 document to include, but not limited to, the plans or specifications, the Contract shall govern.

B. In the event of any conflict, discrepancy, or inconsistency among any of the other Contract Documents, the Contractor shall notify the County immediately upon discovery of same, and the County will notify the Contractor of the resolution.

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.

ARTICLE 2

DEFINITIONS

A. Application for Payment: the Contractor’s certified request for payment for completed portions of the

Work and for materials or equipment suitably stored pending their incorporation into the Work;

interchangeable with Payment Request

B. Architect/Engineer: the Architect/Engineer for the Work is identified in the bid specifications; unless otherwise directed by the County in writing, the Architect/Engineer will perform those duties and discharge those responsibilities, if any, allocated to the Architect/Engineer in this Contract.

C. Change Order: a bilateral amendment to the Contract signed by the County, the Architect and the

Contractor authorizing a change in the Work or an adjustment in the Contract Price or the Contract Time or both

D. Construction Change Directives: a written order prepared by the County directing a change in the Work stating a proposed basis for adjustment, if any, in the Contract Price or Contract Time

E. Contract Price: the sum stated in the Contract, which is the total amount payable by the County to the

Contractor for performance of the Work under the Contract Documents

F. Contract Time: the period of time allotted in the contract Documents for Substantial Completion of the

Work, including authorized adjustments hereto

G. Direction for Minor Modification: supplemental instruction given in advance by the County to the

Contractor, which may or may not include a change in the Contract Price

H. Final Completion: denotes that the Work has been completed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Contract Documents

I. Final Payment: the last payment made by the County to the Contractor of the entire unpaid balance of the

Contract Price as adjusted by Change Orders and/or modifications

J. Payment Request: used interchangeably with Application for Payment

K. Project: the total construction and/or furniture, furnishings and equipment of which the Work performed under the Contract Documents may be the whole or a part; used interchangeably with Work in this

Contract

L. Project Site: geographic location of the Project, usually defined by legal boundary lines; used interchangeably with the Work Site

M. Schedule of Values: a statement furnished by the Contractor reflecting the portions of the Contract Price allocated to the various portions of the Work and used as the basis for reviewing the Contractor’s

Application for Payment

N. Substantial Completion: that point at which, as certified in writing by the Architect / Engineer and approved by the County, the Work, or a designated portion thereof, is sufficiently complete in accordance with the Contract Documents such that the County or its designee can enjoy beneficial use or occupancy and can legally occupy, use or operate it in all respects, for its intended purpose

O. Work: the construction and services required by the Contract Documents, whether completed or partially completed, and including all other labor, materials, equipment and services provided or to be provided by the Contractor to fulfill the Contractor’s obligations; may constitute a whole or a part of the Project; used interchangeably with Project in this Contract

P. Work Site: the geographic location of the Work; used interchangeably with the Project Site

ARTICLE 3

REPRESENTATIONS OF THE CONTRACTOR

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

A. The Contractor is fully qualified to act as the general contractor for the Project and has, and shall maintain, any and all licenses, permits or other authorizations necessary to act as the general contractor for, and to construct the Project; and

B. The Contractor has become familiar with the Project Site and the local conditions under which the Project is to be constructed and operated; and

C. The Contractor has received, reviewed and examined all of the Contract Documents, including, but not limited to all plans and specifications, and has found them to the best of its knowledge, to be complete, accurate, adequate, consistent, coordinated and sufficient for construction.

ARTICLE 4

INTENT AND INTERPRETATION

With respect to the intent and interpretation of this Contract, the County and the Contractor agree as follows:

A. This Contract (along with its exhibits), together with the Contractor's and surety's performance and payment bonds for the Project constitute the entire and exclusive Contract between the Parties with reference to the Project, and said Contract supersedes any and all prior discussions, communications, representations, understandings, negotiations, or contracts; and

B. Anything that may be required, implied or reasonably inferred by the documents which make up this

Contract, or any one or more of them, shall be provided by the Contractor for the Contract Price; and

C. Nothing contained in this Contract shall create, nor be interpreted to create, privity or any other relationship whatsoever between the County and any person except the Contractor; and

D. When a word, term, or phrase is used in this Contract, it shall be interpreted or construed first, as defined herein; second, if not defined, according to its generally accepted meaning in the construction industry;

and third, if there is no generally accepted meaning in the construction industry, according to its common and customary usage; and

E. Wherever this Contract calls for “strict” compliance or conformance with the Contract Documents as to matters other than compliance with time limits, providing an updated schedule, and claim and Change

Order procedures, the term shall mean within tolerances as described specifically in the Contract

Documents, or if not specifically described, within industry standards and tolerances for deviation for the specific item or procedure in question; and

F. The words "include", "includes", or "including", as used in this Contract, shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase, "without limitation"; and

G. The listing herein of any items as constituting a material breach of this Contract shall not imply that any other, non listed item will not constitute a material breach of this Contract; and

H. The Contractor shall have a continuing duty to read, examine, review, compare and contrast each of the documents which make up this Contract, shop drawings, and other submittals and shall give written notice to the County of any conflict, ambiguity, error or omission which the Contractor may find with respect to these documents, before proceeding with the affected Work. The express or implied approval by the ADC of any shop drawings or other submittals shall not relieve the Contractor of the continuing duties imposed hereby, nor shall any such approval be evidence of the Contractor's compliance with this

Contract. The County has prepared documents for the Project, including the plans and specifications for the Project, which are accurate, adequate, consistent, coordinated and sufficient for construction. The

Contractor shall not be liable to the County for damage resulting from errors, inconsistencies or omissions in the Contract…