QQ Environmental Workshop 2024.pdf

Administrative Services Division/Procurement Environmental Two-Day Workshop 2024

QQ

PROJECT NAME: Environmental Two-Day Workshop 2024

Small Business Set-Aside Award Priority

DELIVERY DATE: January 23, 2024-January 24, 2024

AGENCY Virginia Department of Transportation

1401 E. Broad Street

Richmond, Virginia 23219

LOCATION: Charlottesville, VA

I. PURPOSE:

The Virginia Department of Transportation (herein referred to as “VDOT”) is soliciting bids from qualified firms to provide a training workshop facilities package including facilities, approximately 20 rooms for two

(2) nights lodging and approximately 30 rooms for one (1) night lodging and conference space to hold 100 people with an additional three (3) break out conference rooms. Morning and Afternoon Break refreshments for 50 participants and meals for approximately 50 people one (1) day and 75 people a second

(2) day, including large screen, podium, microphones, projector, and speakers for the 2024 VDOT/DEQ

EPP Winter Workshop scheduled for January 23rd through 24th. Facility must be within the City of

Charlottesville, Virginia. Facility must list on bid response dates they are offering for this Workshop.

II. QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS QUOTE:

Any questions regarding this Quote shall be addressed to Mrs. Kimberly Palmer at

Kimberly.Palmer@VDOT.Virginia.gov. The issuing office shall determine whether any addendum should be issued as a result of any questions or other matters.

III. GENERAL:

For the purpose of clarification, each firm receiving this quick quote is referred to as a “Bidder” and the

Bidder awarded the contract to supply the services is referred to as a “Contractor”. Virginia Department of

Transportation is referred to as “Department” or as “VDOT”, and “Representative” refers to the VDOT

Contract Administrator who will be administering the contract. This Quick Quote states the instructions for submitting bids, the procedure and criteria by which a contract may be awarded, and the contractual terms which will exclusively govern the contract between VDOT and the Contractor.

IV. SPECIFICATIONS/CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS:

I. LODGING

1. 30 ROOMS FOR 1 NIGHT

2. 20 ROOMS FOR 2 NIGHTS

**FINAL LODGING AND MEAL COUNT WILL BE SENT APPROXIMATLEY 10 DAYS

PRIOR TO START OF WORKSHOP

DAY 1: January 23, 2024

• Main Conference Room to accommodate 50 people, set up with round tables for approximately

8 people per table. Room needed from 8:00 am – to 5:00 pm.

• Registration Table setup outside of the main conference room. Needed from 8:00am to 12:00pm

• Equipment Needs: Large screen, podium, microphone, speakers in Main Room.

• Lunch: 50 people - within state per-diem all inclusive (see below for suggested menu option) mailto:Debbie.Bayles@VDOT.Virginia.gov

DAY 2: January 24, 2024

• Main Conference Room to accommodate 75 people, set up with round tables for approximately

8 people per table. Room needed from 8:00 am – to 5:00

• Equipment Needs: Large screen, podium, microphone, speakers in Main Room. Screen and

Speakers in each Breakout Room.

• Breakfast for approximately 75 people (within state per diem all inclusive) (see below for suggested menu option)

• Lunch for approximately 75 people (within state per diem all inclusive) (see below for suggested menu option)

SUGGESTED MENU ITEMS:

DAY 1

• Coffee, Tea and Water (Set up at registration table)

• Lunch provided for approximately 50 people (within the State Per Diem all inclusive).

• Set-Up: Round tables shall accommodate 8-10 people per table

Morning & Afternoon Beverages/snacks: For approximately 50 people

• Cookies

• Coffee

• Iced Tea/Water

• Crackers & Cheeses

Hot Buffet lunch should include: For approximately 50 people

• 2 meat entrees

• 2 vegetables selections including a starch

• Assorted Cakes and Pies

• Warm rolls w/butter

• Iced Tea, Coffee and Water

DAY 2

Breakfast: For approximately 75 people

• Scrambled Eggs

• Bagels/cream cheese, butter

• Pastries/Croissants

• Assorted fruits

• Juices, coffee, tea, soft drinks and water.

Morning & Afternoon Beverages/snacks: For approximately 75 people

• Cookies

• Coffee

• Iced Tea/Water

• Crackers & Cheeses

Hot Buffet lunch should include: For approximately 75 people

• 2 meat entrees

• 2 vegetable selections including a starch

• Assorted dessert items

• Warm roll w/butter

• Iced Tea, Coffee and Water

*Prices shall include all serving ware and silverware, napkins, and condiments for tea and coffee for all catered items.

TENTATIVE AGENDA

DAY 1

8:00am Registration, Coffee, Tea and Water; Breakfast 50 people - within state per-diem rates; all inclusive 9:00am- 10:30am Welcome

Main room – 50 people – round tables for participants with panel table and podium at front of room; Panel group exercises

10:30am – 10:45am Break – beverage and snacks for 50 people

10:45am- 12:00pm Main room – 50 people – round tables for participants with panel table and podium at front of room; Panel group exercises

12:00pm – 1:00pm Lunch -50 people - within state per-diem rates; all inclusive

1:00pm – 2:45pm Main room – 50 people – round tables for participants with panel table and podium at front room: Panel group exercises

2:45pm – 3:00pm Break – beverage anD snacks for 50 people

3:00pm - 4:45pm Main room – 50 people – round tables for participants with panel table and podium at front of room: Panel group exercises

4:45pm – 5:00pm Wrap up & Day Overview - Main

Room – 50 people

DAY 2

8:00am Registration, Coffee, Tea and Water; Breakfast 75 people - within state per- diem rates; all inclusive 9:00am- 10:30am Welcome

Main room – 75 people – round tables for participants with panel table and podium at front of room – Panel group exercises

10:30am –10:45am Break – beverage and snacks for 75 people

10:45am – 12:00pm Main room – 75 people – round tables for participants with panel table and podium at front of room – Panel group exercises

12:00pm – 1:00pm Lunch -75 people - within state per-diem rates; all inclusive

1:00pm – 2:30pm Main room – 75 people – round tables for participants with panel table and podium at front of room – Panel group exercises

2:30pm – 2:45pm Break – beverage and snacks for 75 people

2:45pm - 4:00pm Main room – 50 people – round tables for participants with panel table and podium at front of room: Panel group exercises

4:00pm Adjourn

V. METHOD FOR PAYMENT:

Payment will be made (in accordance with the Virginia Prompt Payment Act) within 30 days after receipt of valid invoice and verification of satisfactory goods received and/or completion of work. Invoices shall be submitted to the address listed below for all items completed within the designated billing period.

Anticipated method of payment is by check.

VI. INVOICING:

Invoices shall be submitted at the end of the conference to kim.chaney@vdot.virginia.gov . Invoices shall be on company letterhead and include the remittance address, purchase order number, itemized quantities, unit price, extended costs and total amount due based on the contract pricing schedule. No payment will be made for work in progress on the prescribed

VII. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

A. VENDORS MANUAL: This solicitation is subject to the provisions of the Commonwealth of Virginia Vendors

Manual and any changes or revisions thereto, which are hereby incorporated into this contract in their entirety.

The process for filing a complaint about this solicitation is in section 7.13 of the Vendors Manual. (Note section

7.13 does not apply to protests of awards or formal contractual claims.) The procedure for filing contractual claims is in section 7.19 of the Vendors Manual. A copy of the manual is normally available for review at the purchasing office and is accessible on the Internet at @www.eva.virginia.gov under “I Sell To Virginia”.

B. APPLICABLE LAWS AND COURTS: This solicitation and any resulting contract shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without regard to its choice of law provisions, and any litigation with respect thereto shall be brought in the circuit courts of the Commonwealth. The agency and the contractor are encouraged to resolve any issues in controversy arising from the award of the contract or any contractual dispute using Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) procedures (Code of Virginia, § 2.2-4366).

ADR procedures are described in Chapter 9 of the Vendors Manual. The contractor shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.

C. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION: By submitting their (bids/proposals), (bidders/offerors) certify to the

Commonwealth that they will conform to the provisions of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, as well as the Virginia Fair Employment Contracting Act of 1975, as amended, where applicable, the Virginians

With Disabilities Act, the Americans With Disabilities Act and § 2.2-4311 of the Virginia Public Procurement

Act (VPPA). If the award is made to a faith-based organization, the organization shall not discriminate against any recipient of goods, services, or disbursements made pursuant to the contract on the basis of the recipient's religion, religious belief, refusal to participate in a religious practice, or on the basis of race, age, color, gender sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin and shall be subject to the same rules as other organizations that contract with public bodies to account for the use of the funds provided; however, if the faith-based organization segregates public funds into separate accounts, only the accounts and programs funded with public funds shall be subject to audit by the public body. (Code of Virginia, § 2.2-4343.1E).

In every contract over $10,000 the provisions in 1. and 2. below apply:

1. During the performance of this contract, the contractor agrees as follows:

a. The contractor will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by state law relating to discrimination in employment, except where there is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the contractor.

The contractor agrees to post in conspicuous places, available to employees and applicants for employment, notices setting forth the provisions of this nondiscrimination clause.

b. The contractor, in all solicitations or advertisements for employees placed by or on behalf of the contractor, will state that such contractor is an equal opportunity employer.

c. Notices, advertisements and solicitations placed in accordance with federal law, rule or regulation shall be deemed sufficient for the purpose of meeting the requirements of this section.

d. If the contractor employs more than five employees, the contractor shall (i) provide annual training on the contractor's sexual harassment policy to all supervisors and employees providing services in the Commonwealth, except such supervisors or employees that are required to complete sexual mailto:kim.chaney@vdot.virginia.gov http://www.eva.virginia.gov/ harassment training provided by the Department of Human Resource Management, and (ii) post the contractor's sexual harassment policy in (a) a conspicuous public place in each building located in the

Commonwealth that the contractor owns or leases for business purposes and (b) the contractor's employee handbook.

e. The requirements of these provisions 1. and 2. are a material part of the contract. If the Contractor violates one of these provisions, the Commonwealth may terminate the affected part of this contract for breach, or at its option, the whole contract. Violation of one of these provisions may also result in debarment from State contracting regardless of whether the specific contract is terminated.

f. In accordance with Executive Order 61 (2017), a prohibition on discrimination by the contractor, in its employment practices, subcontracting practices, and delivery of goods or services, on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, political affiliation, disability, or veteran status, is hereby incorporated in this contract.

2. The contractor will include the provisions of 1. above in every subcontract or purchase order over $10,000, so that the provisions will be binding upon each subcontractor or vendor.

D. ETHICS IN PUBLIC CONTRACTING: By submitting their bids, bidders certify that their bids are made without collusion or fraud and that they have not offered or received any kickbacks or inducements from any other bidder, supplier, manufacturer or subcontractor in connection with their bid, and that they have not conferred on any public employee having official responsibility for this procurement transaction any payment, loan, subscription, advance, deposit of money, services or anything of more than nominal value, present or promised, unless consideration of substantially equal or greater value was exchanged.

E. IMMIGRATION REFORM AND CONTROL ACT OF 1986: Applicable for all contracts over $10,000:

By entering into a written contract with the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Contractor certifies that the

Contractor does not, and shall not during the performance of the contract for goods and services in the

Commonwealth, knowingly employ an unauthorized alien as defined in the federal Immigration Reform and

Control Act of 1986.

F. DEBARMENT STATUS: By participating in this procurement, the vendor certifies that they are not currently debarred by the Commonwealth of Virginia from submitting a response for the type of goods and/or services covered by this solicitation. Vendor further certifies that they are not debarred from filling any order or accepting any resulting order, or that they are an agent of any person or entity that is currently debarred by the

Commonwealth of Virginia.

If a vendor is created or used for the purpose of circumventing a debarment decision against another vendor, the non-debarred vendor will be debarred for the same time period as the debarred vendor.

G. ANTITRUST: By entering into a contract, the contractor conveys, sells, assigns, and transfers to the

Commonwealth of Virginia all rights, title and interest in and to all causes of action it may now have or hereafter acquire under the antitrust laws of the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia, relating to the particular goods or services purchased or acquired by the Commonwealth of Virginia under said contract.

H. MANDATORY USE OF STATE FORM AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR IFBs: Failure to submit a bid on the official state form provided for that purpose shall be a cause for rejection of the bid. Modification of or additions to any portion of the Invitation for Bids may be cause for rejection of the bid; however, the

Commonwealth reserves the right to decide, on a case by case basis, in its sole discretion, whether to reject such a bid as nonresponsive. As a precondition to its acceptance, the Commonwealth may, in its sole discretion, request that the bidder withdraw or modify nonresponsive portions of a bid which do not affect quality, quantity, price, or delivery. No modification of or addition to the provisions of the contract shall be effective unless reduced to writing and signed by the parties.

I. CLARIFICATION OF TERMS: If any prospective bidder has questions about the specifications or other solicitation documents, the prospective bidder should contact the buyer whose name appears on the face of the solicitation no later than five working days before the due date. Any revisions to the solicitation will be made only by addendum issued by the buyer.

J. PAYMENT:

1. To Prime Contractor:

a. Invoices for items ordered, delivered and accepted shall be submitted by the contractor directly to the payment address shown on the purchase order/contract. All invoices shall show the state contract number and/or purchase order number; social security number (for individual contractors) or the federal employer identification number (for proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations).

b. Any payment terms requiring payment in less than 30 days will be regarded as requiring payment 30 days after invoice or delivery, whichever occurs last. This shall not affect offers of discounts for payment in less than 30 days, however.

c. All goods or services provided under this contract or purchase order, that are to be paid for with public funds, shall be billed by the contractor at the contract price, regardless of which public agency is being billed.

d. The following shall be deemed to be the date of payment: the date of postmark in all cases where payment is made by mail, or when offset proceedings have been instituted as authorized under the

Virginia Debt Collection Act.

a. Unreasonable Charges. Under certain emergency procurements and for most time and material purchases, final job costs cannot be accurately determined at the time orders are placed. In such cases, contractors should be put on notice that final payment in full is contingent on a determination of reasonableness with respect to all invoiced charges. Charges which appear to be unreasonable will be resolved in accordance with Code of Virginia, § 2.2-4363 and -4364.

Upon determining that invoiced charges are not reasonable, the Commonwealth shall notify the contractor of defects or improprieties in invoices within fifteen (15) days as required in Code of Virginia, § 2.2-4351.,. The provisions of this section do not relieve an agency of its prompt payment obligations with respect to those charges which are not in dispute (Code of Virginia, § 2.2-4363).

2. To Subcontractors:

a. Within seven (7) days of the contractor’s receipt of payment from the Commonwealth, a contractor awarded a contract under this solicitation is hereby obligated:

(1) To pay the subcontractor(s) for the proportionate share of the payment received for work performed by the subcontractor(s) under the contract; or

(2) To notify the agency and the subcontractor(s), in writing, of the contractor’s intention to withhold payment and the reason.

b. The contractor is obligated to pay the subcontractor(s) interest at the rate of one percent per month

(unless otherwise provided under the terms of the contract) on all amounts owed by the contractor that remain unpaid seven (7) days following receipt of payment from the Commonwealth, except for amounts withheld as stated in (2) above. The date of mailing of any payment by U. S. Mail is deemed to be payment to the addressee. These provisions apply to each sub-tier contractor performing under the primary contract. A contractor’s obligation to pay an interest charge to a subcontractor may not be construed to be an obligation of the Commonwealth.

3. Each prime contractor who wins an award in which provision of a SWaM procurement plan is a condition to the award, shall deliver to the contracting agency or institution, on or before request for final payment, evidence and certification of compliance (subject only to insubstantial shortfalls and to shortfalls arising from subcontractor default) with the SWaM procurement plan. Final payment under the contract in question may be withheld until such certification is delivered and, if necessary, confirmed by the agency or institution, or other appropriate penalties may be assessed in lieu of withholding such payment.

4. The Commonwealth of Virginia encourages contractors and subcontractors to accept electronic and credit card payments.

K. PRECEDENCE OF TERMS: The following General Terms and Conditions VENDORS MANUAL, APPLICABLE LAWS AND COURTS, ANTI-DISCRIMINATION, ETHICS IN PUBLIC CONTRACTING, IMMIGRATION REFORM AND CONTROL ACT OF 1986, DEBARMENT STATUS, ANTITRUST, MANDATORY USE OF STATE FORM AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS, CLARIFICATION OF TERMS, PAYMENT shall apply in all instances. In the event there is a conflict between any of the other General Terms and Conditions and any Special Terms and Conditions in this solicitation, the Special Terms and Conditions shall apply.

L. QUALIFICATIONS OF BIDDERS: The Commonwealth may make such reasonable investigations as deemed proper and necessary to determine the ability of the bidder to perform the services/furnish the goods and the bidder shall furnish to the Commonwealth all such information and data for this purpose as may be requested.

The Commonwealth reserves the right to inspect bidder’s physical facilities prior to award to satisfy questions regarding the bidder’s capabilities. The Commonwealth further reserves the right to reject any bid if the evidence submitted by, or investigations of, such bidder fails to satisfy the Commonwealth that such bidder is properly qualified to carry out the obligations of the contract and to provide the services and/or furnish the goods contemplated therein.

M. TESTING AND INSPECTION: The Commonwealth reserves the right to conduct any test/inspection it may deem advisable to assure goods and services conform to the specifications.

N. ASSIGNMENT OF CONTRACT: A contract shall not be assignable by the contractor in whole or in part without the written consent of the Commonwealth.

O. CHANGES TO THE CONTRACT: Changes can be made to the contract in any of the following ways:

1. The parties may agree in writing to modify the terms, conditions, or scope of the contract. Any additional goods or services to be provided shall be of a sort that is ancillary to the contract goods or services, or within the same broad product or service categories as were included in the contract award. Any increase or decrease in the price of the contract resulting from such modification shall be agreed to by the parties as a part of their written agreement to modify the scope of the contract.

2. The Purchasing Agency may order changes within the general scope of the contract at any time by written notice to the contractor. Changes within the scope of the contract include, but are not limited to, things such as services to be performed, the method of packing or shipment, and the place of delivery or installation. The contractor shall comply with the notice upon receipt, unless the contractor intends to claim an adjustment to compensation, schedule, or other contractual impact that would be caused by complying with such notice, in which case the contractor shall, in writing, promptly notify the Purchasing Agency of the adjustment to be sought, and before proceeding to comply with the notice, shall await the Purchasing

Agency's written decision affirming, modifying, or revoking the prior written notice. If the Purchasing

Agency decides to issue a notice that requires an adjustment to compensation, the contractor shall be compensated for any additional costs incurred as the result of such order and shall give the Purchasing

Agency a credit for any savings. Said compensation shall be determined by one of the following methods:

a. By mutual agreement between the parties in writing; or

b. By agreeing upon a unit price or using a unit price set forth in the contract, if the work to be done can be expressed in units, and the contractor accounts for the number of units of work performed, subject to the Purchasing Agency’s right to audit the contractor’s records and/or to determine the correct number of units independently; or

c. By ordering the contractor to proceed with the work and keep a record of all costs incurred and savings realized. A markup for overhead and profit may be allowed if provided by the contract. The same markup shall be used for determining a decrease in price as the result of savings realized. The contractor shall present the Purchasing Agency with all vouchers and records of expenses incurred and savings realized. The Purchasing Agency shall have the right to audit the records of the contractor as it deems necessary to determine costs or savings. Any claim for an adjustment in price under this provision must be asserted by written notice to the Purchasing Agency within thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of the written order from the Purchasing Agency. If the parties fail to agree on an amount of adjustment, the question of an increase or decrease in the contract price or time for performance shall be resolved in accordance with the procedures for resolving disputes provided by the Disputes Clause of this contract or, if there is none, in accordance with the disputes provisions of the Commonwealth of Virginia Vendors Manual. Neither the existence of a claim nor a dispute resolution process, litigation or any other provision of this contract shall excuse the contractor from promptly complying with the changes ordered by the Purchasing Agency or with the performance of the contract generally.

P. DEFAULT: In case of failure to deliver goods or services in accordance with the contract terms and conditions, the Commonwealth, after due oral or written notice, may terminate this contract and procure all goods and/or services contracted for, from other sources and hold the contractor responsible for any resulting additional purchase and administrative costs. This remedy shall be in addition to any other remedies which the

Commonwealth may have.

Q. TAXES: Sales to the Commonwealth of Virginia are normally exempt from State sales tax. State sales and use tax certificates of exemption, Form ST-12, will be issued upon request. Deliveries against this contract shall usually be free of Federal excise and transportation taxes. The Commonwealth’s excise tax exemption registration number is 54-73-0076K.

If sales or deliveries against the contract are not exempt, the contractor shall be responsible for the payment of such taxes unless the tax law specifically imposes the tax upon the buying entity and prohibits the contractor from offering a tax-included price.

R. USE OF BRAND NAMES: Unless otherwise provided in this solicitation, the name of a certain brand, make or manufacturer does not restrict bidders to the specific brand, make or manufacturer named, but conveys the general style, type, character, and quality of the article desired. Any article which the public body, in its sole discretion, determines to be the equivalent of that specified, considering quality, workmanship, economy of operation, and suitability for the purpose intended, shall be accepted. The bidder is responsible to clearly and specifically identify the product being offered and to provide sufficient descriptive literature, catalog cuts and technical detail to enable the Commonwealth to determine if the product offered meets the requirements of the solicitation. This is required even if offering the exact brand, make or manufacturer specified. Normally in competitive sealed bidding only the information furnished with the bid will be considered in the evaluation.

Failure to furnish adequate data for evaluation purposes may result in declaring a bid nonresponsive. Unless the bidder clearly indicates in its bid that the product offered is an equivalent product, such bid will be considered to offer the brand name product referenced in the solicitation.

S. TRANSPORTATION AND PACKAGING: By submitting their bids, all bidders certify and warrant that the price offered for FOB destination includes only the actual freight rate costs at the lowest and best rate and is based upon the actual weight of the goods to be shipped. Except as otherwise specified herein, standard commercial packaging, packing and shipping containers shall be used. All shipping containers shall be legibly marked or labeled on the outside with purchase order number, commodity description, and quantity.

T. INSURANCE- By signing and submitting a bid under this solicitation, the bidder certifies that if awarded the contract, it will have the following insurance coverage at the time the contract is awarded. For construction contracts, if any subcontractors are involved, the subcontractor will have workers’ compensation insurance in accordance with §§ 2.2-4332 and 65.2-800 et seq. of the Code of Virginia. The bidder further certifies that the contractor and any subcontractors will maintain these insurance coverage during the entire term of the contract and that all coverage will be provided by companies authorized to sell insurance in Virginia by the Virginia State

Corporation Commission.

MINIMUM INSURANCE COVERAGES AND LIMITS:

1. Workers’ Compensation - Statutory requirements and benefits. Coverage is compulsory for employers of three or more employees, to include the employer. Contractors who fail to notify the Commonwealth of increases in the number of employees that change their workers’ compensation requirements under the

Code of Virginia during the course of the contract shall be in noncompliance with the contract.

2. Employer’s Liability - $100,000.

3. Commercial General Liability - $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate. Commercial

General Liability is to include bodily injury and property damage, personal injury and advertising injury, products and completed operations coverage. The Commonwealth of Virginia shall be added as an additional insured to the policy by an endorsement.

4. Automobile Liability - $1,000,000 combined single limit. (Required only if a motor vehicle not owned by the Commonwealth is to be used in the contract. Contractor must assure that the required coverage is maintained by the Contractor (or third party owner of such motor vehicle.)

U. ANNOUNCEMENT OF AWARD: Upon the award or the announcement of the decision to award a contract as a result of this solicitation, the purchasing agency will publicly post such notice on the DGS/DPS eVA VBO

(www.eva.virginia.gov) for a minimum of 10 days.

V. DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE: During the performance of this contract, the contractor agrees to (i) provide a drug-free workplace for the contractor's employees; (ii) post in conspicuous places, available to employees and applicants for employment, a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance or marijuana is prohibited in the contractor's workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violations of such prohibition; (iii) state in all solicitations or advertisements for employees placed by or on behalf of the contractor that the contractor maintains a drug-free workplace; and (iv) include the provisions of the foregoing clauses in every subcontract or purchase order of over $10,000, so that the provisions will be binding upon each subcontractor or vendor.

For the purposes of this section, “drug-free workplace” means a site for the performance of work done in connection with a specific contract awarded to a contractor, the employees of whom are prohibited from engaging in the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of any controlled substance or marijuana during the performance of the contract.

W. NONDISCRIMINATION OF CONTRACTORS: A bidder, offeror, or contractor shall not be discriminated against in the solicitation or award of this contract because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, faith-based organizational status, any other basis prohibited by state law relating to discrimination in employment or because the bidder or offeror employs ex-offenders unless the state agency, department or institution has made a written determination that employing ex-offenders on the specific contract is not in its best interest. If the award of this contract is made to a faith-based organization and an individual, who applies for or receives goods, services, or disbursements provided pursuant to this contract objects to the religious character of the faith-based organization from which the individual receives or would receive the goods, services, or disbursements, the public body shall offer the individual, within a reasonable period of time after the date of his objection, access to equivalent goods, services, or disbursements from an alternative provider.

X. eVA BUSINESS-TO-GOVERNMENT VENDOR REGISTRATION, CONTRACTS, AND ORDERS:

The eVA Internet electronic procurement solution, web site portal www.eVA.virginia.gov, streamlines and automate government purchasing activities in the Commonwealth. The eVA portal is the gateway for vendors to conduct business with state agencies and public bodies. All vendors desiring to provide goods and/or services to the Commonwealth shall participate in the eVA Internet e-procurement solution by completing the free eVA http://www.eva.state.va.us/ http://www.eva.virginia.gov/

Vendor Registration. All bidders must register in eVA and pay the Vendor Transaction Fees specified below;

failure to register will result in the bid being rejected.

Vendor transaction fees are determined by the date the original purchase order is issued and the current fees are as follows:

a. For orders issued July 1, 2014, and after, the Vendor Transaction Fee is:

i. DSBSD-certified Small Businesses: 1%, capped at $500 per order.

ii. Businesses that are not DSBSD-certified Small Businesses: 1%, capped at $1,500 per order.

b. Refer to Special Term and Condition “eVA Orders and Contracts” to identify the number of purchase orders that will be issued as a result of this solicitation/contract with the eVA transaction fee specified above assessed for each order.

For orders issued prior to July 1, 2014, the vendor transaction fees can be found at www.eVA.virginia.gov.

The specified vendor transaction fee will be invoiced, by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of General

Services, typically within 60 days of the order issue date. Any adjustments (increases/decreases) will be handled through purchase order changes.

Y. AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS: It is understood and agreed between the parties herein that the agency shall be bound hereunder only to the extent that the legislature has appropriated funds that are legally available or may hereafter become legally available for the purpose of this agreement.

Z. SET-ASIDES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SMALL BUSINESS ENHANCEMENT AWARD

PRIORITY: This solicitation is set-aside for award priority to DSBSD-certified micro businesses or small businesses when designated as “Micro Business Set-Aside Award Priority” or “Small Business Set-Aside Award

Priority” accordingly in the solicitation. DSBSD-certified micro businesses or small businesses also includes

DSBSD-certified women-owned and minority-owned businesses when they have received the DSBSD small business certification. For purposes of award, bidders shall be deemed micro businesses or small businesses if and only if they are certified as such by DSBSD on the due date for receipt of bids.

AA. BID PRICE CURRENCY: Unless stated otherwise in the solicitation, bidders shall state bid/offer prices in US dollars.

BB. AUTHORIZATION TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN THE COMMONWEALTH: A contractor organized as a stock or nonstock corporation, limited liability company, business trust, or limited partnership or registered as a registered limited liability partnership shall be authorized to transact business in the Commonwealth as a domestic or foreign business entity if so required by Title 13.1 or Title 50 of the Code of Virginia or as otherwise required by law. Any business entity described above that enters into a contract with a public body pursuant to the Virginia Public Procurement Act shall not allow its existence to lapse or its certificate of authority or registration to transact business in the Commonwealth, if so required under Title 13.1 or Title 50, to be revoked or cancelled at any time during the term of the contract. A public body may void any contract with a business entity if the business entity fails to remain in compliance with the provisions of this section.

CC. CIVILITY IN STATE WORKPLACES: The contractor shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that no individual, while performing work on behalf of the contractor or any subcontractor in connection with this agreement (each, a “Contract Worker”), shall engage in 1) harassment (including sexual harassment), bullying, cyber-bullying, or threatening or violent conduct, or 2) discriminatory behavior on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religious belief, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, political affiliation, veteran status, or disability.

The contractor shall provide each Contract Worker with a copy of this Section and will require Contract

Workers to participate in agency training on civility in the State workplace if contractor’s (and any file:///C:/Users/gmf87213/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/3CSQTVCA/www.eVA.virginia.gov subcontractor’s) regular mandatory training programs do not already encompass equivalent or greater expectations. Upon request, the contractor shall provide documentation that each Contract Worker has received such training.

For purposes of this Section, “State workplace” includes any location, permanent or temporary, where a

Commonwealth employee performs any work-related duty or is representing his or her agency, as well as surrounding perimeters, parking lots, outside meeting locations, and means of travel to and from these locations.

Communications are deemed to occur in a State workplace if the Contract Worker reasonably should know that the phone number, email, or other method of communication is associated with a State workplace or is associated with a person who is a State employee.

The Commonwealth of Virginia may require, at its sole discretion, the removal and replacement of any Contract

Worker who the Commonwealth reasonably believes to have violated this Section.

This Section creates obligations solely on the part of the contractor. Employees or other third parties may benefit incidentally from this Section and from training materials or other communications distributed on this topic , but the Parties to this agreement intend this Section to be enforceable solely by the Commonwealth and not by employees or other third parties.

VII. SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. ADVERTISING: In the event a contract is awarded for supplies, equipment, or services resulting from this invitation for bid/request for proposal, no indication of such sales or services to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) shall be used in the contractor's product literature, press releases or advertising nor shall the contractor state in any of its advertising, press release or product literature that the Commonwealth of

Virginia or VDOT has purchased or uses its products or services. The contractor also shall not include VDOT in any client list in advertising and promotional materials.

2. AWARD: The Commonwealth will make the award(s) on Grand Total basis to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder that is a DSBSD-certified micro business if such a bid is received, provided that the bid is less than $10,000 and the agency in its sole discretion determines that the bid price is fair and reasonable.

Otherwise, award of the contract shall be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder that is a DSBSD-certified small business if such a bid is received, provided that the bid is not more than $100,000 and the agency in its sole discretion determines that the bid price is fair and reasonable. If, in the agency’s opinion, the criteria in the previous two sentences are not present, then award shall be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder of any size, provided the agency in its sole discretion determines that the price is fair and reasonable. If applicable, unit prices, extensions and grand total must be shown. In case of arithmetic errors, the unit price will govern. If cash discount for prompt payment is offered, it must be clearly shown in the space provided.

Discounts for early prompt payment will not be considered in making awards. The State reserves the right to reject any and all bids in whole or in part, to waive any informality, and to delete items prior to making an award.

3. BID ACCEPTANCE PERIOD: Any bid in response to this solicitation shall be valid for (30) days. At the end of the (30) days the bid may be withdrawn at the written request of the bidder. If the bid is not withdrawn at that time it remains in effect until an award is made or the solicitation is canceled.

4. BID PRICES: Bid shall be in the form of a firm unit price for each item during the contract period.

5. CANCELLATION OF CONTRACT: The purchasing agency reserves the right to cancel and terminate any resulting contract, in part or in whole, without penalty, upon 60 days written notice to the contractor. In the event the initial contract period is for more than 12 months, the resulting contract may be terminated by either party, without penalty, after the initial 12 months of the contract period upon 60 days written notice to the other party. Any contract cancellation notice shall not relieve the contractor of the obligation to deliver and/or perform on all outstanding orders issued prior to the effective date of cancellation.

6. CLAIMS: The Contractor shall be responsible for the resolution of any and all damage claims presented to

VDOT as a result of operations provided herein. Within 30 days of VDOT’s notification to the Contractor of a claim, Contractor shall respond in writing to the claimant and copy VDOT. Failure to properly respond to and resolve claims in a timely manner constitutes unsatisfactory performance and may result in cancellation of the contract and/or removal from the bidders list.

7. DELAYS IN AWARD: Delays in award of a contract beyond the anticipated starting date may result in a change in the contract period indicated in the solicitation. If this situation occurs, VDOT reserves the right to award a contract covering the period equal to or less than the initial term indicated in the solicitation.

8. EMERGENCY EVENT PRICING:

A. Subsection (b) below shall take effect if 1) the Commonwealth or the federal government declares a state of emergency affecting the area where the venue is located within 5 days of the event, or 2) if state or local government offices are closed on an emergency basis in the area in which the venue is located within 5 days of the event:

B. If an event described in subsection (a) occurs, the Commonwealth may cancel any number of hotel reservations, conference reservations, and any amount of food and beverage services for the event or all reservations and all food and beverage services. In that event, the Commonwealth shall pay

Contractor 25% of the contract price of those reservations and services as listed below;

i. 25% of the catering revenue based on the difference between the attendees anticipated and the number of attendees fully paid for

ii. 25% of the difference in revenues between the lodgers anticipated and the number of lodgers fully paid for

iii. 25% of the venue rental fees

C. These limits include any applicable taxes and service charges. No other cancelation policy or liability shall be effective if the Commonwealth exercises this option.

9. ESTIMATED QUANTITIES: Estimated quantities provided within are reflective of past usage and proposed usage only. The contractor shall supply at bid prices actual quantities as ordered, regardless of whether such total quantities are more or less than those shown. Factors that may contribute to the actual quantities, frequencies of service and/or level of include, but are not limited to, Executive Orders, Department directives affecting changes in funding allocated for the services described in this solicitation. The quantities are estimates only and VDOT does not guarantee that the contractor will perform the estimated quantities. At VDOT’s sole discretion, any or all of the quantities may be added or eliminated and by signing this bid, the bidder agrees that no claims for contractor costs or damages will be allowed for an increase, decrease or elimination of the estimated quantities.

10. eVA ORDERS AND CONTRACTS: The solicitation/contract will result in (1) purchase order(s) with the applicable eVA transaction fee assessed for each order.

11. PROPRIETARY INFORMATION: All information submitted to VDOT is subject to disclosure under the

Freedom of Information Act (2.2-3700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) unless a specific exclusion applies. To claim an exclusion under the Virginia Public Procurement Act (2.2-4300 et seq. of the Code of Virginia), for data or materials submitted as part of a procurement transaction or prequalification application that you believe are trade secrets or proprietary information, you must file:

1) a written request, either before or at the time the data or materials are submitted, that:

● Invokes the protection of 2.2-4342 of the Code of Virginia

● Identifies the specific data or other materials you seek to exclude and protect by using some distinct method such as highlighting or underlining. (Only identify the specific words, figures, or paragraphs that are claimed to be trade secrets or proprietary information; the identification of an entire document, line item, or total price is not acceptable and may result in rejection of the claim for protection); and

● States the reasons why protection is necessary, and a

2) redacted copy of your submittal that deletes or blocks all data or material which is identified as a trade secret or proprietary information in the written request.

12. RECORDS EXCLUSION FROM PUBLIC DISCLOSURE: Pursuant to the provisions of §2.2-3705.6 (22) of the Code of Virginia, trade secrets, as defined in the Uniform Trade Secrets Act (§ 59.1-336 et seq.), including, but not limited to, financial records, including balance sheets and financial statements, that are not generally available to the public through regulatory disclosure or otherwise, and revenue and cost projections supplied by a private or nongovernmental entity to the Virginia Department of Transportation Assurance and

Compliance Office for the purpose of an audit, special investigation, or any study requested by the Assurance and Compliance Office in accordance with law may, subject to a determination by the Assurance and

Compliance Office as described herein, be withheld from public disclosure under the Virginia Freedom of

Information Act (FOIA). To enable the Assurance and Compliance Office to identify data or records that may be subject to this exclusion from disclosure under FOIA the private or nongovernmental entity shall, in accord with procedures adopted by the Assurance and Compliance Office, make a written request to the Assurance and Compliance Office of the Virginia Department of Transportation invoking such exclusion upon submission of the data or other materials for which protection is sought; identifying with specificity the data or other materials for which protection is sought; and stating the reasons why protection is necessary.

The Assurance and Compliance Office of the Virginia Department of Transportation shall determine whether the requested exclusion from disclosure is necessary to protect the trade secrets or financial records of the private entity. The Virginia Department of Transportation shall make a written determination of the nature and scope of the protection to be afforded by it. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Contractor’s failure to comply with the requirements stated herein and procedures established by the Inspector General for seeking an exclusion pursuant to §2.2-3705.6 (22) of the Code of Virginia shall result in a denial of the exclusion. Requests for exclusion that are submitted after data or other materials for which protection is sought have been submitted will be denied.

If litigation directly or indirectly results from or arises out of a granted exemption, the contractor will be responsible for all litigation costs incurred by contractor and/or VDOT associated with such litigation. In no event shall the Virginia Department of Transportation or its officers, employees or agents be liable to the contractor as a result of any disclosure of records or data collected by the Department, its officers, employees or agents, pursuant to an audit, special investigation, or any study requested by the Assurance and Compliance

Office, whether or not the Assurance and Compliance Office has determined that the requested exclusion from disclosure under FOIA is necessary to protect the trade secrets or financial records of the private entity, and in no event shall the Virginia Department of Transportation, or its officers, employees, or agents be liable to the contractor for any damages or other claims arising directly or indirectly from a determination that the exclusion from public disclosure will not be granted.

13. REFERENCES: Bidders should provide a list of at least 3 references where similar goods and/or services have been provided. Each reference shall include the name of the organization, the complete mailing address, the name of the contact person and telephone/fax number.

FIRM’S NAME CONTACT PERSON EMAIL ADDRESS TELEPHONE / FAX

14. TERMINATION OF CONTRACT: If the Contractor fails to provide quality goods or services in a professional manner and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations or bid provisions, solely as determined by VDOT and, upon receipt of notice from VDOT does not correct the deficiency within a reasonable period of time (not to exceed seven (7) calendar days unless otherwise agreed to by VDOT), VDOT reserves the right to terminate the contract by giving written notice to the Contractor. Upon termination VDOT may procure the services from another contractor in accordance with the Default term within the General Terms and Conditions.

15. TERM OF CONTRACT: From date of award until end of workshop.

16. UNBALANCED BIDS: If the unit prices in the bid are mathematically and materially unbalanced, the bid may be rejected as non-responsive. A mathematically unbalanced bid is one where some unit prices are nominal prices and others are enhanced prices, or where the individual unit prices are unusually high or low in relationship to VDOT’s estimate and do not evenly carry a proportionate…