Solicitation #5400030024.docx

SAP

State of South Carolina

Invitation For Bid

Solicitation:

Date Issued:

Procurement Officer:

Phone:

E-Mail Address:

Mailing Address:

5400030024 9/02/2026

TARA SIMMONS

8037375092 tssimmons@mmo.sc.gov SFAA, Div. of Procurement Services 1333 Main Street, Suite 700 Columbia SC 29201

DESCRIPTION: SC DOE - Textbook Freight Services

USING GOVERNMENTAL UNIT: SC Department of Education Admin

SUBMIT YOUR OFFER ON-LINE AT THE FOLLOWING URL: http://www.procurement.sc.gov

SUBMIT OFFER BY (Opening Date/Time): 10/16/2026 11:00:00 (See "Deadline for Submission Of Offer" provision)

QUESTIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY: 09/17/2026 (See "Questions From Offerors" provision)

NUMBER OF COPIES TO BE SUBMITTED: One (1) Online Submission in SCEIS

CONFERENCE TYPE: Not Applicable

DATE & TIME:

(As appropriate, see "Conferences - Pre-Bid/Proposal" & "Site Visit" provisions) LOCATION: Not Applicable

You must submit a signed copy of this form with Your Offer. By signing, You agree to be bound by the terms of the Solicitation. You agree to hold Your Offer open for a minimum of thirty (30) calendar days after the Opening Date. (See "Signing Your Offer" provision.)

NAME OF OFFEROR

(full legal name of business submitting the offer) Any award issued will be issued to, and the contract will be formed with, the entity identified as the Offeror. The entity named as the offeror must be a single and distinct legal entity. Do not use the name of a branch office or a division of a larger entity if the branch or division is not a separate legal entity, i.e., a separate corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, etc.

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

(Person must be authorized to submit binding offer to contract on behalf of Offeror.)

DATE SIGNED

TITLE

(business title of person signing above)

STATE VENDOR NO.

(Register to Obtain S.C. Vendor No. at www.procurement.sc.gov)

PRINTED NAME

(printed name of person signing above)

STATE OF INCORPORATION

(If you are a corporation, identify the state of incorporation.)

OFFEROR'S TYPE OF ENTITY: (Check one) (See "Signing Your Offer" provision.)

___ Sole Proprietorship ___ Partnership ___ Other____________________________

___ Corporate entity (not tax-exempt) ___ Corporation (tax-exempt) __ Government entity (federal, state, or local)

COVER PAGE - ON-LINE ONLY (MAR. 2015)

SAPAGE TWO

(Return Page Two with Your Offer) HOME OFFICE ADDRESS (Address for offeror's home office / principal place of business)

NOTICE ADDRESS (Address to which all procurement and contract related notices should be sent.) (See "Notice" clause)

Area Code - Number - Extension Facsimile

E-mail Address

PAYMENT ADDRESS (Address to which payments will be sent.) (See "Payment" clause)

____Payment Address same as Home Office Address ____Payment Address same as Notice Address (check only one) ORDER ADDRESS (Address to which purchase orders will be sent) (See "Purchase Orders and "Contract Documents" clauses)

____Order Address same as Home Office Address ____Order Address same as Notice Address (check only one)

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS

Offerors acknowledges receipt of amendments by indicating amendment number and its date of issue. (See "Amendments to Solicitation" Provision)

DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

(See "Discount for Prompt Payment" clause)

PAGE TWO (SEP 2009)

End of PAGE TWO

Table of Contents

SECTION_I. SCOPE OF SOLICITATION 4

SECTION_IIA. INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS - A. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS 5

SECTION_IIB. INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS - B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS 12

SECTION_III. SCOPE OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS 13

SECTION_IV. INFORMATION FOR OFFERORS TO SUBMIT 15

SECTION_V. QUALIFICATIONS 16

SECTION_VI. AWARD CRITERIA 17

SECTION_VIIA. TERMS AND CONDITIONS- A. GENERAL 18

SECTION_VIIB. TERMS AND CONDITIONS- B. SPECIAL 22

SECTION_VIII. BIDDING SCHEDULE 28

SECTION_IX. ATTACHMENTS TO SOLICITATION 30

I. SCOPE OF SOLICITATION

ACQUIRE SERVICES (JAN 2006)

The South Carolina Department of Education, Instructional Materials Office is responsible for the delivery of textbooks and other instructional materials to approximately 1,200 schools located throughout the state. The textbooks and other instructional materials are shipped from the publishers to a Central Depository and surplus materials are returned from the schools to the Depository. The R. L. Bryan Company of Columbia, South Carolina (301 Greystone Blvd, Columbia – SC 29210) presently provides depository services. Freight services are required for pick-up from the Depository and delivery to all schools located throughout the state. The majority of the shipments will be made during the months of June through September, with smaller shipments required during each of the remaining months. The solicitation may be awarded to a primary and secondary vendor.

MAXIMUM CONTRACT PERIOD - ESTIMATED (JAN 2006)

Start date: 11/01/2026 End date: 11/21/2033. Dates provided are estimates only. Any resulting contract will begin on the date specified in the notice of award. See clause entitled "Term of Contract - Effective Date/Initial Contract Period". [01-1040-1]

II. INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS - A. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

DEFINITIONS, CAPITALIZATION, AND HEADINGS (MAY 2024)

CLAUSE HEADINGS USED IN THIS SOLICITATION ARE FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY AND WILL NOT BE USED TO CONSTRUE MEANING OR INTENT. EVEN IF NOT CAPITALIZED, THE FOLLOWING DEFINITIONS APPLY TO ALL PARTS OF THE SOLICITATION, UNLESS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED OTHERWISE.

AMENDMENT means a document issued to supplement the original solicitation document.

AUTHORITY means the State Fiscal Accountability Authority or its successor in interest.

BUSINESS means any corporation, partnership, individual, sole proprietorship, joint stock company, joint venture, or any other legal entity. [11-35-310(3)] CHANGE ORDER means any written alteration in specifications, delivery point, rate of delivery, period of performance, price, quantity, or other provisions of any contract accomplished by mutual agreement of the parties to the contract. [11-35-310(5)] CONTRACT See clause entitled Contract Documents & Order of Precedence.

CONTRACT MODIFICATION means a written order signed by the procurement officer, directing the contractor to make changes which the clause of the contract titled “Changes,” if included herein, authorizes the Procurement Officer to order without the consent of the contractor. [11-35-310(9)] CONTRACTOR means the Offeror receiving an award as a result of this solicitation.

COVER PAGE means the top page of the original solicitation on which the solicitation is identified by number. Offerors are cautioned that Amendments may modify information provided on the Cover Page.

OFFER means the bid or proposal submitted in response this solicitation. The terms Bid and Proposal are used interchangeably with the term Offer.

OFFEROR means the single legal entity submitting the offer. The term Bidder is used interchangeably with the term Offeror. See bidding provisions entitled Signing Your Offer and Bid/Proposal As Offer To Contract.

PAGE TWO means the second page of the original solicitation, which is labeled Page Two.

PROCUREMENT OFFICER means the person, or his successor, identified as such on either the Cover Page, an amendment, or an award notice.

YOU and YOUR means Offeror.

SOLICITATION means this document, including all its parts, attachments, and any Amendments.

STATE means the Using Governmental Unit(s) identified on the Cover Page.

SUBCONTRACTOR means any person you contract with to perform or provide any part of the work.

US or WE means the using governmental unit.

USING GOVERNMENTAL UNIT means the unit(s) of government identified as such on the Cover Page. If the Cover Page identifies the Using Governmental Unit as “Statewide Contract,” either optional or mandatory, the phrase “Using Governmental Unit” means any South Carolina Public Procurement Unit [11-35-4610(5)] that has submitted a Purchase Order to you pursuant to the contract resulting from this solicitation. Reference the clauses titled “Purchase Orders” and “Statewide Contract.”

WORK means all labor, materials, equipment, services, or property of any type, provided or to be provided by the Contractor to fulfill the Contractor’s obligations under the Contract.

[02-2A003-4]

AMENDMENTS TO SOLICITATION (JAN 2004)

(a) The Solicitation may be amended at any time prior to opening. All actual and prospective Offerors should monitor the following web site for the issuance of Amendments: www.procurement.sc.gov(b) Offerors shall acknowledge receipt of any amendment to this solicitation (1) by signing and returning the amendment, (2) by identifying the amendment number and date in the space provided for this purpose on Page Two, (3) by letter, or (4) by submitting a bid that indicates in some way that the bidder received the amendment. (c) If this solicitation is amended, then all terms and conditions which are not modified remain unchanged. [02-2A005-1]

AUTHORIZED AGENT (FEB 2015)

All authority regarding this procurement is vested solely with the responsible Procurement Officer. Unless specifically delegated in writing, the Procurement Officer is the only government official authorized to bind the government with regard to this procurement or the resulting contract. [02-2A007-1]

AWARD NOTIFICATION (MAR 2024)

Notice regarding any award, cancellation of award, or extension of award will be posted at the location and on the date specified on the Cover Page or, if applicable, the most recent notice of extension of award. Should the contract resulting from this Solicitation have a total or potential value more than one hundred thousand dollars, such notice will be sent electronically to all Offerors responding to the Solicitation. Unless a written notice of intent to protest is timely filed pursuant to Section 11-35-4210(1)(b) or the award is otherwise suspended or canceled, the award will be effective on the calendar day (including weekends and holidays) immediately following the seventh business day after such notice is given. [02-2A010-3]

BID/PROPOSAL AS OFFER TO CONTRACT (JAN 2004)

By submitting Your Bid or Proposal, You are offering to enter into a contract with the Using Governmental Unit(s). Without further action by either party, a binding contract shall result upon final award. Any award issued will be issued to, and the contract will be formed with, the entity identified as the Offeror on the Cover Page. An Offer may be submitted by only one legal entity; "joint bids" are not allowed. [02-2A015-1]

BID ACCEPTANCE PERIOD (JAN 2004)

In order to withdraw Your Offer after the minimum period specified on the Cover Page, You must notify the Procurement Officer in writing. [02-2A020-1]

BID IN ENGLISH and DOLLARS (JAN 2004) Offers submitted in response to this solicitation shall be in the English language and in US dollars, unless otherwise permitted by the Solicitation. [02-2A025-1]

AUTHORITY AS PROCUREMENT AGENT (DEC 2015)

The Procurement Officer is an employee of the Authority acting on behalf of the Using Governmental Unit(s) pursuant to the Consolidated Procurement Code. Any contracts awarded as a result of this procurement are between the Contractor and the Using Governmental Units(s). The Authority is not a party to such contracts, unless and to the extent that the Authority is a using governmental unit, and bears no liability for any party’s losses arising out of or relating in any way to the contract. [02-2A030-3]

CERTIFICATE OF INDEPENDENT PRICE DETERMINATION (MAR 2024)

GIVING FALSE, MISLEADING, OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION ON THIS CERTIFICATION MAY RENDER YOU SUBJECT TO PROSECUTION UNDER SECTION 16-9-10 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS AND OTHER APPLICABLE LAWS.

(a) By submitting an offer, the offeror certifies that-

(1) The prices in this offer have been arrived at independently, without, for the purpose of restricting competition, any consultation, communication, or agreement with any other offeror or competitor relating to—

(i) Those prices;

(ii) The intention to submit an offer; or

(iii) The methods or factors used to calculate the prices offered.

(2) The prices in this offer have not been and will not be knowingly disclosed by the offeror, directly or indirectly, to any other offeror or competitor before bid opening (in the case of a sealed bid solicitation) or contract award (in the case of a negotiated solicitation) unless otherwise required by law; and

(3) No attempt has been made or will be made by the offeror to induce any other concern to submit or not to submit an offer for the purpose of restricting competition.

(b) Each signature on the offer is considered to be a certification by the signatory that the signatory-

(1) Is the person in the offeror's organization responsible for determining the prices being offered in this bid or proposal, and that the signatory has not participated and will not participate in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this certification; or (2)(i) Has been authorized, in writing, to act as agent for the offeror's principals in certifying that those principals have not participated, and will not participate in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this certification [As used in this subdivision (b)(2)(i), the term "principals" means the person(s) in the offeror's organization responsible for determining the prices offered in this bid or proposal];

(ii) As an authorized agent, does certify that the principals referenced in subdivision (b)(2)(i) of this certification have not participated, and will not participate, in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this certification; and

(iii) As an agent, has not personally participated, and will not participate, in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this certification.

(c) If the offeror deletes or modifies paragraph (a)(2) of this certification, the offeror must furnish with its offer a signed statement setting forth in detail the circumstances of the disclosure. [02-2A032-2]

CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (JAN 2004)

(a) (1) By submitting an Offer, Offeror certifies, to the best of its knowledge and belief, that-

(i) Offeror and/or any of its Principals-

(A) Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, or declared ineligible for the award of contracts by any state or federal agency;

(B) Have not, within a three-year period preceding this offer, been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for: commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (Federal, state, or local) contract or subcontract; violation of Federal or state antitrust statutes relating to the submission of offers; or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, tax evasion, or receiving stolen property; and

(C) Are not presently indicted for, or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity with, commission of any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(B) of this provision.

(ii) Offeror has not, within a three-year period preceding this offer, had one or more contracts terminated for default by any public (Federal, state, or local) entity.

(2) "Principals," for the purposes of this certification, means officers; directors; owners; partners; and, persons having primary management or supervisory responsibilities within a business entity (e.g., general manager; plant manager; head of a subsidiary, division, or business segment, and similar positions).

(b) Offeror shall provide immediate written notice to the Procurement Officer if, at any time prior to contract award, Offeror learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.

(c) If Offeror is unable to certify the representations stated in paragraphs (a)(1), Offer must submit a written explanation regarding its inability to make the certification. The certification will be considered in connection with a review of the Offeror's responsibility. Failure of the Offeror to furnish additional information as requested by the Procurement Officer may render the Offeror nonresponsible.

(d) Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render, in good faith, the certification required by paragraph (a) of this provision. The knowledge and information of an Offeror is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.

(e) The certification in paragraph (a) of this provision is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when making award. If it is later determined that the Offeror knowingly or in bad faith rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the State, the Procurement Officer may terminate the contract resulting from this solicitation for default.

[02-2A035-1]

CODE OF LAWS AVAILABLE (JAN 2006)

The South Carolina Code of Laws, including the Consolidated Procurement Code, is available at:

http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/statmast.php .The South Carolina Regulations are available at:

http://www.scstatehouse.gov/coderegs/statmast.php [02-2A040-2]

DISCLOSURE OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST OR UNFAIR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE (JUL 2023)

(“OCI FAQ for Contractors” is available at www.procurement.sc.gov) (a) You certify that, after reasonable inquiry, to the best of your knowledge and belief: (1) your offer identifies any services that relate to either this solicitation or the work and that have already been performed by you, a proposed subcontractor, or an affiliated business or consultant of either; and (2) there are no relevant facts or circumstances that may give rise to an actual or potential organizational conflict of interest, as defined in S.C. Code Ann. Reg. 19-445.2127, or that your offer identifies and explains any unfair competitive advantage you may have in competing for the proposed contract and any actual or potential conflicts of interest that may arise from your participation in this competition or your receipt of an award. (b) If you, a proposed subcontractor, or an affiliated business or consultant of either, have an unfair competitive advantage or an actual or potential conflict of interest, the State may withhold award. Before withholding award on these grounds, the State will notify you of the concerns and provide a reasonable opportunity for you to respond. The State may consider efforts to avoid or mitigate such concerns, including restrictions on future activities. (c) The certification in paragraph (a) of this provision is a material representation of fact upon which the State will rely when considering your offer for award. [02-2A047-3]

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF OFFER (JAN 2004)

Any offer received after the Procurement Officer of the governmental body or his designee has declared that the time set for opening has arrived, shall be rejected unless the offer has been delivered to the designated purchasing office or the governmental body's mail room which services that purchasing office prior to the opening. [R.19-445.2070(G)] [02-2A050-1]

DRUG FREE WORK PLACE CERTIFICATION (JAN 2004)

By submitting an Offer, Contractor certifies that, if awarded a contract, Contractor will comply with all applicable provisions of The Drug-free Workplace Act, Title 44, Chapter 107 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, as amended. [02-2A065-1]

DUTY TO INQUIRE (FEB 2015)

Offeror, by submitting an Offer, represents that it has read and understands the Solicitation and that its Offer is made in compliance with the Solicitation. Offerors are expected to examine the Solicitation thoroughly and should request an explanation of any ambiguities, discrepancies, errors, omissions, or conflicting statements in the Solicitation. Failure to do so will be at the Offeror's risk. All ambiguities, discrepancies, errors, omissions, or conflicting statements in the Solicitation shall be interpreted to require the better quality or greater quantity of work and/or materials, unless otherwise directed by amendment. Offeror assumes responsibility for any patent ambiguity in the Solicitation that Offeror does not bring to the State's attention. See clause entitled "Questions from Offerors." [02-2A070-2]

ETHICS CERTIFICATE (MAY 2008)

By submitting an offer, the offeror certifies that the offeror has and will comply with, and has not, and will not, induce a person to violate Title 8, Chapter 13 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, as amended (ethics act). The following statutes require special attention: Section 8-13-700, regarding use of official position for financial gain; Section 8-13-705, regarding gifts to influence action of public official; Section 8-13-720, regarding offering money for advice or assistance of public official; Sections 8-13-755 and 8-13-760, regarding restrictions on employment by former public official; Section 8-13-775, prohibiting public official with economic interests from acting on contracts; Section 8-13-790, regarding recovery of kickbacks; Section 8-13-1150, regarding statements to be filed by consultants; and Section 8-13-1342, regarding restrictions on contributions by contractor to candidate who participated in awarding of contract. The state may rescind any contract and recover all amounts expended as a result of any action taken in violation of this provision. If contractor participates, directly or indirectly, in the evaluation or award of public contracts, including without limitation, change orders or task orders regarding a public contract, contractor shall, if required by law to file such a statement, provide the statement required by Section 8-13-1150 to the procurement officer at the same time the law requires the statement to be filed. [02-2A075-2]

MULTIPLE OFFERS (MAR 2024)

Offerors may submit more than one Offer, provided that each Offer has significant differences other than price. Each separate Offer must satisfy all Solicitation requirements. If this solicitation is an Invitation for Bids, each separate offer must be submitted or uploaded as a separate document and must clearly indicate that it is a separate offer. If this solicitation is a Request for Proposals, multiple offers may be submitted or uploaded as one document, provided that you clearly differentiate between each offer and you submit a separate cost proposal for each offer, if applicable. [02-2A079-1]

OMIT TAXES FROM PRICE (JAN 2004)

Do not include any sales or use taxes in Your price that the State may be required to pay. [02-2A080-1]

PRICING (MAR 2024)

(a) Fixed Price. If a fixed price is required, award will not be made on an Offer if the total possible price to the State cannot be determined. (b) Price Reasonableness: Any offer may be rejected if the Procurement Officer determines in writing that it is unreasonable as to price. (c) Unbalanced Pricing. The State will analyze all offers with separately priced line items or subline items to determine if the prices are unbalanced. Unbalanced pricing exists when, despite an acceptable total evaluated price, the price of one or more-line items is significantly over or understated. The responsible procurement officer may reject an offer as unreasonably priced if she determines that unbalanced pricing increases performance risk (e.g., it is so unbalanced as to be tantamount to allowing an advance payment) or could result in payment of unreasonably high prices. S.C. Code Ann. Reg. 19-445.2122C. [02-2A082-2]

OPEN TRADE REPRESENTATION (JUN 2015)

By submitting an Offer, Offeror represents that Offeror is not currently engaged in the boycott of a person or an entity based in or doing business with a jurisdiction with whom South Carolina can enjoy open trade, as defined in SC Code Section 11-35-5300. [02-2A083-1]

PROTESTS (MAY 2024)

(a) If you are aggrieved in connection with the solicitation or award of the contract, you may be entitled to protest, but only as provided in Section 11-35-4210. To protest the solicitation or an amendment, your written protest must be received within fifteen Days of the date the applicable solicitation document is issued. To protest an award, (i) written notice of your intent to protest must be received within seven Business Days of the date the award notice is posted, and (ii) your actual written protest must be received within fifteen Days of the date the award notice is posted. Time periods are computed in accordance with Section 11-35-310(13) and the definitions for Day and Business Day. Both protests and notices of intent to protest must be received by the appropriate Chief Procurement Officer (CPO). See clause entitled "Protest-CPO." (b) Pursuant to Section 11-35-410, documents directly connected to a procurement activity may be available within five days after request. All document requests should be directed to tssimmons@mmo.sc.gov. If a protest is pending, the protestant’s lawyer may access otherwise unavailable information by applying to the CPO for the issuance of a protective order. Additional information is available at www.procurement.sc.gov/legal [02-2A085-3]

PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS AND DONATIONS (FEB 2015)

Violation of these restrictions may result in disqualification of your offer, suspension or debarment, and may constitute a violation of law.

(a) During the period between publication of the solicitation and final award, you must not communicate, directly or indirectly, with the Using Governmental Unit or its employees, agents or officials regarding any aspect of this procurement activity, unless otherwise approved in writing by the Procurement Officer. All communications must be solely with the Procurement Officer. [R. 19-445.2010]

(b) You are advised to familiarize yourself with Regulation 19-445.2165, which restricts donations to a governmental entity with whom you have or seek to have a contract. You represent that your offer discloses any gifts made, directly or through an intermediary, by you or your named subcontractors to or for the benefit of the Using Governmental Unit during the period beginning eighteen months prior to the Opening Date. [R. 19-445.2165] [02-2A087-1]

PUBLIC OPENING (JAN 2004)

Offers will be publicly opened at the date/time and at the location identified on the Cover Page, or last Amendment, whichever is applicable. [02-2A090-1]

QUESTIONS FROM OFFERORS (MODIFIED)

All questions must be submitted in writing and received by the Procurement Officer for this solicitation no later than date and time listed on Cover Page One. Email is the preferred method for submitting questions to the Procurement Officer, Title the “Subject Line” of your email, “Questions 5400030024”. Questions must be submitted in an easily copied format such as MS Word. Please do not place your questions in tables. Email tssimmons@mmo.sc.gov.

(a) Any prospective offeror desiring an explanation or interpretation of the solicitation, drawings, specifications, etc., must request it in writing. Label any communication regarding your questions with the name of the procurement officer, and the solicitation's title and number. Oral explanations or instructions will not be binding. [See R. 19-445.2042(B)] Any information given a prospective offeror concerning a solicitation will be furnished promptly to all other prospective offerors as an Amendment to the solicitation, if that information is necessary for submitting offers or if the lack of it would be prejudicial to other prospective offerors. See clause entitled "Duty to Inquire." We will not identify you in our answer to your question. (b) The State seeks to permit maximum practicable competition. Offerors are urged to advise the Procurement Officer -- as soon as possible -- regarding any aspect of this procurement, including any aspect of the Solicitation that unnecessarily or inappropriately limits full and open competition. [See R. 19-445.2140]

REJECTION/CANCELLATION (JAN 2004)

The State may cancel this solicitation in whole or in part. The State may reject any or all proposals in whole or in part. [SC Code Section 11-35-1710 & R.19-445.2065] [02-2A100-1]

RESPONSIVENESS (MAR 2024)

(a)Award will not be made on a nonresponsive offer. An offer is nonresponsive (i) if it does not constitute an unambiguous offer to enter into a contract with the State, or (ii) if it imposes conditions inconsistent with, or does not unambiguously agree to, the solicitation’s material requirements. (b) Bid as Specified. Offers for supplies or services other than those specified will not be considered unless authorized by the Solicitation. [02-2A105- 3]

SIGNING YOUR OFFER (JAN 2004)

Every Offer must be signed by an individual with actual authority to bind the Offeror. (a) If the Offeror is an individual, the Offer must be signed by that individual. If the Offeror is an individual doing business as a firm, the Offer must be submitted in the firm name, signed by the individual, and state that the individual is doing business as a firm. (b) If the Offeror is a partnership, the Offer must be submitted in the partnership name, followed by the words by its Partner, and signed by a general partner. (c) If the Offeror is a corporation, the Offer must be submitted in the corporate name, followed by the signature and title of the person authorized to sign. (d) An Offer may be submitted by a joint venturer involving any combination of individuals, partnerships, or corporations. If the Offeror is a joint venture, the Offer must be submitted in the name of the Joint Venture and signed by every participant in the joint venture in the manner prescribed in paragraphs (a) through (c) above for each type of participant. (e) If an Offer is signed by an agent, other than as stated in subparagraphs (a) through (d) above, the Offer must state that is has been signed by an Agent. Upon request, Offeror must provide proof of the agent's authorization to bind the principal. [02-2A115-1]

STATE OFFICE CLOSINGS (JAN 2004)

If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal government processes so that offers cannot be received at the government office designated for receipt of bids by the exact time specified in the solicitation, the time specified for receipt of offers will be deemed to be extended to the same time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal government processes resume. In lieu of an automatic extension, an Amendment may be issued to reschedule bid opening. If state offices are closed at the time a pre-bid or pre-proposal conference is scheduled, an Amendment will be issued to reschedule the conference. Useful information may be available at: https://scemd.org/closings/ [02-2A120-3]

DISCLOSURE OF YOUR BID / PROPOSAL and SUBMITTING CONFIDENTIAL DATA (FEB 2021)

(a) According to Section 11-35-410, any person submitting a document in response or with regard to any solicitation or other request must "comply with instructions provided in the solicitation for marking information exempt from public disclosure. Information not marked as required by the applicable instructions may be disclosed to the public." IF YOU IDENTIFY YOUR ENTIRE RESPONSE AS EXEMPT FROM PUBLIC DISCLOSURE, OR IF YOU DO NOT SUBMIT A REDACTED COPY AS REQUIRED, THE STATE MAY, IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION, DETERMINE YOUR BID OR PROPOSAL NONRESPONSIVE AND INELIGIBLE FOR AWARD. (b) By submitting a response to this solicitation or request, Offeror (1) agrees to the public disclosure of every page, or portion thereof, of every document regarding this solicitation or request that was submitted at any time prior to entering into a contract (including, but not limited to, documents contained in a response, documents submitted to clarify a response, and documents submitted during negotiations), unless the page, or portion thereof, was redacted and conspicuously marked "Trade Secret" or "Confidential" or "Protected", (2) agrees that any information not redacted and marked, as required by these bidding instructions, as a "Trade Secret" is not a trade secret as defined by the Trade Secrets Act, and (3) agrees that, notwithstanding any claims or markings otherwise, any prices, commissions, discounts, or other financial figures used to determine the award, as well as the final contract amount, are subject to public disclosure. (c) If your offer includes any information that you claim is exempt from public disclosure, you must submit one complete copy of your offer from which you have removed or concealed such information (the redacted copy). Except for the information removed or concealed, the redacted copy must be identical to your original offer. (d) Do not mark your entire response (bid, proposal, quote, etc.) as confidential, trade secret, or protected. If only portions of a page are subject to some protection, do not redact the entire page. The redacted copy must reflect the same pagination as the original and show the empty space from which information was redacted. The Procurement Officer must be able to view, search, copy and print the redacted copy without a password. If your response, or any part thereof, is improperly marked as confidential or trade secret or protected, the State may, in its sole discretion, determine it nonresponsive. (e) On the redacted copy, you must identify the basis of your claim by marking each redaction as follows: You must separately mark with the word "CONFIDENTIAL" every page, or portion thereof, that you redacted and claim as exempt from public disclosure because it is either (1) a trade secret as defined in Section 30-4-40(a)(1) of the Freedom of Information Act, or (2) privileged and confidential, as that phrase is used in Section 11-35-410. You must separately mark with the words "TRADE SECRET" every page, or portion thereof, that you redacted and claim as exempt from public disclosure as a trade secret pursuant to Section 39-8-20 of the Trade Secrets Act. You must separately mark with the word "PROTECTED" every page, or portion thereof, that you redacted and claim as exempt from public disclosure pursuant to Section 11-35- 1810. All markings must be conspicuous; use color, bold, underlining, or some other method in order to conspicuously distinguish the mark from the other text. (f) In determining whether to release documents, the State will detrimentally rely on your redaction and marking of documents, as required by these bidding instructions, as being either "Confidential" or "Trade Secret" or "Protected". By submitting a response, you agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the State of South Carolina, its agencies, officers and employees, from every claim, demand, loss, expense, cost, damage or injury, including attorney's fees, arising out of or resulting from withholding information by the State of South Carolina or any of its agencies, that you have redacted or marked as "Confidential" or "Trade Secret" or "Protected". (All references to S.C. Code of Laws.) [02-2A125-3]

SUBMITTING A PAPER OFFER OR MODIFICATION (MAR 2015)

Unless specifically instructed otherwise in the solicitation, you should submit your offer or modification in accordance with the clause titled "ON-LINE BIDDING INSTRUCTIONS." Paper offers are discouraged. If you must submit a paper offer or modification the following instructions apply. (a) All prices and notations should be printed in ink or typewritten. Errors should be crossed out, corrections entered and initialed by the person signing the bid. Do not modify the solicitation document itself (including bid schedule). (b) (1) All copies of the offer or modification, and any other documents required to be submitted with the offer shall be enclosed in a sealed, opaque envelope or package. (2) Submit your offer or modification to the address on the Cover Page. (3) The envelope or package must show the time and date specified for opening, the solicitation number, and the name and address of the bidder. If the offer or modification is sent by mail or special delivery service (UPS, Federal Express, etc.), the outermost envelope or wrapper must be labeled "OFFER ENCLOSED" on the face thereof. (c) If you are responding to more than one solicitation, submit each offer in a separate envelope or package. (d) Submit the number of copies indicated on the Cover Page. (e) Facsimile or e-mail offers, modifications, or withdrawals, will not be considered unless authorized by the Solicitation. [02-2A130-2]

VENDOR REGISTRATION MANDATORY (MAY 2024)

You must have a state vendor number to be eligible to submit an offer. To obtain a state vendor number, visit www.procurement.sc.gov and select Doing Business with Us. Then select New Vendor Registration. (To determine if your business is already registered, go to "Vendor Search"). Upon registration, you will be assigned a state vendor number. Note that your vendor registration submission may take up to 30 days to process due to high numbers of registrants. Vendors must keep their vendor information current. If you are already registered and know your User ID and Password, you can update your information by selecting Update Vendor Registration. If you need to update information but do not have your User ID/Password, you must complete a new vendor registration and On Step 9 – Messages to Administration indicate “Update vendor number” with your existing 10-digit vendor number. (Please note that vendor registration does not substitute for any obligation to register with the S.C. Secretary of State or S.C. Department of Revenue. You can register with the agencies at South Carolina Business One Stop, http://scbos.sc.gov) [02-2A145-2]

WITHDRAWAL OR CORRECTION OF OFFER (JAN 2004)

Offers may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before the exact time set for opening. If the Solicitation authorizes facsimile offers, offers may be withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before the exact time set for opening. A bid may be withdrawn in person by a bidder or its authorized representative if, before the exact time set for opening, the identity of the person requesting withdrawal is established and the person signs a receipt for the bid. The withdrawal and correction of Offers is governed by S.C. Code Section 11-35-1520 and Regulation 19-445.2085. [02-2A150-1]

SAP

II. INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS -- B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

MAIL PICKUP (JAN 2006)

The State Procurement Office picks up all mail from The US Postal Service once daily around 8:30 a.m. (excluding weekends and holidays). See provision entitled Deadline for Submission of Offer. [02-2B080-1]

ON-LINE BIDDING INSTRUCTIONS (MAR 2015)

(a) Mandatory Registration. You must register before you can submit an offer online! See clause entitled "VENDOR REGISTRATION MANDATORY."

(b) Steps for On-Line Bidding 1 The link provided on the solicitation's Cover Page will take you to our web based on-line bidding system, where you will enter and/or upload your offer.

2 Follow the general user instructions posted at www.procurement.sc.gov under the heading "Submitting Offers."

3 Confirm your offer has a status of "submitted" by refreshing the "RFx and Auctions" screen.

Only offers with a status of "submitted" have been received by the State.

Offers with a status of "saved" have not been received.

4 Save or print a copy of your offer using the "Print Preview" button after your offer has been submitted.

[02-2B105-2]

PROTEST - CPO - MMO ADDRESS (MODIFIED)

Any protest must be addressed to the Chief Procurement Officer, Materials Management Office, and submitted in writing

(a) by email to protest-mmo@mmo.state.sc.gov, or

(b) by post or delivery to 1333 Main Street, Suite 700, Columbia, SC 29201.

RESPONSIVENESS – CORRECTION OF NON-CONFORMITY (MAR 2024)

Offerors will not be given an opportunity to correct any material nonconformity. Any deficiency resulting from a minor informality may be cured or waived at the sole discretion of the Procurement Officer. [02-2B127-1]

UNIT PRICES REQUIRED (JAN 2006)

Unit price to be shown for each item. [02-2B170-1]

SAP

III. SCOPE OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS

Carrier Qualifications and Operational Requirements The successful contractor must be an established freight carrier with multiple operating terminals located within, or in reasonable proximity to, the State of South Carolina to ensure reliable statewide service, capacity, and timely responsiveness to the delivery and pickup requirements.

The contractor shall be an asset‑based freight carrier with its own owned or leased fleet and terminal infrastructure. Freight brokers, third‑party logistics providers (3PLs), or entities operating with only a single tractor‑trailer or limited equipment capacity shall not be considered responsive to this solicitation.

1. Commodities:

The contractor shall transport textbooks and other instructional materials as required by the South Carolina Department of Education. The quantity, weight, and value of individual shipments may vary based on program needs and distribution cycles.

2. Drop Trailer Requirements (Peak Periods):

During peak delivery periods (June through September), the contractor shall provide a minimum of two (2) drop trailers at the Central Depository at all times. The SC Department of Education (SCDE) Office of Instructional Materials may reduce the number of required drop trailers during non-peak months (October through May).

3. Trailer Pickup and Replacement:

During peak periods (June through September), the contractor shall pick up loaded drop trailers within twenty-four (24) hours of notification and shall deliver additional drop trailers as necessary to comply with Requirement #1.

4. Equipment and Pallet Specifications:

The contractor shall provide 48” x 40” wooden shipping pallets, conveyors, and any other equipment necessary for loading and shipping materials. Textbook cartons vary in size and shape; a typical carton measures approximately 18” x 12” x 8”. Pallet height will vary based on order size but will generally not exceed 48”. Textbooks will be boxed and shrink-wrapped by warehouse staff prior to pick up. Pallets will not be strapped by warehouse staff; securing pallets is at the contractor’s discretion.

5. Initial Pallet Supply:

At the commencement of the contract, the contractor shall provide a minimum of two hundred fifty (250) 48” x 40” wooden shipping pallets. Pallet requirements are H-1218 and H-1260 and must meet standard GMA specifications. Thereafter, pallets should be replaced on a weekly basis or as needed by the Central Depository. The Contractor shall supply pallets on an as‑needed basis throughout the contract term. Pallets shall not be delivered all at once unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Agency.

6. Pallet Height:

Pallets prepared by the Central Depository will generally be loaded to a height of approximately 48 inches; however, in some instances, pallet heights may reach up to 60 inches. The contractor shall ensure that equipment and handling methods can safely accommodate pallets within this height range.

7. Delivery Requirements:

The contractor shall provide delivery to all locations within South Carolina within forty-eight (48) hours, excluding Saturdays and Sundays, at a flat rate per 100 pounds for shipments ranging from 0 to 25,000 pounds. No additional charges shall apply for rural deliveries. Instructional Materials will be billed based on weight. During non-peak periods, trailers may contain multiple shipments destined for various locations across the state. Airlift capability is not required. Warehouse pickup hours are 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

8. Packaging of Commodities:

All commodities transported under this contract must be packaged and stacked on pallets by the Central Depository prior to pickup.

9. Delivery Locations and Methods:

Deliveries under this contract will be made to a variety of school and facility locations with varying dock and access conditions. Some locations are equipped with loading docks and can accept deliveries from 53‑foot trailers, while other locations do not have dock‑high facilities. The contractor shall be prepared to perform deliveries using hand trucks or pallet jacks as necessary and provide inside delivery when required. Pallets are not required to be broken down unless access limitations at the delivery site necessitate such handling. The contractor shall ensure that appropriate equipment, including liftgate‑equipped trailers when needed, is available to successfully complete deliveries to all locations regardless of site limitations. There may be some locations that require final delivery by hand truck. Any size or trailer combination with or without lift gate as required is acceptable for use based on the application and delivery location. The contractor must ensure that all equipment used is suitable to protect materials and meet delivery requirements under this contract.

10. Freight Classification and Weights:

All freight transported under this contract shall ship as NMFC Class 60. Shipment weights will vary by school and order and shall be reflected on the applicable shipping documentation.

11. Return Shipments:

The contractor shall provide pickup and delivery of surplus materials returned from schools to the Central Depository within five (5) business days (Monday through Friday).

12. School Coordination:

Prior to delivery or pickup, the contractor shall schedule an appointment with school office personnel to ensure staff availability, particularly during summer months. If an appointment is not scheduled and documented, any required redelivery shall be at the contractor’s expense.

13. Delivery Confirmation:

All deliveries shall be made in the presence of school personnel. School personnel must sign for the correct number of cartons/pallets at the time of delivery.

14. Inside Delivery and Pickup:

Inside delivery and pickup are mandatory. Shipments must be hand-trucked (if required) by the contractor to or from the school’s instructional materials storage area. Failure to comply may result in loss of payment for the delivery and replacement charges for any missing or damaged items. The contractor shall be responsible for the return of surplus materials from schools to the Central Depository, regardless of whether the materials are palletized or loose. Any returns generated or assembled by school or depository staff shall remain the responsibility of the contractor to transport back in full, and such returns shall not be deemed an improper pickup due solely to pallet condition or configuration. Additionally, the SCDE Office of Instructional Materials may assess a handling fee of up to $750 for improperly delivered or picked-up shipments.

15. Web-Based Returns Request System:

The contractor shall provide a web-based form for the SCDE Office of Instructional Materials to request pickup of returned materials from schools. The form shall be preloaded with school contact information, accessible by entering the school identification number. The Central Depository will provide the contractor with an electronic file containing school identification numbers and corresponding contact information.

16. Shipment Tracking:

The contractor shall provide web-based, daily shipment tracking compatible with the Central Depository’s web-based ordering system. Tracking shall utilize the SCDE requisition number for outgoing shipments and the SCDE return number for incoming shipments. Proof of delivery must include the delivery time and the name of the individual who signed for the shipment.

17. Insurance:

All freight transported under this contract shall be insured as Freight of All Kinds (FAK), NMFC Class 60, at a coverage rate of twenty‑five dollars ($25.00) per pound.

18. Pricing:

All costs associated with providing pallets, including replacement and replenishment, shall be included in the contractor’s all‑inclusive pricing. No separate or additional charges for pallets will be accepted or reimbursed under this contract.

SEE BIDDING SCHEDULE

See Bidding Schedule [03-3005-1]

DELIVERY/PERFORMANCE LOCATION -- SPECIFIED (JAN 2006)

After award, all deliveries shall be made and all services provided to the following address, unless otherwise specified: See Attachment B - 2026-27 School List [03-3030-1]

IV. INFORMATION FOR OFFERORS TO SUBMIT

INFORMATION FOR OFFERORS TO SUBMIT -- GENERAL (MAR 2015)

You shall submit a signed Cover Page and Page Two. If you submit your offer electronically, you must upload an image of a signed Cover Page and Page Two. Your offer should include all other information and documents requested in this part and in parts II.B. Special Instructions; III. Scope of Work; V. Qualifications; VIII. Bidding Schedule/Price Proposal; and any appropriate attachments addressed in Part IX. Attachments to Solicitations. You should submit a summary of all insurance policies you have or plan to acquire to comply with the insurance requirements stated herein, if any, including policy types; coverage types; limits, sub-limits, and deductibles for each policy and coverage type; the carrier's A.M. Best rating; and whether the policy is written on an occurrence or claims-made basis. [04-4010-2]

SA

V. QUALIFICATIONS

QUALIFICATIONS OF OFFEROR (MAR 2015)

(1) To be eligible for award, you must have the capability in all respects to perform fully the contract requirements and the integrity and reliability which will assure good faith performance. We may also consider a documented commitment from a satisfactory source that will provide you with a capability. We may consider information from any source at any time prior to award.