Solicitation.docx

SAP

State of South Carolina

Invitation For Bid

Solicitation:

Date Issued:

Procurement Officer:

Phone:

E-Mail Address:

Mailing Address:

5400030331 10/14/2026 Jennifer Coleman 803-896-8836 jcoleman@scfc.gov SC Forestry Commission Attn: Procurement Office PO Box 21707 Columbia SC 29221

DESCRIPTION: Wambaw Trail Maintenance and Grooming

USING GOVERNMENTAL UNIT: SC Forestry Commission

The Term "Offer" Means Your "Bid" or "Proposal". Your offer must be submitted in a sealed package. Solicitation Number & Opening Date must appear on package exterior. See "Submitting Your Paper Offer or Modification" provision.

SUBMIT YOUR SEALED OFFER TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS: NO ONLINE BIDS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS SOLICITATION.

MAILING ADDRESS:

SC Forestry Commission Attn: Procurement Office 5500 Broad River Rd Columbia SC 29212

PHYSICAL ADDRESS:

SC Forestry Commission Attn: Procurement Office 5500 Broad River Rd Columbia SC 29212

SUBMIT OFFER BY (Opening Date/Time): 11/05/2026 14:00:00 (See "Deadline For Submission Of Offer" provision)

QUESTIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY: 10/28/2026 11:00:00 (See "Questions From Offerors" provision)

NUMBER OF COPIES TO BE SUBMITTED: One Original

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 - PAPER ONLY (MAR. 2015)

SAP

PAGE 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)

PREFERENCES - A NOTICE TO VENDORS (SEP. 2009): On June 16, 2009, the South Carolina General Assembly rewrote the law governing preferences available to in-state vendors, vendors using in-state subcontractors, and vendors selling in-state or US end products. This law appears in Section 11-35-1524 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. A summary of the new preferences is available at www.procurement.sc.gov/preferences . ALL THE PREFERENCES MUST BE CLAIMED AND ARE APPLIED BY LINE ITEM, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER AWARD IS MADE BY ITEM OR LOT. VENDORS ARE CAUTIONED TO CAREFULLY REVIEW THE STATUTE BEFORE CLAIMING ANY PREFERENCES. THE REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY HAVE CHANGED. IF YOU REQUEST A PREFERENCE, YOU ARE CERTIFYING THAT YOUR OFFER QUALIFIES FOR THE PREFERENCE YOU'VE CLAIMED. IMPROPERLY REQUESTING A PREFERENCE CAN HAVE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES. [11-35-1524(E)(4)&(6)]

PREFERENCES - ADDRESS AND PHONE OF IN-STATE OFFICE: Please provide the address and phone number for your in-state office in the space provided below. An in-state office is necessary to claim either the Resident Vendor Preference (11-35-1524(C)(1)(i)&(ii)) or the Resident Contractor Preference (11-35-1524(C)(1)(iii)). Accordingly, you must provide this information to qualify for the preference. An in-state office is not required, but can be beneficial, if you are claiming the Resident Subcontractor Preference (11-35-1524(D)).

____In-State Office Address same as Home Office Address ____In-State Office Address same as Notice Address (check only one)

PAGE TWO (SEP 2009)

End of PAGE TWO

Table of Contents

FUNDS NOT AVAILABLE (JAN 2006)……………………………………………………………………………….. 3

MAXIMUM CONTRACT PERIOD - ESTIMATED (JAN 2006) 3

SECTION_IIB 12

ONLINE BIDDING INSTRUCTIONS (MODIFIED)…………………………………………………………………...12

PROTEST - CPO - MMO ADDRESS (MAR 2024) 12

RESPONSIVENESS- CORRECTION OF NON-CONFORMITY (MAR 2024)………………………………………..12

SITE VISIT- BY APPOINTMENT (JAN 2006)………………………………………………………………………….12

UNIT PRICES REQUIRED (JAN 2006) 12

ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST (JUL 2023)………………………………………………………21

SECTION_VIIB 23

CHANGES ( JAN 2006)………………………………………………………………………………………………… 23

PERFORMANCE BOND REQUIRED (MODIFIED)…………………………………………………………………...26

OFFEROR’S CHECKLIST (JUN 2007)………………………………………………………………………………... 30

NONRESIDENT TAXPAYER REGISTRATION AFFIDAVIT INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING 31

SAP

I. SCOPE OF SOLICITATION

The purpose of this solicitation is for the SC Forestry Commission (SCFC) to solicit bids for a vendor to complete maintenance and grooming on four (4) different trails at the Francis Marion National Forest Wambaw Cycle Trail in Berkeley and Charleston counties, per the specifications herein.

ACQUIRE SERVICES (JAN 2006)

The purpose of this solicitation is to acquire services complying with the enclosed description and/or specifications and conditions. [01-1010-1]

FUNDS NOT AVAILABLE (JAN 2006):

The State’s obligation under this contract is contingent upon the availability of funds from which payment for contract purposes can be made.

[01-1035-1]

MAXIMUM CONTRACT PERIOD - ESTIMATED (JAN 2006)

Start date: 11/15/2026 End date: 06/02/2027. 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]

SAP

II. INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS - A. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

DEFINITIONS, CAPITALIZATION, AND HEADINGS (MAY 2024)

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]

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]

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]

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. [02-2A032-1]

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]

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]

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 Kimber Craig. 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 (FEB 2015)

(a) Any prospective offeror desiring an explanation or interpretation of the solicitation, drawings, specifications, etc., must request it in writing. Questions regarding the original solicitation or any amendment must be received by the Procurement Officer no later than five (5) days prior to opening unless an earlier date is stated on the Cover Page. 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] [02-2A095-2]

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 (MODIFIED)

Paper offers will be the only offers accepted for this solicitation. You can not submit an online bid. 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

*PREFERENCES DO NOT APPLY TO THIS SOLICITATION*

ON-LINE BIDDING INSTRUCTIONS (MODIFIED):

THERE WILL BE NO ONLINE BIDS ACCEPTED FOR THIS SOLICITATION DUE TO THE FREEZE PERIOD FOR THE NEW SCPRO PROCUREMENT SYSTEM GOING LIVE ON NOVEMBER 9TH. ONLY PAPER BIDS WILL BE ACCEPTED AND THEY MUST BE RECEIVED AT THE ADDRESS LISTED ON PAGE 1 BEFORE THE DUE DATE AND TIME.

PROTEST - CPO - MMO ADDRESS (MAR 2024):

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.us , or

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

[02-2B122-2]

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]

SITE VISIT - BY APPOINTMENT (JAN 2006):

Appointment for a site visit may be made by contacting:

Primary Contact:

Jawana Stephens jawana.stephens@usda.gov 843-336-2225 Secondary Contact:

Kathleen Wean Kathleen.wean@usda.gov 843-336-2261

[02-2B140-1]

UNIT PRICES REQUIRED (JAN 2006)

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

SAP

III. SCOPE OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS

The Wambaw Cycle OHV Trail is located on the Francis Marion National Forest in Berkeley and Charleston Counties, South Carolina. The trail system includes sandy ridges and side slopes, longleaf pine upland ridges (80%) and wet depressions and bays (20%). The trail is open to motorized vehicles under 50 inches wide (motorcycles, ATVs, UTV/ROVs) and mountain bikes, including e‑bikes/e‑motos. The trailhead includes three beginner warm‑up loops.

Contractor shall groom approximately 40 miles of trail and three warm‑up loops using SWECO tracked equipment or comparable machinery 48–50 inches wide. Work consists of a single-pass maintenance operation.

I. Date(s) for work to be accomplished: The following maintenance and grooming periods shall be completed as part of this contract:

· First Trail Maintenance / Groom To be accomplished between October 15, 2026, and December 15, 2026.

· Second Trail Maintenance / Groom To be accomplished between January 15, 2027, and February 15, 2027.

· Third Trail Maintenance / Groom To be accomplished between March 30, 2027, and April 30, 2027.

· Fourth Trail Maintenance / Groom To be accomplished between May 15, 2027, and June 2, 2027.

II. Work Specifications:

1. Repair and grooming 40 miles of heavy trail tread maintenance and 3 warmup loops at the trailhead.

2. Use SWECO tracked trail equipment or comparable 48-50 inches wide.

3. Maintenance operation involving a single pass with specialized equipment trail grooming services for approximately 40 miles of trail

4. UTV/ATV 50 inches or less may be needed to haul all supplies provided from staging area into work site.

5. To smooth and compact high-use trail, eliminating whoops, berms, rough areas, creating a safe riding surface and clear downed trees within the trail tread.

6. When grooming the trail, tackle the powerline whoops by knocking off the tops, but do not dig into the base.

7. If soil moisture in ground falls below 5% the contractor will be shut down until further rain. If ground moisture is too wet the contractor will be shut down until ground conditions dry up.

8. Site Visit will be required prior to bids to go over specifications and answer any questions. The visit will be on-site where work is to be completed and the site conditions.

9. All equipment furnished must be in satisfactory operating condition and capable of producing at the manufacturers rated horsepower.

10. All bio-preferred fuel, oil and maintenance of contractor’s equipment.

11. Protected sites will be flagged with specific color and will be avoided.

12. Work is usually during weekday but may occasionally involve weekend and holiday work. All maintenance visits must be scheduled in advance with Forest Service/South Carolina Forestry Commission.

III. Equipment:

1. All equipment proposed is to be used in performance of the work and shall be the size, type and in such condition to properly pursue the requirements of the contract. Each piece of equipment should also have a first-aid kit and fire extinguisher on hand.

2. If a unit of equipment breaks down or otherwise becomes inoperable and is not restored to operating conditions within 48 hours the contractor will be notified in writing to correct the deficiencies or furnish replacement equipment, which meets the specifications.

3. All equipment will be cleaned and in sound working conditions prior to entering Forest Service lands. Leaking hydraulic fluid or other equipment fluids will be fixed prior to entering Forest Service lands. All equipment will be inspected prior to use on Forest Service lands by Forest Service/State personnel for noxious weed control.

4. Equipment furnished must be capable of performing the job requirements and will be subject to inspection. Offers specifying equipment, which the Project Inspector deems inadequate to accomplish the job requirements, will be rejected unless suitable equipment can be obtained. Equipment will be inspected prior to start of work.

IV. Government Furnished Property, Services, Data, Etc.:

V. Additional Requirements:

1. The contractor will provide all materials, labor, and equipment necessary to comply with the conditions and specifications set forth herein.

2. A pre-work conference must be scheduled between the South Carolina Forestry Commission, Francis Marion National Forest, and contractor prior to any work beginning.

3. Payment will be issued after each grooming cycle is completed and verified by the Forest Service/South Carolina Forestry Commission.

VII. Invoicing and Payment

1. Vendor shall submit an invoice when the job is complete. If the bid schedule was for a quantity of 1 and awarded as the total price of the job, then invoicing must be done after the job is 100% complete. Invoices will be paid on a Net 30 basis. SC Forestry Commission will process invoices for payment after confirming with the US Forest Service that the work was complete and per specs.

****As the funds used for the program are federal funds, potential vendors will need to familiarize themselves with the standards of general accountability under applicable federal regulations. All funds expended by the vendor must be in compliance with 2 CFR 200- specifically 2 CFR 200.317, 2 CFR 200.318, 2 CFR 200.321, 2 CFR 200.323. 2 CFR 200.327- which can be found at the following link: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200.

This award is contingent upon the approval of the US Forest Service. Before an award can be made by the SC Forestry Commission, approval must be obtained by the US Forest Service. Therefore, cancelation of this award is possible if they fail to give approval of the award. Should that happen, notice will be given that the award is to be canceled to all bidders.****

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:

Francis Marion National Forest- Specific coordinates and map will be provided upon award.

[03-3030-1]

DELIVERY DATE -- SPECIFIED (JAN 2006):

Delivery shall be made no later than June 02, 2027. Contractor may request approval to deliver items prior to the delivery date. [03-3040-1]

SAP

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.