Specifications and Terms and Conditions for In-Vessel Composting System.pdf

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IN-VESSEL COMPOSTING SYSTEM

Bids will be Received until 2:00 P.M. on Monday, September 21, 2026

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Quick Quote (QQ) is to solicit quotes to furnish and deliver an in-vessel composting system, to Christopher Newport University, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, VA 23606.

II. SPECIFICATIONS

Quantity Item Description 1 Commercial scale in-vessel composting system 1 Delivery and Installation 1 Commissioning and Startup Services 1 8 Hours of Onsite Operator Training 1 Documentation and Warranty Support 1 Freight & Delivery (if applicable) 1 Discounts (if applicable)

The final quoted price shall include all labor, equipment, supplies, transportation, and all ancillary expenses for delivery, installation, testing if applicable, for the final delivery of the machinery.

Vendor may not invoice for any expenses not included in the final quoted price.

III. SCOPE OF WORK

1. General System Requirements:

• Capable of processing pre- and post-consumer organic waste generated by a university campus or similar institutional facility

• Shall reduce organic waste volume, produce a stable compost product, and operate in a safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant manner

• Be a continuous or semi-continuous in-vessel composting unit designed for daily loading and routine discharge of processed material

• Operate as a fully enclosed unit

• Provide controlled aeration, mixing, and temperature management

• Minimize odors, vectors, and leachate release

• Produce a stabilized compost output suitable for curing

• Be suitable for institutional use with minimal daily labor

2. System Performance Requirements:

• Minimum processing capacity: 200 pounds per day

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• Preferred range: 200-1000 pounds per day

• Processing time: maximum of 21 days.

• System shall accept, at minimum:

o Fruits and vegetables o Cooked food waste o Meat, fish, and dairy o Bread and grains o Compostable paper products

3. Output Material

• Output shall be partially stabilized compost

• Material shall be suitable for secondary curing (2-6 weeks)

• Volume reduction target: 70%

4. System Components

4.1 Mechanical Features

• Automated or semi-automated mixing system

• Corrosion-resistant chamber 304 stainless steel

• Continuous or plug-flow design preferred

4.2 Aeration and Temperature Control

• Forced aeration system

• Temperature monitoring (minimum of 3 sensor points)

• Capability to maintain thermophilic range (55–70°C / 131–158°F)

4.3 Odor Management

• Integrated odor control system (biofilter, carbon filter, or equivalent)

• System shall prevent nuisance odors at property boundary

5. Utilities and Infrastructure

5.1 Electrical

• Standard commercial electrical connection (240V, 1ph, 16A)

• Energy consumption shall be provided (kWh/week)

5.2 Space Requirements

• Vender shall clearly specify footprint, clearance requirements, and access for loading/unloading

5.3 Drainage (if applicable)

• System shall manage or minimize leachate

• Any discharge must comply with local regulations

6. Operational Requirements

• Daily labor operation time required shall not exceed 30 minutes per day

• If system requires bulking agents (e.g., wood chips), vendor shall clearly specify type(s) and consumption rate(s)

• User-friendly control interface

• Automated alerts for temperature deviations and mechanical faults

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7. Safety and Compliance Requirements

System shall comply with:

• Applicable OSHA safety standards

• Local and state environmental regulations

• Electrical and fire codes

System shall include:

• Emergency stop controls

• Safety guarding on moving parts

8. Installation and Commissioning

Vendor shall provide:

• Installation and commissioning of the system, including all work necessary to ensure the unit is fully operational.

• On-site operator training for 8 hours

• Operation and maintenance manuals in hard copy and electronic form

9. Warranty and Support

• Minimum 12-month warranty required on parts and labor

• Vendor shall offer ongoing technical support

• Vendor shall specify and describe any optional service agreements

10. Submittals Required

Vendor shall provide:

• Technical specifications and drawings

• Throughput and performance data

• Utility requirements

11. Optional Features (Preferred)

• Remote monitoring capability

• Data tracking for sustainability reporting

• Modular expansion capability

• Integration with campus waste programs

IV. REQUIREMENTS FOR QUOTE SUBMISSION

Provide all warranty information and service agreements whether required or optional.

All items are to be as stated/specified. No substitutions.

Shipping is a Separate Line Item

Payment: Net 30 from receipt of product or invoice (whichever occurs last), or in accordance with expedited terms already on file with the University.

Only electronic bid submissions are acceptable.

V. DELIVERY

Vendor shall arrange delivery to Warehouse at 2 Sweetbriar Drive, Newport News, VA 23606.

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VI. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDTIONS

A. PURCHASING MANUAL: This solicitation and any resulting contract is subject to the provisions of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Purchasing Manual for Institutions of Higher Education and Their Vendors and any revisions hereto, and the Rules Governing Procurement of Goods, Services, Insurance and Construction by a Public Institution of Higher Education of the Commonwealth of Virginia (Subchapter 3 of the Restructured Higher Education Financial and Administrative Operations Act) (hereafter referred to as “Governing Rules”), which are hereby incorporated into this contract in their entirety. The manual may be accessed electronically at https://vascupp.org.

B. ANNOUNCEMENT OF AWARD: Upon the award or the announcement of the decision to award a contract as a result of this solicitation, the University will publicly post such notice on the Commonwealth of Virginia’s eVA eProcurement platform (www.eva.virginia.gov) for a minimum of 10 days.

C. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION: By submitting their bids, bidders certify to the University that they will conform to the provisions of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, as well as the Virginia Fair Employment Contracting Act of 1975, as amended, where applicable, the Virginians With Disabilities Act, the Americans With Disabilities Act and §9 and §10 of the Governing Rules. If the award is made to a faith-based organization, the organization shall not discriminate against any recipient of goods, services, or disbursements made pursuant to the contract on the basis of the recipient's religion, religious belief, refusal to participate in a religious practice, or on the basis of race, age, color, gender or national origin and shall be subject to the same rules as other organizations that contract with public bodies to account for the use of the funds provided; however, if the faith-based organization segregates public funds into separate accounts, only the accounts and programs funded with public funds shall be subject to audit by the public body (Governing Rules, §36).

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

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

a. The contractor will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by state law relating to discrimination in employment, except where there is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the contractor. The contractor agrees to post in conspicuous places, available to employees and applicants for employment, notices setting forth the provisions of this nondiscrimination clause.

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

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

2. The contractor will include the provisions of 1. above in every subcontract or purchase order over

$10,000, so that the provisions will be binding upon each subcontractor or vendor.

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

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

E. APPLICABLE LAWS AND COURTS: This solicitation and any resulting contract shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without regard to its choice of law provisions.

The University and the contractor are encouraged to resolve any issues in controversy arising from the award https://vascupp.org/ http://www.eva.state.va.us/

2026 In-Vessel Composting System Page 5 of 13 of the contract or any contractual dispute by informal mediation (Governing Rules §56). The contractor shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.

F. ASSIGNMENT OF CONTRACT: The contractor shall not assign all or any portion of its rights and duties under this contract without the prior written consent of the University.

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

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

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

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

2. The University may order changes within the general scope of the contract at any time by written notice to the contractor. Changes within the scope of the contract include, but are not limited to, things such as services to be performed, the method of packing or shipment, and the place of delivery or installation.

The contractor shall comply with the notice upon receipt, unless the contractor intends to claim an adjustment to compensation, schedule, or other contractual impact that would be caused by complying with such notice, in which case the contractor shall, in writing, promptly notify the University of the adjustment to be sought, and before proceeding to comply with the notice, shall await the University's written decision affirming, modifying, or revoking the prior written notice. If the University decides to issue a notice that requires an adjustment to compensation, the contractor shall be compensated for any additional costs incurred as the result of such order and shall give the University a credit for any savings.

Said compensation shall be determined by one of the following methods:

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

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

c. By ordering the contractor to proceed with the work and keep a record of all costs incurred and savings realized. A markup for overhead and profit may be allowed if provided by the contract.

The same markup shall be used for determining a decrease in price as the result of savings realized. The contractor shall present the University with all vouchers and records of expenses incurred and savings realized. The University shall have the right to audit the records of the contractor as it deems necessary to determine costs or savings. Any claim for an adjustment in price under this provision must be asserted by written notice to the University within thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of the written order from the University. If the parties fail to agree on an amount of adjustment, the question of an increase or decrease in the contract price or time for performance shall be resolved in accordance with the procedures for resolving disputes provided by the Disputes Clause of this contract or, if there is none, in accordance with the Contractual Dispute provision of Governing Rules § 53. Neither the existence of a claim nor a dispute resolution process, litigation or any other provision of this contract shall excuse the contractor from promptly complying with the changes ordered by the University or with the performance of the contract generally.

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J. CONTRACTOR CONDUCT: Contractor shall at all times operate in compliance with federal law, the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the policies of the University, including those that relate to access and use of the University’s facilities and information technology resources and data.

The University may require, at its sole discretion, the removal and replacement of any individual who the University reasonably believes to have violated any laws or policy of the University.

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

L. CONTRACTOR BACKGROUND CERTIFICATION: The Contractor, at its expense, shall conduct background screenings to include a national criminal history background check (NCHBC) on all contracted employees (including subcontractors and temporary workers) assigned to perform services for Christopher Newport University at or in any University facility or location, including any employee provided logical or virtual access to University systems and data, even remotely. The Contractor bears the responsibility for certifying to the University that background screenings have been completed prior to work being performed by their employees or subcontractors. The Contractor shall only assign employees deemed qualified and permissible based on the results of completed background screenings. To ensure the safety of the University’s students, staff, faculty and general public visitors to the campus, Christopher Newport University reserves the right to approve or disapprove any contracted employee(s) working at any University location should the University discover a criminal background. Disapproval by the University will solely apply to all University locations and should have no bearing on the Contractor’s employment of the employee(s) outside of the University.

The background screening shall include, but not limited to, a review of the individual’s records obtained through Social Security Number Search, Credit Report (if related to potential job duties), state and federal Criminal Database Search (any misdemeanor convictions and/or felony convictions are reported) in all states in which the employee has lived or worked, and the National Sex Offender Registry. The University requests national criminal history background checks to include all criminal conviction history information, and not just the most recent seven years of data. No employee listed on any sex offender registry shall be employed under this contract.

The University reserves the right to audit a contractor’s background screening process at any time. Upon request, the Contractor shall provide verification of background screening completion/clearance information for any employee.

If at any time during the term of the contract, the University discovers an individual has a conviction, the University reserves the right to the immediate removal of the individual from the University’s service and to request a prompt, suitable replacement. This right is non-negotiable. The same holds true for any individual convicted of any criminal convictions while in employment. The Contractor and/or individual is to disclose any criminal conviction(s) that occur while assigned to the University to the contract administrator immediately.

All questions concerning the background screening requirement shall be addressed to the Director of Human Resources Operations at 757-594-7145. The University’s policy can be found on the Office of Human Resources Operations website at https://cnu.edu/public/policies/policy/human-resources-policies/cnu-policy-5035_criminal_history_background_check_policy.pdf.

Failure to comply with these terms as specified shall result in termination of the contract, unless waived in writing by the University. Signature of this solicitation and/or resulting award confirms the Contractor’s compliance with this requirement.

M. DEBARMENT STATUS: By submitting their bids, bidders certify that they are not currently debarred or otherwise declared ineligible by the Commonwealth of Virginia from submitting bids on contracts for the https://cnu.edu/public/policies/policy/human-resources-policies/cnu-policy-5035_criminal_history_background_check_policy.pdf https://cnu.edu/public/policies/policy/human-resources-policies/cnu-policy-5035_criminal_history_background_check_policy.pdf

2026 In-Vessel Composting System Page 7 of 13 type of goods and services covered by this solicitation, nor are they an agent of any person or entity that is currently so debarred or otherwise declared ineligible.

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

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

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

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

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

The eVA Internet electronic procurement solution, web site portal https://eva.virginia.gov, streamlines and automates government purchasing activities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The eVA portal is the gateway for vendors to conduct business with state agencies and public bodies. All vendors desiring to provide goods and/or services to the Commonwealth of Virginia shall participate in the eVA Internet e-procurement solution by completing the free eVA Vendor Registration. All bidders/offerors agree to self-register in eVA and pay the Vendor Transaction Fees prior to being award a contract. Registration instructions and transaction fees are available for review at https://eva.virginia.gov.

The specified vendor transaction fee will be invoiced, by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of General Services, typically within 60 days of the order issue date. Any adjustments (increases/decreases) will be handled through purchase order changes.

R. E-VERIFY PROGRAM: Any contractor with more than an average of 50 employees for the previous 12 months entering into a contract in excess of $50,000 with the University to perform work or provide services pursuant to such contract shall register and participate in the E-Verify program to verify information and work authorization of its newly hired employees performing work pursuant to any awarded contract.

S. IMMIGRATION REFORM AND CONTROL ACT OF 1986: By entering into a written contract with the University, the Contractor certifies that the Contractor does not, and shall not during the performance of the contract for goods and services to the University, knowingly employ an unauthorized alien as defined in the federal Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

https://eva.virginia.gov/

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T. INSURANCE: By signing and submitting a bid under this solicitation, the bidder certifies that if awarded the contract, it will have the following insurance coverage at the time the contract is awarded. For construction contracts, if any subcontractors are involved, the subcontractor will have workers’ compensation insurance in accordance with Governing Rules § 25.C and 65.2-800 et seq. of the Code of Virginia. The bidder further certifies that the contractor and any subcontractors will maintain these insurance coverages during the entire term of the contract and that all insurance coverage will be provided by insurance companies authorized to sell insurance in Virginia by the Virginia State Corporation Commission.

MINIMUM INSURANCE COVERAGES AND LIMITS:

1. Workers’ Compensation - Statutory requirements and benefits. Coverage is compulsory for employers of three or more employees, to include the employer. Contractors who fail to notify the University of increases in the number of employees that change their workers’ compensation requirements under the Code of Virginia during the course of the contract shall be in noncompliance with the contract.

2. Employer’s Liability - $100,000.

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

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

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

U. MANDATORY USE OF STATE FORM AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR IFBs:

Failure to submit a bid on the official state form provided for that purpose may be a cause for rejection of the bid. Modification of or additions to the General Terms and Conditions of the solicitation may be cause for rejection of bid; however, the University reserves the right to decide, on a case-by-case basis, in its sole discretion, whether to reject such a bid.

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

W. PAYMENT:

1. To Prime Contractor:

a. Invoices for services rendered and/or items ordered, delivered and accepted shall be submitted by the contractor directly to the designated Purchaser/Contract Administrator/Project Manager and the University’s Business Office. Invoices may be submitted electronically to apinvoices@cnu.edu or by mail to:

Christopher Newport University Attn: Accounts Payable 1 Avenue of the Arts Newport News, VA 23606-3072

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b. All invoices shall show the state contract number and/or purchase order number; social security number

(for individual contractors) or the federal employer identification number (for proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations).

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

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

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

f. Unreasonable Charges. Under certain emergency procurements and for most time and material purchases, final job costs cannot be accurately determined at the time orders are placed. In such cases, contractors should be put on notice that final payment in full is contingent on a determination of reasonableness with respect to all invoiced charges. Charges which appear to be unreasonable will be researched and challenged, and that portion of the invoice held in abeyance until a settlement can be reached. Upon determining that invoiced charges are not reasonable, the University shall notify the contractor, in writing, as to those charges that it considers unreasonable and the basis for the determination. A contractor may not institute legal action unless a settlement cannot be reached within thirty (30) days of notification. The provisions of this section do not relieve the University of its prompt payment obligations with respect to those charges which are not in dispute (Governing Rules § 53).

2. To Subcontractors:

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

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

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

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

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

4. The University encourages contractors and subcontractors to accept electronic and credit card payments.

X. PRECEDENCE OF TERMS: These General Terms and Conditions and the Commonwealth of Virginia

Purchasing Manual for Institutions of Higher Education and Their Vendors and Governing Rules shall apply

2026 In-Vessel Composting System Page 10 of 13 in all instances. In the event there is a conflict between any of the other General Terms and Conditions and any Special Terms and Conditions in this solicitation, the Special Terms and Conditions shall apply.

Y. QUALIFICATIONS OF BIDDERS: The University may make such reasonable investigations as deemed proper and necessary to determine the ability of the bidder to perform the services/furnish the goods and the bidder shall furnish to the University all such information and data for this purpose as may be requested. The University reserves the right to inspect bidder’s physical facilities prior to award to satisfy questions regarding the bidder’s capabilities. The University further reserves the right to reject any bid if the evidence submitted by, or investigations of, such bidder fails to satisfy the University that such bidder is properly qualified to carry out the obligations of the contract and to provide the services and/or furnish the goods contemplated therein.

Z. TAXES: Sales to the Commonwealth of Virginia are normally exempt from State sales tax. State sales and use tax certificates of exemption, Form ST-12, will be issued upon request. Deliveries against this contract shall usually be free of Federal excise and transportation taxes. The University’s excise tax exemption registration number is 10-540701501F-001.

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

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

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

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

VII. SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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

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

2026 In-Vessel Composting System Page 11 of 13 govern. If cash discount for prompt payment is offered, it must be clearly shown in the space provided. Discounts for early prompt payment will not be considered in making awards. The State reserves the right to reject any and all bids in whole or in part, to waive any informality, and to delete items prior to making an award.

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

Vendors desiring to provide goods and/or services to the Commonwealth shall participate in the eVA Internet e-procurement solution and agree to comply with the following: If this solicitation is for a term contract, failure to provide an electronic catalog (price list) or index page catalog for items awarded will be just cause for the Commonwealth to reject your bid or terminate this contract for default. The format of this electronic catalog shall conform to the eVA Catalog Interchange Format (CIF) Specification that can be accessed and downloaded from www.eVA.virginia.gov. Contractors should email Catalog or Index Page information to eVA-catalog-manager@dgs.virginia.gov.

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

D. EXTRA CHARGES NOT ALLOWED: The bid price shall be for complete installation ready for the Commonwealth’s use, and shall include all applicable freight and installation charges; extra charges will not be allowed.

E. MAINTENANCE MANUALS: The contractor shall provide with each piece of equipment an operations and maintenance manual with wiring diagrams, parts list, and a copy of all warranties.

F. PRODUCT INFORMATION: The bidder shall clearly and specifically identify the product being offered and enclose complete and detailed descriptive literature, catalog cuts and specifications with the bid to enable the Commonwealth to determine if the product offered meets the requirements of the solicitation. Failure to do so may cause the bid/proposal to be considered nonresponsive.

G. WARRANTY (COMMERCIAL): The contractor agrees that the goods or services furnished under any award resulting from this solicitation shall be covered by the most favorable commercial warranties the contractor gives any customer for such goods or services and that the rights and remedies provided therein are in addition to and do not limit those available to the Commonwealth by any other clause of this solicitation and rights and remedies permitted under applicable law. A copy of this warranty should be furnished with the bid/proposal

H. ORDERING OPTION: Christopher Newport University, may during the first sixty (60) days after this contract is awarded, with the concurrence of the contractor, place additional orders under the contract at the original unit price through the issuance of separate purchase orders. The aggregate of such additional orders shall not exceed 100% of the quantity originally stated in the contract.

VIII. METHOD OF PAYMENT

1. To Prime Contractor:

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

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

mailto:eVA-catalog-manager@dgs.virginia.gov mailto:eVA-catalog-manager@dgs.virginia.gov

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

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

Unreasonable Charges. Under certain emergency procurements and for most time and material purchases, final job costs cannot be accurately determined at the time orders are placed. In such cases, contractors should be put on notice that final payment in full is contingent on a determination of reasonableness with respect to all invoiced charges. Charges which appear to be unreasonable will be researched and challenged, and that portion of the invoice held in abeyance until a settlement can be reached. Upon determining that invoiced charges are not reasonable, the Commonwealth shall promptly notify the contractor, in writing, as to those charges which it considers unreasonable and the basis for the determination. A contractor may not institute legal action unless a settlement cannot be reached within thirty (30) days of notification. The provisions of this section do not relieve an agency of its prompt payment obligations with respect to those charges which are not in dispute (Code of Virginia, § 2.2-4363).

2. To Subcontractors:

a) A contractor awarded a contract under this solicitation is hereby obligated:

i. To pay the subcontractor(s) within seven (7) days of the contractor’s receipt of payment from the Commonwealth for the proportionate share of the payment received for work performed by the subcontractor(s) under the contract; or

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

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

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

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

A consolidated invoice/statement shall be submitted by the Contractor directly to the University’s Accounts Payable department at the address shown below listing all transactions delivered or credited during the previous thirty (30) days billing period.

The Contractor shall be paid thirty (30) days after receipt of a consolidated invoice/statement for deliveries satisfactorily completed during the period covered in the consolidated invoice/statement.

Christopher Newport University Attention: Accounts Payable

1 Avenue of the Arts Newport News, VA 23606

Invoices can be sent electronically to apinvoices@cnu.edu.

Invoices will clearly indicate the item description as well as any vendor identification item number for each transaction listed. The vendor will invoice each department separately.

mailto:apinvoices@cnu.edu