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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAtlantic Pipe Services, LLC -PiggyBacker Rider (Gainesville) - Sewer Rehabilation Services - 2025 03 12 GENERAL SOLICITATION DOCUMENT ITB 2024-083 SANITARY SEWER LINE & MANHOLE REHABILITATION SERVICES Gainesville Regional Utilities 301 SE 4th Avenue Gainesville, FL 32601 RELEASE DATE: August 8, 2024 DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS: August 16, 2024 RESPONSE DEADLINE: August 30, 2024, 2:00 pm RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO: https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/gru 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1. Summary It is the intent of GRU to establish an annual agreement to procure, on an "as required" basis, Sanitary Sewer Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services. Successful Bidder(s) shall furnish all equipment, labor, materials, supplies, licensing, transportation, and other components necessary to provide Sanitary Sewer Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services that will meet the requirements of the Agreement as indicated in this Solicitation Document. 1.2. Background GRU is requesting bids for various aspects of the gravity sewer wastewater collection system and ancillary items associated with a turnkey scope. This is a 3 year continuing service contract with two (2), one year optional extensions. The basis of the annual estimated quantities on the bid form are divided per contracted scopes. GRU has been rehabilitating the collections system for over 10 years and it is the intent for GRU to continue rehabilitation efforts ongoing in an effort to reduce I/I and increase collection system infrastructure stability. Scopes will be let with the intent to have work completed within the fiscal year they are released. GRU's fiscal year resets on October 1 of each year. 1.3. Contact Information Annie Velez Procurement Specialist III 301 SE 4th Ave, Gainesville, FL, 32601 Gainesville, FL 32601 Email: veleza1@gru.com Phone: (352) 393-1282 Department: Water/Wastewater 1.4. Timeline Release Project Date August 8, 2024 Question Submission Deadline August 16, 2024, 5:00pm Question Response Deadline August 22, 2024, 5:00pm Proposal Submission Deadline August 30, 2024, 2:00pm 2. INSTRUCTIONS 2.1. DEFINITION OF TERMS FOR INSTRUCTIONS • Addendum/Addenda: Written or graphic document(s) issued prior to the Response due date, which make additions, deletions, or revisions to the solicitation or contract documents. • Agreement: A written Contract between two or more Parties. “Contract” and “Agreement” are synonymous. General Solicitation Document #ITB 2024-083 Title: Sanitary Sewer Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services 3 • Best and Final Offer (BAFO): The final proposal submitted after competitive negotiations are completed that contains the Responders most favorable terms. • Bid: The written response to a Solicitation. • Due Date: The date the response is due. • Non–Responsive: A response that does not meet the material requirements of the solicitation. • Redacted: The censoring of part of a Response. • Respondent: An individual or business entity that submits a response to a Solicitation. • Response: A written document submitted by a Respondent in reply to Solicitation. • Responsive: A response that conforms in all material respects to the requirements set forth in the Solicitation. • Solicitation: A written document issued by an agency to obtain information or pricing for goods and/or services. May also be referred to as an Invitation to Bid, Request for Proposal, Request for Quotation, or Request for Statement of Qualifications. • Work: Activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result requested in the scope. 2.2. AUTHORIZED PROCUREMENT REPRESENTATIVE The Procurement Representative for this Solicitation/Contract is Annie Velez. Respondents shall submit all inquiries regarding this bid via GRU e-Procurement Portal, located at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/GRU. Please note the deadline for submitting inquiries. All answers to inquiries will be posted on GRU e-Procurement Portal. Respondents shall click “Follow” on this bid to receive an email notification when answers are posted. It is the responsibility of the respondent to check the website for answers to inquiries. 2.3. EXAMINATION OF SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS AND WORK SITE a) Prior to responding to the Solicitation, Respondents are responsible for the following: (a) examining the Solicitation thoroughly, (b) if applicable, visiting the work site to become familiar with local conditions that may affect the cost, progress, performance of furnishing the Work, (c) considering federal, state and local laws and regulations that may impact or affect cost, progress, performance or furnishing of the Work, (d) studying and carefully correlating Respondent’s observations with the Solicitation, and (e) notifying the Procurement Representative of all conflicts, errors or discrepancies in the Solicitation. b) Respondents are expected to become fully informed as to the requirements of the Specifications and failure to do so will be at their own risk. Respondents cannot expect to secure relief on the plea of error. c) A Respondent who is aggrieved in connection with the specifications of this Solicitation may protest in writing to GRU Procurement at least seven (7) business days prior to the Response due date. 2.4. INTERPRETATIONS AND ADDENDA General Solicitation Document #ITB 2024-083 Title: Sanitary Sewer Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services 4 a) All questions about the meaning or intent of the Solicitation are to be directed to the Procurement Representative, unless stated otherwise in the Solicitation. Interpretations or clarifications considered necessary in response to such questions will be issued by Addenda sent to all parties recorded as having received the Solicitation. Questions received less than seven (7) business days prior to the Response due date/time may not be answered by the Procurement Representative. Only questions answered by formal written Addenda will be binding. b) Addenda may also be issued to modify the Solicitation as deemed advisable by the Procurement Representative. c) Addenda issued by GRU prior to the Solicitation due date/time are considered binding as if written into the original Solicitation. Respondents are responsible for ensuring that all addenda have been received prior to submitting their Response. 2.5. RESPONSE PREPARATION a) The Pricing Response Form is included in the Solicitation and should be used to submit pricing information, providing a price for all items listed on the form, unless noted otherwise. b) All blanks on the Respondent’s Certification Form must be legibly completed in ink (computer printed, typed or handwritten). c) A Response submitted by a corporation must be executed in the corporate name by the president, a vice- president, or other corporate representative and accompanied by a document showing authorization of such person’s authority. Include the physical address and state of incorporation. A Response submitted by a partnership must be executed in the partnership name and signed by a partner, whose title must appear under the signature, and the physical address of the partnership must be shown below the signature. d) The names of individuals included on the Respondent’s Certification Form must be legibly printed below signatures (computer printed, typed or handwritten). e) Respondent must acknowledge receipt of all addenda using the space provided on the Respondent’s Certification Form. f) Costs for developing a response to the Solicitation are the sole obligation of the Respondent. g) Respondent’s pricing must include applicable taxes on items purchased or manufactured by Respondent for the project. GRU is exempt from Florida sales taxes for certain purchases. A “Consumer’s Certificate of Exemption” is available at www.gru.com . 2.6. SELECTION PROCESS AND RECOMMENDATION a) It is anticipated that the evaluation committee may have discussions based on written proposals received by responsive Respondents. GRU reserves the right to waive discussions should it be deemed unnecessary. b) GRU may, at its sole discretion, conduct a Best and Final Offer (BAFO) round to this solicitation. Should this round be conducted, the Procurement Representative will issue a request to include instructions, deadline, and addenda as applicable. General Solicitation Document #ITB 2024-083 Title: Sanitary Sewer Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services 5 2.7. PRICE a) The price stated on the Pricing Response Form is firm. Any additional charges that were not included in the Response will not be paid by GRU unless approved in writing by an authorized GRU representative. Subsequent to contract formation, pricing inconsistencies on invoices may be grounds to cancel the contract. b) If the Respondent offers discounted pricing, such as prompt payment discounts or volume discounts, it must be clearly stated and explained on the Pricing Response Form. Such discounts, if applicable, will not be used in determining award of the Solicitation. 2.8. DEVIATIONS FROM SPECIFICATIONS a) Any deviation from this Solicitation must be provided and explained in detail with the Response. Deviations must be explained on a separate page labeled “Clarifications and Exceptions” and included with the Response. Each clarification and exception must correspond to the specific referenced section in the Solicitation. Otherwise, the Response will be considered in strict compliance with the Solicitation and the selected Respondent will be held accountable for compliance with the Specifications. b) GRU reserves the right to waive clarifications and exceptions to the Solicitation if determined by GRU to be in GRU’s best interest. 2.9. DISTRIBUTION OF INFORMATION a) GRU requires electronic submission of bids and proposals. Submit electronic responses via GRU e-Procurement Portal: https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/GRU. By way of the e-Procurement Portal, responses will be locked and digitally encrypted until the submission deadline passes. i. Access procurement documents and related information. ii. Receive automatic and instant notifications of government opportunities. iii. Download solicitation documents and specifications online. iv. Submit your bids and proposals online. v. See all the forms and documents you need to complete in one place. vi. Receive and respond to government requests for quotes immediately. vii. Automatic notification of awards. b) For more information about OpenGov, visit https://procurement.opengov.com. c) It is the responsibility of the vendor to regularly monitor GRU's eProcurement Portal. Respondents shall click “Follow” on this solicitation to receive all email notifications when answers are posted, addenda issued, & other solicitation notices. d) Ultimately, it is the sole responsibility of each respondent to periodically check the site for any addenda at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/GRU. Vendor failure to retrieve available, required procurement information and include the appropriate documentation and information in solicitation responses may result in disqualification. 2.10. SOLICITATION RESPONSE a) Bids may be received up to but not later than 2:00 pm on Friday, August 30, 2024 via GRU e-Procurement Portal located at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/GRU. GRU e-Procurement Portal Clock is the official clock for General Solicitation Document #ITB 2024-083 Title: Sanitary Sewer Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services 6 the determination of all deadline dates and times. Without exception, responses will not be accepted after the submission deadline regardless of any technical difficulties such as poor internet connections. Gainesville Regional Utilities strongly recommends completing your response well ahead of the deadline. By way of the e-Procurement Portal, responses will be locked and digitally encrypted until the submission deadline passes. b) Responses will be electronically unsealed publicly opened at the time and place indicated in the Solicitation and will be available for inspection upon notice of award or intended Award, or within thirty (30) calendar days after the opening of Responses, whichever occurs first. Prices may be publicly disclosed on GRU’s eProcurement Portal at the sole discretion of GRU Procurement. c) The Respondent’s Certification Form must be submitted with the Response. If required, a Bid Bond and other documents must be provided with the Response. If a Bid Bond is required by the Solicitation and not included the response will be deemed non-responsive. d) A “No-Bid” Response can be submitted for those who choose not to participate in the Solicitation. This designation can be submitted in GRU’s eProcurement Portal: https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/gru/projects/106549 2.11. SUBMITTING QUESTIONS AND RECEIVING RESPONSES Respondents shall submit all inquiries regarding this bid via GRU e-Procurement Portal, located at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/GRU. Please note the deadline for submitting inquiries: 5:00 pm on Friday, August 16, 2024. All answers to inquiries will be posted on GRU e-Procurement Portal. Respondents shall click “Follow” on this solicitation to receive all email notifications when answers are posted, addenda issued, & other solicitation notices. It is the responsibility of the respondent to check the website for answers to inquiries. Addenda Notification and Acknowledgement Addenda Notification: Respondents are required to register for an account via GRU e-Procurement Portal hosted by OpenGov. Once the respondent has completed registration, they will receive addenda notifications to their email by clicking “Follow” on this project. Ultimately, it is the sole responsibility of each respondent to periodically check the site for any addenda at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/GRU. 2.12. MODIFICATION OR WITHDRAWAL OF A RESPONSE a) Changes to a vendor’s bid submittals in GRU's eProcurement Portal can be made up to the deadline date for the bid submittal. b) After responses have been opened, corrections to the response are permitted only to the extent that i. Respondent can show by clear and convincing evidence that there was a material and substantial mistake in the preparation of its Response; ii. the nature of the mistake is evident; and iii. the intended pricing is evident. 2.13. TERMS OF AWARD Award will be made to the one or multiple lowest, responsive, responsible Respondent(s) based on all line items combined or any combination of line items GRU determines to be in its best interest. GRU may not award a particular line item(s). General Solicitation Document #ITB 2024-083 Title: Sanitary Sewer Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services 7 i. GRU reserves the right to reject any and all Responses, or any part thereof, to waive any and all informalities or irregularities, and the right to disregard all nonconforming, nonresponsive, unbalanced or conditional Responses. A responsible Respondent and any selected subcontractors, suppliers, other persons, and/or organizations proposed to perform or furnish the Work have the capacity in all respects to fully perform the Contract requirements and the experience, integrity, reliability, capacity, facilities, equipment, and credit to ensure good faith performance, such capacity and responsibility to be determined solely by GRU. GRU may conduct such investigation as GRU deems necessary to establish the responsibility, qualifications and financial ability of Respondent(s), proposed subcontractors, material suppliers, individuals, or entities to perform the Work in accordance with the Contract. Such information may include, but shall not be limited to, current financial statements, bank records, verifications of availability of equipment and personnel and past performance records. ii. Discrepancies in the multiplication of units of Work and unit prices will be resolved in favor of the unit prices. Discrepancies between the indicated sum of any column of figures and the correct sum thereof will be resolved in favor of the correct sum. iii. If the Contract is awarded, GRU will give the successful Respondent a Notice of Intent to Award within sixty (60) calendar days after the Solicitation due date. All Responses must remain valid for sixty (60) calendar days from the Solicitation due date. iv. When GRU gives a Notice of Award to the successful Respondent, it will be accompanied by the required number of unsigned counterparts of the Contract (or Purchase Order, as applicable) with all attachments. Within fifteen (15) calendar days thereafter, Respondent must sign and deliver the required number of counterparts of the Contract, attachments, and required Bonds, if applicable. GRU will ultimately provide a fully signed counterpart to the Respondent. v. Failure on the part of the successful Respondent to execute a Contract within fifteen (15) calendar days after the notice of acceptance may be just cause for annulment of award. vi. GRU may then accept the Response of the next lowest, responsive, responsible Respondent or re- advertise the Solicitation. If the next lowest, responsive, responsible Response is accepted, this acceptance will bind such Respondent as though it was the original successful Respondent. vii. Protests in respect to the intended award must be filed within three (3) calendar days of notice for purchases that do not require prior approval of the Gainesville Regional Utility Authority (GRUA), and within seven (7) calendar days for purchases that require prior approval of the Gainesville Regional Utility Authority (GRUA). It is the Respondent’s duty to be informed of the intended award and GRU’s protest procedures. 2.14. TERM OF AGREEMENT 1. The term of this Contract shall commence on the October 1, 2024 and terminate on October 1, 2027. 2. Upon mutual agreement between Parties, this contract may be renewed for Two (2), 1 year additional years. 3. Beyond the extensions described above, this Contract may be extended for an additional six (6) months to allow for completion of a new solicitation. 2.15. LOBBYING General Solicitation Document #ITB 2024-083 Title: Sanitary Sewer Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services 8 To ensure fair consideration and consistent and accurate dissemination of information for all proposers, GRU prohibits communication to or with any department, employee, or agent evaluating or considering the proposals during the submission process, except as authorized by the contact person. During the blackout period no person may lobby, as defined herein, on behalf of a competing party in a particular procurement process, GRU officials or employees except the Procurement designated staff contact in the Procurement Department. Violation of this provision shall result in disqualification of the party on whose behalf the lobbying occurred. Lobbying means when any natural person, for compensation, seeks to influence the governmental decision-making, to encourage the passage, defeat or modification of any proposal, recommendation or decision by GRU officials and employees, except as authorized by procurement documents. 2.16. BLACKOUT PERIOD Respondents to this solicitation or persons acting on their behalf may not contact, between the release of the solicitation and the end of the 72-hour period following the agency posting the notice of intended award, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays, any employee or officer of the executive or legislative branch concerning any aspect of this solicitation, except in writing to the procurement officer or as provided in the solicitation documents. Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting a response. 2.17. COLLUSION a) Only one (1) response from any individual, firm, corporation, organization or agency under the same or different name will be considered for this Solicitation. Submission of more than one response may result in the rejection of all responses from the Respondent. b) Respondent, by signing the Respondent’s Certification Form, declares that the Response is made without any previous understanding, agreement, or connections with any persons, firms, or corporations responding on the same items and that it is in all respects fair and in good faith without any outside control, collusion or fraud. A non- exclusive manufacturer/distributor relationship does not, in and of itself, constitute a prior understanding, agreement, connection or collusion between Responders. c) By responding to the Solicitation, the Respondent acknowledges that it has not offered or given any gift or compensation to any GRU officer or employee to secure favorable treatment with respect to being awarded this Contract. 2.18. DEBARMENT/SUSPENSION/TERMINATION. Debarment/Suspension. The Procurement representative is authorized to suspend a vendor from consideration for award of contracts if there is probable cause to believe that the vendor has engaged in activity which might lead to debarment. The suspension shall be for a period not to exceed three months. After reasonable notice to the vendor involved and reasonable opportunity for that vendor to be heard, the Procurement representative, after consulting with the GRU Attorney, is authorized to debar a vendor for cause from consideration for award of contracts. The debarment shall be for a period of not more than three years. The causes for debarment include: i. Conviction for commission of a criminal offense as an incident to obtaining or attempting to obtain a public or private contract or subcontract, or in the performance of such contract or subcontract, within five years of a proposed award; ii. Conviction under State or Federal statutes of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, receiving stolen property, or any other offense indicating a lack of business integrity or business honesty which currently, seriously, and directly affects responsibility as a GRU contractor, within five years of a proposed award; General Solicitation Document #ITB 2024-083 Title: Sanitary Sewer Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services 9 iii. Conviction under state or federal antitrust statutes arising out of the submission of bids or proposals, within five years of a proposed award; v. Violation of contract provisions, as set forth below, of a character which is regarded by the Procurement representative to be so serious as to justify debarment action, within five years of a proposed award: 1. Deliberate failure without good cause to perform in accordance with the specifications or within the time limit provided in the contract; or 2. A record of failure to perform or of unsatisfactory performance in accordance with the terms of one or more contracts; provided that failure to perform or unsatisfactory performance caused by acts beyond the control of the contractor shall not be considered to be a basis for debarment. vi. For any provision of, or offer, gift or agreement to provide, any gratuity, kickback or offer of employment to any current or former GRU employee in connection with any decision, approval, disapproval, recommendation, or preparation of any part of a program requirement or a purchase requisition, influencing the content of any specification or procurement standard, rendering of advice, investigation, auditing, or in any other advisory capacity in any proceeding or application, request for ruling, determination, claim or controversy or other particular matter, pertaining to any program requirement or a contract or subcontract, or to any solicitation or proposal, within three years of a proposed award; vii. For any payment, gratuity, kickback or offer of employment to be made by or on behalf of a subcontractor under a contract to the prime contractor or higher tier subcontractor or any person associated therewith, as an inducement for the award of a subcontract or order, within three years of a proposed award; viii. For retaining a person or soliciting or securing a GRU contract upon an agreement or understanding for a commission, percentage, brokerage, or contingent fee, except for retention of bona fide employees or bona fide established commercial selling agencies for the purpose of securing business, within three years of a proposed award; ix. During the period of a contract with GRU, employing, or offering employment to, any current GRU employee participating directly or indirectly in the procurement process, within three years of a proposed award; x. Any other cause the Procurement representative determines to be so serious and compelling as to affect responsibility as a GRU contractor, including debarment by another governmental entity for any cause listed in this Section. REJECTION OF BIDS/TERMINATION OF CONTRACT Previously solicited and/or accepted bids may be rejected or acceptance revoked prior to beginning of performance upon discovery by GRU that the respondent or its affiliates have committed any act which would have been cause for debarment, or were on the convicted vendor list, at or prior to the acceptance of the bid. If GRU discovers, after a contract is awarded and performance has begun, that the respondent or its affiliates have committed any act subsequent to or prior to award or acceptance which would have been cause for debarment had it been discovered prior to award or acceptance, GRU may consider such to be a material breach of the contract and such shall constitute cause for termination of the contract. 3. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS/SCOPE OF WORK General Solicitation Document #ITB 2024-083 Title: Sanitary Sewer Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services 10 Successful Bidder(s) shall furnish all equipment, labor, materials, supplies, licensing, transportation, and other components necessary to provide Sanitary Sewer, Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services that will meet the requirements of the Agreement 3.1. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS/SCOPE OF WORK 1. MATERIALS: The Sanitary Sewer, Line & Manhole Rehabilitation materials portion of this Invitation for Bid shall consist of, but is not limited to, the supply and/or supply and delivery of Sanitary Sewer, Line & Manhole Rehabilitation materials to various job sites within Alachua County. 2. SERVICES: The Sanitary Sewer, Line & Manhole Rehabilitation services portion of this Invitation for Bid shall consist of, but is not limited to, Sanitary Sewer, Line & Manhole Rehabilitation, at various job sites within Alachua County. The Sanitary Sewer, Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services shall be performed by the successful Bidder(s) in accordance with the scope of work provided by GRU. The successful Bidder(s) shall furnish any required labor, materials, equipment, tools, services, and incidentals necessary to complete all work required to complete Sanitary Sewer, Line & Manhole Rehabilitation services authorized by a Purchase Order (PO). The successful Bidder(s) shall perform the work complete, in place and ready for continuous services, shall include any repairs, replacement, and/or restoration required as a result of damages caused prior to acceptance by GRU. 3. DETAILED COST PACKAGE: GRU will initiate a meeting with some or all the successful Bidder(s) to review the scope of work and possibly conduct an on-site visit. The successful Bidder(s) shall then be required to prepare a detailed cost package using their Pricing Form. The detailed cost package shall include itemized costs based on the successful Bidder’s Pricing Form, a detailed statement of work and shop drawings/sketches (if applicable) for the specific work required and a schedule. The successful Bidder(s) shall be expected to expeditiously prepare its detailed cost package and in no event shall the preparation time exceed 15 calendar days. The successful Bidder(s) shall submit its detailed cost package to GRU, who will evaluate and, if approved, will issue a written PO. GRU has no obligation to issue a PO and reserves the right to not issue a PO for the specific work. GRU reserves the right to use any successful Bidder(s) which it deems to be in its best interest for any specific project. Selection of the successful Bidder for each project will be within the sole direction of GRU. 4. QUALITY OF WORK: If at any time the labor or materials used or to be used appears to GRU as insufficient or improper for the securing the quality of Work required or the required rate of progress, GRU may order the successful Bidder to increase its efficiency or to improve the character of its work, and the successful Bidder shall confirm to such an order. Any such order shall not entitle the successful Bidder to any additional compensation or increase in contract time. GRU may require the successful Bidder to remove such personnel as GRU deems incompetent, careless, insubordinate, otherwise objectional, or whose continued employment is deemed contrary to GRU’s interest. The successful Bidder shall provide good quality workmanship and shall promptly correct any defects without additional compensation. Acceptance of the work by GRU shall not relieve the successful Bidder of the responsibility for subsequent correction of any defects. 5. QUALITY CONTROL: a. Develop and maintain a program to assure quality control of the services provided. b. Be responsible for all supervision, subcontractors, and provide instructions when their effort doesn’t conform to the requirements of the Agreement and/or PO. c. Continue to coordinate each subcontractor to ensure that corrections are made in a timely manner to not affect the mutually agreed schedule. 6. WARNING SIGNS AND BARRICADES: The successful Bidder(s) shall provide adequate signs, barricades, flashing lights, flagmen, watchmen, and take all necessary precautions for the protection of the work and safety of the public. Traffic control warning signs and barricades shall be in strict accordance with the provisions of the FDOT Manual on Traffic Controls and Safety Practices for Street and Highway Construction, Maintenance and Utility Operations (latest revision). All barricades and obstructions shall be protected at night by flashing signal lights which shall be of substantial for night visibility. Suitable warning signs shall be so placed and illuminated at night to show in advance where construction, barricades, or detours exist. All work items are to include the cost of signing and traffic maintenance. General Solicitation Document #ITB 2024-083 Title: Sanitary Sewer Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services 11 7. PROTECTION OF WORK, PERSONS AND PROPERTY: a. Continuously maintain adequate protection of all work form damage and shall protect all property from injury or loss arising in connection with the contract. Successful Bidder(s) shall make good any such damage, injury, or loss. b. Provide, protect, and maintain all passageways, guard fences, lights, and other facilities required by the public authority or local conditions. c. Provide reasonable maintenance of traffic ways for the public and preservation of the continuation of GRU’s business taking into full consideration all local conditions. d. Comply with Florida Department of Commerce Safety Regulation and any local safety regulations. 8. CLEAN-UP: a. Keep the construction site free of rubbish and waste material and restore to their original condition those portions of the site not designated for alteration by the scope of work. Clean up and restoration shall be accomplished on the continuing basis throughout the contract period and in such a manner as to maintain a minimum of nuisance and interference to the general public and residents in the vicinity or the work. b. Remove when no longer needed, all temporary structures markers and equipment used in its operations. It is the intent of this specification that the construction areas and those other areas not designated for alteration by the scope of work be restored to their original condition or as nearly as possible. 4. RESPONSE SUBMITTALS The following information is required with the Response. Failure to provide the following information may be cause for the response to be deemed "non-responsive": 4.1. Respondent Certification Form* Please download the below documents, complete, and upload. "I hereby propose to provide the goods/services requested in this Solicitation. I agree to hold pricing for at least 60 calendar days from the Solicitation due date. I agree that GRU’s terms and conditions herein take precedence over any conflicting terms and conditions submitted for GRU’s consideration, and agree to abide by all conditions of this Solicitation. I certify that all information contained in this Response is truthful to the best of my knowledge and belief. I further certify that I am duly authorized to execute and submit this Response on behalf of the organization as its agent and that the organization is ready, willing and able to perform if awarded. I further certify that this Response is made without prior understanding, agreement, connection, discussion, or collusion with any other person, company or corporation submitting an offer for the same product or service; and the undersigned executed this Respondent’s Certification with full knowledge and understanding of the matters therein contained." • RESPONDENT_CERTIFICATION_FO... *Response required 4.2. Drug-Free Workplace Certification Form* Please download the below documents, complete, and upload. "Preference may be given to a business that certifies that it has implemented a drug-free workplace program. Pursuant to Section 287.087, Florida Statutes, whenever two or more competitive solicitations that are equal with respect to price, quality, and service are received by the State or by any political subdivision for the procurement of commodities or contractual services, a response received from a business that certifies that it has implemented a drug-free workplace program shall be given preference in the award process. Established procedures for processing tie responses will be followed if none of the tied providers has a drug free workplace program. In order to have a drug-free workplace program, a business shall: General Solicitation Document #ITB 2024-083 Title: Sanitary Sewer Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services 12 a. Publish a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violations of such prohibition. b. Inform employees about the dangers of drug abuse in the workplace, the business's policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace, any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs, and the penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations. c. Give each employee engaged in providing the commodities or contractual services that are under proposal a copy of the statement specified in Subsection (1). d. In the statement specified in Subsection (1), notify the employees that, as a condition of working on the commodities or contractual services that are under proposal, the employee will abide by the terms of the statement and will notify the employer of any conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, any violation of Chapter 893, Florida Statutes, or of any controlled substance law of the United States or any state, for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five (5) days after such conviction. e. Impose a sanction on any employee who is so convicted or require the satisfactory participation in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program as such is available in the employee's community. f. Make a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace through implementation of applicable laws, rules and regulations. As the person authorized to sign the statement, I certify that this firm complies fully with the above requirements." • DRUG_FREE_WORKPLACE-FF_1.pdf *Response required 4.3. PRICING FORM* Attach Completed Pricing Form as found on Attachment C *Response required 4.4. Pricing Valid for 60 Days* Contractor agrees to make pricing valid for 60 days. ☐ Yes ☐ No *Response required 4.5. Proof of Business Registration* Proof of Business Registration with the State of Florida verified via www.sunbiz.org showing that Contractor has been in business for a minimum of five (5) years. *Response required 4.6. Bid Bond* Please download the below documents, complete, and upload. General Solicitation Document #ITB 2024-083 Title: Sanitary Sewer Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services 13 *Response required 4.7. Copy of Contractor's License* Proof that the Contractor is a licensed Florida General Contractor for Underground Utilities. *Response required 4.8. Pricing Response/Table* Please upload Pricing Response/Table. *Response required 4.9. Experience Modification Rate (EMR) Documentation* Experience Modification Rate (EMR) Documentation for the most recent three (3) full years provided on letterhead from current insurance provider. *Response required 4.10. Contractor Experience & References* 1. Upload a separate document providing details of a minimum of three (3) projects (completed satisfactorily) similar to this project in scope and size with at least one (1) project being for a government entity in the state of Florida. 2. Upload a separate document showing three (3) references. Clients/contracts should be similar in scope and size to this project. o All projects referenced shall be recent (within the past three (3) years) and be verifiable. o Referenced clients should be able to attest to the firm’s knowledge, quality of work, working relationship, flexibility, and safety record/procedures. Each reference should include current information for the following: a. Client’s name, b. Client's address c. Contact Name c. Contact email address d. Contact phone # e. Contract dates (begin and end) f. Brief contract summary. Please notify references that you provide that GRU may be reaching out to them with questions. It is important that contact information is correct. Unverifiable or unsatisfactory references may result in Respondent being deemed non-responsive or non- responsible. *Response required 4.11. Sub-Contractor Experience & References* 1. Upload a separate document providing details of a minimum of three (3) projects (completed satisfactorily) similar to this project in scope and size with at least one (1) project being for a government entity in the state of Florida. 2. Upload a separate document showing three (3) references. Clients/contracts should be similar in scope and size to this project. o All projects referenced shall be recent (within the past three (3) years) and be verifiable. o Referenced clients should be able to attest to the firm’s knowledge, quality of work, working relationship, flexibility, and safety record/procedures. Each reference should include current information for the following: General Solicitation Document #ITB 2024-083 Title: Sanitary Sewer Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services 14 a. Client’s name, b. Client's address c. Contact Name c. Contact email address d. Contact phone # e. Contract dates (begin and end) f. Brief contract summary. Please notify references that you provide that GRU may be reaching out to them with questions. It is important that contact information is correct. Unverifiable or unsatisfactory references may result in Respondent being deemed non-responsive or non- responsible. *Response required 4.12. Subcontractor Information Form* List any subcontractors that will be used for the Work along with the goods or services to be provided. If the subcontractor is a small or minority-owned business, check the boxes that apply. The awarded vendor will be asked to provide the actual subcontractor spend amount at a later date. • SUBCONTRACTOR_INFORMATION_F... *Response required 4.13. Do you have any Clarifications and/or Exceptions to this Solicitation?* Any deviation from this Solicitation must be provided and explained in detail with the Response. Deviations must be explained on a separate page labeled “Clarifications and Exceptions” and included with the Response. Each clarification and exception must correspond to the specific referenced section in the Solicitation. Otherwise, the Response will be considered in strict compliance with the Solicitation and the selected Respondent will be held accountable for compliance with the Specifications ☐ Yes ☐ No *Response required 4.14. Clarifications and Exceptions* Any deviation from this Solicitation must be provided and explained in detail with the Response. Deviations must be explained on a separate page labeled “Clarifications and Exceptions” and included with the Response. Each clarification and exception must correspond to the specific referenced section in the Solicitation. Otherwise, the Response will be considered in strict compliance with the Solicitation and the selected Respondent will be held accountable for compliance with the Specifications *Response required 4.15. Non Submittal Form* Please download the below documents, complete, and upload. • NON_SUBMITTAL_FORM_(1).docx *Response required 4.16. Anti-Human Trafficking Affidavit Acknowledgement* If awarded this contract, please confirm your Company has no objections to signing the Anti-Human Trafficking Affidavit pursuant to Florida State Statutes Section 787.06 (13) Found in Attachment D of this Solicitation. http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700- 0799/0787/Sections/0787.06.html ☐ Please confirm *Response required General Solicitation Document #ITB 2024-083 Title: Sanitary Sewer Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services 15 5. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS 5.1. DEFINITIONS • Agreement: A written Contract between two or more Parties [“GRU” and “Contractor”]. “Contract” and “Agreement” are synonymous. • Deliverable: The completion of a milestone or the accomplishment of a task associated with the Work. • Free on Board (FOB) Destination: The Contractor is responsible for delivery of materials to a specified delivery point. The risks of loss are borne by the seller or consignee. Title passes when delivery is received by the buyer at destination. Seller has total responsibility until shipment is delivered. • Specification: A description of the physical or functional characteristics of goods or services as defined in the Solicitation. • Work: Activity involving effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result requested in the scope. 5.2. COMPLIANCE WITH REFERENCED SPECIFICATIONS All Work, materials, systems, or operations specified by reference to standard trade or manufacturer’s published specifications shall comply with the requirements, except as modified by this Contract. The specifications used must be the latest published edition that is in effect on the effective date of this Contract unless a particular edition is specified. In the event of a conflict, the specifications that contain the more stringent requirements will govern. 5.3. CHANGE ORDERS a) GRU shall pay Contractor for the Work at the price[s] stated in this Contract. No additional payment will be made to Contractor except for additional Work or materials stated on a valid change order, and issued by GRU prior to the performance of the added Work or delivery of additional materials. A change order may be issued without invalidating the Contract, if a) made in writing; b) signed by the authorized representative(s), and c) accepted by Contractor. b) Such change shall include the following: change orders that constitute changes: a) the general scope of Work, b) the schedule, c) administrative procedures not affecting the conditions of the Contract, or d) the Contract price. 5.4. NOTICES. Notices to Contractor shall be deemed to have been properly sent when delivered to Contractor physical address and email. Notices to GRU are deemed to have been properly sent when emailed to purchasing@gru.com, mailed to P.O. Box 147117 Station A105, Gainesville, FL 32614 or delivered to Utilities Procurement Department, 301 SE 4th Avenue, Gainesville, Florida 32601 and GRU acknowledges receipt. 5.5. PAYMENT a) Invoicing. Contractor is responsible for invoicing GRU for Work performed pursuant to this Contract. Itemized invoices shall include the following information (if applicable): Contract number, Purchase Order number, item General Solicitation Document #ITB 2024-083 Title: Sanitary Sewer Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services 16 number, job number, description of supplies or services, quantities, unit prices, Work location, GRU Project Representative, job start date, job completion date or other pertinent information. Itemized invoice(s) must be mailed to Gainesville Regional Utilities, Accounts Payable, P.O. Box 147118, Station A-27, Gainesville, FL 32614- 7118 or e-mailed to accountspayable@gru.com. b) Receipting Report for Services. An itemized receipting report for services must be provided to the GRU Project Representative prior to invoicing which includes the number of hours and labor rates by job title, overhead, authorized per diem or travel expenses, and other charges. Receipting reports shall be used by the Project Representative to verify the services rendered. c) Payment Terms. Unless otherwise agreed upon in writing, GRU’s payment terms are net thirty (30) days from receipt of correct invoice. Contractor shall not submit more than one (1) invoice per thirty-day period. Any delay in receiving invoices, or error and omissions, will be considered just cause for delaying or withholding payment. Invoices for partially completed Work may be allowed with GRU’s prior approval. All partial invoices must be clearly identified as such on the invoice. Any charges or fees will be governed by current Florida Statutes. d) Lien Release. Before the final acceptance of the Work and payment by GRU, Contractor shall furnish to GRU an affidavit and final waiver that all claims for labor and materials employed or used in the construction of said Work have been settled and no legal claim can be filed against GRU for such labor and materials. If such evidence is not furnished to GRU, such amounts as may be necessary to meet the unsatisfied claims may be retained from monies due to Contractor under this Contract until the liability has been discharged. e) Final Payment/Acceptance. The acceptance by Contractor of final payment due on termination of the Contract shall constitute a full and complete release of GRU from any and all claims, demands and causes of action whatsoever which Contractor, its successors or assigns have or may have against GRU under the provisions of this Contract. 5.6. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND REGULATIONS All City, County, State and Federal laws, regulations and/or ordinances shall be strictly observed. Contractor is responsible for taking all precautions necessary to protect life and property. 5.7. GOVERNING LAW, VENUE, ATTORNEY’S FEES, AND WAIVER OF RIGHT TO JURY TRIAL This Contract shall be governed and construed pursuant to the laws of Florida and may not be construed more strictly against one party than against the other. In the event of any legal proceedings arising from or related to this Contract: (1) venue for any state or federal legal proceedings shall be in Alachua County Florida; (2) each Party shall bear its own attorneys’ fees except to the extent that Contractor agrees to indemnify GRU as described in Supplemental Conditions, including any appeals; and (3) for civil proceedings, the Parties hereby waive the right to jury trial. 5.8. VERIFICATION OF EMPLOYEES The Contractor shall comply with all applicable requirements of Section 448.095, Florida Statutes, including but not limited to: (1) the Contractor shall register with and use the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system to verify the work authorization status of all new employees of the Contractor during the term of this Agreement; and (2) the Contractor shall expressly require any subcontractors performing work or providing services pursuant to this Agreement to likewise register with and use the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system to verify the work authorization status of all new employees of the subcontractor during the term of this Agreement. Section 448.095, Florida Statutes, states the statute must be construed in a manner that is fully consistent with any applicable federal laws or regulations, and therefore this section does not apply to this General Solicitation Document #ITB 2024-083 Title: Sanitary Sewer Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services 17 Agreement to the extent that this section would be inconsistent with any federal laws or regulations that are applicable to this Agreement. 5.9. SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY Nothing in this Contract shall be interpreted as a waiver of GRU’s sovereign immunity as granted pursuant to Section 768.28 Florida Statutes. 5.10. SEVERABILITY If any provision of this Contract is declared by a court to be illegal or in conflict with any law, the validity of the remaining terms and provisions shall not be affected; and the rights and obligations of the Parties shall be construed and enforced as if this Contract did not contain the particular provision held to be invalid. 5.11. ASSIGNMENT GRU or Contractor shall not assign or transfer, in whole or in part, any right or obligation pursuant to this Contract, without the prior written consent of the other Party. 5.12. AUDIT OF RECORDS Contractor shall maintain records sufficient to document completion of the scope of services pursuant to this contract. At all reasonable times, these records shall be made available to review, inspect, copy and audit by persons duly authorized by GRU. These records shall be kept for a minimum of three (3) years after termination of this Contract. Records that relate to any litigation, appeals or settlement of claim arising pursuant to the performance of this Contract shall be made available until a final disposition has been made of such litigation, appeal, or claim. 5.13. NONEXCLUSIVE REMEDIES Except as expressly set forth in this Contract, the exercise by either Party of any of its remedies under this Contract shall be without prejudice to its other remedies under this Contract or otherwise. 5.14. ADVERTISING Contractor shall not publicly disseminate any information concerning the Contract without prior written approval from GRU, including but not limited to, mentioning the Contract in a press release or other promotional material, identifying GRU as a reference, or otherwise linking Contractor’s name and either a description of the Contract or the name of the GRU in any material published, either in print or electronically, to any entity that is not a party to Contract, except potential or actual authorized distributors, dealers, resellers, or service representative. 5.15. MODIFICATION OF TERMS This Contract constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties. No oral agreements or representations shall be valid or binding upon GRU or Contractor. No alteration or modification of this Contract, including substitution of product, shall be valid or binding unless authorized by GRU. Contractor may not unilaterally modify the terms of this Contract by affixing additional terms to product upon delivery (e.g., attachment or inclusion of standard preprinted forms, product literature, “shrink wrap” terms accompanying or affixed to a product, whether written or electronic) or by incorporating such terms onto Contractor’s order or fiscal forms or any other documents forwarded by Contractor for payment. An acceptance of product or processing of documentation on forms General Solicitation Document #ITB 2024-083 Title: Sanitary Sewer Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services 18 furnished by Contractor for approval or payment shall not constitute acceptance of the proposed modification to terms and conditions. 5.16. WAIVER Any delay or failure by GRU to exercise or enforce any of its rights pursuant to this Contract shall not constitute or be deemed a waiver of GRU’s right thereafter to enforce those rights, nor will any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. 5.17. DISCLOSURE AND CONFIDENTIALITY a) Florida’s Public Records Law, Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, includes numerous exemptions to the general requirement to disclose information to the public in response to a public records request. Exemptions are found in various provisions of the Florida Statutes, including but not limited to Section 119.071, Florida Statutes (General exemptions from inspection or copying of public records), and Section 119.0713, Florida Statutes (Local government agency exemptions from inspection or copying of public records). Section 815.045, Florida Statutes (Trade secret information), provides that trade secret information as defined in Section 812.081, Florida Statutes (Trade secrets; theft, embezzlement; unlawful copying; definitions; penalty) is confidential and exempt from disclosure because it is a felony to disclose such records. The Parties understand and agree that Florida’s Public Records Law is very broad and that documents claimed by a Party to be confidential and exempt from public disclosure pursuant to the Public Records Law may in fact not be deemed such by a court of law. Accordingly, the following provisions shall apply: i. Identifying Trade Secret or Otherwise Confidential and Exempt Information. For any records or portions thereof that Contractor claims to be Trade Secret or otherwise confidential and exempt from public disclosure under the Public Records Law, Contractor shall: 1. Specifically identify the records or specific portions thereof that are confidential and exempt and reference the particular Florida Statute that grants such status. Provide one redacted copy of the record and one copy of the record with the confidential and exempt information highlighted. Contractor shall take care to redact only the confidential and exempt information within a record. 2. Provide an affidavit or similar type of evidence that describes and supports the basis for Contractor’s claim that the information is confidential and exempt from public disclosure. ii. Request for Trade Secret or Otherwise Confidential and Exempt Information. 1. In the event GRU receives a public records request for a record with information labeled by Contractor as Trade Secret or otherwise as confidential and exempt, GRU will provide the public record requester with the redacted copy of the record and will notify Contractor of the public records request. 2. However and notwithstanding the above, in the event that GRU in its sole discretion finds no basis for Contractor’s claim that certain information is Trade Secret or otherwise confidential and exempt under Florida’s Public Records Law, then GRU shall notify Contractor in writing of such conclusion and provide Contractor a reasonable amount of time to file for declaratory action requesting a court of law to deem the requested information as Trade Secret or otherwise as confidential and exempt under Florida’s Public Records Law. If Contractor fails to file for declaratory action within the reasonable amount of time provided, then GRU will disclose the information requested. General Solicitation Document #ITB 2024-083 Title: Sanitary Sewer Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services 19 3. If a public records lawsuit is filed against GRU requesting public disclosure of the information labeled by Contractor as Trade Secret or otherwise as confidential and exempt, GRU shall notify Contractor and Contractor shall intervene in the lawsuit to defend the nondisclosure of such information under Florida’s Public Records Law. 4. Contractor hereby indemnifies and holds GRU, its officers and employees harmless from any and all liabilities, damages, losses, and costs of any kind and nature, including but not limited to attorney’s fees, that arise from or are in any way connected with Contractor’s claim that any information it provided to GRU is Trade Secret or otherwise confidential and exempt from public disclosure under Florida’s Public Records Law. b) “Work Product" may include creative work which may lead to programs, intellectual properties, computer software, computer programs, codes, text, hypertext, designs, and/or any other work products associated with or arising directly out of the performance of the Work. 5.18. PUBLIC RECORDS If Contractor is either a “contractor” as defined in Section 119.0701(1)(a), Florida Statutes, or an “agency” as defined in Section 119.011(2), Florida Statutes, Contractor shall: i. Keep and maintain public records, as defined in Section 119.011(12) of the Florida Statutes, required by GRU to perform the service. ii. Upon request from GRU’s custodian of public records, provide the public agency with a copy of the requested records or allow the records to be inspected or copied within a reasonable time at a cost that does not exceed the cost provided in this chapter or as otherwise provided by law. iii. Ensure that public records that are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements are not disclosed except as authorized by law for the duration of the contract term and following completion of the contract if the contractor does not transfer the records to GRU. iv. Upon completion of the contract, transfer, at no cost, to GRU all public records in possession of the contractor or keep and maintain public records required by GRU to perform the service. If the contractor transfers all public records to GRU upon completion of the contract, the contractor shall destroy any duplicate public records that are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements. If the contractor keeps and maintains public records upon completion of the contract, the contractor shall meet all applicable requirements for retaining public records. All records stored electronically must be provided to GRU, upon request from GRU’s custodian of public records, in a format that is compatible with the information technology systems of GRU. v. IF THE CONTRACTOR HAS QUESTIONS REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF CHAPTER 119, FLORIDA STATUTES, AS TO THE CONTRACTOR’S DUTY TO PROVIDE PUBLIC RECORDS RELATING TO THIS CONTRACT, CONTACT THE GRU CUSTODIAN OF PUBLIC RECORDS AT (352) 393-1240, PURCHASING@GRU.COM, OR 301 SE 4TH AVENUE, GAINESVILLE FL 32601. 5.19. SALES TAX Respondent’s pricing shall include applicable taxes on items purchased or manufactured by Respondent for the project. GRU is exempt from Florida sales taxes for certain purchases. A “Consumer’s Certificate of Exemption” is available at https://www.gru.com/WorkWithGRU/Procurement/PurchaseOrders. General Solicitation Document #ITB 2024-083 Title: Sanitary Sewer Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services 20 5.20. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION Contractor shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability or gender identity, or other unlawful forms of discrimination in the performance of this Contract. Contractor understands and agrees that a violation of this clause shall be considered a material breach of this Contract and may result in termination of the Contract. This clause is not enforceable by or for the benefit of, and creates no obligation to, any third party. 5.21. CAPTIONS AND SECTION HEADINGS Captions and section headings used herein are for convenience only and shall not be used in construing this contract. 5.22. COUNTERPARTS This agreement may be executed in any number of and by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original, and such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument. 5.23. PROHIBITION AGAINST CONSIDERATION OF SOCIAL, POLITICAL, OR IDEOLOGICAL INTEREST IN GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING In accordance with Section 287.05701(2)(a), F.S. (2023), GRU may not request documentation of or consider a vendor's social, political, or ideological interests when determining if the vendor is a responsible vendor, and may not give preference to a vendor based on the vendor's social, political, or ideological interests. 5.24. ATTACHMENTS All exhibits attached to this contract are incorporated into and made part of this contract by reference. 6. SUPPLEMENTAL CONDITIONS These Supplemental Conditions amend or supplement the Solicitation/Contract as indicated below. All provisions which are not so amended or supplemented remain in full force and effect, except that the Technical Specifications, if any, shall govern if any conflict arises between such sections and these Supplemental Conditions. 6.1. CONDUCT OF THE WORK Contractor shall be considered an independent entity and as such shall not be entitled to any right or benefit to which GRU employees are or may be entitled to by reason of employment. Except as specifically noted in this Contract, Contractor shall be solely responsible for the means, methods, techniques, sequences, and procedures utilized by Contractor in the performance of this Contract. Contractor will assign only competent and skilled workers to perform the Work. All of Contractor’s personnel or subcontractors engaged in any of the Work performed pursuant to this Contract are under Contractor's sole direction, supervision and control at all times and in all places. Contractor's employees must be as clean and in good appearance as the job conditions permit, conducting themselves in an industrious and professional manner. Contractor and its employees cannot represent, act, or be deemed to be an agent or employee of GRU. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to or shall be deemed to constitute a partnership or joint venture between the Parties. Further, unless specifically authorized to General Solicitation Document #ITB 2024-083 Title: Sanitary Sewer Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services 21 do so, the Contractor shall not represent to others that, as the Contractor, it has the authority to bind GRU to any third-party agreement. 6.2. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES a) Performance. Contractor shall perform all Work promptly and diligently in a good, proper and workmanlike manner in accordance with the Specifications. In performing the Work, Contractor has the freedom to perform Work in the manner which is most beneficial to the project provided that it is within the limits of these Specifications. b) Project Related Requirements. Contractor is responsible for providing and paying expenses for all labor, tools, equipment, and materials. All project related requirements must be of high quality, in good working condition, and conducive for the particular task. Adequate first aid supplies must be provided by Contractor and accessible to employees. These may include, but are not limited to, sanitation facilities, potable water, and office trailers. 6.3. COOPERATION/ COORDINATION a) Access to Work Site. GRU and its authorized representatives are permitted free access to the work site, and reasonable opportunity for the inspection of all Work and materials. b) Work by GRU. GRU reserves the right to perform activities in the area where the Work is being performed by Contractor. c) Work by Other Contractor. GRU reserves the right to permit other Contractors to perform work within the same work area. Contractor shall not damage, endanger, compromise or destroy any part of the site, including by way of example and not limitation, work being performed by others on the site. d) Coordination. Contractor shall, in the course of providing the Work, cooperate and communicate with GRU and all other persons or entities as required for satisfactory completion. Contractor will afford GRU and other Contractors reasonable opportunity for the introduction and storage of their equipment and materials and the execution of their Work concurrently and coordinating its Work in the best interest of GRU. 6.4. INDEMNIFICATION a) Contractor(s) shall be fully liable for its action, the actions of its agents, employees, partners, or subcontractors and fully indemnifies, defends, and holds harmless the City of Gainesville, GRU, its elected officials, its officers, agents, and employees, from any such suits, actions, damages, and/or costs of every name and description, including attorneys’ fees, arising from or relating to personal injury and damage to real or personal tangible property alleged to be caused in whole or in part by Contractor(s), its agents, employees, partners, or subcontractors. b) Further, Contractor(s) shall fully indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City of Gainesville and/or GRU from any suits, actions, damages, and costs of every name and description, including attorneys’ fees, arising from or relating to violation or infringement of a trademark, copyright, patent, trade secret or intellectual property right, provided, however, that the foregoing obligation will not apply to GRU’s misuse or modification or Contractor(s)’s products or GRU’s operation or use of Contractor(s)’s products in a manner not contemplated by the Contract or the purchase order. If any product is the subject of an infringement suit or in Contractor(s)’s opinion is likely to become the subject of such a suit, Contractor(s) may at its sole expense procure for GRU the right to continue using the product or to modify it to become non-infringing. If Contractor(s) is not reasonably able to modify or otherwise secure GRU the right to continue using the product, Contractor(s) shall remove the product and refund GRU the amounts paid in excess of a reasonable rental for past use. GRU shall not be liable for any royalties if applicable. General Solicitation Document #ITB 2024-083 Title: Sanitary Sewer Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services 22 c) Contractor(s)’s obligations under the preceding two paragraphs with respect to any legal action are contingent upon GRU giving Contractor(s) written notice of any action or threatened action, defending the action at Contractor(s)’s sole expense. Contractor(s) shall not be liable for any costs or expenses incurred or made by GRU in any legal action without Contractor(s)’s prior written consent, which will not be unreasonably withheld. d) The provisions of this section shall survive the termination or expiration of this Contract. 6.5. DAMAGE TO WORK Until final acceptance of the Work by GRU, Work will be under the charge and care of Contractor who must take every necessary precaution against damage to the Work by the elements or from any other cause whatsoever. Contractor will rebuild, repair, restore, or make good at their expense, damages to any portion of the Work before its completion and acceptance. Failure to do so will be at Contractor’s own risk. Contractor is not relieved of a requirement of the specifications on the plea of error. 6.6. DISPUTES If a dispute arises out of or relates to this Agreement, or the breach thereof, and if the dispute cannot be settled through negotiation, either party may, by giving written notice, refer the dispute to a meeting of appropriate higher management, to be held within 20 business days after giving of notice. If the dispute is not resolved within 30 business days after giving notice, or such later date as may be mutually agreed, the Parties will submit the dispute to a mediator. The Parties shall mutually agree to the mediator and the costs of the mediator will be borne equally by both parties. The venue for mediation and any subsequent litigation shall be in Alachua County, Florida. 6.7. DELAY Notwithstanding the completion schedule, GRU has the right to delay performance for up to three (3) consecutive months as necessary or desirable and such delay will not be deemed a breach of Contract, but the performance schedule will be extended for a period equivalent to the time lost by reason of GRU's delay. Such extension of time will be Contractor's sole and exclusive remedy for such delay. If the project is stopped or delayed for more than three (3) consecutive months and GRU or Contractor elects to terminate the Contract because of such delay, or if such stoppage or delay is due to actions taken by GRU within its control, then Contractor's sole and exclusive remedy under the Contract will be reimbursement for costs reasonably expended in preparation for or in performance of the Contract. None of the aforementioned costs will be interpreted to include home office overhead expenses or other expenses not directly attributable to performance of the Contact. Contractor is not entitled to make any other claim, whether in breach of Contract or in tort for damages resulting in such delay. 6.8. DEFAULT If Contractor should be adjudged as bankrupt, or make a general assignment for the benefit of its creditor(s), or if a receiver should be appointed for Contractor, or if there is persistent or repeated refusal or failure to supply sufficient properly skilled workforce or proper materials, or if Contractor should refuse or fail to make payment to persons supplying labor or materials for the Work pursuant to this Contract, or persistently disregards instructions of GRU, or fails to observe or perform or is guilty of a substantial violation of any provision of the Contract documents, then GRU, after serving at least ten (10) calendar days prior written notice to Contractor of its intent to terminate and such default should continue un-remedied for a period of ten (10) calendar days, may terminate the Contract without prejudice to any other rights or remedies and take possession of the Work; and GRU may take possession of and utilize in completing the Work such materials, appliances, equipment as may be on the site of the Work and necessary therefore. Contractor will be liable to GRU for any damages resulting from such default. General Solicitation Document #ITB 2024-083 Title: Sanitary Sewer Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services 23 6.9. TERMINATION a) Termination for Convenience. GRU may, by providing thirty (30) calendar days written notice to Contractor, terminate this Contract, or any part thereof, for any or no reason, for GRU’s convenience and without cause. After the termination date, Contractor shall stop all Work and cause its suppliers and/or subcontractors to stop all Work in connection with this Contract. If GRU terminates for convenience, GRU shall pay Contractor for goods and services accepted as of the date of termination, and for Contractor’s actual and reasonable, out of pocket costs incurred directly as a result of such termination. GRU is not responsible for Work performed after the effective termination date of this contract. b) Termination for Cause (Cancellation). GRU may terminate this Contract for cause if Contractor materially breaches this Contract by: i. refusing, failing or being unable to properly manage or perform; ii. refusing, failing or being unable to perform the Work pursuant to this Contract with sufficient numbers of workers, properly skilled workers, proper materials to maintain applicable schedules; iii. refusing, failing or being unable to make prompt payment to subcontractors or suppliers; iv. disregarding laws, ordinances, rules, regulations or orders of any public authority or quasi-public authority having jurisdiction over the Project; v. refusing, failing or being unable to substantially perform pursuant to the terms of this Contract as determined by GRU, or as otherwise defined elsewhere herein; and/or vi. refusing, failing or being unable to substantially perform in accordance with the terms of any other agreement between GRU and Contractor. c) Funding out Clause. If funds for this Contract are no longer available, GRU reserves the right to terminate this Contract without cause by providing Contractor with thirty (30) calendar day’s written notice to Contractor. 6.10. FORCE MAJEURE a) No Party to this Contract shall be liable for any default or delay in the performance of its obligations under this Contract due to an act of God or other event to the extent that: (a) the non-performing Party is without fault in causing such default or delay; and (b) such default or delay could not have been prevented by reasonable precautions. Such causes include, but are not limited to acts of civil or military authority (including but not limited to courts of administrative agencies); acts of God; war; terrorist attacks; riot; insurrection; inability of GRU to secure approval; validation or sale of bonds; inability of GRU or Supplier to obtain any required permits, licenses or zoning; blockades; embargoes; sabotage; epidemics; fires; hurricanes, tornados, floods; or strikes. b) In the event of any delay resulting from such causes, the time for performance of each of the Parties hereunder (including the payment of invoices if such event actually prevents payment) shall be extended for a period of time reasonably necessary to overcome the effect of such delay. Any negotiated delivery dates established during or after a Force Majeure event will always be discussed and negotiated if additional delays are expected. c) In the event of any delay or nonperformance resulting from such cause, the Party affected will promptly notify the other Party in writing of the nature, cause, date of commencement, and the anticipated impact of such delay General Solicitation Document #ITB 2024-083 Title: Sanitary Sewer Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services 24 or nonperformance. Such written notice, including change orders, will indicate the extent, if any, to which is anticipated that any delivery or completion date will be affected. 6.11. LIMITATION OF GRU’S LIABILITY To the fullest extent permitted by law, GRU shall not be liable to Contractor for any incidental, consequential, punitive, exemplary or indirect damages, lost profits, revenue or other business interruption damages, including but not limited to, loss of use of equipment or facility. 6.12. WORK HOURS GRU normal business hours are TBD. Contractor(s) may perform the Work outside business hours only with prior approval from the Authorized Representative or designee. 6.13. PERFORMANCE TIME Contractor shall complete the Work no later than the date set forth in the Contract. Contractor further understands and agrees that time is of the essence. If Contractor fails to complete the Work on or before the date established for Final Completion, then Contractor will be solely responsible for liquidated damages or other costs as set forth in the Solicitation or Contract. 6.14. LIQUIDATED DAMAGES Liquidated damages shall be assessed in the amount of $500 per calender day. 6.15. COMPLETION OF WORK 1. Substantial Completion: The time at which the Work (or a specified part thereof) has progressed to the point where, in the opinion of Engineer, the Work (or a specified part thereof) is sufficiently complete, in accordance with the Contract Documents, so that the Work (or a specified part thereof) can be utilized for the purposes for which it is intended. The terms “substantially complete” and “substantially completed” as applied to all or part of the Work refer to Substantial Completion thereof. 2. Final Completion: The date that the Owner receives and agrees with written notice from the Contractor stating that the Work has been completed and is ready for final payment. 6.16. DELIVERY Once a written PO is emailed to the successful Bidder, the work shall be scheduled and started within sixty (60) calendar days. However, should the work have to be performed on an emergency basis, work will be scheduled and started within two (2) calendar days. Holiday and weekend deliveries may be needed as product use or circumstances require. If the successful Bidder cannot meet the delivery requirements for any of the product or services specified herein, GRU reserves the right to procure the product or services from the next lowest responsive, responsible bidder, or to solicit new pricing. The goal of this agreement is for the speedy acquisition of water and sewer materials and accessories; therefore, successful Bidder’s responsiveness under the terms of this agreement is paramount. Delivery of orders resulting from award of this bid shall be made within seven (7) to ten (10) business days after receipt of a valid PO number for the items listed on the Bid Form. For all other items, deliveries shall be made complete within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt of a valid PO number. Failure to respond within the time specified may result in materials being ordered from and delivered by others and/or termination of award. 6.17. INSURANCE Contractor shall meet the minimum insurance requirements at all times as required by law and GRU. Contractor shall notify GRU of any changes in coverage within seven (7) business days of knowledge of such change taking General Solicitation Document #ITB 2024-083 Title: Sanitary Sewer Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services 25 effect. Failure to maintain minimum coverage may result in breach of Contract. Contractor shall procure and maintain insurance with coverage amounts as required. Contractor must furnish GRU a certificate of insurance in a form acceptable to GRU for the insurance required with endorsement naming GRU as additional insured. 6.18. MINIMUM INSURANCE AMOUNTS REQUIRED Insurance is required in the amounts set forth below: • Commercial General Liability: $1,000,000 combined single limit for bodily injury and property damage • Automobile Liability: $1,000,000 combined single limit for bodily injury and property damage • Worker’s Compensation: o State (Florida): Statutory o Applicable Federal: Statutory o Employer’s Liability:  $500,000 per Accident  $500,000 Disease, Policy Limit  $500,000 Disease, Each Employee • Excess Liability: $1,000,000 6.19. WARRANTY/GUARANTEE 1. Contractor warrants and guarantees to GRU that all materials will be new unless otherwise specified and that all Work will be of a quality free from defects and in accordance with the Specifications. Contractor agrees to remedy promptly, and without cost to GRU, any defective materials or workmanship which appear within the stated warranty period. 2. No provision contained in the Specifications shall be interpreted to limit Contractor’s liability for defects. No provision contained in the Specifications shall be interpreted to limit the terms and conditions of the manufacturer's warranty and Contractor will secure parts, materials and equipment to be installed with manufacturer's full warranty as to parts and service wherever possible. Contractor must indicate if any warranty is being provided by either Contractor or a manufacturer and if any such warranty is being provided, such warranty will be stated. When the manufacturer warrants the equipment or materials being supplied, Contractor must provide such warranty to GRU or must state as a Clarification and Exception the reason Contractor is not able to provide such warranty. 3. All maintenance, repair and construction services furnished as defined herein shall be guaranteed and warranted by the successful Bidder for a minimum period of three (3) years, unless otherwise specified, from final acceptance by GRU to be free from defects due either to faulty materials or equipment or faulty workmanship. All materials, equipment, and workmanship furnished and/or furnished and installed by the successful Bidder is warranted and guaranteed by the successful Bidder to meet the required standards specified herein and to accomplish the purposes and functions of the project. GRU shall, following discovery of faulty materials or workmanship, promptly give written notice to the successful Bidder of faulty materials, equipment, or workmanship within the period of the guarantee and the successful bidder(s) shall promptly replace any part of the faulty equipment, material, or workmanship at its own cost. These warranty and guarantee provisions create no limitations on GRU as to any claims or actions for breach of guaranty or breach of warranty that GRU might have against parties other than the successful Bidder, and do not constitute exclusive remedies of GRU against the successful Bidder. General Solicitation Document #ITB 2024-083 Title: Sanitary Sewer Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services 26 6.20. SAFETY AND SECURITY Each location has unique safety and security procedures and guidelines that must be followed. Acceptance of a project or work assignment in a particular location will be an acceptance of the safety and security requirements for that location. GRU will provide the safety and security requirements along with the scope of work requested. The contractor shall at all times take all reasonable precautions for the safety of its employees engaged in services and shall comply with all safety laws, rules and regulations as mentioned in the contractors safety orientation and/or manual as instruction may be site specific. a. Confinement to Work Area/Parking. Contractor's employees shall stay in the designated work area to the maximum extent possible and shall not traverse other areas of GRU’s site except for travel to and from sanitary facilities or designated parking areas. Contractor and its employees shall park personal vehicles and equipment in areas designated by GRU. b. Sanitation. If sanitary facilities are available near the work site, Contractor may request GRU’s permission to use such facilities by its employees, obtaining written permission from GRU prior to the use of such facilities. Unless such permission has been obtained, Contractor is responsible for the cost, provision and maintenance of sanitary facilities for persons employed by Contractor. If responsible for providing sanitary facilities, Contractor is also responsible for all labor and supplies necessary to maintain such facilities and must comply with the State Board of Health requirements. Upon completion of the Work, facilities must be removed from the site. c. Personal Protection Equipment requirements during a Pandemic, Epidemic, Sporadic, Endemic or Outbreaks event. d. The Contractor shall supply all safety and personal protective equipment (PPE) required to complete the scope of the contracted work (or as stated in the Contract). Equipment supplied by the Contractor must meet or exceed all GRU requirements and the requirements of the appropriate governmental regulatory agency e. It is the sole responsibility of the contractor to supply and train all workers with reasonably anticipated occupational potential exposure to any work place hazards. f. This training includes when to use PPE; what PPE is necessary; how to properly put on, use, and take off PPE; how to properly dispose of or disinfect, inspect for damage, and maintain PPE; and the limitations of PPE. g. Protocols should be in place to prevent or reduce the likelihood of exposure and be in compliance with operating site PPE requirements. Local, state, and federal mandates must be followed. 6.21. WARRANTY OF TITLE Contractor warrants that it holds and shall transfer unencumbered title of the property to GRU and further warrants that it has the right and authority to transfer the title to the property. 6.22. NERC CIP COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS Pursuant to federally mandated security standards from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) regarding Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP), GRU has implemented specific requirements for any contract employee requiring access to protected systems and facilities. These requirements are outlined in NERC Standard “CIP-004-6 Table R3 – Personnel Risk Assessment Program”, and apply to anyone who shall have physical and/or electronic access to these designated locations. Compliance verification for an employee, including annual training as well as a qualified criminal history background screening, will be required prior to granting that employee authorized access to the designated protected systems and/or facilities. 6.23. CONTRACTOR'S RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Contractor will recruit, screen, interview, hire and assign its employees to perform the work pursuant to this Contract; compensate its employees for hours worked at GRU; withhold and transmit payroll taxes, provide unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation benefits; and handle unemployment and workers’ compensation claims involving employees. General Solicitation Document #ITB 2024-083 Title: Sanitary Sewer Line & Manhole Rehabilitation Services 27 2. Contractor shall obtain background check and drug screening services of its employees who will perform work at GRU locations. To ensure compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, Contractor will not provide copies of such background check or drug screening results to GRU but will instead provide an attestation of completion of such services to GRU. Background check services may be conducted by one or more of Contractor’s preferred, third- party vendors (e.g., Hire Right, A-Check Global). 3. Contractor shall require all of the Employees to self-report in writing to Contractor within forty-eight hours any incidents of arrests by local, state or federal law enforcement agencies. If the Employee is unable to report in writing due to incarceration or confinement, the Employee shall notify Contractor within forty-eight (48) hours after the arrest by text message, email, phone call, or voicemail. In addition, all Employees holding a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) as a condition of employment shall self-report, in writing, to Contractor within forty-eight (48) hours after any citations, arrests, or charges disqualifying the Employee from holding a CDL. 6.24. ORDER OF PRECEDENCE In the event that there is any conflict between the terms and conditions, the order of precedence shall be as follows: a. Any modification to this Contract b. Contract c. GRU Technical Specifications d. GRU Supplemental Conditions e. GRU General Conditions f. GRU Instructions g. Contractor Response