A-Lot Grounds Maintenance

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina A&T State University

Request for Quote #: RFP 59-Q6943

A-Lot Grounds Maintenance

Date of Issue: February 25, 2026

Bid Opening Date: March 17, 2026

At 03:00 PM ET

Direct all inquiries concerning this RFQ to:

Charles Stevens

Procurement Specialist

Email: castevensjr@ncat.edu

Phone: 336.334-7555

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

Request for Quote #

RFQ #: 59-Q6943
______________________________________________________

For internal State agency processing, including tabulation of bids, provide your company’s eVP (Electronic Vendor Portal) Number. Pursuant to G.S. 132-1.10(b) this identification number shall not be released to the public. This page will be removed and shredded, or otherwise kept confidential, before the procurement file is made available for public inspection.

This page shall be filled out and returned with your bid.
Failure to do so may subject your bid to rejection.

___________________________________________________
Vendor Name

______________________________

Vendor eVP#

Note: For a contract to be awarded to you, your company (you) must be a North Carolina registered Vendor in good standing. You must enter the Vendor number assigned through eVP (Electronic Vendor Portal). If you do not have a vendor number, register at https://evp.nc.gov/SignIn

[If only accepting bids electronically:]

Electronic responses ONLY will be accepted for this solicitation.

Refer ALL Inquiries regarding this RFQ to: Charles Stevens – castevensjr@ncat.edu	Request for Quote #: RFQ-59-Q6943
	Bids will be publicly opened: 03-17-2026 Commodity Code and Description: 70111706 – Lawn care services

EXECUTION

In compliance with this Request for Quote (RFQ), and subject to all the conditions herein, the undersigned Vendor offers and agrees to furnish and deliver any or all items upon which prices are bid, at the prices set opposite each item within the time specified herein.

By executing this bid, the undersigned Vendor understands that false certification is a Class I felony and certifies that:

• this bid is submitted competitively and without collusion (G.S. 143-54),

• none of its officers, directors, or owners of an unincorporated business entity has been convicted of any violations of Chapter 78A of the General Statutes, the Securities Act of 1933, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (G.S. 143-59.2), and

• it is not an ineligible Vendor as set forth in G.S. 143-59.1.

Furthermore, by executing this bid, the undersigned certifies to the best of Vendor’s knowledge and belief, that:

• it and its principals are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any Federal or State department or agency.

As required by G.S. 143-48.5, the undersigned Vendor certifies that it, and each of its sub-Contractors for any Contract awarded as a result of this RFQ, complies with the requirements of Article 2 of Chapter 64 of the NC General Statutes, including the requirement for each employer with more than 25 employees in North Carolina to verify the work authorization of its employees through the federal E-Verify system.

As required by Executive Order 24 (2017), the undersigned Vendor certifies will comply with all Federal and State requirements concerning fair employment and that it does not and will not discriminate, harass, or retaliate against any employee in connection with performance of any Contract arising from this solicitation.

G.S. 133-32 and Executive Order 24 (2009) prohibit the offer to, or acceptance by, any State Employee associated with the preparing plans, specifications, estimates for public contracts; or awarding or administering public contracts; or inspecting or supervising delivery of the public contract of any gift from anyone with a contract with the State, or from any person seeking to do business with the State. By execution of this response to the RFQ, the undersigned certifies, for Vendor’s entire organization and its employees or agents, that Vendor is not aware that any such gift has been offered, accepted, or promised by any employees of your organization.

By executing this bid, Vendor certifies that it has read and agreed to the INSTRUCTION TO VENDORS and the NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS incorporated herein. These documents can be accessed from the ATTACHMENTS page within this document.

Failure to execute/sign bid prior to submittal may render bid invalid and it MAY BE REJECTED. Late bids shall not be accepted.

COMPLETE/FORMAL NAME OF VENDOR:
STREET ADDRESS:	P.O. BOX:	ZIP:
CITY & STATE & ZIP:	TELEPHONE NUMBER:	TOLL FREE TEL. NO:
PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS ADDRESS IF DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE (SEE INSTRUCTIONS TO VENDORS ITEM #21):
PRINT NAME & TITLE OF PERSON SIGNING ON BEHALF OF VENDOR:
VENDOR’S AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE*:	DATE:	EMAIL:

VALIDITY PERIOD

Offer shall be valid for at least sixty (60) days from date of bid opening, unless otherwise stated here: ______ days, or if extended by mutual agreement of the parties in writing. Any withdrawal of this offer shall be made in writing, effective upon receipt by the agency issuing this RFQ.

ACCEPTANCE OF BIDS

If your bid is accepted, all provisions of this RFQ, along with the written results of any negotiations, shall constitute the written agreement between the parties (“Contract”). The NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS are incorporated herein and shall apply. Depending upon the Goods or Services being offered, other terms and conditions may apply, as mutually agreed.

FOR STATE USE ONLY: Offer accepted and Contract awarded this________ day of __________, 20____, as indicated on The attached certification, by ____________________________________________________________________. Authorized Representative of North Carolina A&T State University

1.0 PURPOSE BACKGROUND

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T) is seeking a supplier to provide ground maintenance for eighty-seven (87) .12 acre lots in a residential neighborhood. As the University acquire more lots in the neighborhood, the expectation is these will be added for services under any contract that results from this RFQ.

This RFQ replaces RFQ # 59-6938 due to incorrect posting of work scope.

North Carolina A&T State University is a public, high-research activity land-grant university in Greensboro, North Carolina. Students attend the University from every state in American, and six continents from around the world. We are not only America’s top-rated historically black university (HBCU), and the largest HBCU for seven consecutive years, well as its leading HBCU STEM institution. We produce more African American engineers and agricultural scientists than any university in the nation and are home to the top public HBCU business school in the country.

N.C. A&T has grown substantially over the past decade in enrollment, in academic programming and in research capabilities, adding four new centers of excellence in the past year alone. And we are nowhere near done. Our relentless implementation of a visionary strategic plan saw us expand to an enrollment of more than 15,000 in the Fall of 2025, added important facilities like the $90 million Engineering Research and Innovation Center and a new 450-bed residence hall and grow our research program through expansion of strategic partnerships with a broad range of federal agencies and private concerns. We encourage you to get to know A&T, and what may be possible for your organization in relationship with America’s no. 1 HBCU.

The intent of this solicitation is to award an Agency Contract.

CONTRACT TERM

The Contract shall have an initial term of three (3) years, beginning on the date March 23, 2026 “Effective Date.”

At the end of the Contract’s initial term, the State shall have the option, in its sole discretion, to renew the Contract on the same terms and conditions for up to two (2) additional one-year terms. The State will give the Vendor written notice of its intent to exercise each option no later than thirty written number (30) days before the end of the Contract’s then-current term. In addition to any optional renewal terms, and with the Vendor’s concurrence, the State reserves the right to extend the Contract after the last active term.

Bids shall be submitted in accordance with the terms and conditions of this RFQ and any addenda issued hereto.

2.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1 REQUEST FOR QUOTE DOCUMENT

This RFQ is comprised of the base RFQ document, any attachments, and any addenda released before Contract award, which are incorporated herein by reference.

2.2 E-PROCUREMENT FEE

ATTENTION: The E-Procurement fee may apply to this solicitation. See the paragraph entitled ELECTRONIC PROCUREMENT of the North Carolina General Terms and Conditions. (Not applicable. This Bid proposal)

General information on the E-Procurement Services can be found at: http://eprocurement.nc.gov/ .

3.1 NOTICE TO VENDORS REGARDING RFQ TERMS AND CONDITIONS

It shall be the Vendor’s responsibility to read the Instructions to Vendors, the North Carolina General Terms and Conditions, all relevant exhibits and attachments, and any other components made a part of this RFQ and comply with all requirements and specifications herein. Vendors are also responsible for obtaining and complying with all Addenda and other changes that may be issued in connection with this RFQ.

If Vendors have questions or issues regarding any component of this RFQ, those must be submitted as questions in accordance with the instructions in the BID QUESTIONS Section. If the State determines that any changes will be made as a result of the questions asked, then such decisions will be communicated in the form of an RFQ addendum. The State may also elect to leave open the possibility for later negotiation of specific provisions of the Contract that have been addressed during the question-and-answer period, prior to contract award.

Other than through the process of negotiation under 01 NCAC 05B.0503, the State rejects and will not be required to evaluate or consider any additional or modified terms and conditions submitted with Vendor’s bid or otherwise. This applies to any language appearing in or attached to the document as part of the Vendor’s bid that purports to vary any terms and conditions or Vendors’ instructions herein or to render the bid non-binding or subject to further negotiation. Vendor’s bid shall constitute a firm offer that shall be held open for the period required herein (“Validity Period” above).

The State may exercise its discretion to consider Vendor proposed modifications. By execution and delivery of this RFQ Response, the Vendor agrees that any additional or modified terms and conditions, whether submitted purposely or inadvertently, shall have no force or effect, and will be disregarded unless expressly agreed upon during negotiations and incorporated by way of a Best and Final Offer (BAFO). Noncompliance with, or any attempt to alter or delete, this paragraph shall constitute sufficient grounds to reject Vendor’s bid as nonresponsive.

3.2 RFQ SCHEDULE

The table below shows the intended schedule for this RFQ. The State will make every effort to adhere to this schedule.

Event	Responsibility	Date and Time
Issue RFQ	State	02-25-2026
Hold Pre-Bid Meeting/Site Visit	State	03-04-2026 @ 10:00 AM ET
Submit Written Questions	Vendor	03-06-2026 @ 10:00 AM ET
Provide Response to Questions	State	03-10-2026 @ 03:00 PM ET
Submit Bids	Vendor	03-17-2026 @ 03:00 PM ET
Contract Award	State	TBD

2.5 SITE VISIT

Urged and Cautioned Site Visit-

Date: 03/04/2026

Time: 10:00 AM Eastern Time

Location: 405 Stewart Street

Greensboro, NC 27405

Contact #: 336-334-7555 Procurement Services Office

Instructions: Vendor representative are URGED and CAUTIONED to visit the site and apprise themselves of the conditions and requirements which will affect the performance of work called for by this RFQ. A non-mandatory site visit pre-bid conference is schedule for this RFQ. Submission of a bid shall constitute sufficient evidence of this compliance and no allowance will be made for unreported conditions which a prudent Vendor would recognize as affecting the performance of the work called for in this RFQ. Attendees must arrive promptly All attendees must sign in upon arrival and clearly indicate each prospective Vendor represented on the sign in sheet.

3.3 BID QUESTIONS

Upon review of the RFQ documents, Vendors may have questions to clarify or interpret the RFQ in order to submit the best bid possible. To accommodate the Bid Questions process, Vendors shall submit any such questions by the “Submit Written Questions” date and time provided in the RFQ SCHEDULE Section above, unless modified by Addendum.

Written questions shall be emailed to Charles Stevens castevensjr@ncat.edu by the date and time specified above. Vendors should enter “RFQ #: 59-Q6943 Questions” as the subject for the email. Question submittals should include a reference to the applicable RFQ section and be submitted in the format shown below:

Reference	Vendor Question
RFQ Section, Page Number	Vendor question …?

No information, instruction or advice provided orally or informally by any State personnel, whether made in response to a question or otherwise in connection with this RFQ, shall be considered authoritative or binding. Vendors shall rely only on written material contained in the RFQ and an addendum to this RFQ.

3.4 BID SUBMITTAL

All quotes must be submitted electronically through the Bonfire portal.

https://ncat.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities

For any technical issues with Bonfire, you must contact Bonfire support:

• Help Center (Guides & FAQs): https://bonfirehub.zendesk.com

• Email Support: support@gobonfire.com

• Vendor Support Line: 1-800-354-8010 (toll-free, available Mon–Fri during business hours EST)

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is the responsibility of the Vendor to have the quote in Bonfire by the specified time and date of opening.

3.5 BID CONTENTS

BID CONTENTS

Vendors shall populate all attachments of this RFQ that require the Vendor to provide information and include an authorized signature where requested. Failure to provide all required items, or Vendor’s submission of incomplete items, may result in the State rejecting Vendor’s bid, in the State’s sole discretion.

Vendor RFQ responses shall include the following items and attachments, which shall be arranged in the following order:

a) Cover Letter, which must include all of the following: (i) a statement that confirms that the Vendor has read the RFQ in its entirety, including all links, and all Addenda released in conjunction with the RFQ; (ii) a statement that the Vendor agrees to perform in accordance with the scope of work, requirements, and specifications contained herein; and (iii) Vendor’s agreement to comply with all instructions, terms and conditions, and attachments.

b) Title Page: Include the company name, address, phone number and authorized representative along with the Bid Number.

c) Completed and signed version of all EXECUTION PAGES, along with the body of the RFQ.

d) Signed receipt pages of any addenda released in conjunction with this RFQ, if required to be returned.

e) Vendor’s Response. Must include a copy of a N.C. Pest Control License for the person applying chemicals with the supplier response.

f) Completed version of ATTACHMENT A: PRICING, Bidder must complete the pricing sheet in Bonfire.

g) Completed version of ATTACHMENT D: HUB SUPPLEMENTAL VENDOR INFORMATION

h) Completed version of ATTACHMENT E: CUSTOMER REFERENCE FORM

i) Completed version of ATTACHMENT F: LOCATION OF WORKERS UTILIZED BY VENDOR

j) Completed and signed version of ATTACHMENT G: CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

k) Completed and signed version of CERTIFICATION FOR CONTRACTS, GRANTS, LOANS, AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS and OMB STANDARD FORM LLL

3.07 DEFINITIONS, ACRONYMS, AND ABBREVIATIONS

Relevant definitions for this RFQ are provided in 01 NCAC 05A .0112 and in the Instructions to Vendors found below which are incorporated herein by this reference.

The following definitions, acronyms, and abbreviations are also relevant to this RFQ:

4.0 METHOD OF AWARD AND BID EVALUATION PROCESS

4.1 METHOD OF AWARD

North Carolina G.S. 143-52 provides a general list of criteria the State shall use to award contracts, as supplemented by the additional criteria herein. The Goods or Services being procured shall dictate the application and order of criteria; however, all award decisions shall be in the State’s best interest.

All responsive bids will be reviewed, and an award or awards will be based on the responsive bid(s) offering the lowest price that meets the specifications provided herein, to include any required verifications set out here in such as but not limited to past performance, references, and financial documents.

While the intent of this RFQ is to award a Contract to a single Vendor, the State reserves the right to make separate awards to different Vendors for one or more-line items, to not award one or more-line items, or to cancel this RFQ in its entirety without awarding a Contract, if it is considered to be most advantageous to the State to do so.

The State reserves the right to waive any minor informality or technicality in bids received.

4.2 CONFIDENTIALITY AND PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS DURING EVALUATION

While this RFQ is under evaluation, the responding Vendor, including any subcontractors and suppliers, is prohibited from engaging in conversations intended to influence the outcome of the evaluation. See Paragraph 29 of the Instructions to Vendors entitled COMMUNICATIONS BY VENDORS.

Each Vendor submitting a bid to this RFQ, including its employees, agents, subcontractors, suppliers, subsidiaries and affiliates, is prohibited from having any communications with any person inside or outside the using agency; issuing agency; other government agency office or body (including the procurement lead named above, any department secretary, agency head, members of the General Assembly and Governor’s office); or private entity, if the communication refers to the content of Vendor’s bid or qualifications, the content of another Vendor’s proposal, another Vendor’s qualifications or ability to perform a resulting contract, and/or the transmittal of any other communication of information that could be reasonably considered to have the effect of directly or indirectly influencing the evaluation of proposals, the award of a contract, or both.

Any Vendor not in compliance with this provision shall be disqualified from evaluation and award. A Vendor’s proposal may be disqualified if its subcontractor and/or supplier engage in any of the foregoing communications during the time that the procurement is active (i.e., the issuance date of the procurement until the date of contract award or cancellation of the procurement). Only those discussions, communications or transmittals of information authorized or initiated by the issuing agency for this RFQ, or inquiries directed to the procurement lead named in this RFQ regarding requirements of the RFQ (prior to proposal submission) or the status of the award (after submission) are excepted from this provision.

4.3 QUOTE EVALUATION PROCESS

Award of a Contract to one Vendor does not mean that the other quotes lacked merit, but that, all factors considered, the selected quote was deemed most advantageous and represented the best value to the State.

Vendors are cautioned that this is a request for quote, not a request or an offer to contract, and the State reserves the unqualified right to reject any and all offers at any time if such rejection is deemed to be in the best interest of the State.

4.4 PERFORMANCE OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES

Vendor shall complete ATTACHMENT F: LOCATION OF WORKERS UTILIZED BY VENDOR. In addition to any other evaluation criteria identified in this RFQ, the State may also consider, for purposes of evaluating proposed or actual contract performance outside of the United States, how that performance may affect the following factors to ensure that any award will be in the best interest of the State:

a) Total cost to the State

b) Level of quality provided by the Vendor

c) Process and performance capability across multiple jurisdictions

d) Protection of the State’s information and intellectual property

e) Availability of pertinent skills

f) Ability to understand the State’s business requirements and internal operational culture

g) Particular risk factors such as the security of the State’s information technology

h) Relations with citizens and employees

i) Contract enforcement jurisdictional issues

4.5 INTERPRETATION OF TERMS AND PHRASES

This RFQ serves two functions: (1) to advise potential Vendors of the parameters of the solution being sought by the State; and (2) to provide (together with other specified documents) the terms of the Contract resulting from this procurement. The use of phrases such as “shall,” “must,” and “requirements” are intended to create enforceable contract conditions. In determining whether bids should be evaluated or rejected, the State will take into consideration the degree to which Vendors have proposed or failed to propose solutions that will satisfy the State’s needs as described in the RFQ. Except as specifically stated in the RFQ, no one requirement shall automatically disqualify a Vendor from consideration. However, failure to comply with any single requirement may result in the State exercising its discretion to reject a bid in its entirety.

4.6 REQUIREMENTS

This Section lists the requirements related to this RFQ. By submitting a bid, the Vendor agrees to meet all stated requirements in this Section as well as any other specifications, requirements, and terms and conditions stated in this RFQ. If a Vendor is unclear about a requirement or specification or believes a change to a requirement would allow for the State to receive a better bid, the Vendor is urged to submit these items in the form of a question during the question-and-answer period in accordance with the Bid

4.7 PRICING

Bid price shall constitute the total cost to the State for complete performance in accordance with the requirements and specifications herein, including all applicable charges for handling, transportation, administrative and other similar fees. Complete ATTACHMENT A: PRICING FORM and include in Vendor’s response.

4.8 Import Tariff Temporary Surcharge

Pricing shall be exclusive of any pending tariffs or temporary tariff surcharge. Vendor may request a temporary tariff surcharge in ATTACHMENT A: PRICING SUBMITTAL WORKBOOK as a charge separate from the contract price. Any temporary tariff surcharge(s) associated with purchases shall be provided by way of a percentage tariff surcharge. All tariff surcharges proposed are intended to be temporary and based on current tariff implications specific to related commodities with evidence of submitted documentation of affected MSRP products. Vendor understands that the agency may request additional justification. Any temporary tariff surcharge percentage will be negotiated and mutually agreed upon. The state is not obligated to accept any proposed import tariff surcharge.  Proposed tariff surcharges may be used as a factor for evaluation and award.

4.6 FINANCIAL STABILITY

As a condition of contract award, the Vendor must certify that it has the financial capacity to perform and to continue to perform its obligations under the Contract; that Vendor has no constructive or actual knowledge of an actual or potential legal proceeding being brought against Vendor that could materially adversely affect performance of this Contract; and that entering into this Contract is not prohibited by any contract, or order by any court of competent jurisdiction.

Each Vendor shall certify it is financially stable by completing ATTACHMENT G: CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION. The State is requiring this certification to minimize potential issues from contracting with a Vendor that is financially unstable. From the date of the Certification to the expiration of the Contract, the Vendor shall notify the State within thirty (30) days of any occurrence or condition that materially alters the truth of any statement made in this Certification. The Contract Manager may require annual recertification of the Vendor’s financial stability.

4.10 HUB PARTICIPATION

Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute G.S. 143-48, it is State policy to encourage and promote the use of small, minority, physically handicapped, and women contractors in purchasing Goods and Services. As such, this RFQ will serve to identify those Vendors that are minority owned or have a strategic plan to support the State’s Historically Underutilized Business program by meeting or exceeding the goal of 10% utilization of diverse firms as 1st or 2nd tier subcontractors. Vendor shall complete ATTACHMENT D: HUB SUPPLEMENTAL VENDOR INFORMATION.

4.11 BACKGROUND CHECKS

Any personnel or agent of Vendor performing Services under any Contract arising from this RFQ may be required to undergo a background check at the expense of the Vendor, if so, requested by the State.

Vendor and its personnel are required to provide or undergo background checks at Vendor’s expense prior to beginning work with the State. As part of Vendor background, the following details must be provided to the State:

a) Any criminal felony conviction, or conviction of any crime involving moral turpitude, including, but not limited to fraud, misappropriation or deception, by Vendor, its officers or directors, or any of its employees or other personnel to provide Services on this project, of which Vendor has knowledge, or provide a statement that Vendor is aware of none;

b) Any criminal investigation for any offense involving moral turpitude, including, but not limited to fraud, misappropriation, falsification or deception pending against Vendor of which it has knowledge, or provide a statement Vendor is aware of none;

c) Any regulatory sanctions levied against Vendor or any of its officers, directors or its professional employees expected to provide Services on this project by any state or federal regulatory agencies within the past three years or a statement that there are none. As used herein, the term “regulatory sanctions” includes the revocation or suspension of any license or certification, the levying of any monetary penalties or fines, and the issuance of any written warnings;

d) Any regulatory investigations pending against Vendor or any of its officers, directors or its professional employees expected to provide Services on this project by any state or federal regulatory agencies of which Vendor has knowledge or a statement that there are none.

e) Any civil litigation, arbitration, proceedings, or judgments pending against Vendor during the three (3) years preceding submission of its bid herein or a statement that there are none.

Vendor’s response to these requests shall be considered a continuing representation, and Vendor’s failure to notify the State within thirty (30) days of any criminal litigation, investigation or proceeding involving Vendor or its then current officers, directors or persons providing Services under this Contract during its term shall constitute a material breach of contract. The provisions of this paragraph shall also apply to any subcontractor utilized by Vendor to perform Services under this Contract.

4.12 GENERAL INFORMATION

It is the policy of the State to provide a safe environment for State Government employees to work. Due to the Contract requirements, the State requires criminal background checks of awarded Vendors, including but not limited to: owners, employees, agents, representatives, subcontractors, and all personnel of their respective companies. All costs and expenses associated with criminal background checks are the responsibility of the Vendor.

The following requirements must be met:

a) Criminal background checks shall be current and completed within ninety (90) days of the Contract effective date.

b) The criminal background check shall include a social security verification/check, felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic records covering a minimum of the last seven (7) years for all states and countries where the individual has resided. The criminal background check information shall be first thoroughly reviewed by the Vendor and then sent to the Contract Administrator for review and approval. Out of state searches shall be required for persons living in the state of NC for fewer than seven (7) years. Fingerprint background checks may be required in some instances depending on the facility requirements.

c) A criminal background check on the awarded Vendor and its employees shall be provided by the Vendor prior to Contract effective date. Copies of the original criminal background check shall be sent to the Contract Administrator for evaluation. In some cases, badging cannot take place until after the evaluation and approval of the Vendor’s criminal checks.

d) When a new employee or individual is identified to perform Services on this Contract, the Vendor shall provide the Contract Administrator with a criminal background check before the individual can be approved for work.  Persons without approved criminal background checks shall not be allowed to work in the relevant buildings until proper documentation is submitted and approved.

e) The State may require the Vendor to exclude the Vendor’s employees, agents, representatives, or subcontractors based on the background check results. Discovery that one or more employees have convictions does not disqualify the Vendor from award.

f) Additionally, the State may use The North Carolina Department of Public Safety Offender Public Information or similar Services to conduct additional background checks on the Vendor’s proposed employees.

4.13 BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENTS

As part of Vendor’s criminal background checks, the details below must be provided to the State:

a) Any criminal felony conviction, or conviction of any crime involving moral turpitude, including but not limited to fraud, misappropriation or deception, of Vendor, its officers or directors, or any of its employees or other personnel to provide Services on this project of which Vendor has knowledge, or provide a statement that Vendor is aware of none;

b) Any criminal investigation for any offense involving moral turpitude, including, but not limited to fraud, misappropriation, falsification or deception pending against Vendor of which it has knowledge, or provide a statement Vendor is aware of none;

c) Any regulatory sanctions levied against Vendor or any of its officers, directors or its professional employees expected to provide Services on this project by any state or federal regulatory agencies within the past three years or a statement that there are none. As used herein, the term “regulatory sanctions” includes the revocation or suspension of any license or certification, the levying of any monetary penalties or fines, and the issuance of any written warnings;

d) Any regulatory investigations pending against Vendor or any of its officers, directors or its professional employees expected to provide Services on this project by any state or federal regulatory agencies of which Vendor has knowledge, or provide a statement that there are none.

e) Any civil litigation, arbitration, proceeding, or judgments pending against Vendor during the three (3) years preceding submission of its bid herein, or provide a statement that there are none.

4.14 BACKGROUND CHECK LIMITATIONS

Any individual representing the Vendor, who:

a) In his/her lifetime, has been adjudicated as a habitual felon as defined by GS 14-7.1 or a violent habitual felon as defined by GS 14-7.7, shall not be allowed to work in buildings occupied by State Government employees.

b) During the last seven (7) years has been convicted of any criminal felony or misdemeanor sexual offense or a crime of violence shall not be allowed to work in buildings occupied by State Government employees.

c) At any time has an outstanding warrant or a criminal charge for a crime described in (b) above shall not be allowed to work on State property.

d) The Vendor must ensure that all employees have a responsibility to self-report to the Vendor within twenty-four (24) hours any arrest for any disqualifying offense. The Vendor must notify the Contract Administrator within twenty-four (24) hours of all details concerning any reported arrest.

e) Upon the request of the Contract Administrator, the Vendor will re-screen any of its employees, agents, representatives, and subcontractors during the term of the Contract.

f) Vendor’s responses to these background check requests shall be considered a continuing representation, and Vendor’s failure to notify the State within thirty (30) days of any criminal charge, investigation, or proceeding involving Vendor or its then-current officers, directors or persons providing Services under this Contract during its term shall constitute a material breach of contract. The provisions of this paragraph shall also apply to any subcontractor utilized by Vendor to perform Services under this Contract.

g) If there are problems or delays with performance associated with the completion and compliance with this background check requirements, any Vendor’s performance bond could be used to complete these Services.

4.15 DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS

Required documentation to be submitted prior to date Contract is effective and for performing any Services on State property shall include:

a) A cover letter by the Vendor on company letterhead with a list of the full names matching a required government issued photo ID, addresses, and birth dates of each person representing the contracting company.

b) Vendor shall also provide a photocopy of the required State or Federal government issued picture ID or Driver License.

c) A letter on company letterhead is not acceptable proof in itself but can be used to further clarify information on the criminal background check submitted. All documentation shall be submitted at the same time. Submit documents which are clear and legible.

d) Background checks consisting of:

1. Original unaltered criminal background check from the organization providing the background check.

2. The background check provider’s company name, company mailing address, and contact phone numbers.

3. The full name of the individual, which matches the government issued photo ID.

4. The current address of individual being checked.

5. The date the criminal background check search was conducted.

4.16 VENDOR BACKGROUND CHECK AGREEMENT

Vendor agrees to conduct a criminal background check per the specifications above in this section on all employees proposed to work under this Contract, at its expense, and provide the required documentation to the State in order to perform Services under this Contract:

YES NO

4.17 PERSONNEL

Vendor warrants those qualified personnel shall provide Services under this Contract in a professional manner. “Professional manner” means that the personnel performing the Services will possess the skill and competence consistent with the prevailing business standards in the industry. Vendor will serve as the prime contractor under this Contract and shall be responsible for the performance and payment of all subcontractor(s) that may be approved by the State. Names of any third-party Vendors or subcontractors of Vendor may appear for purposes of convenience in Contract documents; and shall not limit Vendor’s obligations hereunder. Vendor will retain executive representation for functional and technical expertise as needed in order to incorporate any work by third party subcontractor(s).

Should the Vendor’s bid result in an award, the Vendor shall be required to agree that it will not substitute key personnel assigned to the performance of the Contract without prior written approval by the Contract Lead. Vendor shall further agree that it will notify the Contract Lead of any desired substitution, including the name(s) and references of Vendor’s recommended substitute personnel. The State will approve or disapprove the requested substitution in a timely manner. The State may, in its sole discretion, terminate the Services of any person providing Services under this Contract. Upon such termination, the State may request acceptable substitute personnel or terminate the contract Services provided by such personnel.

4.18 VENDOR’S REPRESENTATIONS

If Vendor’s bid results in an award, Vendor agrees that it will not enter any agreement with a third party that may abridge any rights of the State under the Contract. If any Services, deliverables, functions, or responsibilities not specifically described in this solicitation are required for Vendor’s proper performance, provision and delivery of the Service and deliverables under a resulting Contract, or are an inherent part of or necessary sub-task included within such Service, they will be deemed to be implied by and included within the scope of the Contract to the same extent and in the same manner as if specifically described in the Contract. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, Vendor will furnish all of its own necessary management, supervision, labor, facilities, furniture, computer and telecommunications equipment, software, supplies and materials necessary for the Vendor to provide and deliver the Services and/or other Deliverables.

4.18 AGENCY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS MODIFICATION

[Important: The insurance requirements set forth in the North Carolina General Terms and Conditions, Insurance paragraph, are minimal requirements. Risk assessment should be conducted based on the non-exclusive factors listed below AND DOCUMENTED IN THE OFFICIAL AGENCY FILE using the P&C provided form. Increased insurance requirements should be set forth below. Add any specialized insurance coverage the Agency desires that are specifically relevant to the Goods or Services procured. (e.g., cyber insurance, Errors and Omissions, etc.)]

1. Potential for damage to State property or property of a third party,

2. Potential for bodily injury to State employees or third parties,

3. Whether Vendor will transport State property, clients, or employees,

4. Use of a vehicle to accomplish the work or to travel to or from State locations,

5. Anticipated physical contacts of the Vendor with the State,

6. Anticipated number and activity of Vendor personnel within the State, and

7. Any other unique considerations that could result in harm, bodily injury, or property damage.

A. Default Insurance Coverage from the General Terms and Conditions applicable to this Solicitation:

Small Purchases

Contract value in excess of the Small Purchase threshold, but up to $1,000,000.00

Contract value in excess of $1,000,000.00

4.19 SUBCONTRACTORS

No portion of the work shall be subcontracted without prior written consent of the State.  In the event that the Vendor desires to subcontract some part of the work specified herein, the Vendor shall furnish with their bid the names, qualifications, and experience of their proposed subcontractors.  The Vendor shall, however, remain solely and fully liable and responsible for the work done by its subcontractor(s) and shall assure compliance with all the requirements and specifications of the contract.

4.20 SECRETARY OF STATE REGISTRATION

Prior to entering into a contract with the State, the awarded Vendor(s) must complete registration with the NC Secretary of State. Upon notification of award, the selected Vendor(s) must furnish evidence of filing within 10 business days. Failure to provide this documentation may result in the disqualification of the Vendor(s) bid from further consideration for the award. No purchase orders shall be issued prior to confirmation of completed registration with the Secretary of State.

A contract award under the above-referenced solicitation, and the resulting purchase orders, will produce repeated orders and transactions in North Carolina and will constitute “transacting business” in the State, which requires a certificate of authority from the North Carolina Secretary of State as provided in G.S. §55-15-01 (corporations) or §57D-7-01 (LLCs). Please go to: https://www.sosnc.gov/ to register.

Vendor registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State:   Yes☐ No ☐

5.0 SPECIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF WORK

The lots consist of parcels from a former residential neighborhood. Currently, there are 87 lots, each approximately 0.12 acres in size. As the University acquires additional lots, it is expected that they

will be incorporated into and maintained under this contract.

Upon acquisition of new lots and removal of any existing structures, each lot will be graded and reseeded by the University and left in a cuttable and maintainable condition suitable for routine mowing, trimming, weeding, trash and debris removal, and chemical maintenance, as required.

The University’s contract manager will notify the supplier as additional lots are acquired to ensure they are added to the contract.

These specifications outline the routine maintenance requirements and scope of work for each lot based on the schedule:

A. Frequency:

1. The Supplier shall perform the services on a weekly basis from March 1 through September 30 of each contract year.

2. The University shall not be responsible or bear additional costs for supplier deficiencies or negligence in performing the services as outlined herein.

3. The Supplier shall perform the services on a bi-weekly basis from October 1 through February 29 (or February 28, as applicable) of each contract year.

4. The University may request the Supplier to perform additional services outside of the regularly scheduled service frequency. Such requests shall be referred to as a “Call Back.” A Call Back is defined as the performance of one or more of the contracted services to address a special event, emergency, or other University need. A Call Back does not constitute a failure by the Supplier to fulfill the required scope of work under this Contract.

...