Auctioneer Services

1.11 HOW TO DO BUSINESS: Knox County utilizes a web-based procurement software system, "KnoxBuys." The
system provides our clients (vendors, County departments and the citizens of Knox County) with a more enhanced
and end-user friendly means of accessing our services. The system allows for on-line vendor registration and
maintenance, electronic receipt of purchase orders, on-line retrieval and submittal of quotes, bids and proposals for
our vendor-clients and on-line requisitioning and receiving for our county departments.
In order for the County to maximize its investment and minimize the cost associated with office operations we need
your help. When doing business with Knox County we are urging you to please go to our website at
www.knoxcounty.org/procurement, register as a vendor in our on-line procurement system, "KnoxBuys", if you have
not done so and whenever possible to conduct your business with the County through this site. If you have any
questions, please contact the Procurement Division Representative listed in Section 1.1 of this document.
1.12 INCURRED COSTS: Knox County will not be liable in any way for costs incurred by any proposer in the preparation
and submission of its proposal in response to this RFP, nor for the presentation of its proposal and/or participation
in any required meetings, discussions or negotiations. If any oral presentations are required, Knox County advises
vendors to be thorough and complete in submission of information.
1.13 NO CONTACT POLICY: After the vendor receives this RFP, any contact initiated by any vendor with anyone, other
than the Procurement Division representative listed herein, concerning this Request for Proposal is strictly
prohibited. Any such unauthorized contact may cause the disqualification of the vendor from this process.
1.14 NON-COLLUSION: Vendors, by submitting a signed proposal, certify that the accompanying proposal is not the
result of, or affected by, any unlawful act of collusion with any other person or company engaged in the same line
of business or commerce, or any other fraudulent act punishable under Tennessee or United States law.
1.15 POSSESSION OF WEAPONS: All vendors and their employees and their agents are prohibited from possessing
any weapons on Knox County property without prior written consent from the County. In the case of a vendor
whose contract requires possession of firearms or other weapons to successfully complete their contract, vendor
must provide personnel who are bonded to bear said weaponry.
1.16 PROCESSING TIME FOR PAYMENT: Vendors are advised that a minimum of thirty (30) days may be required to
process invoices for payment.
1.17 PROOF OF FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS CAPABILITY: Vendors must, upon request, furnish satisfactory
evidence of their ability to furnish products or services in accordance with the terms and conditions of these
specifications. Knox County will make the final determination as to the vendor's ability.
1.18 PROPOSAL DELIVERY: Knox County requires proposers, when hand delivering proposals, to time and date stamp
the envelope before depositing it in the bid box. Knox County will not be responsible for any lost or misdirected
mail sent by common carrier. Knox County shall also not be responsible for proposals delivered to addresses other
than the one listed at the top of this solicitation. The time clock in the Procurement Division shall serve as the official
record of time.
Solicitations must be in a sealed envelope/box prior to entering the Procurement Division office.
Procurement Division personnel are not allowed to see the submittal nor assist in placing documents in an
envelope/box. Additionally, the Procurement Division is not responsible for providing materials (e.g.:
envelopes, boxes, tape) for submittals.
1.19 RECYCLING: Knox County, in its continuing efforts to lessen the amount of landfill waste and to further recycling
efforts, requests that proposals being submitted on paper shall:
* Be submitted on recycled paper
* Not include pages of unnecessary advertising
* Be made on both sides of each sheet of paper
1.20 RESTRICTIVE OR AMBIGUOUS SPECIFICATIONS: It is the responsibility of the prospective proposer to review
the entire Request for Proposal (RFP) packet and to notify the Procurement Division if the specifications are
formulated in a manner that would unnecessarily restrict competition. Any such protest or question regarding the
specifications or proposal procedures must be received in the Procurement Division by May 19, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
local time. These requirements also apply to specifications that are ambiguous.
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1.21 SIGNING OF PROPOSALS: In order to be considered all proposals must be signed. Please sign the original
in blue ink. By signing the proposal document, the proposer acknowledges and accepts the terms and conditions
stated in the document.
1.22 TAXES: Knox County purchases are not subject to taxation. Tax exemption certificates will be provided upon
request.
1.23 TITLE VI OF THE 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS ACT: "Nondiscrimination on Federally Assisted Programs" - "No person in
the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied
the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial
assistance." 42 U.S.C. section 2000d. It is the policy of Knox County Government that all its services and activities
be administered in conformance with the requirements of Title VI and Title IX.
1.24 UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES: During periods of closure due to unforeseen circumstances in Knox County or
closures at the direction of the Knox County Mayor, the Procurement Division will enact the following procedures in
regards to solicitations and closures:
* If the Mayor closes the Administrative offices prior to the time set for solicitation opening of any business day,
all solicitations due that same day will be moved to the next operational business day.
* Other unforeseen circumstances shall be at the sole discretion of the Procurement Director.
* Knox County shall not be liable for any commercial carrier's decision regarding deliveries during any unforeseen
circumstances.
1.25 VENDOR REGISTRATION: Prior to the closing of this proposal, ALL PROPOSERS must be registered with the
Procurement Division. A vendor application may be submitted online at www.knoxcounty.org/procurement. Select
the On-Line Vendor Registration link and complete the forms. Vendors must be registered with the Procurement
Division prior to submitting their proposal.
1.26 WAIVING OF INFORMALITIES: Knox County reserves the right to waive minor informalities or technicalities when
it is in the best interest of Knox County.
SECTION II OBLIGATIONS, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES
These terms and conditions shall be part of the contract. Knox County reserves the right to negotiate other terms
and conditions it deems appropriate and necessary under the circumstances to protect the public's trust.
2.1 ALTERATIONS OR AMENDMENTS: No alterations, amendments, changes, modifications or additions to this
Contract shall be binding on Knox County without the prior written approval of the County.
2.2 APPROPRIATION: In the event no funds are appropriated by Knox County for the goods or services in any fiscal
year or insufficient funds exist to purchase the goods or services, then the Contract shall expire upon the
expenditure of previously appropriated funds or the end of the current fiscal year, whichever occurs first, with no
further obligations owed to or by either party.
2.3 ASSIGNMENT: Contractor shall not assign or sub-contract this agreement, its obligations or rights hereunder to
any party, company, partnership, incorporation or person without the prior written specific consent of Knox County.
2.4 BOOKS AND RECORDS: Contractor shall maintain all books, documents, accounting records and other evidence
pertaining to the goods and services provided under this Contract and make such materials available at its offices
at all reasonable times during the contract period and for five (5) years from the date of the final payment under this
agreement for inspection by County or by any other governmental entity or agency participating in the funding of
this agreement, or any authorized agents thereof; copies of said records to be furnished if requested. Such records
shall not include those books, documents and accounting records that represent the Contractor's costs of
manufacturing, acquiring or delivering the products and services governed by this agreement.
2.5 CHILD LABOR: Contractor agrees that no products or services will be provided or performed under this Contract
that have been manufactured or assembled by child labor.
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2.6 COMPLIANCE WITH ALL LAWS: Contractor is assumed to be familiar with and agrees to observe and comply
with all federal, state, and local laws, statutes, ordinances, and regulations in any manner affecting the provision of
goods and/or services, and all instructions and prohibitive orders issued regarding this work and shall obtain all
necessary permits.
2.7 DEFAULT: If Contractor fails to perform or comply with any provision of this Contract or the terms or conditions of
any documents referenced and made a part hereof, Knox County may terminate this Contract, in whole or in part,
and may consider such failure or noncompliance a breach of contract. Knox County expressly retains all its rights
and remedies provided by law in case of such breach, and no action by Knox County shall constitute a waiver of
any such rights or remedies. In the event of termination for default, Knox County reserves the right to purchase its
requirements elsewhere, with or without competitive solicitation.
2.8 GOVERNING LAW; VENUE: This agreement shall be exclusively construed, governed, and controlled by the Laws
of the State of Tennessee without regard to principles of law, including conflicts of law, of any other jurisdiction,
territory, country, and/or province. Any dispute arising out of or relating to this agreement shall exclusively be
brought in the Chancery Court or the Circuit Court of Knox County, Tennessee. Each party consents to personal
jurisdiction thereto and waives any defenses based on personal jurisdiction, venue and inconvenient forum.
2.9 INCORPORATION: All specifications, drawings, technical information, Request for Proposal, Proposal, Award and
similar items referred to or attached, or which are the basis for this Contract are deemed incorporated by reference
as if set out fully herein.
2.10 INDEMNIFICATION/HOLD HARMLESS: Contractor shall indemnify, defend, save and hold harmless Knox County,
its officers, agents and employees from all suits, claims, actions or damages of any nature brought because of,
arising out of, or due to breach of the agreement by Contractor, its subcontractors, suppliers, agents, or employees
or due to any negligent act or occurrence or any omission or commission of Contractor, its subcontractors, suppliers,
agents or employees.
2.11 INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR: Contractor shall acknowledge that it and its employees serve as independent
contractors and that Knox County shall not be responsible for any payment, insurance or incurred liability.
2.12 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE: Warranty periods shall not commence until Knox County inspects and formally
accepts the goods and/or services. The terms, conditions and timing of acceptance shall be determined by Knox
County. Knox County reserves the right to reject any or all items or services not in conformance with applicable
specifications, and Contractor assumes the costs associated with such nonconformance. Acceptance of goods or
services does not constitute a waiver of latent or hidden defects or defects not readily detectable by a reasonable
person under the circumstances.
2.13 IRAN DIVESTMENT ACT: By submission of this RFP, each proposer and each person signing on behalf of any
proposer certifies, and in the case of a joint submittal each party thereto certifies as to its own organization, under
penalty of perjury, that to the best of its knowledge and belief that each proposer is not on the list created pursuant
to Tennessee Code Annotated Section 12-12-106. Proposers must submit with their proposals a completed Exhibit
B, Affidavit of Compliance Iran Divestment Act/No Boycott of Israel.
2.14 LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY: In no event shall Knox County be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential,
special or exemplary damages or lost profits, even if Knox County has been advised of the possibility of such
damages.
2.15 NO BOYCOTT OF ISRAEL: Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated Title 12, Chapter 4, Part 1, by submission of
a response to this solicitation, each proposer and each person signing on behalf of any proposer certifies, and in
the case of a joint response each party thereto certifies as to its own organization, under penalty of perjury, that to
the best of its knowledge and belief that each proposer is not currently engaged in, and will not for the duration of
the contract engage in, a boycott of Israel. Proposers must submit with their proposals a completed Exhibit B,
Affidavit of Compliance Iran Divestment Act/No Boycott of Israel.
2.16 NON-DISCRIMINATION AND NON-CONFLICT STATEMENT: Contractor agrees that no person on the grounds
of handicap, age, race, color, religion, sex national origin or any individual trait or characteristic found to be an illegal
consideration, shall be excluded from participation in, or be denied benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to
discrimination in the performance of this agreement or in the employment practices of Vendor.
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Contractor shall upon request show proof of such non-discrimination and shall post in conspicuous places available
to all employees and applicants notices of non-discrimination. Contractor covenants that it complies with the Fair
Wage and Hour Laws, the National Labor Relations Act, and other Federal and State employment laws as
applicable. Contractor covenants that it does not engage in any illegal employment practices.
Contractor covenants that it has no public or private interest and shall not acquire directly or indirectly any interest,
which would conflict in any manner with the provision of its goods or performance of its services. Contractor
warrants that no part of the total Contract amount provided herein shall be paid directly or indirectly to any officer
or employee of Knox County as wages, compensation, or gifts in exchange for acting as officer, agent, employee,
subcontractor or consultant to Contractor in connection with any goods provided or work contemplated or performed
relative to the agreement.
2.17 ORDER OF PRECEDENCE: In the event of inconsistent or conflicting provision of this Contract and referenced
documents, the following descending order of precedence shall prevail: (1) Contract, (2) Request for Proposal (3)
Contractor's Response, (4) Award, (5) Special Terms and Conditions, (6) General Terms and Conditions, (7)
Specifications, (8) Drawings.
2.18 REMEDIES: Knox County shall have all rights and remedies afforded under the U.C.C. and Tennessee law in
contract and in tort, including but not limited to rejection of goods, rescission, right of offset, refund, incidental,
consequential and compensatory damages and reasonable attorney's fees.
2.19 RIGHT TO INSPECT: Knox County reserves the right to make periodic inspections of the manner and means the
service is performed or the goods are supplied.
2.20 SEVERABILITY: If any provision of this Contract is declared illegal, void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions
shall not be affected but shall remain in force and in effect.
2.21 TAX COMPLIANCE: Pursuant to Resolution R-07-1-903 passed by the Commission of Knox County, Tennessee,
Contractor hereby acknowledges by submission of their signed bid or proposal that they are current in its respective
Federal, State, County and City taxes of whatever kind or nature and is not delinquent in any way. Delinquent
status must be disclosed or risk debarment by the Knox County Procurement Division.
2.22 TERMINATION: County may terminate this agreement with or without cause, upon written notice of not less than
thirty (30) calendar days. In the event of termination by either party, fees due for services satisfactorily performed
or goods accepted prior to the termination date shall be paid.
2.23 WARRANTY: Contractor warrants to Knox County that all items delivered and all services rendered shall conform
to the specifications, drawings, solicitation and/or other descriptions furnished and/or incorporated by reference,
and will be fit for the particular purpose purchased, of merchantable quality, good workmanship, and free from
defects. Contractor extends to Knox County all warranties allowed under the U.C.C. Contractor shall provide copies
of warranties to the County upon request. Return of merchandise not meeting warranties shall be at Contractor's
expense.
SECTION III SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
3.1 INTENT: The intent of this proposal is to set forth and convey to prospective proposers the general requirements
for Auctioneer Services for Knox County. Award may be based on Best Value. Best Value means more than low
cost. It includes initial cost, service quality, and other factors detailed herein.
3.2 ADDITIONS/DELETIONS: Knox County reserves the right to add services or delete services that Knox County
deems necessary. Any additions/deletions must be approved in writing by Knox County Procurement prior to any
changes in service.
3.3 AWARD STATUS: Knox County intends to issue a one (1) year award. Upon the mutual agreement of each vendor
and Knox County, the award may be extended for four (4) additional years, one (1) year at a time. This may result
in a total of five (5) years. Knox County reserves the right to purchase these services from other sources if the need
arises. Knox County reserves the right to revoke the award if a pattern of unavailability arises with the vendor.
Should Knox County desire not to renew, no reason needs to be given.
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3.4 CHANGES AFTER AWARD: It is possible that after award, Knox County might change its needs or requirements.
Knox County reserves the right to make such changes after consultation with the vendor. Should additional costs
arise, Knox County reserves the right to consider accepting these charges provided the vendor can document the
increased costs. Knox County also reserves the right to accept proposed service changes from the vendor if they
will lower the cost to Knox County and/or provide improved service.
3.5 COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE REGULATIONS: Successful proposer agrees and covenants that the
company, its agents and employees will comply with all City, County, State and Federal codes, laws, ordinances,
rules and regulations applicable to the business to be conducted under this Contract. If the vendor performs any
work knowing it to be contrary to such codes, laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, the vendor shall bear all
costs arising from them.
3.6 CONTACT PERSONNEL: It shall be essential to the success of this Contract to develop a good working relationship
with the Contractor. It is imperative that the Knox County account be handled efficiently and professionally. Knox
County should be assigned no more than two (2) Contractor contacts to handle billing inquiries and service related
issues. In the event one (1) or both contacts leave the Knox County account, the Contractor shall formally introduce
the new contacts to County personnel. These contacts must be knowledgeable of the Knox County account to avoid
any interruption of service.
3.7 CONTRACT EXECUTION: The award of this proposal may result in a contract between Knox County and the
successful vendor. The Contract must be voted on by the Knox County Commission and receive a majority vote.
The successful vendor(s) may be required to be present at the full Commission Meeting to answer questions relating
to the service(s) performed. Adequate notification will be given by Knox County Procurement Division if the vendor
will need to attend this meeting. There shall be no cost to Knox County for attendance at this meeting. The Knox
County Procurement Division will draft the Contract. The Knox County Procurement Division will not accept any
vendor's contract. If these types of Master Agreements, Service Agreements, Terms of Agreements or other
submitted contract agreements are submitted they will not be accepted. Vendors are hereby cautioned that the
Knox County Mayor is the only individual who can legally bind Knox County to a contractual agreement.
3.8 DESTINATION AND DELIVERY: Proposers must include all destination and delivery charges in their price. There
will be no extra hidden charges. Delivery must be "free on board" to the County department.
3.9 EVALUATION CRITERIA: This proposal will be evaluated using the following criteria:
Experience/Qualifications 40 Points
Capabilities, Resources, and Marketing Plan 30 Points
Cost 30 Points
Knox County may select an Evaluation Committee for this solicitation to thoroughly review and score all submitted
responsive and responsible proposals. Each evaluator will have the ability to award up to 100 points, based on
Evaluation Criteria, per submission.
3.10 EVALUATION REVIEW: Knox County reserves the right to use all pertinent information (also learned from sources
other than disclosed in the RFP process) that might affect the County's judgment as to the appropriateness of an
award to the best evaluated proposer. This information may be appended to the proposal evaluation process results.
Information on a service provider from reliable sources, and not within the service provider's proposal, may also be
noted and made part of the evaluation file.
Knox County shall have sole responsibility for determining a reliable source. Knox County reserves the right to
conduct written and/or oral discussions/interviews after the proposal closing. The purpose of such
discussions/interviews is to provide clarification and/or additional information to make an award which is in the best
interest of Knox County.
3.11 EXCEPTIONS TO SPECIFICATIONS: Vendors taking exception to any part or section of these specifications shall
indicate such exceptions in their proposal response. Failure to indicate any exceptions shall be interpreted as the
vendor's intent to fully comply with the specifications as written. Conditional or qualified offers are subject to
rejection in whole or in part. Any exceptions shall be included in Section V, Part VIII of the submittal.
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3.12 GRATUITIES AND KICKBACKS: It shall be a breach of ethical standards for any person or company to offer, give,
or agree to give any employee or former employee, or for any employee or former employee to solicit, demand,
accept, or agree to accept from another person, a gratuity or an offer of employment in connection with any decision,
approval, disapproval, recommendation, preparation of any part of a program requirement or a purchase request,
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 of a contract or subcontract or to any
solicitation or proposal therefore.
3.13 INSURANCE: The successful Proposer(s) must carry the insurance as indicated on the Insurance Checklist
attached hereto as Exhibit A. As proof of the vendor's willingness to obtain and maintain the insurance, the
proposer must complete, sign and have its insurance agent sign the attachment and submit it with their proposal.
Upon the Notification of Intent to Award, the successful vendor will be required to submit a Certificate of Insurance
(COI) including all endorsement page(s) with the specified coverage and listing Knox County as additional insured.
It shall be the successful vendor's responsibility to keep a current COI on file with Knox County Procurement as
long as the Contract is in effect.
3.14 INTERPRETATION: No oral interpretation will be made to any proposer regarding the meaning of specifications.
All questions are to be submitted in writing or electronically (email) and will be answered in the form of an
amendment to the solicitation by the Knox County Procurement Division.
3.15 LICENSING: The successful vendor must be properly licensed by the State of Tennessee and all other authorities
having jurisdiction. COPIES OF ALL SUCH LICENSES AND/OR PERMITS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED WITH THE
PROPOSAL. FAILURE TO SUBMIT COPIES OF SUCH MAY LEAD TO PROPOSAL REJECTION.
3.16 NEGOTIATION: Knox County may select a successful Proposer on the basis of initial offers received without
discussions. Therefore, each proposal shall contain the Proposer's best terms from a service and cost standpoint.
Knox County reserves the right to enter into Contract negotiations with the highest-rated proposer. If Knox County
and the selected Proposer cannot negotiate a successful agreement, Knox County may terminate said negotiations
and begin negotiations with the next highest-rated Proposer. This process will continue until a Contract has been
executed or all proposals have been rejected. No Proposer shall have any rights against Knox County arising from
such negotiations.
3.17 NEWS RELEASES BY VENDORS: As a matter of policy, Knox County does not endorse the services of a
Contractor. A Contractor will not make news releases concerning any resultant contract from this solicitation without
the prior written approval of Knox County.
3.18 OFFER WITHDRAWAL: No proposal can be withdrawn after it is filed unless the offeror makes a request in writing
to the Knox County Procurement Division prior to the time set for the closing of proposals or unless the County fails
to accept within one hundred eighty (180) days after the date fixed for closing the Request for Proposal.
3.19 OPEN RECORDS ACT: Knox County is subject to the Tennessee Public Records Act 10-7-503 et seq. Proposers
are cautioned that all documents submitted on behalf of this Request for Proposal shall be open to the public for
viewing and inspection and Knox County will comply with all legitimate requests.
3.20 PRICING: Proposers must quote a firm fixed price for the next twelve (12) months. At renewal time, the Contractor
may request a price increase. Proof of price increases must be supplied to the Knox County Procurement Division.
Knox County reserves the right to accept or reject the requested price increase. If the price increase is rejected, the
Contractor may:
* Continue with existing prices
* Submit a revised request for price increase
* Not accept the renewal offer
If a price increase is approved by Knox County the approval notification will be done in writing and the Contractor
will be notified of the new price schedule and effective date of increase. This documentation will become part of
the proposal file. No approvals will be authorized verbally.
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3.21 PROHIBITION AGAINST DISSEMINATING INFORMATION: Contractor shall not sell, disburse, disseminate or in
any other way provide information to any outside party without the expressed written consent of Knox County.
3.22 PROPOSAL CONTENT: The Proposer's response must contain a thorough description of the background of the
Proposer and sufficient evidence showing that the Proposer is capable of providing the services. The Proposer's
response must thoroughly expound on the Proposer's understanding of how the proposed services will meet Knox
County's needs. The failure or omission of a proposer to become acquainted with existing conditions shall in no
way relieve the proposer of any obligations with respect to this RFP or to the Contract.
3.23 PROPOSAL EVALUATION: In evaluating the proposals, Knox County reserves the right to use any or all of the
ideas from the proposals submitted without limitation and to accept any part or all, of the successful proposal in
selecting an operation which is judged to be in the best interest of the Knox County. All material submitted becomes
the property of Knox County.
3.24 PROPOSAL FORMAT: This solicitation is in the Request for Proposal (RFP) format. At the specified date and
time, each Proposer's name will be publicly read aloud. No further information will be given at that time. Evaluation
of the proposals will proceed as expeditiously as possible and successful, as well as unsuccessful, notification will
be given.
3.25 PROPOSER INTERVIEWS: Knox County reserves the right to request proposers to demonstrate their capabilities
from those displaying a thorough knowledge of the intent of this RFP. The purpose of these interviews is to gain
additional insight into the capabilities and features of the proposed services and to ask questions regarding any
portion of same.
3.26 PROPOSER OBLIGATION: Proposer(s) shall become fully acquainted with conditions relating to the scope and
restriction attending the execution of the work under this RFP. The failure or omission of a proposer to become
acquainted with existing conditions shall in no way relieve the proposer of any obligations with respect to this RFP
or to the Contract.
3.27 QUALIFICATION OF PROPOSERS: Each proposer may be required, before the award of any contract, to show
to the complete satisfaction of the Procurement Director that it has the necessary facilities, ability, and financial
resources to furnish the service specified herein in a satisfactory manner, and the proposer may also be required
to show past history and references which will enable the Procurement Director to be satisfied as to the proposer's
qualifications. Failure to qualify according to the foregoing requirements will justify rejection.
3.28 QUANTITIES: Knox County does not guarantee any quantities of services to be purchased. Knox County will
purchase these services on an as-needed basis.
3.29 REJECTION OF PROPOSALS: Knox County reserves the right to reject any and all proposals received as a result
of this request and to waive any informality, technical, defect or clerical error in any proposal, as the interests of the
County may require. Non-acceptance of any proposal will be devoid of any criticism of the proposal and of any
implication that the proposal is deficient in any manner. Non-acceptance of any proposal shall be construed as
meaning simply that the County does not deem the proposal to be acceptable or that another proposal was deemed
to be more advantageous to Knox County for the particular services proposed.
3.30 SUBMIT QUESTIONS: Prospective proposers may submit questions concerning this solicitation until May 19, 2026
@ 4:30 p.m. local time. Submit questions as noted in Section 1.1.
3.31 THIRD PARTY CONTRACTORS: All third-party contractors that may be used for providing services must be listed
in the proposal. Contractors and their third party must adhere to all terms and conditions set forth for this proposal.
Knox County will not have any contractual liability for any third-party Contractors.
SECTION IV SPECIFICATIONS
4.1 ADVERTISING: The Auctioneer shall be responsible for placing advertisements for the auction in the necessary
publications inside and outside of Knox County.
4.1.1 No advertisement will be placed without the prior approval of Knox County.
4.1.2 Prior approval shall not exceed seventy-two (72) hours.
4.1.3 Length and content of advertisement(s) shall be mutually agreeable.
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4.2 AUCTION BIDDERS: The Auctioneer is responsible for registering all bidders, ensuring bidders are qualified to bid,
and collecting and holding deposit monies until completion of the auction. The Auctioneer is also responsible for
ensuring deposit monies are received in the form of cash, certified check, or cashier's check. This includes the
amount of the full deposit on the day of the auction, additional deposit, if required, and sales amount at settlement.
4.3 CONFIDENTIALITY: All auction services will be considered strictly confidential between the Auctioneer and Knox
County. The Auctioneer will not discuss any auction information or documents with third parties unless authorized
by Knox County.
4.4 COOPERATION: The Auctioneer will be expected to work cooperatively with Knox County personnel in preparing
an auction, including, but not limited to, pre-auction site visits to show property, amount of reserve bid, scope of
advertisement, best method to optimize turnout and price realized, amount of required deposit from buyer, length
of time between auction and settlement, and proposed auction date.
4.5 COSTS: Costs of advertisements and any other marketing expenses related to the sale of a property must be pre-
approved by Knox County and, if approved, will be the responsibility of Knox County, unless included at no charge
as part of the Contract.
4.6 COUNTY REPRESENTATION: A representative from Knox County will attend the auction to collect the deposit
and all applicable documents.
4.7 DELIVERY: The Auctioneer will transmit all documents, including invoices, directly to Knox County.
4.8 DOCUMENTATION: The Auctioneer will be expected to provide complete documentation for each auction, along
with pre-sale estimates, copies of advertisements, brochures, and other documentation relating to the sale of said
property when requested.
4.9 INFORMATION PROVIDED: If available, and to the best of our ability, Knox County will furnish all right-of-way
plats, surveys, building plans, engineering data, appraisals, operating expenses, and other pertinent data, including
deed references, environmental reports, and title certificates required to enable the Auctioneer to complete his/her
services. Any additional information requested may be furnished if available.
4.10 RESPONSIBILITY: Auctioneer is responsible for preparing and distributing the due diligence package. Auctioneer
must also maintain a list of recipients in order to ensure all recipients receive any additions, deletions, or revisions
to the package.
4.11 RULES AND REGULATIONS: The Auctioneer will collect all data in accordance with the Professional Standards
of the National Auctioneers Association in order to provide the best services and best final price for Knox County.
4.12 SALES: Auction sales will be on the reserve-sales basis. Knox County will make the final decision on the terms
and conditions of the sale.
4.13 TAX SALE AND SURPLUS SALE PROCESS:
4.13.1 Properties are selected for tax sale by the Knox County Law Director's Office and Trustee's Office through
consultation with Knox County Procurement .
4.13.2 After selection, Law Director's Office files lawsuit in Chancery Court. As part of lawsuit, each property
owner, heir, etc. must be served process (notice of the County filing suit to sell the property for taxes).
Serving process is done by Trustee's Office. After serving process, the Law Director's Office will file an
amended complaint exhibiting the properties that will go through tax sale.
4.13.3 Clerk and Master in conjunction with Law Director's Office and Trustee's Office will hold the tax sale at an
agreed on location. Bidding for each parcel begins at the amount owed to Knox County.
a. 10/10 law - Each property sold to a private party at the tax sale will be advertised in a newspaper
of general circulation. Any citizen then has ten (10) days to raise the bid a minimum of ten percent
(10%). A rebid on a property will then trigger a final auction open to anyone for said property.
b. Redemption Period - Each property sold at the Tax Sale is subject to a one-year redemption period
where the previous property owner can pay the amount owed in taxes plus ten percent as well as
reasonable and necessary maintenance expenses to Knox County to redeem the property.
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If a property that was sold at the tax sale is rebid, the winning bidder would receive the amount
they paid plus the additional ten percent.
4.13.4 Knox County is the responsible party for the properties that are not bid at the tax sale. Properties are still
subject to the one-year redemption period. Knox County Procurement maintains the properties during the
redemption period.
4.13.5 At the end of the redemption period, Knox County Procurement will request the Insolvency Committee and
County Commission to review the properties purchased by Knox County at the tax sale and request
approval to sell the property for less than the taxes owed. The Insolvency Committee will approve the
properties first and pass their recommendation on to Commission. If Commission approves the properties
to be sold for less than taxes (City Council must concurrently do the same for properties in the City), then
Knox County Procurement will conduct a Surplus Sale.
4.13.6 Surplus Sale - Conducted much like the tax sale except bidding starts at an amount set by Knox County
Commission, typically $50.00. Knox County will request the contracted auctioneer to sell the eligible
properties through an online auction. The auction will be advertised and a sign placed at every site. Knox
County may sell certain eligible properties through negotiated sale if it is determined that the property
qualifies under Section IX, Property Management Policies and Procedures, of the Knox County
Procurement Regulations.
a. 10/10 law - Each property sold at the online auction will be advertised in a newspaper of general
circulation. Any citizen then has ten (10) days to raise the bid a minimum of ten percent (10%). A
rebid on a property will then trigger a final live auction open to anyone for said property. Winning
bidders must pay an earnest money deposit and will forfeit said deposit, if they fail to close on the
property.
b. After the final auction, County Commission must approve all property sales including the negotiated
sales.
c. Once Commission approval is attained, the Law Director's Office will prepare Quit Claim Deeds. A
simple settlement statement will also be provided. Once the documents are signed, each
purchaser is responsible for recording their deed and paying transfer taxes.
d. Delinquent Tax Surplus Sale must be conducted per T.C. A. 67-5-2507.
4.14 SETTLEMENT NOTICE: Immediately following the auction, the Auctioneer will be required to submit a detailed
Settlement Auction notice that includes the auction date and number, the purchaser's name and address, and any
other information needed by Knox County to be mutually agreed upon by the Auctioneer and Knox County.
SECTION V PROPOSAL FORMAT
Proposers shall use the following format for the preparation and submission of their proposals. Failure to follow
this format may be just cause for rejection of proposals. Cost of preparation of proposals is the sole responsibility
of the proposer. Knox County requires that proposals being submitted be one (1) marked original and two (2) exact
copies. An electronic copy on CD/DVD or flash drive, in one complete file, is also required.
Part I SIGNED (in blue ink) TRANSMITTAL LETTER AUTHORIZING THE PROPOSAL
Part II PROPOSER INFORMATION
* Company Name, Address, and telephone numbers
* Contact name(s), telephone number(s), and current email address
* Proposers Vendor Number as assigned by Knox County Procurement Division
* Proposer's Knox County Business License (if applicable)
* Proposer's Employer Identification Number (EIN)
* Per Section 3.15, copies of all licenses, permits and professional certifications for company and
employees including the firm's State of Tennessee license.
* Acknowledgment of Addenda (if applicable)
Part III EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS
Proposers must demonstrate their firm's complete experience and qualifications to provide the services
listed in this RFP. This includes but is not limited to the following:
* A brief description of the firm submitting the proposal including background, organizational history, and
office location(s).
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