Drug and Alcohol Testing Services

Or Equal does not mean the manufacturing process, but rather that the item will perform in the manner needed by
the County. It shall be the responsibility of the bidders, including bidders whose product is referenced, to furnish
with their bid such specifications, catalog pages, brochures or other data as will provide an adequate basis for
determining the quality and functional capabilities of the product offered. Failure to provide this data may be
considered valid justification for rejection of their bid.
1.8 BUSINESS OUTREACH PROGRAM: The purpose of this program is to increase the opportunity for companies
doing business with Knox County by encouraging participation through site visits, providing education and support
regarding policies and procedures, and actively recruiting all interested suppliers.
1.9 CONFLICT OF INTEREST: Vendors must have read and complied with the "Non-Conflict of Interest" statement
provided in the vendor registration process prior to the opening of this solicitation.
1.10 DECLARATIVE STATEMENTS: Any statement or words (e.g.: must, shall, will) are declarative statements and the
vendor must comply with the condition. Failure to comply with any such condition may result in the bid being non-
responsive and disqualified.
1.11 DESCRIPTIVE LITERATURE: Vendors must identify the manufacturer and the specifications to which they are
submitting.
1.12 DUPLICATE COPIES: Knox County requires that bids be submitted as one (1) marked original and one (1) exact
copy. No additional copies are required when submitting electronically.
1.13 ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF BIDS: Knox County's Procurement Division will accept, and strongly
encourages, electronically transmitted bids. Email and Facsimile submission is strictly prohibited.
1.14 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.
1.15 INCURRED COSTS: Knox County will not be responsible for any costs incurred by the bidder in the preparation of
their bid.
1.16 NON-COLLUSION: Vendors, by submitting a signed bid or proposal, certify that the accompanying bid or 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.
1.17 PAYMENT METHOD: Knox County utilizes two (2) methods of placing orders for products. The first is the use of
Purchase Orders. These Purchase Orders will be issued from Knox County Procurement Division via email. The
Purchase Order will detail the quantity, specific item(s) and the contracted price for each item.
The second method is the use of the Knox County E-Commerce Card (VISA). Orders placed with the credit card
will list the same information as the Purchase Order. Vendors will be given the card information and approval to
process the transactions by the requesting department. Vendors must indicate in their bid response if the vendor
will accept the Knox County E-Commerce Card (VISA) as a form of payment. Bidders are prohibited to charge Knox
County any type of merchant fee from their financial institution to accept this type of payment.
1.18 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.
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1.19 PROCESSING TIME FOR PAYMENT: Vendors are advised that a minimum of thirty (30) calendar days is required
to process invoices for payment.
1.20 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.
1.21 RECYCLING: Knox County, in its continuing efforts to lessen the amount of landfill waste and to further recycling
efforts, request that bids be sent electronically. Bids being submitted on paper shall:
1.21.1 Be submitted on recycled paper;
1.21.2 Not include pages of unnecessary advertising;
1.21.3 Be made on both sides of each sheet of paper.
1.22 RESTRICTIVE OR AMBIGUOUS SPECIFICATIONS: It is the responsibility of the prospective bidder to review the
entire Invitation for Bid (IFB) 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
bidding procedures must be received in the Procurement Division before June 18, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. local eastern
time. These requirements also apply to specifications that are ambiguous.
1.23 SIGNING OF BIDS: In order to be considered all bids must be signed. Please sign the original in blue ink.
By signing the bid document, the vendor acknowledges and accepts the terms and conditions stated in the bid
document. The submission of your electronic bid will be the acknowledgement of signature.
1.24 TAXES: Knox County purchases are not subject to taxation. Tax exemption certificates will be provided upon
request.
1.25 TERM BID AGREEMENTS: If this bid results in a term bid Contract with the vendor, Knox County must receive all
general price decreases that other similar customers receive.
1.26 TITLE VI OF THE 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS ACT AND TITLE IX OF THE EDUCATIONAL AMENDMENT OF 1972:
"Nondiscrimination in 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 2000 et seq. 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.
1.27 UNFORESEEN 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:
1.27.1 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.
1.27.2 Other unforeseen circumstances shall be at the sole discretion of the Procurement Director.
1.27.3 Knox County shall not be liable for any commercial carrier's decision regarding deliveries during any
unforeseen circumstances.
1.28 USE OF BID FORMS: Vendors must complete the bid forms contained in the bid package. Failure to complete the
bid forms may result in bid rejection. The use of any other form(s) may be just cause for disqualification.
1.29 VENDOR DEFAULT: Knox County reserves the right, in case of vendor default, to procure the articles or services
from other sources and hold the defaulting vendor responsible for any excess costs occasioned thereby. Should
vendor default be due to a failure to perform or because of a request for a price increase, Knox County reserves
the right to remove the vendor from the County's bidder's list for twenty-four (24) months.
1.30 VENDOR REGISTRATION: Prior to the opening of this bid, ALL BIDDERS must be registered with the
Procurement Division. Please register on-line at our website at www.knoxcounty.org/procurement and click on
"KNOXBUYS" and then select "Online Vendor Registration." Vendors must be registered with the Procurement
Division prior to submitting their bid. Knox County shall not be responsible for technical difficulties experienced by
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vendors trying to register or submit their bid electronically less than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the bid opening
time.
1.31 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 subcontract 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.
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 CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK: Any and all contractors, subcontractors, successful vendors, vendor employees and
school employees agree to comply with Tennessee Code Annotated Section 49-5-413. Tennessee Code Annotated
Section 49-5-413 requires that all parties providing services at Knox County Schools must submit to a criminal
history records check at their expense. The criminal history check is to be conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of
Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation prior to permitting the party to have contact with students or
enter school grounds when students are present.
2.8 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 bidding.
2.9 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.
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2.10 INCORPORATION: All specifications, drawings, technical information, Invitation for Bids, Bid, 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.
2.11 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.
2.12 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.
2.13 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.
2.14 IRAN DIVESTMENT ACT: By submission of this bid, each bidder and each person signing on behalf of any bidder
certifies, and in the case of a joint bid each party thereto certifies as to its own organization, under penalty of perjury,
that to the best of its knowledge and belief that each bidder is not on the list created pursuant to Tennessee Code
Annotated 12-12-106.
2.15 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.
2.16 NO BOYCOTT OF ISRAEL: Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated Title 12, Chapter 4, Part 1, by submission of
a response to this solicitation, each bidder and each person signing on behalf of any bidder certifies, and in the
case of a joint response each party thereto as to its own organization, under penalty of perjury, that to the best of
its knowledge and belief that each person is not currently engaged in, and will not for the duration of the contract
engage in, a boycott of Israel.
2.17 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. 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 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.
2.18 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) Written Contract, (2) Invitation for Bids,
(3) Bid, (4) Award, (5) Special Terms and Conditions, (6) General Terms and Conditions, (7) Specifications, (8)
Drawings.
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2.19 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.
2.20 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.
2.21 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.
2.22 TAX COMPLIANCE: Pursuant to Resolution R-07-1-903 passed by the Commission of Knox County, Tennessee,
Contractor hereby acknowledges by submission of its bid or proposal and signature that it is 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.
2.23 TERMINATION: County may terminate this agreement by written notice immediately in its sole discretion for cause,
or without cause upon written notice of not less than thirty (30) calendar days. Upon termination with or without
cause, Contractor shall not perform additional work without written permission of County. Upon termination with or
without cause, County will pay for services satisfactorily completed but not yet invoiced. In the event Contractor
intends to interrupt or discontinue service under this Contract, Contractor agrees to give Knox County at least one
hundred twenty (120) business days' advance written notice of said interruption or discontinuance of service prior
to interrupting or discontinuing same. Any interruption or discontinuance of service without said advance notice
shall constitute a material breach of this Contract.
2.24 WARRANTY: Contractor warrants to Knox County that all items delivered and all services rendered shall conform
to the specifications, drawings, bid 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. Return of merchandise not meeting warranties shall be at contractor's expense.
SECTION III SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
3.1 INTENT: The intent of these specifications is to set forth and convey to prospective bidders the general type,
character and quality of Drug & Alcohol Testing Services as desired by Knox County and Knox County Schools.
Award will be based on Best Value. Best Value means more than low cost. It includes the initial cost, service quality
and other factors detailed herein.
3.2 ACCEPTANCE: Bidders are advised that the payment of an invoice does not necessarily constitute as an
acceptance of services that are provided. Acceptance may require a specific written action by Knox County so
stating.
3.3 ACCOUNT SET-UP: The successful vendor(s) will be required to set up separate accounts for each site/branch
and any other departments that may use this Term Contract. Upon award of the Contract, a list of all departments
with the associated agency will be provided to the successful vendor(s). The successful Contractor(s) will be
required to invoice, as well as post payment, to the proper agency. Invoicing and account information for the Knox
County Schools Transportation Department is as follows:
Knox County Schools Transportation Department
505 Summer Place
UTT 294A
Knoxville, TN 37902
3.4 ADDITIONS/DELETIONS OF GOODS/SERVICES: Knox County reserves the right to add goods and/or services
to this term bid or delete goods and/or services that Knox County deems necessary. Any additions/deletions
must be approved in writing by Knox County Procurement prior to any changes in service.
3.5 AWARD LENGTH: Knox County intends to issue this Contract for one (1) year with the option to renew upon mutual
consent of both parties. The term agreement may be renewed for four (4) one-year periods, one (1) year at a time,
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for a total of five (5) years. Knox County reserves the right to purchase these services/goods 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.
3.6 BIDDER OBLIGATION: Each bidder shall become fully acquainted with conditions relating to the scope and
restrictions attending the execution of the work under this IFB. The failure or omission of a bidder to become
acquainted with existing conditions shall no way relieve the bidder of any obligations with respect to this IFB or to
the Contract.
3.7 CHANGES AFTER AWARD: It is possible that after award Knox County may change its needs or requirements.
Knox County reserves the right to make such changes after consultation with the Contractor(s). Should additional
costs arise, Knox County reserves the right to consider accepting these charges provided the Contractor(s) can
document the increased costs. Knox County also reserves the right to accept proposed service changes from the
Contractor(s) if they will lower the cost to Knox County and/or provide improved service.
3.8 COMMUNICATIONS: The successful execution of this Contract will require extensive communication between all
parties involved. While information may be transmitted via telephone, it should always be followed up with an email.
It is essential that the Contractor have email capabilities. The Contractor will be required to submit a list of
individuals, along with direct phone number and email addresses, to Knox County as a part of their bid. These
individuals must be familiar with the Knox County Contract and have the authority to make adjustments as requested
by Knox County. If new personnel are assigned to the Knox County account, those individuals must meet the same
criteria as above and must be introduced to County personnel to avoid any interruption of service. Additionally, the
Contractor must be willing to communicate with multiple transportation contractors (currently 60-65) affiliated with
Knox County Schools Transportation Department (KCSTD). Some services will be billed directly to KCSTD, others
to the affiliated transportation contractors.
3.9 COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE REGULATIONS: Vendor agrees and covenants the company, its agents
and employees will comply with all City, County, State and Federal codes, laws, 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
laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, the Vendor shall bear all costs arising from them.
3.10 CONTRACT EXECUTION: The award of this bid may result in a Contract between Knox County and the successful
vendor(s). The Knox County Procurement Division will draft this Contract and no vendor forms (e.g.: Terms and
Conditions, Service Agreements, or other standard Company forms, etc.) will be accepted as Contract attachments.
The submission of such forms may result in the disqualification of the vendor's bid.
3.11 CONTRACTOR'S RESPONSIBILITIES: At their own expense, the Contractor(s) shall:
3.11.1 Provide qualified supervision;
3.11.2 Provide qualified workers.
3.12 DELIVERY OF RESULTS: Results must be delivered electronically within seventy-two (72) business hours. Knox
County reserves the right to cancel orders with no obligation when delivery time is exceeded.
Failure of a vendor to deliver within the time specified, or within reasonable time as interpreted by Knox County, or
failure to make replacements of rejected items when so requested, immediately or as directed by the participating
agency's Administrators, shall constitute authority for the participating agency to purchase from the open market
items/services of comparable grade to replace the items/services rejected or not delivered on time. On all such
purchases the vendor shall reimburse Knox County, within a reasonable time specified by the agency, for any
expense incurred in excess of the contract price.
3.13 DESTINATION AND DELIVERY: Bidders must include all ancillary charges in their prices. There will be no extra
hidden charges.
3.14 DETAILED SUBMITTAL: Bidders, upon request, must submit a detailed sheet listing the specification of the
item(s) /service(s) priced.
3.15 DISCONTINUED ITEMS: Vendors must notify the Knox County Procurement Division of any discontinued items
and/or item number changes throughout the term of the bid. Successful vendor(s) must submit updates notifying
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the Procurement Division of item number changes. Vendor must notify the Knox County Procurement Division of
any anticipated shortages. Failure to not immediately notify the Procurement Division may be just cause for
termination.
3.16 EVALUATION CRITERIA: This bid will be evaluated using the following criteria:
Price 80 Points
Business and Capacity 10 Points
References 10 Points
3.17 EVALUATION REVIEW: Knox County reserves the right to use all pertinent information that might affect the
County's judgment as to the appropriateness of an award to the best evaluated bidder. This information may be
appended to the bid evaluation process results. Information on a service provider from reliable sources, and not
within the service provider's bid, 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 bid opening. The purpose of such discussions/interviews is to provide clarification
and/or additional information to make an award that is in the best interest of Knox County.
3.18 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. It shall be a breach of ethical standards for any payment, gratuity 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 a person associated therewith, as an inducement for the award of a subcontract or order.
Breach of the provisions of this paragraph is, in addition to a breach of this Contract, a breach of ethical standards
which may result in civil or criminal sanction and/or debarment or suspension from being a contractor or
subcontractor under Knox County contracts.
3.19 INSURANCE: The successful vendor(s) must carry the insurance as indicated on the Insurance Checklist
Attachment hereto, along with any State required insurance. As proof of the vendor's willingness to obtain and
maintain the insurance, the vendor must complete, sign and have its insurance agent sign Attachment B and submit
it with the bid. Upon the Notification of Intent to Award, the successful vendor will be required to submit a Certificate
of Insurance (COI) including any corresponding endorsement page(s) with the specified coverage and listing Knox
County, Tennessee/ Knox County Schools as an additional insured. It shall be the successful vendor's responsibility
to keep a current COI and endorsement page(s) on file with Knox County Procurement for as long as the Contract
is in effect.
3.20 INTERPRETATION: No oral interpretation will be made to any bidder regarding the meaning of specifications. All
questions are to be submitted in writing via email and will be answered in the form of an addendum to the solicitation
by the Knox County Procurement Division, if applicable.
3.21 INVOICE DETAIL: Knox County is requesting invoices show the following detail to help expedite review and
payment. The Contractor(s) may be required to modify invoicing procedures to show the detail. All potential
Contractors are hereby cautioned that Knox County will only pay from original invoices and not facsimiles or copies.
Invoices which do not adhere to these details may be returned to the Contractor for correction.
3.21.1 The invoice must show the amount due to the Contractor by Knox County.
3.21.2 The invoice must show an itemized detailed service/material count, including: type of service(s)/items(s),
quantity by type(s) of service(s)/item(s), the associated unit price for the service(s)/item(s), percent discount
applied, final cost to Knox County, testing location (address to be included), date the item/service was
rendered, and the Contract number, as applicable.
3.21.3 Invoices are to be original and uniquely pre-numbered.
3.21.4 Invoices which do not show this information are subject to rejection.
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3.22 INVOICE REVIEW: Knox County shall review all invoices for adherence to the terms and conditions of the Contract.
Variations from the Contract and Contract pricing are strictly prohibited. Any variations found on the invoice will
result in the rejection of that invoice. Rejected invoices will be returned to the Contractor for correction. If a discount
for prompt payment is offered, the timeline does not commence until Knox County receives the invoice.
3.23 INVOICING PROCEDURES: Knox County requests that invoices be easy to read and understand. Invoices are to
be original and uniquely pre-numbered. Each participating agency to this Contract may require different invoicing
information and procedures. This information and procedures shall be provided to the successful Contractor(s)
prior to Contract execution. There shall be no additional charges for this information and procedures to be included.
Invoices shall be sent to the "Billing" address printed on the Purchase Order. Each department or division of Knox
County is responsible for its own budget. Departments cannot charge or pay bills for another department.
Therefore, it is critical that your business invoices specify the department that desired to purchase from you. Do
not credit payments to any other department's account. Invoices must match the corresponding Purchase Order
number. There shall be no component billing.
3.24 MOST FAVORABLE PRICING: Contractor agrees to guarantee that Knox County will receive the lowest price
offered by your company for similar services and products. If at any time during the Contract period your company
offers a lower price to another customer and prior notification of said price reduction is not properly communicated
to Knox County, upon discovery Knox County reserves the right to take any or all of the following actions:
3.24.1 Cancel the Contract, if it is currently in effect;
3.24.2 Determine the amount that the participating agency was overcharged and submit a request for payment
from the Contractor for that amount.
3.25 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.
3.26 NO CONTACT POLICY: After the date and time that the vendor receives this solicitation, any contact initiated by
any bidder with any Knox County representative, other than the Procurement Division representative listed herein,
concerning this Invitation for Bids, is strictly prohibited. Any such unauthorized contact may cause the
disqualification of the bidder from this procurement transaction.
3.27 NON-RESTRICTIVE CLAUSE: When brand names, trade names or manufacturer's name or catalogue numbers
appear in the specifications, it is intended to establish a performance standard. The manufacturer may request to
substitute a similar product as specified in Section 1.7.
3.28 OFFER WITHDRAWAL: No bid can be withdrawn after it is filed unless the bidder makes a request in writing to the
Knox County Procurement Division prior to the time set for the opening of bids or unless the County fails to accept
within ninety (90) business days after the date fixed for opening the Invitation for Bid.
3.29 PRICING: The Contractor(s) warrants that the unit price/percent discount stated for all items shall remain firm for a
period of twelve (12) months from the first day of the Contract period. If the Contractor's price/percent discount is
increased after the initial year, Knox County must be given a written notice to consider.
Such a request shall include as a minimum, (1) the cause for the adjustment; (2) the amount of the change
requested with documentation to support the requested adjustment. Price increases will only be considered at the
renewal period(s). If the price increase is rejected the vendor may:
3.29.1 Continue with the existing prices;
3.29.2 Request a lower price increase;
3.29.3 Not accept the renewal offer.
Contractor(s) must submit proof of price/percent discount increase. If a price/percent discount increase is approved
by Knox County Procurement and the requesting department the approval notification will be done in writing and
the Contractor(s) will be notified of the new price price/percent discount schedule and the effective date of the
increase. This documentation will become part of the bid file. No approvals will be authorized verbally.
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3.30 PUBLIC RECORDS ACT: Knox County is subject to the Tennessee Public Records Act 10-7-503 et seq. Bidders
are cautioned that all documents submitted on behalf of this Invitation for Bids shall be open to the public for viewing
and inspection and Knox County will comply with all legitimate requests.
3.31 QUANTITIES: Knox County does not guarantee any quantities will be ordered under this solicitation.
3.32 RECORDS: Contractor(s) will maintain records of services provided to Knox County and make them available upon
request by any of the respective participating agencies. The successful Contractor(s) shall only disclose the records
of the requesting agency and not disclose other agency information.
3.33 REJECTION OF BIDS: Knox County reserves the right to reject any and all bids received as a result of this request
and to waive any informality, technical defect or clerical error in any bid, as the interests of the County may require.
Non-acceptance of any bid will be devoid of any criticism of the bid and of any implication that the bid is deficient in
any manner. Non-acceptance of any bid shall be construed as meaning simply that the County does not deem the
bid to be acceptable or that another bid was deemed to be more advantageous to Knox County for the particular
goods/services proposed.
3.34 SUBMIT QUESTIONS: Prospective bidders may submit questions concerning this solicitation until June 18, 2026
at 4:30 p.m. local time. Submit questions as noted in Section 1.1.
SECTION IV STATEMENT OF WORK
4.1 SCOPE OF WORK: As mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and Department of
Transportation, all drivers with a commercial driver's license (CDL) are required to participate in a substance abuse
program consisting of both scheduled and random drug and alcohol testing. Additionally, the Knox County Schools
Board of Education has adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy that applies to both CDL and non-CDL drivers
affiliated with Knox County Schools. The Knox County Schools Transportation Department (KCSTD) is seeking a
provider(s) who is DOT compliant for drug and alcohol testing for their school bus drivers and is willing to test
additional drivers or other personnel under the Drug Free Workplace Policy.
The contractual agreement between the Knox County Board of Education and the school bus contractors serving
Knox County Schools includes Exhibit A, Knox County Schools Transportation Department Drug Free Workplace
Policy, Exhibit B DOT Drug Testing Policy, and, by reference, Knox County Schools Board Policy G-210. KCSTD is
seeking a vendor that will be able to meet the requirements of each. Typically, there are six situations where a test
might need to be administered. They are as follows:
* Pre-employment: Conducted and paid for by the bus or shuttle contractor before applicants are hired or
after an offer to hire.
* Post-accident: Conducted after the accident on driver whose performance could have contributed to the
accident.
* Reasonable Suspicion: Conducted when a trained supervisor observes behavior or appearance that is
characteristic of drug or alcohol misuse.
* Random: Conducted on a random unannounced basis just before, during, or just after performance of a
safety sensitive function.
* Follow-up: Conducted as part of a program prescribed by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) following
a positive result.
* Return to Duty: Conducted upon the completion of a program required by an SAP following a positive result.
* KCSTD will require the vendor to conduct three types of tests: one drug test compliant with the KCS Drug Free
Workplace policy, a drug test compliant with DOT rules and regulations, and a test for the presence of alcohol.
* KCS Drug Free Workplace 10-panel tests must screen for the following substances:
Marijuana (THC) metabolites
Cocaine metabolites
Amphetamines, including amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA, and MDA
Opioids, including codeine, morphine, 6-AM (heroin), hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone,
and oxymorphone
Phencyclidine (PCP)
Barbiturates
Methadone metabolites
Benzodiazepines
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