Fire Safety Equipment Maintenance

Solicitation Type Invitation for Bid
Solicitation Number IFB 27003-CC
Date Issued July 22, 2026
Procurement Officer Caroline Connolly
Phone 843-953-2737
E-Mail Address Cconnol1@citadel.edu
DESCRIPTION: The Citadel is seeking bids to provide maintenance supplies and services for campus fire protection systems that include
portable fire extinguishers, engineered and pre-engineered fixed fire systems, and Class II fire hoses. This is a one (1) year contract with four
(4) automatic one (1) year renewals.
The Term "Offer" Means Your "Bid" or "Proposal". Your offer must be submitted in a sealed package. Solicitation Number
& Opening Date must appear on package exterior. See "Submitting Your Paper Offer or Modification" provision.
SUBMIT YOUR SEALED OFFER TO THE BELOW ADDRESS
MAILING ADDRESS: PHYSICAL ADDRESS:
The Citadel The Citadel
Procurement Services Procurement Services
3 Lee Avenue, Bond Hall 3 Lee Avenue, Bond Hall
2nd Floor, Suite 244 2nd Floor, Suite 244
Charleston, SC 29409 Charleston SC 29409
SUBMIT OFFER by: August 21, 2026 at 2:00 PM (See "Deadline For Submission Of Offer" provision)
NUMBER OF COPIES TO BE SUBMITTED: One (1) paper copy and One (1) electronic copy on a thumb drive.
_______ Initial here if NO redacted copy is necessary
QUESTIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY: August 5, 2026 at 2:00 PM (See "Questions from Offerors" provision)
All questions shall be submitted in writing to the email address of the Procurement Officer listed above by the date and time specified and the subject
line of the email shall read, "IFB 27003-CC Questions"
CONFERENCE TYPE: N/A LOCATION: N/A
DATE & TIME:
(As appropriate, see "Conferences- Pre-Bid/Proposal" & "Site Visit" provisions)
AWARD & Award is expected to be posted by August 24, 2026. The award, this solicitation, any amendments and any related
AMENDMENTS notices will be posted at the following web address: https://www.citadel.edu/procurement/vendors-and-
suppliers/solicitations/
You MUST submit a signed copy of this form with Your Offer. By signing, You agree to be bound by the terms of the Solicitation. You
agree to hold your Offer open for a minimum of sixty (60) calendar days after the Opening Date. (See "Signing Your Offer" provisions.)
NAME OF OFFEROR (Full legal name of business submitting the offer) Any award issued will be issued to, and the contract will be formed with, the
entity identified as the Offeror. The entity named as the offeror must be a
single and distinct legal entity. Do not use the name of a branch office or a
division of a larger entity if the branch or division is not a separate legal
entity, i.e., a separate corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, etc.
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE DATE SIGNED
(Person must be authorized to submit binding offer to contract on behalf of Offeror.)
PRINTED NAME & TITLE (Name and Business title of person signing above) STATE VENDOR NO.
(Register to Obtain S.C. Vendor No. at www.procurment.sc.gov)
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TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NO. STATE OF INCORPORATION
(If you are a corporation, identify the state of incorporation)
OFFEROR'S TYPE OF ENTITY: (Check one) (See 'Signing Your Offer" provision.)
___Sole Proprietorship ___Partnership ___Other________________________________
___Corporate entity (not tax-exempt) ___Corporation (tax-exempt) ___Government entity (federal, state, or local)
HOME OFFICE ADDRESS (Address for Offeror's home office / principal NOTICE ADDRESS (Address to which all procurement and contract related
place of business) notices should be sent.) (See "Notice" clause)
_________________________________________________
Area Code - Number - Extension Facsimile
_________________________________________________
E-mail Address
PAYMENT ADDRESS (Address to which payments will be sent.) (See ORDER ADDRESS (Address to which purchase orders will be sent) (See
"Payment" clause) "Purchase Orders and "Contract Documents" clauses)
____Payment Address same as Home Office Address ____Order Address same as Home Office Address
____Payment Address same as Notice Address (check only one) ____Order Address same as Notice Address (check only one)
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS
Offerors acknowledges receipt of amendments by indicating amendment number and its date of issue. (See "Amendments to Solicitation" Provision)
Amendment No. Amendment Issue Amendment No. Amendment Issue Amendment No. Amendment Issue Amendment No. Amendment Issue
Date Date Date Date
DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT 10 Calendar Days (%) 20 Calendar Days (%) 30 Calendar Days (%) _____Calendar Days (%)
PAYMENT (See "Discount
for Prompt Payment" clause)
PREFERENCES - A NOTICE TO VENDORS (SEP. 2009): On June 16, 2009, the South Carolina General Assembly rewrote the law governing preferences
available to in-state vendors, vendors using in-state subcontractors, and vendors selling in-state or US end products. This law appears in Section 11-35-1524
of the South Carolina Code of Laws. A summary of the new preferences is available at www.procurement.sc.gov/preferences. ALL THE PREFERENCES
MUST BE CLAIMED AND ARE APPLIED BY LINE ITEM, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER AWARD IS MADE BY ITEM OR LOT. VENDORS
ARE CAUTIONED TO CAREFULLY REVIEW THE STATUTE BEFORE CLAIMING ANY PREFERENCES. THE REQUIREMENTS TO
QUALIFY HAVE CHANGED. IF YOU REQUEST A PREFERENCE, YOU ARE CERTIFYING THAT YOUR OFFER QUALIFIES FOR THE
PREFERENCE YOU'VE CLAIMED. IMPROPERLY REQUESTING A PREFERENCE CAN HAVE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES. [11-35-
1524(E)(4)&(6)]
PREFERENCES - ADDRESS AND PHONE OF IN-STATE OFFICE: Please provide the address and phone number for your in-state office in the space
provided below. An in-state office is necessary to claim either the Resident Vendor Preference (11-35-1524(C) (1) (i) & (ii)) or the Resident Contractor
Preference (11-35-1524(C) (1) (iii)). Accordingly, you must provide this information to qualify for the preference. An in-state office is not required, but can
be beneficial, if you are claiming the Resident Subcontractor Preference (11-35-1524(D)).
____ In-State Office Address same as Home Office Address
____ In-State Office Address same as Notice Address (check only one)
PAGE TWO (SEP 2009) End of PAGE TWO
Rev: 01/2022
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Solicitation Outline
I. Scope of Solicitation
II. Instructions to Offerors
A. General Instructions
B. Special Instructions
III. Scope of Work/Specifications
IV. Information for Offerors to Submit
V. Qualifications
VI. Award Criteria
VII. Terms and Conditions
A. General
B. Special
VIII. Bidding Schedule/Cost Proposal
IX. Attachments to Solicitation
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I. SCOPE OF SOLICITATION
The Citadel is seeking a term contract that will provide maintenance supplies and services for campus fire protection systems, including
portable fire extinguishers, engineered and pre-engineered fixed sprinkler systems, and Class II fire hoses on The Citadel campus. The
services shall include inspection, maintenance and repair, recharging, and hydrostatic testing as required by NFPA and OSHA
standards and requirements.
ACQUIRE SERVICES & SUPPLIES / EQUIPMENT (JAN 2006): The purpose of this solicitation is to acquire
services and supplies or equipment complying with the enclosed description and/or specifications and conditions. [01-
1005-1]
FUNDS NOT AVAILABLE (JAN 2006): The State's obligation under this contract is contingent upon the availability
of funds from which payment for contract purposes can be made. [01-1035-1]
MAXIMUM CONTRACT PERIOD -- ESTIMATED (JAN 2006): Start date: July 1, 2026 End date: June 30, 2031
Dates provided are estimates only. Any resulting contract will begin on the date specified in the notice of award. See
clause entitled "Term of Contract - Effective Date/Initial Contract Period." [01-1040-1]
II. INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS
A. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
DEFINITIONS, CAPITALIZATION, AND HEADINGS (DEC 2015)
CLAUSE HEADINGS USED IN THIS SOLICITATION ARE FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY AND SHALL NOT BE
USED TO CONSTRUE MEANING OR INTENT. EVEN IF NOT CAPITALIZED, THE FOLLOWING DEFINITIONS
ARE APPLICABLE TO ALL PARTS OF THE SOLICITATION, UNLESS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED OTHERWISE.
AMENDMENT means a document issued to supplement the original solicitation document.
AUTHORITY means the State Fiscal Accountability Authority or its successor in interest.
BUSINESS means any corporation, partnership, individual, sole proprietorship, joint stock company, joint venture, or any
other legal entity. [11-35-310(3)]
CHANGE ORDER means any written alteration in specifications, delivery point, rate of delivery, period of performance,
price, quantity, or other provisions of any contract accomplished by mutual agreement of the parties to the contract. [11-
35-310(4)]
CONTRACT See clause entitled Contract Documents & Order of Precedence.
CONTRACT MODIFICATION means a written order signed by the procurement officer, directing the contractor to
make changes which the clause of the contract titled "Changes," if included herein, authorizes the Procurement Officer to
order without the consent of the contractor. [11-35-310(9)]
CONTRACTOR means the Offeror receiving an award as a result of this solicitation.
COVER PAGE means the top page of the original solicitation on which the solicitation is identified by number. Offerors
are cautioned that Amendments may modify information provided on the Cover Page.
OFFER means the bid or proposal submitted in response this solicitation. The terms Bid and Proposal are used
interchangeably with the term Offer.
OFFEROR means the single legal entity submitting the offer. The term Bidder is used interchangeably with the term
Offeror. See bidding provisions entitled Signing Your Offer and Bid/Proposal As Offer To Contract.
PAGE TWO means the second page of the original solicitation, which is labeled Page Two.
PROCUREMENT OFFICER means the person, or his successor, identified as such on either the Cover Page, an
amendment, or an award notice.
YOU and YOUR means Offeror.
SOLICITATION means this document, including all its parts, attachments, and any Amendments.
STATE means the Using Governmental Unit(s) identified on the Cover Page.
SUBCONTRACTOR means any person you contract with to perform or provide any part of the work.
US or WE means the using governmental unit.
USING GOVERNMENTAL UNIT means the unit(s) of government identified as such on the Cover Page. If the Cover
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Page identifies the Using Governmental Unit as "Statewide Term Contract," the phrase "Using Governmental Unit"
means any South Carolina Public Procurement Unit [11-35-4610(5)] that has submitted a Purchase Order to you pursuant
to the contract resulting from this solicitation. Reference the clauses titled "Purchase Orders" and "Statewide Term
Contract."
WORK means all labor, materials, equipment, services, or property of any type, provided or to be provided by the
Contractor to fulfill the Contractor's obligations under the Contract. [02-2A003-3]
AMENDMENTS TO SOLICITATION (JAN 2004): (a) The Solicitation may be amended at any time prior to opening.
All actual and prospective Offerors should monitor the following web site for the issuance of Amendments:
https://www.citadel.edu/procurement/vendors-and-suppliers/solicitations
(b) Offerors shall acknowledge receipt of any amendment to this solicitation (1) by signing and returning the amendment,
(2) by identifying the amendment number and date in the space provided for this purpose on Page Two, (3) by letter, or
(4) by submitting a bid that indicates in some way that the bidder received the amendment. (c) If this solicitation is
amended, then all terms and conditions which are not modified remain unchanged.
[02-2A005-1]
AUTHORIZED AGENT (FEB 2015): All authority regarding this procurement is vested solely with the responsible
Procurement Officer. Unless specifically delegated in writing, the Procurement Officer is the only government official
authorized to bind the government with regard to this procurement or the resulting contract. [02-2A007-1]
AWARD NOTIFICATION (MAR 2024): Notice regarding any award, cancellation of award, or extension of award
will be posted at the location and on the date specified on the Cover Page or, if applicable, any notice of extension of
award. Should the contract resulting from this Solicitation have a total or potential value of one hundred thousand dollars
or more, such notice will be sent to all Offerors responding to the Solicitation and any award will not be effective until the
eleventh day after such notice is given. [02-2A010-3]
BID / PROPOSAL AS OFFER TO CONTRACT (JAN 2004): By submitting Your Bid or Proposal, You are offering
to enter into a contract with the Using Governmental Unit(s). Without further action by either party, a binding contract
shall result upon final award. Any award issued will be issued to, and the contract will be formed with, the entity
identified as the Offeror on the Cover Page. An Offer may be submitted by only one legal entity; "joint bids" are not
allowed. [02-2A015-1]
BID ACCEPTANCE PERIOD (JAN 2004): In order to withdraw Your Offer after the minimum period specified on the
Cover Page, You must notify the Procurement Officer in writing. [02-2A020-1]
BID IN ENGLISH & DOLLARS (JAN 2004): Offers submitted in response to this solicitation shall be in the English
language and in US dollars, unless otherwise permitted by the Solicitation. [02-2A025-1]
AUTHORITY AS PROCUREMENT AGENT (DEC 2015): The Procurement Officer is an employee of the Authority
acting on behalf of the Using Governmental Unit(s) pursuant to the Consolidated Procurement Code. Any contracts
awarded as a result of this procurement are between the Contractor and the Using Governmental Units(s). The Authority
is not a party to such contracts, unless and to the extent that the Authority is a using governmental unit, and bears no
liability for any party's losses arising out of or relating in any way to the contract. [02-2A030-3]
CERTIFICATE OF INDEPENDENT PRICE DETERMINATION (MAR 2024): GIVING FALSE, MISLEADING,
OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION ON THIS CERTIFICATION MAY RENDER YOU SUBJECT TO
PROSECUTION UNDER SECTION 16-9-10 OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS AND OTHER
APPLICABLE LAWS. (a) By submitting an offer, the offeror certifies that-
(1) The prices in this offer have been arrived at independently, without, for the purpose of restricting competition, any
consultation, communication, or agreement with any other offeror or competitor relating to-
(i) Those prices;
(ii) The intention to submit an offer; or
(iii) The methods or factors used to calculate the prices offered.
(2) The prices in this offer have not been and will not be knowingly disclosed by the offeror, directly or indirectly, to any
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other offeror or competitor before bid opening (in the case of a sealed bid solicitation) or contract award (in the case of a
negotiated solicitation) unless otherwise required by law; and
(3) No attempt has been made or will be made by the offeror to induce any other concern to submit or not to submit an
offer for the purpose of restricting competition.
(b) Each signature on the offer is considered to be a certification by the signatory that the signatory-
(1) Is the person in the offeror's organization responsible for determining the prices being offered in this bid or proposal,
and that the signatory has not participated and will not participate in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through
(a)(3) of this certification; or
(2)(i) Has been authorized, in writing, to act as agent for the offeror's principals in certifying that those principals have
not participated, and will not participate in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this certification [As
used in this subdivision (b)(2)(i), the term "principals" means the person(s) in the offeror's organization responsible for
determining the prices offered in this bid or proposal];
(ii) As an authorized agent, does certify that the principals referenced in subdivision (b)(2)(i) of this certification have not
participated, and will not participate, in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this certification; and
(iii) As an agent, has not personally participated, and will not participate, in any action contrary to paragraphs (a)(1)
through (a)(3) of this certification.
(c) If the offeror deletes or modifies paragraph (a)(2) of this certification, the offeror must furnish with its offer a signed
statement setting forth in detail the circumstances of the disclosure. [02-2A032-2]
CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (JAN 2004):
(a) (1) By submitting an Offer, Offeror certifies, to the best of its knowledge and belief, that-
(i) Offeror and/or any of its Principals-
(A) Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, or declared ineligible for the award of contracts by
any state or federal agency;
(B) Have not, within a three-year period preceding this offer, been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against
them for: commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a
public (Federal, state, or local) contract or subcontract; violation of Federal or state antitrust statutes relating to the
submission of offers; or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records,
making false statements, tax evasion, or receiving stolen property; and
(C) Are not presently indicted for, or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity with, commission
of any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(B) of this provision.
(ii) Offeror has not, within a three-year period preceding this offer, had one or more contracts terminated for default by
any public (Federal, state, or local) entity.
(2) "Principals," for the purposes of this certification, means officers; directors; owners; partners; and, persons having
primary management or supervisory responsibilities within a business entity (e.g., general manager; plant manager; head
of a subsidiary, division, or business segment, and similar positions).
(b) Offeror shall provide immediate written notice to the Procurement Officer if, at any time prior to contract award,
Offeror learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed
circumstances.
(c) If Offeror is unable to certify the representations stated in paragraphs (a)(1), Offeror must submit a written explanation
regarding its inability to make the certification. The certification will be considered in connection with a review of the
Offeror's responsibility. Failure of the Offeror to furnish additional information as requested by the Procurement Officer
may render the Offeror nonresponsible.
(d) Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to
render, in good faith, the certification required by paragraph (a) of this provision. The knowledge and information of an
Offeror is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business
dealings.
(e) The certification in paragraph (a) of this provision is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed
when making award. If it is later determined that the Offeror knowingly or in bad faith rendered an erroneous
certification, in addition to other remedies available to the State, the Procurement Officer may terminate the contract
resulting from this solicitation for default.
[02-2A035-1]
CODE OF LAWS AVAILABLE (JAN 2006): The South Carolina Code of Laws, including the Consolidated
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Procurement Code, is available at: http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/statmast.php
The South Carolina Regulations are available at: http://www.scstatehouse.gov/coderegs/statmast.php
[02-2A040-2]
DISCLOSURE OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST OR UNFAIR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE (JUL 2023)
("OCI FAQ for Contractors" is available at www.procurement.sc.gov)
(a) You certify that, to the best of your knowledge and belief:
(1) your offer identifies any services that relate to either this solicitation or the work and that have already been performed
by you, a proposed subcontractor, or an affiliated business or consultant of either; and
(2) there are no relevant facts or circumstances that may give rise to an actual or potential organizational conflict of
interest, as defined in S.C. Code Ann. Reg. 19-445.2127, or that your offer identifies and explains any unfair competitive
advantage you may have in competing for the proposed contract and any actual or potential conflicts of interest that may
arise from your participation in this competition or your receipt of an award.
(b) If you, a proposed subcontractor, or an affiliated business or consultant of either, have an unfair competitive advantage
or a significant actual or potential conflict of interest, the State may withhold award. Before withholding award on these
grounds, the State will notify you of the concerns and provide a reasonable opportunity for you to respond. The State may
consider efforts to avoid or mitigate such concerns, including restrictions on future activities.
(c) The certification in paragraph (a) of this provision is a material representation of fact upon which the State will rely
when considering your offer for award. [02-2A047-3]
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF OFFER (JAN 2004): Any offer received after the Procurement Officer of the
governmental body or his designee has declared that the time set for opening has arrived, shall be rejected unless the offer
has been delivered to the designated purchasing office or the governmental body's mail room which services that
purchasing office prior to the opening. [R.19-445.2070(G)] [02-2A050-1]
DRUG FREE WORK PLACE CERTIFICATION (JAN 2004): By submitting an Offer, Contractor certifies that, if
awarded a contract, Contractor will comply with all applicable provisions of The Drug-free Workplace Act, Title 44,
Chapter 107 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, as amended. [02-2A065-1]
DUTY TO INQUIRE (FEB 2015): Offeror, by submitting an Offer, represents that it has read and understands the
Solicitation and that its Offer is made in compliance with the Solicitation. Offerors are expected to examine the
Solicitation thoroughly and should request an explanation of any ambiguities, discrepancies, errors, omissions, or
conflicting statements in the Solicitation. Failure to do so will be at the Offeror's risk. All ambiguities, discrepancies,
errors, omissions, or conflicting statements in the Solicitation shall be interpreted to require the better quality or greater
quantity of work and/or materials, unless otherwise directed by amendment. Offeror assumes responsibility for any patent
ambiguity in the Solicitation that Offeror does not bring to the State's attention. See clause entitled "Questions from
Offerors." [02-2A070-2]
ETHICS CERTIFICATE (MAY 2008): By submitting an offer, the offeror certifies that the offeror has and will
comply with, and has not, and will not, induce a person to violate Title 8, Chapter 13 of the South Carolina Code of Laws,
as amended (ethics act). The following statutes require special attention: Section 8-13-700, regarding use of official
position for financial gain; Section 8-13-705, regarding gifts to influence action of public official; Section 8-13-720,
regarding offering money for advice or assistance of public official; Sections 8-13-755 and 8-13-760, regarding
restrictions on employment by former public official; Section 8-13-775, prohibiting public official with economic interests
from acting on contracts; Section 8-13-790, regarding recovery of kickbacks; Section 8-13-1150, regarding statements to
be filed by consultants; and Section 8-13-1342, regarding restrictions on contributions by contractor to candidate who
participated in awarding of contract. The state may rescind any contract and recover all amounts expended as a result of
any action taken in violation of this provision. If contractor participates, directly or indirectly, in the evaluation or award
of public contracts, including without limitation, change orders or task orders regarding a public contract, contractor shall,
if required by law to file such a statement, provide the statement required by Section 8-13-1150 to the procurement officer
at the same time the law requires the statement to be filed. [02-2A075-2]
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MULTIPLE OFFERS (MAR 2024): Offerors may submit more than one Offer, provided that each Offer has
significant differences other than price. Each separate Offer must satisfy all Solicitation requirements. If this
solicitation is an Invitation for Bids, each separate offer must be submitted or uploaded as a separate document
and must clearly indicate that it is a separate offer. If this solicitation is a Request for Proposals, multiple offers
may be submitted or uploaded as one document, provided that you clearly differentiate between each offer and
you submit a separate cost proposal for each offer, if applicable. [02-2A079-1]
OMIT TAXES FROM PRICE (JAN 2004): Do not include any sales or use taxes in Your price that the State may be
required to pay. [02-2A080-1]
PRICING (MAR 2024): (a) Fixed Price. If a fixed price is required, award will not be made on an Offer if the
total possible price to the State cannot be determined. (b) Price Reasonableness: Any offer may be rejected if
the Procurement Officer determines in writing that it is unreasonable as to price. S.C. Code Ann. Reg. 19-
445.2070E. (c) Unbalanced Pricing. The State will analyze all offers with separately priced line items or subline
items to determine if the prices are unbalanced. Unbalanced pricing exists when, despite an acceptable total
evaluated price, the price of one or more line items is significantly over or understated. The responsible
procurement officer may reject an offer as unreasonably priced if she determines that unbalanced pricing
increases performance risk (e.g., it is so unbalanced as to be tantamount to allowing an advance payment) or
could result in payment of unreasonably high prices. S.C. Code Ann. Reg. 19-445.2122C. [02-2A082-1]
OPEN TRADE REPRESENTATION (JUN 2015): By submitting an Offer, Offeror represents that Offeror is not
currently engaged in the boycott of a person or an entity based in or doing business with a jurisdiction with whom South
Carolina can enjoy open trade, as defined in SC Code Section 11-35-5300. [02-2A083-1]
PROTESTS (MAR 2024): (a) If you are aggrieved in connection with the solicitation or award of the contract, you may
be entitled to protest, but only as provided in Section 11-35-4210. To protest the solicitation or an amendment, your
written protest must be received within fifteen Days of the date the applicable solicitation document is issued. To protest
an award, (i) written notice of your intent to protest must be received within seven Business Days of the date the award
notice is posted, and (ii) your actual written protest must be received within fifteen Days of the date the award notice is
posted. Time periods are computed in accordance with Section 11-35-310(13) and the definitions for Day and Business
Day. Both protests and notices of intent to protest must be received by the appropriate Chief Procurement Officer (CPO).
See clause entitled "Protest-CPO." (b) Pursuant to Section 11-35-410, documents directly connected to a procurement
activity may be available within five days after request. All document requests should be directed to
DocReq@mmo.sc.gov. If a protest is pending, the protestant's lawyer may access otherwise unavailable information by
applying to the CPO for the issuance of a protective order. Additional information is available at
www.procurement.sc.gov/legal [02-2A085-3]
PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS AND DONATIONS (FEB 2015): Violation of these restrictions may result in
disqualification of your offer, suspension or debarment, and may constitute a violation of law.
(a) During the period between publication of the solicitation and final award, you must not communicate, directly or
indirectly, with the Using Governmental Unit or its employees, agents or officials regarding any aspect of this
procurement activity, unless otherwise approved in writing by the Procurement Officer. All communications must be
solely with the Procurement Officer. [R. 19-445.2010]
(b) You are advised to familiarize yourself with Regulation 19-445.2165, which restricts donations to a governmental
entity with whom you have or seek to have a contract. You represent that your offer discloses any gifts made, directly or
through an intermediary, by you or your named subcontractors to or for the benefit of the Using Governmental Unit
during the period beginning eighteen months prior to the Opening Date. [R. 19-445.2165] [02-2A087-1]
PUBLIC OPENING (JAN 2004): Offers will be publicly opened at the date/time and at the location identified on the
Cover Page, or last Amendment, whichever is applicable. [02-2A090-1]
QUESTIONS FROM OFFERORS (FEB 2015): (a) Any prospective offeror desiring an explanation or interpretation
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of the solicitation, drawings, specifications, etc., must request it in writing. Questions regarding the original solicitation or
any amendment must be received by the Procurement Officer no later than five (5) days prior to opening unless an earlier
date is stated on the Cover Page. Label any communication regarding your questions with the name of the procurement
officer, and the solicitation's title and number. Oral explanations or instructions will not be binding. [See R. 19-
445.2042(B)] Any information given a prospective offeror concerning a solicitation will be furnished promptly to all other
prospective offerors as an Amendment to the solicitation, if that information is necessary for submitting offers or if the
lack of it would be prejudicial to other prospective offerors. See clause entitled "Duty to Inquire." We will not identify
you in our answer to your question. (b) The State seeks to permit maximum practicable competition. Offerors are urged
to advise the Procurement Officer -- as soon as possible -- regarding any aspect of this procurement, including any aspect
of the Solicitation that unnecessarily or inappropriately limits full and open competition. [See R. 19-445.2140] [02-
2A095-2]
QUESTIONS FROM OFFERORS - AMENDMENT (JUN 2017): THE SOLICITATION IS AMENDED AS
PROVIDED HEREIN. INFORMATION OR CHANGES RESULTING FROM QUESTIONS WILL BE SHOWN IN A
QUESTION-AND-ANSWER FORMAT. ALL QUESTIONS RECEIVED HAVE BEEN REPRINTED BELOW. THE
"STATE'S RESPONSE" SHOULD BE READ WITHOUT REFERENCE TO THE QUESTIONS. THE QUESTIONS
ARE INCLUDED SOLELY TO PROVIDE A CROSS-REFERENCE TO THE POTENTIAL OFFEROR THAT
SUBMITTED THE QUESTION. QUESTIONS DO NOT FORM A PART OF THE CONTRACT; THE "STATE'S
RESPONSE" DOES. ANY RESTATEMENT OF PART OR ALL OF AN EXISTING PROVISION OF THE
SOLICITATION IN AN ANSWER DOES NOT MODIFY THE ORIGINAL PROVISION EXCEPT AS FOLLOWS:
UNDERLINED TEXT IS ADDED TO THE ORIGINAL PROVISION. STRICKEN TEXT IS DELETED. [02-2A097-1]
REJECTION/CANCELLATION (JAN 2004): The State may cancel this solicitation in whole or in part. The State may
reject any or all proposals in whole or in part. [SC Code Section 11-35-1710 & R.19-445.2065] [02-2A100-1]
RESPONSIVENESS/IMPROPER OFFERS (MAR 2024): (a) Bid as Specified. Offers for supplies or services other
than those specified will not be considered unless authorized by the Solicitation.
(b) Multiple Offers. Offerors may submit more than one Offer, provided that each Offer has significant differences other
than price. Each separate Offer must satisfy all Solicitation requirements. If this solicitation is an Invitation for Bids, each
separate offer must be submitted as a separate document. If this solicitation is a Request for Proposals, multiple offers
may be submitted as one document, provided that you clearly differentiate between each offer and you submit a separate
cost proposal for each offer, if applicable.
(c) Responsiveness. Any Offer which fails to conform to the material requirements of the Solicitation may be rejected as
nonresponsive. Offers which impose conditions that modify material requirements of the Solicitation may be rejected. If a
fixed price is required, an Offer will be rejected if the total possible cost to the State cannot be determined. Offerors will
not be given an opportunity to correct any material nonconformity. Any deficiency resulting from a minor informality
may be cured or waived at the sole discretion of the Procurement Officer. [R.19-445.2070 and Section 11-35-1520(13)]
(d) Price Reasonableness: Any offer may be rejected if the Procurement Officer determines in writing that it is
unreasonable as to price. [R. 19-445.2070].
(e) Unbalanced Bidding. The State may reject an Offer as nonresponsive if the prices bid are materially unbalanced
between line items or subline items. A bid is materially unbalanced when it is based on prices significantly less than cost
for some work and prices which are significantly overstated in relation to cost for other work, and if there is a reasonable
doubt that the bid will result in the lowest overall cost to the State even though it may be the low evaluated bid, or if it is
so unbalanced as to be tantamount to allowing an advance payment.
(f) Do not submit bid samples or descriptive literature unless expressly requested. Unsolicited bid samples or
descriptive literature will not be examined or tested, will not be used to determine responsiveness, and will not be deemed
to vary any of the provisions of the solicitation. S.C. Code Ann. Reg. 19-445.2077(D). [02-2A105-3]
SIGNING YOUR OFFER (JAN 2004): Every Offer must be signed by an individual with actual authority to bind the
Offeror. (a) If the Offeror is an individual, the Offer must be signed by that individual. If the Offeror is an individual
doing business as a firm, the Offer must be submitted in the firm name, signed by the individual, and state that the
individual is doing business as a firm. (b) If the Offeror is a partnership, the Offer must be submitted in the partnership
name, followed by the words by its Partner, and signed by a general partner. (c) If the Offeror is a corporation, the Offer
must be submitted in the corporate name, followed by the signature and title of the person authorized to sign. (d) An Offer
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may be submitted by a joint venturer involving any combination of individuals, partnerships, or corporations. If the
Offeror is a joint venture, the Offer must be submitted in the name of the Joint Venture and signed by every participant in
the joint venture in the manner prescribed in paragraphs (a) through (c) above for each type of participant. (e) If an Offer
is signed by an agent, other than as stated in subparagraphs (a) through (d) above, the Offer must state that is has been
signed by an Agent. Upon request, Offeror must provide proof of the agent's authorization to bind the principal. [02-
2A115-1]
STATE OFFICE CLOSINGS (JAN 2004) (Modified): If an emergency or unanticipated event interrupts normal
government processes so that offers cannot be received at the government office designated for receipt of bids by the
exact time specified in the solicitation, the time specified for receipt of offers will be deemed to be extended to the same
time of day specified in the solicitation on the first work day on which normal government processes resume. In lieu of an
automatic extension, an Amendment may be issued to reschedule bid opening. If state offices are closed at the time a pre-
bid or pre-proposal conference is scheduled, an Amendment will be issued to reschedule the conference.
[02-2A120-3]
DISCLOSURE OF YOUR BID / PROPOSAL & SUBMITTING CONFIDENTIAL DATA (FEB 2021): (a)
According to Section 11-35-410, any person submitting a document in response or with regard to any solicitation or other
request must "comply with instructions provided in the solicitation for marking information exempt from public
disclosure. Information not marked as required by the applicable instructions may be disclosed to the public." IF YOU
IDENTIFY YOUR ENTIRE RESPONSE AS EXEMPT FROM PUBLIC DISCLOSURE, OR IF YOU DO NOT
SUBMIT A REDACTED COPY AS REQUIRED, THE STATE MAY, IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION, DETERMINE
YOUR BID OR PROPOSAL NONRESPONSIVE AND INELIGIBLE FOR AWARD.
(b) By submitting a response to this solicitation or request, Offeror agrees to the public disclosure of every page, or
portion thereof, of every document regarding this solicitation or request that was submitted at any time prior to entering
into a contract (including, but not limited to, documents contained in a response, documents submitted to clarify a
response, and documents submitted during negotiations), unless the page, or portion thereof, was redacted and
conspicuously marked "Trade Secret" or "Confidential" or "Protected", (2) agrees that any information not redacted and
marked, as required by these bidding instructions, as a "Trade Secret" is not a trade secret as defined by the Trade Secrets
Act, and (3) agrees that, notwithstanding any claims or markings otherwise, any prices, commissions, discounts, or other
financial figures used to determine the award, as well as the final contract amount, are subject to public disclosure.
(c) If your offer includes any information that you claim is exempt from public disclosure, you must submit one complete
copy of your offer from which you have removed or concealed such information (the redacted copy). Except for the
information removed or concealed, the redacted copy must be identical to your original offer.
(d) Do not mark your entire response (bid, proposal, quote, etc.) as confidential, trade secret, or protected. If only portions
of a page are subject to some protection, do not redact the entire page. The redacted copy must reflect the same pagination
as the original and show the empty space from which information was redacted. The Procurement Officer must be able to
view, search, copy and print the redacted copy without a password. If your response, or any part thereof, is improperly
marked as confidential or trade secret or protected, the State may, in its sole discretion, determine it nonresponsive.
(e) On the redacted copy, you must identify the basis of your claim by marking each redaction as follows: You must
separately mark with the word "CONFIDENTIAL" every page, or portion thereof, that you redacted and claim as exempt
from public disclosure because it is either (1) a trade secret as defined in Section 30-4-40(a)(1) of the Freedom of
Information Act, or (2) privileged and confidential, as that phrase is used in Section 11-35-410. You must separately mark
with the words "TRADE SECRET" every page, or portion thereof, that you redacted and claim as exempt from public
disclosure as a trade secret pursuant to Section 39-8-20 of the Trade Secrets Act. You must separately mark with the word
"PROTECTED" every page, or portion thereof, that you redacted and claim as exempt from public disclosure pursuant to
Section 11-35- 1810. All markings must be conspicuous; use color, bold, underlining, or some other method in order to
conspicuously distinguish the mark from the other text.
(f) In determining whether to release documents, the State will detrimentally rely on your redaction and marking of
documents, as required by these bidding instructions, as being either "Confidential" or "Trade Secret" or "Protected". By
submitting a response, you agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the State of South Carolina, its agencies, officers
and employees, from every claim, demand, loss, expense, cost, damage or injury, including attorney's fees, arising out of
or resulting from withholding information by the State of South Carolina or any of its agencies, that you have redacted or
marked as "Confidential" or "Trade Secret" or "Protected". (All references to S.C. Code of Laws.) [02-2A125-3]
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