Gastrostomy Supplies and Nutritional Supplementation

The Procurement Division of Knox County, Tennessee will receive sealed bids for the provision of Gastrostomy Supplies
and Nutritional Supplementation as specified herein. Bids must be received by 2:00 P.M. EST on May 19, 2026 Local Time.
Late bids will be neither considered nor returned.
Deliver Bids To:
Bid Number 3731
Knox County Procurement Division
Suite 100, 1000 North Central Avenue
Knoxville, Tennessee 37917
The Bid Envelope must show the Company Name, Bid Number, Bid Name and Bid Opening Date.
SECTION I GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1.1 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Knox County wants requests for additional information routed to Susan Colella, Senior
Buyer, at 865.215.5769 or emailed to susan.colella@knoxcounty.org. If you have not heard from the Buyer in a
reasonable amount of time, please call for further assistance. Information about the Knox County Procurement
Division and current solicitations may be obtained online at www.knoxcounty.org/procurement.
1.2 ACCEPTANCE: Vendors shall hold their price firm and subject to acceptance by Knox County for a period of ninety
(90) business days from the date of the bid opening, unless otherwise indicated in their bid.
1.3 ALTERNATIVE BIDS: Knox County will not accept alternate bids (those not equal to specifications) unless authorized by
the Invitation for Bid (IFB).
1.4 AUDIT HOTLINE: Knox County has established an Audit Hotline to report potential fraud and waste. To report
potential fraud, waste, or abuse you can file a report online by accessing https://www.knoxcounty.org/audit/hotline.php.
Vendors are hereby cautioned that this Audit Hotline does not replace the Award Protest Procedures found
in Section VI, Item M of the Knox County Procurement Regulations.
1.5 AWARD: Award will be made to the most responsive, responsible bidder(s) meeting specifications which presents
the product or service that is in the best interest of Knox County. Knox County reserves the right to award this bid
on an all-or-none basis, line-item basis or schedule basis. Knox County reserves the right to make a multiple award. Knox
County also reserves the right to not award this bid. The evaluation criteria are listed herein.
1.6 BID DELIVERY: Knox County requires respondents, when hand delivering submittals, 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, nor will Knox County be responsible for submittals delivered to addresses or Suites other
than the delivery address and Suite specified 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.
1.7 BIDS REQUESTED ON BRANDS OR EQUAL: Unit price bids are requested on products that are equal or exceed
the quality and performance of the brands and model numbers listed. References to brand names, trade names,
model numbers or other descriptions peculiar to specific brand products are made to establish a required level of
quality and functional capabilities and are not intended to exclude other products of that level. Comparable products
of other manufacturers will be considered if proof of comparability is contained in their bid. 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 prices, brochures or other data that 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.
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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 COPIES: Knox County requires that bids be submitted as one (1) marked original and (1) exact copy. No copies
are needed with an electronic bid response.
1.11 DECLARATIVE STATEMENTS: Any statement or words (e.g.: must, shall, will) are declarative statements and
the vendor must comply with the condition(s). Failure to comply with any such condition may result in the bid being
considered non-responsive and disqualified.
1.12 DESCRIPTIVE LITERATURE: Vendors, if bidding other than specified, must clearly identify the manufacturer
and the specifications to which they are submitting. Vendors must also provide descriptive literature with their
bid.
1.13 ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF BIDS: Knox County's Procurement Division will accept electronically transmitted
bids through the County's online Procurement system. Facsimile and email submission are strictly prohibited. Knox
County shall not be responsible for technical difficulties experienced by vendors trying to register or submit their bid
electronically less than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the bid opening time.
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 online vendor registration and
maintenance, electronic receipt of purchase orders, online retrieval and submittal of quotes, bids and bids for our
vendor-clients and online 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 please go to our website at www.knoxcounty.org/procurement, register as a vendor in
our online Procurement system, "KnoxBuys," 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 bidder in the preparation of
their bid.
1.16 MULTIPLE BIDS: Knox County will consider multiple bids that meet specifications.
1.17 NON-COLLUSION: Bidders, by submitting a signed bid, certify that the accompanying bid 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.
1.18 PAYMENT METHOD: Knox County utilizes two (2) methods of placing orders for products and/or services. The
first is the use of Purchase Orders. These Purchase Orders will be issued from the Knox County Procurement
Division via the method selected by the vendor during registration. 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 Credit Card (VISA). Orders placed with the card will list the
same information as the Purchase Order. Vendors will be given card information and approval to process the
transaction by the requesting department.
Vendors must indicate in their bid response if the vendor will accept Knox County's Credit Card (VISA) as a form
of payment. Bidders are prohibited from charging Knox County any type of merchant fee from their financial
institution to accept this type of payment.
1.19 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.
1.20 PROCESSING TIME FOR PAYMENT: Vendors are advised that a minimum of thirty (30) days is required to process
invoices for payment.
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1.21 PROOF OF FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS CAPABILITY: Vendors must, upon request, provide 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.
1.22 RECYCLING: Knox County, in its continuing efforts to lessen the amount of landfill waste and to further recycling
efforts, request that bids being submitted on paper shall:
1.22.1 Be submitted on recycled paper.
1.22.2 Not include pages of unnecessary advertising.
1.23 RESTRICTIVE OR AMBIGUOUS SPECIFICATIONS: It is the responsibility of the prospective bidder to review
the entire Invitation for Bid 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 by May 5, 2026 @ 4:30 P.M. local time. These
requirements also apply to specifications that are ambiguous.
1.24 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. When submitting electronically, the submission of the bid constitutes the acceptance of all terms and
conditions and will legally bind the vendor to the County's request for goods/services and the vendor's subsequent
response.
1.25 TAXES: Knox County purchases are not subject to taxation. Tax exemption certificates will be provided upon
request.
1.26 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.
1.27 TITLE VI OF THE 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS ACT: "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.
1.28 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 regard 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.
1.29 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.
1.30 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.
1.31 VENDOR REGISTRATION: Prior to the opening of this bid, ALL BIDDERS MUST be registered with the
Procurement Division. Please register online at our website at www.knoxcounty.org/procurement. Select the
Vendor Registration link and complete the forms. Vendors must be registered with the Procurement Division prior
to submitting their bid. Knox County will not be responsible for technical difficulties experienced by vendors trying
to register electronically less than twenty-four (24) hours prior to bid opening.
1.32 WAIVING OF INFORMALITIES: Knox County reserves the right to waive minor informalities or technicalities
when it is in the best interest of Knox County.
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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 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.
2.8 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, Invitation for Bid, 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.
2.10 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.
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2.12 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE: 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 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.
2.14 LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY: In no event shall Knox County be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential,
special, 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.
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. 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
that 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) Item Description, (2) Invitation for Bid,
(3) Bid, (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 and right of set-off, refund,
incidental, consequential and compensatory damages, and reasonable attorney 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 and warehoused.
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 its bid or bid and signature, 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.
2.22 TERMINATION: County may terminate this agreement with or without cause at any time. 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.
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SECTION III SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
3.1 INTENT: The intent of these specifications is to set forth and convey to prospective bidders the requirement to
obtain gastrostomy supplies and nutritional supplementation as desired by Knox County and Knox County Health
Department. However, if awarded, any Knox County Department may purchase from the award. 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 Contractor(s) will be required to set up separate accounts for each site/branch
and any other departments that may use this Term Contract. The successful Contractor(s) will be required to invoice,
as well as post payment, to the proper agency.
MAIL INVOICES TO KCHD TO:
Knox County Health Department
Attention: Leslie Collier
140 Dameron Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37917
3.4 ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS OF GOODS AND/OR 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
or deletions must be approved in writing by Knox County Procurement prior to any changes in good and/or services.
3.5 AWARD STATUS: Knox County intends to issue an initial one (1) year award. Upon mutual agreement of the
Vendor and Knox County, the award may be extended for four (4) additional one (1) year options, contingent upon
the availability of funding. This proposal is grant funded and will be applied for annually. Knox County reserves the
right to purchase these items/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.
3.6 BID EVALUATION: In evaluating the bids, Knox County reserves the right to use any or all of the ideas from the
bids submitted without limitation and to accept any part or the entire successful bid in selecting an operation which
is judged to be in the best interest of Knox County. All material submitted becomes the property of Knox County
and is therefore considered an open document under the Open Records Act.
3.7 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 the IFB.
3.8 CERTIFICATE OF RESTRICTIONS ON LOBBYING: Attached is a Certificate of Restrictions on Lobbying. All
vendors must complete the form and submit it with their bid response. Vendors that do not submit the certificate
will not be considered.
3.9 CERTIFICATE REGARDING DEBARMENT: Attached is a Debarment Certification. All vendors must complete the
form and submit it with their bid response. Vendors that do not submit the certificate will not be considered.
3.10 CHANGES AFTER AWARD: It is possible that after the award, the 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, the County reserves the right to consider accepting these changes 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 Health Department and/or provide improved service.
3.11 DELIVERY: Vendors must deliver items within seven (7) business days after receipt of a signed Purchase Order or
credit card authorization. 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 of comparable grade to replace the items rejected or not delivered. 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.
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Trucks will be allowed to be unloaded within a reasonable time frame but may be asked not to unload during times
specified by the Knox County Health Department. The address for unloading is: Knox County Health Department,
140 Dameron Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917. There is a dock available for unloading product if needed.
3.12 DELIVERY FAILURES: Failure of a vendor to deliver within the time specified, or within a reasonable time as
interpreted by the participating Knox County agencies, or failure to make replacements of rejected items when so
requested, immediately or as directed by the said agencies, shall constitute authority for the participating agencies
to purchase in the open market items of comparable grade to replace the items rejected or not delivered. On all
such purchases the vendor shall reimburse, within a reasonable time, specified by the participating agencies, for
any expense incurred in excess of the contract price.
Knox County and Knox County Health Department shall not be liable for incorrect deliveries or orders received or
return of damaged products.
3.13 DESTINATION AND DELIVERY: Bidders 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. Each listed location has
designated delivery area; not all locations will have loading docks. Delivery locations do not have forklifts.
3.14 DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE: If Contractor has five or more employees receiving pay: Contractor shall have a drug-
free workplace program that complies with Title 50, Chapter 9 of the Code of Tennessee, shall obtain a certificate
of compliance with the applicable portions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act from the Department of Labor and
Workforce, and shall provide the Affidavit required by Public Acts, 2000, Chapter 918. Contractor shall ensure that
it is in compliance with Public Acts, 2000, Chapter No. 918.
3.15 ELECTRONIC ORDERING: If vendor has an internet-based ordering system, vendor should include details of the
system with the bid. Participating agencies may or may not wish to order electronically.
3.16 EVALUATION CRITERIA: The following criteria will be the basis for award.
Cost 100 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 vendor. 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 a 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 which is in the best interest of Knox County.
3.18 FUEL CHARGES: Contractor, at its own expense, is liable for all fuel costs related to performance. No fuel
surcharges will be accepted or paid by Knox County.
3.19 IDENTIFICATION: Employees of the vendor shall have proper identification displayed at all times while on Knox
County property.
3.20 INSURANCE: The successful Contractor(s) must carry the insurance as indicated on the Insurance Attachment
hereto. As proof of the Contractor's willingness to obtain and maintain the insurance, the Contractor must complete,
sign, and have its insurance agent sign the attachment and submit it with the bid response. Upon the Notification
of Intent to Award, the successful Contractor(s) will be required to submit a Certificate of Insurance (COI) with the
appropriate coverages and listing Knox County Government as an additional insured. It shall be the successful
Contractor's responsibility to always keep a current COI on file with Knox County Procurement.
3.21 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 amendment to the solicitation
by the Knox County Procurement Division.
3.22 INVOICE DETAIL: Knox County is requesting invoices show the following details 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.
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Invoices which do not adhere to these details may be returned to the Contractor for correction.
3.22.1 The invoice must show the amount due to the Contractor by Knox County.
3.22.2 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, delivery location (address to be
included), date the item/service was rendered, and the Contract number, as applicable.
3.22.3 Invoices are to be original and uniquely pre-numbered.
3.22.4 Invoices which do not show this information are subject to rejection.
3.23 LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: All vendors doing business in Knox County are required to be licensed in accordance
with the business license regulations of Knox County, Tennessee. Wholesale and retail merchants without a location
in Knox County are exempt from this requirement. A copy of the license must be included with the bid, if applicable.
3.24 LINES OF COMMUNICATION: Only the department representative shall instruct or make requests of the awarded
Contractor. All communications relating to bid pricing between the Knox County department and the vendor shall
be in writing with a copy to the Knox County Procurement Division representative. The successful Contractor must
designate a representative (contact person) to facilitate day-to-day problems, matters concerning the program,
policy, negotiations, etc. In addition, the successful Contractor shall appoint an account sales representative to
confer with the department representative in matters pertaining to products, product mark-outs and delivery
schedules.
3.25 NEW MATERIAL: Unless specified otherwise in the bid package, the bidder must provide new equipment. New, as
used in this clause, means previously unused materials. Material includes but is not limited to, raw material, parts,
items, components, and end products. Bidder submission of other than new materials may be cause for the rejection
of their bid.
3.26 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 consent from Knox County.
3.27 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 bid is strictly prohibited. Any such unauthorized contact may cause the disqualification
of the bidder from this procurement transaction. Vendors may be required to sign an affidavit to this policy.
3.28 OFFER WITHDRAWAL: No bid 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 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 OPEN RECORDS ACT: Knox County is subject to the Tennessee Open Records Act 10-7-503 et seq. Bidders are
cautioned that all documents submitted on behalf of this Invitation for Bid shall be open to the public for viewing and
inspection and Knox County will comply with all legitimate requests.
3.30 PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO PERFORM: Any one or combination of penalties for failure to perform may be
used:
* Payment for items bought from other sources
* Termination of Contract
* Suspension from future business
* Legal action and civil penalties
* Criminal action
3.31 PRICING: The Contractor(s) warrants that the unit price 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 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 adjustment. Price increases will only be considered at the renewal
periods(s).
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If the price increase is rejected the vendor may:
3.31.1 Continue with the existing price.
3.31.2 Request a lower price increase.
3.31.3 Not accept the renewal offer.
If a price increase is approved by Knox County, the Contractor will be notified the approval of the new price schedule
and effective date of the increase via email. This documentation will become part of the bid file. No approvals will
be authorized verbally.
All purchase orders placed under this Contract shall be delivered and invoiced at the Contract price prevailing at
the time the order is placed, regardless of the actual delivery date. Pick up pricing can be included in addition, but
the final judgment will be based on delivered pricing. Any minimum quantities or shipping restrictions must be stated
clearly in the vendor's response. Vendors must be willing to extend credit to Knox County.
3.32 QUANTITIES: Knox County does not guarantee any quantities to be purchased from this term Contract. Knox
County does not have an exact dollar amount that was procured for these types of goods/services. Products will be
purchased on an as needed basis.
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
services.
3.34 REMOVAL OF VENDORS EMPLOYEES: The successful Contractor agrees to utilize only experienced, responsible and
capable people in the performance of this contract. Knox County may require that the vendor remove from the job
covered under this Contract any employee whose actions are not in the best interest of Knox County.
3.35 SUBCONTRACTING: The Grantee shall not assign this Grant Contract or enter into a subcontract for any of the
services performed under this Grant Contract without obtaining the prior written approval of the State. If such
subcontracts are approved by the State, each shall contain, at a minimum, sections of the Gran Contract pertaining
to "Conflicts of Interest,", "Lobbying," "Nondiscrimination," "Public Accountability," "Public Notice," "and "Records"
(as identified by the section heading). Notwithstanding any use of approved subcontractors, the Grantee shall
remain responsible for all the work performed.
3.36 SUBMIT QUESTIONS: All questions regarding this bid must be submitted to Susan Colella no later than 4:30 P.M. Local
Time on May 5, 2026.
3.37 VALUE ADDED RELATIONSHIP: Knox County intends for this bid to result in a relationship with a vendor. Knox
County desires a long-term relationship with a vendor in which common goals are shared. Among those goals are:
3.37.1 Fair and equitable treatment of vendor and owner.
3.37.2 Vendor expertise in methods of cost reduction. Vendors are encouraged to suggest ways in which costs
can be reduced by product substitution or process modification.
SECTION IV GENERAL PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
4.1 SPECIFICATIONS FOR GASTROSTOMY AND NUTRITIONAL SUPPLIES: The following specifications are
considered the minimum requirements for gastrostomy tube feeding supplies, formulas and nutritional
supplementation. Vendors are to bid as specified or equal. Knox County shall have final authority as to the
determination of an approved equal. These specifications are meant to provide the minimum standard required by
Knox County.
4.1.1 PediaSure Enteral Feeding Cans
4.1.2 Kate Farms Enteral Feeding Cans
4.1.3 Jevity Enteral Feeding Cans
4.1.4 Mic-Key Gastrostomy Button Kits
4.1.5 Paper Tape - 12 inch
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4.1.6 Split Gauze - 4x4
4.1.7 12" Extension Tubing
4.1.8 24" Extension Tubing
4.1.9 60 ml Enfit Syringes
4.1.10 10 ml Enfit Syringes
4.1.11 500 ml Enteral Feeding Pump Bags
4.2 NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION/SPECIFICATIONS: Bidders must, upon request, provide nutritional information
and/or specifications for items bid.
Do not return pages one (1) through ten (10) with your submittal.
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