Residential Lead Safe & Healthy Homes Services

The Procurement Division of Knox County, Tennessee will receive sealed bids for the provision of Residential Lead Safe
& Healthy Homes Services as specified herein. Bids must be received by 2:00 p.m. on March 31, 2026. Late bids will
neither be considered nor returned.
Deliver Bids To:
Bid Number 3720
Knox County Procurement Division
Suite 100
1000 North Central Street
Knoxville, Tennessee 37917
The Bid Envelope must show the Company Name, Bid Number, Bid Name & Bid Opening Date.
SECTION I GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1.1 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Knox County wants requests for additional information routed to Robert
Mackey, CPPB, Senior Buyer, at 865.215.5754 or emailed to robert.mackey@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 bids may be obtained on the internet 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 Bids (IFB).
1.4 AUDIT HOTLINE: Knox County has established an Audit Hotline to report potential fraud and waste. If you
would like to report potential fraud or waste, you may file a report on the internet 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, multi-award basis, line-item basis, or schedule basis. 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 and
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.
Bids 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 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.
1.8 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.
1.9 COPIES: Knox County requires that bids be submitted as one (1) marked original, one (1) exact copy. 1

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 will result in the bid
being considered non-responsive and disqualified.
1.11 ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF BIDS: Knox County's Procurement Division will not accept electronically
transmitted bids for this solicitation. Facsimile and email submissions are strictly prohibited.
1.12 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 proposals 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 we are urging you to please go to our website at
www.knoxcounty.org/procurement, register as a vendor in our online 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.
1.13 INCURRED COSTS: Knox County will not be responsible for any costs incurred by the bidder in the
preparation of their bid.
1.14 MULTIPLE BIDS: Knox County will consider multiple bids that meet specifications.
1.15 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.
1.16 PAYMENT METHOD: Knox County utilizes two (2) methods of placing order 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 the 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.
1.17 PROCESSING TIME FOR PAYMENT: Vendors are advised that a minimum of thirty (30) days is required to
process invoices for payment.
1.18 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.
1.19 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:
1.19.1 Be submitted on recycled paper;
1.19.2 Not include pages of unnecessary advertising;
1.19.3 Be made on both sides of each sheet of paper;
1.20 RESTRICTIVE OR AMBIGUOUS SPECIFICATIONS: It is the responsibility of the prospective bidder to review
the entire Invitation for Bids 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 March 16, 2026 @ 4:30
p.m. local time. These requirements also apply to specifications that are ambiguous.
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1.21 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.
1.22 TAXES: Knox County purchases are not subject to taxation. Tax exemption certificates will be provided upon
request.
1.23 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.
1.24 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.
1.25 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.
1.26 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.
1.27 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.
1.28 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 and click on
"KNOXBUYS," and then "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 vendors trying to register less than twenty-four (24) business hours prior to the bid opening
time.
1.29 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. 3

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 DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE: If Contractor has five (5) 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 918.
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 defense based on personal jurisdiction, venue, and
inconvenient forum.
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.
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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 respondent and each person signing on behalf of any
respondent 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 respondent 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, or national origin, individual trait or character 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 nondiscrimination and shall post in conspicuous places
available to all employees and applicants notices of nondiscrimination. 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.
2.18 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.
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, and right of set-off, 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 and warehoused.
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, 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, with or without cause at any time, upon thirty (30)
calendar days' written notice. In the event of termination by either party, fees due for services satisfactorily
performed or goods accepted prior to the termination date shall be paid.
2.24 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.
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SECTION III SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
3.1 INTENT: The intent of these specifications is to obtain an approved panel of Contractors to provide residential
home repair, weatherization, lead remediation, and miscellaneous projects for CAC Housing and Energy
Services Department on an "as needed" basis for the contract period as desired by the Knoxville-Knox
County Community Action Committee (CAC). The award of this Contract will be based on a Best Value
procurement. Best Value means more than low cost. It includes the initial cost, service quality, and other
factors detailed herein.
3.1.1 As needs arise, members of the panel will be offered the opportunity to quote a project. Final vendor
selection will be based on project cost, availability and vendor expertise. Those that are Contracted
vendors will be asked to quote the job based on the prices quoted herein. Unless delivery timeframes,
expertise or other mitigating factors apply, the job will normally be placed with the approved vendor
quoting the least cost to CAC.
3.1.2 Vendors may be asked to work and price jobs in two (2) different ways.
First, vendors may be asked to work and charge by the hour. Invoices would simply reflect the number
of hours multiplied by the bid rate. Materials would be listed at the contractor's cost (Invoice required)
and the markup applied.
Secondly, vendors may be asked to price work by the job. Again, the quote would be based upon the
labor rates quoted herein and the materials would have the appropriate markup. However, the vendors
will have quoted a "not-to-exceed" price. In this case, the invoice would not itemize the charges.
3.1.3 Selected vendors will serve as general contractors. For instance, if a project involves carpentry,
electrical and plumbing work:
a) One (1) firm on bid that can provide all three (3) services will be selected to do the job or;
b) One (1) firm on bid for each of the crafts will be selected. The three (3) firms will coordinate their
work or;
c) If a craft is not covered by this bid, vendors for the other crafts will be selected. Either CAC or one
of the selected vendors will then contract the additional craft.
3.2 ACCEPTANCE: Bidders are advised that the payment of an invoice does not necessarily constitute an
acceptance of products/services that are provided. Acceptance requires a specific written action by Knox
County or CAC so stating.
3.3 ACCOUNT SET-UP: The successful Vendor(s) will be required to set up separate accounts for the Knox
County CAC Housing & Energy Services 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 is as follows:
3.3.1 Invoices for Knox County CAC:
CAC Housing & Energy Services
Attn: Accounts Payable
P.O. Box 51650
Knoxville, TN 37950
OR Email to: April.Farmer@cachousing.org and Jeffrey.Vincent@cachousing.org
3.4 ADA STANDARDS: Vendors are advised that all new construction, additions, and alterations to existing
facilities must be designed, constructed or altered in strict compliance with ADAAG: Americans with
Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for building and facilities.
3.5 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.
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3.6 AGENCY CONTACTS: Contractor(s) will be given a list of key personnel directly associated with the service to
be performed for contact information. Only Knox County Procurement Division will have the authority to make
changes during the term of this agreement and in compliance with the resulting contract.
3.7 AWARD STATUS: Knox County/CAC intends to issue a one (1) year award. Upon the mutual agreement of
each vendor and Knox County, the award may be extended for four (4) additional years, one (1) year at a time.
This may result in a total of five (5) years. Knox County reserves the right to purchase these 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. Should Knox County/CAC desire not to renew, no reason needs to be
given.
3.8 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.
3.9 BID ENVELOPE COVER: The bid envelope cover sheet (Attachment D) must be filled out completely and
attached to the outside of your bid. Failure to do so will result in the rejection of your bid.
3.10 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.
3.11 BONDING COMPANIES: Contractors are advised that the selected bidder(s) may be required to provide
appropriate Performance and Payment Bonds to ensure Contractor's performance. All bonding companies
must be listed In the Federal Register, Department of the Treasury Fiscal Service, Companies holding
Certificates of Authority as Acceptable Sureties on Federal Bonds and as Acceptable Reinsuring Companies.
Notice: The ratings that the bonding company holds must be acceptable to Knox County.
3.12 CHANGES AFTER AWARD: It is possible that after award, Knox County might change its needs or
requirements. Knox County reserves the right to make such changes after consultation with the vendor.
Should additional costs arise, Knox County reserves the right to consider accepting these charges provided
the vendor can document the increased costs. Knox County also reserves the right to accept proposed
service changes from the vendor if they will lower the cost to Knox County and/or provide improved service.
3.13 COMMUNICATIONS: The successful execution of this contract will require extensive communication between
all involved parties. 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 numbers, cell phone numbers, and email addresses for the agency's
contacts. These individuals must be familiar with the Knox County Contract and have authority to make
adjustments as requested by Knox County.
3.14 COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE REGULATIONS: Contractor agrees and covenants that 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 contractor performs any
work knowing it to be contrary to such laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, the contractor shall bear all
costs arising from such work.
3.15 CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: Any construction undertaking for which the total cost of the project is twenty-
five thousand dollars ($25,000) or more is subject to the "Contractors Licensing Act of 1994." In accordance
with the Act, no bid will be opened unless the outside of the sealed envelope containing the bid provides the
following information: the Contractor's license number, the date of the license's expiration, and a dollar
quotation of that part of his classification applying to the bid. In addition, each HVAC, plumbing, electrical and
gas utility subcontractor's license number, date of the license expiration and that part of each classification
applying to the bid if the value of the work is $25,000 or greater, must be annotated. If the value of the
subcontractor's work is less than $25,000, the bid envelope is to be annotated with the phrase
"Subcontractor's Bid is Less Than $25,000" after each appropriate heading. In the case of joint ventures, each
party submitting the bid must provide this information.
If no subcontractors are being used, the outside of the envelope must state, "No Subcontractors are being
used on this project." All bids must be submitted in one envelope; use the Bid Envelope Cover provided
with the Invitation for Bid. 7

3.16 CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS/WARRANTY: The Contractor shall be solely responsible for all construction,
methods, techniques, sequences, and procedures. The Contractor shall furnish all materials, equipment,
machinery, tools, and labor to perform the work required to complete the project and assure that all materials
will be new, free from faults and defects and in conformance with standards as set forth by the funding
sources. Build America, Buy America (BABA) provisions of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)
(P.L. 117-58, 70911-70917) apply when using Federal funds for the purchase of goods, products, and
materials on any form of construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of infrastructure in the United States.
The Buy America preference requirement applies to all the iron and steel, manufactured products, and
construction materials used for the infrastructure project under an award for identified EPA financial
assistance funding programs.
The Contractor shall remedy defects identified by the agency associated with faulty materials or workmanship
which appear within one (1) year of the completion date following final inspection by the Agency.
3.17 CONTACT PERSONNEL: It shall be essential to the success of this Contract to develop a good working
relationship with the Contractor(s). It is imperative that the Knox County account be handled efficiently and
professionally. Knox County should be assigned no more than two (2) Contractor contacts to handle billing
inquiries and service-related issues. In the event one (1) or both contacts leave the Knox County account, the
Contractor shall formally introduce the new contact(s) to County personnel. Any newly appointed contacts
must be knowledgeable of the County's account to avoid any interruption of service.
3.18 CONTRACT EXECUTION: The award of this bid may result in a Contract between CAC and the successful
bidder(s). CAC will draft this contract and no vendor forms (e.g.: Terms and Conditions, Service Agreements,
or other standard Company forms) will be accepted as Contract attachments. The Contract must be approved
and signed by the Knoxville/Knox County CAC Executive Director. Contractors are hereby cautioned that no
contract shall be binding unless signed by the Executive Director. A Purchase Order may also be generated
to encumber the funds necessary for each project.
3.19 CONTRACTOR'S DUTIES: All work performed under this Contract shall be performed in accordance with all
provisions of these specifications or plans and must be approved in writing by the owner or their
representative. The Contractor shall be presumed to have made a reasonable inspection of the premises prior
to the time of bidding and shall be held responsible for all information available through such inspections.
The Contractor shall immediately upon discovery, bring to the attention of the owner any conflicts that may
occur among the various provisions of the specifications and plans. The owner shall resolve such conflicts and
shall be responsible for any costs reasonably incurred by the Contractor due to such conflict. Failure of the
Contractor to bring conflicts or exceptions to the attention of the owner shall allow the owner to require any
changes deemed necessary before acceptance by the owner.
3.20 DESTINATION AND DELIVERY: Vendors are to include all destination and delivery charges in their price.
There will be no extra hidden charges.
3.21 ENTRANCE TO CONSTRUCTION SITES: Only authorized employees of the successful Contractor(s) are
allowed on the premises of Knox County/CAC buildings. Contractor's employees are not to be accompanied in
their work area by acquaintances, family members, assistants or any person unless said person is an
authorized employee of the Contractor(s). Contractor and/or employees of Contractor must contact CAC's
Housing and Energy Department prior to reporting to a site for work.
3.22 EPA RENOVATION, REPAIR, AND PAINTING: As of April 22, 2010, new Federal EPA requirements related
to lead-safe practices took effect for firms completing renovations on homes built prior to 1978. As a contracted
provider for Environmental Accessibility Modifications for the State of Tennessee Department of Intellectual
and Developmental Disabilities, you and your firm are required to comply with Federal and State regulations.
Therefore, CAC needs evidence of the following: EPA Firm's certification under the Federal
Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (or at a minimum, evidence of having submitted an application
for the firm's certification) in order to provide services on properties built prior to 1978.
3.23 ESTIMATE PREPARATION: Contractor will be required upon request to prepare and submit (prior to
commencing work) a written quotation or estimate for each project. Estimation shall include but not be limited
to the cost of: labor, material, blueprint preparation, detailed description of the scope of work, inspection
services, and any required subcontracted services. Quotations shall be based upon the contract rates.
Quotation shall remain firm for thirty (30) calendar days from acceptance by CAC. All estimation and quotation
shall be provided at no cost or obligation to Knox County or CAC.
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3.24 EVALUATION CRITERIA: This bid will be evaluated using the following criteria:
Price 60 Points
Business Capabilities & Resources 20 Points
Experience/References 20 Points
3.25 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.
3.26 FUNDING PARTNERS: Projects may be funded in part by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development's (HUD) Community Development Block Grants, HUD Home Investment Partnership Act, HUD
Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, U.S. Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance
Program, the City of Knoxville, Knox County, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund of East Tennessee
Foundation with support from the City of Knoxville, the City of Morristown, Knoxville Utilities Board, East
Tennessee Development District, Tennessee Housing Development Agency and/or local funding.
3.27 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.
3.28 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 coverage, endorsement pages issued by your insurance company and
listing Knoxville/Knox County CAC as additional insured. CAC must receive all of the COI requirements listed
above prior to any work or services being provided. It shall be the successful Contractor's responsibility to
keep a current COI on file with Knox County Procurement at all times.
3.29 INTERPRETATION: No oral interpretation will be made to any bidder regarding the meaning of specifications.
All questions are to be submitted electronically (email) and will be answered in the form of an amendment to the
solicitation by the Knox County Procurement Division.
3.30 INVOICE DETAIL: Knox County is requesting invoices to 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. Invoices which do not adhere to these details may be returned to the Contractor for
correction.
3.30.1 The invoice must show the amount due to the Contractor by Knox County;
3.30.2 The invoice must show an itemized detail of items (unless priced by the job, per Section 3.1.2)
3.30.3 Invoices are to be original and uniquely pre-numbered;
3.30.4 Invoices which do not show this information are subject to rejection. 9

3.31 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 those invoices. Rejected invoices will be returned to the Contractor(s) for
correction. If a discount for prompt payment is offered, the timeline does not commence until Knox County
receives a correct invoice.
3.32 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 desires to purchase from you. Do
not credit payments to any other department's account. There shall be no component billing.
3.33 LICENSING: All Contractors must be properly licensed by the State of Tennessee and all other authorities
having jurisdiction. COPIES OF ALL SUCH LICENSES AND/OR PERMITS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED WITH
THE BID. FAILURE TO SUBMIT COPIES OF SUCH MAY LEAD TO BID REJECTION.
3.34 MATERIAL/LABOR QUALITY: Unless otherwise specified, all materials must be of commercial grade or better.
3.35 MINIMUM STATE GENERAL CONTRACTORS LICENSE AMOUNT: Vendors must have a minimum of
$25,000 licensing capability as described by the State of Tennessee.
3.36 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.
3.37 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.
3.38 OFFER WITHDRAWAL: No bid can be withdrawn after it is filed unless the bidder makes a request in writing
(email) to the Knox County Procurement Division prior to the time set for the opening of bid or unless the
County fails to accept within ninety (90) business days after the date fixed for opening the Invitation for Bids.
3.39 PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BONDS: The successful Contractor(s) may be required to submit a
Performance Bond and a Payment Bond (each equal to 100% of the job cost) when any one project
exceeds $100,000 in value.
Knox County and/or CAC reserve the right to require a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond on any project
regardless of the value of the project.
The bonds will be returned upon the successful and satisfactory completion of the project. Vendors are
advised that all bonding companies must be listed in the Federal Register, Department of the Treasury Fiscal
Service, Companies Holding Certificates of Authority as Acceptable Sureties on Federal Bonds and as
Acceptable Reinsuring Companies. Notice: all required bonds must be issued through companies licensed to
do business in the State of Tennessee.
3.40 PERMITS: The bidders are responsible for obtaining any and all required permits at no cost to Knox County or
CAC.
3.41 PRE-BID CONFERENCE: A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on March 10, 2026 beginning at 10:00 a.m.
local time. This Pre-Bid Conference will be held at CAC Housing and Energy Services, L.T. Ross Building,
2247 Western Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37921. Vendors are encouraged to attend. However, the meeting is not
mandatory.
3.42 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.
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