RE-POST OF CONE HARVESTING SERVICES

SAP

COVER PAGE - PAPER ONLY (MAR. 2015)

SAP

SAP

PAGE TWO

(Return Page Two with Your Offer)

SAP

SECTION_I 3

ACQUIRE SERVICES (JAN 2006) 3

MAXIMUM CONTRACT PERIOD - ESTIMATED (JAN 2006) 3

SECTION_IIA 4

DEFINITIONS, CAPITALIZATION, AND HEADINGS (MAY 2024) 4

AMENDMENTS TO SOLICITATION (JAN 2004) 4

AUTHORIZED AGENT (FEB 2015) 4

AWARD NOTIFICATION (MAR 2024) 5

BID/PROPOSAL AS OFFER TO CONTRACT (JAN 2004) 5

BID ACCEPTANCE PERIOD (JAN 2004) 5

BID IN ENGLISH and DOLLARS (JAN 2004) 5

CERTIFICATE OF INDEPENDENT PRICE DETERMINATION (MAY 2008) 5

CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (JAN 2004) 6

CODE OF LAWS AVAILABLE (JAN 2006) 6

DISCLOSURE OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST OR UNFAIR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE (JUL 2023) 7

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF OFFER (JAN 2004) 7

DRUG FREE WORK PLACE CERTIFICATION (JAN 2004) 7

DUTY TO INQUIRE (FEB 2015) 7

ETHICS CERTIFICATE (MAY 2008) 7

OMIT TAXES FROM PRICE (JAN 2004) 8

OPEN TRADE REPRESENTATION (JUN 2015) 8

PROTESTS (MAY 2024) 8

PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS AND DONATIONS (FEB 2015) 8

PUBLIC OPENING (JAN 2004) 8

QUESTIONS FROM OFFERORS (FEB 2015) 8

REJECTION/CANCELLATION (JAN 2004) 9

RESPONSIVENESS (MAR 2024) 9

SIGNING YOUR OFFER (JAN 2004) 9

STATE OFFICE CLOSINGS (JAN 2004) 9

DISCLOSURE OF YOUR BID / PROPOSAL and SUBMITTING CONFIDENTIAL DATA (FEB 2021) 9

SUBMITTING A PAPER OFFER OR MODIFICATION (MAR 2015) 10

VENDOR REGISTRATION MANDATORY (MAY 2024) 10

WITHDRAWAL OR CORRECTION OF OFFER (JAN 2004) 11

SECTION_IIB 12

ONLINE BIDDING INSTRUCTIONS (MAR 2015)..............................................................................12

PROTEST - CPO - MMO ADDRESS (JUN 2006) 12

RESPONSIVENESS-CORRRECTION OF NON-CONFORMITY (MAR 2024).............................................13

SITE VISIT (JAN 2006) 12

UNIT PRICES REQUIRED (JAN 2006) 12

SECTION_III 13

SEE BIDDING SCHEDULE 15

DELIVERY/PERFORMANCE LOCATION -- SPECIFIED (JAN 2006) 15

SECTION_IV 16

INFORMATION FOR OFFERORS TO SUBMIT -- GENERAL (MAR 2015) 16

SECTION_V Error! Bookmark not defined.

QUALIFICATIONS OF OFFEROR (MAR 2015) 16

QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL STANDARDS OF RESPONSIBILITY (MAR 2015) 16

QUALIFICATIONS -- REQUIRED INFORMATION (MAR 2015) 16

SUBCONTRACTOR -- IDENTIFICATION (FEB 2015) 17

SECTION_VI 18

AWARD CRITERIA -- BIDS (JAN 2006) 18

AWARD TO ONE OFFEROR (JAN 2006) 18

COMPETITION FROM PUBLIC ENTITIES (JAN 2006) 18

SECTION_VIIA 19

ASSIGNMENT, NOVATION, AND CHANGE OF NAME, IDENTITY, OR STRUCTURE (FEB 2015) 19

BANKRUPTCY - GENERAL (FEB 2015) 19

CHOICE-OF-LAW (JAN 2006) 19

CONTRACT AWARDED PURSUANT TO CODE (MAR 2024)...............................................................20

CONTRACT DOCUMENTS and ORDER OF PRECEDENCE (MAY 2024) 19

DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT (JAN 2006) 20

DISPUTES (MAY 2024) 20

EFT INFORMATION (APR 2024) 20

FALSE CLAIMS (JAN 2006) 20

FIXED PRICING REQUIRED (JAN 2006) 20

NO INDEMNITY OR DEFENSE (FEB 2015) 20

NOTICE (MAY 2024) 21

OPEN TRADE (JUN 2015) 21

ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST (JUL 2023)...............................................................22

PAYMENT and INTEREST (FEB 2021) 21

PUBLICITY (JAN 2006) 22

PURCHASE ORDERS (JAN 2006) 22

SURVIVAL OF OBLIGATIONS (JAN 2006) 22

TAXES (JAN 2006) 22

TERMINATION DUE TO UNAVAILABILITY OF FUNDS (JAN 2006) 22

THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARY (JAN 2006) 22

WAIVER (JAN 2006) 22

SECTION_VIIB 23

CHANGES (JAN 2006) 23

COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS (JAN 2006) 23

CONTRACTOR'S LIABILITY INSURANCE - GENERAL (FEB 2015) 23

CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL (JAN 2006) 24

CONTRACTOR'S OBLIGATION -- GENERAL (JAN 2006) 24

DEFAULT (JAN 2006) 24

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION (NOV 2008) 25

INDEMNIFICATION-THIRD PARTY CLAIMS - GENERAL (NOV 2011) 26

LICENSES AND PERMITS (JAN 2006) 26

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY -- SINGLE AGENCY (MAY 2020) 26

PRICE ADJUSTMENTS (JAN 2006) 27

PRICING DATA -- AUDIT -- INSPECTION (JAN 2006) 27

RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES (JAN 2006) 27

SUBCONTRACTOR SUBSTITUTION PROHIBITED - RESIDENT SUBCONTRACTOR PREFERENCE (SEP 2009) 27

TERM OF CONTRACT -- EFFECTIVE DATE / INITIAL CONTRACT PERIOD (JAN 2006) 28

TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE (JAN 2006) 28

SECTION_VIII 29

BIDDING SCHEDULE (NOV 2007) 29

SECTION_IX 32

OFFEROR'S CHECKLIST (JUN 2007)............................................................................................ .33

NONRESIDENT TAXPAYER REGISTRATION AFFIDAVIT INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING 33

SAP

I. SCOPE OF SOLICITATION

It is the intent of the SC Forestry Commission to solicit bids for a contractor to provide cone harvesting services at our Niederhof Forestry Center. There are a total of 59 acres to be harvested between the Loblolly & Longleaf Pine Cones. Volume of harvest is estimated and therefore no quantity is guaranteed. All bids shall be according to the specifications herein.

ACQUIRE SERVICES (JAN 2006)

The purpose of this solicitation is to acquire services complying with the enclosed description and/or specifications and conditions. [01-1010-1]

MAXIMUM CONTRACT PERIOD - ESTIMATED (JAN 2006)

Start date: 10/01/2026 End date: 12/31/2026. 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]

SAP

II. INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS - A. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

DEFINITIONS, CAPITALIZATION, AND HEADINGS (MAY 2024)

CLAUSE HEADINGS USED IN THIS SOLICITATION ARE FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY AND WILL NOT BE USED TO CONSTRUE MEANING OR INTENT. EVEN IF NOT CAPITALIZED, THE FOLLOWING DEFINITIONS APPLY 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(5)]

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 Page identifies the Using Governmental Unit as "Statewide Contract," either optional or mandatory, 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 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.

[02-2A003-4]

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: (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 (MAY 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, the most recent notice of extension of award. Should the contract resulting from this Solicitation have a total or potential value more than one hundred thousand dollars, such notice will be sent electronically to all Offerors responding to the Solicitation. Unless a written notice of intent to protest is timely filed pursuant to Section 11-35-4210(1)(b) or the award is otherwise suspended or canceled, the award will be effective on the calendar day (including weekends and holidays) immediately following the seventh business 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 and 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]

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 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), Offer 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 Procurement Code, is available at:

The South Carolina Regulations are available at:

[02-2A040-2]

DISCLOSURE OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST OR UNFAIR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE (JUL 2023)

("OCI FAQ for Contractors" is available at )

(a) You certify that, after reasonable inquiry, 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 an 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]

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]

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 (MAY 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 John White. 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 [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 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]

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]

RESPONSIVENES (MAR 2024)

(a) Award will not be made on a nonresponsive offer. An offer is nonresponsive (i) if it does not constitute an unambiguous offer to enter into a contract with the State, or (ii) if it imposes conditions inconsistent with, or does not unambiguously agree to, the solicitation's material requirements. (b) Bid as Specified. Offers for supplies or services other than those specified will not be considered unless authorized by the Solicitation.

[02-2A105-2]

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 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)

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. Useful information may be available at:

[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]

SUBMITTING A PAPER OFFER OR MODIFICATION (MAR 2015)

Unless specifically instructed otherwise in the solicitation, you should submit your offer or modification in accordance with the clause titled "ON-LINE BIDDING INSTRUCTIONS." Paper offers are discouraged. If you must submit a paper offer or modification the following instructions apply. (a) All prices and notations should be printed in ink or typewritten. Errors should be crossed out, corrections entered and initialed by the person signing the bid. Do not modify the solicitation document itself (including bid schedule). (b) (1) All copies of the offer or modification, and any other documents required to be submitted with the offer shall be enclosed in a sealed, opaque envelope or package. (2) Submit your offer or modification to the address on the Cover Page. (3) The envelope or package must show the time and date specified for opening, the solicitation number, and the name and address of the bidder. If the offer or modification is sent by mail or special delivery service (UPS, Federal Express, etc.), the outermost envelope or wrapper must be labeled "OFFER ENCLOSED" on the face thereof. (c) If you are responding to more than one solicitation, submit each offer in a separate envelope or package. (d) Submit the number of copies indicated on the Cover Page. (e) Facsimile or e-mail offers, modifications, or withdrawals, will not be considered unless authorized by the Solicitation. [02-2A130-2]

VENDOR REGISTRATION MANDATORY (MAY 2024)

You must have a state vendor number to be eligible to submit an offer. To obtain a state vendor number, visit and select Doing Business with Us. Then select New Vendor Registration. (To determine if your business is already registered, go to "Vendor Search"). Upon registration, you will be assigned a state vendor number. Note that your vendor registration submission may take up to 30 days to process due to high numbers of registrants. Vendors must keep their vendor information current. If you are already registered and know your User ID and Password, you can update your information by selecting Update Vendor Registration. If you need to update information but do not have your User ID/Password, you must complete a new vendor registration and On Step 9 - Messages to Administration indicate "Update vendor number" with your existing 10-digit vendor number. (Please note that vendor registration does not substitute for any obligation to register with the S.C. Secretary of State or S.C. Department of Revenue. You can register with the agencies at South Carolina Business One Stop, ) [02-2A145-2]

WITHDRAWAL OR CORRECTION OF OFFER (JAN 2004)

Offers may be withdrawn by written notice received at any time before the exact time set for opening. If the Solicitation authorizes facsimile offers, offers may be withdrawn via facsimile received at any time before the exact time set for opening. A bid may be withdrawn in person by a bidder or its authorized representative if, before the exact time set for opening, the identity of the person requesting withdrawal is established and the person signs a receipt for the bid. The withdrawal and correction of Offers is governed by S.C. Code Section 11-35-1520 and Regulation 19-445.2085. [02-2A150-1]

SAP

II. INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS -- B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

ON-LINE BIDDING INSTRUCTIONS (MAR 2015):

(a) Mandatory Registration. You must register before you can submit an offer on line! See clause entitled "VENDOR REGISTRATION MANDATORY."

(b) Steps for On-Line Bidding

#1 The link provided on the solicitation's Cover Page will take you to our web based on-line bidding system, where you will enter and/or upload your offer.

#2 Follow the general user instructions posted at under the heading "Submitting Offers."

#3 Confirm your offer has a status of "submitted" by refreshing the "RFx and Auctions" screen.

Only offers with a status of "submitted" have been received by the State.

Offers with a status of "saved" have not been received.

#4 Save or print a copy of your offer using the "Print Preview" button after your offer has been submitted.

[02-2B105-2]

PROTEST - CPO - MMO ADDRESS (MAR 2024)

Any protest must be addressed to the Chief Procurement Officer, Materials Management Office, and submitted in writing

(a) by email to protest-mmo@mmo.state.sc.us , or

(b) by post or delivery to 1333 Main Street, Suite 700, Columbia, SC 29201.

[02-2B122-2]

RESPONSIVENESS - CORRECTION OF NON-CONFORMITY (MAR 2024):

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. [02-2B127-1]

SITE VISIT (JAN 2006)

A site visit will be held at the following date, time and location. Your failure to attend will not relieve the Contractor from responsibility for estimating properly the difficulty and cost of successfully performing the work, or for proceeding to successfully perform the work without additional expense to the State. The State assumes no responsibility for any conclusions or interpretations made by the Contractor based on the information made available at the conference. Nor does the State assume responsibility for any understanding reached or representation made concerning conditions which can affect the work by any of its officers or agents before the execution of this contract, unless that understanding or representation is expressly stated in this contract.

Contact Person's Name: Chris King Contact's Phone Number: 843-726-1249

Location: Niederhof Forestry Center 2045 Cotton Hill Rd Tillman, SC 29943

Date of Site-Visit: August 20th & 21st between 08:00am - 04:00PM

[02-2B165-1]

UNIT PRICES REQUIRED (JAN 2006)

Unit price to be shown for each item. [02-2B170-1]

SAP

III. SCOPE OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS

It is the intent of the SC Forestry Commission to solicit bids for a contractor to provide cone harvesting services at our Niederhof Forestry Center. Below is information about the crop and collection requirements needed to submit a bid.

CROP AND COLLECTION INFORMATION

Crop Information

Third cycle Coastal Loblolly Pine: 17 acres of Improved Third-Cycle Coastal Loblolly Pine. Trees average 48'-52' in height and is comprised of 16-22 year old grafts. Three families will be marked for collection. Estimated total for this year's collection is up to 800 bushels, but actual yields may vary. All cones from each flagged selection are required to be harvested, unless otherwise stipulated by Seed Orchard Manager. Harvest dates for this orchard block are time-sensitive and these selections are to be harvested before any other orchards; furthermore, cone collections must cease once cone opening occurs for a selection.

Third Cycle Piedmont Loblolly Pine: 12 acres of Improved Third-Cycle Piedmont Loblolly Pine. Trees average 48'-52' in height and is comprised of 16-22 year old grafts. One selection will be marked for collection. Estimated total for this year's collection is up to 200 bushels, but actual yields may vary. All cones from the flagged selection are required to be harvested, unless otherwise stipulated by Seed Orchard Manager. Harvest dates for this orchard block are time-sensitive and selections must not be collected before reaching maturation, and harvesting must cease once cone opening occurs for a selection.

Improved 1.5 Generation Longleaf Pine: 30 acres of Improved 1.5-Generation Longleaf Pine- Trees average 52'-57' in height. Entire orchard to be bulk harvested, until quotas are achieved. Estimated collection is up to 800 bushels, but actual yields may vary. Longleaf cones achieve maturation later than does loblolly and will not be harvested until cone maturation is realized, usually around Oct. 15-20, and must cease once cone opening occurs.

Note: All estimated volumes are for planning purposes to assist contractor in formulating a bid. These estimates are not guaranteed, nor are they fixed quantities that may not be exceeded. The SC Forestry Commission reserves the right to set quotas for all crops during cone harvest operations.

1.2 Collection Requirements

In collecting the 3rd-Cycle Loblolly orchards (Coastal and Piedmont), as well as the 1.5 Generation Longleaf pine orchard, the Forestry Commission prefers the contractor provide 65' lift units to collect these orchards, to minimize soil compaction, as well as for optimal cone collection. Due to the time-sensitivity of cone maturation, all Third-Cycle loblolly pine cones must be collected within the timeframe given in the section entitled "Crop, Niederhof Forestry Center" so as to minimize any possibility of premature seed development which will affect the quantity and quality of the seeds processed from this collection. Additionally, due to cone maturation processes, the longleaf cone crop will not be collected before cone maturation, usually between Oct. 15-20, to minimize seed development issues which also will affect the quantity and quality of seeds processed from this collection. Each bidder must consider these parameters carefully and plan accordingly to enable cone harvest operations to be performed with minimal delays in operations while adhering to cone maturation schedule per each species to be harvested.

Harvesting and Storage

Cones must be picked by hand or with hand-held clippers. Pruning shears, pole pruners, etc., are not acceptable. Extreme care should be taken by contractor to insure cone collection crew minimizes limb and branch breakage. Limb and branch breakage severely impacts the quantity of cones available for the following year's cone harvest. SCFC personnel shall specify, through maturity checks, when cones may be collected. Cones must be relatively free of trash and straw; cones with significant insect damage shall not be harvested. Sacks shall be provided to the contractor for cone storage. In all loblolly orchards, the selection flagging shall be affixed to the individual sack containing 1.5 buckets (8 gallons) picked cones, with a total of 20 bushels to be placed into cone crates, with the selection flagging affixed to the cone crate.

Longleaf cones retained by the SCFC must be placed in sacks provided, with one bucket per sack, and filled to a volume of 20 bushels/crate.

Each orchard is comprised of different selections- no selection is replicated across orchards! Flagging colors within each orchard are only applicable to individual selections within that particular orchard.

Time of Collection

Harvesting the 3rd-Cycle Coastal Loblolly pine seed orchard must begin no earlier than October 1st and no later than October 5th (pending weather conditions); following direction of the Seed Orchard Manager, subsequent orchards will be harvested until the harvest is completed prior to Longleaf cones opening around the last week of October. This will provide approximately 4 weeks to perform cone harvest. Weather conditions may affect starting date and time available for collection by one week earlier or later. Upon request, access to the site can be provided seven days per week if required. Normal operating hours are between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Forestry Commission personnel may not be available on site after hours, so take appropriate precautions and plan accordingly.

2.0 GENERAL SOLICIATION REQUIREMENTS

2.1 Contractor's Responsibilities

Provide lift units, fuel and maintenance for same. Must be able to increase crew size and/or number of lift units should conditions warrant to ensure desired cone crop is collected.

Safety of lift units and crew.

Supervises harvesting crew.

Fills sacks and crates, while ensuring selection integrity is maintained by affixing selection color to sacks and cone crates.

Ensures cones are relatively free of trash and doesn't collect cones with significant insect damage.

Comply with Department of Labor Guidelines.

Responsible for all activities after normal working hours.

Ensures cones collected within individual orchards are not transferred across orchards.

2.2 SCFC Responsibilities

Provide sacks and cone crates to each individual orchard.

Direct which areas of orchard/which selections are to be harvested.

Conduct ripeness checks to determine when families may be collected.

Inspects harvested cones for trash and straw, insect damage.

Label filled cone crates and transport to storage area.

Tally filled volumes of sacks and cone crates.

2.3 Payment and Invoicing

Payment will be based on a per bushel basis determined by a tally of filled crates using criteria provided for quantities per sack and sacks per crate. Volumes of filled crates will be determined by SCFC. Payments will be made to one designated individual. Contractor will need to keep individual worker tallies if so desired. One lump sum payment will be made based upon final tally. Partial payments may be made in lieu of single lump-sum payment. Partial payments will be based upon tallies of cones collected within specified period. A final tally will be determined by Mr. Chris King, Seed Orchard Manger.

2.4 Other Information

Any problem between contractors and SCFC relating to any aspect of cone harvest shall try to be settled on day problem arises. Any problems involving volumes of filled crates shall be resolved prior to payment for services. Because the Niederhof Forestry Center is a state facility, alcoholic beverages are prohibited. On-site camping by cone collection crews is also prohibited.

*******************************************************************************************************************************

SEE BIDDING SCHEDULE

See Bidding Schedule [03-3005-1]

DELIVERY/PERFORMANCE LOCATION -- SPECIFIED (JAN 2006)

After award, all deliveries shall be made and all services provided to the following address, unless otherwise specified:

Niederhof Forestry Center

2045 Cotton Hill Rd

Tillman, SC 29943

[03-3030-1]

SAP

IV. INFORMATION FOR OFFERORS TO SUBMIT

INFORMATION FOR OFFERORS TO SUBMIT -- GENERAL (MAR 2015)

You shall submit a signed Cover Page and Page Two. If you submit your offer electronically, you must upload an image of a signed Cover Page and Page Two. Your offer should include all other information and documents requested in this part and in parts II.B. Special Instructions; III. Scope of Work; V. Qualifications; VIII. Bidding Schedule/Price Proposal; and any appropriate attachments addressed in Part IX. Attachments to Solicitations. You should submit a summary of all insurance policies you have or plan to acquire to comply with the insurance requirements stated herein, if any, including policy types; coverage types; limits, sub-limits, and deductibles for each policy and coverage type; the carrier's A.M. Best rating; and whether the policy is written on an occurrence or claims-made basis. [04-4010-2]

V. QUALIFICATIONS

QUALIFICATIONS OF OFFEROR (MAR 2015)

(1) To be eligible for award, you must have the capability in all respects to perform fully the contract requirements and the integrity and reliability which will assure good faith performance. We may also consider a documented commitment from a satisfactory source that will provide you with a capability. We may consider information from any source at any time prior to award. We may elect to consider (i) key personnel, any predecessor business, and any key personnel of any predecessor business, including any facts arising prior to the date a business was established, and/or (ii) any subcontractor you identify. (2) You must promptly furnish satisfactory evidence of responsibility upon request. Unreasonable failure to supply requested information is grounds for rejection. (3) Corporate subsidiaries are cautioned that the financial capability of an affiliated or parent company will not be considered in determining financial capability; however, we may elect to consider any security, e.g., letter of credit, performance bond, parent-company corporate guaranty, that you offer to provide. Instructions and forms to help assure acceptability are posted on procurement.sc.gov, link to "Standard Clauses & Provisions." [05-5005-2]

QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL STANDARDS OF RESPONSIBILITY (MAR 2015)

(a) This section establishes special standards of responsibility. UNLESS YOU POSSESS THE FOLLOWING MANDATORY MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, DO NOT SUBMIT AN OFFER:

Contractor must have a minimum of three (3) years verifiable cone harvesting experience.

Contractor must provide proof of Liability Insurance & adhere to all applicable federal & state guidelines.

(b) Provide a detailed, narrative statement with adequate information to establish that you meet all the requirements stated in subparagraph (a) above. Include all appropriate documentation. If you intend for us to consider the qualifications of your key personnel, predecessor business(es), or subcontractor(s), explain the relationship between you and such person or entity. [R. 19-445.2125(F)]

[05-5010-2]

QUALIFICATIONS -- REQUIRED INFORMATION (MAR 2015)

Submit the following information or documentation for you and for any subcontractor (at any tier level) that you identify pursuant to the clause titled Subcontractor - Identification. Err on the side of inclusion. You represent that the information provided is complete. (a) The general history and experience of the business in providing work of similar size and scope. (b) Information reflecting the current financial position. Include the most current financial statement and financial statements for the last two fiscal years. If the financial statements have been audited in accordance with the following requirements, provide the audited version of those statements. [Reference Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts No. 5 (FASB, December, 1984), as amended.] (c) A detailed, narrative statement listing the three most recent, comparable contracts (including contact information) which have been performed. For each contract, describe how the supplies or services provided are similar to those requested by this solicitation, and how they differ. (d) A list of every business for which supplies or services substantially similar to those sought with this solicitation have been provided, at any time during the past three years. (e) A list of every South Carolina public body for which supplies or services have been provided at any time during the past three years, if any. (f) List of failed projects, suspensions, debarments, and significant litigation. [05-5015-2]

SUBCONTRACTOR -- IDENTIFICATION (FEB 2015)

If you intend to subcontract, at any tier level, with another business for any portion of the work and that portion either (1) exceeds 10% of your cost, (2) involves access to any "government information," as defined in the clause entitled "Information Security - Definitions," if included, or (3) otherwise involves services critical to your performance of the work (err on the side of inclusion), your offer must identify that business and the work which they are to perform. Identify potential subcontractors by providing the business name, address, phone, taxpayer identification number, and point of contact . In determining your responsibility, the state may contact and evaluate your proposed subcontractors. [05-5030-2]

SAP

VI. AWARD CRITERIA

AWARD CRITERIA -- BIDS (JAN 2006)

Award will be made to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder(s). [06-6020-1]

AWARD TO ONE OFFEROR (JAN 2006)

Award will be made to one Offeror. [06-6040-1]

COMPETITION FROM PUBLIC ENTITIES (JAN 2006)

If a South Carolina governmental entity submits an offer, the Procurement Officer will, when determining the lowest offer, add to the price provided in any offers submitted by non-governmental entities a percentage equivalent to any applicable sales or use tax. S.C. Code Ann. Regs 117-304.1 (Supp. 2004). [06-6057-1]

SAP

VII. TERMS AND CONDITIONS -- A. GENERAL

ASSIGNMENT, NOVATION, AND CHANGE OF NAME, IDENTITY, OR STRUCTURE (FEB 2015)

(a) Contractor shall not assign this contract, or its rights, obligations, or any other interest arising from this contract, or delegate any of its performance obligations, without the express written consent of the responsible procurement officer. The foregoing restriction does not apply to a transfer that occurs by operation of law (e.g., bankruptcy; corporate reorganizations and consolidations, but not including partial asset sales). Notwithstanding the foregoing, contractor may assign monies receivable under the contract provided that the state shall have no obligation to make payment to an assignee until thirty days after contractor (not the assignee) has provided the responsible procurement officer with (i) proof of the assignment, (ii) the identity (by contract number) of the specific state contract to which the assignment applies, and (iii) the name of the assignee and the exact address or account information to which assigned payments should be made. (b) If contractor amends, modifies, or otherwise changes its name, its identity (including its trade name), or its corporate, partnership or other structure, or its FEIN, contractor shall provide the procurement officer prompt written notice of such change. (c) Any name change, transfer, assignment, or novation is subject to the conditions and approval required by Regulation 19-445.2180, which does not restrict transfers by operation of law. [07-7A004-2]

BANKRUPTCY - GENERAL (FEB 2015)

(a) Notice. In the event the Contractor enters into proceedings relating to bankruptcy, whether voluntary or involuntary, the Contractor agrees to furnish written notification of the bankruptcy to the Using Governmental Unit. This notification shall be furnished within two (2) days of the initiation of the proceedings relating to the bankruptcy filing. This notification shall include the date on which the bankruptcy petition was filed, the identity of the court in which the bankruptcy petition was filed, and a listing of all State contracts against which final payment has not been made. This obligation remains in effect until final payment under this Contract. (b) Termination. This contract is voidable and subject to immediate termination by the State upon the contractor's insolvency, including the filing of proceedings in bankruptcy. [07-7A005-2]

CHOICE-OF-LAW (JAN 2006)

The Agreement, any dispute, claim, or controversy relating to the Agreement, and all the rights and obligations of the parties shall, in all respects, be interpreted, construed, enforced and governed by and under the laws of the State of South Carolina, except its choice of law rules. As used in this paragraph, the term "Agreement" means any transaction or agreement arising out of, relating to, or contemplated by the solicitation. [07-7A010-1]

CONTRACT AWARDED PURSUANT TO CODE (MAR 2024):

Any contract resulting from this solicitation is formed pursuant to the South Carolina Consolidated Procurement Code and is deemed to incorporate all applicable provisions thereof and the ensuing regulations. See also clause titled "Code of Laws Available." [07-7A012-1]

CONTRACT DOCUMENTS and ORDER OF PRECEDENCE (MAY 2024)

(a) Any contract resulting from this solicitation shall consist of the following documents: (1) the solicitation, as amended, (2) your offer, as amended, (3) any statement reflecting the State's final acceptance (a/k/a "award"), and (4) purchase orders. These documents shall be read to be consistent and complementary. Any conflict among these documents shall be resolved by giving priority to these documents in the order listed above.

(b) The terms and conditions of documents (1) through (4) above shall apply notwithstanding any additional or different terms and conditions in any other document, including without limitation, (i) any instrument submitted by the State other than a purchase order, (ii) any invoice or other document submitted by Contractor, or (iii) any privacy policy, terms of use, or end user agreement. Except as otherwise allowed by the solicitation, the terms and conditions of all such documents and any purchase orders shall be void and of no effect.

(c) No contract, license, or other agreement containing contractual terms and conditions will be signed by any Using Governmental Unit. Any document signed or otherwise agreed to by persons other than the Procurement Officer shall be void and of no effect. [07-7A015-3]

DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT (JAN 2006)

(a) Discounts for prompt payment will not be considered in the evaluation of offers. However, any offered discount will form a part of the award, and will be taken if payment is made within the discount period indicated in the offer by the offeror. As an alternative to offering a discount for prompt payment in conjunction with the offer, offerors awarded contracts may include discounts for prompt payment on individual invoices.

(b) In connection with any discount offered for prompt payment, time shall be computed from the date of the invoice. If the Contractor has not placed a date on the invoice, the due date shall be calculated from the date the designated billing office receives a proper invoice, provided the state annotates such invoice with the date of receipt at the time of receipt. For the purpose of computing the discount earned, payment shall be considered to have been made on the date that appears on the payment check or, for an electronic funds transfer, the specified payment date. When the discount date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday when Federal Government offices are closed and Government business is not expected to be conducted, payment may be made on the following business day.

[07-7A020-1]

DISPUTES (MAY 2024)

(1) Choice-of-Forum. All disputes, claims, or controversies relating to the Agreement shall be resolved exclusively by the appropriate Chief Procurement Officer in accordance with Title 11, Chapter 35, Article 17 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, or in the absence of jurisdiction, only in the Court of Common Pleas for, or a federal court located in, Richland County, State of South Carolina. Contractor agrees that any act by the government regarding the Agreement is not a waiver of either the government's sovereign immunity or the government's immunity under the Eleventh Amendment of the United States Constitution. As used in this paragraph, the term "Agreement" means any transaction or agreement arising out of, relating to, or contemplated by the solicitation. The government does not consent to the jurisdiction of any judicial or administrative tribunals in any other state or to any forum of alternative dispute resolution. (2) Service of Process. Contractor consents that any papers, notices, or process necessary or proper for the initiation or continuation of any disputes, claims, or controversies relating to the Agreement; for any court action in connection therewith; or for the entry of judgment on any award made, may be served on Contractor by certified mail (return receipt requested) addressed to Contractor at the address provided as the Notice Address on Page Two or by personal service or by any other manner that is permitted by law, in or outside South Carolina. Notice by certified mail is deemed duly given upon deposit in the United States mail. [07-7A025-2]

EFT INFORMATION (APR 2024)

The Contractor must furnish to the State Treasurer's Office information necessary for making a payment by electronic funds transfer (EFT). Additional information is available at the STO's website at (.) The Contractor is responsible for the currency, accuracy and completeness of the EFT information. Updating EFT information may not be used to accomplish an assignment of the right to payment, does not alter the terms and conditions of this contract, and is not a substitute for a properly executed contractual document. [07-7A027-2]

FALSE CLAIMS (JAN 2006)

According to the S.C. Code of Laws Section 16-13-240, "a person who by false pretense or representation obtains the signature of a person to a written instrument or obtains from another person any chattel, money, valuable security, or other property, real or personal, with intent to cheat and defraud a person of that property is guilty" of a crime. [07-7A035-1]

FIXED PRICING REQUIRED (JAN 2006)

Any pricing provided by contractor shall include all costs for performing the work associated with that price. Except as otherwise provided in this solicitation, contractor's price shall be fixed for the duration of this contract, including option terms. This clause does not prohibit contractor from offering lower pricing after award. [07-7A040-1]

NO INDEMNITY OR DEFENSE (FEB 2015)

Any term or condition is void to the extent it requires the State to indemnify, defend, or pay attorney's fees to anyone for any reason. [07-7A045-2]

NOTICE (MAY 2024)

(A) After award, any notices shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given (1) upon actual delivery, if delivery is by hand, (2) upon receipt by the transmitting party of automated confirmation or answer back from the recipient's device if delivery is by telex, telegram, facsimile, or electronic mail, or (3) ten days after deposit into the United States mail, if postage is prepaid, a return receipt is requested, and either registered or certified mail is used. (B) Notice to contractor shall be to the address identified as the Notice Address on Page Two. Notice to the state shall be to the Procurement Officer's address on the Cover Page. Either party may designate a different address for notice by giving notice in accordance with this paragraph. [07-7A050-2]

OPEN TRADE (JUN 2015)

During the contract term, including any renewals or extensions, Contractor will not engage 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. [07-7A053-1]

ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST (JUL 2023)

(a) The Contractor agrees to immediately advise the Procurement Officer if an actual or potential organizational conflict of interest is discovered after award, and to make a full written disclosure promptly thereafter to the Procurement Officer. This disclosure shall include a description of actions which the Contractor has taken or proposes to take, after consultation with the Procurement Officer, to avoid, mitigate, or neutralize the actual or potential conflict.

(b) The State may terminate this contract for convenience, in whole or in part, if it deems such termination necessary to avoid an organizational conflict of interest. Contractor's failure to include an appropriate termination for convenience clause in any subcontract shall not increase the obligation of the State beyond what it would have been if the subcontract had contained such a clause.

(c) The disclosure required by paragraph (a) of this provision is a material obligation of the contract. If the Contractor knew or should have known of an organizational conflict of interest prior to award, or discovers an actual or potential conflict after award, and does not disclose, or misrepresents, relevant information to the Procurement Officer, the State may terminate the contract for default. [07-7A054-1]

PAYMENT and INTEREST (FEB 2021)

The State shall pay the Contractor, after the submission of proper invoices or vouchers, the prices stipulated in this contract for supplies delivered and accepted or services rendered and accepted, less any deductions provided in this contract. Unless otherwise specified herein, including the purchase order, payment shall not be made on partial deliveries accepted by the Government. (b) Unless otherwise provided herein, including the purchase order, payment will be made by electronic funds transfer (EFT). See clause titled " EFT Information." (c) Notwithstanding any other provision, payment shall be made in accordance with S.C. Code Section 11-35-45, or Chapter 6 of Title 29 (real property improvements) when applicable, which provides the Contractor's exclusive means of recovering any type of interest from the Owner. Contractor waives imposition of an interest penalty unless the invoice submitted specifies that the late penalty is applicable. Except as set forth in this paragraph, the State shall not be liable for the payment of interest on any debt or claim arising out of or related to this contract for any reason. (d) Amounts due to the State shall bear interest at the rate of interest established by the South Carolina Comptroller General pursuant to Section 11-35-45 (" an amount not to exceed fifteen percent each year " ), as amended, unless otherwise required by Section 29-6-30. (e) Any other basis for interest, including but not limited to general (pre- and post-judgment) or specific interest statutes, including S.C. Code Ann. Section 34-31-20, are expressly waived by both parties. If a court, despite this agreement and waiver, requires that interest be paid on any debt by either party other than as provided by items (c) and (d) above, the parties further agree that the applicable interest rate for any given calendar year shall be the lowest prime rate as listed in the first edition of the Wall Street Journal published for each year, applied as simple interest without compounding. (f) The State shall have all of its common law, equitable and statutory rights of set-off. [07-7A055-4]

PUBLICITY (JAN 2006)

Contractor shall not publish any comments or quotes by State employees, or include the State in either news releases or a published list of customers, without the prior written approval of the Procurement Officer. [07-7A060-1]

PURCHASE ORDERS (JAN 2006)

Contractor shall not perform any work prior to the receipt of a purchase order from the using governmental unit. The using governmental unit shall order any supplies or services to be furnished under this contract by issuing a purchase order. Purchase orders may be used to elect any options available under this contract, e.g., quantity, item, delivery date, payment method, but are subject to all terms and conditions of this contract. Purchase orders may be electronic. No particular form is required. An order placed pursuant to the purchasing card provision qualifies as a purchase order. [07-7A065-1]

SURVIVAL OF OBLIGATIONS (JAN 2006)

The Parties' rights and obligations which, by their nature, would continue beyond the termination, cancellation, rejection, or expiration of this contract shall survive such termination, cancellation, rejection, or expiration, including, but not limited to, the rights and obligations created by the following clauses: Indemnification - Third Party Claims, Intellectual Property Indemnification, and any provisions regarding warranty or audit. [07-7A075-1]

TAXES (JAN 2006)

Any tax the contractor may be required to collect or pay upon the sale, use or delivery of the products shall be paid by the State, and such sums shall be due and payable to the contractor upon acceptance. Any personal property taxes levied after delivery shall be paid by the State. It shall be solely the State's obligation, after payment to contractor, to challenge the applicability of any tax by negotiation with, or action against, the taxing authority. Contractor agrees to refund any tax collected, which is subsequently determined not to be proper and for which a refund has been paid to contractor by the taxing authority. In the event that the contractor fails to pay, or delays in paying, to any taxing authorities, sums paid by the State to contractor, contractor shall be liable to the State for any loss (such as the assessment of additional interest) caused by virtue of this failure or delay. Taxes based on Contractor's net income or assets shall be the sole responsibility of the contractor. [07-7A080-1]

TERMINATION DUE TO UNAVAILABILITY OF FUNDS (JAN 2006)

Payment and performance obligations for succeeding fiscal periods shall be subject to the availability and appropriation of funds therefor. When funds are not appropriated or otherwise made available to support continuation of performance in a subsequent fiscal period, the contract shall be canceled. In the event of a cancellation pursuant to this paragraph, contractor will be reimbursed the resulting unamortized, reasonably incurred, nonrecurring costs. Contractor will not be reimbursed any costs amortized beyond the initial contract term. [07-7A085-1]

THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARY (JAN 2006)

This Contract is made solely and specifically among and for the benefit of the parties hereto, and their respective successors and assigns, and no other person will have any rights, interest, or claims hereunder or be entitled to any benefits under or on account of this Contract as a third party beneficiary or otherwise. [07-7A090-1]

WAIVER (JAN 2006)

The State does not waive any prior or subsequent breach of the terms of the Contract by making payments on the Contract, by failing to terminate the Contract for lack of performance, or by failing to strictly or promptly insist upon any term of the Contract. Only the Procurement Officer has actual authority to waive any of the State's rights under this Contract. Any waiver must be in writing. [07-7A095-1]

SAP

VII. TERMS AND CONDITIONS -- B. SPECIAL

CHANGES (JAN 2006)

(1) Contract Modification. By a written order, at any time, and without notice to any surety, the Procurement Officer may, subject to all appropriate adjustments, make changes within the general scope of this contract in any one or more of the following:

(a) drawings, designs, or specifications, if the supplies to be furnished are to be specially manufactured for the [State] in accordance therewith;

(b) method of shipment or packing;

(c) place of delivery;

(d) description of services to be performed;

(e) time of performance (i.e., hours of the day, days of the week, etc.); or,

(f) place of performance of the services. Subparagraphs (a) to (c) apply only if supplies are furnished under this contract. Subparagraphs (d) to (f) apply only if services are performed under this contract.

(2) Adjustments of Price or Time for Performance. If any such change increases or decreases the contractor's cost of, or the time required for, performance of any part of the work under this contract, whether or not changed by the order, an adjustment shall be made in the contract price, the delivery schedule, or both, and the contract modified in writing accordingly. Any adjustment in contract price made pursuant to this clause shall be determined in accordance with the Price Adjustment Clause of this contract. Failure of the parties to agree to an adjustment shall not excuse the contractor from proceeding with the contract as changed, provided that the State promptly and duly make such provisional adjustments in payment or time for performance as may be reasonable. By proceeding with the work, the contractor shall not be deemed to have prejudiced any claim for additional compensation, or an extension of time for completion.

(3) Time Period for Claim. Within 30 days after receipt of a written contract modification under Paragraph (1) of this clause, unless such period is extended by the Procurement Officer in writing, the contractor shall file notice of intent to assert a claim for an adjustment. Later notification shall not bar the contractor's claim unless the State is prejudiced by the delay in notification.

(4) Claim Barred After Final Payment. No claim by the contractor for an adjustment hereunder shall be allowed if notice is not given prior to final payment under this contract.

[07-7B025-1]

COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS (JAN 2006)

During the term of the contract, contractor shall comply with all applicable provisions of laws, codes, ordinances, rules, regulations, and tariffs. [07-7B035-1]

CONTRACTOR'S LIABILITY INSURANCE - GENERAL (FEB 2015)

(a) Without limiting any of the obligations or liabilities of Contractor, Contractor shall procure from a company or companies lawfully authorized to do business in South Carolina and with a current A.M. Best rating of no less than A: VII, and maintain for the duration of the contract, insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property which may arise from or in connection with the performance of the work and the results of that work by the contractor, his agents, representatives, employees or subcontractors.

(b) Coverage shall be at least as broad as:

(1) Commercial General Liability (CGL): Insurance Services Office (ISO) Form CG 00 01 12 07 covering CGL on an "occurrence" basis, including products-completed operations, personal and advertising injury, with limits no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence. If a general aggregate limit applies, the general aggregate limit shall be twice the required occurrence limit. This contract shall be considered to be an "insured contract" as defined in the policy.

(2) Auto Liability: ISO Form Number CA 00 01 covering any auto (Code 1), or if Contractor has no owned autos, hired, (Code 8) and non-owned autos (Code 9), with limits no less than $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage.

(3) Worker's Compensation: As required by the State of South Carolina, with Statutory Limits, and Employer's Liability Insurance with limit of no less than $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury or disease.

(c) Every applicable Using Governmental Unit, and the officers, officials, employees and volunteers of any of them, must be covered as additional insureds on the CGL policy with respect to liability arising out of work or operations performed by or on behalf of the Contractor including materials, parts or equipment furnished in connection with such work or operations. General liability coverage can be provided in the form of an endorsement to the Contractor's insurance at least as broad as ISO Form CG 20 10 11 85 or if not available, through the addition of both CG 20 10 and CG 20 37 if a later edition is used.

(d) For any claims related to this contract, the Contractor's insurance coverage shall be primary insurance as respects the State, every applicable Using Governmental Unit, and the officers, officials, employees and volunteers of any of them. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the State, every applicable Using Governmental Unit, or the officers, officials, employees and volunteers of any of them, shall be excess of the Contractor's insurance and shall not contribute with it.

(e) Prior to commencement of the work, the Contractor shall furnish the State with original certificates and amendatory endorsements or copies of the applicable policy language effecting coverage required by this section. All certificates are to be received and approved by the State before work commences. However, failure to obtain the required documents prior to the work beginning shall not waive the Contractor's obligation to provide them. The State reserves the right to require complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies, including endorsements required by this section, at any time.

(f) Should any of the above described policies be cancelled before the expiration date thereof, notice will be delivered in accordance with the policy provisions. In addition, the Contractor shall notify the State immediately upon receiving any information that any of the coverages required by this section are or will be changed, cancelled, or replaced.

(g) Contractor hereby grants to the State and every applicable Using Governmental Unit a waiver of any right to subrogation which any insurer of said Contractor may acquire against the State or applicable Using Governmental Unit by virtue of the payment of any loss under such insurance. Contractor agrees to obtain any endorsement that may be necessary to effect this waiver of subrogation, but this provision applies regardless of whether or not the State or Using Governmental Unit has received a waiver of subrogation endorsement from the insurer.

(h) Any deductibles or self-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by the State. The State may require the Contractor to purchase coverage with a lower deductible or retention or provide proof of ability to pay losses and related investigations, claim administration, and defense expenses within the retention.

(i) The State reserves the right to modify these requirements, including limits, based on the nature of the risk, prior experience, insurer, coverage, or other special circumstances.

[07-7B056-2]

CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL (JAN 2006)

The Contractor shall enforce strict discipline and good order among the Contractor's employees and other persons carrying out the Contract. The Contractor shall not permit employment of unfit persons or persons not skilled in tasks assigned to them. [07-7B060-1]

CONTRACTOR'S OBLIGATION -- GENERAL (JAN 2006)

The contractor shall provide and pay for all materials, tools, equipment, labor and professional and non-professional services, and shall perform all other acts and supply all other things necessary, to fully and properly perform and complete the work. The contractor must act as the prime contractor and assume full responsibility for any subcontractor's performance. The contractor will be considered the sole point of contact with regard to all situations, including payment of all charges and the meeting of all other requirements. [07-7B065-1]

DEFAULT (JAN 2006)

(a) (1) The State may, subject to paragraphs (c) and (d) of this clause, by written notice of default to the Contractor, terminate this contract in whole or in part if the Contractor fails to:

(i) Deliver the supplies or to perform the services within the time specified in this contract or any extension;

(ii) Make progress, so as to endanger performance of this contract (but see paragraph (a)(2) of this clause); or

(iii) Perform any of the other material provisions of this contract (but see paragraph (a)(2) of this clause).

(2) The State's right to terminate this contract under subdivisions (a)(1)(ii) and (1)(iii) of this clause, may be exercised if the Contractor does not cure such failure within 10 days (or more if authorized in writing by the Procurement Officer) after receipt of the notice from the Procurement Officer specifying the failure.

(b) If the State terminates this contract in whole or in part, it may acquire, under the terms and in the manner the Procurement Officer considers appropriate, supplies or services similar to those terminated, and the Contractor will be liable to the State for any excess costs for those supplies or services. However, the Contractor shall continue the work not terminated.

(c) Except for defaults of subcontractors at any tier, the Contractor shall not be liable for any excess costs if the failure to perform the contract arises from causes beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the Contractor. Examples of such causes include (1) acts of God or of the public enemy, (2) acts of the State in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, (3) fires, (4) floods, (5) epidemics, (6) quarantine restrictions, (7) strikes, (8) freight embargoes, and (9) unusually severe weather. In each instance the failure to perform must be beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the Contractor.

(d) If the failure to perform is caused by the default of a subcontractor at any tier, and if the cause of the default is beyond the control of both the Contractor and subcontractor, and without the fault or negligence of either, the Contractor shall not be liable for any excess costs for failure to perform, unless the subcontracted supplies or services were obtainable from other sources in sufficient time for the Contractor to meet the required delivery schedule.

(e) If this contract is terminated for default, the State may require the Contractor to transfer title and deliver to the State, as directed by the Procurement Officer, any (1) completed supplies, and (2) partially completed supplies and materials, parts, tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, plans, drawings, information, and contract rights (collectively referred to as "manufacturing materials" in this clause) that the Contractor has specifically produced or acquired for the terminated portion of this contract. Upon direction of the Procurement Officer, the Contractor shall also protect and preserve property in its possession in which the State has an interest.

(f) The State shall pay contract price for completed supplies delivered and accepted. The Contractor and Procurement Officer shall agree on the amount of payment for manufacturing materials delivered and accepted and for the protection and preservation of the property; if the parties fail to agree, the Procurement Officer shall set an amount subject to the Contractor's rights under the Disputes clause. Failure to agree will be a dispute under the Disputes clause. The State may withhold from these amounts any sum the Procurement Officer determines to be necessary to protect the State against loss because of outstanding liens or claims of former lien holders.

(g) If, after termination, it is determined that the Contractor was not in default, or that the default was excusable, the rights and obligations of the parties shall, if the contract contains a clause providing for termination for convenience of the State, be the same as if the termination had been issued for the convenience of the State. If, in the foregoing circumstances, this contract does not contain a clause providing for termination for convenience of the State, the contract shall be adjusted to compensate for such termination and the contract modified accordingly subject to the contractor's rights under the Disputes clause.

(h) The rights and remedies of the State in this clause are in addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law or under this contract.

[07-7B075-1]

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION (NOV 2008)

(An overview is available at ) By signing your offer, you certify that you will comply with the applicable requirements of Title 8, Chapter 14 of the South Carolina Code of Laws and agree to provide to the State upon request any documentation required to establish either: (a) that Title 8, Chapter 14 is inapplicable to you and your subcontractors or sub-subcontractors; or (b) that you and your subcontractors or sub-subcontractors are in compliance with Title 8, Chapter 14. Pursuant to Section 8-14-60, "A person who knowingly makes or files any false, fictitious, or fraudulent document, statement, or report pursuant to this chapter is guilty of a felony, and, upon conviction, must be fined within the discretion of the court or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both." You agree to include in any contracts with your subcontractors language requiring your subcontractors to (a) comply with the applicable requirements of Title 8, Chapter 14, and (b) include in their contracts with the sub-subcontractors language requiring the sub-subcontractors to comply with the applicable requirements of Title 8, Chapter 14. [07-7B097-1]

INDEMNIFICATION-THIRD PARTY CLAIMS - GENERAL (NOV 2011)

Notwithstanding any limitation in this agreement, and to the fullest extent permitted by law, Contractor shall defend and hold harmless Indemnitees for and against any and all suits or claims of any character (and all related damages, settlement payments, attorneys' fees, costs, expenses, losses or liabilities) by a third party which are attributable to bodily injury, sickness, disease or death, or to injury to or destruction of tangible property arising out of or in connection with the goods or services acquired hereunder or caused in whole or in part by any act or omission of contractor, its subcontractors, their employees, workmen, servants, agents, or anyone directly or indirectly employed by them or anyone for whose acts any of them may be liable, regardless of whether or not caused in part by an Indemnitee, and whether or not such claims are made by a third party or an Indemnitee; however, if an Indemnitee's negligent act or omission is subsequently determined to be the sole proximate cause of a suit or claim, the Indemnitee shall not be entitled to indemnification hereunder. Contractor shall be given timely written notice of any suit or claim. Contractor's obligations hereunder are in no way limited by any protection afforded under workers' compensation acts, disability benefits acts, or other employee benefit acts. This clause shall not negate, abridge, or reduce any other rights or obligations of indemnity which would otherwise exist. The obligations of this paragraph shall survive termination, cancelation, or expiration of the parties' agreement. This provision shall be construed fairly and reasonably, neither strongly for nor against either party, and without regard to any clause regarding insurance. As used in this clause, "Indemnitees" means the State of South Carolina, its instrumentalities, agencies, departments, boards, political subdivisions and all their respective officers, agents and employees. [07-7B100-2]

LICENSES AND PERMITS (JAN 2006)

During the term of the contract, the Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining, and maintaining in good standing, all licenses (including professional licenses, if any), permits, inspections and related fees for each or any such licenses, permits and /or inspections required by the State, county, city or other government entity or unit to accomplish the work specified in this solicitation and the contract. [07-7B115-1]

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY -- SINGLE AGENCY (MAY 2020)

(1) Contractor's liability for damages to the Using Governmental Unit shall not exceed [ a dollar amount ].

(2) The parties waive claims against each other for (i) exemplary or punitive damages and (ii) special or consequential damages.

(3) The foregoing limitations shall not apply: (a) to claims for physical damage to real or tangible personal property, (b) to claims regarding bodily injury, sickness, disease or death, (c) to claims arising from reckless or intentional misconduct, (d) to amounts due or obligations under a clause (regardless of how named) providing for liquidated damages, or if such a clause is ruled unenforceable as a penalty, (e) to amounts due or obligations under the following clauses, if included: (i) Indemnification-Third Party Claims-General, (ii) Indemnification-Third Party Claims-Disclosure of Information, (iii) Indemnification-Intellectual Property, (iv) Information Security Safeguarding Requirements, (v) Information Security-Location of Data, (vi) Information Use and Disclosure Standards, or (vii) Service Provider Security Representations; (f) to amounts due or obligations under a clause imposing a duty to defend or indemnify, or (g) to any loss or claim to the extent the loss or claim is covered by a policy of insurance maintained, or required by this contract to be maintained, by contractor.

(4) The absence in any subcontract of a similar clause limiting contractor's liability shall not effectively increase the obligation of the Using Governmental Unit beyond what it would have been had the subcontract contained such a clause.

(5) The Using Governmental Unit's liability for damages, if any, shall in no event exceed [ a dollar amount ]. Nothing herein shall be construed to waive any law or clause regarding the availability or appropriation of funds, sovereign immunity, or any other immunity, restriction, or limitation on payment or recovery provided by law.

(6) The State of South Carolina's total liability for any obligation under any clause imposing any duty of confidentiality or non-disclosure shall not exceed an amount equal to fifty thousand dollars. [07-7B117-1]

PRICE ADJUSTMENTS (JAN 2006)

(1) Method of Adjustment. Any adjustment in the contract price made pursuant to a clause in this contract shall be consistent with this Contract and shall be arrived at through whichever one of the following ways is the most valid approximation of the actual cost to the Contractor (including profit, if otherwise allowed):

(a) by agreement on a fixed price adjustment before commencement of the pertinent performance or as soon thereafter as practicable;

(b) by unit prices specified in the Contract or subsequently agreed upon;

(c) by the costs attributable to the event or situation covered by the relevant clause, including profit if otherwise allowed, all as specified in the Contract; or subsequently agreed upon;

(d) in such other manner as the parties may mutually agree; or,

(e) in the absence of agreement by the parties, through a unilateral initial written determination by the Procurement Officer of the costs attributable to the event or situation covered by the clause, including profit if otherwise allowed, all as computed by the Procurement Officer in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, subject to the provisions of Title 11, Chapter 35, Article 17 of the S.C. Code of Laws.

(2) Submission of Price or Cost Data. Upon request of the Procurement Officer, the contractor shall provide reasonably available factual information to substantiate that the price or cost offered, for any price adjustments is reasonable, consistent with the provisions of Section 11-35-1830.

[07-7B160-1]

PRICING DATA -- AUDIT -- INSPECTION (JAN 2006)

[Clause Included Pursuant to Section 11-35-1830, - 2210, & -2220] (a) Cost or Pricing Data. Upon Procurement Officer's request, you shall submit cost or pricing data, as defined by 48 C.F.R. Section 2.101 (2004), prior to either (1) any award to contractor pursuant to 11-35-1530 or 11-35-1560, if the total contract price exceeds $500,000, or (2) execution of a change order or contract modification with contractor which exceeds $100,000. Your price, including profit or fee, shall be adjusted to exclude any significant sums by which the state finds that such price was increased because you furnished cost or pricing data that was inaccurate, incomplete, or not current as of the date agreed upon between parties. (b) Records Retention. You shall maintain your records for three years from the date of final payment, or longer if requested by the chief Procurement Officer. The state may audit your records at reasonable times and places. As used in this subparagraph (b), the term "records" means any books or records that relate to cost or pricing data submitted pursuant to this clause. In addition to the obligation stated in this subparagraph (b), you shall retain all records and allow any audits provided for by 11-35-2220(2). (c) Inspection. At reasonable times, the state may inspect any part of your place of business which is related to performance of the work. (d) Instructions Certification. When you submit data pursuant to subparagraph (a), you shall (1) do so in accordance with the instructions appearing in Table 15-2 of 48 C.F.R. Section 15.408 (2004) (adapted as necessary for the state context), and (2) submit a Certificate of Current Cost or Pricing Data, as prescribed by 48 CFR Section 15.406-2(a) (adapted as necessary for the state context). (e) Subcontracts. You shall include the above text of this clause in all of your subcontracts. (f) Nothing in this clause limits any other rights of the state. [07-7B185-1]

RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES (JAN 2006)

Neither party is an employee, agent, partner, or joint venturer of the other. Neither party has the right or ability to bind the other to any agreement with a third party or to incur any obligation or liability on behalf of the other party. [07-7B205-1]

SUBCONTRACTOR SUBSTITUTION PROHIBITED - RESIDENT SUBCONTRACTOR PREFERENCE (SEP 2009)

If you receive an award as a result of the subcontractor preference, you may not substitute any business for the subcontractor upon which you relied to qualify for the preference, unless first approved in writing by the procurement officer. If you violate this provision, the State may terminate your contract for cause and you may be debarred. In addition, the procurement officer may require you to pay the State an amount equal to twice the difference between the price paid by the State and the price offered by the next lowest bidder, unless the substituted subcontractor qualifies for the preference. [11-35-1524(D)(5)(c)] [07-7B237-1]

TERM OF CONTRACT -- EFFECTIVE DATE / INITIAL CONTRACT PERIOD (JAN 2006)

The effective date of this contract is the first day of the Maximum Contract Period as specified on the final statement of award. The initial term of this agreement is 0 years, 3 months, 10 days from the effective date. Regardless, this contract expires no later than the last date stated on the final statement of award. [07-7B240-1]

TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE (JAN 2006)

(1) Termination. The Procurement Officer may terminate this contract in whole or in part, for the convenience of the State. The Procurement Officer shall give written notice of the termination to the contractor specifying the part of the contract terminated and when termination becomes effective.

(2) Contractor's Obligations. The contractor shall incur no further obligations in connection with the terminated work and on the date set in the notice of termination the contractor will stop work to the extent specified. The contractor shall also terminate outstanding orders and subcontracts as they relate to the terminated work. The contractor shall settle the liabilities and claims arising out of the termination of subcontracts and orders connected with the terminated work. The Procurement Officer may direct the contractor to assign the contractor's right, title, and interest under terminated orders or subcontracts to the State. The contractor must still complete the work not terminated by the notice of termination and may incur obligations as are necessary to do so.

(3) Right to Supplies. The Procurement Officer may require the contractor to transfer title and deliver to the State in the manner and to the extent directed by the Procurement Officer: (a) any completed supplies; and (b) such partially completed supplies and materials, parts, tools, dies, jigs, fixtures, plans, drawings, information, and contract rights (hereinafter called "manufacturing material") as the contractor has specifically produced or specially acquired for the performance of the terminated part of this contract. The contractor shall, upon direction of the Procurement Officer, protect and preserve property in the possession of the contractor in which the State has an interest. If the Procurement Officer does not exercise this right, the contractor shall use best efforts to sell such supplies and manufacturing materials in a accordance with the standards of Uniform Commercial Code Section 2-706. Utilization of this Section in no way implies that the State has breached the contract by exercise of the Termination for Convenience Clause.

(4) Compensation. (a) The contractor shall submit a termination claim specifying the amounts due because of the termination for convenience together with cost or pricing data required by Section 11-35-1830 bearing on such claim. If the contractor fails to file a termination claim within one year from the effective date of termination, the Procurement Officer may pay the contractor, if at all, an amount set in accordance with Subparagraph (c) of this Paragraph.

(b) The Procurement Officer and the contractor may agree to a settlement and that the settlement does not exceed the total contract price plus settlement costs reduced by payments previously made by the State, the proceeds of any sales of supplies and manufacturing materials under Paragraph (3) of this clause, and the contract price of the work not terminated;

(c) Absent complete agreement under Subparagraph (b) of this Paragraph, the Procurement Officer shall pay the contractor the following amounts, provided payments agreed to under Subparagraph (b) shall not duplicate payments under this Subparagraph:

(i) contract prices for supplies or services accepted under the contract;

(ii) costs reasonably incurred in performing the terminated portion of the work less amounts paid or to be paid for accepted supplies or services;

(iii) reasonable costs of settling and paying claims arising out of the termination of subcontracts or orders pursuant to Paragraph (2) of this clause. These costs must not include costs paid in accordance with Subparagraph (c)(ii) of this paragraph;

(iv) any other reasonable costs that have resulted from the termination. The total sum to be paid the contractor under this Subparagraph shall not exceed the total contract price plus the reasonable settlement costs of the contractor reduced by the amount of payments otherwise made, the proceeds of any sales of supplies and manufacturing materials under Subparagraph (b) of this Paragraph, and the contract price of work not terminated.

(d) Contractor must demonstrate any costs claimed, agreed to, or established under Subparagraphs (b) and (c) of this Paragraph using its standard record keeping system, provided such system is consistent with any applicable Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

(5) Contractor's failure to include an appropriate termination for convenience clause in any subcontract shall not (i) affect the State's right to require the termination of a subcontract, or (ii) increase the obligation of the State beyond what it would have been if the subcontract had contained an appropriate clause.

[07-7B265-1]

SAP

VIII. BIDDING SCHEDULE / PRICE-BUSINESS PROPOSAL

BIDDING SCHEDULE (NOV 2007)

SAP

OFFEROR'S CHECKLIST

AVOID COMMON BID/PROPOSAL MISTAKES

Review this checklist prior to submitting your bid/proposal. If you fail to follow this checklist, you risk having your bid/proposal rejected.

DO NOT INCLUDE ANY OF YOUR STANDARD CONTRACT FORMS!

UNLESS EXPRESSLY REQUIRED, DO NOT INCLUDE ANY ADDITIONAL BOILERPLATE CONTRACT CLAUSES.

REREAD YOUR ENTIRE BID/PROPOSAL TO MAKE SURE YOUR BID/PROPOSAL DOES NOT TAKE EXCEPTION TO ANY OF THE STATE'S MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE PROPERLY MARKED ALL PROTECTED, CONFIDENTIAL, OR TRADE SECRET INFORMATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS ENTITLED: SUBMITTING CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. DO NOT MARK YOUR ENTIRE BID/PROPOSAL AS CONFIDENTIAL, TRADE SECRET, OR PROTECTED! DO NOT INCLUDE A LEGEND ON THE COVER STATING THAT YOUR ENTIRE RESPONSE IS NOT TO BE RELEASED!

HAVE YOU PROPERLY ACKNOWLEDGED ALL AMENDMENTS? INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING HOW TO ACKNOWLEDGE AN AMENDMENT SHOULD APPEAR IN ALL AMENDMENTS ISSUED.

MAKE SURE YOUR BID/PROPOSAL INCLUDES A COPY OF THE SOLICITATION COVER PAGE. MAKE SURE THE COVER PAGE IS SIGNED BY A PERSON THAT IS AUTHORIZED TO CONTRACTUALLY BIND YOUR BUSINESS.

MAKE SURE YOUR BID/PROPOSAL INCLUDES THE NUMBER OF COPIES REQUESTED.

CHECK TO ENSURE YOUR BID/PROPOSAL INCLUDES EVERYTHING REQUESTED!

IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT THE SOLICITATION, DO NOT RAISE THOSE CONCERNS IN YOUR RESPONSE! AFTER OPENING, IT IS TOO LATE! IF THIS SOLICITATION INCLUDES A PRE-BID/PROPOSAL CONFERENCE OR A QUESTION & ANSWER PERIOD, RAISE YOUR QUESTIONS AS A PART OF THAT PROCESS! PLEASE SEE INSTRUCTIONS UNDER THE HEADING "SUBMISSION OF QUESTIONS" AND ANY PROVISIONS REGARDING PREBID/PROPOSAL CONFERENCES.

This checklist is included only as a reminder to help offerors avoid common mistakes. Responsiveness will be evaluated against the solicitation, not against this checklist. You do not need to return this checklist with your response.

SAP

IMPORTANT TAX NOTICE - NONRESIDENTS ONLY

Withholding Requirements for Payments to Nonresidents: Section 12-8-550 of the South Carolina Code of Laws requires persons hiring or contracting with a nonresident conducting a business or performing personal services of a temporary nature within South Carolina to withhold 2% of each payment made to the nonresident. The withholding requirement does not apply to (1) payments on purchase orders for tangible personal property when the payments are not accompanied by services to be performed in South Carolina, (2) nonresidents who are not conducting business in South Carolina, (3) nonresidents for contracts that do not exceed $10,000 in a calendar year, or (4) payments to a nonresident who (a) registers with either the S.C. Department of Revenue or the S.C. Secretary of State and (b) submits a Nonresident Taxpayer Registration Affidavit - Income Tax Withholding, Form I-312 to the person letting the contract.

The withholding requirement applies to every governmental entity that uses a contract ("Using Entity"). Nonresidents should submit a separate copy of the Nonresident Taxpayer Registration Affidavit - Income Tax Withholding, Form I-312 to every Using Entity that makes payment to the nonresident pursuant to this solicitation. Once submitted, an affidavit is valid for all contracts between the nonresident and the Using Entity, unless the Using Entity receives notice from the Department of Revenue that the exemption from withholding has been revoked.

_______________________

Section 12-8-540 requires persons making payment to a nonresident taxpayer of rentals or royalties at a rate of $1,200.00 or more a year for the use of or for the privilege of using property in South Carolina to withhold 7% of the total of each payment made to a nonresident taxpayer who is not a corporation and 5% if the payment is made to a corporation. Contact the Department of Revenue for any applicable exceptions.

_______________________

For information about other withholding requirements (e.g., employee withholding), contact the South Carolina Department of Revenue at 1-844-898-8542 or visit the Department's website at: dor.sc.gov