REQUEST FOR BID #16-03 August 5, 2002

UNIVERSITY OF MAINE

PURCHASING DEPARTMENT

ORONO, MAINE 04469-5765

 

SERVICES AGREEMENT

 

1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

 

        1.1 The University of Maine System, acting through The University of Maine, is seeking services as outlined in the attached documents.

        For reference, the University of Maine will hereinafter be referred to as the "University." Firms responding to this Request for Bid shall be referred to as "Bidders", and the firm selected to provide services to the University shall be referred to as the "Contractor."

        1.2 Scope of Work: The University of Maine seeks to establish a towing contract to provide services as requested by the Parking Services Office and Public Safety. The contract may include, but is not limited to, towing of improperly parked vehicles obstructing emergency lanes, walkways, handicapped parking spaces and snow removal, police impoundment, seizure of evidence, and motor vehicle accidents. The Contractor shall tow and impound as necessary any vehicle from University property upon the request of the University's Parking Services Manager or the University's Public Safety department.

 

        1.3 Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the low bidder provided that all other requirements are satisfactorily met. However, consideration will be given to: age and condition of tow vehicles and proximity of vehicle storage area to campus.

        1.4 Award: The University reserves the right to reject any or all bids, in whole or in part and is not necessarily bound to accept the lowest bid if that bid is contrary to the best interests of the University. The University reserves the right to waive minor irregularities. Scholarships, donations, or gifts to the University, will not be considered in the evaluation of bids/proposals. A bid may be rejected if it is in any way incomplete or irregular. When there are tie bids, there shall be a preference for "in-state bidders". When tie bids are both in-state or both out-of-state, the award will be made to the bid that arrives first in the Purchasing Department.

        1.5 Award Protest: Bidders may appeal the award decision by submitting a written protest to the Director of Purchasing within five (5) business days of the award notice, with a copy to the successful bidder. The protest must contain a statement of the basis for the challenge.

        1.6 Costs of Preparation: Bidder assumes all costs of preparation of the bid and any presentations necessary to the bidding process.

        1.7 Debarment: Submission of a signed bid or proposal in response to this solicitation is certification that your firm (or any subcontractor) is not currently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction by any State or Federal department or agency. Submission is also agreement that the University will be notified of any change in this status.

2.0 BIDDING REQUIREMENTS

        2.1 Pre-Bid Preparation: Before submitting a bid, the bidder may visit the site of the proposed work to become fully acquainted with existing conditions, facilities, difficulties and restrictions. Appointments may be made with the Parking Services Manager during normal working hours. Telephone 207-5814047.

        2.2 Bid Understanding: By submitting a bid, the bidder agrees and assures that the specifications are adequate, and the bidder accepts the terms and conditions herein. Any exceptions should be noted in your response.

        2.3 Communication with the University: It is the responsibility of the bidder to inquire about any requirement of this RFB that is not understood. Responses to inquiries, if they change or clarify the RFB in a substantial manner, will be forwarded by addenda to all parties that have received a copy of the RFB. Addenda will also be posted on our web site, www.umaine.edu/purchasing/. The University will not be bound by oral responses to inquiries or written responses other than addenda.

Inquiries must be made to: Richard Guthrie

Purchasing Department Room 101

University of Maine

5765 Service Building

Orono, Maine 04469-5765

(207) 581-3734

        2.4 Submission: A signed original plus 1copy of the bid must be received at the University Purchasing Department, 5765 Service Building, Orono, Maine 04469-5765, no later than 2:00 P.M. local time Tuesday, August 20, 2002, for a public opening. Bidders are strongly encouraged to submit bids in advance of the due date to avoid the possibility of missing the 2:00 deadline due to unforeseen circumstances. Vendors assume the risk of the methods of dispatch chosen. The University assumes no responsibility for delays caused by any package or mail delivery service. Postmarking by the due date WILL NOT substitute for receipt of bid. Bids must be date and time stamped by the Purchasing Department on time to be considered. In the event that the University is closed due to inclement weather at the time that a bid is due, the bid will be opened at the same time on the next day that the University is open. Vendors may wish to call 207-581-SNOW or 800-581-SNOW if the weather is bad, to learn if the University has closed. Bids received after the due date and time will be returned unopened. Additional time will not be granted to any single vendor, however, additional time may be granted to all vendors when the University determines that circumstances require it. FAXED BIDS OR E-MAIL BIDS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

 

3.0 GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

        3.1 Assignment: Neither party of the Contract shall assign the Contract without the prior written consent of the other, nor shall the Contractor assign any money due or to become due without the prior written consent of the University.

        3.2 Contract Documents: If a separate contract is not written, the contract entered into by the parties shall consist of the Request for Bids, the signed bid submitted by the Contractor, the specifications including all modifications thereof, and a purchase order or letter of agreement requiring signatures of the University and the Contractor, all of which shall be referred to collectively as the Contract Documents.

        3.3 Contract Modification and Amendment: The parties may adjust the specific terms of this contract (except for pricing and/or commission) where circumstances beyond the control of either party require modification or amendment. Any modification or amendment proposed by the Contractor must be in writing to the Purchasing Department. Any agreed upon modification or amendment must be in writing and signed by both parties.

        3.4 Contract Term: The contract term shall be for a period of one (1) year commencing upon signing. With mutual written agreement of the parties this contract may be extended for two (2) additional one-year periods.

        3.5 Contract Validity: In the event one or more clauses of the contract are declared invalid, void, unenforceable or illegal, that shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of the contract.

        3.6 Cancellation/Termination: If the Contractor defaults in its agreement to provide personnel or equipment to the University's satisfaction, or in any other way fails to provide service in accordance with the contract terms, the University shall promptly notify the Contractor of such default and if adequate correction is not made within fourteen (14) days, the University may take whatever action it deems necessary to provide alternate services and may, at its option, immediately cancel this Contract with written notice. Except for such cancellation for cause by the University, either the University or the Contractor may terminate this Contract by giving ninety (90) days advance written notice to the other party. Cancellation does not release the Contractor from its obligation to provide goods or services per the terms of the contract during the notification period.

        3.7 Contract Administration: The University of Maine Purchasing Department or its designee shall be the University's authorized representative in all matters pertaining to the administration of this contract.

        3.8 Clarification of Responsibilities: If the Contractor needs clarification of or deviation from the terms of the contract, it is the Contractor's responsibility to obtain written clarification or approval from Paul Paradis, Parking Services Manager.

        3.9 Equal Opportunity: In the execution of the contract, the Contractor and all subcontractors agree, consistent with University of Maine System policy, not to discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or citizenship status, age, disability or veterans status and to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

        3.10 Indemnification: The Contractor agrees to be responsible for, and to protect, save harmless, and indemnify the University from and against all loss, damage, cost and expense (including attorney's fees) suffered or sustained by the University or for which the University may be held or become liable by reason of injury (including death) to persons or property or other causes whatsoever, in connection with the operations of the Contractor or any subcontractor under this agreement.

        3.11 Independent Contractor: Whether the Contractor is a corporation, partnership, other legal entity, or an individual, the Contractor is an independent contractor. If the Contractor is an individual, the Contractor's duties will be performed with the understanding that the Contractor is a self-employed person, has special expertise as to the services which the Contractor is to perform and is customarily engaged in the independent performance of the same or similar services for others. The manner in which the services are performed shall be controlled by the Contractor; however, the nature of the services and the results to be achieved shall be specified by the University. The Contractor is not to be deemed an employee or agent of the University and has no authority to make any binding commitments or obligations on behalf of the University except as expressly provided herein. The University of Maine System has prepared specific guidelines to be used for contractual agreements with individuals (not corporations or partnerships) who are not considered employees of the System.

 

        3.12 Contractor's Liability Insurance: During the term of this agreement, the Contractor shall maintain the following insurance:

Insurance Type Coverage Limit

1. Commercial General Liability $1,000,000 per occurrence or more

(Written on an Occurrence-based form) (Bodily Injury and Property Damage)

2. Automobile Liability $1,000,000 per occurrence or more

(Including Hired & Non-Owned) (Bodily Injury and Property Damage)

3. Workers Compensation Required for all personnel

Employers Liability minimum limits:

Bodily injury by accident: $100,000 each accident

Bodily injury by disease: $100,000 each accident

Bodily injury by disease: $500,000 policy limit

        The University of Maine System shall be named as Additional Insured on the Commercial General Liability insurance.

Certificates of Insurance for all of the above insurance shall be filed with:

University of Maine Purchasing Department

5765 Service Building

Orono, Maine 04469

        Certificates shall be filed prior to the date of performance under this Agreement. Said certificates, in addition to proof of coverage, shall contain the standard Acord statement pertaining to written notification in the event of cancellation, with a thirty (30) day notification period.

        As additional insured and certificate holder, the University should be included as follows:

The University of Maine System

Office of Facilities

107 Maine Avenue

Bangor, ME 04401

        3.13 Litigation: This Contract and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Maine. The Contractor agrees that any litigation, action or proceeding arising out of this Contract, shall be instituted in a state court located in the State of Maine.

        3.14 University Policies: All employees, agents or subcontractors of the Contractor who enter the University campus for any reason relating to this contract shall at all times abide by and adhere to all University policies relating to sexual harassment and discrimination of all types. Further information on these policies may be obtained from the Office of Equal Opportunity, University of Maine (207-581-1226).

        3.15 Smoking Policy: The University of Maine System must comply with the "Work place Smoking Act of 1985" and MRSA title 22, 1541 et seq, "Smoking Prohibited in Public Places." In compliance with this law, the University of Maine System has prohibited smoking in all University System buildings except in designated smoking areas. This rule must also apply to all contractors and workers in existing University System buildings. The Contractor shall be responsible for the implementation and enforcement of this requirement within existing buildings.

        3.16 Billing and Collections: All billing and collections shall be the responsibility of the Contractor. The University shall have no obligations for money due or to become due to the Contractor for towing vehicles from University property.

 

4.0 PERFORMANCE TERMS AND CONDITIONS

        4.1 Condition and Care of Property and Protection of the Work: The Contractor shall continuously maintain adequate protection of all work covered by the Contract from damage or loss and shall protect the property from injury or loss arising in connection with this Contract, and shall make good any such damage, injury or loss. The Contractor shall adequately protect adjacent property as provided by law and the Contract Documents.

        4.2 Employees: The Contractor shall employ only competent and satisfactory personnel, and shall provide a sufficient number of employees to perform the required services efficiently and in a manner satisfactory to the University. If the Contract Administrator or designee notifies the Contractor in writing that any person employed on this contractor is incompetent, disorderly, or otherwise unsatisfactory, such person shall not again be employed in the execution of this contract without the written consent of the Contract Administrator.

        4.3 Response Time: Contractor shall provide a daytime response time of ten (10) minutes and a nighttime response of thirty (30) minutes. An immediate response will be required for all emergency calls. Response time is the difference between the time the Contractor is notified and the time the wrecker arrives at the required location. Emergency conditions, as verified by local media or traffic enforcement could be acceptable exception of response time requirement. Equipment or personnel shortage, or lack of availability would not be an acceptable reason for failure to meet response time.

        4.4 Equipment: Contractor shall have a sufficient number and adequately equipped wreckers to meet the service demands. Wreckers will be subject to state inspection by a State of Maine licensed inspection mechanic.

        4.5 Employees: Contractor shall have personnel on duty or on call 24 hours a day.

        4.6 Release of Vehicles: Contractor shall be available 24 hours a day to release any towed vehicle to a responsible driver or registered owner. Responsible driver shall be able to retrieve personal items from vehicle with a release/responsibility form from Parking Manager.

        4.7 Contractor shall notify Parking Manager on second day of storage.

        4.8 Communications Equipment: Contractor shall be able to communicate with wreckers and with University Public Safety Dispatch at all times.

        4.9 Method of Payment: Contractor shall be able to accept payment for services in cash or a major credit/debit card.

         

5.0 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

        5.1 Required Information:

          a) Provide a list of towing equipment by make, model, year and capacity.

          b) Provide the location and size of off-street storage.

          c) Describe security provisions.

          d) Provide the location of the administrative office.

          e) List the names of all employees who will be performing services under this contract.

          f) Provide your collection procedures policy.

          g) Provide your storage fees policy: how and when they are applied.

          h) Provide information about how your would move a large number of vehicles in a short period of time (25 in two hours).

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

        5.2 References: A list of three references is required to be submitted with your quotation. These references should be agencies your firm has done business with in the past year on projects with a similar scope to this one.

         

Company Name:____________________________________________________

Address:___________________________________________________________

City:__________________ State:______ Zip Code:________________

Contact Person:_____________________________________________________

Phone Number: ( ) _____________ Fax Number: ( ) _____________

 

 

 

Company Name:____________________________________________________

Address:___________________________________________________________

City:__________________ State:______ Zip Code:________________

Contact Person:_____________________________________________________

Phone Number: ( ) _____________ Fax Number: ( ) _____________

 

 

 

Company Name:____________________________________________________

Address:___________________________________________________________

City:__________________ State:______ Zip Code:________________

Contact Person:_____________________________________________________

Phone Number: ( ) _____________ Fax Number: ( ) _____________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            5.3 Price Quotation: The dollar amount of tow fees should be bid in accordance to the following, based on 400 tows per year:

        5.3.1 Single-axle vehicle, straight tow $

        5.3.2 Fee for vehicles requiring a flat bed $

        5.3.3 Non-tow - wrecker is hooked up to vehicle,

        but vehicle is not towed $

        5.2.4 Storage fee, per day, to start 24 hours after tow $

5.3.5 Any other fees that may be charged, please

itemize and provide explanation

5.4 Commissions: The University will not accept commissions or remuneration.

            5.5 Quantities: The quantities shown on the bid form are approximate only. The contract shall cover the actual needs of the University throughout the term of the contract regardless of whether they are more or less than the quantities shown.