Send questions, site-visit requests, and proposed equivalents to the project contact by the stated deadline. All bidders will receive equal site access opportunities and material information. Only written County addenda change this solicitation. Proposed equivalents must document dimensions, materials, finish, performance, safety, serviceability, and compatibility. The County will identify accepted equivalents for all bidders by addendum; silence is not approval. Submit questions by email. Written answers and addenda will be posted on the County bid page and distributed to registered bidders and question submitters by the published answer deadline.
State the manufacturer and model offered for each listed component. DA-1 is the only requested alternate; unapproved alternates will not be evaluated. Award ranking is based on the total base bid; the County may accept the selected bidder's documented DA-1 credit with award. Any change to that basis must be published before bids are due. If an unresolved condition would require a materially different scope, request a pre-bid clarification rather than qualify the proposal. The County may extend the deadline when an addendum materially changes the work. The selected contractor may not subcontract work without prior written County consent.
After installation, complete required inspections and tests, correct deficiencies, demonstrate normal and emergency operation and communication functions, and obtain approval for lawful return to service. Provide inspection/permit records, as-built or final shop drawings, operation and maintenance instructions, warranty certificates, keys and necessary operating credentials, and staff familiarization. County acceptance follows satisfactory completion and delivery of these items.
Provide a minimum one-year warranty for new equipment and installation workmanship beginning at County acceptance, in addition to longer manufacturer warranties. Correct covered defects at no additional cost. Identify the service contact and response arrangements. This requirement does not purchase a separate ongoing maintenance agreement.
Submit a firm lump-sum base bid with the requested breakdown. Include labor, equipment, supplies, shipping, rigging, disposal, engineering incidental to installation, permits, tests, bonds, insurance, overhead, profit and applicable taxes. Related owner work in Section 5 is excluded unless added by written addendum. The County will confirm its construction sales-tax certificate treatment before release, so every bidder uses the same basis.
Progress payments will be based on approved itemized applications for completed work and approved delivered materials. Advance deposits and charges for off-site storage are not authorized unless the published agreement expressly provides for them. Retainage and final payment shall comply with Iowa Code chapter 573. No escalation, restocking, storage, or extra work charges are payable without prior written County authorization. Commencement requires an executed agreement, approved bond, insurance, and written notice to proceed.
Proposals may be subject to public disclosure. Identify and explain any claimed statutory confidentiality; the County cannot guarantee confidentiality. Contractors must comply with applicable equal employment and nondiscrimination requirements. Minority, women-owned and disadvantaged businesses are encouraged to participate.