Bids shall remain valid for at least sixty (60) days following the Bid Opening ("Bid Period"). If the Owner awards a contract during the Bid Period, the selected Bidder shall promptly execute the contract and otherwise proceed in accordance with and subject to the requirements of the Bidding Documents. Each Bid must be accompanied by a Bid Bond (in the form included within the Bidding Documents, or a substantially equivalent form approved by the Owner, and written by a surety licensed in the State of Indiana) or by a Certified Check. The amount of the Bid Bond or Certified Check shall be not less than five percent (5%) of the total Bid amount, including add alternates (if any). Such bid security shall be subject to forfeiture in the event the contract is awarded to a Bidder during the Bid Period and that Bidder fails to execute the contract or otherwise proceed in accordance with its Bid and/or the requirements of the Bidding Documents. All Bids not accompanied by an appropriate Bid Bond or Certified Check may be rejected as non-responsive. If a contract is awarded it will be to the lowest "responsible and responsive" Bidder in accordance with Ind. Code 36-1-12. The selected Bidder will enter into a contract directly with the Owner. The selected Bidder will also be required to furnish a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond (in the forms included within the Bidding Documents or substantially equivalent forms approved by the Owner), each in the full amount of the Contract Sum and written by a surety licensed in the State of Indiana. The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all Bids and to waive any irregularities and/or informalities. Any Bidder having questions regarding, or requiring clarification or interpretation of, the Bidding Documents shall make a written request to the Construction Manager, John Green, at jgreen@shielsexton.com no later than the deadline for submitting questions set forth in Section O below Deadline for Submittal of Questions June 23, 2023 Award of Contract July 14, 2023 1% participation by DOBEs This Scope of Work includes, but is not limited to the inclusion of all overhead, insurance, permits, supervision, coordination, labor, equipment, tools, material, material handling, hoisting, rigging, surveying, layout, temporary enclosures, etc. to complete the following: a. Division 00 - Procurement & Contracting Requirements b. Division 01 - General Requirements c. All other specification sections are included in this Bid Package