In accordance with General Statute GS 133-3, Specifications may list one or more preferred brands as an alternate to the base bid in limited circumstances. Specifications containing a preferred brand alternate under this section must identify the performance standards that support the preference. Performance standards for the preference must be approved in advance by the owner in an open meeting. Any alternate approved by the owner shall be approved only where (i) the preferred alternate will provide cost savings, maintain or improve the functioning of any process or system affected by the preferred item or items, or both, and (ii) a justification identifying these criteria is made available in writing to the public. In accordance with GS133-3 procedures the following preferred brand items are being considered as Alternates by the owner for this project: A. Preferred Brand Alternate: Door Hardware; Corbin-Russwin. Justification of any approvals will be made available to the public in writing no later than seven (7) days prior to bid date. NOTE: The bidder shall identify on its bid proposal the minority business participation it will use on the project (Identification of Minority Business Participation) form and shall include either Affidavit A or Affidavit B as applicable. Forms and instructions are included within the Proposal Form in the bid documents. Failure to complete these forms is grounds for rejection of the bid. (GS143-128.2c Effective 1/1/2002.) All contractors are hereby notified that they must have proper license as required under the state laws governing their respective trades. General contractors are notified that Chapter 87, Article 1, General Statutes of North Carolina, will be observed in receiving and awarding general contracts. General contractors submitting bids on this project must have license classification for Building Contractor. Under GS 87-1, a contractor that superintends or manages construction of any building, highway, public utility, grading, structure or improvement shall be deemed a "general contractor" and shall be so licensed. Therefore, a single prime project that involves other trades will require the single prime contractor to hold a proper General Contractors license. Said deposit shall be retained by the owner as liquidated damages in event of failure of the successful bidder to execute the contract within ten days after the award or to give satisfactory surety as required by law. Contractors will comply with Federal and State E-Verify Requirements. Payment will be made based on ninety-five percent (95%) of monthly estimates and final payment made upon completion and acceptance of work. No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for the receipt of bids for a period of 60 days. The owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive informalities.