DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT: The Project is generally described as follows: Remove existing Livestock Barn 'N,' provide new Poultry Barn 'T' and Shop Building 'Q,' Storage Building, Greenhouse, New Administration/Food Science Building with food processing area and Classrooms as indicated on the drawings and specifications to include all general construction, site work, heating, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing and all other work as indicated on the construction documents. Each proposal must be accompanied by proposal security in the amount of five percent (5%) of the total proposal, including all additive alternatives, pledging that the successful Offeror will, within 30 calendar days after the successful Offeror is notified of receipt of its proposal, enter into a written contract with the Owner on the terms stated in the "Proposal Documents", as evidenced by the unconditional execution and delivery of such contract, and furnish payment and performance bonds, evidence of insurance and other submittals as required by the "Proposal Documents". Should the successful Offeror fail or refuse to enter into such contract or furnish such bonds or evidence of insurance within the time abovestated, such proposal security shall be forfeited to the Owner as damages, not as a penalty. Such proposal security shall be in the form of cash, certified funds payable to the order of the Owner, or a bond in favor of the Owner. INSURANCE & PAYMENT & PERFORMANCE BONDS: The Offeror shall include evidence of its ability to obtain the required bonds and insurance, and the ability to cover operating expenses. Such evidence includes pertinent bank, bonding company, and creditor references, with account numbers, points of contact, and telephone numbers. Each Offeror shall be capable of furnishing payment and performance bonds, each in the amount of 100% of the contract sum. TIME OF COMMENCEMENT AND COMPLETION: The Project must be complete and ready for occupancy not later than December 16, 2024 assuming that the successful Offeror is given notice of its top ranking on or before October 25, 2023. Any proposal must provide for final completion by this date. The Notice to Proceed may be issued up to forty-five (45) consecutive calendar days following the Notice of Award. The Contractor shall take this period into account in the preparation of its Proposal. No claim for additional time shall be considered unless this period is exceeded. ESTIMATED PROJECT BUDGET: $20,000,000.00. Should you have any questions regarding the bidding process, please contact the Purchasing Department via telephone at (210) 397-8710 or via email at purchasing@nisd.net. The Owner shall have the right to retain the security of all Offerors to whom an award is being considered until either (i) the Contract has been unconditionally executed and delivered by the parties and any required payment and performance bonds, evidence of insurance and other submittals have been furnished, or (ii) all proposals have been rejected by the Owner without the acceptance of any proposal.