All questions regarding this project need to be submitted in writing via email to the Architect, Dineen West at dineen@grcinc.com. All questions must be submitted no later than November 7, 2023, by the close of business. Questions will be answered in an addendum that will be issued no later than November 9, 2023. A bid bond or certified check in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total of the bid is required. Certified checks should be made payable to Sullivan County Trustee. Certified checks will be deposited and refunded within five (5) days after bid opening except for the two (2) lowest bidders. The remaining bid bonds or refund checks will be returned promptly after the Owner and accepted bidder have executed the contract. The successful bidder will be required to execute acceptable Performance and Payment Bonds in an amount equal to one hundred (100%) percent of the contract price. This project is being funded by the Public School Security Grant, with funds administered by the Tennessee Department of Education. Qualified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) are encouraged to submit. By submission of a signed bid, the bidder certifies total compliance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and all regulations promulgated thereunder. All bidders must be licensed State of Tennessee Contractors as required by the Contractors Licensing Act of 1994 (TCA Title 62, Chapter 6). A Bid Envelope Cover Sheet has been included in the bid documents. The Bid Envelope Cover must be completed and attached to the sealed envelope. No bid will be opened unless the outside of the sealed envelope containing the bid provides the following information: the Bidder's name, license number, classification of license and date of expiration and a quotation of that part of his classification applying to the bid; the Geothermal, HVAC, Masonry, Plumbing, Mechanical, Sprinkler, Electrical and Roofing subcontractor's name, license number expiration date and license classification, if any, must also appear on the Envelope Cover. If no Subcontractors are being used, the outside of the envelope must state, "No Subcontractors are being used on this project". The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any informality or irregularity in the bid received and to accept or reject any and all items of any bid. No Bidder may modify, withdraw, or cancel a bid within thirty (30) calendar days after the actual date of the opening thereof