A copy of the bidding documents (drawings and project manual) shall be available for review at the office of the Architect, at the Owner's office. Contract, if awarded, will be on a stipulated sum basis for the project listed above. No bids may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days after date of opening. Bids must be accompanied by a bid bond payable to Owner , in the amount equal to five percent (5%) of the base bid, (certified checks are NOT acceptable). Performance Bond, and Labor and Material Payment Bond, each in amounts equal to 100% of the Contract Sum, will be required of the successful bidder. These bonds are to be executed by a Surety Company licensed to do business in the State of Georgia be listed on the "Department of Treasury" Circular 570, and have an A. M. Best Company rating of minimum Class "A" , with financial size VI or better. A Payment Bond and a Performance Bond, in the amount 100% of the value of the respective subcontractor's work, will be required of the Fire Proofing, Mechanical/HVAC, Plumbing, Sprinkler, Electrical, and Roofing Subcontractors. While bidders are not required to be licensed General Contractors all bidders must be licensed in the State of Georgia and furnish to the Architect a completed Contract's Qualification Statement (AIA Document A305) to be evaluated by Owner and Architect prior to obtaining bidding documents. Plans and Specifications will not be released prior to approval. Bidders who do not submit the A305 Statement will be subject to disqualification. The A305 must show the Contractor's ability to complete the Contract in a satisfactory manner on projects of similar scope and complexity. References from past clients and projects must be included and will be verified. Representative must be Project Manager or Estimator directly responsible for the bidding of this project. No new bidders will be added after the Pre-Bid Conference. Any bidder may be required, at the discretion of the Owner, to furnish evidence that the proposed subcontractors have sufficient means and experience in the types of work indicated to insure completion of the work in a satisfactory manner. Any bidder that is disqualified may respond to the Owner in writing within twenty (20) days of the Notice of Disqualification indicating why said Bidder feels the disqualification is unfounded. The written appeal from the disqualified bidder will not change the decision already made on this project; however, a favorable appeal may open the way for the bidder in question to bid on future Gwinnett County School System projects. In any case, the Owner's decision shall be deemed final. Time is of the essence. A written Notice to Proceed will be issued after the Pre-Construction Conference upon acceptance and approval of all Contracts, Bonds, Insurance, etc. Contractor shall mobilize within ten (10) days of the date of the written Notice to Proceed. The start date for the work will be May 23, 2024. All work outlined in the Contract Documents must be substantially complete by July 19, 2024. The Owner will make payments to the successful Contractor upon receipt of Requests for Payment, approved by the Architect, as fully covered and shown in the Contract Documents. Retainage and described in the specifications and General Conditions of the Contract will be withheld. The above description is an advertisement for submission of bids; bids are to be considered as offers for performance of work by the submitting party. The Owner reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities.