Any bidder may be required, at the discretion of the Owner, to furnish evidence satisfactory to the Owner that his proposed subcontractors have sufficient means and experience in the types of work called for to assure completion of the contract in a satisfactory manner. Any bidder that is disqualified may respond to the Owner in writing within 20 days of the Notice of Disqualification as to why the bidder feels that the disqualification is unfounded. The written appeal from the disqualified bidder willnot 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 Public School System projects. A copy of the bidding documents, including drawings and project manuals shall be available at the Architect=s office and the Owner=s office for viewing only. Contract, if awarded, will be on a lump sum basis. The bid may not be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days after date of opening. Bids must be accompanied by a bid bond payable to the Gwinnett County Board of Education, in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the Base Bid Performance Bond and Labor and Material Payment Bond, each 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 "Department of the Treasury Circular 570" and have an A.M. Best Company rating of at least Class "A", with a Financial Size of VI or better. Bonds must be accompanied by letter stating company's current rating for verification prior to acceptance by the Owner and execution of the formal Owner/Contractor agreement. Time is of the essence to the Contract performance. Notice to Proceed will be issued after the Pre-Construction meeting as soon as all required paperwork such as Contracts, Bonds, Insurance, etc. are in order. Contractor shall mobilize within ten (10) days of Notice to Proceed. Construction can begin during the school year on weekends and during student breaks as approved by the Owner. Full access to the building will begin on Thursday, May 23, 2024. All construction must be substantially complete by July 19, 2024. The Owner will make payments to the successful Contractor upon receipt of requests for payments, having been certified by the Architect, as fully covered and shown in the plans and specifications. Retainage as prescribed in the specifications and General Conditions of the Contract will be withheld.