This project requires mandatory electronic bidding and mandatory electronic bid submittals. All specifications, whether Standard, Supplemental or Special Provisions, are hereby amended to delete any references regarding paper bids and the ability to submit paper bid forms. Electronic bidding requires the installation of the InfoTech Express Sign Tool and the generation of an InfoTech Digital ID for the business authorized signer. The bidder must submit request for Digital ID approval and activation prior to bid acceptance. The electronic bidding service offers customer support that may be reached at 888-352-2439 between the hours of 6:00 AM 7:00 PM (CTZ) or via email at support@bidexpress.com. The contractor is responsible for investigating and complying with electronic bid submission with and through the electronic bidding service. It is recommended that bidders navigate the service in advance to upcoming bid deadlines. All bids must be submitted electronically. No paper bids will be accepted. 5. Preference is given to materials, supplies, and provisions that are produced, manufactured, or grown in Louisiana, quality being equal to articles offered by competitors outside the State. 6. All bids must be accompanied by bid security equal to five percent (5%) of the sum of the base bid and all alternates, and must be in the form of an electronic bid bond as described in LSA--R.S. 38:2212 E.(1) per the standards adopted by the office of the governor, division of administration and the office of the information technology as provided for in LAC 4:X.701. Bid security shall be written by a surety or insurance company currently on the U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Management Service list of approved bonding companies which is published annually in the Federal Register, or by a Louisiana domiciled insurance company with at least an A- rating in the latest printing of the A.M. Bests Key Rating Guide to write individual bonds up to ten percent of policyholders surplus as shown in the A.M. Bests Key Rating Guide or by an insurance company in good standing licensed to write bid bonds which is either domiciled in Louisiana or owned by Louisiana residents, all in accordance with LSA--R.S. 38:2218. No Bid Bond indicating an obligation of less than five percent (5%) by any method is acceptable. The contractor is responsible for investigating and complying with electronic bid bond submission with and through the electronic bidding service. 7. The successful bidder shall be required to furnish a Performance and Payment Bond, each in an amount equal to 100% of the Contract amount, which shall be written by a surety or insurance company currently on the U.S. Department of the Treasury Financial Management Service list of approved bonding companies which is published annually in the Federal Register, or by a Louisiana domiciled insurance company with at least an A- rating in the latest printing of the A.M. Bests Key Rating Guide to write individual bonds up to ten percent of policyholders surplus as shown in the A.M. Bests Key Rating Guide or by an insurance company in good standing licensed to write bid bonds which is either domiciled in Louisiana or owned by Louisiana residents, all in accordance with LSA--R.S. 38:2219. The successful bidder shall be required to have 5% or 10% retainage withheld from all payments. 8. Bids shall be accepted only from contractors who are licensed under LSA--R.S. 37:2150-2163 for the classification of Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction. No bid may be withdrawn for a period of forty-five (45) days after receipt of bids, except under the provisions of LSAR.S. 38:2214. 9. The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids for just cause as permitted by LA R.S. 38:2214B. The ability of an Entity to reject any bid is applicable only when administered in accordance with the Public Bid Law. In accordance with LSA--R.S. 38:2212B.(1), the provisions and requirements of this Section, and those stated in the bidding documents shall not be waived by any entity. 10. The public shall incur no obligation to the Contractor until the Contract between the Parish and the Contractor is fully executed. 11. Official action on this bid will be taken within forty-five (45) days by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, except as may be extended by mutual written consent with the lowest responsible bidder.