10-IFB-2312234512-YB - Global Produce and Floral Show

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Marketing Division, is soliciting bids under an Invitation for Bid for exhibit set up services for the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce and Floral Show, scheduled for October 14–16, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, with optional performance years extending through 2028 in Atlanta and Anaheim. The solicitation requires vendors to provide all necessary labor, equipment, materials, transportation, and drayage to install and dismantle a 20'x60' pavilion divided into twelve 10'x10' exhibits with custom white dividing walls, twelve light maple counters with lockable storage, 24 high-back stools, 36 standard conference chairs, 12 small round tables, 12 waste baskets, and 12 backlit digital graphics, as well as a 20'x20' pavilion with two tables, eight chairs, and custom light green carpeting. All items must comply with OSHA standards and safety certifications from recognized organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the American Gas Association for pressure, electrical, and gas-operated assemblies. Bids must be submitted via the Sourcing Tool by August 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET, and must include the executed IFB documents, pricing forms for Year 1 and optional Years 2 and 3, a booth CAD drawing, proof of at least five years of experience in similar projects, customer references, vendor worker location details, and a certified financial condition statement. Evaluation is based on responsiveness, completeness, content, cost, and responsibility, with award going to the lowest-priced responsive bid; proposed tariff surcharges may also influence the selection. Non-compliance with mandatory pass/fail gates—including experience, CAD drawing, references, past performance, and financial stability—will render a bid non-responsive. The contract is structured as a one-year base term with two optional one-year renewals. All contractors must be registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State, may not subcontract without state approval, and must not substitute key personnel without written consent. Vendor personnel may be subject to background checks at the vendor’s expense. Invoicing must be single per order, with detailed line-items matching original order specifications, and payment is contingent upon successful inspection and formal acceptance by the Contract Manager within ten calendar days of completion. Vendors must certify compliance