07272026_PM_RFP0000021_1_1_0_08242026_Solicitation_Packet.pdf

Miami-Dade County

7/27/2026

Solicitation Packet for

Solicitation PM-RFP0000021

TPO State Legislative Services

Solicitation Designation: PUBLIC

Table of Contents 1 RFP0000021_-_TPO_State_Legislative_Services.pdf 3 Attachment_A_-_Scope_of_Services.pdf 12 Attachment_B_-_Proposer_Info.pdf 15 Attachment_C_-_Draft_Form_of_Agreement.pdf 17

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

EVENT NO.: RFP0000021

EVENT TITLE: TPO STATE LEGISLATIVE SERVICES

PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE TO BE HELD:

(See Section 1.1 for details)

ISSUED BY MIAMI-DADE COUNTY:

Strategic Procurement Department for Transportation Planning Organization

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY CONTACT FOR THIS SOLICITATION:

Arlene Campbell, Procurement Contracting Officer 111 NW 1st Street, Suite 1300, Miami, Florida 33128

Telephone: (305) 375-5650 E-mail: arlene.campbell@miamidade.gov

PROPOSALS DUE:

On the date and at the time specified in INFORMS. Check INFORMS for potential updates

IT IS THE POLICY OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY (COUNTY) THAT ALL ELECTED AND APPOINTED COUNTY OFFICIALS AND COUNTY EMPLOYEES SHALL ADHERE TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE HONOR CODE (HONOR CODE). THE HONOR CODE

CONSISTS OF MINIMUM STANDARDS REGARDING THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF ALL PUBLIC SERVANTS IN THE COUNTY.

VIOLATION OF ANY OF THE MANDATORY STANDARDS MAY RESULT IN ENFORCEMENT ACTION.

(SEE IMPLEMENTING ORDER 7-7)

Electronic Proposal responses to this RFP are to be submitted through a secure mailbox at Integrated Financial Resources Management System (INFORMS) until the date and time as indicated in this document. It is the sole responsibility of the Proposer to ensure its Proposal reaches INFORMS before the Solicitation closing date and time. There is no cost to the Proposer to submit a Proposal in response to a Miami-Dade County Solicitation via INFORMS. Electronic Proposal submissions may require the uploading of electronic attachments. The submission of attachments containing embedded documents or proprietary file extensions is prohibited. All documents should be attached as separate files. Proposers must allow sufficient time to complete online forms and upload all Proposal documents. All information and documents must be fully entered, uploaded, acknowledged (“Confirm”) and recorded into INFORMS before the date and time of the INFORMS Solicitation End Date, or the system will stop the process and the submission will be considered late and will not be accepted. No part of a Proposal can be submitted via hardcopy, email, or fax. All expenses involved with the preparation and submission of Proposals to the County, or any work performed in connection therewith, shall be borne by the Proposer(s).

A Proposer may submit a modified Proposal to replace all or any portion of a previously submitted Proposal up until the Proposal due date. The County will only consider the latest version of the Proposal.

Requests for additional information or inquiries must be made in writing and submitted using the question/answer feature provided by INFORMS at https://supplier.miamidade.gov. The County will issue responses to inquiries and any changes to this Solicitation it deems necessary via written addenda issued prior to the Proposal due date and time (see Mandatory Online Forms and Addendum Acknowledgement Section of INFORMS site). Proposers who obtain copies of this Solicitation from sources other than through INFORMS risk the possibility of not receiving addenda and are solely responsible for those risks.

If you submit your proposal and subsequently an Addendum is issued, failure to resubmit the proposal by clicking on the “Submit Proposal” button, after acknowledging Addenda or making any edits to your proposal in INFORMS, will result in your proposal not being received by the County.

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Miami-Dade County, FL Event No. RFP0000021

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1.0 PROJECT OVERVIEW AND GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1.1 Introduction

Miami-Dade County, hereinafter referred to as the County, on behalf of the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization (TPO), is soliciting proposals from qualified firms or individuals to provide legislative advocacy services at the State level. The selected firm shall represent and advance the legislative and public policy interests of the TPO and support the development and implementation of strategies that promote initiatives beneficial to the agency and its transportation programs.

The requested services shall support the TPO’s transportation planning responsibilities, regional mobility initiatives, legislative priorities, and transportation funding objectives. Services may include legislative monitoring, policy analysis, strategic advocacy, relationship management with governmental entities and stakeholders, assistance with securing funding opportunities, and representation before State legislative and regulatory bodies.

The TPO anticipates awarding a contract for a five-year term.

The anticipated schedule for this Solicitation is as follows:

Pre-Proposal Conference: August 5, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams meeting, please use the link below to join the webinar from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/219019360057183?p=dosOhFIvlP3uKHmHUB

Meeting ID: 219 019 360 057 183

Passcode: DW3Ly7JZ

Dial in by phone

+1 786-628-2782, 64379010# United States, Miami Find a local number Phone conference ID: 643 790 10#

Should you need an ADA accommodation to participate in a Pre-Proposal Conference (i.e., materials in alternate format, sign language interpreter, etc.), please contact SPD’s ADA Coordinator five days prior to scheduled conference to initiate your request. The ADA Coordinator may be reached by phone at (305) 375-3088 or via email at:

Mariela.Massarotti@miamidade.gov. TTY users may reach the ADA Office by calling the Florida Relay Service at 711.

Deadline for Receipt of Questions: See INFORMS for the scheduled date and time.

Proposal Due Date: See INFORMS for the scheduled date and time.

Evaluation Process: September-October 2026 Projected Award Date: December 2026

1.2 Definitions

The following words and expressions used in this Solicitation shall be construed as follows, except when it is clear from the context that another meaning is intended:

1. The word “Contractor” or “Consultant” to mean the Proposer that receives any award of a contract from the TPO as a result of this

Solicitation.

2. The word “County” to mean Miami-Dade County, a political subdivision of the State of Florida.

3. The words “Joint Venture” to mean an association of two or more persons, partnerships, corporations, or other business entities under a contractual agreement to conduct a specific business enterprise for a specified period with both sharing profits and losses.

The Joint Venture must be a legally formed entity prior to Proposal submission.

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4. The word “Proposal” to mean the properly signed and completed written good faith commitment submitted by the Proposer in response to this Solicitation, as amended or modified through negotiations.

5. The word “Proposer” to mean the person, firm, entity or organization, as stated on the Submittal Form, submitting a Proposal to this

Solicitation.

6. The word “Responsible Proposer” shall refer to a Proposer that has the capability in all respects to fully perform the contract requirements and the integrity and reliability that will assure good faith performance.

7. The words “Responsive Proposer” shall refer to a Proposer that has submitted a Proposal that conforms in all material aspects to the Solicitation.

8. The words “Scope of Services” to mean Section 2.0 of this Solicitation, which details the work to be performed by the Contractor.

9. The word “Solicitation” to mean this Request for Proposals (RFP) document, and all associated addenda and attachments.

10. The words “Subcontractor” or “Subconsultant” to mean any person, firm, entity or organization, other than the employees of the

Contractor, who contracts with the Consultant to furnish labor, or labor and materials, in connection with the Services to the TPO, whether directly or indirectly, on behalf of the Consultant.

11. The letters “TPO” to mean Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization, a political subdivision of the State of Florida.

12. The words “Work”, “Services”, “Program”, or “Project” to mean all matters and things that will be required to be done by the Contractor in accordance with the Scope of Services, and the terms and conditions of this Solicitation.

1.3 General Proposal Information

Pursuant to Florida Statutes Section 287.05701, Proposers are hereby notified that the County will not request documentation of, or consider, the social, ideological or political interests of a Proposer when determining if a Proposer is a responsible vendor nor will the County give preference to a Proposer based on the Proposer’s social, ideological or political interests.

The TPO may, at its sole and absolute discretion, reject any and all or parts of any or all Proposals; accept parts of any and all Proposals;

further negotiate project elements including but not limited to project fees, revenues or pricing; postpone or cancel at any time this Solicitation process; or waive any irregularities in this Solicitation or in the Proposals received as a result of this process. In the event that a Proposer wishes to take an exception to any of the terms of this Solicitation, the Proposer shall clearly indicate the exception in its Proposal. The TPO shall treat the Proposer's inclusion of exceptions, assumptions or alternate terms in the Proposal as requests to negotiate project elements, and the inclusion of same shall not result in the Proposal being deemed non-responsive. The TPO is not bound to accept any exceptions, assumptions or alternates during negotiations, and the TPO shall consider a Proposal submitted to be an offer to supply goods or services in strict compliance with the terms of this Solicitation. Exceptions, assumptions or alternates may be considered by the TPO during negotiations to the extent such exceptions, assumptions or alternates do not materially change any provision of the Solicitation. The TPO reserves the right to request and evaluate additional information from any Proposer regarding Proposer’s responsibility after the submission deadline as the TPO deems necessary.

The Proposer’s Proposal will be considered a good faith commitment by the Proposer to negotiate a contract with the TPO, in substantially similar terms to the Proposal offered and, if successful in the process set forth in this Solicitation and subject to its conditions, to enter into a Contract substantially in the terms herein. Proposer’s Proposal shall be irrevocable until Contract award unless the Proposal is withdrawn. A Proposal may be withdrawn in writing only, addressed to the County contact person for this Solicitation, prior to the Proposal due date and time, or upon the expiration of one hundred eighty (180) calendar days after the opening of Proposals.

As further detailed in the Submittal Form, Proposers are hereby notified that all information submitted as part of, or in support of Proposals will be available for public inspection after opening of Proposals, in compliance with Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, (the "Public Record Law”)

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Any Proposer who, at the time of Proposal submission, is involved in an ongoing bankruptcy as a debtor, or in a reorganization, liquidation, or dissolution proceeding, or if a trustee or receiver has been appointed over all or a substantial portion of the property of the Proposer under federal bankruptcy law or any state insolvency law, may be found non-responsible.

To request a copy of any code section, resolution and/or administrative/implementing order cited in this Solicitation, contact the Clerk of the Board at (305) 375-5126, Monday- Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

1.4 Cone of Silence

Pursuant to Section 2-11.1(t) of the Code of Miami-Dade County, as amended (the “Code”), a “Cone of Silence” is imposed upon each RFP or RFQ after advertisement and terminates at the time a written recommendation is issued. The Cone of Silence prohibits any communication regarding RFPs or RFQs between, among others:

potential Proposers, service providers, lobbyists or consultants and the County’s professional staff including, but not limited to, the County Mayor and the County Mayor’s staff, County Commissioners or their respective staffs;

the County Commissioners or their respective staffs and any member of the County's professional staff, other than any professional staff member who is designated by the County Mayor to engage in such communications; or potential Proposers, service providers, lobbyists or consultants, any member of the County’s professional staff, the Mayor, County Commissioners or their respective staffs and any member of the respective Competitive Selection Committee.

The provisions do not apply to, among other communications:

oral communications with the staff of the Vendor Outreach and Support Services Section, the Procurement Contracting Officer responsible (designated as the County’s contact on the face of the Solicitation), provided the communication is limited strictly to matters of process or procedure already contained in the Solicitation document;

oral communications at pre-Proposal conferences and oral presentations before Competitive Selection Committees during any duly noticed public meeting, public presentations made to the Board of County Commissioners (the “Board”) during any duly noticed public meeting;

recorded contract negotiations and contract negotiation strategy sessions; or communications in writing at any time with any County employee, official or member of the Board of County Commissioners unless specifically prohibited by the applicable RFP documents.

When the Cone of Silence is in effect, all potential vendors, service providers, bidders, lobbyists and consultants shall file a copy of any written correspondence concerning the particular RFP with the Clerk of the Board, which shall be made available to any person upon request. The County shall respond in writing (if County deems a response is necessary) and file a copy with the Clerk of the Board, which shall be made available to any person upon request. Written communications may be in the form of e-mail, with a copy to the Clerk of the Board at clerkbcc@miamidade.gov.

All requirements of the Cone of Silence policies are applicable to this Solicitation and must be adhered to. Any and all written communications regarding the Solicitation are to be submitted only to the Procurement Contracting Officer with a copy to the Clerk of the Board. The Proposer shall file a copy of any written communication with the Clerk of the Board. The Clerk of the Board shall make copies available to any person upon request.

1.5 Communication with Competitive Selection Committee Members Proposers are hereby notified that direct communication regarding this Solicitation, written or otherwise, to individual Competitive Selection Committee Members or, to the Competitive Selection Committee as a whole, are expressly prohibited. Any oral communications with Competitive Selection Committee Members other than as provided in Section 2-11.1 of the Code, are prohibited.

1.6 Public Entity Crimes

Pursuant to Paragraph 2(a) of Section 287.133 of the Florida Statutes, a person or affiliate who has been placed on the convicted vendor list following a conviction for a public entity crime may not submit a Proposal for a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity; may not submit a Proposal on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work; may not submit Proposals on leases of real property to a public entity; may not be awarded or perform work as a contractor, supplier, subcontractor, or consultant under a contract with any public entity; and, may not transact business with any public entity in excess of the threshold amount provided in Section 287.017 of the Florida Statutes for Category Two for a period of thirty-six (36) months from the date of being placed on the convicted vendor list.

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1.7 Lobbyist Contingency Fees

a) In accordance with Section 2-11.1(s) of the Code, after May 16, 2003, no person may, in whole or in part, pay, give or agree to pay or give a contingency fee to another person. No person may, in whole or in part, receive or agree to receive a contingency fee.

b) A contingency fee is a fee, bonus, commission or non-monetary benefit as compensation which is dependent on or in any way contingent upon the passage, defeat, or modification of: 1) any ordinance, resolution, action or decision of the County Commission;

2) any action, decision or recommendation of the County Mayor or any County board or committee; or 3) any action, decision or recommendation of any County personnel during the time period of the entire decision-making process regarding such action, decision or recommendation which foreseeably will be heard or reviewed by the County Commission or a County board or committee.

1.8 Collusion

In accordance with Section 2-8.1.1 of the Code, where two (2) or more related parties, as defined herein, each submit a Proposal for any contract, such Proposals shall be presumed to be collusive. The foregoing presumption may be rebutted by the presentation of evidence as to the extent of ownership, control and management of such related parties in preparation and submittal of such Proposals. Related parties shall mean Proposer, the principals, corporate officers, and managers of the Proposer; or the spouse, domestic partner, parents, stepparents, siblings, children or stepchildren of a Proposer or the principals, corporate officers and managers thereof which have a direct or indirect ownership interest in another Proposer for the same contract or in which a parent company or the principals thereof of one Proposer have a direct or indirect ownership in another Proposer for the same contract. Proposals found to be collusive shall be rejected. Proposers who have been found to have engaged in collusion may be considered non-responsible, and may be suspended or debarred, and any contract resulting from collusive bidding may be terminated for default.

1.9 Contracting with Entities of Foreign Countries of Concern Prohibited By submitting a proposal or otherwise entering into, a contract under this Solicitation, the Proposer affirms that it is not in violation of Section 287.138, Florida Statutes (F.S.) titled Contracting with Entities of Foreign Countries of Concern Prohibited. Proposer further affirms that it is not giving a government of a foreign country of concern, as listed in Section 287.138, F.S., access to an individual’s personal identifying information if: a) the Proposer is owned by a government of a foreign country of concern; b) the government of a foreign country of concern has a controlling interest in the Proposer; or c) the Proposer is organized under the laws of or has its principal place of business in a foreign country of concern as is set forth in Paragraphs 2(a)–(c) of Section 287.138, F.S.

This affirmation by the Proposer shall be in the form attached to this Solicitation as Contracting with Entities of Foreign Countries of Concern Prohibited Affidavit.

1.10 Kidnapping, Custody Offenses, Human Trafficking and Related Offenses Affidavit By entering into, amending, or renewing a contract under this Solicitation, the Proposer affirms that it does not use coercion for labor or services and complies with the provisions of Section 787.06, Florida Statutes (“F.S.”), “Human Trafficking. This attestation by the Proposer shall be in the form attached to this Solicitation as the Kidnapping, Custody Offenses, Human Trafficking and Related Offenses Affidavit.

2.0 SCOPE OF SERVICES

See Attachment A, Scope of Services.

3.0 RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Submittal Requirements

In response to this Solicitation, Proposer should complete and return the entire Proposal Submission Package. Proposers should carefully follow the format and instructions outlined therein. All documents and information must be fully completed and signed as required and submitted in the manner described. Nothing in this RFP shall in any way be utilized to request documentation relating to or authorizing consideration of a Proposer's social, political, or ideological interests when determining if the Proposer is a responsible vendor or give a preference to a Proposer based on the Proposer's social, political, or ideological interests.

The Proposal shall be written in sufficient detail to permit the County to conduct a meaningful evaluation of the proposed services.

However, overly elaborate Proposals are not requested or desired.

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Proposers are encouraged to access the links below to assist with submission of responses to the Solicitation.

Recorded eSupplier Workshop Link to recorded eSupplier workshop Password: q37%t+pG

Submit a Bid Job Aid Link to Job Aid on how to submit a bid

4.0 EVALUATION PROCESS

4.1 Review of Proposals for Responsiveness

Each Proposal will be reviewed to determine if the Proposal is responsive to the submission requirements outlined in this Solicitation. A responsive Proposal is one which follows the requirements of this Solicitation, includes all documentation, is submitted in the format outlined in this Solicitation, is of timely submission, and has the appropriate signatures as required on each document. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the Proposal being deemed non-responsive.

4.2 Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated by the Competitive Selection Committee, which will evaluate and rank Proposals on criteria listed below. The Competitive Selection Committee will be comprised of executives and professionals and subject matter experts within the County and TPO, and may include professionals in the private sector, non-profit sector, or other governmental/quasi-governmental organizations, or retired executives with the appropriate experience and/or knowledge. The criteria are itemized with their respective weights for a maximum total of one hundred (100) points per Competitive Selection Committee Member.

Technical Criteria Points

1. Proposer’s Relevant Experience, Qualifications and Past Performance 20

2.

Relevant Experience and Qualifications of Key Personnel, Subcontractors, and Key Personnel of Subcontractors 40

3.

Proposer’s Approach to Providing the Services 40

Total: 100

Any Proposer, whether a Joint Venture or otherwise, may proffer the experience or qualifications of its corporate parent, sister, or subsidiary (collectively “an Affiliated Company”). However, given the unique nature of individual corporate relationships, Proposers seeking to rely on the experience or qualifications of an affiliated company are advised that the Competitive Selection Committee shall have the discretion to determine what weight, if any, it wishes to give such proffered experience or qualification on a case-by-case basis.

The Competitive Selection Committee may base such decision on the particulars of the relationship between the Proposer and the Affiliated Company, as evidenced by the information and documentation provided in the Proposer Information Section, during Oral Presentations, or otherwise presented at the request of the Competitive Selection Committee.

Additionally, pursuant to County Resolution No. R-321-23, the Competitive Selection Committee shall be provided with adverse findings or substantiated allegations within the past seven (7) years of the proposal submittal date (collectively “Reports”) of the Miami-Dade Office of the Inspector General (“OIG”) and/or the Miami-Dade County Commission on Ethics and Public Trust (“COE”) regarding any Proposer and their proposed subcontractor(s) under deliberation by the Competitive Selection Committee to be considered in accordance with the evaluation of each applicable criteria identified in the Solicitation. In the event the OIG and/or COE issues Reports after the Competitive Selection Committee has scored and ranked the Proposers, the TPO Executive Director or TPO Executive Director’s designee may re-empanel the Competitive Selection Committee to consider if such Reports would change the rankings. If the Competitive Selection Committee determines that Reports would change the rankings of the Proposer(s) identified in the Reports, then the Competitive Selection Committee shall re-score the Proposer(s) identified in the Report solely based on the impact the information identified in the Report would have on the scoring of the Proposer(s) in accordance with the applicable criteria identified in the Solicitation, re-rank the Proposers, and submit a written justification for the revised rankings to the TPO Executive Director or TPO Executive Director’s

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4.3 Oral Presentations

After evaluation of the Proposals on the criteria indicated above (Technical and Price), rating and ranking, the Competitive Selection Committee may choose to conduct an oral presentation with the Proposer(s), which the Competitive Selection Committee deems to warrant further consideration. In making this determination, the Competitive Selection Committee should consider whether a recommendation can be reached without oral presentations or whether there is a need for, or would be a benefit to, holding oral presentations. For instance, oral presentations may be needed to assist the Competitive Selection Committee to make its recommendation and/or to differentiate among the Proposer(s) remaining in consideration due to, among other factors, scores in clusters and/or a close competition. Oral presentations may also be beneficial if clarity on the Proposal(s) is needed or an explanation of the Proposal(s) would be helpful to the process and in scoring, especially on large and/or complex projects, as determined by the Competitive Selection Committee. See “Lobbyist Registration Affidavit” regarding registering speakers in the Proposal for an oral presentation.

Pursuant to Resolution No. R-208-25, if the contract fiscal impact is expected to exceed $25,000,000 per year or $25,000,000 in any year, then oral presentations are required to be held with the three highest-ranked Proposers or all proposers if three or less proposals are received. If the scoring differential between the two highest-ranked proposers exceeds ten percent (10%), then oral presentations shall be conducted at the option of the Competitive Selection Committee.

Unless otherwise advised by the County, oral presentations will only be used for the Proposer to present its Proposal and provide clarifications, if needed, and for the Competitive Selection Committee to ask questions. Proposals cannot be materially changed through oral presentations. Upon completion of the oral presentation(s), if any, the Competitive Selection Committee will re-evaluate, re-rate and re-rank the Proposals from the Proposer(s) invited to oral presentations based upon the written documents, and in consideration of any clarity gained from the oral presentation.

4.4 Selection Factor

This Solicitation includes a selection factor for Miami-Dade County Certified Small Business Enterprises (SBE's) as follows. A SBE is entitled to receive an additional ten percent (10%) of the total technical evaluation points on the technical portion of such Proposer’s Proposal. Pursuant to Sections 2-8.1.1.1.1 and 2-8.1.1.1.2 of the Code, Proposer shall have all the necessary licenses, permits, registrations and certifications, to include SBE certification, to perform a commercially useful function in the provision of the type of goods and/or services required by this Solicitation. For certification information, contact Strategic Procurement Department at (305) 375-3111, visit https://www.miamidade.gov/global/strategic-procurement/home.page, and e-mail your inquiries directly to:

Sbdcert@miamidade.gov.

The SBE must be certified by Proposal submission deadline, at contract award, and for the duration of the Contract to remain eligible for the preference. Firms that graduate from the SBE Program during the Contract term may remain on the Contract.

Any entity may enter into a Joint Venture with a Small Business Enterprise firm for the purposes of creating a Proposer to submit a Proposal in response to this Solicitation and receiving an SBE Selection Factor. Joint ventures will be considered as one entity by the County during the evaluation of the Proposal in response to this Solicitation. Joint ventures must be pre-approved by Strategic Procurement Department and meet the criteria as established in Implementing Order 3-41 and Sections 2-8.1.1.1.1 and 2-8.1.1.1.2 of the Code for the purposes of receiving an SBE Selection Factor pursuant to this Section.

4.5 Local Certified Veteran Business Enterprise Preference

This Solicitation includes a preference for Miami-Dade County Local Certified Veteran Business Enterprises in accordance with Section 2-8.5.1 of the Code. “Local Certified Veteran Business Enterprise” or “VBE” is a firm that is (a) a local business pursuant to Section 2-

8.5 of the Code and (b) prior to Proposal or bid submittal is certified by the State of Florida Department of Management Services as a veteran business enterprise pursuant to Section 295.187 of the Florida Statutes. A VBE that submits a Proposal in response to this Solicitation is entitled to receive an additional five percent of the evaluation points scored on the technical portion of such vendor’s Proposal. If a Miami-Dade County Certified Small Business Enterprise (SBE) measure is being applied to this Solicitation, a VBE which also qualifies for the SBE measure shall not receive the veteran’s preference provided in this section and shall be limited to the applicable SBE preference. At the time of Proposal submission, the firm must affirm in writing its compliance with the certification requirements of Section 295.187 of the Florida Statutes and submit this affirmation and a copy of the actual certification along with the Submittal Form.

4.6 Price Evaluation

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A price evaluation is not applicable. The selected Proposer will receive a fixed fee in accordance with Article 7, Payment for Services/Amount Obligated, of Attachment C, Draft Form of Agreement.

4.7 Local Preference

The evaluation of competitive Solicitations is subject to Section 2-8.5 of the Code, which, except where contrary to federal or state law, or any other funding source requirements, provides that preference be given to local businesses. If, following the completion of final rankings by the Competitive Selection Committee a non-local Proposer is the highest ranked responsive and responsible Proposer, and the ranking of a responsive and responsible local Proposer is within 5% of the ranking obtained by said non-local Proposer, then the highest ranked local Proposer shall have the opportunity to proceed to negotiations and the Competitive Selection Committee will recommend that a contract be negotiated with said local Proposer.

4.8 Competitive Selection Committee Recommendation

The Competitive Selection Committee will evaluate, score and rank Proposals, and submit the results of the evaluation to the TPO Executive Director or designee with its recommendation. The TPO Executive Director or designee will determine with which Proposer(s) the County shall negotiate, if any, through the approval of the Competitive Selection Committee Coordinator Report which will be shared through electronic means with all Proposers. The TPO Executive Director or designee, at their sole discretion, may direct negotiations with the highest ranked Proposer, by taking into consideration Local Preference to determine whether to direct negotiations with the highest ranked local Proposer recommended by the Competitive Selection Committee pursuant to the Local Preference Section above, if any, and/or may request a better offer. In any event the County engages in negotiations with a Proposer and/or requests a better offer, the discussions may include price and conditions attendant to price.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the County on behalf of the TPO and said Proposer cannot reach agreement on a contract, the County reserves the right to terminate negotiations and may, at the TPO Executive Director’s or designee’s discretion, begin negotiations with the next highest ranked Proposer. This process may continue until a contract acceptable to the County/TPO has been executed or all Proposals are rejected. No Proposer shall have any rights against the County or TPO arising from such negotiations or termination thereof.

The TPO Governing Board may award a contract based on initial offers received, without negotiations. Therefore, each initial offer should contain the Proposer's best terms.

Attendees actively participating in negotiation with Miami-Dade County shall be listed on the Lobbyist Registration Affidavit or registered as a lobbyist with the Clerk of the Board. For more information, please use the following link to access the County’s Clerk of the Board Lobbyist Online Registration and Information System: https://www.miamidade.gov/Apps/COB/LobbyistOnline/Home.aspx

Any Proposer recommended for negotiations, or if no negotiations are held then any Proposer recommended for award, shall be required to provide to the County:

a) Any Proposer recommended for negotiations shall complete a Non-Collusion Affidavit, in accordance with Section 2-8.1.1 of the Code. (If a Proposer fails to submit the required Non-Collusion Affidavit, said Proposer shall be ineligible for award).

b) Disclosure of any lawsuits which include allegations of discrimination in the last ten years prior to date of Solicitation, the disposition of such lawsuits, or statement that there are NO such lawsuits, in accord with Resolution No. R-828-19.

While the results of the Competitive Selection Committee evaluation shall serve as guidance to the TPO Governing Board in the award, the TPO Governing Board shall reserve the right to award the proposed contract, in its sole discretion.

4.9 Contract Award

Any proposed contract, resulting from this Solicitation, will be submitted to the TPO Executive Director or designee. All Proposers will be notified in writing of the decision of the TPO Executive Director or designee with respect to contract award. The Contract award, if any, shall be made to the Proposer whose proposal shall be deemed by the TPO to be in the best interest of the TPO. Notwithstanding the rights of protest listed below, the TPO’s decision of whether to make the award and to which Proposer shall be final.

4.10 Written Objection to Competitive Selection Committee Ranking/Scoring and Rights of Protest A recommendation for contract award may be protested by a Proposer in accordance with the procedures contained in Sections 2-8.3 and 2-8.4 of the Code and as established in Implementing Order No. 3-21. Any question, issue, objection or disagreement concerning the rankings, scoring or recommendations of the Competitive Selection Committee shall be deemed waived by the Protestor and shall

Document Page 10 of 38 https://www.miamidade.gov/Apps/COB/LobbyistOnline/Home.aspx http://www.miamidade.gov/govaction/matter.asp?matter=190936&file=true&fileAnalysis=false&yearFolder=Y2019

Rev.12.16..2025 9 be rejected as a basis of a bid protest, unless it is brought by the Proposer to the attention of the Procurement Contracting Officer within five (5) workdays of receipt of notification of the Competitive Selection Committee Coordinator Report referenced above. The written objection shall state with particularity the basis of the objection and with sufficient information to allow the County’s procurement professionals to consider, evaluate and address the issues raised in the objection promptly.

The County’s draft form of agreement is attached. Proposers should review the document in its ENTIRETY. The terms and conditions summarized below are of special note and can be found in their entirety in the agreement:

a) Supplier/Vendor Registration Prior to being recommended for award, the Proposer shall complete a Miami-Dade County Supplier/Vendor Registration Package. For online Supplier/Vendor registration, visit the Supplier Portal: https://supplier.miamidade.gov.

b) Insurance Requirements The Contractor shall furnish to the County, Strategic Procurement Department, prior to the commencement of any work under any agreement, Certificates of Insurance which indicate insurance coverage has been obtained that meets the stated requirements.

c) Inspector General Reviews In accordance with Section 2-1076 of the Code, the Office of the Inspector General may, on a random basis, perform audits on all County contracts, throughout the duration of said contracts, except as otherwise indicated. The cost of the audit, if applicable, shall be one quarter (1/4) of one (1) percent of the total Contract amount and the cost shall be included in any proposed price. The audit cost will be deducted by the County from progress payments to the Contractor, if applicable.

d) User Access Program Pursuant to Section 2-8.10 of the Code, any agreement issued as a result of this Solicitation is subject to a user access fee under the County User Access Program (UAP) in the amount of two percent (2%). All sales resulting from this Solicitation and the utilization of the County Contract price and the terms and conditions identified therein, are subject to the two percent (2%) UAP.

6.0 ATTACHMENTS

Scope of Services (Attachment A) Draft Form of Agreement (Attachment C) Proposal Submission Package, including:

Proposer Information Section (Attachment B) Web Forms in INFORMS

• Submittal Form

• Subcontracting Form

• Contracting with Entities of Foreign Countries of Concern Prohibited Affidavit

• Kidnapping, Custody Offenses, Human Trafficking and Related Offenses Affidavit

• Lobbyist Registration Affidavit (for an Oral Presentation and/or Recorded Negotiation Meeting)

• Contractor Due Diligence Affidavit

5.0 Terms And Conditions

Document Page 11 of 38 https://supplier.miamidade.gov/

Attachment A Scope of Services

TPO State Legislative Services

1. General

The TPO requires State legislative advocacy services. The Selected Proposer shall represent the TPO’s legislative policy interests and assist in the development and implementation of strategies for advancing actions at the state and local levels that are beneficial to the TPO and its programs, including carrying out the vision in the Strategic Miami Area Rapid Transit (SMART) Program, and other transportation priorities. The SMART Program includes six (6) rapid transit corridors and a network of Bus Express Rapid Transit (BERT) corridors throughout Miami-Dade County.

The Selected Proposer shall provide required staff, resources, and expertise to successfully perform the services described herein. The Selected Proposer shall provide a written monthly status report on pending legislation, budgetary issues, administrative policies, and other developments at the state and/or local levels, as applicable, that are of interest to the TPO, as well as provide legislative updates and presentations to the TPO Governing Board and/or staff as needed. In addition, the Selected Proposer shall provide an annual summary to be completed by June 1 of each year detailing developments on significant issues and actions taken to address TPO priorities and the issues that are likely to emerge in the coming year.

2. Assignment of Work

The Selected Proposer will receive issue and project assignments based on the TPO’s annual legislative agenda. The TPO reserves the right to request that the Selected Proposer obtain services through a Subcontractor to supplement the expertise and resources which may be required at any given time and for the purposes of carrying out the intent of the requirements herein.

3. Lobbying Ordinances and Resolution Requirements

The Selected Proposer shall abide by and be governed by Miami-Dade County Ordinances and Resolutions, which may be amended from time to time, which may have a bearing on the services, including but not limited to:

• Section 2-11.1 of the Code of Miami-Dade County (Ordinance 72-82, Conflict of Interest Ordinance)

• Section 2-11.1.2 of the Code of Miami-Dade County (Ordinance No. 00-64, Ordinance Relating to County's Lobbyists)

4. Opposition to a Position of the TPO/Request for Conflict Waiver

Consistent with Sections 2-11.1 and 2-11.1.2 of the Code of Miami-Dade County and Resolution No. R-1236-99, a person or entity, whether an individual, firm, partnership or corporation, which receives compensation either directly or indirectly from the TPO for lobbying on behalf of the TPO shall not represent any entity in any forum to support a position in opposition to a position of the TPO unless the TPO Governing Board grants a specific waiver for a specific lobbying activity. The failure to comply with this provision shall result in either or both of the following: (i) the Selected Proposer's contract being voidable by the TPO or (ii) a prohibition, for a period of up to three years, as determined by the TPO Governing Board in its sole discretion, on the Selected Proposer entering into a lobbying contract with the

TPO.

The Selected Proposer, on behalf of itself and any and all employees, partners, and subcontractors, shall have an affirmative obligation to notify the TPO Executive Director in writing of each and every party the Selected Proposer and/or its employees, partners, or subcontractors wishes to represent before the Governor’s Office, the Florida Legislature, or any State agency, as well as the nature of the proposed representation. This obligation shall apply

Document Page 12 of 38 whether such party or interest is adverse to the TPO or not. Such notification must include all parties the Selected Proposer, its employees, partners, or subcontractors wishes to represent.

Separate and independent from the above-referenced obligation, the Selected Proposer, on behalf of itself and any and all employees, partners, and subcontractors, must advise the TPO Executive Director in writing of any position in opposition to a position of the TPO taken by the Selected Proposer, any employee, partner, or subcontractor and request a waiver of such conflict by the TPO Governing Board or designee. A position in opposition to a position of the TPO may take the form of an adverse policy position or fiscal impact on the TPO, either direct or indirect. A position in opposition to a position of the TPO is not limited to a position that conflicts with an express provision of the legislative package adopted by the TPO Governing Board. It may also arise in other areas. Not every TPO interest can be anticipated or enumerated in the TPO legislative package, and issues arise and change over the course of the legislative process. It is incumbent on the Selected Proposer, employees, partners, and subcontractors to remain mindful of the TPO's policy and fiscal interests and positions vis-a-vis other clients. If an actual or perceived conflict arises, the Selected Proposer(s) and/or subcontractor must advise the TPO Executive Director immediately in writing and seek a waiver of the conflict by the TPO Governing Board, as appropriate.

Once a conflict waiver request has been received by the TPO, the TPO Executive Director reserves the right to determine whether the Selected Proposer and/or employee, partner, or subcontractor may continue representing the TPO and the other interest until the TPO Governing Board can consider the conflict issue. The TPO Governing Board may take, in its sole discretion, any action regarding a waiver request, including but not limited to the following: (i) grant a waiver and allow the Selected Proposer, and/or employee, partner, or subcontractor to continue to represent both the TPO and the other party; (ii) refuse to grant a waiver and require the Selected Proposer, and/or employee, partner, or subcontractor to choose between representing the TPO or the other party, or to discontinue representing the other party; (iii) refuse to grant a waiver and void its contract with the Selected Proposer and/or employee, partner, or subcontractor; or (iv) grant a limited waiver and allow the Selected Proposer and/or employee, partner, or subcontractor to continue to represent both the TPO and the other party under whatever limitations or restrictions the TPO, in its sole discretion, determines to be appropriate.

The Selected Proposer and each subcontractor shall prepare regular monthly reports advising the TPO Executive Director of the current status of all issues that the lobbyist is monitoring or tracking that may affect the TPO, the actions taken on such issues, and the recommendations for future actions on such issues. The Selected Proposer and each subcontractor shall also raise, discuss and recommend any affirmative legislative action that may benefit the TPO.

Also, all TPO contracts and subcontracts for lobbying or representation at the state level and/or individuals and firms hired to represent the TPO issues must be approved by the TPO Governing Board. As such, any subcontractors that the Selected Proposer seeks to hire to fulfill the requirements of this contract must receive prior approval by the TPO Governing Board.

The Selected Proposer’s and each subcontractor's individuals registered as a contract lobbyist to lobby the State Legislature on behalf of the TPO shall be prohibited from lobbying the TPO Governing Board during the regular state legislative session. This does not prohibit individuals who are not registered as state legislative contract lobbyists for the TPO from lobbying the TPO Governing Board and does not apply to individuals lobbying on behalf of municipalities.

The TPO staff shall provide each TPO Governing Board Member with a list at the beginning of each session of all TPO contract lobbyists registered to lobby the legislative branch at the state level on behalf of the TPO, and any subsequent changes or updates to such a list.

5. Representation and Consulting Services

The Selected Proposer shall provide a full range of State advocacy services, as applicable, requested by the TPO that will yield effective representation regarding transportation initiatives before the State executive branch, legislative branch, the Florida Department of Transportation (FOOT) and related transportation agencies.

Document Page 13 of 38

A. Deliverables

i. Annual Submission of Suggested Legislative Strategy - The Selected Proposer shall provide a proposed written legislative strategy for the TPO to consider, based on the approved TPO Legislative Platform, which includes the advancement of the SMART Program. The strategy should be based on pending legislative actions, trends, and political activities, etc. The strategy will incorporate the TPO's Legislative Platform which the Selected Proposer will assist in developing. The strategy shall have specific objectives for key meetings to arrange, activities to monitor, and other actions that will occur over the coming year. The strategy will also include talking points to be used by the TPO's Executive Director.

ii. Monthly Written Reports - The Selected Proposer shall provide monthly written summaries of all activities performed and the status of ongoing talks, in support of the TPO representation. Monthly reports will be attached to the monthly invoices.

iii. As Needed Reports - The Selected Proposer shall provide necessary reports on an as needed basis at the request of the TPO Executive Director or designee regarding the regular State legislative session, as well as any extended or special sessions, TPO Governing Board meetings, and/or conducting other services and participation in meetings, as may be deemed necessary, to implement the TPO's Legislative Program.

B. General Requirements

i. All invoices shall be accompanied with the monthly report and any other document(s) requested by the TPO Executive Director.

ii. The TPO Executive Director shall have the option to request formal hard copies of reports for dissemination to the TPO Governing Board or informal electronic submittals.

C. Optional Services

The TPO reserves the right to request office space in the vicinity of the Capitol, with ancillary services including, but not limited to, parking, phones, computer equipment, supplies, clerical support to TPO staff, copy machine, filing space, and an intern/runner, for use by TPO staff for the duration of their time in Tallahassee. The TPO has the option of requiring the Selected Proposer to provide the referenced office space and ancillary services at an agreed upon cost. All optional services and related expenses require prior written TPO approval. In the event that the TPO requests the performance of any of the aforementioned Optional Services, the TPO and the Selected Proposer will agree upon a price prior to authorizing such Optional Services.

Document Page 14 of 38

Miami-Dade County, FL RFP No. RFP0000021

Rev. 8.1.2025

PROPOSER INFORMATION

Nothing in this Solicitation shall in any way be utilized to…