1.RFSQ-109-26-CPW Solicitation.pdf

REQUEST FOR SUPPLIER QUALIFICATIONS

(RFSQ-109-26-CPW)

Professional Engineering Services for Watershed Master Plan

FEMA HMGP Project 4673-305-P01/FDEM Agreement H1434

Release Date:8/27/26

Contents

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.2. PERSONNEL TO CONTACT ON THIS SOLICITATION

1.3. SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS FOR MEETINGS

1.4. SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

1.5. EUNA PROCUREMENT

1.6. EXPLANATIONS / INTERPRETATIONS

1.7. ISSUANCE OF ADDENDA

1.8. SELECTION PROCESS

1.9. COMPETITIVE NEGOTATIONS & CONTRACT AWARD

1.10. RIGHT OF REJECTION

1.11. PROTEST PROCEDURES

1.12. GENERAL CONTRACT TERMS

1.13. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

1.14. PUBLIC RECORDS

1.15. PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS

1.16. CERTIFICATION OF DRUG FREE WORKPLACE FORM

1.17. COSTS INCURRED BY CONTRACTORS

1.18. MODIFICATION/WITHDRAWAL OF SUBMITTALS

2.0. TIMELINE

3.0. PURPOSE OF SOLICITATION

3.1. GENERAL SCOPE OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

3.2. TASK 1 - UPDATE EXISTING TUFLOW MODELS AND PREPARE PRELIMINARY

WATERSHED MASTER PLAN

3.3. TASK 1 DELIVERABLES

3.4. TASK 2 - REVISE PRELIMINARY WMP AND PREPARE COMPLETED WATERSHED

MASTER PLAN

3.5. EXISTING WATERSHED MASTER PLAN, IF APPLICABLE

3.6. PUBLIC AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

3.7. CONSULTANT GRANT-COMPLIANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT

3.8. STANDARDS, GUIDELINES, AND GOVERNING REQUIREMENTS

3.9. CITY RESPONSIBILITIES

3.10. CONSULTANT RESPONSIBILITIES AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT

3.11. DELIVERABLE FORMAT AND OWNERSHIP

3.12. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE AND GRANT SCHEDULE

4.0.PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

4.1.FORMAT

4.2. TAB 1 – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY / LETTER OF INTEREST

4.3. TAB 2 – FIRM EXPERIENCE AND PAST PERFORMANCE

4.4. TAB 3 – KEY PERSONNEL AND PROJECT TEAM

4.5. TAB 4 – PROJECT UNDERSTANDING AND TECHNICAL APPROACH

4.6. TAB 5 – PROJECT MANAGEMENT, SCHEDULE, WORKLOAD AND CAPACITY

4.7. TAB 6 – QUALITY ASSURANCE & FEDERAL GRANT COMPLIANCE

4.8. TAB 7 – CLIENT REFERENCES

4.9. TAB 8 – REQUIRED FORMS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND FEDERAL DOCUMENTS

4.10. TAB 9 – ACKNOWLEDGED ADDENDA

4.11. EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS

5.1. FIRM DISCUSSIONS AND FINAL RANKING

5.2. INTERVIEW SCORING AND FINAL RANKING

6.0. ATTACHMENTS

SECTION 1 - INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION

A. PROJECT OVERVIEW

The City of Tallahassee (“City”) is requesting Statements of Qualifications (“SOQs”) from qualified professional engineering firms to provide professional engineering and related technical services for the development of the City of Tallahassee Watershed Master Plan (“Project”).

The selected Consultant shall provide all professional services necessary to complete the Project in accordance with the Scope of Services and deliverables established in this RFSQ and the applicable requirements of Florida Division of Emergency Management (“FDEM”) Agreement No. H1434, FEMA Project No. 4673-305-P01.

The City intends to select one (1) Consultant through this solicitation and enter into a project-specific professional services agreement for completion of the Project. This solicitation is not intended to establish a continuing services agreement or a pool of consultants for future assignments.

The resulting Contract shall be limited to services necessary to complete the Watershed Master Plan and associated Grant-required tasks, deliverables, review, coordination, and closeout support.

This procurement will be conducted in accordance with the Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act (“CCNA”), Section 287.055, Florida Statutes.

B. FEDERAL GRANT FUNDING

This Project is funded in whole or in part through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (“HMGP”), FEMA-DR-4673-FL, Assistance Listing No.

97.039, with funding administered by the Florida Division of Emergency Management (“FDEM”) under Agreement No. H1434. The City of Tallahassee is the Sub-Recipient of the Federal award.

The Federal Grant period of performance is March 11, 2026 through May 31, 2028. The Consultant shall perform the required services within the schedule established by the resulting Contract and sufficiently in advance of the Grant expiration date to allow for City review, FDEM review, required revisions, reimbursement processing, and Grant closeout.

The procurement and resulting Contract are subject to applicable requirements of FDEM Agreement No. H1434; Title 2, Code of Federal Regulations (“C.F.R.”), Part 200, including applicable requirements of 2 C.F.R. §§200.317 through 200.327; Appendix II to 2 C.F.R. Part 200; and all other applicable Federal, State, and local requirements.

Applicable Federal and FDEM contract provisions shall be incorporated into the resulting Contract and flowed down to subconsultants, subcontractors, and purchase orders as required.

Costs charged to the Project must be authorized under the Contract, within the approved Grant scope, properly documented, and otherwise eligible under the Grant Agreement and applicable Federal requirements.

1.2. PERSONNEL TO CONTACT ON THIS SOLICITATION

The purchasing agent for this solicitation and contact information is listed below:

Carolynn P. Wilhite carolynn.wilhite@talgov.com Phone: 850-694-2095 Underground Utilities & Public Infrastructure 2602 Jackson Bluff Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32304

1. All questions concerning this solicitation shall be submitted in writing through the Euna

Procurement Questions and Answers (“Q&A”) function by the deadline stated in Section 2, Schedule of Events. Only written responses issued by the City’s Procurement Services Division or written addenda shall be binding upon the City.

2. Respondents shall comply with Section 1.15, Prohibited Communications. Respondents shall not communicate concerning this solicitation with City employees, officials, Evaluation Committee members, or other City representatives except as expressly authorized by this

RFSQ.

3. Prohibited communications shall remain in effect from release of the solicitation until the City awards or approves the resulting Contract(s), rejects all SOQs, or otherwise concludes the procurement. Violation of this provision may be grounds for disqualification.

4. Respondents to this solicitation or persons acting on their behalf may not contact any employee or officer of the City concerning any aspect of this solicitation, except in writing to the Purchasing Agent or as provided in the solicitation documents. Prohibited communications shall be in effect from the date and time solicitations are posted until the department awards or approves a contract, rejects all responses, or otherwise takes action which ends the solicitation process. Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting a Respondent’s Response.

1.3. SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS FOR MEETINGS

1. People with disabilities, requiring reasonable accommodations to attend any scheduled meetings, please contact the Purchasing Agent at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance, excluding Saturday, Sunday, and City observed holidays.

2. For speech and hearing impaired: FRS TDD at 711.

1.4. SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

a. Each Respondent shall, by the date and time established for receipt of SOQs, furnish and complete all documents and information required by this solicitation. Failure to provide a material requirement may result in the SOQ being determined nonresponsive.

b. This procurement is being conducted pursuant to Section 287.055, Florida Statutes.

mailto:carolynn.wilhite@talgov.com

Respondents shall not submit compensation information with their SOQs.

c. Respondents shall not submit a fee proposal, lump-sum price, hourly billing rates, direct labor rates, overhead rates, multipliers, profit percentages, reimbursable expense rates, estimated total fees, or other figures or formulas from which compensation may be calculated.

d. Compensation information will be requested only after completion of the qualifications-based evaluation and final ranking, during competitive negotiations conducted in accordance with Section 1.9, Competitive Negotiations and Contract Award.

e. Any Euna Procurement field that ordinarily requests price shall not be used for this solicitation unless specifically instructed by Procurement Services for a non-price administrative purpose.

1.5. EUNA PROCUREMENT

The Procurement Portal relies on Euna Procurement (formerly Bonfire) to administer the competitive solicitation process, including but not limited to soliciting proposals, issuing addenda, posting results and issuing notification of an intended decision. There is no charge to register and download the solicitation from the Procurement Portal. For step-by-step instructions on how to register on the Procurement Portal go to https://www.talgov.com/doingbusiness/vendor-opportunities.

Respondents are strongly encouraged to read the various Euna Procurement Articles, well in advance of submitting a proposal to ensure a successful submission on the Procurement Portal.

The City shall not be responsible for a Respondents’ inability to submit a proposal by the due date and time for any reason, including issues arising from the use of Euna Procurement.

When submitting a Statement of Qualifications (“SOQ”) electronically through Euna Procurement, it is the sole responsibility of the Respondent to ensure that the response is received by Euna Procurement prior to the closing date and time. Each of the following steps in Euna Procurement MUST be completed in order to place an offer:

a. To access the Login https://talgov.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities

b. Locate the solicitation to which you are responding:

• Click the “Search” tab on the top left of the page;

• Enter keyword for solicitation number and click “Search”

c. Click on the “Solicitation title/description” to open the solicitation Information Page;

d. “View and Accept” documents in the documents section and complete all as required;

e. Select “Place Offer” found at the bottom of the page;

f. On the Line Item tab, enter pricing, notes and attachments as specified in the statement of work;

g. Click “Submit” at the bottom of the page;

h. Review offer; and enter your password and click “Confirm”.

https://www.talgov.com/doingbusiness/vendor-opportunities https://www.talgov.com/doingbusiness/vendor-opportunities https://customer.eunasolutions.com/public/s/knowledge-base/bonfire-hub/vendor-registration https://talgov.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities

The final step in submitting a response involves the Respondent’s acknowledgement that the information and documents entered into Euna Procurement are accurate and represent the Respondent’s actual SOQ. This acknowledgement is registered in Euna Procurement when the supplier clicks “Confirm”. Euna Procurement will post a notice that the offer has been received.

This notice from Euna Procurement MUST be recorded prior to the closing date and time or the response will be considered late and will not be accepted. NOTE: RESPONSES ARE NOT

VISIBLE UNTIL AFTER THE DUE DATE AND TIME.

If in need of assistance with registration or submission of a proposal or to report a problem, reach out via email at support.bonfire@eunasolutions.com. The Euna Support Team is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm EST. Additional assistance is also available by submitting a service ticket via Customer Support.

1.6. EXPLANATIONS / INTERPRETATIONS

Questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted in writing through Euna Procurement via the Q&A function and received by the deadline identified in Section 2, Schedule of Events.

The Purchasing Agent will respond in accordance with the Schedule of Events.

Oral explanations or instructions are not binding. Any clarification or change that materially affects this solicitation will be issued by written addendum through Euna Procurement.

Respondents shall not contact other City employees, officials, representatives, or Evaluation Committee members regarding this solicitation except as authorized by Section 1.15, Prohibited Communications.

1.7. ISSUANCE OF ADDENDA

If this solicitation is amended, the City will issue a written addendum through Euna Procurement.

All terms and conditions not specifically modified by an addendum shall remain unchanged.

Respondents are responsible for reviewing and acknowledging all addenda issued for this solicitation in the manner required by Euna Procurement and this RFSQ. Failure to acknowledge a material addendum may result in the SOQ being determined nonresponsive.

1.8. SELECTION PROCESS

A. Evaluation of Statements of Qualifications The Evaluation Committee will independently evaluate and score all responsive SOQs in accordance with the evaluation criteria and relative weights identified in this RFSQ.

Evaluation and ranking shall be based upon qualifications. Price or compensation information shall not be requested, submitted, evaluated, scored, or considered during the qualifications-based selection process.

B. Shortlisting and Discussions In accordance with Section 287.055, Florida Statutes, the City shall conduct discussions with no mailto:support.bonfire@eunasolutions.com https://eunasolutions.com/support/bonfire/ fewer than three (3) qualified firms regarding their qualifications, approach to the Project, and ability to furnish the required professional services.

The selected firms will participate in an interview consisting of questions from the Evaluation Committee. Formal presentations will not be required. Each firm will be asked the same core questions, although the Evaluation Committee may ask firm-specific follow-up questions to clarify information contained in the firm’s Statement of Qualifications.

The interviews will be evaluated using the criteria and scoring methodology identified in Section 5.2.

Compensation, fees, rates, and other pricing information shall not be requested or considered during the interviews.

C. Final Ranking Following the required firm discussions, the Evaluation Committee shall establish a final ranking, in order of preference, of no fewer than three (3) firms deemed to be the most highly qualified to perform the required services.

The final ranking shall be based solely upon the qualifications-based evaluation criteria established in this RFSQ.

Following approval of the final ranking in accordance with applicable City procedures, the City will proceed with competitive negotiations as provided in Section 1.9, Competitive Negotiations and Contract Award.

D. Federal Competition Requirements This procurement shall be administered in a manner providing full and open competition consistent with applicable Federal procurement requirements and FDEM Agreement No. H1434. The City shall not employ procurement practices that unduly restrict competition, including unreasonable qualification requirements; unnecessary experience or excessive bonding requirements;

noncompetitive pricing practices between firms or affiliated companies; noncompetitive contracting with consultants on retainer; organizational conflicts of interest; brand-name-only requirements without allowance for an equivalent, where applicable; or arbitrary actions in the procurement process.

No local or geographic preference shall be applied in the evaluation, scoring, ranking, or selection of Respondents.

This federally funded procurement shall be conducted on an identity-neutral and merit-based basis consistent with Section 26 of FDEM Agreement No. H1434. No evaluation score, ranking, selection, or award decision under this RFSQ shall be based upon a demographic preference, quota, workforce-balancing requirement, or other prohibited preference. Respondents shall be evaluated and ranked solely in accordance with the qualifications-based evaluation criteria and relative weights published in this RFSQ.

A Respondent, affiliate, or proposed subconsultant that developed or drafted the specifications, requirements, Scope of Work, or solicitation documents for this procurement shall not be eligible to compete for the resulting Contract.

The City shall evaluate SOQs only in accordance with the evaluation factors and relative weights stated in this RFSQ.

1.9. COMPETITIVE NEGOTATIONS & CONTRACT AWARD

A. Competitive Negotiations Following approval of the final qualifications ranking, the City shall initiate negotiations with the highest-ranked firm.

Negotiations may include the scope and nature of services, staffing and level of effort, labor classifications, compensation, reimbursable expenses, schedule, deliverables, and other terms necessary to establish a Contract determined by the City to be fair, competitive, and reasonable.

The City shall conduct the detailed cost analysis required by Section 287.055, Florida Statutes, and any Federal cost or price analysis required by 2 C.F.R. §200.324, as applicable.

Cost-plus-a-percentage-of-cost and percentage-of-construction-cost methods of compensation are prohibited.

B. Unsuccessful Negotiations If the City is unable to negotiate a satisfactory Contract with the highest-ranked firm at compensation determined to be fair, competitive, and reasonable, the City shall formally terminate negotiations with that firm and initiate negotiations with the second-ranked firm.

If negotiations with the second-ranked firm are unsuccessful, the City shall formally terminate those negotiations and initiate negotiations with the third-ranked firm.

If the City is unable to negotiate a satisfactory Contract with any of the initially selected firms, the City may select additional qualified firms and continue negotiations in accordance with applicable law.

C. Contract Award The City intends to award one (1) project-specific professional services Contract for completion of the Watershed Master Plan Project, subject to successful negotiations, applicable approvals, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal, State, FDEM, and City requirements.

D. Federal Responsibility, Suspension, and Debarment Prior to Contract award, the City shall determine that the selected Consultant is responsible and eligible to participate in a federally funded transaction.

The City shall verify applicable Federal exclusion status through the System for Award Management (“SAM.gov”) and may require additional certifications or documentation necessary to establish eligibility.

The selected Consultant and applicable subconsultants shall provide the suspension, debarment, exclusion, and eligibility certifications required by the City, FDEM, FEMA, and the Grant Agreement, including FDEM Attachment H when applicable.

No Contract or covered lower-tier transaction shall be entered into with a party that is suspended, debarred, excluded, or otherwise ineligible to participate in the applicable Federal transaction.

E. Federal and FDEM Contract Requirements The resulting Contract shall incorporate the applicable Federal and FDEM requirements contained in Attachment A, including Section 24, and applicable provisions of Attachment C.

The Consultant shall comply with all provisions applicable to the Contract and shall include applicable Federal and FDEM requirements in subconsultant agreements, subcontracts, and purchase orders as required.

F. Federal Business Consideration In accordance with 2 C.F.R. §200.321 and FDEM Agreement No. H1434, the City shall take the applicable steps, when possible, to ensure that small businesses, minority businesses, women's business enterprises, veteran-owned businesses, and labor-surplus-area firms are considered as potential sources for this federally funded procurement.

Nothing in this requirement establishes an evaluation preference, scoring advantage, quota, set-aside, or geographic preference under this RFSQ. Respondents shall be evaluated and ranked solely in accordance with the qualifications-based criteria published herein.

If the selected Consultant enters into subcontracts or subconsultant agreements in connection with the federally funded Project, the Consultant shall be required to apply the requirements of 2 C.F.R. §200.321 to those lower-tier procurements.

G. Incorporation of Statement of Qualifications The City may incorporate all or portions of a selected Consultant's SOQ into the resulting Contract.

In the event of a conflict between the Consultant's SOQ and the Contract, FDEM Agreement No.

H1434, or applicable Federal requirements, the Contract and applicable Federal and FDEM requirements shall control.

H. Notice to Proceed No Consultant shall perform services or incur costs chargeable to the City or the Grant until the applicable Contract has been fully executed and the City has issued written authorization to proceed.

I. Grant Reporting Information Prior to Contract execution, the selected Consultant shall provide information requested by the City concerning the Consultant and each applicable proposed grant-funded subconsultant or subcontractor, including information necessary for the City to determine and report Minority Business Enterprise status as required by FDEM Agreement No. H1434.

A firm identifying itself as a Minority Business Enterprise may be required to provide current certification or other documentation acceptable to the City sufficient to verify its status. MBE status is collected solely for Grant compliance and reporting purposes and shall not be scored or used as an evaluation or award preference under this RFSQ.

1.10. RIGHT OF REJECTION

The City reserves the right to reject any or all SOQs, cancel or reissue this solicitation, and waive minor informalities or irregularities that do not affect a material requirement, competitive standing, or the integrity of the procurement process, when determined to be in the City’s best interest and consistent with applicable Federal, State, FDEM, and City requirements.

1.11. PROTEST PROCEDURES

a. Right to Protest:

Any actual or prospective Respondent adversely affected by the terms, conditions, specifications, procedures, evaluation, or intended award of this solicitation may file a protest in accordance with the City’s applicable protest procedures.

b. Filing – Solicitation Terms or Specifications For a protest related to the terms, conditions, specifications, or procedures contained in this solicitation, a notice of protest shall be filed in writing with Procurement Services within seventy-two (72) hours after posting the solicitation. The formal written protest shall be filed within ten (10) days after the date the protest is filed. Failure to timely file either required document shall constitute a waiver of the protest.

c. Filing – Evaluation or Intended Award For a protest related to the evaluation of SOQs or the intended recommendation for award, a written notice of intent to protest must be filed with Procurement Services within seventy-two

(72) hours, excluding weekends and holidays, after posting of the intended recommendation.

A formal written protest must be filed with Procurement Services no later than 5:00 p.m., ET, on the seventh (7th) calendar day following the date on which the notice of intent to protest was filed.

d. Protest Bond At the time a formal written protest is filed, the protesting party shall provide a cashier’s check or protest bond payable to the City of Tallahassee in an amount equal to one percent (1%) of the City’s estimated total value of the Contract or $5,000, whichever is less.

e. Final Decision The City Attorney or designee shall consider the protest and render a final determination in accordance with applicable City procedures.

f. Stay of Procurement Upon timely filing of a protest, Procurement Services shall not proceed further with the solicitation or Contract award until the City Attorney or designee has rendered a written decision, unless the City Manager or designee makes a written determination that continuation of the procurement without delay is necessary to protect a substantial interest of the City.

1.12. GENERAL CONTRACT TERMS

The terms and conditions set forth in subsections A through N below, together with the terms and conditions contained in Attachment A – Draft Professional Services Agreement, will be incorporated into the Contract resulting from this RFSQ. Attachment A is provided as the City's proposed form of Contract and shall include the applicable Federal, FEMA, FDEM, State, and City requirements governing the Project.

A. Public Entity Crimes As required by section 287.133(2)(a), 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 on 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 a 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, Florida Statutes, for CATEGORY TWO [$35,000] for a period of 36 months from the date of being placed on the convicted vendor list. Any person must notify the City within 30 days after a conviction of a public entity crime applicable to that person or to an affiliate of that person.

B. Prompt Payment Policy

The City intends to fully comply with the provisions of the Local Government Prompt Payment Act, Sections 218.70 through 218.80, Florida Statutes.

C. Withholding Payment

In the event a contract is cancelled under any provision herein, the City may withhold from the Contractor any monies owed on that or any contract, in an amount sufficient to compensate for damages suffered because of the violation resulting in cancellation.

D. Termination

1. If the Contractor fails to fulfill any of its obligations under this Contract with the City, or otherwise, through no fault of the City, such failure will be considered a default and will entitle, but not obligate, the City to suspend performance under or to terminate this Contract, in whole or in part, at the City’s discretion, if the Contractor fails to cure such default within thirty (30) days after receipt of a written notice thereof from the City.

Furthermore, the City will have the right to terminate this Contract, in whole or in part, without the Contractor being in default thereunder. Contractor will receive written notice specifying whether termination is for the default of the Contractor or for the City’s convenience, the extent to which services under this Contract are to be terminated, and the date upon which such termination becomes effective. After receipt of such written notice, and except as otherwise directed in writing by the City, the Contractor will promptly stop work under this Contract on the date and to the extent specified in the notice, terminate all subcontracts to the extent that they relate to the performance of services terminated by the notice, and complete performance of such services as will not have been terminated by the notice.

2. In the event of termination for convenience, the City will pay the Contractor:

a. the full amount due for goods satisfactorily delivered and/or services satisfactorily rendered;

b. approved costs and expenses incurred which remain unpaid at the time of such termination; and

c. such other costs of termination, if any, as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties.

The City will have the right to set off against amounts otherwise owed the Contractor all amounts owed by the Contractor to the City under this Contract or otherwise.

E. Indemnification

The Consultant shall indemnify and hold harmless the City of Tallahassee, its officials, officers, and employees from liabilities, damages, losses, and costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, to the extent caused by the negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongful misconduct of the Consultant or persons employed or utilized by the Consultant in the performance of the Contract. The Consultant shall also indemnify and hold harmless the City from claims arising from the Consultant’s infringement or unauthorized use of intellectual property in Project work products, except to the extent such claim results from materials furnished by the City or modifications made by the City without the Consultant’s participation. This provision shall be construed consistently with applicable Florida law and shall survive termination of the Contract.

F. Review and Approval of Contract Staff

a. The Consultant shall provide the key personnel identified in its SOQ and accepted by the

City. Substitution of key personnel require prior written approval by the City. Proposed replacements shall possess qualifications and experience equal to or greater than the personnel being replaced.

b. The Consultant shall ensure that the Consultant, its employees, and all subconsultants or subcontractors maintain all current licenses, registrations, certifications, permits, and other authorizations required for the particular services they perform under the Contract.

Evidence of such licensing or authorization shall be provided to the City upon request.

G. E-Verify

1. The Consultant will utilize the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system, in accordance with the terms governing use of the system, to confirm the employment eligibility of:

a. All persons employed by the Consultant during the term of the Contract to perform employment duties within Florida; and

b. All persons, including subconsultants, assigned by the Consultant to perform work pursuant to the Contract with the City.

H. Conflict of Interest

1. The Consultant shall disclose to the City any actual, apparent, or potential organizational or personal conflict of interest that may affect performance of the Contract.

2. The City may require the Consultant to implement an acceptable mitigation plan, replace affected personnel or subconsultants, modify affected services, or take other appropriate corrective action. Failure to disclose or satisfactorily resolve a material conflict may constitute grounds for termination or other remedies available under the Contract.

3. No member of or delegate to the Congress of the United States, Resident Commissioner, member, officer, or employee of the City or its designees or agents, member of the governing body of the locality in which the Project is situated, or other public official exercising functions or responsibilities with respect to the Project shall have any direct or indirect interest in the Contract, any subcontract, or the proceeds thereof during the period prohibited by FDEM Agreement No. H1434, Attachment C.

4. The Consultant shall include this prohibition in all applicable subconsultant agreements and subcontracts. Applicable conflict-of-interest requirements shall be flowed down to subconsultants and subcontractors.

I. Availability of Funds The City’s obligations under the Contract are contingent upon the appropriation and continued availability of legally authorized City, Federal, State, and FDEM funds. The City may suspend, reduce, or terminate services if funding is withdrawn, reduced, unavailable, or determined to be ineligible.

J. Severability If any term or provision of this solicitation and subsequent Contract, or the application thereof to any person or circumstances will, to any extent, be held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this solicitation and subsequent Contract, or the application of such terms or provision, to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable, will not be affected, and every other term and provision of this solicitation and subsequent Contract will be deemed valid and enforceable to the extent permitted by law.

K. Remedies This solicitation and subsequent Contract will be governed by the laws of the State of Florida.

Venue for any litigation involving this solicitation and subsequent contract will be the Circuit Court in and for Leon County, Florida. No remedy herein conferred upon any party is intended to be exclusive of any other remedy, and each and every such remedy will be cumulative and will be in addition to every other remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or at equity or by statute or otherwise. No single or partial exercise by any party of any right, power, or remedy hereunder will preclude any other or further exercise thereof.

L. Enforcement Cost If any legal action or other proceeding is brought for the enforcement of this solicitation and subsequent Contract, or because of an alleged dispute, breach, default or misrepresentation in connection with any provisions of this solicitation and subsequent Contract, the successful or prevailing party or parties will be entitled to recover reasonable attorney’s fees, court costs, and all expenses even if not taxable as court costs (including, without limitation, all such fees, costs and expenses incident to appeals), incurred in that action or proceeding, in addition to any other relief to which such party or parties may be entitled.

M. Financial Consequences of Non-performance If the Consultant fails to satisfactorily perform a required service or deliverable, the City may withhold payment associated with the deficient service or deliverable until the deficiency is corrected.

To the extent permitted by the Contract and applicable law, the Consultant may be responsible for documented costs, disallowed costs, required repayments, or other financial consequences directly attributable to the Consultant’s material failure to comply with the Contract.

N. Federal, FEMA, and FDEM Contract Provisions In addition to the terms and conditions set forth in this Section, the Contract resulting from this RFSQ shall contain all applicable Federal, FEMA, and FDEM requirements associated with FEMA HMGP Project No. 4673-305-P01 and FDEM Agreement No. H1434, including applicable requirements of Appendix II to 2 C.F.R. Part 200.

Such requirements shall be incorporated into Attachment A – Draft Professional Services Agreement and the final executed Contract. The Consultant shall comply with all provisions applicable to the Contract and shall include applicable requirements in subconsultant agreements, subcontracts, and purchase orders as required by Federal law, FEMA requirements, and FDEM Agreement No. H1434.

In the event of a conflict between the Contract and an applicable Federal or FDEM requirement, the Federal or FDEM requirement shall control to the extent required as a condition of the Federal award.

1.13. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Prior to commencing work, the Contractor will procure and maintain at Contractor’s own cost and expense for the duration of the contract coverage for all work or operations performed under the contract the following insurance against claims for injuries to person or damages to property which may arise from or in connection with the performance of the work or services hereunder by the Contractor, his agents, representatives, employees or subcontractors. Any costs associated with the required insurance shall be addressed during competitive negotiations and shall not be submitted with the SOQ.

1. Contractor will maintain limits no less than:

a. Commercial General/Umbrella Liability Insurance - $1,000,000 limit per occurrence for property damage and bodily injury. The City shall be made an Additional Insured as to such insurance. Such coverage shall be on an “occurrence” basis and shall include Products/Completed Operations coverage. The coverage afforded to the City as an Additional Insured shall be primary as to any other available insurance and shall not be more restrictive than the coverage afforded to the Named Insured. The limits of coverage shall not be less than $1,000,000 for each occurrence and not less than a $5,000,000 annual general aggregate, inclusive of amounts provided by an umbrella or excess policy.

The limits of coverage described herein shall apply fully to the work or operations performed under the Contract and may not be shared with or diminished by claims unrelated to the contract. Prior to the execution of the Contract, and at all renewal periods which occur prior to final acceptance of the work, the City shall be provided with an ACORD Certificate of Liability Insurance reflecting the coverage described herein.

The insurance will include coverage for the following:

1) Premise/Operations

2) Explosion, Collapse and Underground Property Damage Hazard (only when applicable to the Project)

3) Products/Completed Operations

4) Contractual

5) Independent Contractors

6) Broad Form Property Damage

7) Personal Injury

b. Business Automobile/Umbrella Liability Insurance - $1,000,000 limit per accident for property damage and personal injury.

1) Owned/Leased Autos

2) Non-owned Autos

3) Hired Autos

c. Workers’ Compensation and Employers’/Umbrella Liability Insurance - Workers’

Compensation coverage with benefits and monetary limits as set forth in Chapter 440, Florida Statutes. This policy will include Employers’/Umbrella Liability coverage for $1,000,000 per accident. Workers’ Compensation coverage is required as a condition of performing work or services for the City whether or not the Consultant or Vendor is otherwise required by law to provide such coverage.

d. Professional Liability Insurance - $1,000,000 or as per Project (ultimate loss value per occurrence).

e. Other Insurance Provisions:

1. Commercial General Liability and Automobile Liability Coverage

a. The City, members of its Board of Directors, boards, commissions and committees, officers, agents, and employees are to be covered as additional insureds as respects: liability arising out of activities performed by or on behalf of the Contractor;

products and completed operations of the Contractor; premises owned, leased or used by the Contractor or premises on which Contractor is performing services on behalf of the City. The coverage will contain no special limitations on the scope of protection afforded to the City, members of its Board of Directors, boards, commissions and committees, officers, agents, and employees.

b. The Contractor's insurance coverage will be primary insurance as respects the City, members of its Board of Directors, boards, commissions and committees, officers, agents, and employees. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the City, members of its Board of Directors, boards, commissions and committees, officers, agents, and employees will be excess of Contractor's insurance and will not contribute with it.

c. Any failure to comply with reporting provisions of the policies will not affect coverage provided to the City, members of its Board of Directors, boards, commissions and committees, officers, agents, and employees.

d. Coverage will state that Contractor's insurance will apply separately to each insured against whom a claim is made, or suit is brought, except with respect to the limits of the insurer's liability.

2. Workers’ Compensation and Employers’ Liability and Property Coverage The insurer will agree to waive all rights of subrogation against the City, members of its Board of Directors, boards, commissions and committees, officers, agents, and employees for losses arising from activities and operations of Contractor in the performance of services under this Agreement.

3. All Coverage

a. Each insurance policy required by this clause will be endorsed to state that coverage will not be suspended, voided, canceled, reduced in coverage or in limits except after thirty (30) days prior written notice has been given to the City.

b. If Contractor, for any reason, fails to maintain insurance coverage, which is required pursuant to this Agreement, the same will be deemed a material breach of contract.

The City, at its sole option, may terminate this Agreement and obtain damages from the Contractor resulting from said breach.

c. Alternatively, City may purchase such required insurance coverage (but has no special obligation to do so), and without further notice to Contractor, City may deduct from sums due to Contractor any premium costs advanced by the City for such insurance.

d. City named as "additional insured" as its interest may appear.

e. Any deductibles or self-insured retention’s must be declared to and approved by the

City. At the option of the City, the insurer will reduce or eliminate such deductibles or self-insured retention’s as respects the City, members of its Board of Directors, boards, commissions and committees, officers, agents, and employees; or the Consultant will procure a bond guaranteeing payment of losses, related investigation, claim administration and defense expenses.

f. Insurance is to be placed with Florida admitted insurers rated A- or better by A.M.

Best's rating service.

g. Consultant will furnish the City with certificates of insurance and with original endorsements affecting coverage required by this clause. The certificates and endorsements for each policy are to be signed by a person authorized by that insurer to bind coverage on its behalf. The certificates and endorsements are to be received and approved by the City before work commences.

h. Consultant will include each of its subcontractors as insureds under the policies of insurance required herein.

i. When the Contract involves work on or in the vicinity of utility-owned property or facilities, the utility shall be added along with the City as an Additional Insured on the insurance policy/ies procured by the Contractor.

1.14. PUBLIC RECORDS

A. By submitting a Proposal in response to this solicitation, a Contractor acknowledges that the City is a governmental entity subject to the Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes).

B. The Consultant further acknowledges that any materials or documents provided to City may be “public records” and, as such, may be subject to disclosure to and copying by the public unless otherwise specifically exempt by statute. Should a Contractor provide the City with any materials which it believes, in good faith, contain information which would be exempt from disclosure or copying under Florida law, the Contractor will indicate that belief by typing or printing, in bold letters, the phrase “Exempt” or “Proprietary Information” on the face of each affected page of such material and indicate the statutory citation supporting such a conclusion. The Contractor will submit to the City both a complete copy of such material and a redacted copy in which the exempt information on each affected page, and only such exempt information, has been rendered unreadable. In the event a Contractor fails to submit both copies of such material, the copy submitted may be deemed a public record subject to disclosure and copying regardless of any annotations to the contrary on the face of such document or any page(s) thereof.

C. Should any person request to examine or copy any material so designated, and provided the affected Contractor has otherwise fully complied with this provision, the City in reliance on the representations of the Contractor, will produce for that person only the redacted version of the affected material. If the person requests to examine or copy the complete version of the affected material, City will notify the Contractor of that request, and the Contractor will reply to such notification, in a writing that must be received by the City no later than 4:00 p.m., ET, of the second City business day following Contractor’s receipt of such notification, either permitting or refusing to permit such disclosure or copying.

Failure to provide a timely written reply will be deemed consent to disclosure and copying of the complete copy of such material. If the Contractor refuses to permit disclosure or copying, the Contractor agrees to, and will, hold harmless and indemnify

City for all expenses, costs, damages, and penalties of any kind whatsoever which may be incurred by City, or assessed or awarded against City, in regard to the Contractor’s refusal to permit disclosure or copying of such material. If litigation is filed in relation to such request and the Contractor is not initially named as a party, the Contractor will promptly seek to intervene as a defendant in such litigation to defend its claim regarding the confidentiality of such material. This provision will take precedence over any provisions or conditions of any Proposal submitted by a Contractor in response to this solicitation and will constitute City’s sole obligation with regard to maintaining such exemption of any document, material, or information submitted to the City. Nothing herein will require the City to withhold the requested document, material or information submitted to the City if in the opinion of the City, the requested document, material or information, is subject to disclosure pursuant to the Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes).

IF THE CONTRACTOR HAS QUESTIONS REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF

CHAPTER 119, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO THE CONTRACTOR'S DUTY TO

PROVIDE PUBLIC RECORDS RELATING TO THIS CONTRACT, CONTACT THE

CUSTODIAN OF PUBLIC RECORDS AT:

City Treasurer-Clerk, Records Division City Hall, 2nd Floor 300 S. Adams Street. Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Telephone: 850-891-8130 Email: records@talgov.com

1.15. PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS

The Purchasing Agent identified in Section 1.2 is the sole point of contact regarding this solicitation. From release of the solicitation until the City awards or approves the resulting Contract(s), rejects all SOQs, or otherwise concludes the procurement, Respondents and persons acting on their behalf shall not communicate concerning this solicitation with City Commissioners, City employees, Evaluation Committee members, or other City representatives except through the Purchasing Agent or as otherwise expressly authorized by this RFSQ. Violation of this provision may result in disqualification from the procurement.

1.16. CERTIFICATION OF DRUG FREE WORKPLACE FORM

Each Respondent shall submit a completed Certification of Drug-Free Workplace Form with its SOQ, if required by this RFSQ. Failure to submit a materially required certification may result in the SOQ being determined nonresponsive.

1.17. COSTS INCURRED BY CONTRACTORS

The City shall not be responsible for costs incurred by a Respondent in preparing or submitting an SOQ, participating in discussions, interviews, or presentations, or otherwise participating in this procurement.

No costs incurred before execution of the Contract and issuance of written authorization to proceed shall be chargeable to the City or the Grant unless expressly authorized in writing by the City and determined eligible under applicable Grant requirements.

mailto:records@talgov.com

1.18. MODIFICATION/WITHDRAWAL OF SUBMITTALS

A. Modifications to an SOQ will not be permitted after the date and time established for receipt of SOQs. Before the deadline, a Respondent may replace its complete SOQ through Euna Procurement.

B. A Respondent may withdraw its SOQ before Contract award by submitting a written request signed by an authorized representative. Withdrawal will not prejudice the Respondent’s ability to participate in other current or future City solicitations.

C. The City reserves the right to review and approve proposed key personnel based on qualifications, experience, and expertise. After award, substitution of key personnel requires prior written City approval, and proposed replacements must possess qualifications and experience equal to or greater than the personnel being replaced.

REMAINDER OF THE PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

SECTION 2 – SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

The proposed timeline for this solicitation is as follows. Dates and times are subject to change.

All times listed below are Eastern Standard Time (ET):

2.0. TIMELINE

EVENT DATE / TIME*

Release of the Request for Supplier Qualifications 8/27/26

Deadline for Questions 9/11/26 by 5:00 PM

ET

Anticipated Date for Answers to Questions 9/14/26

Receipt of Statements of Qualifications (Response to RFSQ DUE

DATE)

9/25/26 by 5:00 PM

ET

Public Evaluation committee Initial Scoring & Shortlisting Meeting

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/228073724742421?p=DDPXotN

RZiAKwTta2Z Meeting ID: 228 073 724 742 421

Passcode: Sv2kP2sP

Need help? | System reference Dial in by phone

+1 850-792-4991,,117258188# United States, Tallahassee Find a local number

Phone conference ID: 117 258 188# Join on a video conferencing device Tenant key: talgov@m.webex.com

Video ID: 119 948 602 1 More info

10/1/26 10:30-11:30

AM (ET)

Public Firm Discussions and Final Ranking Meeting Microsoft Teams meeting

Join:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/279995720598790?p=UDAEuhuM3

3Q9VdghQY Meeting ID: 279 995 720 598 790

Passcode: TF7pi2qx

10/5/26 1:00PM-2:00

PM (ET)

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/228073724742421?p=DDPXotNRZiAKwTta2Z https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/228073724742421?p=DDPXotNRZiAKwTta2Z https://aka.ms/JoinTeamsMeeting?omkt=en-US https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MzNmMDk2YmItYzM4Mi00MWU1LWExN2MtOWNiMmIxYTFmOGE1%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22b83d23e4-3e8a-4e54-9426-be16e2ce2693%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22e4d1843f-78b5-4e84-9690-5909cea00b9d%22%7d tel:+18507924991,,117258188 https://dialin.teams.cloud.microsoft/b37f23c9-bd7b-4cab-b7da-d11e6fb57b83?id=117258188 mailto:talgov@m.webex.com https://www.webex.com/msteams?confid=1199486021&tenantkey=talgov&domain=m.webex.com https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/279995720598790?p=UDAEuhuM33Q9VdghQY https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/279995720598790?p=UDAEuhuM33Q9VdghQY

Need help? | System reference Dial in by phone

+1 850-792-4991,,458305286# United States, Tallahassee Find a local number

Phone conference ID: 458 305 286# Join on a video conferencing device

Tenant key: talgov@m.webex.com Video ID: 114 829 997 6

More info

Notice of Intended Award (Anticipated Date) October 2026

Anticipated Date to Execute Contract October 2026

These dates are subject to change, if changed, an addendum will be issued on Euna Persons with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodations to attend any scheduled meetings please contact the Purchasing Agent at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance, excluding Saturday, Sunday, and City observed holidays.

For speech and hearing impaired: FRS TDD at 711.

SECTION 3 -SCOPE OF WORK

3.0. PURPOSE OF SOLICITATION

The…