1-RFP-Final-6-26-2025-Native-Restoration.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

FOR

Native Habitat Restoration Project

ON

MONROE COUNTY CONSERVATION LANDS

LOCATED ON

BIG PINE, NO NAME, AND LITTLE TORCH KEYS

MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Mayor James K Scholl, District 3

Mayor Pro Tem Michelle Lincoln, District 2

Commissioner Craig Cates, District 1

Commissioner David Rice, District 4

Commissioner Holly Merrill Raschein, District 5

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

CHRISTINE HURLEY

LAND STEWARD

BETH BERGH

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT

KEVIN MADOK

JUNE 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

NOTICE 2

SECTION ONE 3

Instruction to Respondents

SECTION TWO 20

Proposal Specifications

SECTION THREE 33

Contract

BID PROPOSAL/FORMS 60

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE SOLICITATIONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 3:00 P.M., the

Monroe County Purchasing Office will receive and open sealed responses for the following:

Native Habitat Restoration Project on Monroe County Conservation Lands

Pursuant to F.S. § 50.0211(3)(a), all published competitive solicitation notices can be viewed at: www.floridapublicnotices.com, a searchable Statewide repository for all published legal notices. Requirements for submission and the selection criteria may be requested from the County’s electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl.bonfirehub.com OR www.monroecounty-fl.gov/BonfireBids. The Public Record is available upon request.

Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not e m a i l , mail or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids.

Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/responses WILL NOT be accepted.

The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs that bids be submitted via the

Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl.bonfirehub.com, no later than

3:00P.M. on August 7, 2025. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform.

Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or 30 days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00 P.M., on

Thursday, August 7, 2025. You may call in by phone or internet using the following:

Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom.us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile:

+16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York)

+16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location:

+1 646 518 9805 US (New York)

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

Publication Dates

Keys Citizen: Sat., 07/05/25

Keys Weekly: Thur., 07/10/25

News Barometer: Fri., 07/11/25 http://www.floridapublicnotices.com/ https://monroecounty-fl.bonfirehub.com/ https://monroecounty-fl.bonfirehub.com/ http://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/BonfireBids https://monroecounty-fl.bonfirehub.com/

SECTION ONE

INSTRUCTION TO RESPONDENTS

1.01 INTRODUCTION DESCRIPTION

The project is the removal of invasive exotic species and the installation of native trees and shrubs on specific Monroe County conservation lands located on Big Pine Key, No Name Key, and Little Torch Key. The purpose of the project is to restore native habitat on currently disturbed sites. Contractor is responsible for acquiring all plant material included in the project specifications.

A bid bond is not required. Payment and performance bonds are not required. There are no liquidated damages.

1.02 DEFINED TERMS

As used in this Request for Proposals (RFP), the following terms shall have the meanings or definitions set forth below:

The terms Bidder, Contractor, Proposer, and Respondent are synonymous.

Addenda/Addendum: Any written or graphic instruments issued by the Owner, its agents, employees, or consultants prior to the receipt of Proposals, which modify or interpret the Proposal Documents by additions, deletions, clarifications, or corrections.

Alternate Proposal: (or Alternate) An amount stated in the Proposal to be added to or deducted from the amount of the Base Proposal if the corresponding change in the Work, as described in the Proposal Documents, is accepted by Owner.

Base Proposal: The sum stated in the Proposal for which the Proposer offers to perform the Work described in the Proposal Documents as the base, to which may be added or from which Work may be deleted for sums stated in an Alternate

Proposal or Owner Option Proposals.

Bidder: One who submits a response to a request for bid/proposal (RFP). That person or entity duly authorized, upon award of a contract, to have a Contract with the County to provide the product and/or services set forth herein and incurring liability for the same.

Contract: The written contract resulting from this solicitation between the

County and the awarded Respondent, including this RFP, and the awarded

Respondent’s response along with any written addenda and other written documents, which are expressly incorporated by reference.

Contractor: One who submits a response to a request for proposal (RFP). That

County: The word “County” refers to the County of Monroe, Florida.

Day: The word “day” means each calendar day or accumulation of calendar days.

Department: Unless otherwise noted, “Department” shall refer to the Monroe

County Land Steward.

Owner: The word Owner is synonymous with “Monroe County”.

Perform: Means to comply fully with the specified or implied requirements of the

Contract.

Person or Persons: An individual, firm, partnership, corporation, association, executor, administrator, trustee, or other legal entity, whether singular or plural, masculine or feminine, as the context may require.

Proposal: The document submitted in response to a formal solicitation used to determine a contract award.

Proposer: One who submits a response to a request for proposal (RFP). That person or entity duly authorized, upon award of a contract, to have a Contract with the

County to provide the product and/or services set forth herein and incurring liability for the same.

Respondent: One who submits a response to a request for proposal (RFP). That

Unit Price: Amount stated in the Proposal as a price per unit of measurement for materials or services as described in the Proposal Documents or in the proposed contract documents. Unit prices shall apply to change orders.

1.03 COPIES OF BIDDING DOCUMENTS

A. Only complete sets of Bidding Documents will be issued and shall be used in preparing bids. The OWNER does not assume any responsibility for errors or misinterpretations resulting from the use of incomplete sets.

B. Complete sets of Bidding Documents may be obtained in the manner and at the location stated in the Notice of Requesting for Proposals.

C. Submitted Proposals MUST include an Insurance Agent’s Statement and a completed Insurance Checklist, and all forms and requirements as called for in the

Request for Proposals. Failure to include all necessary forms and licenses will result in a non-responsive proposal.

1.04 QUALIFICATIONS OF RESPONDENTS (TO BE SUBMITTED WITH

PROPOSAL)

A. Each proposal must contain evidence of the Respondent’s qualifications to do business on Monroe County conservation lands.

B. To demonstrate qualifications to provide the goods and services, each respondent shall submit the information required under Section 1.11.

C. Each respondent shall be required to provide evidence, such as an insurance

Agents Statement, that the required insurance limits are met or are able to be obtained.

1.05 REQUIRED COUNTY FORMS

A. AFFIDAVIT ATTESTING TO NONCOERCIVE CONDUCT FOR LABOR OR

SERVICES: Any non-governmental entity submitting a bid or proposal in response to this invitation must execute the attached AFFIDAVIT ATTESTING

TO NONCOERCIVE CONDUCT FOR LABOR OR SERVICES and submit it with his/her/its bid or proposal. Failure to complete this form in every detail and submit it with the bid or proposal may result in immediate disqualification of the bid or proposal.

B. NON-COLLUSION AFFIDAVIT: Any person submitting a bid or proposal in response to this invitation must execute the enclosed NON-COLLUSION

AFFIDAVIT. If it is discovered that collusion exists among the respondents, the bid or proposals of all participants in such collusion shall be rejected, and no participants in such collusion will be considered in future bids for the same work.

C. ETHICS CLAUSE: Any entity submitting a bid or proposal in response to this

RFP must execute the enclosed ETHICS CLAUSE. If it is discovered that the entity employed, retained or otherwise had act on his/her behalf any former

County officer or employee in violation of Section 2 of Ordinance No. 010-1990 or any County officer or employee in violation of Section 3 of Ordinance No.

010-1990, the County may, in its discretion, terminate this Agreement without liability and may also, in its discretion, deduct from the Agreement or purchase price, or otherwise recover, the full amount of any fee, commission, percentage, gift, or consideration paid to the former County officer or employee.

D. DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE FORM: Any person submitting a bid or proposal in response to this invitation must execute the enclosed DRUG-FREE

WORKPLACE FORM and submit it with his bid or proposal. Failure to complete this form in every detail and submit it with your bid or proposal may result in immediate disqualification of your bid or proposal.

E. PUBLIC ENTITY CRIME: 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 bid on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity, may not submit a bid on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work, may not submit bids on leases 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, for CATEGORY TWO for a period of 36 months from the date of being placed on the convicted vendor list.

F. VENDOR CERTIFICIATION REGARDING SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES:

Section 287.135, Florida Statutes prohibits a company from bidding on, submitting a proposal for, or entering into or renewing a contract for goods or services of any amount if, at the time of contracting or renewal, the company is on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List, created pursuant to Section

215.4725, Florida Statutes, or is engaged in a Boycott of Israel. Section 287.135, Florida Statutes, also prohibits a company from bidding on, submitting a proposal for, or entering into or renewing a contract for goods or services of $1,000,000 or more, that are on either the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List or the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Energy Sector

Lists which were created pursuant to s. 215.473, Florida Statutes, or is engaged in business operations in Cuba or Syria.

G. FOREIGN ENTITIES AFFIDAVIT: Any entity submitting a bid or proposal in response to this invitation must execute the enclosed FOREIGN ENTITIES

AFFIDAVIT and submit it with his bid or proposal. Failure to complete this form in every detail and submit it with your bid or proposal may result in immediate disqualification of your bid or proposal

1.06 EXAMINATION OF PROPOSAL/CONTRACT DOCUMENTS

A. Each respondent shall carefully examine the contract documents and inform itself thoroughly regarding any and all conditions and requirements that may in any manner affect the cost or the goods or the services to be provided under the contract. Ignorance on the part of the respondent will in no way relieve him/her of the obligations and responsibilities assumed under the contract.

B. Should a Respondent find discrepancies or ambiguities in, or omissions from, the proposal documents, or should the organization be in doubt as to their meaning, the organization shall at once notify the County in writing by email to Beth

Bergh, Monroe County Land Steward, at Bergh-beth@monroecounty-fl.gov mailto:Bergh-beth@monroecounty-fl.gov

C. The submission of a Proposal will constitute a representation by the Proposer that he/she/it has complied with every requirement of Section 1.06 and that the

Proposal Documents are sufficient in scope and detail to indicate and convey an understanding of all terms and conditions for performance of the work.

1.07 SITE VISIT

Respondents are encouraged to conduct a site visit to familiarize themselves with the nine (9) project sites. Site visits or “walk arounds” may be coordinated directly with Mr. Taylor Hunt, Assistant Land Steward for the Lower Keys, by phoning (305) 394-1030. Failure by a

Respondent to conduct a site visit shall not provide a basis for a protest of the bid award. There is no mandatory pre-bid meeting.

1.08 INTERPRETATIONS, CLARIFICATIONS, AND ADDENDA

No oral interpretations will be made to any Respondent as to the meaning of the contract documents. All inquiries or requests shall be submitted in writing to the Monroe County Land

Steward, c/o Monroe County Land Authority, 1200 Truman Ave, Suite 207, Key West Florida, 33040 – Attn. Beth Bergh or by e-mail at bergh-beth@monroecounty-fl.gov. Any inquiry or request for interpretation received in writing seven (7) or more days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) prior to the date fixed for opening of responses will be given consideration. All such changes or interpretations will be made in writing in the form of an

Addendum and, if issued, will be furnished by posting on the website at https://monroecounty-fl.bonfirehub.com OR www.monroecounty-fl.gov/BonfireBids prior to the established opening date. Interpretations, corrections, or changes of the Proposal Documents made in any other manner will not be binding, and Proposers shall not rely upon such interpretations, corrections, and changes. Oral and other interpretations or clarifications will be without legal effect.

Each Respondent shall acknowledge receipt of such Addenda in their Response. In case any

Respondent fails to acknowledge receipt of such Addenda or Addendum, its proposal will nevertheless be construed as though it had been received and acknowledged and the submission of its proposal will constitute acknowledgment of the receipt of same. All Addenda are a part of the contract documents, and each Respondent will be bound by such Addenda, whether or not received by it. It is the responsibility of each Respondent to verify that it has received all

Addenda issued before proposals are opened.

No Addenda will be issued later than five (5) business days prior to the date for receipt of

Proposals except for an Addendum withdrawing the Request for Proposals or one which includes postponement of the date for receipt of Proposals.

1.09 GOVERNING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

A. The Respondent is required to be familiar with and shall be responsible for complying with all federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations that in any manner affect the work.

http://www.monroecounty-fl.gov/BonfireBids

B. The respondent shall include in his proposal prices all sales, consumer, use, and other taxes required to be paid in accordance with the law of the State of Florida and the County of Monroe. Monroe County BOCC is tax exempt from all local, state, and federal sales taxes.

C. Respondent shall be required to obtain a Monroe County Business Tax Receipt and/or Monroe County Occupational License before beginning operations.

1.10 PREPARATION OF PROPOSALS

A. Signature of the Respondent: The Respondent must sign the Proposal forms in the space provided for the signature. If the Respondent is an individual, the words “doing business as ____________”, or “Sole Owner” must appear beneath such signature. In the case of a partnership, the signature of at least one (1) of the partners must follow the firm name and the words “Member of the Firm” should be written beneath such signature. If the Respondent is a corporation, the title of the officer signing the proposal on behalf of the corporation must be stated along with the Corporation Seal Stamp and evidence of his/her authority to sign the proposal must be submitted. The Respondent shall state in the proposal the name and address of each person interested therein.

B. The Respondent is solely responsible for all costs of preparing and submitting the response, regardless of whether a contract award is made by the County. This

RFP does not constitute an offer for employment or contract for services.

1.11 FORMAT OF SUBMISSION

The Proposal submitted in response to this RFP shall be submitted on Bonfire in 8-1/2” x 11” letter size form; shall be clear and concise, and provide the information requested herein. The

Proposal shall be organized and tabbed. Statements submitted without the required information will not be considered. Proposals shall be organized as indicated below. The Respondent should not withhold any information from the written response in anticipation of presenting the information orally or in a demonstration. Each Respondent must submit adequate documentation to certify the Respondent’s compliance with the County’s requirements. Respondent should focus specifically on the information requested.

The response, at a minimum, shall include the following:

A. COVER PAGE

A cover page that reads “Proposal for Native Habitat Restoration Project on Monroe

County Conservation Lands”. The cover page should contain Respondent’s name, address, email address, telephone number, and the name of the Respondent’s contact person, include a phone number for contact person if different from Respondent’s.

B. TABBED SECTIONS

TAB 1. Price.

Submit the completed Bid Proposal form. Prices will be evaluated on total cost only. One contractor shall be selected to complete all Parts of the project.

TAB 2. General Information.

a. Record of performance and professional accomplishments including: a description of similar work completed by the firm, any outstanding accomplishments of the firm, any outstanding accomplishments of the firm that relate directly to this type of work (provide a reference for each work cited) and volume of present work commitments.

b. Technical, educational and training experience of the assigned staff and any anticipated subcontracted staff. Include the proposed function(s) of subcontractors.

c. A list of equipment / tools that are available to be used on the project.

d. Project Approach. Provide a description including a statement that reflects a clear understanding of project needs based on the scope of work and a work plan that details the approach.

e. Specify the minimum/maximum number of workers that will be deployed as a work crew. If members of the work crew live outside of the Keys, specify what arrangements will be made to ensure their ability to report to work.

f. Address proposed work schedule and ability to complete project by October 31, 2025.

g. Additional information: Provide any additional pertinent information that would be helpful in the consideration of your response.

TAB 3. References

Each Respondent shall provide at least three (3) references for which the Respondent has provided the same or similar services during the past three (3) years. It is preferred that the references are from state or local governments, but private industry clients may also be used as references. Each reference shall include, at a minimum:

Name and full address of reference organization

Name of Contact person for contract

Telephone number(s)

Date of initiation of contract with reference

Brief summary comparing the referenced services to these proposed services

Alternatively, each Respondent may submit as references: at least three (3) letters of recommendation from local or in-state business owners who attest, in some detail, to

Respondent’s knowledge and abilities regarding the proposed services.

TAB 4. Claims and Litigation

a. Has the person, principals, entity, or any entity previously owned, operated or directed by any of its officers, major shareholders or directors, ever failed to complete work or provide the goods for which it has contracted? Yes or No. If yes, provide details;

b. Are there any judgments, claims, arbitration proceeding or suits pending or outstanding against the person, principal of the entity, or entity, or any entity previously owned, operated or directed by any of its officers, directors, or general partners? Yes or No. If yes, provide details;

c. Has the person, principal of the entity, entity, or any entity previously owned, operated or directed by any of its officers, major shareholders or directors, within the last five years, been a party to any lawsuit, arbitration, or mediation with regard to a contract for services, goods or construction services similar to those requested in the specifications with private or public entities? Yes or No. If yes, provide details;

d. Has the person, principal of the entity, or any entity previously owned, operated or directed by any of its officers, owners, partners, major shareholders or directors, ever initiated litigation against the county or been sued by the county in connection with a contract to provide services, goods or construction services? Yes or No. If yes, provide details;

e. Whether, within the last five years, the owner, an officer, general partner, principal, controlling shareholder or major creditor of the person or entity was an officer, director, general partner, principal, controlling shareholder or major creditor of any other entity that failed to perform services or furnish goods similar to those sought in the request for competitive solicitation; Yes or No, If yes, provide details.

TAB 5. Respondent’s Background Information

a. Include a list of the Respondent’s shareholders with 5% or more of the stock, or, if a general partnership, a list of the general partners; or, if a limited partnership, a list of the members.

b. Include a list of the officers and directors of the Respondent.

c. Provide the number of years the Respondent has been in business, and, if different, the number of years the Respondent has provided the type of services requested.

d. Provide the number of years the Respondent has operated under its present name and the number of years the business has operated under any other name, and such names under which it has operated.

e. Provide the financial statements for the prior three (3) years for the responding entity or for any entity that is a subsidiary to the responding entity.

(“Any financial statement that an agency requires a prospective bidder to submit in order to prequalify for bidding or for responding to a bid for a road or any other public works project is exempt from F.S. 119.07(1) and s.24(a), Art. 1 of the State Constitution.”)

Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal.

Please mark as “Confidential” to exercise exemption under F.S. 119.071(1)(c) and upload by separate upload to Bonfire to maintain confidentiality. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. However, any financial information the Contractor includes in the proposal packet, which is not marked as “Confidential”, and is uploaded incorrectly, may be disclosed in any public records request and will not be treated as “Confidential.” The County shall incur no liability for inadvertent disclosure of financial records that are not properly marked or submitted.

f. Provide credit references (minimum of three), including name, current address, and current telephone number.

TAB 6. County Forms and Licenses. Respondent shall complete and execute the forms specified below and found at designated pages in this RFP, as well as copies of all professional and occupational licenses:

I. Affidavit Attesting to Noncoercive Conduct for Labor or Services

II. Non-Collusion Affidavit

III. Sworn Statement Under Ord. No 10-1990 – Ethics Clause

IV. Drug Free Workplace Form

V. Public Entity Crime Statement

VI. Vendor Certification Regarding Scrutinized Companies List

VII. Respondent’s Insurance and Indemnification Statement

VIII. Insurance Agent’s Statement, and

IX. Copies of professional licenses and proof of local business tax payment

TAB 7. Local Preference Form. If claiming “Local Preference” then the Respondent shall include the Local Preference Form under this Tab.

A bid bond is not required. Payment and performance bonds are not required. There are no liquidated damages.

1.12 SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

A. Interested firms or individuals shall submit one (1) electronic copy of the

Proposal(s), tabbed, and indexed in Adobe Acrobat file (.PDF) format.

B. Proposals shall be submitted to Monroe County not later than the time and date for receipt of Proposals indicated in the Notice of Request for Competitive

Solicitations, or any extension thereof made by Addendum. Bonfire will not allow any Proposals to be uploaded after the time and date for receipt of

Proposals. Proposals received after the time and date for receipt of Proposals will not be considered. Bonfire will not allow any Proposals to be uploaded after the time and date for receipt of Proposals.

C. Each respondent shall submit with his/her/its proposal the required evidence of his/her/its qualifications and experience, as outlined in Section 1.11.

D. Monroe County Purchasing Department receives bids via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform. Please do not email, mail, or attempt to deliver in person any sealed bids. Emailed/mailed/physically delivered bids/proposals/responses WILL

NOT be accepted.

E. The Monroe County Purchasing Department hereby directs bids be submitted via the Bonfire electronic bidding platform at https://monroecounty-fl.bonfirehub.com, no later than 3:00 pm on Thursday, August 7, 2025. There is no cost to the bidder to use the Bonfire platform.

F. Please do not submit your confidential financial information as part of your proposal upload. There are separate uploads for each set of documents, including confidential financial information. All proposals will be made public on the platform after an intended decision or thirty (30) days, whichever is earlier, unless the bids/proposals are rejected in accordance with F.S. Sec. 119.071. If your proposal document includes financial information, that information will not be considered confidential and will be available and viewable to the public in accordance with public records law. In the event of a discrepancy between the bid amount on the Proposal Form and the bid amount entered into Bonfire, the bid amount listed in the proposal documents is the amount that will be utilized by staff when considering the bid proposal. The County reserves the right to waive any proposal/bid irregularity.

The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00

P.M., on Thursday, August 7, 2025. You may call in by phone or internet using the following:

Join Zoom Meeting https://mcbocc.zoom.us/j/4509326156

Meeting ID: 4509326156

One tap mobile:

+16465189805,,4509326156# US (New York)

+16699006833,,4509326156# US (San Jose)

Dial by your location:

+1 646 518 9805 US (New York)

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

G. The Proposer shall assume full responsibility for timely delivery via upload to

Bonfire as the location designated for receipt of Proposals.

H. Oral, telephonic, telegraphic, emailed, and faxed Proposals are invalid and will not receive consideration.

I. All submissions must remain valid for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of the deadline for submission stated above. The Board will automatically reject the response of any person or affiliate who appears on the convicted vendor list prepared by the Department of General Services, State of Florida, under Sec.

287.133(3)(d), Florida Statutes (1997). Monroe County declares that all or portions of the documents and work papers and other forms of deliverables pursuant to this request shall be subject to reuse by the County.

1.13 WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSAL

Any proposal may be withdrawn on Bonfire prior to the time and date scheduled in the Notice of

Request for Competitive Solicitations for the opening thereof. Withdrawn Proposals may be resubmitted on Bonfire up to the time designated for the receipt of Proposals provided that they are then fully in conformance with these Instructions to Proposers. All other proposals received must remain valid for a period of ninety (90) days after the date designated for receipt of

Proposals. The County may, at its sole discretion, release any Proposal before the ninety (90) days period has elapsed.

A Proposal may not be modified, withdrawn, or cancelled by the Proposer during the stipulated time period following the time and date designated for the receipt of Proposals, except as provided in Section 1.14, Modification of Proposals, and each Proposer so agrees in submitting its Proposal.

1.14 MODIFICATION OF PROPOSALS

Written proposal modifications will be accepted from Respondents prior to the time and date designated for receipt of Proposals, by removing the existing proposal from Bonfire and uploading a new, complete proposal. The new submission shall comply with the requirements for the original proposal.

Proposals may be withdrawn on Bonfire prior to the time and date designated for the receipt of

Proposals. Withdrawn Proposals may be resubmitted on Bonfire up to the time designated for the receipt of Proposals provided that they are then fully in conformance with these Instructions to

Proposers.

Conditional, altered, or qualified proposals will be rejected. Proposers are to comply with the instructions on the proposal forms and not make any changes thereto.

1.15 RIGHT TO CLAIM ERROR

Each Respondent’s original work papers, documents, and materials used in preparation of the proposal shall be enclosed in an envelope, if mailed, and marked clearly as to its contents and must be submitted to Monroe County Land Steward, c/o Monroe County Land Authority, 1200

Truman Ave, Suite 207, Key West Florida, 33040 – Attn. Beth Bergh or by e-mail at bergh-beth@monroecounty-fl.gov, no later than twenty-four (24) hours after the time and date for receipt of Proposals, or any extension thereof made by Addendum. The contents of the email shall be clearly marked in the subject line of the email. Respondents who fail to submit their original work papers, documents, and materials used in the preparation of the proposal, as provided herein, waive all rights to claim error in the Proposal.

1.16 RECEIPT AND OPENING OF PROPOSALS

Proposals shall be received in the manner provided in Article 1.11. No responsibility will be attached to anyone for the premature opening of a proposal not properly addressed and identified. The bid opening for this solicitation will be held virtually, via the internet, at 3:00

P.M., on Thursday, August 7, 2025. The public may attend either by phone or internet as specified in the Notice of Request for Competitive Solicitations.

Any Proposal not received on Bonfire on or before the deadline for receipt of proposals designated in the Notice of Request for Competitive Solicitations will not be considered.

1.17 DETERMINATION OF SUCCESSFUL RESPONDENT

Following the receipt of the proposals, the Selection Committee will meet in a publicly noticed meeting and evaluate the responses based on the criteria and point total below. The County reserves the right to reject any and all Proposals, or any part of a Proposal. The County reserves the right to waive informalities, technical errors, variations, and irregularities in any or all Proposals that do not render the Proposal non-conforming, to re-advertise for

Proposals, to separately accept or reject any item or items and/or to award and/or negotiate a contract as may be deemed best for the interests of the County. Proposals which contain modifications, are incomplete, conditional, obscure, or which contain additions not requested or irregularities of any kind, or which do not comply in every respect with the

Instruction to Respondents, and the proposal documents, may be rejected at the option of the

County. The County may contact a Respondent to request clarification of an ambiguity in the

Respondent’s proposal.

Interested firms will be evaluated and selected at a publicly-noticed meeting by a selection committee composed of the following people, or their designees: Monroe County Land Steward, the Executive Director of the Monroe County Land Authority, the Senior Land Acquisition

Specialist for the Monroe County Land Authority, and a representative from Monroe County

Environmental Resources. The committee will evaluate responses based on the following criteria:

Tab 1 Total Price 25 points

Tab 2 General Information 15 points

Tab 3 References 5 points

Tab 4 Claims and Litigation -5 - 0 points

Tab 5 Respondent’s Background Information 5 points

Tab 6 County Forms 5 points

Tab 7 Local Preference 4 points

Total 59 points

Total points earned are on a scale of 1-59 points

1= Lowest 59 = Highest

1.18 AWARD OF CONTRACT

A. The County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or any part of any proposal, to waive any informality in any proposal, or to re-advertise for all or part of the services contemplated. If proposals are found to be acceptable by the

County and the contract is to be awarded, the Owner will issue the Notice of

Award to the successful Respondent within sixty (60) days after the date of the receipt of proposals. This written notice will be given to the selected Respondent of the acceptance of their proposal and of the award of the contract to them, subject to the approval of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners.

B. The Owner may conduct such investigations, as deemed necessary to assist in the evaluation of any Proposal and to establish the responsibility, qualifications, and financial ability of the Proposers, proposed subcontractors, and other persons or organizations to do the work in accordance with the Contract Documents to the

Owner’s satisfaction within the prescribed time.

C. The Owner reserves the right to request any additional information related to the financial qualifications, technical competence, the ability to satisfactorily perform within the contract time constraints, or other information the Department deems necessary to enable the Department and Board of County Commissioners to determine if the person responding is responsible. The Owner reserves the right to reject the Proposal of any Proposer who does not pass any such evaluation to its satisfaction.

D. If the award of the contract is annulled, the County may award the contract to another Respondent, or the service may be re-advertised or may be awarded to other qualified personnel as the County decides.

E. The Contract will be awarded to the highest ranked responsible, responsive conforming Respondent complying with the applicable conditions of the proposal documents, based on the ranking criteria provided herein, and deemed to provide the services which are in the best interests of the County.

F. The County also reserves the right to reject the proposal of a respondent who has previously failed to perform properly.

G. The proposals will be evaluated and ranked by a Selection Committee of not less than three (3) members. The proposals will be ranked (in no particular order) based on the parameters listed in Section 1.11 and the requirements of this RFP.

H. The highest ranked proposal(s), along with the recommendation of the County

Administrator and the requesting Department Head, will be presented to the

Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, for final awarding or otherwise The Board reserves the right to reject any and all Proposals, to waive informalities in any or all Proposals, to re-advertise for Proposals; and to separately accept or reject any item or items and to award and/or negotiate a contract in the best interest of the County.

I. Tie Responses: In the event the same competitive solicitation amounts are received from two (2) or more responders who are considered by the BOCC to be equally qualified and responsive or when two or more responders are equal in rank and score, and only one (1) of the responders has a principal place of business in Monroe County, Florida, the award shall be to the responder who has a principal place of business located in Monroe County, Florida, except where prohibited by federally funded contracts. Otherwise, the tie will be resolved by draw from an opaque container.

J. Protest Procedure: Any Bidder/Respondent/Proposer who claims to be adversely affected by the decision or intended decision to award a contract shall submit in writing a notice of protest which must be received by the County within seventy-two (72) hours or three (3) business days, whichever is less, after the posting of the notice of decision or intended decision on DemandStar or posting of the

Notice of Decision or Intended Decision on the Monroe County Board of County

Commissioners agenda, whichever occurs first. Additionally, a formal written protest must be submitted in writing and must be received by the County

Attorney’s Office seventy-two (72) hours or three (3) business days prior to the

Board of County Commissioner’s meeting date in which the award of contract by the Board of County Commissioners will be heard. The only opportunity to address protest claims is before the BOCC at the designated public meeting in which the agenda item awarding the contract is heard. In accordance with the

Rules of Debate as set forth in the Monroe County Board of County

Commissioners Administrative Procedures, the Bidder/Respondent/Proposer that filed the protest is responsible for providing the Clerk with his/her name and residence prior to the agenda item to award the contract being called in order to preserve their opportunity to be heard on this matter. An individual has three (3) minutes to address the Commission and a person representing an organization has five (5) minutes to address the Commission. The BOCC decision to award the contract is final and at their sole discretion. Failure to timely protest within the times prescribed herein shall constitute a waiver of the ability to protest the award of contract, unless it is determined that it is in the best interest of the County to do

so. The filing of a protest shall not stop the solicitation, negotiations, or contract award process, unless it is determined it is in the best interest of the County to do so.

1.19 EXECUTION OF CONTRACT

The Respondent to whom a Contract is awarded shall be provided and will be required to return to the County one (1) executed original of the prescribed Contract, upon consent and approval of the County Attorney, together with the required certificates of insurance, and proof of any required licenses not previously provided, within fifteen (15) days from the date of notice of acceptance of the Respondent’s proposal. A Notice to Proceed will be issued to the Contractor after approval of the contract by the BOCC and upon satisfactory compliance with these provisions. In no event shall failure of the Respondent/Contractor to provide satisfactory

Insurance Certificates within the stipulated time be cause for an extension of the contract time.

The County will return one (1) fully executed copy of the Contract Agreement to the Contractor with all other Contract Documents attached upon receipt from the Owner.

1.20 CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE

A. The Respondent/Contractor will be responsible for obtaining and maintaining all necessary insurance coverages listed in this RFP and within the Sample Agreement prior to commencing operation.

Minimum Insurance Requirements:

• Worker’s Compensation/Employer Liability –

$100,000 Bodily Injury by Accident;

$500,000 Bodily Injury by Disease, policy limits;

$100,000 Bodily Injury by Disease, each employee

• Vehicle Liability - $300,000 combined single limit; or split limits:

$200,000 per person

$300,000 per occurrence

$100,000 property damage

• General Liability - $500,000 combined single limit

Certificates of Insurance must be provided to Monroe County within fifteen days after award of proposal, with Monroe County BOCC and Monroe County

Comprehensive Plan Land Authority listed as additionally insured on all except

Workers Compensation. If the proper insurance forms are not received within the fifteen days, proposal may be awarded to the next selected respondent.

B. All forms of insurance required above shall be from insurers acceptable to the

County. Policies shall be written by companies licensed to do business in the State of Florida and having an agent for service of process in the State of Florida.

Companies shall have an A.M. Best rating of VI or better. The required insurance shall be maintained at all times while Respondent/Contractor is providing service to the County. Contractor shall provide County with updated Certificates of Insurance annually on the renewal date of each policy.

All insurance policies must specify that they are not subject to cancellation, non-renewal, material change, or reduction in coverage unless a minimum of thirty (30) days’ prior notification is given to the County by the insurer.

1.21 INDEMNIFICATION

The Respondent/Contractor to whom a contract is awarded shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the County as outlined below:

The Contractor covenants and agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Monroe County

Board of County Commissioners, and its elected and appointed officers, officials, agents, servants, and employees from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action for bodily injury

(including death), personal injury, and property damage (including property owned by Monroe

County) and any other losses, damages, costs, penalties, and expenses (including attorney’s fees) which arise out of, in connection with, or by reason of the Contractor utilizing the property governed by this Contract agreement. The extent of liability is in no way limited to, reduced, or lessened by the insurance requirements contained elsewhere within this agreement.

The indemnification obligations under the Contract shall not be restricted in any way by any limitation on the amount or type of damages, compensation, or benefits payable by or for the

Contractor under workers’ compensation acts, disability benefits acts, or other employee benefits acts, and shall extend to and include any actions brought by or in the name of any employee of the Contractor or of any third party to whom Contractor may subcontract a part or all of the

Work.

This indemnification shall continue beyond the date of completion of the work.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Sec. 768.28, Florida Statutes, nothing herein nor the acquisition of any commercial liability insurance coverage, self-insurance coverage, or local government insurance pool coverage shall be deemed a waiver of immunity by the County.

1.22 LOCAL PREFERENCE FORM

When reviewing responses, preference will be given to business entities or individuals residing and doing business within the geographical limits of Monroe County, Florida, in accordance with ordinance 023-2009.

Any person submitting a proposal or bid in response to this invitation claiming a local preference according to Ordinance 023-2009, must execute the enclosed Local Preference Form and submit it with his proposal or bid. Failure to complete this form will result in disqualification from receiving local vendor preference.

SECTION TWO

PROPOSAL SPECIFICIATIONS

NATIVE HABITAT RESTORATION PROJECT-

MONROE COUNTY CONSERVATION LANDS

2.01 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Monroe County, Florida invites firms to submit proposals to complete a habitat restoration project on nine (9) separate Monroe County Conservation Lands located on Big Pine, No Name, and Little Torch Keys. Work includes the removal of invasive exotic plant species followed by planting of native trees and shrubs to restore the sites. The project includes the supply and installation of native plant material by the Contractor as specified below.

2.02 PROJECT LOCATION

See site specific maps included below for more information (all properties are vacant parcels and are easily accessed by adjacent roads)

Site 1: RE# 00110650-000000; 31685 Warner St, Big Pine Key

Site 2: RE# 00110810-000000; 31543 Warner St, Big Pine Key

Site 3: RE# 00110810-000200; 31551 Warner St Big Pine Key

Site 4: RE# 00305940-000000; 31324 Avenue G, Big Pine Key

Site 5: RE# 00303680-000000: 31014 Avenue E, Big Pine Key

Site 6: RE# 00302930-000000; 31365 Avenue C, Big Pine Key

Site 7: RE# 00256790-000000; 148 Palmetto Ave, Big Pine Key

Site 8: RE# 00108480-000000; No Name Key Pt Lot 1

Site 9: RE# 00113150-000000; 1561 State Rd 4A, Little Torch Key

GENERAL LOCATION MAP

Sites outlined in blue and referenced by site #

2.03 SCOPE OF WORK

The project includes the removal of non-native and invasive exotic vegetation from the specified sites followed by planting of native trees and shrubs.

PART 1: INVASIVE EXOTIC REMOVAL WORK

The following is a list of non-native and invasive exotic vegetation to be removed by Contractor at each site, counts are given for reference only, Contractor is required to remove all individuals of species listed:

Site 1: Three (3) Australian pines and nine (9) Washingtonia palms

Site 2: Stand of medium-large Australian pines (alive and dead), three (3) coconut palms, one (1) date palm

Site 3: Three (3) coconut palms

Site 4: No exotic removal work required

Site 5: One (1) large woman’s tongue (Albizia lebbeck), three (3) medium Albizia; three (3)

Washingtonia palms; (3) patches of Surinam cherry; (3) large Brazilian peppers; (3) Christmas palms

Site 6: Two (2) coconut palms; one (1) Washingtonia palm; bananas

Site 7: One (1) Washingonia palm; one (1) Brazilian pepper

Site 8: No exotic removal work required

Site 9: Stand of approximately twelve (12) coconut palms, many small Australian pines, many medium size Brazilian peppers, mahoes, bowstring hemp (Sansevieria spp), and night-blooming cereus / climbing cactus (Hylocereus undatus).

Trees must be fully removed by the contractor except for one tall palm tree (maximum) at each site that may be topped and left standing to provide a perch for birds. This remaining trunk must not be within falling distance of adjacent roads, power lines, or structures.

The invasive exotic plant species listed per site shall be physically removed and treated as follows

(Garlon 3A shall be diluted in water & Garlon 4 shall be diluted in a County approved vegetable-based oil):

Target Species Treatment Method

Australian pine

(Casuarina spp)

50% Garlon 3A applied to cut surface immediately after cut or 20% Garlon 4 applied to stump’s cut surface and sides

Brazilian pepper

(Schinus terebinthifolius)

50% Garlon 3A applied to cut surface immediately after cut or 20% Garlon 4 applied to stump’s cut surface and sides

Washingtonian palm

(Washingtonia robusta)

Physically remove

Coconut palm

(Cocos nucifera)

Physically remove

Senegal date palm

(Phoenix reclinata)

Physically remove

Seaside mahoe

(Thespesia populnea)

50% Garlon 3A applied to cut surface immediately upon cutting

Woman’s tongue

Albizia lebbeck

50% Garlon 3A applied to cut surface immediately after cut or 20% Garlon 4 applied to stump’s cut surface and sides night-blooming cactus

(Hylocereus undatus)

Hand pull entire plant and physically remove all material from the site; place in neat pile on roadside for county pickup (removal work may require ladders and/or pole saws to remove cactus from tree canopy) bowstring hemp

(Sansevieria hyacinthoides)

Cut and remove blade; immediately treat cut base with 10% glyphosate in water; place cut material in neat pile on roadside for County pickup

Any additional treatment methods or changes to the methods listed above must be pre-approved by the County Land Steward.

Contractor shall utilize quart-sized, chemical resistant spray bottles, such as “Spraymaster” bottles (or similar), for herbicide application. The contents must be clearly labeled on the outside of the bottle. A dye shall be used to facilitate identification of treated stems. Herbicides will be applied using a low-pressure spray to minimize drift and non-target damage.

Stumps of removed trees may remain on site but must be cut as low to the ground as possible.

Cuts will be made level to the ground to minimize herbicide runoff prior to absorption. A machete may not be used to cut trees as it creates a jagged cut; loppers or saws are preferred tools. An appropriate herbicide shall be applied within one (1) minute of stump preparation.

Contractor is responsible for proper disposal of vegetative debris resulting from plant removal work except for palm trunks and fronds (if they can’t be chipped) may be cut into 4–5-foot sections and neatly piled by the road for pickup by County claw truck. Additionally, the Contractor may pile bowstring hemp and night blooming cactus by road for County pickup at no cost to Contractor.

The contractor may utilize a chipper (not required). Any hardwood mulch (non-palm) created by the project may be used for the planting project (see Part 2) or may be disposed of in one of the following ways (as determined by the County Land Steward):

1. Spread evenly across the site (mulch may not be placed in wetlands or cover existing native vegetation); or

2. Removed from the site and properly disposed of at no cost to the County.

All herbicide treatments shall be at least 95% effective in preventing re-sprout of treated plants.

If 95% kill rate is not achieved for any area of the project after two (2) months past initial project completion; one additional treatment of the exotic plants in the problem area shall be the responsibility of the Contractor at no additional cost to the County.

PART 2: NATIVE PLANTING PROJECT

Once the invasive exotic plant removal portion of the project has been completed then the Contractor…