REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

FOR

CONSULTING ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE CONTINUED OPERATIONS AND

MAINTENANCE OF THE BIOSOLIDS PROCESSING FACILITY

RFQ 26-603/PA

SOLID WASTE AUTHORITY OF PALM BEACH COUNTY

7501 NORTH JOG ROAD

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA 33412

(561) 640-4000

RFQ 26-603/PA - i - June 2026

SECTION 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1. Background

1.2. Pre-Proposal Conference

1.3. Evaluation Process

1.4. Procurement Schedule

1.5. SOQ Submission and Withdrawal

1.6. Communication Protocol

1.7. Addenda

1.8. Rights of the Authority

1.9. Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) Preparation Costs

1.10. Interpretations

1.11. Non-Collusion Affidavit

1.12. Public Entity Crimes

1.13. Public Records Act / Information Disclosure to Third Parties

1.14. Insurance Required

1.15. Cone of Silence

1.16. Agreements with other Governmental Entities

1.17. Scrutinized Companies

1.18. Inspector General

1.19. Commercial Non-Discrimination Policy

1.20. Third Party Beneficiary Disclaimer

1.21. E-Verify – Employment Eligibility

1.22. Equal Business Opportunity Program

1.23 Prohibition Against Considering Social, Political or Ideological Interest in Government Contracting

1.24 Non-Government Entity Human Trafficking

1.25. Digital Accessibility Compliance

SECTION 2 - SCOPE OF WORK

2.1. Purpose

2.2. Introduction

2.3. Scope of Work

SECTION 3 - SOQ SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

3.1. SOQ Submission Requirements and Format

3.2. Content

3.3. Title Page

3.4. Table of Contents

3.5. General Information

3.6. Minimum Requirements

3.7 Experience and Qualifications of Firm

3.8. Qualifications of Key Individuals

3.9. Approach to Scope of Work

3.10. Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Participation

3.11. Local Preference Qualifications and Application

3.12. Respondent’s Qualification Statement

3.13. Vendor Acknowledgement Form

3.14. Additional Data

TABLE OF CONTENTS

RFQ 26-603/PA - ii - June 2026

SECTION 4 - SOQ EVALUATION AND AWARD

4.1. General

4.2. Evaluation Criteria

4.3. Evaluation Method

4.4. Award

4.5. Posting of Recommendation for Award and Protest Proceedings

SOQ FORMS

1. Transmittal Letter

2. SBE Commitment Form

3. SBE Subcontractor/Supplier Participation Schedule

4. Statement of Intent to Perform as SBE Subcontractor/Supplier

5. Subcontracting Goal – Waiver Request

6. Good Faith Effort Documentation Form

7. Certification of Business Location

8. RESPONDENT’S Qualification Statement

9. Vendor Acknowledgement Form

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A – Sample Agreement Attachment B – Procurement Schedule

RFQ 26-603/PA - 1 - June 2026

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1. BACKGROUND:

The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County (“AUTHORITY”) is the agency primarily responsible for providing an environmentally sound, cost effective, integrated solid waste management and recycling program for the residents and businesses of Palm Beach County, Florida. The AUTHORITY’s solid waste management system includes:

• A refuse derived fuel (RDF) waste-to-energy (WTE) facility;

• A Mass Burn waste-to-energy (WTE) facility;

• A Class I Landfill (for refuse);

• A Class III Landfill (for construction and demolition debris);

• Recovered Material Processing Facility (RMPF);

• Home Chemical and Recycling Centers (HCRC);

• A Biosolids Processing Facility (BPF); and

• Six (6) transfer stations.

1.2. PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE:

A. A Non-mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on the date and time outlined in the Procurement Schedule, at 7501 North Jog Road, West Palm Beach, Florida 33412, open to all interested parties at which time the AUTHORITY staff shall be present to answer questions and explain the intent of the RFQ documents.

B. Any conclusions reached at this conference which amend the RFQ documents, will be issued in the form of a written Addenda. The AUTHORITY will not be bound by or responsible for any explanation or interpretation of the RFQ documents other than those given in written Addenda. In no event shall RESPONDENTS rely on any oral statement by the AUTHORITY, its staff, agents, advisors, or consultants. There are no exceptions to this rule at any point in the process.

1.3. EVALUATION PROCESS:

The evaluation and recommendation process will be conducted by the Evaluation Committee in accordance with, but not limited to, the methods and criteria described in the Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) Evaluation and Award Section of this RFQ.

1.4. PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE:

A summary schedule of the major activities associated with the AUTHORITY’S procurement process for this Project is presented in the Procurement Schedule (see Attachments). The AUTHORITY, at its sole and unfettered discretion, may modify the schedule as it deems appropriate. The AUTHORITY will notify the RESPONDENT of any changes associated with submittal dates by written Addenda.

1.5. SOQ SUBMISSION and WITHDRAWAL:

A. The AUTHORITY uses Bonfire, a 100% digital method of accessing and responding to solicitations.

Therefore, RESPONDENTS must submit their proposal via Bonfire. The AUTHORITY must receive all SOQs as indicated in the header and on the date and time established in the Procurement Schedule, of this RFQ.

B. The AUTHORITY cautions those submitting SOQs to ensure the accuracy of the document uploads to

Bonfire.

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C. The RESPONDENT may withdraw their SOQ by notifying the AUTHORITY’S Purchasing Services office in writing at any time prior to the time set for the SOQ receipt deadline. SOQs, once opened, become the property of the AUTHORITY and will not be returned to the RESPONDENTS, except in accordance with Florida Law.

1.6. COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL:

All questions and communications concerning this procurement process must be directed to Patricia Armstrong, Purchasing Manager. All requests for clarifications or additional information must be submitted in writing via electronic mail to parmstrong@swa.org, or through Bonfire. All questions shall be submitted no later than the date specified in the Procurement Schedule, of this RFQ. The AUTHORITY will record its responses to questions, if any, and address them in the form of a written Addenda to this RFQ.

1.7. ADDENDA:

A. Should revisions to the RFQ become necessary, the AUTHORITY will issue written Addenda. All Addenda must be acknowledged. This Acknowledgement must be included in SOQ Form – Transmittal Letter and the Vendor Acknowledgement Form. RESPONDENT’S submittal may be rejected as non-responsive if RESPONDENT has failed to submit its SOQ without Addenda Acknowledgement. The AUTHORITY will issue all Addenda through Bonfire.

B. All RESPONDENTS should contact the AUTHORITY no more than five (5) calendar days before the due date for submitting SOQs to ascertain whether any Addenda have been issued. Failure of the RESPONDENT to make this inquiry could result in its SOQ being non-responsive in the event Addenda were issued and not acknowledged by the RESPONDENT in their submittal.

C. No Addenda will be issued later than five (5) calendar days prior to the due date for receipt of SOQ except an Addendum withdrawing the RFQ or one that includes postponement of the date for receipt of SOQ.

1.8. RIGHTS of the AUTHORITY:

This RFQ constitutes an invitation for submission of SOQ to the AUTHORITY. This RFQ does not obligate the AUTHORITY to procure or contract for any of the scopes of services set forth in this RFQ. The AUTHORITY reserves and holds at its sole and unfettered discretion, various rights and options under Florida law, including without limitation, the following:

• To prepare and issue addenda to the RFQ that may expand, restrict, or cancel any portion or all work described in the RFQ without obligation to commence a new procurement process or issue a modified or amended RFQ;

• To receive questions from potential RESPONDENTS and to provide such answers in writing as it deems appropriate;

• To waive any informalities, technicalities or irregularities in the SOQ submitted;

• To reject any and all SOQ submissions;

• To change the date for receipt of SOQ or any deadlines and dates specified in the RFQ;

• To change the procurement and/or selection process prior to receipt of SOQ;

• To conduct investigations with respect to the information provided by each RESPONDENT and to request additional information (either in writing or in presentations and interviews) to support such RESPONDENT’S responses and submittals;

• To visit facilities referenced in the RESPONDENT’S submittal at any time or times during the procurement process;

RFQ 26-603/PA - 3 - June 2026

• To seek clarification of SOQ from the RESPONDENT either in writing or in presentations and interviews, and;

• To cancel the RFQ with or without the substitution of another RFQ.

1.9. SOQ PREPARATION COSTS:

The AUTHORITY accepts no liability for costs and expenses incurred by the RESPONDENT in preparation and submission of SOQ and responses to clarifications from the AUTHORITY, potential site visits, interviews, negotiations, future RFQ or any other work performed in connection with the SOQ. Each RESPONDENT that enters into the procurement process shall prepare the required materials and submittals at its own expense and with the express understanding that they cannot make any claims whatsoever for reimbursement from the AUTHORITY for the costs and expenses associated with the process. RESPONDENT should prepare their SOQ providing a straightforward and concise description of the RESPONDENT’S ability to meet the requirements of the RFQ. Unnecessarily elaborate brochures, art work, expensive paper, bindings, visual and other presentation materials, beyond that sufficient to present a complete and effective response to this RFQ is not desired.

1.10. INTERPRETATIONS:

A. The AUTHORITY will not be bound by or responsible for any explanation or interpretation of the RFQ documents other than those given in written Addenda. In no event shall RESPONDENT rely on any oral statement by the AUTHORITY, its staff, agents, advisors, or consultants.

B. Any RESPONDENT that submits in its SOQ to the AUTHORITY any information which is determined to be substantially inaccurate, misleading, exaggerated, or incorrect, may be disqualified from consideration.

1.11. NON-COLLUSION AFFIDAVIT:

The RESPONDENT is required to submit the Vendor Acknowledgement Form attesting to the Non-Collusion Affidavit stipulating Agreement to the following: “RESPONDENT certifies that its SOQ is made without previous understanding, Agreement, or connection with any person, firm, or corporation making a SOQ for the same item(s) and is in all respects fair, without outside control, collusion, fraud, or otherwise illegal action”.

1.12. PUBLIC ENTITY CRIMES:

Pursuant to Section 287.133(2)(a), as amended: 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, proposal, or reply on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity, may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work, may not submit bids, proposals or replies on leases of real property to a public entity, may not be awarded or perform work as a contractor, provider 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 thirty-six (36) months following the date of being placed on the convicted vendor list.

1.13. PUBLIC RECORDS ACT/INFORMATION DISCLOSURE to THIRD PARTIES:

A. Sealed bids, proposals, SOQs, or replies received by the AUTHORITY pursuant to a competitive solicitation are exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s.24(a), Article I of the State Constitution until such time as the AUTHORITY provides notice of an intended decision or until thirty (30) days after opening the bids, proposals, SOQs, or final replies, whichever is earlier. As such, the AUTHORITY shall not in any way be liable or responsible for the proper disclosure or result of the proper disclosure of any submissions or portions thereof submitted in response to the RFQ made in accordance with applicable law.

RFQ 26-603/PA - 4 - June 2026

B. The law provides for certain exemptions from disclosure. If the RESPONDENT believes that some information contained in their SOQ is exempt or exempt and confidential from disclosure, the RESPONDENT is instructed to label such information as exempt from disclosure and/or confidential and exempt from disclosure, specifying the exact section of the public records, or other Florida or Federal law that justifies nondisclosure, and request in writing the AUTHORITY keep such information confidential and free from disclosure. The AUTHORITY reserves the right to make any final determination of the applicability of the public records or other Florida or Federal law. Prior to releasing any information, the AUTHORITY will inform the RESPONDENT and allow the RESPONDENT to seek injunction prohibiting the AUTHORITY from releasing the information. Each RESPONDENT agrees that the AUTHORITY may reveal any confidential and exempt materials to designated AUTHORITY staff and the Board Members involved in the evaluation process, and to any outside consultant or third parties who serve on the Evaluation Committee or who are hired by the AUTHORITY to assist in the evaluation process.

Furthermore, each RESPONDENT agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the AUTHORITY and each of their officers, employees, and agents from all costs, damages, expenses incurred in connection with refusing to disclose any material, which the RESPONDENT has designated as confidential and exempt.

C. The portions of any meetings where RESPONDENT(S) is/are making an oral presentation, is/are answering questions, where negotiations take place, or AUTHORITY meetings to discuss negotiation strategy are also exempt from public access in accordance with Sections 286.0113(2)(b)1, Florida Statutes, as may be amended.

1.14. INSURANCE REQUIRED:

The RESPONDENT(S) shall, at its sole expense, obtain and maintain insurance reflecting the minimum amounts and conditions specified in the Insurance Requirements Checklist. If the RESPONDENT(S) is a governmental entity or a self-insured organization, different insurance requirements may apply. Misrepresentation of any material fact, whether intentional or not, regarding the RESPONDENT’(S’) insurance coverage, policies or capabilities may be grounds for rejection of the proposal(s) and recission of any ensuing agreement(s).

Certificate(s) of Insurance are required indicating that coverage is in full force and effect and include the following language: “Should any of the policies be cancelled before the expiration date thereof, notice will be delivered in accordance with the policy provisions.” Notice shall not be less than (30) days for any cancellation, non-renewal or material change to the insurance coverages and not less than ten (10) days for non-payment of premium. The requirements contained herein, as well as AUTHORITY’s review or acceptance of insurance maintained by RESPONDENT are not intended to and shall not in any manner limit or quality the liabilities and obligations assumed by RESPONDENT under this Agreement. In the event that subcontractors used by the RESPONDENT do not have insurance, or do not meet the insurance limits, RESPONDENT shall indemnify and hold harmless the AUTHORITY for any claim in excess of the subcontractor's insurance coverage, to the extent that insurance meeting the limits would have afforded coverage to the AUTHORITY, as indicated in the Insurance Requirements Checklist.

1.15. CONE OF SILENCE:

1.15.1 Cone of Silence means a prohibition on any communication, written or oral, regarding a particular request for proposal, request for qualification, bid, or any other competitive solicitation between:

(a) Any person, recognized legal entity, or either of their respective representative(s) seeking an award from such competitive solicitation; and

(b) Any person who is a member of an evaluation committee or panel whose purpose is to make selections, recommendations or evaluations in connection with a competitive selection process;

and

(c) Any employee of the department from which the contract solicitation originated and for whose primary purpose it will serve, any employee that is a Chief of the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County regardless of the originating department; and

RFQ 26-603/PA - 5 - June 2026

(d) Notwithstanding the above, any person, legal entity, or their respective representative(s), may contact any member(s) of the AUTHORITY’s Governing Board, the Executive Director, Purchasing Director or Procurement Manager, however, any such communication shall only be by written correspondence, and in all cases the Purchasing Director shall be copied. Any oral communications to any of these persons(s) listed in this subsection regarding a particular competitive solicitation is/are strictly prohibited.

1.15.2 For the purposes of this section, a person or legal entity’s representative shall include any person or group of persons acting on behalf of that person or legal entity, including but not limited to an employee, partner, officer, director, consultant, lobbyist, or any actual or potential subcontractor or consultant of the person or legal entity.

1.15.3 The Cone of Silence shall be in effect as of the deadline to submit the proposal, bid, or other response to a competitive solicitation. Each request for proposal, request for qualification, bid, or any other competitive solicitation shall provide notice of the Cone of Silence requirements and refer to this policy.

1.15.4 The Cone of Silence shall remain in effect for all person(s), legal entity, or their respective representation(s) submitting a response to a competitive solicitation until such time as the provisions of subsection 15.7 are satisfied, even if the person withdraws his/her submittal from the competitive process or is otherwise eliminated from consideration consistent with the procedures of the competitive process.

1.15.5 The provisions of this policy shall not apply to oral communications at any proceeding, including pre-bid conferences, oral presentations before evaluation committees, contract negotiations during any meeting, presentations made to the Governing board, and protest hearings. Further, the Cone of Silence shall not apply to contract negotiations between any employee and the intended awardees, or any dispute resolution process following the filing of a protest between the person filing and any employee.

1.15.6 The Cone of Silence shall not apply to any purchase made in an amount less than the competitive bid threshold set forth in the AUTHORITY Purchasing Manual.

1.15.7 The Cone of Silence shall terminate at the time the Board, or AUTHORITY staff, if authorized to act on behalf of the Board, awards or approves a contract, rejects all bids and responses, or otherwise takes action which ends the solicitation process.

1.15.8 The Board, by means of action taken at any properly noticed Governing Board meeting, may invoke the Cone of Silence earlier than the times specified in this section, for any procurement.

1.15.9 Any and all questions regarding the individuals who may or may not be covered under the Cone of

Silence should be directed to the Purchasing Director or designee.

1.16. AGREEMENTS with OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES:

All RESPONDENTS submitting a response to this RFQ agree that such response also constitutes a response to all State and local government agencies of the State of Florida under the same terms and conditions for the same prices and for the same effective period as specified in this RFQ, should the successful RESPONDENT deem it in the best interest of their business to do so. The Agreement(s) resulting from this RFQ in no way restricts or interferes with any State or local government agencies of the State of Florida from re-solicitation for any or all items specified in this RFQ.

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1.17. SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES:

A. When Contract value is greater than one million dollars ($1,000,000): As provided in F.S. 287.135, by entering into this Contract or performing any work in furtherance hereof, the CONTRACTOR certifies that it, its affiliates, suppliers, subcontractors and consultants who will perform hereunder, have not been placed on the Scrutinized Companies With Activities in Sudan List or Scrutinized Companies With Activities in The Iran Petroleum Energy Sector List created pursuant to F.S. 215.473, or is engaged in business operations in Cuba or Syria.

If the AUTHORITY determines, using credible information available to the public, that a false certification has been submitted by CONTRACTOR, this Contract may be terminated and a civil penalty equal to the greater of $2 million or twice the amount of this Contract shall be imposed, pursuant to F.S. 287.135. Said certification must also be submitted at the time of Contract renewal.

B. As provided in F.S. 287.135, by entering into this Contract or performing any work in furtherance hereof, the CONTRACTOR certifies that it, its affiliates, suppliers, subcontractors and consultants who will perform hereunder, have not been placed on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List, or is engaged in a boycott of Israel, pursuant to F.S. 215.4725.

If the AUTHORITY determines, using credible information available to the public, that a false certification has been submitted by CONTRACTOR, this Contract may be terminated and, if said false certification stated that the CONTRACTOR was not engaged in a boycott of Israel, a civil penalty equal to the greater of $2 million or twice the amount of this Contract shall be imposed, pursuant to F.S. 287.135. Said certification must also be submitted at the time of Contract renewal.

1.18. INSPECTOR GENERAL:

Palm Beach County has established the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), Ordinance No. 2009-049 which is authorized and empowered to review past, present and proposed county contracts, transactions, accounts and records. The AUTHORITY has entered into an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) for Inspector General Services.

This Agreement provides for the Inspector General to provide services to the AUTHORITY in accordance with the authority, functions and powers set out in the Palm Beach County Office of Inspector General Ordinance.

All parties doing business with the AUTHORITY and receiving AUTHORITY funds shall fully cooperate with the Inspector General including providing access to records relating to this Agreement. The Inspector General has the power to subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, require the production of records, and audit, investigate, monitor, and inspect the activities of the CONSULTANT, its officers, agents, employees, and lobbyists in order to ensure compliance with contract specifications and detect corruption and fraud. Failure to cooperate with the Inspector General or interference or impeding any investigation shall be in violation of Ordinance 2009-049, and punished pursuant to Section 125.69, Florida Statutes, in the same manner as a second-degree misdemeanor.

1.19. COMMERCIAL NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY:

a. Statement of Policy

It is the policy of the AUTHORITY not to enter into a contract or to be engaged in a business relationship with any business entity that has discriminated in the solicitation, selection, hiring or commercial treatment of vendors, suppliers, subcontractors or commercial customers on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation,, disability, or genetic information, or on the basis of any otherwise unlawful use of characteristics regarding the vendor’s supplier’s or commercial customer’s employees or owners; provided that nothing in this policy shall be construed to prohibit or limit otherwise lawful efforts to remedy the effects of discrimination that have occurred or are occurring in the relevant marketplace for Palm Beach County.

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b. Policy Implementation

The EBO Office shall implement this policy by periodically conducting outreach and by distributing educational materials to the AUTHORITY’s contracting and vendor community and related trade associations to advise such contractors, vendors and prospective respondents of this policy and the procedures to be followed in submitting complaints alleging violations of this policy. In addition, the Executive Director, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Purchasing, and the Office of the General Counsel shall ensure that the following commercial nondiscrimination clause language is set forth in, and incorporated into, all the AUTHORITY contracts that result from formal solicitations:

Every contract and subcontract shall contain a nondiscrimination clause that reads as follows:

“As a condition of entering this agreement, the company represents and warrants that it will comply with the AUTHORITY’s Commercial Nondiscrimination Policy as described under Section 6.3 of the AUTHORITY’s Purchasing Manual. As part of such compliance, the company shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, disability, or genetic information in the solicitation, selection, hiring or commercial treatment of subcontractors, vendors, suppliers, or commercial customers, nor shall the company retaliate against any person for reporting instances of such discrimination. The company shall provide equal opportunity for subcontractors, vendors and suppliers, to participate in all of its public sector and private sector subcontracting and supply opportunities, provided that nothing contained in this clause shall prohibit or limit otherwise lawful efforts to remedy the effects of marketplace discrimination that have occurred or are occurring in the AUTHORITY’s relevant marketplace in Palm Beach County. The company understands and agrees that a material violation of this clause shall be considered a material breach of this agreement and may result in termination of this agreement, disqualification or debarment of the company from participating in AUTHORITY contracts, or other sanctions. This clause is not enforceable by or for the benefit of, and creates no obligation to, any third party.”

All Formal Solicitations issued for AUTHORITY contracts shall include the following certification to be completed by the RESPONDENT:

“The undersigned RESPONDENT hereby certifies and agrees that the following information is correct:

In preparing its response on this project, the RESPONDENT has considered all proposal submitted from qualified, potential Subcontractors and suppliers, and has not engaged in “discrimination” as defined in the AUTHORITY’s Commercial Nondiscrimination Policy as set forth in Section 6.3 of its Purchasing Manual to wit: discrimination in the solicitation, selection or commercial treatment of any Subcontractor, vendor, supplier or commercial customer on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, disability, or genetic information, or on the basis of any otherwise unlawful use of characteristics regarding the vendor’s, supplier’s or commercial customer’s employees or owners;

provided that nothing in this policy shall be construed to prohibit or limit otherwise lawful efforts to remedy the effects of discrimination that have occurred or are occurring in the AUTHORITY’s relevant marketplace of Palm Beach County. Without limiting the foregoing, “discrimination” also includes retaliating against any person or other entity for reporting any incident of “discrimination.” Without limiting any other provision of the solicitation for responses on this project, it is understood and agreed that, if this certification is false, such false certification will constitute grounds for the AUTHORITY to reject the response submitted by the RESPONDENT on this project, and to terminate any contract awarded based on the response. As part of its response, the RESPONDENT shall provide to the AUTHORITY a list of instances within the immediate past four (4) years where there has been a final adjudicated determination in a legal or administrative proceedings in the State of Florida that the RESPONDENT discriminated against its Subcontractors, vendors, suppliers, or commercial customers, and a description of the status or resolution of that complaint, including any remedial action taken. As a condition of submitting a response to the AUTHORITY, the RESPONDENT agrees to comply with the AUTHORITY’s Commercial Nondiscrimination Policy as described under its Purchasing Manual – Economic Inclusion Policy and Procedures, Section 6.3.

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1.20. THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARY DISCLAIMER:

It is not the intention of these RFQ documents to create third party beneficiary status in any person or entity that is not a direct party to the contract awarded as a result of being the successful RESPONDENT to this RFQ, and no language in these RFQ documents or the contract awarded pursuant to this RFQ should be construed or interpreted as creating a third-party beneficiary.

1.21. E-VERIFY – EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY:

RESPONDENT warrants and represents that it is in compliance with Section 448.095, Florida Statutes, as may be amended. No later than January 1, 2021, RESPONDENT shall (1) register with and use the E-Verify System (E-Verify.gov) to electronically verify the employment eligibility of all newly hired workers, and (2) verify that all of the RESPONDENT’s contractors/consultants and subcontractors/subconsultants performing any duties and obligations under the resultant agreement are registered with and use the E-Verify System to electronically verify the employment eligibility of all newly hired workers. AUTHORITY shall terminate the resultant agreement if it has a good faith belief that the RESPONDENT has knowingly violated Section 448.091(1), Florida Statutes as may be amended.

1.22. EQUAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM:

A. The Governing Board of the AUTHORITY has implemented the Economic Inclusion Policy and Procedures administered by the Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) Office to ensure that all segments of its business population, including, but not limited to small, local, businesses, have an equitable opportunity to participate in the AUTHORITY’S procurement process. Refer to Section 6.1 through 6.4 of the Purchasing Manual, which are hereby incorporated herein by specific reference. The AUTHORITY’s Purchasing Manual is available at SWA Purchasing Manual. It is the intention that the RESPONDENT review and understand these provisions. By submitting a Proposal, it shall be considered a determinative acknowledgement that the RESPONDENT has done so and fully understands these provisions and agrees that all are acceptable. In addition, program tools and solicitation incentives are hereby referred to as the Affirmative Procurement Initiatives (API).

B. Each solicitation will be evaluated to determine the appropriate Affirmative Procurement Initiatives (API) to be applied. The API will be outlined in detail in SOQ Submission Requirements” of this solicitation.

Failure to meet the API requirement will deem the RESPONDENT’S response as non-responsive.

C. CONTRACTOR / VENDOR WAIVER REQUEST:

1. If a RESPONDENT is unable to comply with the API requirements of this solicitation, RESPONDENT shall submit a request for a waiver or partial waiver at the time the SOQs are due. The waiver request shall include specified documentation which demonstrates a Good Faith Effort (as defined in the AUTHORITY’s Purchasing Manual as incorporated herein) to comply with the requirements as described under the selected APIs. RESPONDENT shall use the Subcontracting Goal – Waiver Request for this waiver request that shall constitute part of the SOQ submittal for evaluation and selection process. To assist in documenting Good Faith Efforts, submittal of the Good Faith Effort Documentation Form is required.

2. Post-Award Vendor Subcontracting Waiver Request – (See Sample Agreement))

If, after award of a contract, the RESPONDENT is unable to meet the participation requirements for SBEs specified at response submittal, the RESPONDENT must seek substitute or additional SBEs to fulfill the requirements; the requested substitution must be approved by the Director of the EBO Office or designee and the Originating Department Director or designee. If, after reasonable Good Faith Efforts, the RESPONDENT is unable to find an acceptable substitute or additional SBE, a post-award waiver may be requested. The request shall document the reasons for the RESPONDENT’s

RFQ 26-603/PA - 9 - June 2026 inability to meet the goal requirement. In the event the RESPONDENT is found not to have performed Good Faith Efforts in its attempt to find a suitable substitute for the initial SBE proposed utilization, the contract may, in the AUTHORITY’s sole and unfettered discretion, be terminated for material breach. If the AUTHORITY terminates the contract, the AUTHORITY may then award the contract to the next lowest responsible and responsive RESPONDENT or, in the alternative, re-solicit the contract with the terminated vendor being disqualified from participation in the re-solicitation, or any other means at the sole and unfettered discretion of the AUTHORITY. If requesting a post-award vendor subcontracting waiver, the RESPONDENT must request waiver of a specified subcontracting goal by submitting a Post-Award Vendor Subcontracting Waiver Request.

Documentation and supporting evidence of all Good Faith Efforts made to comply with the subcontracting goal must also be submitted.

1.23 PROHIBITION AGAINST CONSIDERING SOCIAL, POLITICAL OR IDEOLOGICAL INTERESTS IN

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING – F.S. 287.05701(2023):

RESPONDENTS are hereby notified of the provisions of section 287.05701(2023), Florida Statutes, as amended, that the AUTHORITY will not request documentation of or consider a RESPONDENT’s social, political, or ideological interests when determining if the RESPONDENT is a responsible RESPONDENT.

RESPONDENTS are further notified that the AUTHORITY’s governing body may not give preference to a RESPONDENT based on the RESPONDENT’s social, political, or ideological interests.

1.24 NON-GOVERNMENT ENTITY HUMAN TRAFFICKING:

RESPONDENT warrants and represents that it is in compliance with Section 787.06 of the Florida Statutes, and declares that the RESPONDENT does not use coercion for labor or services as defined in the statutes.

1.25 DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY COMPLIANCE:

A. RESPONDENT acknowledges that the AUTHORITY is a public entity subject to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable federal accessibility regulations. RESPONDENT represents and warrants that all websites, web-based applications, digital services, electronic documents, multimedia, and other electronic content created, developed, provided, submitted, maintained, or delivered under this Contract that may be electronically displayed, accessed, distributed, or made available to the public by the AUTHORITY shall conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA, or any successor standard adopted by the U.S. Department of Justice.

B. All electronic documents submitted to the AUTHORITY, including but not limited to PDFs, reports, forms, presentations, and public-facing materials, shall be provided in an accessible format compliant with the applicable accessibility standards at the time of delivery.

C. RESPONDENT shall ensure that any updates, revisions, or modifications to such digital content remain compliant throughout the term of this Contract. Upon request, RESPONDENT shall provide documentation reasonably demonstrating accessibility compliance. If any deliverable is determined by the AUTHORITY to be noncompliant, RESPONDENT shall promptly remediate the noncompliance at no additional cost to the AUTHORITY and within a timeframe specified by the AUTHORITY. RESPONDENT shall ensure that any third-party digital content or platforms used in performance of this Contract either comply with the requirements herein or that an accessible alternative acceptable to the AUTHORITY is provided.

D. Failure to comply with this subsection shall constitute a material breach of this Contract.

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RFQ 26-603/PA - 10 - June 2026

SCOPE OF WORK

2.1 PURPOSE:

A. The purpose of this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is to solicit formal written Statement of Qualifications (SOQs) from experienced and qualified individuals, corporations, partnerships and other legal entities (RESPONDENTS’) to provide a wide range of Consulting Engineering Services in support of the Continued Operations and Maintenance of the Biosolids Processing Facility for the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County (AUTHORITY). The evaluation process shall be in accordance with Florida Statute 287.055, Consultants Competitive Negotiations Act.

B. It is the AUTHORITY’s intent to contract with the top ranked firm as established by the Evaluation

Committee subject to the approval of the AUTHORITY’s Governing Board. The AUTHORITY does not guarantee any minimum amount of work.

C. The Agreement shall be for a term of three (3) years with the option of an additional three (3) year renewal subject to review and approval of the Governing Board of the Solid Waste Authority at the sole and unfettered discretion of the AUTHORITY.

2.2 INTRODUCTION:

The Solid Waste Authority (“AUTHORITY”) is requesting qualified firms to submit proposals indicating their ability and expertise to provide professional consulting engineering services related to the AUTHORITY’s Biosolids Processing Facility (BPF). The BPF is owned by the AUTHORITY, and operated and maintained by a contract operator, New England Fertilizer Company (“OPERATOR”) under a long-term Operation and Maintenance Agreement (O&M Agreement). Contract award will be made to the top ranked firm, subject to and upon approval of the AUTHORITY’s Governing Board. Consultant Services Authorization (CSA)/Work Assignment for individual projects will be assigned at the sole and unfettered discretion of the AUTHORITY.

2.3 SCOPE OF WORK:

The RESPONDENT shall be able to demonstrate the capability to provide professional consulting engineering and related services including but not limited to the following:

A. Inspection: Perform annual field inspections of the facility to evaluate the performance of the

OPERATOR with regard to:

1. Condition of facilities and equipment.

2. Safety of Persons and Property

3. Repair and Maintenance

4. Compliance with Operations and Maintenance (O&M) requirements from the equipment manufacturer’s O&M manuals.

5. Facility Compliance with Equipment Warranties.

6. Review of Spare Parts Inventory

7. Review of Equipment Vibration and Lubrication Analysis

The inspection service findings will be incorporated into each annual inspection, which shall take place within thirty (30) days of the end of each fiscal year of operation.

B. Data Collection and Review (Audit and Report): The Consultant will perform an annual audit of the facility operating data with regards to verification of the OPERATOR’s compliance with the OPERATOR’s responsibilities and obligations detailed in the Operations and Maintenance Agreement (O&M Agreement) between the AUTHORITY and the OPERATOR. These responsibilities and obligations include but are not limited to the following:

RFQ 26-603/PA - 11 - June 2026

1. Confirm compliance with facility processing throughput requirements.

2. Confirm compliance with maximum utility usage requirements.

3. Confirm compliance with operating report submittal requirements.

4. Confirm compliance with local, state, and federal regulation requirements.

5. Confirm compliance with maximum residue generation requirements.

6. Report: Prepare a separate section of the Audit Report, detailing an independent opinion of the overall performance of the OPERATOR in complying with the provisions of the Operating Plan, the general status of the facility with regard to OPERATOR maintenance over the fiscal year, and any recommendations to improve the operation and maintenance of the facility. The Consultant shall provide a list of any recommended repairs or replacements, which should be or should have been performed in accordance with proper operating practice for similar facilities.

C. General Operational Support Professional Services: Perform general support services which may include, but are not limited to the following tasks:

1. Evaluation of Incidents at the Biosolids Processing Facility (BPF)

2. Coordinate with AUTHORITY’s financial auditors as necessary

3. Review of Facility Modifications

4. Permit Compliance Assistance - Power Plant Siting Act (PPSA) Conditions of Certification

5. Permit Compliance Assistance – City of West Palm Beach Significant Industrial Use Permit

6. Permit Compliance Assistance – Title V Permit

7. Review of Interlocal Agreements (ILA’s)

8. Review of Contractual Issues with the OPERATOR and the existing Operations and

Maintenance Agreement (O&M Agreement).

9. Update of Landfill Gas Projections and Associated Cost Analysis.

10. Landfill Gas Assistance for BPF

11. Process Wastewater Disposal Assistance.

12. Additional Related Professional Support Services as requested.

D. Biosolids Master Plan Services: The AUTHORITY is updating its master plans for all of its facilities.

The BPF master plan considers the short-term period through 2029 and the long-term period after expiration of the current O&M Agreement with the OPERATOR. The AUTHORITY is currently working on Phase III of the BPF Master Plan with its Consultant, which includes evaluating the feasibility of a facility expansion before the next O&M Agreement begins in 2029 in order to accommodate the facility refurbishments necessary at the beginning of the next term. Additionally, the Phase III Master Plan also evaluates other offsite biosolids treatment facilities that could manage biosolids while the facility is being refurbished. Finally, the Phase III Master Plan evaluates other facility operators interested in the next O&M Agreement. Over the next three (3) years, there are expected to be several major tasks on this Agreement involving the Master Plan and the next O&M Agreement including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Assistance with regulatory impact analyses

A. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) B. Biosolids land application restrictions

2. Assistance with planning facility refurbishments, upgrades, and modifications A. Evaluating alternative sludge treatment technologies B. Evaluating additional sludge storage and conveyance technologies C. Biosolids projections and facility/equipment sizing D. Preliminary design criteria and assistance reviewing equipment selections E. Capital and O&M cost estimating F. Environmental permitting G. Construction/diversion scheduling

RFQ 26-603/PA - 12 - June 2026

3. Assistance with renegotiation of the O&M Agreement with New England Fertilizer Company or the procurement of a new operator and negotiation of a new Operations and Maintenance Agreement.

4. Assistance with renegotiation of Interlocal Agreements with each Utility Partner

5. Engineering Services During Construction

RFQ 26-603/PA - 13 - June 2026

SOQ SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

3.1 SOQ SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND FORMAT:

A. The AUTHORITY uses Bonfire, a 100% digital method of accessing and responding to solicitations.

Therefore, RESPONDENTS must submit their SOQs via Bonfire. The AUTHORITY must receive all SOQs no later than 2:00 P.M., Eastern Time, on the date established in the Procurement Schedule. The complete SOQ package shall be submitted through Bonfire. Should the RESPONDENT have any issues with the e-Procurement system, RESPONDENT is encouraged to contact the Bonfire support desk for assistance: https://vendorsupport.gobonfire.com/hc/en-us.

B. Marketing brochures or any other information not pertaining to this RFQ shall not be included in the SOQ.

C. The SOQ shall demonstrate that the RESPONDENT is qualified to perform the Scope of Work based upon relevant professional experience.

3.2 Content

The RESPONDENT shall provide the appropriate information in accordance with the content requirements set forth in the following subsections. To allow the Evaluation Committee to more effectively review the SOQ, RESPONDENTS shall provide all requested information in the order and in the format below.

3.3 Title Page

The Title Page shall include the RFQ Title and Number. The page shall indicate clearly the name of the RESPONDENT submitting the SOQ and the name, address, phone number, fax number and e-mail address of the RESPONDENT’S designated contact person. The RESPONDENT’S designated contact person is the individual who shall be the main point of contact for the AUTHORITY to communicate with regarding this procurement.

3.4 Table of Contents

3.5 General Information

The RESPONDENT shall provide completed Forms as follows:

3.5.1 Transmittal Letter

The RESPONDENT shall submit a completed Transmittal Letter acknowledging among other things, that the RESPONDENT has completely reviewed, understands, and agrees to be bound by the requirements of this RFQ.

The SOQ Transmittal Letter shall be signed by a representative of the RESPONDENT who is empowered to sign it and to commit the RESPONDENT to the obligations contained in the SOQ.

3.5.2 Small Business Enterprise Commitment Form

The RESPONDENT shall provide a completed Small Business Enterprise Commitment Form.

3.5.3 Small Business Enterprise Subcontractor/Supplier Participation Schedule The RESPONDENT shall provide a completed Small Business Enterprise Subcontractor/Supplier Participation Schedule.

3.5.4 Statement of Intent to Perform as an SBE Subcontractor/Supplier

The RESPONDENT shall provide a completed Statement of Intent to Perform as an SBE Subcontractor/Supplier, RFQ 26-603/PA - 14 - June 2026

3.5.5 Subcontracting Goal – Waiver Request

The RESPONDENT shall provide a completed Subcontracting Goal – Waiver Request, if applicable.

3.5.6 Good Faith Effort Documentation Form

The RESPONDENT shall provide a completed Good Faith Effort Documentation, if applicable.

3.5.7 Certification of Business Location

The RESPONDENT shall provide a completed Certification of Business Location, if applicable.

3.5.8 RESPONDENT’S Qualification Statement

The RESPONDENT shall provide a completed RESPONDENT’S Qualification Statement.

3.5.9 Vendor Acknowledgement Form

The RESPONDENT shall provide a completed Vendor Acknowledgement Form.

3.6 Minimum Requirements:

The RESPONDENT shall substantiate in its submittal that it meets or exceeds the following minimum requirements. Failure to do so may be cause for disqualification of its submittal:

A. The RESPONDENT, both corporate and individual, must be fully licensed and certified for the type of work to be performed in the State of Florida at the time of submittal of their response to this RFQ. Should the RESPONDENT not be fully licensed and certified at this time its submittal will be rejected;

B. The RESPONDENT submitting SOQ in response this RFQ shall reflect a minimum of five (5) years of experience from the date the SOQ is due, of the firm and the individuals for providing professional consulting engineering services related to design, permitting, construction, operations and maintenance of biosolids processing facilities. Experience shall include, but not limited to work described in the Scope of Work.

C. The RESPONDENT shall provide evidence of insurability in areas of General Liability, Automotive Liability, Workers’ Compensation and Professional Liability as stipulated in the Insurance Requirements Checklist.

3.7 Experience and Qualifications of Firm:

The RESPONDENT shall submit the following:

A. Provide copy(ies) of State license(s) under F.S. 471.007 to practice engineering;

B. The RESPONDENT shall provide information as the primary along with all proposed sub-contractors/consultants to include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. Office locations and identification of proposed project personnel by name and office location.

2. List of Proposed Team – RESPONDENTS shall recognize that the AUTHORITY will not allow substitution of key personnel members during the Contract period without the agreement of the

AUTHORITY.

3. Organizational Chart of Proposed Team.

4. List of similar projects including location, client’s name, contact person for references and scope of services where requested services specific to the experience as described in the Minimum Requirements and Scope of Work.

RFQ 26-603/PA - 15 - June 2026

C. Current and projected Workload with quantitative data that clearly identifies the ability of the RESPONDENT to devote the necessary resources to successfully complete the services in a timely manner. Data shall include for each key project member:

1. Current project work listing and remaining labor commitments.

2. Historically, describe the typical number of projects handled by the RESPONDENT’s key project managers at any given time.

3. Projected workload of project management activities as defined in the scope of services.

4. Identify subconsultant firms that will be providing a commercially useful function.

3.8 Qualifications of Key Individuals:

A. The RESPONDENT shall specifically identify the following:

1. Lead person(s)/principal(s) within the prime firm proposed for services and include their qualifications;

2. Resumes of the team personnel;

3. Qualifications for any/all sub-contractor(s)/consultant(s) should also be included with the submittal;

4. Key Personnel Participation with project examples to display knowledge and experience of biosolids processing systems and facilities, as described in the Scope of Work.

5. Team and project management structure.

6. Demonstrate scheduling and staffing capacities to provide requested services.

7. Describe procedures for allocation of staffing resources in the absence or removal of Key Individuals identified in this…