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HIGHLANDS COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Procurement Division 600 S. Commerce Ave.

Sebring, FL 33870 Procurement Main Line: (863) 402-6500 Procurement Designated Contact: Rafael Vazquez, Sr. Procurement Analyst Direct Line: (863) 402-6500 E-mail: Purchase@highlandsfl.gov

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

26-016-RDV

State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP)Inspection Services

Pre-Solicitation Meeting: None Scheduled for this solicitation

Location: N/A

Request for Information Deadline:

Wednesday, May 13, 2026, prior to 5:00 PM

Submission Deadline:

Tuesday, May 26, 2026, prior to 3:30PM

Advertisement Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026 Second Advertised Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026

PROHIBITED SUBMISSION TO THIS SOLICITATION/PROPOSAL/QUOTE. Any party who is in active litigation with Highlands County on the due date for responses to this solicitation/proposal/quote or who has received notice from Highlands County that the party is in breach of a contractual obligation under a contract with Highlands County and where such breach has not been resolved to the satisfaction of Highlands County on the due date for responses to this solicitation/proposal/quote, shall not submit a response to this solicitation/proposal/quote. In the event of a submission by such a party as described hereinabove, the submission shall be considered non-responsible and shall be rejected.

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

The Board of County Commissioners (“County”), Highlands County, Sebring, Florida, a political subdivision of the State of Florida, will receive sealed proposals in the County Procurement Division (“Procurement”) for the following:

RFP NO. 26-016-RDV State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Inspection Services

RFP with criteria, requirements, and other information, may be downloaded from our procurement platform www.bidnetdirect.com. Copies of solicitation documents obtained from other sources are not considered official and should not be relied upon.

Determination of Proposer’s qualifications will be based on its Proposal which is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the RFP specifications. The contract, if awarded, will incorporate the RFP specifications and the Proposal.

A PRE- SOLICITATION meeting will NOT be held for this solicitation.

PROPOSAL SUBMISSIONS MUST BE DELIVERED to the Procurement Division, 600 S. Commerce Avenue., Sebring, FL 33870 to reach said office no later than 3:30 P.M., Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at which time they will be opened. Proposals received later than the date and time specified will be rejected. Responses may be submitted by one of the following methods:

Electronic submission to the County’s procurement platform, www.bidnetdirect.com. File name is to be in the following format: 26-016-RDV Proposer Name.

Hard Copy submission in a sealed and marked package. Affix the supplied “Sealed Solicitation

Label” to identify the enclosed response. A hard copy response is to include the following: one

(1) original paper copy (signed in blue ink) of the response, and one (1) all-inclusive original, electronic copy (Thumb drive) of the original response. File name is to be in the following format: 26-016-RDV Proposer Name.

The public is invited to attend meeting(s.) One or more County Commissioners may attend meetings.

Submissions received later than the date and time as specified will be rejected. The Board shall not be responsible for delays caused by the method of delivery such as, but not limited to; Internet, United States Postal Service, overnight express mail service(s), or delays caused by any other occurrence.

Refer all correspondence, questions, clarifications, etc. regarding this solicitation to the Procurement designated contact, prior to the deadline time and date, listed on the cover page.

The Board’s Local Preference Policy (“Local Preference Policy”) and the Board’s Women/Minority Business Enterprise preference will apply to the award of this RFP.

The County does not discriminate upon the basis of any individual's disability status. This non-discrimination policy involves every aspect of the Board's functions, including one's access to, 3 | P a g e R F P 2 6 - 0 1 6 - R D V participation, employment or treatment in its programs or activities. Anyone requiring reasonable accommodation as provided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act or Section 286.26, Florida Statutes should contact the ADA Coordinator at: 863-402-6500 (Voice), or via Florida Relay Service 711, or by e-mail: hrmanager@highlandsfl.gov. Requests for CART or interpreter services should be made at least 24 hours in advance to permit coordination of the service.

Board of County Commissioners Procurement Division Highlands County, Florida Website: www.highlandsfl.gov

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS (NON-CCNA)

SECTION 2 INSURANCE

SECTION 3. SPECIAL CONDITIONS

SECTION 4. SCOPE OF WORK

SECTION 5. SUBMISSION PROCESS

SECTION 7 TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

SECTION 8 CONTRACT AWARD

SECTION 9 CERTIFICATION FORMS

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GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS (Non-CCNA)

1. DEFINITIONS: For the purposes of this Request for Proposal (RFP), the following terms are defined as follows:

1.1. County means Highlands County, a political subdivision of the State of Florida, the Highlands

County Board of County Commissioners and other public entities involved in this cooperative solicitation.

1.2. Proposer means the individual, firm, partnership, corporation, association, or other legal entity submitting a proposal in response to this RFP that meets the requirements set forth in the solicitation documents. May also be referred to as “Contractor” Or “Respondent.”

1.3. Contract/Agreement An understanding between two or more competent parties, under which one party agrees to certain performance as defined in the agreement and the second party agrees to compensation for the performance in accordance with the conditions of the agreement. Agreement and Contract are used synonymously.

2. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS: This RFP constitutes only an invitation to submit a Proposal to the

County. The County reserves, holds and may in its own discretion, exercise any or all of the following rights and options:

2.1. To supplement, amend or otherwise modify this RFP, and to cancel this RFP with or without the substitution of another Request for Proposals (RFP).

2.2. To issue additional subsequent RFPs.

2.3. To reject all incomplete / non-responsive responses, or responses with errors.

2.4. The County reserves the right to determine, in its sole discretion, whether any aspect of the submitted Proposals is satisfactory to meet the criteria established in this document, the right to seek clarification and/or additional information from any submitting Proposer.

2.5. The County also reserves the right to refine the scope of work. This refinement is not to include any new services not advertised but to allow more specifically the define work integral to that in the advertised scope.

2.6. If the County believes that collusion exists among Proposers, all Proposals will be rejected.

2.7. Make available to Proposer any data available in the County’s files pertaining to the work to be performed under this RFP.

2.8. Decide and dispose of all claims, questions, and disputes arising under this RFP, contracts, or amendments.

2.9. Have the right to audit the records of the Proposers that enter into contracts pursuant to this

RFP at any time during the contract period and for a period of five years after final payment is made by the County pursuant to any Contract.

2.10. The County, the State and Federal auditors, as applicable, must be reserved the right to audit the records of the awarded Proposer related to this RFP at any time during the contract period and for a period of five (5) years after final payment is made. The awarded Proposer shall provide copies of any records related to contracts entered into in connection with this RFP upon request.

2.11. Pay fees and other compensation computed in accordance with a fee schedule to be incorporated in contracts.

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3. PUBLIC RECORD:

3.1. Pursuant to Florida Statutes, Section 119.0701:

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF FLORIDA

STATUTES, CHAPTER 119, TO YOUR DUTY TO PROVIDE PUBLIC

RECORDS RELATING TO THIS CONTRACT, CONTACT THE COUNTY’S

CUSTODIAN OF PUBLIC RECORDS:

COUNTY CLERK: GLORIA RYBINSKI

COUNTY PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

600 SOUTH COMMERCE AVENUE

SEBRING, FLORIDA 33870

TELEPHONE NUMBER: (863) 402-6832

HCBCCRECORDS@HIGHLANDSFL.GOV

3.2. Proposer agrees to comply with public records laws, specifically to:

3.2.1. Keep and maintain public records required by the County to perform the services set forth herein.

3.2.2. Upon request from the County’s custodian of public records, provide the County with a copy of the requested records or allow the records to be inspected or copied within a reasonable time at a cost that does not exceed the cost provided in Florida Statutes, Chapter 119, or as otherwise provided by law.

3.2.3. Ensure that public records which are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements are not disclosed, except as authorized by law, for the duration of the contract term and following completion of the contract.

3.2.4. Upon completion of the contract, transfer, at no cost, to the County all public records in possession of the awarded Proposer or keep and maintain public records required by the County to perform the services set forth herein. If the awarded Proposer transfers all public records to the County upon completion of the contract, the awarded Proposer shall destroy any duplicate public records that are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements. If the awarded Proposer keeps and maintains public records upon completion of the contract, all applicable requirements for retaining public records shall be met. All records stored electronically must be provided to the County, upon request from the County’s custodian of public records, in a format that is compatible with the information technology systems of the County.

4. DOCUMENTS OR PHOTOGRAPHS:

4.1. All Proposals shall become the property of the County.

4.2. The Proposer will be prohibited from publishing or releasing any information related to the requested services without the prior written permission from the County, except as allowed by law.

4.3. All reports or documents resulting from the ensuing contract will remain the sole property of

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4.4. Agree that all data, reports, specifications, ordinances, and other work products collected or developed by the Respondent will become the property of the County without restrictions or limitations and shall be made available at any time upon request to the County.

4.5. Except as otherwise required by law, Respondents shall provide copies of any records related to contract solely at the cost of reproduction.

5. COMPLIANCE(S): By submission of a proposal the proposer acknowledges and certifies compliance with the items stated herein.

Compliance with Florida Statutes (F.S.) Sections 287.087, on Drug Free Workplace, F.S.

287.133(2)(a) on Public Entity Crimes, F.S. 287.134 on Discrimination, F.S. 287.135 prohibiting contracting with scrutinized companies, F.S. 287.138 prohibiting contracting with entities of foreign countries, F.S. 787.06 prohibiting coercion for labor or services, and F.S. 448.095, on employment eligibility, is required. The Proposer certifies by submittal of a Proposal to agree to these requirements.

5.1. Public Entity Crime: Section 287.133, Florida Statutes. Public entity crime; denial or revocation of the right to transact business with public entities:

5.1.1. (2)(a) 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, supplier, subcontractor, or consultant under a contract with any public entity, and may not transact business with any public entity in excess of the threshold amount provided in Section 287.017, Florida Statutes, for CATEGORY TWO for a period of 36 months following the date of being placed on the convicted vendor list.

5.2. Discrimination: Section 287.134, Florida Statutes. Discrimination; denial or revocation of the right to transact business with public entities:

(2)(a) An entity or affiliate who has been placed on the discriminatory vendor list may not submit a bid, proposal or reply on a contract or provide goods and services to a public entity;

may not submit a bid, proposal or reply on a contract with a public entity for 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, supplier, subcontractor, or consultant under contract with any public entity; and may not transact business with a public entity.

5.2.1. Discrimination Clause: Pursuant to 49 CFR 26.13(b), the following statement shall be included in all contracts entered into pursuant to this RFP and all subcontracts between the Respondent and any subconsultant for work under this RFP:

5.2.2. “The CONSULTANT, sub recipient or subconsultant shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex in the performance of this Contract. The Consultant shall carry out applicable requirements of 49 CFR part 26 in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts. Failure by the Consultant to carry out these requirements is a material breach of this Contract, which may result in the termination of this Contract or other such remedy as the recipient deems appropriate.”

5.2.3. Respondents acknowledge there shall be no discrimination as to race, sex, color, creed, handicaps, or national origin in the operations conducted under this RFP.

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5.3. Forced Labor: Section 287.1341346, Florida Statutes. A person or affiliate who has been placed on the forced labor vendor list 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 a period of 365 days after the date the company was placed on the list unless the company is removed from the list.

5.4. Antitrust Violations: Section 287.137, Florida Statutes. A person or an affiliate who has been placed on the antitrust violator vendor list following a conviction or being held civilly liable for an antitrust violation may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply for any new contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity; may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply for a new contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work;

may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply on new leases of real property to a public entity;

may not be awarded or perform work as a contractor, supplier, subcontractor, or consultant under a new contract with a public entity; and may not transact new business with a public entity.

5.5. Truth-in-Negotiation: Section 287.055(5)(a) Truth-in-Negotiation The firm that receives the award shall execute a truth-in-negotiation certificate stating that wage rates and other factual unit costs supporting the compensation are accurate, complete, and current at the time of contracting. The contract for this RFP shall also contain a provision that the original contract price and any additions thereto will be adjusted to exclude any significant sums by which the County determines was increased due to inaccurate, incomplete, or noncurrent wage rates and other factual unit costs.

5.6. Sales and Use Tax: Highlands County is exempt from State Sales Taxes. (Florida Sales Tax Exempt Cert. No. 85-8013878621C-1). Therefore, the Proposer is prohibited from delineating a separate line item in its proposal for any sales or service taxes. The successful Proposer will be responsible for the payment of taxes of any kind, including but not limited to sales, consumer, use, and other similar taxes payable on account of the work performed and/or materials furnished under the award in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.

5.7. County employees or members of a Highlands County employee’s family are prohibited from receiving any gift, benefit, and/or profit resulting from any contract or purchase involving the County. Policy also prohibits acceptance of gifts of any kind other than advertising novelties valued less than $10.00.

6. COUNTY EMPLOYEES / CONFLICT OF INTEREST: All Proposers must disclose the name of any officer, director or agent who is also an employee of the Highlands County, or any of the public entities which will receive services related to this solicitation. All Proposers must disclose the name of any employee of the entities named in the preceding sentence who owns, directly or indirectly, any interest in the Proposer's business or any of its branches.

7. PROPOSER/RESPONDENT:

7.1. Respondents must be an individual, firm, partnership, corporation, association or other legal entity permitted by law to perform the described task(s) in the State of Florida.

7.2. Respondent/Prospective Vendor/Prospective Bidder is hereby notified that Florida Statutes, Section 287.05701, requires that the County may not request documentation of or consider a vendor’s social, political, or ideological interests when determining if the responding party is a responsible Respondent/Vendor/Bidder.

7.3. Successful Respondents shall not be allowed to substitute partnership or team members named in its response without the prior written permission of the County. County may also

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7.4. The successful Respondents shall submit proof of Florida licenses and/or certifications as required by the County and State.

7.5. Qualified vendors who will not be responding to this RFP are requested to notify the County and indicate why they are not proposing.

7.6. Each Proposer is responsible for full and complete compliance with all laws, rules, and regulations including those of the Federal Government, the State of Florida and the County of Highlands. Failure or inability, on the part of the Proposer, to have complete knowledge and intent to comply with such laws, rules, and regulations shall not relieve any Proposer from its obligation to honor its proposal and to perform completely in accordance with its proposal. It shall be the Proposer’s responsibility to educate themselves of the applicable laws, rules and regulations.

7.7. If any Proposer violates or is a party to a violation of the code of ethics of the County or the State of Florida, with respect to this RFP, such Proposer may be disqualified from performing the work described in this RFP or from furnishing the goods or services for which this RFP is issued and may be further disqualified from bidding/proposing on any future requests for work, goods, or services for the County.

7.8. The failure or omission of the Proposer to receive or examine any instruction or document, or any part of the specifications, or to visit the site and acquaint themselves as to the nature and location of the work (where applicable), the general and local conditions, and all matters which may in any way affect performance shall not relieve the Proposer of any obligation to perform as specified herein. The Proposer understands the intent and purpose thereof and their obligations and will not make any claim for or have any right to damages resulting from any misunderstanding or misinterpretation of this RFP, or because of any lack of information.

7.9. Suspension Or Debarment: Bidder/Proposer must disclose any litigation, suspension or debarment within the last 5 years of the Bidder/Proposer or their agent, person, or entity.

Non-disclosure of litigation, suspension or debarment may be considered in the award of the contract.

7.10. Anti-Lobbying: Proposers, their agents and associates shall not solicit any County Official, employee, agent, or volunteer and shall not contact any County Official, employee, agent, or volunteer other than the individual listed in Section XV of this RFP for additional information and clarification regarding this RFP.

8. PREPARATION OF PROPOSAL:

8.1. Proposals are due and must be received in accordance with the instructions given in the invitation page and any subsequent Addenda, if applicable.

8.2. Proposals must be signed by an individual of the Proposer’s organization legally authorized to commit the Proposer to the performance of services contemplated by this RFP.

8.3. The Proposer is solely responsible for all costs associated with responding to this solicitation.

No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with the preparation and submittal of any proposal, or for any travel and per diem costs that are incurred by any Proposer, as a result of this solicitation and subsequent evaluation process.

8.4. Due care and diligence have been exercised in the preparation of this RFP and all information contained herein is believed to be substantially correct. However, the responsibility for determining the full extent of the services required rests solely with those submitting a Proposal. Neither the County nor its representatives shall be responsible for any error or omission in the Proposals submitted, nor for the failure on the part of the Proposers to determine the full extent of the exposures.

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8.5. E-mailed and faxed Proposals will not be accepted.

8.6. Any blank spaces on the required Proposal form or the absence of required submittals or signatures may cause the Proposal to be declared non-responsive.

8.7. Proposer is to ensure that all licenses, certifications and other requested documentation is included with their submission, such as, but not limited to, Minority Owned and Women Owned business (W/MBE) certificate, professional license or certification(s.)

8.8. The County is not responsible for correcting any errors or typos made on the Proposal.

Incorrect calculations or errors may cause the Proposal to be declared non-responsive.

8.9. If submitting a Proposal for more than one Request for Proposal (RFP), each Proposal must be in a separate sealed envelope and correctly marked. Only one Proposal per RFP or “category”, as applicable, shall be accepted from any person, corporation or firm.

Modifications will not be accepted or acknowledged.

9. REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)/ADDENDA:

9.1. Refer all correspondence, questions, clarifications, etc. regarding this solicitation to the

County Procurement designated contact prior to the RFI Cut-off time and date listed on the cover page.

9.2. Any interpretation, clarification, correction or change to this RFP will be made by written addendum issued by the Procurement Division.

9.2.1. Official documents are posted and available for download on the County’s procurement platform, www.bidnetdirect.com. Information obtained from other locations may not be complete and/or accurate.

9.2.2. Any oral or other type of communication concerning this RFP shall not be binding.

9.3. All pages included in or attached by reference to this RFP shall be called and constitute the

Request for Proposals as stated on the front page of this RFP.

9.4. It is the sole responsibility of the Proposer to check the website for Addendums.

9.5. Proposers must acknowledge receipt of Addendums by completing the respective section on the bid/proposal submittal form.

9.6. In this RFP the County has attempted to address most situations that may occur. However, should situations arise that are not addressed, they will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, at the discretion of the County. If deemed necessary, the Procurement Division will supplement this RFP document with Addendums.

10. EXCEPTIONS / ITEMS NOT IDENTIFIED IN THE SCOPE OF WORK: No exceptions to the scope of work will be authorized.

11. JOINT PROPOSALS:

11.1. In the event multiple vendors submit a joint Proposal in response to this solicitation, a single Proposer shall be identified as Primary Proposer. The Primary Proposer must include the name, address and contact information of all parties of the joint Proposal. Primary Proposer shall provide all insurance requirements, execute any contract, sign the Proposal and have overall and complete accountability to resolve any dispute arising within the contract. Only a single contract with one Proposer will be acceptable. Invoices will be accepted from and paid only to the Primary Proposer. Primary Proposer shall remain responsible for performing services associated with Proposal made in response to this RFP.

12. RESPONSES RECEIVED LATE

12.1. It shall be the Proposer’s sole responsibility to deliver the sealed proposal submission to the

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Highlands County Procurement Division prior to or on the time and date stated.

12.2. Any proposals received after the stated time and date will not be considered. The proposal shall not be opened at the public opening. Arrangements may be made for the unopened proposal to be returned at the Proposer’s request and expense.

12.3. The County shall not be responsible for delays caused by the method of delivery such as, but not limited to; Internet, United States Postal Service, overnight express mail service(s), or delays caused by any other occurrence.

13. SELECTION PROCEDURE:

13.1. The County, at its discretion, reserves the right to waive minor informalities or irregularities in any Proposals, to reject any and all Proposals in whole or in part, with or without cause, and to accept that Proposal, if any, which in its judgment will be in its best interest.

13.2. Award will be made to the Proposer whose Proposal is determined to be the most advantageous to the County, taking into consideration those Proposals in compliance with the requirements as set forth in this RFP. The County reserves the right to reject any and all Proposals for any reason or make no award whatsoever or request clarification of information from the Proposer.

14. TIE BREAKER: In case of a tie in scoring, the award will be made as follows:

14.1. Step 1: The Proposer that has the highest number of number 1 rankings shall be deemed ranked as the higher Proposer.

14.2. Step 2: Upon completion of step 1, if a tie still exists the Proposer with the highest number of 2nd place rankings shall be the higher ranked Proposer.

14.3. Step 3: Upon the completion of steps 1 and 2 should a tie still remain the method used above will continue with each ranking level, 3rd, then 4th, then 5th highest rank, will be counted until the tie is broken.

14.4. Step 4: After the completion of Steps 1 through 3 if a tie still exists a flip of a coin shall determine the highest ranked proposer.

14.5. When the tie breaker is determined, the highest ranked Proposer shall be awarded the contract or receive the first opportunity to negotiate, as applicable.

14.6. If an award or negotiation is unsuccessful with the highest ranked Proposer, award or negotiations may commence with the next highest ranked Proposer.

15. CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS AND EXECUTION:

15.1. Negotiation of contracts with Respondents will follow the order of ranking by Evaluation Committee from highest to lowest score. Contract negotiations shall follow the procedures adopted by the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners and Section 287.055, Florida Statutes. The Evaluation Committee may require selected Respondents to submit technical or other additional information related to its response during contract negotiations.

15.2. The County reserves the right to award continuing contracts to one or more proposers if it is deemed in the best interest of the County.

15.3. Procurement and contracting of all Professional Services shall conform to all policies of the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners, County ordinances, codes, and technical standards and State and Federal law and regulations including, but not limited to, 24 CFR, Part 85, and Section 287.055, Florida Statutes as applicable. Those contracts will include provisions required by federal, state or local laws, regulations, ordinances or executive orders and provisions required by policies adopted by the Highlands County Board of County Commissioners.

15.4. After negotiations, contracts will be submitted to the County Administrator and Board

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Attorney for review prior to submittal to the Board. All reviewed contracts will be placed on a Board of County Commissioners’ Agenda for its consideration.

15.5. The successful Respondent shall enter into a contract that substantially reflects the requirements of this RFP and normal contract terminology. The County reserves the right to waive or adjust any minor inconsistencies between the RFP and the finalized contract and any resulting purchase order entered into pursuant to this RFP.

16. ISSUANCE OF WORK AND LIMITATIONS:

16.1. Authorization Of Work:

16.1.1. Allowable Costs: A determination of allowable costs will be performed for services rendered under any resulting contract from this solicitation.

16.1.2. Performance Evaluation: A performance evaluation will be conducted upon the completion of each project by the County Project Manager and provided to the Consultant. Larger projects may require an interim evaluation. The performance evaluations will become public record.

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SECTION 2 INSURANCE

Unless otherwise stated in the specifications/Scope of Work or Special Conditions, the following minimum Insurance Requirements will be included in the contract and must be met before delivery of goods and performance of services:

1. COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE: Occurrence Form Required: The Consultant shall have and maintain commercial general liability (CGL) insurance with a limit of not less than $1,000,000 each occurrence. If such CGL insurance contains a general aggregate limit, it shall apply separately to the work performed pursuant to this RFP in the amount of $1,000,000. Products and completed operations aggregate shall be $1,000,000. CGL insurance shall be written on an occurrence form and shall include bodily injury and property damage liability for premises, operations, independent Consultants, products and completed operations, contractual liability, broad form property damage and property damage resulting from explosion, collapse or underground (x, c, u) exposures, personal injury and advertising injury. Fire damage liability shall be included at $100,000.

2. COMMERCIAL AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY INSURANCE: The Consultant shall have and maintain automobile liability insurance with a limit of not less than $1,000,000 combined single limit per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage liability. Such insurance shall cover liability arising out of any auto (including owned, hired, and non-owned autos). The policy shall be endorsed to provide contractual liability coverage.

3. WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE: The Consultant shall have and maintain workers’ compensation insurance for all employees for statutory limits in compliance with Florida law and Federal law. The policy must include Employer’ Liability with a limit of $100,000 each accident, $100,000 each employee, $500,000 policy limit for disease.

4. PROFESSIONAL LIMITED LIABILITY INSURANCE: The Consultant shall have and maintain professional liability insurance with a limit not less than $2,000,000 per occurrence. If coverage is provided on a claims-made basis, the retroactive date shall be prior or equal to the effective date of any contract with the County. The coverage shall be renewed or include a “tail” or discovery, or continuous renewal of coverage for a period of three (3) years following the termination of the contract entered into in connection with this RFP.

5. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS / EVIDENCE OF INSURANCE:

5.1. A copy of the Proposer’s current certificate of insurance MUST be provided with the Proposal submitted in response to this RFP. A formal certificate shall be provided upon announcement that a Proposer has been awarded the work requested in this RFP. The Certificate(s) shall be signed by a person authorized by that insurer to bind coverage on its behalf. All Certificates of Insurance must be on file with and approved by the County before commencement of any work activities. The formal insurance certificate shall also comply with the following:

5.1.1. “Highlands County, a political subdivision of the State of Florida and its elected officials, its agents, employees, and volunteers” shall be named as an "Additional Insured" on all policies except Worker’s Compensation and Professional Liability.”

5.1.2. The policy shall provide a 30-day notification clause in the event of cancellation or modification to the policy. Highlands County will be given notice prior to cancellation or modification of any stipulated insurance.

In the event the insurance coverage expires prior to termination of the contract

14 | P a g e R F P 2 6 - 0 1 6 - R D V entered into in connection with this RFP, a renewal certificate shall be issued 30-days prior to said expiration date.

Such notification will be in writing by registered mail, return receipt requested, and addressed to the Procurement Manager, 600 S. Commerce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870.

5.1.3. All policies must include Waiver of subrogation; any liability aggregate limits shall apply “Per Jobsite”/Per Job Aggregate. All liability insurance except Professional Liability shall be Primary and Non-Contributory. The Certificate of Insurance shall confirm in writing that these provisions apply.

5.2. It should be remembered that these are minimum requirements, which are subject to modification in response to high hazard operations.

5.3. The policies of insurance shall be written on forms acceptable to the County and placed with insurance carriers authorized by the Insurance Department in the State of Florida that meet an AM Best financial strength rating of no less than “A- Excellent: FSC VII.

5.4. The Consultant shall hold the County, its agents and employees, harmless on account of claims for damages to persons, property or premises arising out of the services performed to in connection with this RFP. The County reserves the right to require Consultant to provide and pay for any other insurance coverage the County deems necessary, depending upon the possible exposure to liability.

5.5. Renewal:

5.5.1. In the event the insurance coverage expires prior to termination of the contract entered into in connection with this RFP, a renewal certificate shall be issued 30-days prior to said expiration date.

5.5.2. Such notification will be in writing by registered mail, return receipt requested, and addressed to the County Procurement Manager, 600 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring, FL 33870-3809.

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SECTION 3. SPECIAL CONDITIONS

1. Basis of Award:

1.1. The County shall award to a Primary and a Secondary Proposer whose Proposals are determined to be the most advantageous to the County. Evaluation of the Proposals shall be based on the evaluation factors set forth in this RFP and any other relevant information obtained through the evaluation process.

1.2. The County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all Proposals or any parts thereof, and the determination of this award, if an award is made, will be based on the ranking of each Proposal. The County reserves the right to waive irregularities in the Proposal.

2. Term:

The initial term shall be a three (3) year contract from the date of Board approval. Upon mutual agreement of the parties, the contract may be renewed for two (2) one (1) year terms. A Price Adjustment Clause is included in this solicitation. Prices shall remain firm for the initial term;

Proposer must apply for Price Adjustment thirty (30) days prior to anniversary date and justify increase or decrease.

3. Qualifications:

3.1. Licensed in the state of Florida for specified work through Department of Business and Professional Regulation, firm/individual registered to do business with Division of Corporations.

As proof attach the printout from www.Sunbiz.org for the proposer’s tax identification number.

3.2. Proposer must be a State of Florida Home Inspector and must provide proof of current home inspector license(s), issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, in their submittal.

3.3. Firm must have been in business under the same name or EIN number for a minimum of three

(3) years.

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SECTION 4. SCOPE OF WORK

4.1 Introduction/Background:

The Highlands County Board of County Commissioners (County) is seeking proposals from qualified and experienced company(s) or individual(s) for the Highlands County State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Program. The awarded, qualified Contractor(s) or individual(s) will supply inspection services which include providing home inspections, written reports and repair estimates for rehabilitation work.

The selected Contractor(s) or individual(s) will not be eligible to bid on rehabilitation and / or new construction bids while under the terms and conditions of the executed contract from this solicitation.

4.2 Objective:

A. Inspection of Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation

These services shall include but are not limited to providing home inspections, written reports and repair estimates for the SHIP Program. Inspections shall be conducted to determine the type of repairs necessary to bring houses up to code according to the Highlands County Standard Housing Code, State and Local SHIP requirements, and to address any and all safety, health and sanitation issues to the extent that SHIP funding award amounts per unit will allow.

Included in the services shall be the inspection of the Contractor(s) or individual(s) rehabilitation work. An inspection includes an initial inspection, cost and specifications write-up, an intermediate inspection and a final inspection.

Inspections may be conducted in sub-standard housing conditions and are to be accompanied with a positive and respectful attitude, primarily focusing on health and safety concerns. Work may occasionally be in unsanitary conditions due to trash or waste disposal system problems.

General exposure to dust, mold and mildew may be encountered.

All inspection reports shall be submitted in a format acceptable to the SHIP Program with regard to acceptable phrasing of statements concerning home and resident information that should or should not be included in reports for confidentiality and technical elements.

The following details outline what must be considered in the inspection process:

1. Initial Inspection - mandatory

a. client name, address and telephone number

b. directions to the home to be inspected

c. any and all useful information regarding applicant and residence for SHIP assistance

d. detailed description and photographic documentation of home exterior;

particularly the structure, siding and roof

e. detailed description and photographic documentation of home interior;

particularly the plumbing, electrical, flooring, heating and cooling system, doors and windows

f. Summary citing safety and health concerns, aging in place concerns, code violations and any other issues / concerns that must be addressed in an effort to bring dwelling up to building code

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g. detailed technical rehabilitation specifications and cost estimates with major systems, safety / code compliance violations as a first priority, with items such as drywall repair, interior door replacement, etc. as second priority which may be addressed based on availability of remaining funds

h. sketch of floor plan

i. photographs specifically of the observed exterior and interior items of concern

j. list of any special repairs requested by homeowner

k. signature of inspector, including the date of inspection

l. signature of homeowner, including date of inspection

m. attend and conduct a mandatory contractor walk-through to discuss list of work to be performed

2. Intermediate Inspection - Mandatory

a. client name and address

b. listing of work completed or work in progress

c. evaluation of work to date

d. signature of inspector, including the date of execution

e. signature of homeowner, including date of execution

3. Final Inspection - Mandatory

a. client name and address

b. listing of work completed

c. evaluation by homeowner of work completed

d. comments of inspector on quality of repairs specified

e. signature of inspector, including date of execution

f. signature of homeowner, including date of execution

4.3 Permits and Fees

The Contractor(s) or individual(s) shall comply with all applicable State and local laws, ordinances, codes, and regulations; and is required to familiarize themselves with all permits required that pertain to the Scope of Work specified in this RFP.

4.4 Performance Evaluation

A work performance evaluation will be conducted periodically to ensure compliance with the Contract.

4.5 Payment

The Contractor(s) or individual(s) may request payment no more than once monthly, based on the amount of work done or completed. All partial estimates and payments found to be in error shall be subject to correction in the estimates and payments subsequent thereto, and in the final estimate and payment. Payments will be made in accordance with the Florida Local Government Prompt Payment Act.

4.6 Additional Services

If the County and/or awarded Contractor(s) or individual(s) identifies any additional services to be provided by Contractor(s) or individual(s) that are not covered under the Agreement but are

18 | P a g e R F P 2 6 - 0 1 6 - R D V beneficial to the County, such additional services shall be mutually negotiated between the County and the Contractor(s) or individual(s).

4.7 Damage to Public or Private Property

Any damage to property (public or private) caused by the action of the Contractor(s) or individual(s) shall be repaired or replaced at the expense of the Contractor(s) or individual(s) to the satisfaction of the County. Failure to restore said property within five (5) working days following notification will result in a deduction from the final payment invoice. All damages which occur as a result of the application of materials shall be remedied by the Contractor(s) or individual(s) at no additional cost to the County. Repairs made as a result of damage must be guaranteed for a period of thirty (30) days. Should the replacement be damaged within the thirty (30) day period, the Contractor(s) or individual(s) shall replace the materials continually until the area is re-established.

Should the County have any expenses incurred due to the Contractor(s) or individual(s) not restoring the property/damage within said time, any appropriate labor, material, and/or equipment use or rental to restore damaged property to its original condition will be deducted from the final Invoice prior to a payment being made.

4.8 Compliance with Occupation Safety and Health Act

The Contractor(s) or individual(s) warrants that the product, products, or services supplied to Highlands County shall conform in all respects to the standards set forth in the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1970 as amended and the failure to comply will be considered a breach of contract. Highlands County shall be held harmless against any unsafe conditions and Contractor(s) or individual(s) employee incidents.

Contractor(s) or individual(s) certifies that all material, equipment, services, etc., furnished in this bid meets all OSHA requirements for the applicable Sectors; and further certifies that, if he is the successful bidder, and the material, equipment, service, etc., delivered or provided is subsequently found to be deficient in any OSHA requirement in effect on date of delivery or service fulfillment date, all costs necessary to bring the material, equipment, service, etc., into compliance with the aforementioned requirements shall be borne by the bidder. All Personal Protective Equipment used by the Contractor(s) or individual(s) and their employees shall be ANSI certified and meet OSHA standards.

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SECTION 5. SUBMISSION PROCESS

1.0 Submittal

Each Proposer must fully complete and submit the Proposal Submittal Form found within this RFP and provide all necessary documentation to fully demonstrate capabilities and qualifications in order to be considered responsive. Failure to supply the required documentation or address all criteria or found to be substantially unreliable may, in the sole opinion of the Evaluation Committee and Procurement Manager, be grounds for rejection of the Proposal.

Proposals should not contain information in excess of that requested, it must be concise and must specifically address the issues of this RFP. The responses should be in the same order as the Evaluation Criteria. Proposals are to be printed single-sided, in a minimum of 10 font size, all of which are properly indexed and tabbed. Unnecessarily elaborate brochures or other presentations beyond those sufficient to present a complete and effective submittal to this solicitation are not desired and may be construed as an indication of the proposer’s lack of cost consciousness.

Elaborate artwork, expensive visual aids, and other presentation aids are neither necessary nor desired, unless specifically requested.

The submittal may be withdrawn either by written notice to the Procurement Manager or in person, if properly identified, at any time prior to the above submittal deadline.

2.0 Proposal Outline

Sections and subsections shall correspond in sequence with those identified below and shall be clearly sequentially tabbed. All additional information that a Proposer believes is unique to a section and does not fit the established outline may be included at the end of that section under a subheading "Additional Information.”

3.0 Evaluation Criteria

Proposers will be scored on the quality of the proposal including clarity and organization of the proposal and its presentation. Each submittal should contain all requested documentation organized in the following manner:

TAB 1. Project Approach and Schedule of Completion of Services (35 Points)

Include a narrative to show respondent understands the scope and objectives to be performed in order to complete the work. Describe how this narrative has benefited current and / or past clients.

TAB 2. Qualifications and Availability of Respondent and Personnel Assigned to Project (30 Points)

Respondent must be experienced in providing services outlined in this request for proposal, with a comprehensive understanding of the Scope of Work. Respondent should have knowledge and

20 | P a g e R F P 2 6 - 0 1 6 - R D V experience as a Weatherization Contractor, or Inspector, experience with the needs and services required for "Aging in Place", experience in working with SHIP Programs and Affordable Housing Programs, and Energy Auditing. Include a list of similar work demonstrated with County and State agencies; provide resumes of key staff and availability.

TAB 3. References (10 Points)

Respondent shall provide three (3) separate and verifiable clients other than Highlands County for which similar work has been performed. These references should be available for contacting during normal business hours, providing an email address for the verifiable client as a method of contact as well.

TAB 4. Pricing/Proposal of Fees (15 points)

Include the price/fee per project.

TAB 5. Local Preference (5 Points)

Having a physical location within the boundaries of Highlands County for at least twelve (12) months immediately prior to the issuance of the Request for Proposal and holding any business licenses required by the County, and/or the municipalities and employing at least one

(1) full-time Employee, or two (2) part-time Employees whose primary residence is in Highlands County. If the business has no Employees, the business shall be at least fifty (50) percent owned by one (1) or more persons whose primary residence is in Highlands County.

TAB 6. Women/Minority Business Enterprises (W/MBE) Preference (5 Points)

Certified minority/women owned business certification as defined by the Florida Small and

Minority Business Assistance Act.

TAB 7. Compliance forms and requested documentation (0 Points)

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SECTION 6. EVALUATION PROCESS

Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with this section and all applicable County procurement policies and procedures.

The County shall appoint an evaluation committee (the “Evaluation Committee”) that will be responsible for evaluating and scoring/ranking the Proposals in accordance with this Section.

The County will use a competitive selection process based on the Evaluation Committee score and/or rank of the Proposals as applicable.

Selection of a final Proposal will be based upon the following steps and factors:

5.1 Evaluation Meeting

5.1.I A public meeting will be conducted to allow the Evaluation Committee members to discuss and score each Proposal based on the following evaluation criteria:

Tab 1 Project Approach and Schedule of Completion of Services 35 Points Tab 2 Qualifications and Availability of Respondent and Personnel

Assigned to Project 30 Points

Tab 3 References 10 Points

Tab 4 Pricing/Proposal of Fees 15 Points

Tab 5 Local Preference 5 Points

Tab 6 Women/Minority…