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BID COVER

Procurement and Contracts Management Department

(352) 334-5021(main)

Issue Date: 7/9/26

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL: # CMGR-260055-WB

Federal Contract Lobbyist Services

PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING: ☐ Non-Mandatory ☐ Mandatory ☒ N/A ☐ Includes Site Visit

DATE: TIME:

LOCATION:

QUESTION SUBMITTAL DUE DATE: 7/30/26

All meetings and submittal deadlines are Eastern Time (ET).

DUE DATE FOR UPLOADING PROPOSAL: Thursday, 8/6/26 @ 3:00pm

SUMMARY OF SCOPE OF WORK: It is the intent of the City of Gainesville to obtain proposals for Federal legislative lobbying and advocacy firm to provide professional legislative consulting and lobbying services to the City of Gainesville, General Government. This includes but is not limited to scheduled, extended, and special Federal legislative sessions and anytime throughout the year deemed necessary by the city.

Submit questions ONLY within bidding platform.

Bidder is not in arrears to City upon any debt, fee, tax or contract: Bidder is NOT in arrears Bidder IS in arrears Bidder is not a defaulter, as surety or otherwise, upon any obligation to City: Bidder is NOT in default Bidder IS in default

If this solicitation was received from sources other than City of Gainesville’s OpenGov.com platform then it is bidder’s responsibility to access City’s platform for any addenda in order to submit a responsible and responsive offer. Uploading an incomplete document may deem the offer non-responsive, causing rejection.

ADDENDA ACKNOWLEDGMENT: Prior to submitting my offer, I have verified that all addenda issued to date are considered as part of my offer: Addenda received (list all) #______________________________________

Legal Name of Bidder: ________________________________________________________________________

DBA: _______________________________________________________________________________________

Authorized Representative Name/Title: ____________________________________________________________

E-mail Address: _______________________________________ FEIN: ______________________________

Street Address: _______________________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address (if different): ___________________________________________________________________

Telephone: (______) _______________________ Fax: (______) _______________________

By signing this form, I acknowledge I have read and understand, and my business complies with all General Conditions and requirements set forth herein; and, Proposal is in full compliance with the Specifications.

Proposal is in full compliance with the Specifications except as specifically stated and attached hereto.

SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE: ____________________________________________________

SIGNER’S PRINTED NAME: ____________________________________________ DATE: _______________________

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PART 1 – REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Thank you for your interest in working with the City of Gainesville.

Pertinent information and required documents regarding this bid as part of a responsive offer are listed below:

BID COVER

PART 1 – REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL INFORMATION

PART 2 – PROJECT OVERVIEW

PART 3 – PRICE PROPOSAL

PART 4 – HOW TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL

PART 5 – EVALUATION PROCESS

PART 6 – SELECTION PROCESS

PART 7 – AWARD

PART 8 – GENERAL INFORMATION

PART 9 – SAMPLE CONTRACT

PART 10 – EXHIBITS

PART 11 – NO BID SURVEY

NOTE: The terms “bidder” and “proposer” are used interchangeably throughout this document.

1.1 DISTRIBUTION OF INFORMATION

The City posts and distributes information pertaining to its procurement solicitations through City’s OpenGov.com plaform.

In order to submit a bid response to this solicitation the bidder must be registered with this platform.

It is the responsibility of the vendor to monitor this platform. Properly registered vendors can expect to receive automatic notification of solicitations for bids and proposalss. Bidder’s failure to retrieve available, required procurement information from this platform and include the appropriate documentation and information in solicitation responses may result in disqualification.

1.2 PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING/QUESTIONS/CLARIFICATIONS AND BID OPENING

If scheduled (refer to Bid Cover Page), attending a pre-proposal meeting is strongly recommended as the project’s scope of work, procedures, and specifications will be discussed at this time. It is the only time during the bid process that bidders may ask questions directly of the end user.

NOTE: For a bidder’s attendance of a mandatory pre-proposal meeting to count, the bidder must sign-in before the Procurement Specialist calls the end of that meeting. If the bidder is not signed in by that time, they will be disqualified from bidding on the project. If the mandatory pre-proposal meeting also includes a required site visit, then bidder must sign in, both at the pre-proposal meeting, and again at the end of the site visit, in order to have their attendance count and not be disqualified from submitting a proposal.

NOTE: Failure to attend a mandatory pre-proposal meeting will result in disqualification of your proposal.

If special accommodations are needed in order to attend a pre-proposal meeting or a bid opening, please contact the Procurement and Contracts Management Department at least 72 hours in advance.

All questions that occur outside of the pre-bid meeting must be submitted within OpenGov.com only, and must be received by the date indicated on the Bid Cover Page to be considered. Technical and/or specification questions will not be answered over the phone; they must be submitted within OpenGov.com (refer to Bid Cover Page). All questions will be answered via

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Addendum which will be posted on OpenGov.com for bidder access. All addenda must be acknowledged by the bidder on the Bid Cover Page.

***IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING BID OPENING***

Online viewing of bid openings are only held for construction. A Tabulation document, listing bidder names, will be posted for interested parties.

All meetings and submittal deadlines are Eastern Time (ET).

1.3 RFP TIME TABLE

The anticipated schedule for the RFP and contract approval is as follows:

RFP available for distribution 7/9/26

Pre-Proposal Meeting N/A

Deadline for receipt of questions 7/30/26

Deadline for uploading of proposals 8/6/26 (3:00 p.m. local time)

Evaluation/Selection process Week of 8/10/26

Oral presentations, if conducted Week of 8/17/26

Projected award date TBD

Projected contract start date TBD

All dates are subject to change. Bidders will be notified via Addendum posted in the OpenGov.com platform in event of any schedule change.

1.4 PROHIBITION OF LOBBYING

To ensure fair consideration, consistent and accurate dissemination of information for all bidders, the City prohibits communication to or with any department, employee, or agent evaluating or considering proposals during the submission process, except as authorized by the Procurement and Contracts Management Department representative. Additionally, the City prohibits communication initiated by a bidder to any city official or employee evaluating or considering the proposals (up to and including the City Commissioners) before the time an award decision has been made. Any communication between bidder and the City required to obtain information or clarification for preparing a bid or to enable a proper, accurate evaluation of a proposal will be handled solely through the Procurement and Contracts Management Department staff. Any communications initiated between the bidder and the City outside these parameters may be grounds for disqualifying the offending bidder from consideration for award of the proposal and/or any future proposal.

1.5 CONE OF SILENCE

During the Cone of Silence as defined in the next paragraph, except as pursuant to an authorized appeal, no person may lobby (as defined in section 1.4) on behalf of a competing party in a particular procurement process, City officials or employees except the Procurement designated staff contact in the Procurement division. Violation of this provision shall result in disqualification of the party on whose behalf the lobbying occurred.

The Cone of Silence is the period between the issue date of the RFP, which allows for immediate submittals to the City of Gainesville’s Procurement and Contracts Management Department Division for the Request for Proposal and the time the City Officials and Employee awards the contract.

1.6 DETERMINATION OF RESPONSIBILITY OF BIDDERS

The specific qualifications of bidders for this specific Request for Proposal are included in Part 3, 3.1, d) Qualifications. Bidder must also demonstrate that it is responsible as defined in the City of Gainesville’s Pro-01 Procurement Administrative Guidelines, as may be amended.

https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/Government-Pages/Government/Departments/Financial-Services/Do-Business-with-the-City https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/Government-Pages/Government/Departments/Financial-Services/Do-Business-with-the-City

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As a part of the proposal evaluation process, City reserves the right to conduct a background investigation of bidder, including a record check by the Gainesville Police Department if the qualifications require it. Bidder’s submission of a proposal constitutes acknowledgment of the process and consent to such investigation.

No contract will be awarded to any proposer who is in arrears to City upon any debt, fee, tax or contract, or who is a defaulter, as surety or otherwise, upon any obligation to City, or who is otherwise determined to be not responsible by City pursuant to Section C.2.ii, Pro-01 Procurement Administrative Guidelinesl, following:

These criteria consider the bidder’s capability to perform:

a) The ability of the bidder to successfully carry out a proposed contract.

b) Past performance (including reference check), experience, business and financial capabilities, skills, technical organization, legal eligibility and reliability.

c) Current litigation pending between the bidder and the City.

d) Bidder has paid all debts owed to the City.

e) Bidder possesses all required licenses.

If it is determined that the bidder is not responsible, City will notify bidder of its finding, including evidence used, and allow bidder the opportunity to come into compliance within three (3) business days of notification.

Successful Bidder must either update or complete City’s supplier application, pay business tax (if applicable), and register with the State of Florida (if required by law).

1.7 RESPONSIVENESS OF PROPOSAL

Each proposal will be reviewed to determine if the proposal is responsive to the submission requirements outlined in the RFP.

A responsive proposal is one which follows the requirements of the RFP, includes all required documentation, is submitted in the format outlined in the RFP, is of timely submission (via upload to OpenGov.com), and has the appropriate signatures as required on each document. Failure to comply with these requirements may deem the proposal non-responsive (see C.2.i. of the Pro-01 Procurement Administrative Guidelines).

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https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/Government-Pages/Government/Departments/Financial-Services/Do-Business-with-the-City https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/Government-Pages/Government/Departments/Financial-Services/Do-Business-with-the-City https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/Government-Pages/Government/Departments/Financial-Services/Do-Business-with-the-City https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/Government-Pages/Government/Departments/Financial-Services/Do-Business-with-the-City

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PART 2 – PROJECT OVERVIEW

2.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

It is the intent of the City of Gainesville to obtain proposals for Federal legislative lobbying and advocacy firm to provide professional legislative consulting and lobbying services to the City of Gainesville, General Government. This includes but is not limited to scheduled, extended, and special Federal legislative sessions and anytime throughout the year deemed necessary by the city.

2.2 PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS

The City of Gainesville has a Council/Manager form of government. This means that the Mayor and City Commission make policy decisions which are implemented by the City Manager for General Government.

The Commission appoints a City Manager which is the administrative head of the City of Gainesville general government, responsible for the administration of all departments except for those under the direction of the other charter officers. The City Manager's Office oversees all general government programs and services; is responsible for enforcing all city laws, ordinances and policies.

CONSULTATION

1. Identify federal grant opportunities on an ongoing basis and provide designated City staff with agency meetings, letters of support, or other recommendations to enhance the their efforts in the competitive proposal process.

2. Review on a continuing basis all existing and proposed federal policies, programs and legislation, identifying those issues that may affect the City or its citizens and regularly informing the City as to the above.

3. Review the legislative and federal agency policy statements by key stakeholder organizations and other local government lobbying groups for the purpose of identifying issues which may either positively or negatively affect the City.

4. Monitor and track City issues of interest litigation, administrative hearings and proceedings, rule challenges, and representation of the City specifically in a regulatory context.

5. Assist the Mayor, City Commissioners and City staff in the coordination and development of the City’s federal legislative, agency, and executive branch programs.

6. Coordinate with designated City staff to develop the City’s federal legislative program.

7. Upon request, coordinate, and attend, appointments and meetings between, designated representatives of the City, or other City staff and appropriate federal officials and/or members of Congress.

8. Monitor and report on proposed and ongoing legislation that could affect the City.

9. Draft an annual Federal Legislative Agenda.

10. Identify, analyze and report political and/or policy trends that may affect the direction or development of legislation that may impact the City.

11. Selected federal lobbying consultant expected to work with state lobbying firm.

12. Assist in the formulation of public policy related to various areas of concern including, but not limited to public works, transportation, communications, public safety, sustainable development, and housing programs.

13. Provide analysis recommendations in finance/taxes, appropriations process, regulation, growth management, planning, any/all other legislative subject matters as directed or may come to the attention of the Firm; other pertinent tasks by the City related to scope of services.

14. Actively seek opportunities to enhance the City’s legislative priorities; provide options as to legislative strategies when necessary.

ADVOCACY

1. Attend Congressional sessions, committee hearings and meetings; attending agency hearings and meetings; providing high-level consultation for and assisting with the identification of federal grant opportunities; and providing appropriate status reports on all issues activities including and economic development agencies, and workforce development, as necessary, on matters assigned by the City Manager.

2. Participate in national organization lobbying efforts and campaigns when priority concerns of Gainesville are at stake.

3. Maximize relationships with the Florida Congressional Delegation, federal agency departments, other key members of Congress, Committee Chairs and professional Committee staff.

4. Facilitate briefings and lobbying/advocacy strategies for the City’s concerns with the Florida Congressional Delegation (vote counts, delegation letters in support of the City’s grants and projects, and orchestrated congressional calls to executive agencies in support of grants).

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5. Maximize the City’s membership in Washington-based interest groups and associations, such as the National League of Cities, so the City priorities and positions are clearly understood, reinforced, and advanced within national organization agendas.

6. Develop and evaluate strategy for the support, defeat, or amendment of pending federal legislation or agency policy initiatives.

7. Appear and testify before legislative committees and federal agencies, as required, in order to promote and seek passage of legislation or agency policies affecting in accordance with the City’s federal program(s).

8. Submit info/data to federal agencies and other government bodies, as necessary, on behalf of the City’s legislative priorities.

COMMUNICATIONS

Congress is in Session:

1. Maintain regular weekly contact with the City’s general government Liaison / or City Manager designee or other designated City staff via email, conference calls or video conference on day-to-day activity.

2. Directly notify the City Manager and other City staff as directed on information that may be impose critical deadlines and impact the City.

3. Requests from the City will be met in a reasonable amount of time to meet critical deadlines.

4. Participate in conference calls, with the Mayor, City Commissioners, City Manager, department directors or other designated City employees, as scheduled.

5. Provide weekly written reports on the status of legislation and federal agency policy issues of concern to designated City staff. Such reports shall be in memo format and include personal briefings and information bulletins pertinent to any legislation, rules, regulations, and federal policies or programs that affect the City and its citizens, either directly or indirectly.

6. Provide a monthly memo style written report detailing action taken during the month, status of issues, and anticipated action during the upcoming month.

7. Provide a detailed final report on specific legislation or policies affecting the City. The report shall be provided within a reasonable time period, not to exceed 30 days, after the close of each Congressional session.

Congress is out of Session:

1. Provide bi-weekly oral and monthly memo-style written briefings on a schedule determined in consultation with City officials.

2. Provide with a minimum of four comprehensive briefing sessions annually. More frequent reports will be provided on demand, when necessary; and interim written reports providing an overview on congressional and federal actions taken and a decision memorandum on those issues requiring immediate action.

3. Provide regular legislative reports on all federal programs and legislation of most concern to Gainesville, including specific impact analysis. These reports are intended especially to provide Gainesville-specific information, well beyond that available to the City through general or national newsletter. These reports are intended to provide information the City can utilize for more rational short-term grant and program planning and development purposes.

4. Provide targeted information on federal policy and regulatory actions of the federal government, which may directly affect Gainesville, including potential plans on the Administration and executive agencies for new grant competitions or programs.

5. Inform the relevant City staff, in a timely manner, of potential conflicts that arise between your representation of the City of Gainesville and any other individual or organization centered around an item on the City of Gainesville’s legislative priorities.

LOGISTICAL SUPPORT

1. Provide the City with logistical support in Washington, D.C. or at national organization sessions involving critical federal-local issues by coordinating and scheduling strategic appointments or negotiation sessions.

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PART 3 – PRICE PROPOSAL

3.1 PRICE PROPOSAL

Price format shall include a lump sum annual rate for the services described in the RFP. City will pay Contractor in an amount not to exceed ($ amount bid if lump sum) for the term of the contract. Payment shall be based upon the annual lump sum divided by 12 and will require monthly invoices from the vendor. Reimbursement for in-town (D.C) transportation for legislative and lobbying meetings for the Mayor or designee shall be at a rate not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) per day for a total of two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) for each year of the contract.

Note: THE PRICES SET FORTH BY BIDDER SHALL BE CONSIDERED FIRM BIDS NOT SUBJECT TO PRICE

ADJUSTMENT UNLESS BIDDER’S PROVISIONS FOR PRICE ESCALATION ARE STATED ON A

SEPARATE SHEET ATTACHED TO THE BID. (Any price escalation must be based upon a numerical or established index and must identify the terms in which the escalation will operate.)

Note: THE CITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO AWARD THIS BID ON THE BASIS OF EACH LINE INDIVIDUALLY, ANY COMBINATION OF LINE ITEMS OR ALL LINE ITEMS COMBINED AS IT DETERMINES TO BE IN

ITS BEST INTEREST. THE CITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO NOT AWARD ANY LINE ITEM AS IT

DETERMINES TO BE IN ITS BEST INTEREST.

Note: THE CITY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ADD OR DELETE LOCATIONS, SERVICES, ITEMS, OR

MATERIALS FROM THIS CONTRACT SHOULD IT BE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CITY. THE

CONTRACT PRICE MAY BE ADJUSTED UPON AGREEMENT OF THE CONTRACTOR AND THE CITY’S

REPRESENTATIVE AND BASED UPON BID PRICES.

NOTE: If travel is involved in the execution of an awarded contract for this solicitation, should any air travel be required the City’s travel policy allows for Coach air travel only. All other travel will be billed in accordance with the Federal General Services Administration rates which can be found at: https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates. In addition, long distance phone calls, printing, and other administrative costs may be billed at cost only -no mark-up. Evidence of these expenditures will be submitted when invoicing the City. Travel and administrative costs should be identified in the Price Proposal.

https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates

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PART 4 – HOW TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL

Instructions to bidders: Proposals must contain each of the documents listed below; each fully completed and signed, as required. Required signatures for proposal forms may be applied using electronic signature software (i.e., DocuSign, Adobe Sign, etc.). Proposals submitted which do not include the following items may be deemed non-responsive and may not be considered for contract award. The City reserves the right to request all other missing forms and additional information from any bidder prior to award.

4.1 FORMAT OF PROPOSAL

a) Table of Contents The table of contents should outline in sequential order the major areas of the proposal, and all pages of the proposal, including the enclosures, must be clearly and consecutively numbered and correspond to the table of contents.

b) Technical Proposals The technical proposal is a narrative which addresses the scope of work, the proposed approach to the work, the schedule of the work, and any other information called for by the RFP which the bidder deems relevant.

c) Price Proposal

The price proposal is a presentation of the bidder’s total offering price including the estimated cost for providing each component of the required goods or services.

Bidders should indicate the dollar amount which will be attributed to each sub-contractor, if any.

If a prescribed format for the price proposal is appended, bidders must use it; otherwise, bidders may use formats of their choice.

d) Qualifications

The response to the minimum qualification requirements should address each of the qualifications set out in the section below. Bidders must provide documentation which demonstrates their ability to satisfy all of the minimum qualification requirements. Bidders who do not meet the minimum qualification requirements or who fail to provide supporting documentation will not be further considered. If a prescribed format, or required documentation for the response to minimum qualification requirements is stated below, bidders must use said format and supply said documentation.

• A minimum of ten (10) years providing professional legislative consulting and lobbying services including five (5) years providing such services to local government(s).

• Each person engaged in lobbying services on behalf of the City of Gainesville must be registered as a legislative and executive lobbyist with the State of Florida.

• No current litigation pending between the bidder and the CITY.

• Bidder has paid all debts owed to the CITY.

• Bidder possesses all required licenses.

4.2 CONTENT OF PROPOSAL

Required Documents:

The following documents are required to be included in the bidder’s submission:

a. RFP Cover Page

b. Address each Minimum Qualification

c. Provide a Statement of all Qualifications that will communicate the capabilities of the proposer to successfully complete the project

d. Pricing Proposal

e. Drug-Free Workplace Form

f. Bidder Verification Form

g. Consolidated State Law Affidavit

h. References Form

i. Bidder’s W-9

This page must be signed, notarized and submitted with your proposal.

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j. Copy of any applicable, current licenses and/or certification required by City/County/State

k. Exceptions to the RFP (refer to Part 4, 4.5 Exception to the RFP)

4.3 PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

The bid response, containing all required documents, with authorized signatures, must be received by 3:00 p.m. on the due date indicated on the Bid Cover Page for this project. The bidder’s complete pdf response must be uploaded into this platform prior to the 3:00 p.m. deadline. This platform will not accept late submittals.

Upload bid response as a pdf formatted document only, unless the solicitation states otherwise. The pdf document should be titled with bidder’s name, bid number, and, if the response is submitted in parts, include “Part # of x”.

On occasion, the City will request proposals present pricing separately from the main proposal. If separate pricing is requested, upload a separate document that indicates Pricing as its content.

Modifications to or withdrawal of a bidder’s submittal can be made up to the deadline date. Modifications and withdrawals must be documented in this platform in order to be recognized by the City. Any bid not withdrawn will constitute an irrevocable offer, for a period of one hundred twenty (120) days, to provide the City adequate time to award the Contract for the services specified in this solicitation.

Both the response and the price proposal, if required to be submitted as a separate document, must be signed by an officer of the business who is legally authorized to enter into a contractual relationship in the name of the bidder. An authorized representative who is not an officer may sign the proposal, but must attach a corporate resolution granting authorization to the representative to execute on behalf of the business.

The submittal of a response by a bidder will be considered by the City as constituting an offer by the bidder to perform the required services at the stated fees.

4.4 DISCLOSURE AND CONFIDENTIALITY

Florida’s Public Records Law, Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, includes numerous exemptions to the general requirement to disclose information to the public in response to a public record’s request. Exemptions are found in various provisions of the Florida Statutes, including but not limited to Section 119.071, Florida Statutes (General exemptions from inspection or copying of public records), and Section 119.0713, Florida Statutes (Local government agency exemptions from inspection or copying of public records). Section 815.045, Florida Statutes (Trade secret information), provides that trade secret information as defined in Section 812.081, Florida Statutes (Trade secrets; theft, embezzlement; unlawful copying; definitions; penalty) is confidential and exempt from disclosure because it is a felony to disclose such records. The Parties understand and agree that Florida’s Public Records Law is very broad and that documents claimed by a Party to be confidential and exempt from public disclosure pursuant to the Public Records Law may in fact not be deemed such by a court of law. Accordingly, the following provisions shall apply:

(i) Identifying Trade Secret or Otherwise Confidential and Exempt Information. For any records or portions thereof that bidder claims to be Trade Secret or otherwise confidential and exempt from public disclosure under the Public Records Law, bidder shall:

a. Specifically identify the records or specific portions thereof that are confidential and exempt and reference the particular Florida Statute that grants such status. Provide one redacted copy of the record and one copy of the record with the confidential and exempt information highlighted as outlined in 1 and 2 on the following page.

Bidder shall take care to redact only the confidential and exempt information within a record.

b. Provide an affidavit or similar type of evidence that describes and supports the basis for Contractor’s claim that the information is confidential and exempt from public disclosure.

(ii) Request for Trade Secret or Otherwise Confidential and Exempt Information.

a. In the event City receives a public records request for a record with information labeled by bidder as Trade Secret or otherwise as confidential and exempt, City will provide the public record requester with the redacted copy of the record and will notify bidder of the public records request.

b. However and notwithstanding the above, in the event that City in its sole discretion finds no basis for bidder’s claim that certain information is Trade Secret or otherwise confidential and exempt under Florida’s Public Records Law, then City shall notify bidder in writing of such conclusion and provide bidder a reasonable amount of time to file for declaratory action requesting a court of law to deem the requested information as Trade Secret or otherwise as

E-Bidding Document - RFP - Page 10 of 37 confidential and exempt under Florida’s Public Records Law. If bidder fails to file for declaratory action within the reasonable amount of time provided, then City will disclose the information requested.

c. If a public records lawsuit is filed against CITY requesting public disclosure of the information labeled by bidder as Trade Secret or otherwise as confidential and exempt, CITY shall notify bidder and bidder shall intervene in the lawsuit to defend the nondisclosure of such information under Florida’s Public Records Law.

d. Bidder hereby indemnifies and holds CITY, its officers and employees harmless from any and all liabilities, damages, losses, and costs of any kind and nature, including but not limited to attorney’s fees, that arise from or are in any way connected with bidder’s claim that any information it provided to CITY is Trade Secret or otherwise confidential and exempt from public disclosure under Florida’s Public Records Law.

How to Designate Trade Secret or Otherwise Confidential and Exempt Information If a bidder believes that its response contains trade secret or otherwise confidential and exempt information (as defined by Florida or Federal law) and should be withheld from disclosure to the public, in such cases the bidder must provide a redacted copy of the proposal for public access.

• Redacted means that the confidential/proprietary information in the proposal has been obscured so that it cannot be read.

• Unredacted means that the entire document, including the confidential/proprietary information, has not be obscured and is visible for the evaluation team to use in their evaluation process.

1. Upload a pdf version response of the complete UNREDACTED proposal. Include “UNREDACTED, CONFIDENTIAL” in document title. This is the version that will be used by the evaluators when they are reviewing your proposal. It is essential that the items that will be redacted are highlighted in yellow to prevent the evaluation team from discussing these items after the award. The first page of the document for the unredacted document should provide a general description of the information bidder has designated as confidential and/or exempt, and provide a reference to the appropriate Florida or Federal statute supporting the confidential and/or exempt classification.

2. Upload a pdf version response of the REDACTED copy of the proposal. Include “REDACTED” in the document title.

This copy will be used to support any public records requests that may arise from this solicitation.

How the City will Handle Material Identified as Trade Secret or Otherwise Confidential and Exempt Information The City’s evaluators will be provided with the complete unredacted proposal, including any trade secret or otherwise confidential and exempt information. The City evaluators will maintain the confidentiality of the information through the evaluation process, including any recorded evaluation team meetings.

In the event a public record request is made to view the information which bidder claims is confidential and/or exempt, the City will notify the bidder and give the bidder a reasonable opportunity (generally 2 business days) to institute appropriate legal action to prevent the disclosure of the information claimed as confidential and/or exempt.

All public records submitted to the City, including those claimed as confidential and/or exempt, will be retained by the City and will not be returned to a bidder at the conclusion of the bidding process.

4.5 EXCEPTION TO THE RFP

Bidders may take exceptions to any of the terms of this RFP unless the RFP specifically states where exceptions may not be taken. Should a bidder take exception where none is permitted, the proposal will be rejected as non-responsive. All exceptions taken must be specific, and the bidder must indicate clearly what alternative is being offered to allow the City a meaningful opportunity to evaluate and rank proposals.

Where exceptions are permitted, the City shall determine the acceptability of the proposed exceptions and the proposals will be evaluated based on the proposals as submitted. The City, after completing evaluations, may accept or reject the exceptions.

Where exceptions are rejected, the City may request that the bidder furnish the services or goods described herein, or negotiate an acceptable alternative.

4.6 ONLY ONE BID

Only one bid from any individual, firm, corporation, organization or agency under the same or different name shall be considered. Should it appear to the City that any bidder has a financial interest in more than one submission under this bid, all bids in which such bidder has a financial interest will be rejected. A subcontractor is permitted to appear in more than one

E-Bidding Document - RFP - Page 11 of 37 submittal for the same bid, as long as the subcontractor is not a lead bidder in any of the submittals. The City considers a financial interest to include, but not be limited, to joint ventures and, partnerships.

4.7 FULLY INFORMED BIDDER

A bidder is expected to fully inform itself as to the requirements of the Specifications and Contract terms and conditions; failure to do so will be at its own risk. A bidder shall not expect to secure relief on the plea of error.

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PART 5 – EVALUATION PROCESS

5.1 EVALUATION CRITERIA

a) Selection and Evaluation Criteria Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the procedures described in the City's, Professional Services Evaluation Handbook.

The proposals will be evaluated using the following process: Qualifications Evaluation, Written Proposal Evaluation and/or Presentation/Interview Evaluation, and Other Factors as deemed appropriate. The City shall consider the ability of the firm’s professional personnel, willingness to meet time and budget requirements, workload, location, past performance, volume of previous work with the City, and location. The Evaluation process provides a structured means for consideration of all these areas.

b) Technical Qualifications Evaluation The Technical Qualifications Evaluation will assess each responding firm's ability based on experience and qualifications of key team members, the firm's capability of meeting time and budget requirements, and the firm's record with regard to this type of work, particularly in the City of Gainesville or in the State of Florida. This stage does not involve review and evaluation of a proposal addressing the project scope of work. Consideration will be given to the firm's current workload, financial stability, and the location where the majority of the technical work will be produced. The City will not be impressed with excessive amounts of boilerplate, excessive numbers of resumes, excessive length of resumes, excessive numbers of photographs, work that distant offices have performed, or work not involving personnel to be assigned to the proposed project.

c) Written Proposal Evaluation The Written Proposal Evaluation will assess the firm's understanding of the project and the proposed approach to be undertaken as addressed in a written proposal. The evaluation process will assess how effectively the requirements of the scope of services have been addressed. The written proposal should identify a project manager and other key members of the project/service team. It should relate the capabilities of the project/service team to the requirements of the scope of services.

d) Presentation/Interview Evaluation The Proposal Presentation/Interview Evaluation is based on an oral presentation that addresses both the technical qualifications of the firm and the approach to the project. Importance is given to the firm’s understanding of the project scope of work, the placement of emphasis on various work tasks, and the response to questions. The evaluation process will assess the project manager's capability and understanding of the project and his/her ability to communicate ideas. The role of key members of the project/service team should be established based on the scope of services and the firm's approach to the project/service. The role of any subcontracted firm in the proposal should be clearly identified. Unique experience and exceptional qualifications may be considered with emphasis on understanding of the project/service, particularly “why it is to be done” as well as “what is to be done”. The City of Gainesville will not be impressed with excessive boilerplate, excessive participation by “business development” personnel, and the use of “professional” presenters who will not be involved in the project or future presentations.

e) Other factors The Other Factors to be considered, based upon the specific project (but not limited to), are those items, such as Small or Service-Disabled Veteran Business and/or Local Preference. Fee proposals, when requested and deemed appropriate, are also to be considered in the evaluation process, where the request for such fees is in accordance with the City’s Procurement Policies and Procedures.

https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/files/assets/public/budget-amp-finance/documents/professional-services-evaluation-handbook-2016-01-21.pdf https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/files/assets/public/budget-amp-finance/documents/professional-services-evaluation-handbook-2016-01-21.pdf

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PART 6 – SELECTION PROCESS

The bidder(s) will be selected from the qualified, responsive and responsible bidders submitting responses to this Request for Proposal. The selection process will be as follows:

1. Evaluators consisting of City staff will review the proposals. The evaluation process provides a structured means for consideration of all proposals.

2. Upon review and evaluation, the City may request oral presentations from the top ranked bidders. During the oral presentations, the bidders shall further detail their qualifications, approach to the project and ability to furnish the required services. These presentations shall be made at no cost to the City. Bidders selected for further presentations should provide one (1) electronic copy of materials presented in PDF format on a USB Flash drive.

3. The final ranking of bidders will be in accordance with the procedures described in the City’s Professional Services

Evaluation Handbook.

4. If required, the final ranking of bidders will be presented to the City Commission. The City Commission will be requested to approve the recommended ranking and authorize negotiation and execution of the contract beginning with the top ranked bidder.

5. Provided that the City Commission approves the ranking and an award, the City will negotiate a contract with the top ranked bidder. Should the City be unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with the top ranked bidder, negotiations will be terminated with that bidder and negotiations will be initiated with the second most qualified bidder, and so on until a satisfactory contract is negotiated.

https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/files/assets/public/budget-amp-finance/documents/professional-services-evaluation-handbook-2016-01-21.pdf https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/files/assets/public/budget-amp-finance/documents/professional-services-evaluation-handbook-2016-01-21.pdf

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PART 7 – AWARD

7.1 TIE BIDS

Whenever two or more bids which are equal with respect to price, quality and service are received, preference shall be given in the following order: (1) Bidders submitting the attached Drug-Free Workplace form with their bid/proposal certifying they have a drug free workplace in accordance with Section 287.087, Florida Statutes; (2) Bidders located within the City of Gainesville, if not subject to the Local Preference Ordinance; (3) Bidders located within Alachua County; (4) Bidders located within the State of Florida; and (5) coin toss.

7.2 DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

Preference shall be given to submitters providing a certification with their qualifications certifying they have a drug-free workplace whenever two or more bids which are equal with respect to price, quality, and service are received in accordance with Section 287.087, Florida Statutes. The attached form should be filled out and returned with the qualifications in order to qualify for this preference.

7.3 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The City may award a contract on the basis of initial offers received, without discussions. A sample contract is attached to the bid. Therefore, each initial offer should contain the bidder’s best terms from a cost or price and technical standpoint and any changes to the sample contract.

The City reserves the right to enter into contract negotiations with the selected bidder regarding the terms and conditions of the contract and technical terms. Price will not be negotiated. If the City and the selected bidder cannot negotiate a successful contract, the City may terminate said negotiations and begin negotiations with the next selected bidder. This process will continue until a contract has been executed or all bidders have been rejected. No bidder shall have any rights against the City arising from such negotiations.

7.4 CONTRACT AWARD

The award(s), if any, shall be made to the bidder(s) whose proposal(s) shall be deemed by the City to be in the best interest of the City. The decision of the City of whether to make the award(s) and which proposal is in the best interest of the City shall be final. Successful Bidder must either update or complete City’s supplier application, pay business tax (if applicable), and register with the State of Florida (www.sunbiz.org) (if required by law).

7.5 CONTRACT

The Contract to be entered into will designate the successful bidder as the City’s Contractor. The terms and conditions in the Sample Contract, Part 9, shall be applicable and binding. The successful bidder will be required to execute an agreement with the City in substantially the same format as found in Part 9.

7.6 BID PROTEST

Participants in this solicitation may protest the RFP specifications or award in accordance with C.5.i. of the Pro-01 Procurement Administrative Guidelines.

7.7 RFP POSTPONEMENT/CANCELLATION/WAIVER OF IRREGULARITIES

The City may, at its sole and absolute discretion, reject any and all, or parts of any and all, proposals; re-advertise this RFP;

postpone or cancel, at any time, this RFP process; or waive any irregularities in this RFP or in the proposals received as a result of this RFP.

http://www.sunbiz.org/ https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/Government-Pages/Government/Departments/Financial-Services/Do-Business-with-the-City https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/Government-Pages/Government/Departments/Financial-Services/Do-Business-with-the-City

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PART 8 – GENERAL INFORMATION

8.1 REIMBURSABLES

If travel is involved in the execution of an awarded contract for this solicitation, should any air travel be required the City’s travel policy allows for Coach air travel only. All other travel will be billed in accordance with the Federal General Services Administration rates which can be found at: https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates. In addition, long distance phone calls, printing, and other administrative costs may be billed at cost only -no mark-up. Evidence of these expenditures will be submitted when invoicing the City. Travel and administrative costs should be identified in the Price Proposal.

8.2 LOCAL PREFERENCE

In bidding of, or letting contracts for procurement of, supplies, materials, equipment and services, as described in the purchasing policies, the city commission, or other purchasing authority, may give a preference to local businesses in making such purchase or awarding such contract in an amount not to exceed five percent of the local business' total bid price, and in any event the cost differential should not exceed $25,000.00. Total bid price shall include not only the base bid price but also all alterations to that base bid price resulting from alternates which were both part of the bid and actually purchased and awarded by the City Commission or other authority. In the case of requests for proposals, letter of interest, best evaluated bids, qualifications or other solicitations and competitive negotiation and selection in which objective factors are used to evaluate the responses. Local Businesses are assigned five (5) percent of the total points of the total evaluation points.

Local business means the vendor has a valid business tax receipt, issued by the City of Gainesville at least six months prior to bid or proposal opening date, to do business in said locality that authorizes the business to provide the goods, services, or construction to be purchased, and a physical business address located within the limits of said locality, in an area zoned for the conduct of such business, from which the vendor operates or performs business on a day-to-day basis. Post office boxes are not verifiable and shall not be used for the purpose of establishing said physical address. In order to be eligible for local preference, in the Bid or RFP evaluation, the vendor must provide a copy of the business tax receipt and Zoning Compliance Permit. For more information on City’s Local Preference Policy: Municiple Code Article X Local Preference Policy.

8.3 SMALL AND SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN BUSINESS PARTICIPATION

Small or Service-Disabled Veteran’s Business Enterprise Definition: A Small Business or a Service-Disabled Veteran’s Business, which is duly licensed and authorized to engage in business and maintains a permanent principal place of operation with full time personnel within Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Gilchrist, Levy, Putnam, or Union County and possess a current City business tax receipt as required, and is so certified by the Small and Service-Disabled Veteran’s Business Program Coordinator.

It is the policy of the City of Gainesville that small and service-disabled veteran businesses as defined in the Small and Service- Disabled Veteran Business Program, have the maximum practical opportunity to participate in contracting opportunities provided by the City. In keeping with this policy, each bidder is asked to state whether it will utilize small and service-disabled veteran businesses that are eligible for assistance to perform work on the project(s) being advertised.

For bidders not yet certified by the City, a small and service-disabled veteran application may be accessed via the Diversity Business Management System website. To be considered as a certified small and/or service-disabled veteran business, a bidder must have a current certificate at the time of the solicitation submittal due date. For more information on certified small and service-disabled veteran businesses, please visit the Office of Equity and Inclusion website.

8.4 LIVING WAGE REQUIREMENTS

Living Wage requirements, Ordinance 020663, as amended in Ordinance 030168, and in Ordinance 180999, and as shown on the City’s web page, applies to contracts solicited by the City after midnight on March 31, 2021.

Section 2-619. – Living Wage Requirements.

(a) The following are requirements of each service contractor/subcontractor:

(1) A service contract or/subcontractor shall pay a living wage to each of its covered employees during the time they are providing the covered services.

(2) A copy of the living wage rate shall be posted by the service contractor/subcontractor in a prominent place where it can easily be seen by the covered employees and shall be supplied to any covered employee upon request.

(3) Each service contractor shall make all of its service subcontractors aware of the requirements of this division and shall include the contract provisions listed in the Sample Contract under the Living Wage paragraph in each of https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates…