262835RM_Project_Documents.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (“RFP”) – PART I

RFP Template Revised 02/10/25 Page 1 of 5

RFP #: 262835RM

RFP TITLE: CUSTOMER IDENTITY VERIFICATION AND CREDIT CHECK SERVICES

1.0 PURPOSE

Sarasota County (“County”), a political subdivision of the State of Florida, will receive proposals on the date indicated in OpenGov Procurement (OpenGov), the County’s electronic procurement portal, for the purpose of selecting a qualified Proposer to provide customer identity verification and credit check services.

Proposers are required to comply with Part II, Scope of Services.

OpenGov is located at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/scgov

2.0 PROPOSER

2.1 For the purpose of this RFP, the term “Proposer” is defined as the legal entity submitting a proposal.

2.2 Proposers intending to submit a bid as a joint venture with another company must provide documentation attesting to the formation of that joint venture with their submittal. For purposes of this solicitation, all vendors who make up the joint venture will be considered together as the Proposer.

3.0 QUALIFICATIONS

3.1 The Proposer must demonstrate experience providing a specialized risk management platform that functions as a utility-specific credit reporting and fraud prevention system for a governmental or municipal utility clients.

3.2 Preferred Qualifications

Proposer has experience with the County’s Customer Information System, UMAX.

4.0 MEETINGS & SCHEDULE

An anticipated schedule is provided in the Timeline posted in OpenGov. All meetings will take place at the time, date, and location specified in the solicitation Timeline.

Short-listed Proposers should be prepared to attend presentations and/or interviews either in Sarasota, Florida or virtually, at the County’s discretion.

5.0 SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

Refer to Submittal Instructions section in OpenGov for instructions on how to submit a proposal. Proposers are advised to review the General Terms and Conditions of Solicitations which are available in OpenGov.

6.0 VENDOR QUESTIONNAIRE

6.1 All proposers must complete the required forms and information included in the Vendor Questionnaire section of OpenGov. Completed forms and other requested documents must be uploaded with proposer’s submittal in OpenGov. Proposers who fail to complete and upload required forms and documents or fail to provide responses to questions in the Vendor Questionnaire section of OpenGov may be found non-responsive.

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/scgov

RFP Template Revised 02/10/25 Page 2 of 5

7.0 WRITTEN PROPOSALS

The information requested in each section below will be used by the evaluation committee to evaluate and score written proposals. All proposal documents must be submitted in the Vendor Questionnaire section in OpenGov in the format requested.

7.1 Qualifications

7.1.1. Single page Letter of Interest summarizing Proposer’s

qualifications.

7.1.2. Relevant Licenses and Certifications as appropriate.

7.1.3. Resumes of key personnel, including subcontractors, demonstrating individual qualifications and experience.

7.2 Experience

7.2.1. Narrative – Provide a narrative that describes the Proposer’s experience, including, but not limited to the number of years in business, pertinent capabilities, and evidence of experience and resources necessary to successfully provide the requested services.

7.2.2. Customer List - Provide a list of customers who have been provided with services similar to the services described in this RFP in the last 5 years. Customer list should include contact information for a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 10 customers. At a minimum, include customer name, a brief description of services provided, contract start and end dates, and the name, email, and telephone number of a contact person who can verify information. When possible, include the dollar value of the contract. If unable to provide detailed information regarding private sector customers due to confidentiality concerns, provide as much information as possible for those customers.

7.3 Approach

7.3.1. Project Approach - Provide a detailed project approach, including the proposed strategy for providing the requested services.

Anticipated resources, including, but not limited to, staffing levels, technology and equipment should be provided.

7.3.2. Schedule/Timeline – Provide a graphical representation of the proposed schedule/timeline indicating major milestones and deliverables.

7.3.3. Organization – Provide an organizational chart identifying all key personnel and their role in the providing the requested services.

7.4 Compensation

Provide a description of the total costs associated with this scope of work.

Compensation methods shall include hourly rates and detail all direct expense costs for all anticipated services.

RFP Template Revised 02/10/25 Page 3 of 5

8.0 SELECTION PROCESS

8.1 Written Proposals

8.1.1. All timely responses meeting the criteria set forth in this RFP shall be considered by the County.

8.1.2. Written proposals will be evaluated and scored using the evaluation criteria in the Evaluation Criteria section of OpenGov.

8.1.3. Only proposers who submit required documentation will be eligible to receive Local and American Preference points.

8.1.4. When evaluating written proposals, the evaluation committee will use the scale below to score each criterion. Only whole numbers are to be used when scoring. Scores will be given weight as indicated in the evaluation criteria in OpenGov.

Score Description

5 Excellent

4 Very Good

3 Good

2 Satisfactory

1 Unsatisfactory

0 N/A

8.2 Presentations

8.2.1. If any member of the evaluation committee requests presentations, presentations shall be scheduled.

8.2.2. If presentations are requested or required, the evaluation committee shall determine the number of Proposers to be short-listed for presentations prior to scoring. The format of presentation will be determined by the County and may consist of presentations, interviews, or a combination of presentations and interviews.

Presentations will be required from no fewer than the three highest scoring Proposers (or all responsive and responsible Proposers if there are 3 or fewer) under the following circumstances.

1. The estimated costs of services are in excess of $350,000 (either annually or for the total project); or

2. Scoring results in 5 points or less between the highest scoring proposer and the 2nd highest scoring proposer; or

3. The solicitation documents specify that presentations or interviews will be required.

RFP Template Revised 02/10/25 Page 4 of 5

4. The Procurement Official has determined that presentations are required for this solicitation.

If this box is checked, the Procurement Official has determined that presentations are required for this solicitation

8.3 Ranking

Following presentations, the evaluation committee will rank the short-listed proposers. The ranking shall be based on the written proposals, clarifications (if any), and information presented during presentations.

8.4 Evaluation Committee Recommendation of Award

8.4.1. If presentations are not requested or required, the evaluation committee will recommend the highest scoring Proposer for award.

8.4.2. If presentations are requested or required, following presentations the evaluation committee will rank the short-listed Proposers, and recommend the first ranked Proposer for award.

9.0 AWARD

9.1 It is the intent of the County to award a contract to the Proposer who, in the sole opinion of the evaluation committee is most qualified to provide the scope of services required and will provide the best value to the County.

9.2 The County reserves the right to contract for a term less than or greater than the duration indicated in OpenGov.

9.3 In the event of a tie, the RFP tie-breaking procedures identified in the Sarasota County Procurement Manual will apply. To be considered, tied Proposers will be required to provide documentation certifying they have implemented a drug-free workplace program meeting the requirements stipulated in Section 287.087, Florida Statutes. Documentation must be provided within the time specified by the County at the time of request.

9.4 Preferences

Proposers wishing to be considered for Local Business Preference or American Business Preference must complete and submit a Local & American Business Certification Form with their submittal. The Local & American Business Certification Form can be found in the Vendor Questionnaire section of OpenGov.

In awarding this RFP, preference shall be given to local businesses and American businesses in accordance with Section 2-215 of the Sarasota County Procurement Code.

Local and American business preferences do not apply to the award of this RFP, due to Grant funding requirements

9.5 Contract

A draft of the contract that the successful Proposer will be expected to sign (a Term Contract) is posted on the Procurement website, shown below. The

RFP Template Revised 02/10/25 Page 5 of 5

County may, in its sole discretion, select a different contract type or make revisions to the one referenced above following the recommended award of this solicitation.

https://www.scgov.net/government/procurement/contract-templates

10.0 CHANGES IN KEY PERSONNEL

10.1 A change in the key personnel of a short-listed firm after the submission of the response to this RFP could result in reconsideration of the scoring of applicable evaluation criteria, at the sole discretion of the County.

10.2 Any changes in the key personnel of a short-listed firm should be brought to the attention of the County as soon as possible after the change is made.

The changes, the reasons for the changes, and resumes for the individuals being substituted for an individual identified in the response, must be submitted, prior to oral presentations, to the Procurement Analyst identified on the Solicitation Summary.

10.3 Decreases in scoring may result from the reconsideration of changes in the key personnel of a short-listed firm. No increases in scoring will result from the reconsideration of changes in the key personnel of a short-listed firm.

10.4 After award of a contract, the successful Proposer shall not be allowed to substitute key personnel named in this response, including subcontractors, without the prior written permission of the County. Substitution may, in the sole opinion of the County, be grounds for cancellation of selection, or termination of contract.

https://www.scgov.net/government/procurement/contract-templates

PART II

SCOPE OF SERVICES

Prepared by Public Utilities Page 1 of 3

1. OVERVIEW

The County seeks proposals from qualified vendors capable of providing a specialized risk management platform, acting as a utility-specific credit bureau to prevent fraud, assess customer creditworthiness (identifying past bad debt), improve collections, reduce financial losses from unpaid bills by screening applicants, and providing data on their payment history. Contractor shall perform these services in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Contractor shall support Sarasota County with credit evaluation, fraud prevention, collections, employment screening, and regulatory compliance.

This will be executed by utilizing an Application Programming Interface (API) with our Customer Information System for online credit checks and Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) for file transfers.

2. SCOPE OF SERVICES

Contractor shall provide all resources necessary to efficiently and safely perform the following services:

A. Applicant Screening: Check applicants for fraudulent activity (like social-security number misuse) and provide instant credit reports.

B. Deposit Determination: Set appropriate security deposits based on risk.

C. Bad Debt Prevention: Identify customers with histories of unpaid bills with other utilities.

D. Debt Recovery: Offer advanced collection services for past-due accounts.

E. Red Flags Rule Compliance: Assist the County in meeting federal regulations for identity theft prevention.

F. Integration: Connect with Customer Information Systems for seamless data flow.

3. REGULATORY AND LEGAL COMPLIANCE

A. Contractor shall perform services in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to:

i. Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

ii. Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA)

iii. Drivers Privacy Protection Act (DPPA)

iv. Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA)

v. Applicable state consumer credit reporting laws

B. Contractor shall support and assist the County with regards to adverse action notices and disclosures.

Prepared by Public Utilities Page 2 of 3

C. Contractor shall maintain audit trails and usage logs and provide to the County or regulatory bodies upon request.

4. INFORMATION SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

Contractor shall maintain a comprehensive written information security program that includes:

A. Administrative, technical, and physical safeguards

B. Secure user authentication and role-based access controls

C. Data encryption in transit and at rest (where applicable)

D. Secure data disposal and retention policies

E. Immediate deactivation of terminated or unauthorized users

5. DATA AND REPORTING

Contractor shall:

A. Use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure data accuracy

B. Support consumer dispute workflows

C. Process updates and verifications promptly

D. Provide documented dispute resolution timelines

E. Provide the County with usage reporting upon request

F. Demonstrate permissible purpose certifications

6. SERVICE DELIVERY & ACCESS

Contractor shall:

A. Provide electronic, real time or near real time access to services

B. Allow access to a web-based portal and secure system integration options utilizing API and SFTP for information transfers.

C. Define user roles (e.g., Administrator, Supervisor, User)

D. Provide training and support documentation

7. PRICING

Contractor shall submit pricing in a clear, itemized format, including:

A. Per transaction or per report pricing

B. Monthly or recurring access fees, if applicable

C. Optional services priced separately

D. Any regulatory recovery, jurisdictional, or passthrough fees

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8. INVOICING

A. Contractor shall:

i. Bill monthly for services rendered.

ii. Clearly itemize usage and fees

B. Contractor may, at their sole discretion, offer lower pricing on all fee schedule items throughout the contract duration.

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PART III – INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Insurance Template 1 Revised 05/13/16 Page 1 of 2

CONTRACTOR’S INSURANCE

Contractor shall, on a primary basis and at its sole expense, maintain in full force and effect, at all times during the life of this Contract, insurance coverage (including endorsements) and limits as described herein. These requirements, as well as the County’s review or acceptance of insurance maintained by Contractor, are not intended to and shall not in any manner limit or qualify the liabilities or obligations assumed by Contractor under this Contract.

Insurance requirements itemized in this Contract and required of the Contractor shall extend to all subcontractors to cover their operations performed under this Contract.

The Contractor shall be responsible for any modifications, deviations, or omissions in these insurance requirements as they apply to subcontractors.

Insurance carriers providing coverage required herein must be licensed to conduct business in the State of Florida and must possess a current A.M. Best’s Financial Strength Rating of A- Class VII or better.

Each insurance policy required by this Contract shall apply separately to each insured against whom claim is made and suit is brought, except with respect to limits of the insurer’s liability.

The Contractor shall be solely responsible for payment of all premiums for insurance contributing to the satisfaction of this Contract and shall be solely responsible for the payment of all deductibles and retentions to which such policies are subject.

Contractor shall furnish Certificates of Insurance to the County Administrative Agent evidencing the types and amounts of coverage, including endorsements, required by this Contract prior to commencement of work and prior to expiration of the insurance contract, when applicable. Such Certificate(s) of Insurance shall, to the extent allowable by the insurer, include a minimum thirty (30) day notice of cancellation (10 days for non-payment of premium) or non-renewal of coverage. Notwithstanding these notification requirements, the Contractor will be required to provide County with 5-day prior written notice of any policy cancellation or non-renewal.

The County reserves the right to review, modify, reject, or accept any required policies of insurance, including limits, coverage, or endorsements, herein from time to time throughout the term of this Contract. County reserves the right, but not the obligation, to review and reject any insurer providing coverage due to its poor financial condition or failure to operate legally.

A. WORKERS’ COMPENSATION: Contractor agrees to maintain Workers’ Compensation insurance in accordance with Florida Statutes, Chapter 440.

Employers Liability to be included with a minimum limit of $500,000.00 per accident/per disease/per employee. If work is to be performed over or adjacent to navigable water and involves maritime exposure, applicable LHWCA, Jones Act, or other maritime law coverage shall be included.

PART III – INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Insurance Template 1 Revised 05/13/16 Page 2 of 2

In the event the Contractor has “leased” employees, the Contractor or the employee leasing company must provide evidence of a Workers’ Compensation policy for all personnel on the worksite.

Contractors who are exempt from Florida’s Workers’ Compensation law must provide proof of such exemption issued by the Florida Department of Financial Services, Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.

B. COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY: Contractor agrees to maintain Commercial General Liability per ISO form CG0001 or its equivalent, including but not limited to coverage for premises and operations, personal injury, products & completed operations, liability assumed under an insured contract, and independent contractors with limits of not less than $1,000,000.00 each occurrence, $2,000,000.00 aggregate covering all work performed under this Contract.

Contractor agrees to endorse Sarasota County Government as an additional insured on the Commercial General Liability coverage.

C. PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY: Consultant agrees to maintain Professional Liability insurance, or equivalent Errors & Omissions Liability insurance, with limits not less than $1,000,000 per claim/occurrence and in the aggregate for professional services rendered under this contract. If coverage is written on a claims-made basis: a. Any retroactive date shall precede the effective date of this contract; b. Consultant shall provide certificates of insurance evidencing the required coverage for a period of two years after final payment under this contract is made, or provide evidence showing Consultant has obtained a two year extended reporting period endorsement.