42214RFQ27 Geotechnical Services Final.pdf

42214RFQ27 | Page 1 of 54

It is the responsibility of Respondents who receive this solicitation from sources other than the portals identified above or St. Johns River Water Management District to contact the District’s Procurement staff prior to the due date to ensure any updates/addenda are received in order to submit a responsible and responsive offer. If you fail to submit a complete and accurate document, the District may deem the offer non-responsive and reject your submittal.

ADDENDA ACKNOWLEDGMENT: Prior to submitting my offer, I have verified that all addenda issued to date are considered as part of my offer:

Addendum No. Date Addendum No. Date Addendum No. Date

RESPONDENT NAME:

STREET ADDRESS:

MAILING ADDRESS (IF DIFFERENT):

PRIMARY E-MAIL ADDRESS (required)

SECONDARY E-MAIL ADDRESS (required)

TELEPHONE: ( ) YEAR COMPANY WAS ESTABLISHED

NAME/TITLE OF PERSON SUBMITTING QUALIFICATIONS:

SIGNATURE OF PERSON SUBMITTING QUALIFICATIONS:

This document must be completed and returned with your submittal

THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

42214RFQ27 GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING SERVICES

The St. Johns River Water Management District (the “District”) is seeking to contract with up to five geotechnical engineering firms to perform the following types of professional services: support planning, design, construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of soil-supported infrastructure and water management projects (the “Work”). This solicitation seeks professional services and is being conducted in compliance with the Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act, §287.055, Fla. Stat. The contract(s) will have an initial term of three years and the option to renew for one two-year renewal term. Work under the contracts will be authorized through work orders, which will generally be less than $100,000. All contracts awarded under this solicitation will be subject to a shared funding cap of $450,000 for the initial term.

Interested and qualified Respondents are invited to submit a complete qualifications package in accordance with the requirements and specifications detailed in this solicitation. Submittals must address all elements of the Scope of Work and comply with the terms and conditions set forth herein.

Further information is available through DemandStar at demandstar.com, Central Bidding at centralbidding.com, the state of Florida’s MyFloridaMarketPlace at myfloridamarketplace.com or the District’s website at sjrwmd.com. Solicitation packages may be obtained from the above portals. Respondents may also request the solicitation package directly from the District.

For all requests or questions relating to this solicitation, please contact:

Shari Chinevere, Procurement Manager

Phone: 386-643-1172 or E-Mail: slchinev@sjrwmd.com

PRE-SUBMITTAL MEETING – No Pre-Submittal Scheduled

LAST DAY FOR QUESTIONS – July 3, 2026; 5:00 PM

SUBMITTAL DUE DATE

1:00 PM, Monday, July 14, 2026

PLEASE NOTE! Respondent’s submittal must include all required documents and forms requested in this solicitation or the submittal may be rejected and deemed non-responsive.

Rev. 2.14.26 42214RFQ27 | Page 2 of 54

42214RFQ27 GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING SERVICES

SUBMITTAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM

The undersigned, on behalf of Respondent, hereby certifies and declares the following:

Authority to Bind: The individual signing this form is authorized to represent and legally bind Respondent to the terms and conditions of the solicitation and to Respondent’s submittal.

Commitment to Contract: If selected, Respondent agrees to enter into an Agreement with the District based on the terms set forth in the solicitation documents, including the draft Agreement, Instructions to Respondents, all exhibits and attachments, addenda, certifications, affidavits, and the submittal. Respondent further agrees to provide all required goods and services in accordance with the stated timeline and to submit proof of the required insurance coverage.

Conflict of Interest: Except as disclosed in any attached addendum, no officer, employee, or agent of the District has any direct or indirect interest in Respondent’s business or in any agreement that may result from this submittal. Respondent affirms that no such interest will exist throughout the term of any awarded Agreement.

Disclosure of Interested Parties: All individuals or entities with a significant interest in this solicitation, whether as principals or key participants in performing the Work, are listed in the form titled Certificate as to Respondent’s Authority to do Business in Florida. No other party holds any interest in this solicitation or in any resulting Agreement.

Due Diligence: Respondent affirms that it has reviewed and understands the attached draft Agreement and all related documents, including the specifications, addenda, and conditions related to this solicitation. Respondent acknowledges receipt of all issued addenda and confirms it is fully informed regarding the Work to be performed.

Fair Solicitation Submission: This submittal is made independently, without collusion, connection, or agreement with any other person, company, or organization submitting on this solicitation. It is made in good faith and without any attempt to defraud.

By signing this Submittal Acknowledgement Form, I acknowledge I have read and understand it, and I affirm that Respondent complies with all conditions and requirements set forth herein.

RESPONDENT NAME

AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE DATE

PRINTED NAME

TITLE

This document must be completed and returned with your submittal

Rev. 2.14.26 42214RFQ27 | Page 3 of 54

42214RFQ27 GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING SERVICES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover Sheet ................................................................................................................................... Page 1

Submittal Acknowledgement Form ............................................................................................... Page 2

Table of Contents ......................................................................................................................... Page 3

PART 1 – Scope of Work .............................................................................................................. Pages 4 – 8

PART 2 – Submittal Requirements & General Information ......................................................... Pages 9 – 19

Required Documents & Forms ...................................................................................................... Pages 20 – 23

(NOTE! Additional documents not included in this section may be required)

PART 3 – Draft Agreement ........................................................................................................... Pages 25 – 40

Attachment A — Scope of Work (post award) ................................................................ Page 41 Attachment B — Work Order General Conditions .......................................................... Page 42 – 47 Attachment C — Classification and Rate Schedule ......................................................... Page 48 Attachment D — Insurance Requirements ....................................................................... Page 49 – 50 Attachment E — District Supplemental Instructions (Example)...................................... Page 51 Attachment F — Common Carrier or Contracted Carrier Attestation ............................. Page 52 Attachment G — Human Trafficking Attestation ............................................................ Page 53 Attachment H — Sample Work Order ............................................................................. Page 54

Rev. 2.14.26 42214RFQ27 | Page 4 of 54

42214RFQ27 GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING SERVICES

PART 1 – SCOPE OF WORK

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING SERVICES

I. INTRODUCTION

The St. Johns River Water Management District (District) is responsible for managing and protecting water resources within its 18-county jurisdiction in northeast and east central Florida. In furtherance of this responsibility, the District intends to enter in one or more continuing contracts with qualified geotechnical engineering firms to provide professional services in accordance with §287.055, Fla. Stat.

The District will issue project-specific Work Orders under the continuing contract(s) to support planning, design, construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of soil-supported infrastructure and water management projects. Work Orders will be issued on an as-needed basis and are subject to the availability of funds as approved by the District’s Governing Board.

II. OBJECTIVE

The objective of this solicitation is to obtain qualified geotechnical engineering services, including subsurface investigation, laboratory testing, engineering analysis, construction observation, and construction materials testing, and related soil mechanics-based technical services, to support the planning, design, construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of soil-supported infrastructure projects within the District.

III. SCOPE

Firm shall provide geotechnical engineering services in support of planning, design, construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of soil-supported infrastructure projects within the District.

All services shall be authorized through individual Work Orders and shall remain within the geotechnical engineering discipline as contemplated under §287.055, Fla. Stat.

Each Work Order shall describe the specific services to be performed and shall not exceed the monetary limitations applicable to continuing contracts under §287.055, Fla. Stat.

Each Work Order may require Firm to perform one or more of the following services:

A. Subsurface Investigation and Field Testing Services

1. Subsurface exploration and related field services, including but not limited to:

a. Interpretation of soil survey maps and evaluation of general subsurface conditions

b. Standard Penetration Test (SPT) borings

c. Hollow-stem auger borings

d. Recovery of thin-walled tube (Shelby) samples

e. Muck probing and subsurface profiling

f. Measurement and monitoring of groundwater levels, including installation and monitoring of well screen piezometers and observation wells

g. Groundwater response monitoring

h. Field permeability testing, including but not limited to double-ring infiltrometer testing, falling head testing, constant head testing, and other accepted soil permeability methods

Rev. 2.14.26 42214RFQ27 | Page 5 of 54

i. Soil permeability characterization and subsurface infiltration rate determination derived from field and laboratory testing

j. Limited groundwater mounding analyses performed solely for the purpose of interpreting soil hydraulic conductivity and subsurface infiltration characteristics

Laboratory testing may be performed by Firm or by a certified laboratory subconsultant and may include soil classification testing, strength testing, gradation analysis, Atterberg limits, organic content determination, and other customary geotechnical laboratory procedures.

These services shall support planning, design, and construction of levees, pump stations, water control structures, pavement systems, embankments, berms, foundations, and other soil-supported water management infrastructure typically associated with District projects.

B. Geotechnical Engineering Analyses

1. Engineering analyses and recommendations based on subsurface investigation findings, including but not limited to:

a. Allowable soil bearing pressures

b. Settlement analyses

c. Allowable pile capacity (tension and compression)

d. Lateral earth pressure coefficients

e. Slope stability analyses

f. Seepage analyses

g. Filter compatibility and gradation requirements

h. Site preparation and earthwork recommendations

i. Seasonal high groundwater evaluation

j. Review of construction plans and specifications for geotechnical adequacy

2. Engineering analyses may include:

a. Soil-structure interaction evaluations

b. Evaluation of subsurface soil conditions influencing infiltration system performance

c. Assessment of embankment, berm, and levee stability under varying groundwater conditions

d. Soil mechanics-based modeling necessary to interpret geotechnical conditions

3. Development of geotechnical design parameters and recommendations for temporary and permanent soil-supported systems, including:

a. Cofferdams

b. Sheet pile walls

c. Temporary excavation support systems

d. Dewatering systems

e. Base stability and uplift evaluations

f. Hydraulic heave and piping assessments

g. Related seepage and lateral earth pressure analyses

Firm shall provide geotechnical design parameters only and shall not perform independent structural design unless separately procured.

All findings and recommendations shall be documented in a signed and sealed engineering report prepared under the responsible charge of a Florida-licensed Professional Engineer.

Rev. 2.14.26 42214RFQ27 | Page 6 of 54

C. Construction Observation and Materials Testing

1. Construction inspection, observation, and materials testing services related to geotechnical and soil-supported systems, including:

a. Earthwork and embankment observation

b. Compaction verification and field density testing

c. Base and subbase evaluation

d. Pavement systems (flexible asphalt and rigid concrete)

e. Concrete and asphalt elements integral to soil-supported systems

f. Pavement coring for thickness verification

g. Laboratory verification testing

h. Sheet pile installation monitoring

i. Pipe bedding and backfill observation

j. Subgrade evaluation and penetrometer probing

k. Concrete sampling, curing, and compressive strength testing

l. Firm is not responsible for contractor means and methods

2. Construction inspection and testing services provided under this Agreement are limited to geotechnical and construction materials testing activities and do not include:

a. Structural special inspection

b. Threshold inspection services

c. Building code compliance inspection

d. Construction management services

D. Pavement Evaluation and Rehabilitation Support

1. Geotechnical evaluation and materials testing services related to pavement design and rehabilitation, including:

a. Subgrade support evaluation

b. Soil bearing characterization for pavement design

c. Pavement section thickness recommendations based on subgrade conditions

d. Asphalt and concrete pavement coring and extraction

e. Laboratory testing of asphalt materials

f. Evaluation of base and subbase materials

g. Assessment of existing pavement performance for repair or rehabilitation of parking lots, access roads, and other soil-supported pavement systems

Pavement-related services shall be limited to geotechnical evaluation and materials testing and shall not include roadway alignment design, traffic engineering, or comprehensive civil roadway design unless separately procured.

E. Geotechnical Peer Review Services

1. Independent geotechnical peer review services, including review of:

a. Subsurface investigation reports

b. Geotechnical engineering analyses

c. Foundation recommendations

d. Slope stability evaluations

e. Seepage analyses

f. Pavement subgrade evaluations

Rev. 2.14.26 42214RFQ27 | Page 7 of 54

g. Temporary works recommendations (including cofferdam support parameters)

h. Other soil mechanics-based design documents prepared by others

i. Peer review services shall not transfer design responsibility from the Engineer of Record.

F. Consultation and Advisory Services

1. Firm may be required to:

a. Represent the District at public meetings

b. Provide technical consultation related to geotechnical findings

c. Respond to Requests for Information (RFIs) and technical inquiries regarding subsurface conditions and geotechnical design parameters

d. Assist in coordination with design professionals and contractors on geotechnical matters

e. Act as an expert witness, as authorized in the applicable Work Order

2. Firm may also provide project-specific geotechnical consultation for preliminary planning or feasibility assessment related to subsurface conditions or soil-supported systems, provided such consultation:

a. Remains within the geotechnical discipline

b. Is authorized through an applicable Work Order

Consultation services shall be limited to interpretation and application of geotechnical data, analyses, recommendations, and peer review findings developed under this Agreement and shall not constitute independent design services or expand the scope of services beyond the geotechnical scope defined in this Statement of Work unless separately procured.

G. Supplemental Services and Scope Limitations

1. Firm may perform supplemental technical or analytical services directly related to subsurface conditions, soil mechanics, or geotechnical performance evaluation when reasonably necessary to complete authorized Work.

a. Such supplemental services shall:

1) Remain incidental to and derived from the geotechnical scope described herein

2) Not include standalone structural design

3) Not include regulatory permitting services

4) Not include environmental contamination assessment

5) Not include watershed hydrologic modeling

6) Not include general civil engineering services

Unless such services are separately procured in accordance with applicable law.

Under no circumstances shall services performed under this Agreement materially expand beyond the geotechnical engineering services expressly described in this Statement of Work or beyond those traditionally and customarily performed within the geotechnical engineering discipline under a continuing contract pursuant to §287.055, Fla. Stat.

Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to authorize Firm to perform distinct project-specific professional services outside the geotechnical engineering discipline, nor to perform services that would otherwise require separate competitive qualification-based selection under §287.055, Fla. Stat.

H. Professional Responsibility

1. All services shall be performed under the direction and supervision of a Registered Professional Engineer licensed in the State of Florida. All letters and reports containing

Rev. 2.14.26 42214RFQ27 | Page 8 of 54 findings, evaluations, and recommendations shall be signed and sealed by the Engineer in responsible charge.

IV. TASK IDENTIFICATION

Specific tasks shall be identified and assigned through the issuance of a Work Order as needed by the District. The Work Order shall specify the Scope of Work, specific work requirements, task duration, deliverables and budget.

V. TIME FRAMES AND DELIVERABLES

Specific time frames and deliverables shall be included in the Work Order provided for each task. Firm shall be responsible for delivering various work products as assigned by each Work Order.

All work products and associated materials shall become property of the District.

VI. CLASSIFICATION AND RATE SCHEDULE

Firm’s Classification and Rate Schedule sets forth the hourly rates for services to be performed under this Agreement. Firm shall keep the rates fixed and firm during the initial three-year term of this Agreement. For renewal terms, rates may be adjusted upon the mutual agreement of the parties. Rates include all travel and other direct costs. Firm’s Classification and Rate Schedule to be negotiated with successful respondent(s).

Rev. 2.14.26 42214RFQ27 | Page 9 of 54

42214RFQ27 GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING SERVICES

PART 2 – SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS & GENERAL INFORMATION

Thank you for your interest in working with the St. Johns River Water Management District. Please direct questions regarding the submittal documents and specifications to the District’s procurement staff member identified on the first page of this solicitation, in writing. We look forward to working with you. Pertinent information and required documents regarding this solicitation as part of a responsive submittal are listed below.

The District will publish notice of specifications and criteria, including addenda, intended agency decisions, or other matters pertinent to this solicitation on portals identified on the first page of this document.

2.1 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Respondent complete and include the “Similar Work Detail Form” provided in these documents to document the minimum qualifications listed in (a) below. Failure to include this form with the Submittal may be considered non-responsive.

(a) Respondent (or a combination of firm, individual, or project manager assigned to the work) must have successfully completed at least three projects of a similar nature (geotechnical and construction engineering services to support planning, design, construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of soil-supported infrastructure and water management projects as described in the Scope of Work) in the five years immediately preceding the date set for receipt of submittals. At least two of the projects must be located within the state of Florida. Each project must also have a value of at least $25,000 (use the

SIMILAR WORK DETAIL FORM).

(b) Respondent must be Florida professional engineer or a duly qualified professional engineering corporation or partnership holding a current and active professional engineering license provided by the Florida Board of Professional Engineers (provide copy of license with submittal).

(c) Respondent’s engineer or engineers of record will be the responsible charge for the preparation, signing, dating, sealing and issuing of any engineering documents for any engineering service or creative work provided under this contract, must hold a current and active professional engineering license provided by the Florida Board of Professional Engineers (provide copy of license with submittal).

(d) Respondent must have no less than ten years of experience on projects of the nature specified herein.

Irrespective of the minimum qualifications stated above, the District may make such investigations as it deems necessary to determine the ability of Respondent(s) to perform the Work. The District reserves the right to reject any Submittal if the evidence submitted by such Respondent and/or the District’s independent investigation of such Respondent fails to satisfy the District that such Respondent is properly qualified to carry out the obligations of the Agreement and complete the Work in a manner acceptable to the District within the time period specified.

2.2 BUDGET ESTIMATE

The estimated budget is an estimate only and does not limit the District in awarding the Agreement.

Respondents are cautioned to not make any assumptions from the District Project Manager’s construction estimate about the total funds available for the Work. The District retains the right to adjust the estimate in awarding the Agreement. The District also reserves the right to reject all Bids if subsequent negotiations with qualified Respondents result in costs over the engineer's construction estimate. In addition, the District reserves the right to increase, decrease, or delete any class, item, or part of the Work in order to reduce costs for any reason. The District may discuss alternatives for reducing the cost of the Work with Respondents and make such modifications as it determines to be in its best interest.

Rev. 2.14.26 42214RFQ27 | Page 10 of 54

2.3 SUBMITTAL LAYOUT/ORDER OF DOCUMENTS

Tab 1 — Introduction Letter that addresses Respondent’s and subconsultant(s) overall qualifications and capabilities, including qualifications of key personnel.

A. Introduction Letter must address the following:

1. How is Respondent, its subconsultant(s), and staff are qualified to provide the required functions of this RFQ?

(a) Provide a brief history of Respondent’s firm, including the number of years in operation, an overview of its organizational structure. Include information demonstrating the adequacy and qualifications of staff and proposed project management approach. Identify the key personnel who will be assigned to this project, specifying their names, roles, and responsibilities.

2. Resumes of key individuals and personnel assigned to this project.

3. Describe coordination and communication practices, data and information management, and the format and process for delivering required work products to the District.

4. Provide a description of all subconsultants’ qualifications and capabilities on similar types of work. Include a “Letter of Commitment” from a principal of each subconsultant stating that subconsultant is committed to be a part of Respondent’s Project Team.

5. Has Respondent previously been engaged in the same or similar business under another firm or trade name? If so, please describe each such instance.

6. Describe any prior or pending litigation or investigation, either civil or criminal, involving a governmental agency or which may affect the performance of the services to be rendered herein, in which Respondent or any of its employees intended for this project is, or has been involved within the last three years.

7. Has Respondent ever been adjudicated bankrupt, initiated bankruptcy, or been the subject of bankruptcy proceedings on behalf of the current entity submitting the Qualifications or a prior entity that Respondent substantially operated or controlled? If yes, please describe the nature and result of those proceedings and the entity involved.

8. Provide a letter from a financial institution with which Respondent has conducted business for at least the last 12 months stating that Respondent is in good standing. (Note: this letter should be generic enough to not be considered confidential.)

9. List any current or past clients, projects, or engagements that may present a potential conflict of interest if Respondent is selected to provide services for the District. Include a brief description of the nature of the potential conflict. If no such conflicts exist, please state so explicitly.

B. Required forms that must be included in the response:

1. Cover Page /Addenda Acknowledgement

2. Submittal Acknowledgement

3. Proposed Subconsultants

4. Certificate as to Respondent’s Authority to do Business in the State of Florida

5. Affidavit as to Non-Collusion and Certification of Material Conformance with Specifications

C. Respondent provided documentation

1. Proof of Respondent’s active registration on www.sunbiz.com

2. Proof of Respondent’s active registration with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E- Verify system

Rev. 2.14.26 42214RFQ27 | Page 11 of 54

Tab 2 — Past and Current Experience

A. Include information on specific past and current experiences as it relates to the services outlined in this solicitation for Respondent, proposed subconsultants, and key personnel.

B. Respondent may also include any pertinent information on past and current experiences for other staff and proposed subconsultants staff.

C. SIMILAR WORK DETAIL FORM (included in this solicitation)

Tab 3 — Location of Respondent’s Management Office

Tab 4 — Volume of District work previously awarded to Respondent

Tab 5 — Completeness of Response

A. Professional presentation, submittal in ordered layout as directed, and included all information as required

B. Insurance Requirements (Proof of Insurability) (Include in Tab 5)

The submittal shall contain proof of insurability issued by a company authorized to do business in the State of Florida and with an A.M. Best Company rating of at least A- or greater for the required insurance(s) as set forth in the Agreement.

NOTE! Successful Respondent will be required to obtain and provide a Certificate of Insurance that meets all requirements as stated, references the Agreement number and shows St. Johns River Water Management District named as additional insured, and waiver of subrogation where applicable.

2.4 SPECIFICATIONS, ASSEMBLY, AND SUBMITTAL

(a) Submittal requirements:

(1) One Original Document – uploaded into DemandStar, Central Bidding, or on a pin/jump drive, as a single .pdf file.

(2) Page Limit – none, if not otherwise specified herein this document.

(3) Page Size – 8 ½ x 11; oversized pages must be scanned to print out to appropriate page sizes, if necessary.

(b) Assembly requirements:

Submitted in order of submittal layout as listed below – documents should be scanned as PDF or similar format as one complete package.

(c) Submittal requirements:

Complete package – Complete package shall consist of all required information and documents as listed in the Section titled SUBMITTAL LAYOUT/ORDER OF DOCUMENTS.

Remainder of this page left blank intentionally.

Rev. 2.14.26 42214RFQ27 | Page 12 of 54

2.5 SCORING GUIDELINES AND EVALUATION CRITERIA

All submittals received in accordance with this solicitation will be evaluated using the following scoring guidelines (multiplied by weights when applicable) unless other scoring is specifically identified in the category. Respondent must adhere to the organized structure for its submittal as described in section titled

SUBMITTAL LAYOUT/ORDER OF DOCUMENTS.

Scoring Matrix 0 Not covered in submittal 1 – 4 Less than adequate 5 – 7 Adequate 8 – 10 More than adequate

Failure by Respondent to include the required information may result in the submittal being considered non-responsive or may receive a correspondingly low score pursuant to the evaluation rating scale.

CRITERIA WEIGHT SCORE TOTAL

Tab 1: Introduction Letter that addresses Respondent’s and subconsultant(s) overall qualifications and capabilities, including qualifications of key personnel

40%

Tab 2: Past and Current Experience 45%

Tab 3: Location of Respondent’s Management Office Manager Higher scores will be given to Respondents whose Management Office or Project Manager are in proximity of the entrance to the District’s Palatka Headquarters, Palm Bay Service Center, or Apopka Service Center. The District shall utilize the website maps.google.com and the shortest driving route to determine the mileage. Points will be awarded as follows:

• Within 0 – 75 miles = 10 points

• Within 76 – 150 miles from HQ/Service Center = 5 points

• Greater than 150 miles from HQ/Service Center = 0 points

2%

Tab 4: Volume of District work previously awarded to Respondent Submit documentation as to the volume of work (in dollars) awarded by the District to Respondent in the five years immediately preceding the deadline date for receipt of Submittals for this solicitation, including contracts, work orders, and purchase orders.

Points will be allocated from 0 to 10; Respondents with higher awarded contract totals in the last five years based on the solicitation date of this RFQ shall receive fewer award points. Respondents with no previous work awards shall receive the highest allocation of points (10). Respondent with the highest volume of work will receive zero points. The District shall rely on its official financial records to resolve any discrepancies. Contracts, work orders, and purchase orders issued by the District in the last five years shall be included in this total even if Respondent has not yet received payment. The District shall calculate scores as follows: The amount (in dollars) awarded to Respondent with the highest volume of work in the last five years shall represent the Allocation Basis Total (ABT). The ABT less a Respondent’s total volume of work awarded shall be divided by the ABT and then multiplied by 10; the result rounded to the tenths shall represent Respondent’s score for this criterion

3%

Tab 5: Completeness of Response 10%

TOTAL 100

*Scores are per Committee Member; to gain maximum points, verify that each item above is supported by all necessary and required documentation listed in the tabs below.

Respondent must adhere to the following organized structure for its submittal as described below.

Rev. 2.14.26 42214RFQ27 | Page 13 of 54

2.6 PREPARATION, ORGANIZATION AND SUBMITTAL OF QUALIFICATIONS

(a) Respondent’s submittal must be submitted in electronic format (no paper copies) either by uploading to DemandStar directly at www.demandstar.com OR to Central Bidding directly at www.centralbidding.com (NOT BOTH); OR by delivering all files on a single pin/thumb/jump drive either by mail or hand delivery in a sealed envelope.

Label all sealed envelopes as follows:

SEALED SUBMITTAL – DO NOT OPEN

Respondent’s Name: ___________________________________________ Request for Qualifications: 42214RFQ27, Geotechnical Engineering Services Opening Time: 1:00 PM Opening Date: July 14, 2026

Shari Chinevere, Procurement Manager St. Johns River Water Management District District Headquarters 4049 Reid Street Palatka, FL 32177

**Please note that the U.S. Postal Service does not deliver regular mail or express mail to the above address. The District’s experience is that Federal Express and United Parcel Service will. The District is not responsible for and will not accept or consider late submittals due to delays caused by any mail, package or courier service, including the U.S. mail, or caused by any other occurrence.

DO NOT SUBMIT VIA EMAIL — THIS WILL RESULT IN THE SUBMITTAL BEING

REJECTED AS NON-RESPONSIVE.

(b) All blank spaces on the solicitation documents must be typewritten or legibly printed in ink. In the event you decline to submit a response, the District would appreciate submittal of the “No Response Form” provided in this solicitation to describe the reason for not submitting a response.

(c) Please do not password protect files saved to a pin/thumb/jump drive. The District recommends that Respondents confirm their submittal documents will open correctly on a non-Respondent-owned computer. Any electronic submittal received by the District that does not open on a District-owned computer is subject to rejection as a defective response. The file naming conventions for the solicitation must clearly identify specific information such as the solicitation number and Respondent’s name (Example: 12345RFQ78, ABC Company).

NOTE! A Respondent’s submittal may be rejected as Non-Responsive for:

(1) Failing to complete all forms;

(2) Failure to provide all required materials; or

(3) Otherwise failing to comply with instructions for preparation and organization of Submittal.

2.7 SIGNATURE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

An individual submitting a response to this solicitation must sign his/her name therein and state his/her address and the name and address of every other person interested in this solicitation as principal.

If a partnership submits on this solicitation, state the name and address of each member of the partnership.

If a corporation or limited liability company submits on this solicitation, an authorized agent or officer/member must sign the submittal, subscribing the name of the entity with the individual’s own name and affixing the corporate seal (if applicable). Such agent or officer/member must also provide the name of the state under which the entity is chartered/formed, and the names and business addresses of the officers/members.

http://www.demandstar.com/ http://www.centralbidding.com/

Rev. 2.14.26 42214RFQ27 | Page 14 of 54

All Respondents must submit evidence of registration with the Florida Secretary of State for doing business in the state of Florida.

All Respondents must certify that all persons or entities having an interest as principal in this solicitation or in substantial performance of the Work have been identified in the submittal forms.

2.8 PROHIBITED COMMUNICATION

To ensure a fair and impartial evaluation process, the District strictly prohibits any communication related to this solicitation with any District office, department, bureau, or employee during the submission and evaluation period, except as expressly authorized in this solicitation. Respondents are specifically prohibited from initiating any contact or communication with any District official or employee involved in the evaluation or consideration of submittals, including but not limited to the Executive Director and members of the Governing Board of the St. Johns River Water Management District, prior to the issuance of an award decision. All communication regarding this solicitation shall be initiated by the District’s Procurement staff, and solely for the purpose of obtaining information or clarification necessary for the proper evaluation of submittals. Any attempt by a Respondent to engage in unauthorized communication may result in disqualification from consideration for award under this solicitation and may further result in exclusion from future procurement opportunities with the District.

2.9 PRE-SUBMITTAL MEETINGS, INQUIRIES AND ADDENDA

If scheduled, the pre-submittal meeting information will appear on the first page of this solicitation. If the pre-submittal meeting is not designated as mandatory, then attendance at the pre-submittal meeting is strongly recommended. If the pre-submittal meeting is designated as MANDATORY, each Respondent must attend or its submittal will not be accepted. During this meeting, the project scope, procedures, and specifications will be discussed. It is also the only opportunity during the open solicitation period for attendees to ask questions directly to the end user.

District staff are not authorized to provide oral interpretations or clarifications of the solicitation documents, including specifications or other agreement terms. All binding interpretations or corrections must be provided in writing, come only from Procurement staff, and be issued as part of an official addendum to this solicitation.

The assigned Procurement Specialist may provide general guidance on District procedures and assist in referencing applicable sections of the solicitation documents; however, Respondents remain fully responsible for understanding and following all written requirements and submit accordingly.

In order to be considered, all requests for a written interpretation or correction must be submitted via e-mail before the deadline for questions as stated in this solicitation. All official responses, including clarifications, corrections, or supplemental instructions, will be issued in writing via addenda and posted on the solicitation portals listed on Page 1 of this document, prior to the submittal due date.

By submitting on this solicitation, Respondent is bound by and must acknowledge receipt of all issued addenda.

Submittals will be interpreted as if all addenda were received, whether or not Respondent actually reviewed the addenda. Failure to receive or review an addendum does not relieve Respondent of any obligations under the solicitation or resulting Agreement. All addenda become an official part of the Contract Documents (defined in the Agreement).

2.10 OPENING OF SUBMITTALS

Submittals will be opened on or as reasonably feasible after the due date. The Florida Public Records Act, §119.071(1)(b), Fla. Stat., exempts sealed submittals from inspection and copying until such time as the District provides notice of an intended decision pursuant to §120.57(3)(a), Fla. Stat., or until 30 days after opening of submittals, or final replies, whichever is earlier. This exemption is not waived by the public opening of the submittals.

Rev. 2.14.26 42214RFQ27 | Page 15 of 54

Unless otherwise exempt, Respondent’s submittal is a public record subject to disclosure upon expiration of the above exemption period. If any information included in the submittal is a trade secret as defined in §812.081, Fla. Stat., and exempt from disclosure pursuant to §815.04, Fla. Stat., Respondent must clearly identify any such material as “CONFIDENTIAL TRADE SECRET” in its submittal and explain the basis for such exemption. The District reserves the right, in its sole judgment and discretion, to reject a submittal for excessive or unwarranted assertion of trade secret confidentiality and return the submittal to Respondent.

2.11 DISQUALIFICATION OF RESPONDENTS

Any of the following causes will be considered as sufficient grounds for disqualification of a Respondent and rejection of the submittal:

(a) Contacting a District employee or officer other than the procurement employee named in this solicitation about any aspect of this solicitation before the notice of intended decision is posted.

(b) Submission of more than one submittal for the same subject matter by an individual, firm, partnership, or corporation under the same or different names.

(c) Evidence of collusion among Respondents.

(d) Submission of materially false information.

(e) Information gained through checking the information provide on the Similar Work Detail Form or other sources which indicates that Respondent may not successfully perform the Work.

(f) Respondent is failing to adequately perform on any existing agreement with the District.

(g) Respondent has defaulted on a previous agreement with the District.

(h) The evidence submitted by Respondent, or the District’s investigation of Respondent, fails to satisfy the District that Respondent is properly qualified to carry out the obligations of the Agreement in a manner acceptable to the District and within the time period specified.

(i) Any documented unsatisfactory past performance by Respondent on work performed under a previous Agreement with the District.

(j) Any other cause that is sufficient to raise doubt regarding the ability of a Respondent to perform the Work in a manner that meets the District’s objectives for the Work.

2.12 REJECTION OF SUBMITTAL

Submittals must be delivered to the specified location and received before the designated due date and time in order to be considered. Untimely submittals will be returned to Respondent unopened. Submittals will be considered irregular and may be rejected if they show material omissions, alterations of form, additions not called for, conditions, limitations, or other material irregularities. The District may consider incomplete any submittal not prepared and submitted in accordance with the provisions specified herein and the District reserves the right to waive any minor deviations or irregularities in an otherwise valid submittal.

The District reserves the right to reject any and all submittals and cancel this solicitation when it determines, in its sole judgment and discretion, that it is not in its best interest to award the Agreement.

2.13 WITHDRAWAL OF SUBMITTALS

Respondent may withdraw its submittal if it submits such a written request to the District prior to the designated date and hour of opening. Respondent may be permitted to withdraw its submittal no later than 72 hours after the submittal opening for good cause, as determined by the District in its sole judgment and discretion.

2.14 EVALUATION OF SUBMITTALS AND AWARD PROCEDURES

The District’s evaluation and award procedures are conducted in compliance with the Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act, §287.055, Fla. Stat.

Rev. 2.14.26 42214RFQ27 | Page 16 of 54

Submittals will be reviewed and evaluated by a staff Evaluation Committee (“Committee”) based on the criteria and weighting outlined in the Section titled SCORING GUIDELINES AND EVALUATION CRITERIA, herein.

A Committee meeting will be scheduled, and notice of the meeting, including the date, time, and location, will be posted at least five days in advance on DemandStar, Central Bidding, MyFloridaMarketPlace and Florida Administrative Register. The Committee will meet at District headquarters or another suitable location to discuss and score the submittals. Each Committee member will complete an evaluation form during the meeting, and the compiled results will be used to determine the overall ranking.

(a) Evaluation Process

(1) The Committee will evaluate and rank the submittals, based upon the established evaluation criteria. If the Committee determines that oral presentations will assist in the evaluation, presentations may be conducted at District headquarters, at another designated location, or remotely, as deemed appropriate by the District.

(2) If the Committee determines that not all Respondents will be asked to make an oral presentation, the Committee will complete an initial evaluation to develop a preliminary ranked list. This list will be used to determine which Respondents will be asked to make an oral presentation.

(3) After oral presentations are completed, the Committee members will conduct a final evaluation and ranking using the same criteria. Scores from the initial evaluation will not be carried over. All Respondents will be notified in writing of the Committee’s final ranking results.

(b) Confidentiality of Evaluation Meetings

Under §286.0113, Fla. Stat., certain portions of meetings related to the solicitation process are exempt from public attendance. These include any part of a meeting where (1) a negotiation with a Respondent is conducted pursuant to a competitive solicitation; (2) a Respondent makes an oral presentation as part of a competitive solicitation; (3) a Respondent answers questions as part of a competitive solicitation; or (4) negotiation strategies are discussed. Recordings and materials from exempt meetings are confidential and exempt from public disclosure under §119.07(1), Fla. Stat., and §24(a), Article I of the Florida Constitution until the District issues a notice of intended decision or until 30 days after the submittal opening, whichever comes first. All exempt portions of meetings must be fully recorded. No portion of the exempt meeting may be held off the record.

(c) Rejection and Reissuance

Pursuant to §286.0113 Fla. Stat., if the District rejects all submittals and concurrently provides notice of its intent to reissue the competitive solicitation, the recording and any records presented at any exempt meeting shall remain exempt from §119.07(1) Fla. Stat., and §24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution (Public Records) until such time as the District provides notice of an intended decision concerning the reissued competitive solicitation or until the District withdraws the reissued competitive solicitation. A recording and any records presented at an exempt meeting are not exempt for longer than 12 months after the initial District notice rejecting all submittals.

(d) Approval of Ranking

Once the evaluation process is complete, the Committee’s final ranking will be presented to the Governing Board for approval, unless the Governing Board has delegated authority to the Executive Director or designee to approve and execute the Agreement.

(e) Negotiations and Award

Following the ranking of the most qualified firms, the District may negotiate contracts with up to the five highest-ranked firms, beginning with the highest-ranked firm and proceeding in ranked order, in accordance with §287.055(5), Fla. Stat. If the District is unable to successfully negotiate a contract with a firm, it may terminate negotiations with that firm and proceed to the next highest-ranked firm

Rev. 2.14.26 42214RFQ27 | Page 17 of 54 until negotiations are successful or the District determines to cease negotiations. Up to five separate Agreements may be awarded to Respondents that successfully complete negotiations with the District (“Successful Respondents”). The District may include in the Agreement any proposed alternatives determined to be in its best interest.

(f) Equal Scores

If two or more submittals are equal in all respects, the Agreement will be awarded as follows: (1) to Respondent that certifies compliance with §287.087, Fla. Stat., via the Drug-Free Workplace Form;

(2) to a Respondent university in the State University System pursuant to §373.63, Fla. Stat.; (3) to a Respondent whose submittal contains commodities manufactured, grown, or produced within the state of Florida pursuant to §287.082 Fla. Stat.; or (4) by lot.

(g) Notice of Award

All Respondents will be notified of the District’s intent to award or decision to award the Agreement.

The time period for filing a protest under §120.57(3), Fla. Stat., will begin as provided in Section titled PROTEST PROCEDURES, herein.

(h) Reservation of Rights

In the event any of the Successful Respondents fail to enter into Agreements or the Agreement with one or more of the said Respondents is terminated within 90 days of the effective date, the District reserves the right to negotiate and award Agreements to the next highest-ranked Respondent(s), if available.

2.15 PROTEST PROCEDURES

Notices of Intended Decision will be posted for a minimum of 72 hours. The time period for filing a Notice of Protest pursuant to §120.57(3), Fla. Stat., and Fla. Admin. Code R. 28-110.003, commences at the time notices are posted.

As a courtesy to Respondents, the District may send copies of the notices of intended agency decisions via email to Respondent. These courtesy communications neither constitute official notice nor vary the times of receipt set forth above.

(a) Pursuant to §120.57(3), Fla. Stat., and Fla. Admin. Code R. 28-110.003, any person adversely affected by the terms, conditions, or specifications contained in a solicitation, including addenda, must file a Notice of Protest with the District Clerk within 72 hours after its posting.

(b) Pursuant to §120.57(3), Fla. Stat., and Fla. Admin. Code R. 28-110.003, any person adversely affected by a District decision or intended decision to award a contract, or to reject all submittals, proposals, or qualifications, must file a written Notice of Protest with the District Clerk within 72 hours after posting of the decision or intended decision.

(c) Pursuant to §120.57(3), Fla. Stat., and Fla. Admin. Code R. 28-110.004, a Formal Written Protest must be filed with the District Clerk within 10 days after the date the Notice of Protest is filed with the District. The Formal Written Protest must state with particularity the facts and law upon which the protest is based. Pursuant to §287.042(2)(c), Fla. Stat., any person who files an action protesting the decision or intended decision must post with the District Clerk at the time of filing the formal written protest a bond, cashier’s check, or money order made payable to the St. Johns River Water Management District in an amount equal to one percent (1%) of the District’s estimated Agreement amount.

(d) No additional time will be added for mailing. All filings must comply with Fla. Admin. Code R. 28-

106.104 and must be addressed to and received by the District Clerk at the District Headquarters in Palatka, Florida within the prescribed time periods.