Request for Qualifications Fiscal Year 2027 Cold Weather Shelter Partnerships

RFQ-26-00418

RFQ-26-00418 Page 1

IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING PROPOSAL

SOLICITATION TYPE: Request for Qualifications

SOLICITATION NUMBER: RFQ-26-00418

SOLICITATION TITLE: Fiscal Year 2027 Cold Weather Shelter Partnerships

BRIEF DESCRIPTION: The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (County) is seeking qualified registered 501(c)(3) Organizations, Faith-Based Organizations, Shelters, or Community Service Providers that are in good standing with the State of Florida for a partnership to provide shelter to our most vulnerable residents when the Cold Weather Shelter Plan is activated during the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Cold Weather Season.

DUE DATE & TIME: October 9, 2026, 2:00 P.M. Eastern Time as recorded by the County’s Electronic Bidding System)

ISSUING DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR:

The Director of Procurement is considered the issuing department director for the purpose of Section 2-567(c) of the Hillsborough County Procurement Protest Policy and Procedures Ordinance.

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION: The County will only accept proposals submitted through its electronic bidding system (Euna Procurement). Proposals that are submitted or delivered by non-electronic means (hard-copy paper), facsimile, electronic mail (e-mail), electronic file, or means other than through the County's electronic bidding system (Euna Procurement) will not be accepted or considered. Please visit our vendors webpage (hcfl.gov/vendors) for information regarding vendor registration, electronic bid submission, procurement opportunities, and other important resources.

TIMELINESS: To preserve the integrity of the competitive sealed proposal process, proposals submitted after the due date and time listed above, unless otherwise amended, cannot and will not be accepted. Please do not wait until the last minute, hour, or day to submit your proposal, as you may encounter technical difficulties or issues that cannot be resolved before the due date and time. When preparing to submit your proposal, please read and follow all instructions regarding formatting and other details related to the form(s) to be used. Again, please do not wait until it’s too late for assistance. We value and need your participation, so the last thing we want is for you to miss this opportunity.

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QUESTIONS: ● Questions regarding technical difficulties or errors encountered while submitting proposals through Euna Procurement must be directed to Euna Procurement Support at 1-844-226-3862 or support.bonfire@eunasolutions.com.

● Questions regarding the specifications or solicitation document must be directed to Procurement Services using the “messages” section in Euna Procurement for this particular procurement.

● To be given consideration, such requests must be received no later than 14 calendar days after the date of Solicitation issuance in Euna Procurement, site visit, or pre-proposal conference, whichever is later.

● Questions regarding vendor registration, training, or general questions must be directed to the Supplier Engagement Team at (813) 272-5790 or iSupplier@HCFL.gov.

CONE OF SILENCE: A Cone of Silence is in effect for this procurement; therefore, no proposer, interested party and/or their principals, officers, employees, attorneys, or agents shall communicate with County employees, the Hearing Master assigned to hear the applicable protest appeal and/or members of the Board of County Commissioners, including their aides and employees regarding this procurement and/or a related protest, except as otherwise provided in the Hillsborough County Procurement Protest Policy and Procedures Ordinance. The Cone of Silence does not prohibit a proposer from communicating with the Director of Procurement, staff in the Procurement Services Department, or the County’s attorney assigned to this procurement. Violating the Cone of Silence may disqualify the proposer from consideration for award. Please refer to the Instructions for complete details about the Cone of Silence.

INSURANCE: Insurance coverage is required for this procurement. Please see RFQ-26-00418 Insurance Requirements Attachment and Special Terms and Conditions.

SURETY (BONDS): Proposal, performance, and/or payment surety is not required for this procurement.

E-VERIFY: The Department of Homeland Security's Image Program and E-Verify apply to this procurement. Please see General Terms and Conditions for complete details and requirements.

mailto:support.bonfire@eunasolutions.com https://library.municode.com/fl/hillsborough_county/codes/code_of_ordinances,_part_a?nodeId=HICOCOORLA_CH2AD_ARTVIPR_DIV3HICOPRPRPOPR_S2-562TI https://library.municode.com/fl/hillsborough_county/codes/code_of_ordinances,_part_a?nodeId=HICOCOORLA_CH2AD_ARTVIPR_DIV3HICOPRPRPOPR_S2-562TI

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DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY COMPLIANCE:

Any and all information and communications technology developed, provided, procured, maintained, or otherwise made available under this Contract and intended for public access or use, shall comply with various accessibility standards. Please see General Terms and Conditions for complete details and requirements.

INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS:

Please see Sections 1.4. and 4. for various instructions for Proposers.

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1. SPECIFICATIONS

1.1. Scope

1.1.1 The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (County) is seeking qualified registered 501(c)(3) Organizations, Faith-Based Organizations, Shelters, or Community Service Providers that are in good standing with the State of Florida for a partnership to provide shelter to our most vulnerable residents when the Cold Weather Shelter (CWS) Plan is activated during the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Cold Weather Season for the Homeless Services Department.

1.1.2 Partner organizations assist the County’s efforts by providing temporary shelter(s) when the CWS Plan is activated during the Cold Weather Season and are utilized when the temperature dips to 40 degrees or below including wind chill for two (2) consecutive hours between 6:00 p.m.

and 6:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). Services may be required within 24 hours of notification by the County, during the Cold Weather Season, at various dates, to include holidays.

1.2. Applicable Publications and Terminology

The following publication(s) of the issue in effect on date of this solicitation, forms a part of this specification:

1.2.1 State of Florida Division of Corporations.

https://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/

1.2.2 Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines (regarding COVID 19) https://www.cdc.gov/covid/index.html

1.2.3 Hillsborough County Code Enforcement

https://hcfl.gov/departments/code

1.2.4 Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulations (DBPR), Division of Hotels and Restaurants https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/

The following terminology is applicable, and forms a part of this specification:

1.2.5 “Applicant/Organization” shall mean a 501(c)(3), business, faith-based organization, shelter, or community service provider that is in good standing with the State of Florida Division of Corporations.

1.2.6 “FY 2027 Cold Weather Season” shall mean the period of November 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027.

https://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/ https://www.cdc.gov/covid/index.html https://hcfl.gov/departments/code https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/

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1.2.7 “Congregate Shelter” shall mean single or multiple locations that provide temporary shelter to include overnight accommodations in group settings.

1.2.8 “Non-Congregate Shelter” shall mean a motel or facility that provides overnight accommodations, with separate rooms for each household, including families and singles. It is encouraged for singles to share a room, if possible.

1.2.9 “Vulnerable Population” shall mean a person(s) without access to adequate heat and/or a person(s) experiencing homelessness.

1.3. Minimum Requirements

1.3.1 The Contractor shall meet the Eligibility Requirements as per Attachment A – CWS Partnership Application FY 2027.

1.3.2 The Contractor shall provide CWS services at location(s) identified by the Proposer that have the capacity for a minimum of 20 nights of CWS activation during the FY 2027 Cold Weather

Season.

1.3.3 The Contractor shall provide CWS services as per the requirements and stipends established in Attachment A - CWS Partnership Application FY 2027.

1.3.4 The County reserves the right to recommend multiple shelter facilities for award that pass all Pass/Fail Determination Criteria requirements, as indicated in Section 2.1.2.

1.4. Proposal Response

The Proposer shall submit as their proposal the following required attachments. Note: Euna Procurement has a file size limitation of 1GB.

1.4.1 Proposer Requirements/Acknowledgements Questionnaire

1.4.2 Deviation(s) Questionnaire (Optional)

1.4.3 Proposer Acknowledgement(s) of Addenda (if applicable)

1.4.4 A completed Attachment A - CWS Partnership Application FY 2027.

1.4.4.1 If Proposer has more than one Congregate Shelter, submit one (1) application per shelter.

1.4.4.2 Complete each respective section whether providing Congregate and/or Non- Congregate Shelter(s).

1.4.5 A copy of Proposer’s Security Plan for each Congregate Shelter application submitted.

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1.4.6 A copy of Proposer’s annual facility inspection report for each submitted shelter(s), if applicable, as defined in Attachment A – CWS Partnership Application FY 2027.

1.4.7 For Non-Congregate Shelter(s), a copy of Proposer’s license to operate in Hillsborough County, for each shelter included in Attachment A – CWS Partnership Application FY 2027.

1.4.8 Proposer’s Proof of Insurance Coverage (Optional).

2. SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

2.1. Evaluation Process

The County will review and evaluate all Proposals submitted in response to this Solicitation Document, as per the Pass/Fail Determination Criteria, as listed in the table below. The evaluation process is designed to establish a list of Proposers who meet all the Eligibility Requirements of Attachment A and the Solicitation requirements.

2.1.1 Evaluation Procedures

The evaluators will determine Pass/Fail criteria based on the evaluation of the information contained in Proposer's Proposal which includes, but is not limited to, Proposer's responses to the questions set forth in the Requirements Section of this Solicitation Document and any corresponding attachments. It is important that the responses be clear and complete so that the evaluators can adequately understand all aspects of the response. Please follow all instructions carefully. The Proposal should be submitted according to the instructions/outline specified in this Solicitation Document. A Proposal that fails to follow these instructions may be considered non-responsive and may be eliminated from further consideration.

2.1.2 Pass/Fail Determination Criteria

The Pass/Fail determination of Proposals will be accomplished utilizing the evaluation criteria identified in the following table:

Award Criteria Based on Attachment A – CWS Partnership Application FY 2027 and Solicitation Requirements

Proposer’s understanding of the scope and objectives as outlined in the requirements of this solicitation and Attachment A – CWS Partnership Application FY 2027, including signed application.

Pass/Fail

Proposer will provide Congregate and/or Non-Congregate Shelter(s) located in Hillsborough County. Pass/Fail

Proposer meets all Eligibility Requirements. Pass/Fail

Proposer has provided Security Plan(s). Pass/Fail

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Proposer has provided license(s) to operate for each Non-Congregate Shelter.

Pass/Fail

Proposer Site(s) passes the annual inspection requirements as set forth in the Requirement of this Solicitation and Attachment A – CWS Partnership Application FY 2027.

Pass/Fail

2.2. Basis for Award (Multiple Contractors)

2.2.1 The County reserves the right to award one (1) or more Contracts to the responsive and responsible Proposer(s) meeting specifications and eligibility requirements.

2.2.2 If the County makes multiple awards, the awarded amounts will be in aggregate, at the sole discretion of the County, not to exceed the estimated project budget of $250,000.00, unless otherwise modified and approved by the County.

2.3. Insurance, Contractor

See RFQ-26-00418 Insurance Requirements Attachment

2.3.1 No work for the County shall commence or occupancy of any of its property take place until the required Certificates of Insurance and copies of the policies, if requested, are received by the County and written Notice to Proceed is issued to the Contractor by the County.

2.3.2 The insurance coverages and limits required of the Contractor under the Contract Documents are designed to meet the minimum requirements of the County. They are not designed as a recommended insurance program for the Contractor. Contractor shall be responsible for the sufficiency of its own insurance program. Should the Contractor have any questions concerning its exposure to loss under the Contract Documents or the insurance coverages needed therefore, it should seek professional assistance.

2.3.3 If the insurance coverage initially provided by the Contractor is to expire prior to completion of the Work, renewal Certificates of Insurance shall be furnished to the County the ten (10) Days prior to expiration of current coverages.

2.3.4 Should the Contractor fail to maintain the insurance coverages required by the Contract Documents, the County may, at its option, either terminate this Agreement for default or procure and pay for such coverage, charge the Contractor for and deduct the costs of the same from payments due the Contractor. A decision by the County to procure and pay for such insurance coverage shall not operate as a waiver of any of its rights under the Contract Documents.

2.3.5 Failure of the Contractor to submit the required Certificates of Insurance within the times required by this Section may result in a delay in issuing the Notice to Proceed. The parties specifically agree that such a delay is neither excusable nor compensable and will not entitle the Contractor to a change in the Contract Price or Time.

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2.4. Contract Period for Term Contract

The Contract(s) resulting from this Solicitation Document will be in effect for the 2027 Cold Weather Season (ending on May 31, 2027) from the effective date of the Contract as established by the County’s Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) or Contract Purchase Agreement (CPA).

2.5. Estimated Quantities

Quantities given represent the best estimate for use and shall be the basis for award. However, these quantities are not intended to represent actual requirements, which are not known at this time and may vary during the Contract Period. The County does not guarantee a minimum total purchase.

Furthermore, the requirements of the County may exceed best estimates and the Successful Bidder/Proposer shall provide such requirements to the extent they are reasonable.

2.6. Hillsborough County Governmental Purchasing Council: Reference Laws of Florida 69-1112 and 69-1119

All Offers received by the County in response to this Solicitation Document shall be considered as Offers to members of the Hillsborough County Governmental Purchasing Council. Members, at their discretion, may utilize the Contract that results from this Solicitation Document. Members may purchase the goods, Services and/or Work under the same terms and conditions as the Contract between the Contractor and the County. Members will issue their own purchase orders, issue payments and coordinate the service locations with the Contractor, as applicable. The Hillsborough County Governmental Purchasing Council consists of Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners and the following agencies:

Children’s Board of Hillsborough County City of Plant City City of Tampa City of Tampa Housing Authority City of Temple Terrace Clerk of the Circuit Court Expressway Authority Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Hillsborough Community College

Hillsborough County School Board Hillsborough County Sheriff Property Appraiser State Attorney’s Office Supervisor of Elections Tampa Palms Community Development District Tampa Port Authority Tampa Sports Authority Tax Collector

2.7. Ordering

The County shall issue a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) or Contract Purchase Agreement (CPA) to cover any goods, Services, and/or Work to be furnished under this Contract. County user departments will issue Standard Purchase Orders against the BPA/CPA on an as ‑needed basis. The Successful Bidder/Proposer shall deliver applicable goods, Services, and/or Work only upon receipt of a Standard Purchase Order. No goods, Services, and/or Work shall be provided until a Standard Purchase Order

RFQ-26-00418 Page 9 is issued. Any Standard Purchase Order issued prior to the expiration of the Contract Period shall remain valid after the Contract Period has expired and shall be governed by the terms and conditions of this Contract; all applicable goods, Services and/or Work provided after expiration of the Contract Period shall comply with the provisions of the Standard Purchase Order and shall be governed by the terms and conditions of this Contract. Orders shall be issued only during the Contract Period. The County reserves the right to modify the delivery location(s) at any time during the Contract Period.

2.8. Termination for Convenience

In the event the County elects to terminate the Contract, the County shall provide the Contractor with notice of termination in writing by electronic and/or certified mail. The County shall pay the Contractor for any accepted goods, Services and/or Work provided by the Contractor to the County prior to the Contractor’s receipt of said termination notice.

3. DEFINITIONS

The following words and expressions (or pronouns) shall, wherever they appear in this Solicitation Document and the Contract Documents, be construed as follows unless a different meaning is clear from the context.

3.1. Agreement

"Agreement" shall mean the written agreement between the County and the Contractor covering the goods and/or Services to be provided and/or the Work to be performed pursuant to this Solicitation Document. The Agreement (if one is required for this particular Solicitation Document) will be attached to and made a part of the Contract Documents.

3.2. Amendment(s), Addendum, or Addenda

"Amendment(s)", "Addendum", or "Addenda" shall mean the additional information and/or requirements concerning this Solicitation Document that are issued by the County, in writing, prior to the Close Date.

3.3. Bid(s), or Bidder's Bid

"Bid(s)", "Bidder’s Bid”, "Proposal(s)", or "Quote(s)" shall mean the offer, bid, proposal, or quote of the Bidder/Proposer submitted on the prescribed forms setting forth the prices for the Work to be performed, along with all other documents submitted by the Bidder/Proposer in response to this Solicitation Document.

3.4. Bidder

"Bidder" or "Proposer" shall mean any person, partnership, corporation or other entity or organization submitting a Bid, Proposal, or Quote to provide the goods, Services and/or Work solicited by the County in this Solicitation Document.

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3.5. Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA)

“Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA)” shall mean the County’s written document to the Contractor stating the products/Services/Work to be provided, the pricing for said products/Services/ Work, the effective dates for the provision of said products/Services/Work, and any additional terms and conditions of the Contract, if applicable.

3.6. Board of County Commissioners

"Board of County Commissioners" shall mean the Board of County Commissioners of Hillsborough County, Florida.

3.7. Bond

"Bond" or "Earnest Money Deposit (EMD)" shall mean bid bond, performance bond, and/or payment bond and other instruments of security furnished by the Bidder/Proposer/Contractor and its Surety in accordance with this Solicitation Document and/or the Contract Documents.

3.8. Business Day(s)

“Business Day(s) "shall mean Monday through Friday excluding public holidays.

3.9. Change Order

“Change Order” shall mean a written order or alteration to a Contract or Purchase Order signed by the appropriate County and Contractor authority directing an addition, deletion, or revision in the provision of the goods and/or Services or an adjustment in the Contract Price and/or Contract Time.

3.10. Close Date

"Close Date" shall mean the date and time set for delivery to the County of all Offers submitted in response to this Solicitation Document.

3.11. Contract or Contract Documents

"Contract" or "Contract Documents" shall mean the Definitions, Instructions, General Terms and Conditions, Special Terms and Conditions, Insurance and Bond requirements, Specifications, Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Requirements, all Amendment(s) issued, the Offer, the Agreement (if applicable), all the attached documents identified in this Solicitation Document, all supplementary drawings issued after award of the contract, all Change Orders, all Allowance Authorization Releases, and all provisions required by law to be a part of the Contract Documents, whether actually inserted therein or not.

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3.12. Contract Price

"Contract Price" shall mean the total monies payable to the Contractor under the Contract Documents.

3.13. Contract Purchase Agreement (CPA)

“Contract Purchase Agreement (CPA)” shall mean the County’s written document to the Contractor stating the products/Services/Work to be provided, the pricing for said products/Services/ Work, the effective dates for the provision of said products/Services/Work, and additional terms and conditions of the Contract, if applicable.

3.14. Contract Time or Contract Period

"Contract Time" or “Contract Period” shall mean the number of calendar Days stated in the Contract Documents for the completion of the Work and/or the provision of the goods and/or Services specified therein.

3.15. Contractor

"Contractor" shall mean the Successful Offeror, whether a corporation, partnership, individual or any combination thereof, and its, their or his/her successors, personal representatives, executors, administrators, and permitted assignees.

3.16. County

"County" shall mean the Board of County Commissioners, Hillsborough County, Florida, for whom the Contract is being performed.

3.17. County Administrator

"County Administrator" shall mean Hillsborough County's County Administrator, or a designee identified by the County Administrator to perform certain functions on behalf of the County Administrator.

3.18. Day(s)

"Day(s)" shall mean one calendar day.

3.19. Designee

"Designee" shall mean the person appointed by the Board of County Commissioners and/or the County Administrator to act on his/her behalf.

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3.20. Earnest Money Deposit (EMD)

"Earnest Money Deposit (EMD)" or "Bond" shall mean bid bond, performance bond, and/or payment bond and other instruments of security furnished by the Bidder/Proposer and/or Contractor and its Surety in accordance with this Solicitation Document and/or the Contract Documents.

3.21. Electronic Bidding System

"Electronic Bidding System" shall mean the County’s Electronic Bidding System.

3.22. Minimum Specifications

"Minimum Specifications" shall mean the portion of the Specifications that address the technical requirements of the Work to be performed under this Contract including materials, equipment, and workmanship.

3.23. Modification Agreement

“Modification Agreement(s)” shall mean the written order to the Contractor authorizing an addition, deletion, or revision in the goods, Services and/or Work to be provided under the Contract Documents or an adjustment in the Contract Price issued after the award of and/or execution of the Contract/Agreement. Such written order must be approved and/or executed by the applicable authorized representatives of the County in accordance with County policy. Modification Agreements that are required to be approved by the Board of County Commissioners pursuant to County policy must be executed by the Contractor and the Chair of the Board of County Commissioners.

3.24. Notice

"Notice" shall mean a written notice for the County and the Contractor as set forth in this Solicitation Document and/or the Contract Documents.

3.25. Notice of Award

"Notice of Award" shall mean the written notice given by the County to the Successful Bidder/Proposer that said Bidder/Proposer has been selected by the County to provide the goods/Services and/or perform the Work specified in this Solicitation Document.

3.26. Notice to Proceed

"Notice to Proceed" shall mean the written notice given by the County to the Successful Bidder/Proposer and/or Contractor of the date for the Work to start and/or for the date of the Successful Bidder/Proposer and/or Contractor to provide the goods and/or Services specified in the Contract Documents.

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3.27. Offer(s)

"Offer(s)" or "Bid(s)" or "Proposal(s)" or "Quote(s)" shall mean the offer, bid, proposal, or quote of the Offeror submitted on the prescribed forms setting forth the prices for the Work to be performed, along with all other documents submitted by the Offeror in response to this Solicitation Document.

3.28. Offeror

"Offeror" shall mean any person, partnership, corporation or other entity or organization that has submitted an Offer, Bid, or Proposal to the County in response to a procurement solicitation issued by the County to provide equipment, supplies, materials, or Services.

3.29. Project

"Project" shall mean the entire action and/or improvement which is the subject of this Solicitation Document and/or the Contract Documents.

3.30. Project Manager

"Project Manager" shall mean the duly authorized representative of the Board of County Commissioners during the Contract Period.

3.31. Proposal(s)

"Proposal(s)" or "Bid(s)" or "Bidder’s Bid(s)” or "Quote(s)" shall mean the offer, bid, proposal, or quote of the Bidder/Proposer submitted on the prescribed forms setting forth the prices for the Work to be performed, along with all other documents submitted by the Bidder/Proposer in response to this Solicitation Document.

3.32. Proposer

"Proposer" or "Bidder" shall mean any person, partnership, corporation or other entity or organization submitting a Bid, Proposal, or Quote to provide the goods, Services and/or Work solicited by the County in this Solicitation Document.

3.33. Purchase Order

“Purchase Order” shall mean the County’s written document to the Contractor authorizing Work.

3.34. Quote(s)

"Quote(s)" or "Bid(s)" or "Bidder’s Bid(s)” or "Proposal(s)" shall mean the offer, bid, proposal, or quote of the Bidder/Proposer submitted on the prescribed forms setting forth the prices for the Work to be

RFQ-26-00418 Page 14 performed, along with all other documents submitted by the Bidder/Proposer in response to this Solicitation Document.

3.35. Request for Proposal

"Request for Proposal" shall mean the Solicitation Document issued by the County for the goods, Services and/or Work specified herein; and shall include the Definitions, Instructions, General Terms and Conditions, Special Terms and Conditions, Insurance and Bond requirements, Specifications, Requirements, and all Amendment(s) issued.

3.36. Service(s)

"Service(s)" shall mean the activity/improvement and/or the means or methods necessary for implementation and prosecution of the Project and/or Work that is the subject of the Contract Documents.

3.37. Site(s)

"Site(s)" shall mean the area(s) upon or in which the Contractor’s operations are carried on and such other areas adjacent thereto as may be designated as such by the County.

3.38. Solicitation Document

"Solicitation Document" shall mean the solicitation issued by the County for the goods, Services and/or Work specified herein; and shall include the Definitions, Instructions, General Terms and Conditions, Special Terms and Conditions, Insurance and Bond requirements, Specifications, Requirements, and all Amendment(s) issued.

3.39. Specifications

"Specifications” shall mean the detailed information set forth in the “Specifications” Section of this Solicitation Document describing and/or concerning the goods, Services and/or Work being solicited by the County via this Solicitation Document, including, but not limited to, any terms and conditions contained within the “Specifications” Section, any Amendment(s) issued related to the “Specifications” Section, and/or any drawings or maps relating to the “Specifications” Section of this Solicitation Document.

3.40. Subcontractor

"Subcontractor" shall mean any person, firm, or corporation other than employees of the Contractor who or which contracts with the Contractor to furnish, or actually furnishes labor, materials, and/or equipment for the Work and/or Project to be performed that is the subject of the Contract Documents.

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3.41. Successful Bidder/Proposer

“Successful Bidder” or "Successful Proposer" shall mean the Contractor and vice versa, whether a corporation, partnership, individual or any combination thereof, and its, their or his/her successors, personal representatives, executors, administrators, and permitted assignees.

3.42. Surety

"Surety" shall mean any corporation that executes, as surety, the Bidder’s/Proposer's Bid/Proposal bond, and/or any corporation that executed, as surety, the Contractor’s Bid/Proposal, performance, and/or payment Bond.

3.43. Unilateral Change Order

“Unilateral Change Order” shall mean a written order or alteration to a Contract or Purchase Order signed by the appropriate County authority directing an addition, deletion, or revision in the provision of the goods and/or Services or an adjustment in the Contract Price and/or Contract Time that does not require concurrence of the Contractor.

3.44. Work

"Work" shall mean any and all obligations, duties and responsibilities necessary for the successful delivery of the goods and/or the successful completion of the Services, Project and/or tasks assigned to or undertaken by the Contractor pursuant to the Contract Documents, including, but not limited to, the furnishing of all labor, materials, equipment and other incidentals contemplated by and/or related to the Contracted Documents.

4. INSTRUCTIONS

4.1. Bid Submissions

4.1.1 The County shall only accept Offers through its Electronic Bidding System.

4.1.2 Offers delivered by non-electronic means, facsimile, electronic mail (e-mail) or electronic means other than through the County's Electronic Bidding System will not be considered.

4.2. Non-Discrimination and Compliance with Laws

4.2.1 The Proposer shall comply with the requirements of all applicable federal, state and local laws prohibiting discrimination, and the rules, regulations, policies, and executive orders promulgated thereunder, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

4.2.2 The County prohibits any person/business involved in County contracting and procurement activities, to discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.

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4.3. Award of Contract and Rejection of Bids

4.3.1 The County, in its sole discretion, may determine whether acceptance of the Bid/Quote is in the best interest of the County. Further, the County reserves the right to reject any and all Bids/Quotes and to waive any informality concerning a Bid/Quote whenever such rejection or waiver is in the best interest of the County and in conformance with Florida Law.

4.3.2 The County also reserves the right to reject the Bid/Quote of any Bidder:

4.3.2.1 determined to be non-responsible due to failure to perform properly or timely on a comparable contract; and

4.3.2.2 who is not in a position to perform the contract.

4.3.3 Bidder must have the capacity, knowledge, skill, and general ability to fully perform. Bidder must also have the integrity, reliability and other applicable qualities that will ensure good faith performance. The County reserves the right to require Bidder to submit documentation and other evidence attesting to the Bidder’s responsibility. The County may reject Bidder’s Bid/Quote if, at the County’s sole discretion, Bidder fails to submit documents and evidence of responsibility and/or the County has determined that the Bidder is not responsible.

4.4. Bid/Proposal/Quote Pricing

Pricing must be quoted only in the space(s) provided within this Solicitation Document; no other form(s) will be accepted. When applicable, all prices quoted are to be free-on-board (F.O.B.) to the job site or specified delivery location in Hillsborough County, Florida.

4.5. Bid/Proposal/Quote Results

Preliminary results are generally available within two (2) Business Days to Bidders/Proposers in the County’s Electronic Bidding System.

4.6. Bidder/Proposer Request for Interpretation of Solicitation Document

No interpretation of the meaning of the Specifications or Scope of Work contained in this Solicitation or related Contract Documents will be made to any Bidder/Proposer orally. Every request for such interpretation must be submitted in writing through the electronic bidding system (Euna Procurement). To be given consideration, such requests must be received no later than 14 calendar days after the date of Solicitation issuance in Euna Procurement, site visit, or pre-bid conference, whichever is later. All interpretations and supplemental instructions provided by the County will be in the form of a written amendment which, if issued, will be communicated to all Bidders/Proposers who have acknowledged participation within Euna Procurement. All issued amendments shall become part of the Contract Documents. No Bids or Proposals shall be submitted or accepted through electronic mail (e-mail), facsimile, or by hard copy (paper). Bids and Proposals will only be accepted and considered if submitted through Euna Procurement.

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4.7. Bidder/Proposer Responsible for Examining/Investigating Work Site(s)

If applicable to this Solicitation Document, Bidder/Proposer is solely responsible for examining all Sites of the proposed Work and conducting any investigations necessary to inform itself of any difficulties that may be involved in the completion of the Work. Bidder’s/Proposer's failure to conduct such examinations and investigations shall not:

4.7.1 excuse the Successful Bidder’s/Proposer's failure to complete the Work in accordance with the Specifications and requirements set forth in this Solicitation Document based on the Successful Bidder’s/Proposer's ignorance of conditions or difficulties that may exist prior to the Close Date or of conditions or difficulties that may be encountered during the execution of the Work; and/or

4.7.2 be a basis for any claims for additional compensation and/or for any extensions of time.

4.8. Procurement Policy and Procedures and Hillsborough County Ordinance – Protest Process and Procedures

Offeror is advised that by submitting an Offer, Offeror hereby agrees to comply with the County’s Procurement Policy and Procedures, including, but not limited to, the County’s policy and procedures regarding Bid protests and Hillsborough County Code of Ordinances and Laws, Part A, Chapter 2, Article VI, Division 3. The County’s Procurement Policy and Procedures can be found on the County’s website at:

https://hcfl.gov/businesses/doing-business-with-hillsborough/vendors/vendor-policies-forms-and-documents

Offeror is further advised that pursuant to Hillsborough County Code of Ordinances and Laws, Part A, Chapter 2, Article VI, Division 3, Sec. 2-567(b)(i), any protest of the Specifications and/or terms and conditions contained within this Solicitation Document must be received by the County no later than five (5) Business Days before the Close Date/Bid Submittal Deadline set forth in this Solicitation Document.

4.9. Bidder's/Proposer's Understanding of the Solicitation Document

Bidder/Proposer is solely responsible for reading and completely understanding this Solicitation Document in its entirety.

4.10. Cancellation of Solicitation Document

The County reserves the right to cancel, in whole, or in part, this Solicitation Document when deemed to be in the best interest of the County.

https://hcfl.gov/businesses/doing-business-with-hillsborough/vendors/vendor-policies-forms-and-documents https://hcfl.gov/businesses/doing-business-with-hillsborough/vendors/vendor-policies-forms-and-documents

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4.11. Compliance With Occupational Safety and Health Act (O.S.H.A.)

In instances where such is applicable due to the nature of a Solicitation Document, all material, equipment, etc., as proposed and offered by the Bidder/ Proposer must meet and conform to all O.S.H.A. requirements.

4.12. Condition of Goods, Shipping Costs, and Claims Against Carrier

Unless otherwise specified, all goods supplied will be new, not used, or re-manufactured.

Bid/Proposal/Quote prices shall include costs of delivery, shipping and handling. Any claims against the carrier will be the responsibility of the Contractor.

4.13. Cone of Silence

Pursuant to Hillsborough County Code of Ordinances and Laws, Part A, Chapter 2, Article VI, Division 3, there shall be a Cone of Silence for all procurement solicitations (except sole source procurement) issued by the County that are at or over the County's formal bid limit in order to safeguard the integrity of the County’s procurement and protest process . Except as otherwise provide in this Section, the Cone of Silence shall go into effect on the date a procurement solicitation is issued by the County and shall end the earlier of five (5) Business Days after the County posts its notice of intent to award the contract(s) associated with this solicitation or on the date the procurement solicitation is canceled by the County. However, if a protest is timely filed, then the Cone of Silence shall remain in effect for the duration of the protest process including the exhaustion of any related appeals related to the protest. Unless otherwise provided for in Hillsborough County Code of Ordinances and Laws, Part A, Chapter 2, Article VI, Division 3, during the time period the Cone of Silence is in effect, no Offeror, interested party and/or their principals, officers, employees, attorneys or agents shall communicate with County employees, the Hearing Master assigned to hear the applicable protest appeal and/or members of the Board of County Commissioners, including their aides and employees regarding a procurement solicitation and/or its related protest. The Cone of Silence does not prohibit an Offeror from communicating with the Director of the County’s Procurement Services Department, County Procurement staff, or the attorney in the County Attorney’s office that is directly responsible for the applicable procurement solicitation (this information can be obtained by contacting County Procurement staff through the electronic bidding system’s messaging system in the applicable procurement solicitation). It is the responsibility of any Offeror/interested party to ensure that the Cone of Silence is no longer in effect prior to communicating with any person under the Cone of Silence (including determining whether protests have been filed for the subject solicitation and the status of such protests – which extends the Cone of Silence time period as stated above). A violation of the Cone of Silence will result in the disqualification of the Offeror from consideration in the award of the procurement solicitation unless it is determined that the violation is unintentional and/or not material.

4.14. Deviations

Bidder’s/Proposer's Offer must state all deviations to the exact requirements imposed upon the Bidder/Proposer. Such deviations must be stated upon the Bidder’s/Proposer's Offer form;

RFQ-26-00418 Page 19 otherwise, the County may consider Bidder’s/Proposer's Offer as being made in strict compliance with the requirements of this Solicitation Document. The County reserves the right to accept or reject any and all Offers, or separable portions thereof, and to waive any minor irregularity, technicality, or omission if doing so will serve the County’s best interest. Only Offers which conform in all material respects to this Solicitation Document will be accepted. The County may reject any Offer not submitted in the manner specified by this Solicitation Document.

4.15. Drug Free Workplace Program

Pursuant to Section 287.087, Florida Statutes, Bidders/Proposers may submit with their Offers a certificate certifying that they have implemented a drug free workplace program. If two or more Offers are equal in price, quality, and service, preference will be given in the award process to the Bidder/Proposer who has furnished such certification with its Offer. A copy of the Drug-Free Workplace Form is attached to this solicitation and is also available from the Procurement Services Department website at:

https://hcfl.gov/departments/procurement

4.16. Electronic Payment Solution

4.16.1 Automated Clearing House (ACH). Payments from the County will be made through an ACH payment solution where Offerors are paid with direct deposit. If the Offeror requests to opt out of being paid by direct deposit, then the Offeror should indicate its opt out in its Offer.

Note: If Bidder is already enrolled in the County's ACH solution for an existing contract/award, the Bidder will automatically receive payment using their enrolled solution in the event the Bidder is the Successful Bidder.

4.16.2 To enroll in ACH, Bidders must complete the Direct Deposit Authorization Form (included in this solicitation) or at:

https://hcfl.gov/businesses/doing-business-with-hillsborough

4.17. Equipment Demonstration

Prior to the Award of this Solicitation Document, the County reserves the right to require a demonstration of equipment as proposed in Bidder’s/Proposer's Offer. Each Bidder/Proposer shall be prepared to schedule a demonstration of the type of equipment proposed at a time and location mutually agreeable to the Bidder/Proposer and the County. The location should be within reasonable traveling distance from the County, and the County shall be responsible for the travel expenses of its County staff members attending such demonstration. Equipment demonstration may be of Bidder/Proposer-owned equipment or third party-owned equipment. Failure on the Bidder's/Proposer’s part to provide the equipment demonstration as described may result in the rejection of its Offer and/or suspension from consideration for award of bids, proposals, or contracts with the County for a period of up to twenty-four (24) months.

https://hcfl.gov/departments/procurement https://hcfl.gov/businesses/doing-business-with-hillsborough

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4.18. Execution of Written Agreement

Within ten (10) Days of the Notice of Award, the Successful Bidder/Proposer will be required to sign a written Agreement if one has been made a part of this Solicitation Document and identified as the “Agreement”.

4.19. Explanation of Competitive Sealed Proposal Method of Procurement

COMPETITIVE SEALED PROPOSALS DIFFER FROM COMPETITIVE SEALED BIDS IN SEVERAL AREAS:

4.19.1 All criteria for evaluation will be set forth in the Request for Proposal documents in order of importance. Only these criteria will be used to determine the best Proposal.

4.19.2 Discussions may be held with all responsible Proposers after Proposals are opened for purposes of clarification. The County also reserves the right to request written clarifications from Proposers after the Proposals have been opened. Proposers will be given equal treatment with respect to discussions and all information obtained is to secure the best possible Offers for the County.

4.19.3 Award shall be made to the responsible Proposer whose Proposal is determined to be the most advantageous to the County taking into consideration only the evaluation factors set forth in the Request for Proposal.

4.19.4 The County reserves the right to issue one or more call(s) for Best and Final Proposals if it is in the best interest of the County.

4.20. Facilities Inspection

Prior to the award of this Solicitation Document, the County reserves the right to inspect the Bidder's/Proposer's facility and place of business to determine that the Bidder/Proposer has a regular, bona fide established business that is presently an on-going concern and is likely to continue as such and is capable of providing the products and/or services, including any later warranty service, or replacement parts support as may be required.

4.21. Hillsborough County Business Tax

All Offerors are required to comply with Hillsborough County Code of Ordinances and Laws, Part A, Chapter 46, Article III, as may be amended in the future. Failure of an Offeror to comply with such regulation shall not be a basis to protest the County’s award of the Contract; instead, any reported failure of an Offeror to comply with these regulations will be referred to the Hillsborough County Tax Collector.

4.22. Inspection of Samples

After the Bid Submittal Deadline/Close Date, the County reserves the right to review and inspect representative samples of the products/goods being proposed by the apparent highest ranked

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Proposer. Within ten (10) Business Days of receiving a request from the County, Proposer shall provide the County with samples of each item requested for the purpose of the County conducting a quality test or comparison without cost to the County. At the County’s option, this inspection may take place locally, at the Proposer's place of business or at a location selected by the County. The County will not be responsible for shipping or other expenses incurred by the Proposer in the qualification of its products or company. The County makes no guarantee that samples will be returned; however, samples not destroyed in testing may be available for return upon request (at the Proposer's expense) after testing is completed and after award of the Contract. Failure to provide the samples described above may result in the rejection of Proposer's Offer and/or suspension of Proposer from bidding/proposing on County procurements.

4.23. IRS Substitute W-9, Request for Taxpayers Identification Number and Certification

All Bidders/Proposers are requested to complete and submit the attached Substitute W-9 form with their Offer.

4.24. Licensing

Bidder/Proposer shall be properly licensed for the appropriate category of Work specified in this Solicitation Document. All Bidders/Proposers are requested to submit any required license(s) with their Offers. License(s) must be effective as of the Bid Submittal Deadline/Close Date and must be maintained throughout the Contract Period. Failure to be properly licensed as stated above will result in the rejection of the Offer as non-responsive.

4.25. Modification and/or Withdrawal of Offer Prior to Close Date

Prior to the Bid Submittal Deadline/Close Date, Offers may be withdrawn upon written request signed by the Bidder/Proposer and submitted and/or postmarked to the County prior to the Bid Submittal Deadline/Close Date. Withdrawn Offers will not be returned to the Bidder/Proposer. Except as specifically provided for herein, Bidders/Proposers may not modify their Offers after the specified Bid Submittal Deadline/Close Date. Negligence on the part of the Bidder/Proposer in preparing its Offer confers no right of withdrawal or modification of its Offer after such Offer has been opened by County staff at the specified time and place. Bidders/Proposers may not withdraw or modify their Offers after the Bid Submittal Deadline/Close Date.

4.26. No Assignment of Offers

Bidder/Proposer may not assign or otherwise transfer its Offer prior to or after the Bid Submittal Deadline/Close Date.

4.27. Obtaining Clarification and/or Additional Information

Bidders/Proposers are instructed not to contact County employees regarding this Solicitation Document with the exception of employees of the Procurement Services Department. Potential Bidders/Proposers requesting clarification or additional information should contact the Procurement Services Department through the electronic bidding system’s messaging system.

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4.28. Public Entity Crimes Statement

A person or affiliate who has been placed on the convicted vendor list following a conviction for a public entity crime may not submit an offer, or reply on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity; may not submit an offer, or reply on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work; may not submit offers, or replies on leases of real property to a public entity; may not be awarded or perform work as a contractor, supplier, subcontractor, or consultant under a contract with any public entity; and may not transact business with any public entity in excess of the threshold amount provided in Section 287.017, Florida Statutes, for CATEGORY TWO for a period of thirty-six (36) months following the date of being placed on the convicted vendor list. Additionally, pursuant to County policy, a conviction of a public entity crime may cause the rejection of an Offer. The County may make inquiries regarding alleged convictions of public entity crimes. The unreasonable failure of a Bidder/Proposer to promptly supply information in connection with an inquiry may be grounds for rejection of an Offer.

4.29. Prohibition Against Considering Social, Political, or Ideological Interests in Government Contracting

Proposers are advised that pursuant to Florida Statutes, Section 287.05701, the County cannot (a) request documentation of or consider a Proposer’s social, political, or ideological interests when determining if the Proposer is a responsible vendor, and (b) give preference to a Proposer based on the Proposer’s social, political, or ideological interests.

4.30. Prohibition Against…