9026 Soliciation Document.pdf

RFPSHELL. 10/21/2024

State of Florida Department of Transportation

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Statewide Natural Resources Support

DOT-RFP-25-9026-CA

CONTACT FOR QUESTIONS:

Cassandra Anderson, Procurement Agent

605 Suwannee Street, MS 20 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0450

CO.Purch@dot.state.fl.us mailto:CO.Purch@dot.state.fl.us

State of Florida

Department of Transportation Central Procurement Office

605 Suwannee Street, Mail Station 20 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0450

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL REGISTRATION

PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM ASAP

E-MAIL TO CASSANDRA ANDERSON at CO.Purch@dot.state.fl.us

RFP Number: DOT-RFP-25-9026-CA

Title: Statewide Natural Resources Support

Proposal Due Date & Time (On or Before): December 5, 2024 @ 9:00 AM EST

Potential proposers should notify our office by returning this Registration Form as soon as possible after downloading. Complete the information below and e-mail to Cassandra Anderson at

THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DOCUMENT YOU RECEIVED IS SUBJECT TO

CHANGE. Notice of changes (Addenda), will be posted on the Florida Vendor Information Portal at https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/, under this bid number, click on “Search Advertisements”, click on the drop-down arrow beside the box under Advertisement Type, select Request for Proposal, click on the drop-down arrow beside the box for Organization, select FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, then go to the bottom of the same page and click on Advertisement Search. It is the responsibility of all potential bidders to monitor this site for any changing information prior to submitting your bid.

Company Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Telephone: ( )

Contact Person:

E-Mail Address: __________________________________________________

For further information on this process, e-mail or telephone: Cassandra Anderson, Procurement Agent mailto:CO.Purch@dot.state.fl.us mailto:CO.Purch@dot.state.fl.us https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

Exhibit “C” Price Proposal Form (PAGE 1 of 2)

RFP Number DOT-RFP-25-9026-CA FOB: STATEWIDE

Title: Statewide Natural Resources Support

Services to be provided as specified in attached Exhibit “A”, Scope of Services.

ITEM SERVICE UNIT *UNIT RATE

Services to be provided by the Vendor

1 Project Manager Hourly $

2 Scientist Hourly $ 3 Environmental Specialist Hourly $ 4 Senior Environmental Specialist Hourly $

5 Chief Scientist Hourly $

6 GIS Specialist Hourly $

7 Computer Technician Hourly $

8 Graphic Designer Hourly $

9 Community Outreach Specialist Hourly $ 10 Certified Small UAS Operator Hourly $ 11 Secretary/Clerical Hourly $ 12 Authorized Agent Hourly $ 13 Assistant Authorized Agent Hourly $ 14 Backhoe Operator Hourly $

Services to be Provided by the Vendor related to the Sites

Backhoe with flat plates (includes mechanical and hand shovel excavation

Equipment and mobilization) Half day $

Track-hoe with flat plates (includes mechanical and hand shovel excavation Equipment and mobilization)

Half day $

17 Bucket traps (includes equipment and maintenance) Per bucket $

18 Equipment to hold and transport tortoises from donor site to recipient site Per unit $

19 GPS unit with appropriate accuracy to complete surveys Per day $

Miscellaneous Items (other minor incidentals required for field work including flagging tape, pin flags) Per task $

Exclusionary fence installation (Includes all labor materials, clearing and grubbing and equipment needed for installation and inspection)

Per Roll (100 linear feet)

*Grand Total of Lines 1-21 $

REIMBURSED AT ACTUAL COST (NOT PART OF BID EVALUATION):

Disposal Fee (exclusionary fencing) Each $

Permit Fee (exclusionary fencing) Each $

Recipient Site Fees Each $

Miscellaneous materials (flagging, survey stakes, pin flags, etc.) Per task $ Laboratory analysis Each $ Field supplies for research projects Each $ Printed/hardcopy public outreach or training materials Each $

Exhibit “C” Price Proposal Form (PAGE 2 of 2)

Services to be provided by the Vendor related to Bat Exclusions

Rental equipment for Bat Exclusion installation Hourly $ Exclusionary Netting 50’ Roll $ Exclusionary Netting 100’ Roll $ Exclusionary Netting 200’ Roll $ Bat Houses (Includes poles) for 250 bats Each $ Bat Houses (Includes poles) for 1000 bats Each $ Sealant/adhesives Each $ Tubes Each $ Backer rods Each $

* Grand Total Price will be the basis for Price Proposal Evaluation.

RENEWAL: see Special Condition 33).

THE UNIT RATE(s) WILL APPLY TO THE INITIAL TERM AND ANY RENEWAL PERIODS.

NOTE: Unit Rates must be stated specifically in dollars and cents, NOT a percentage increase.

MFMP Transaction Fee:

All payment(s) to the vendor resulting from this competitive solicitation WILL be subject to the MFMP Transaction Fee in accordance with the referenced Form PUR 1000 General Contract Condition #7d.

The Transaction Fees imposed shall be based upon the date of issuance of the payment.

NOTE: In submitting a response, the proposer acknowledges they have read and agree to the solicitation terms and conditions and their submission is made in conformance with those terms and conditions.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: I certify that I have read and agree to abide by all terms and conditions of this solicitation and that I am authorized to sign for the proposer. I certify that the response submitted is made in conformance with all requirements of the solicitation.

Proposer: FEID #

Address: City, State, Zip

Authorized Signature: Date:

Printed / Typed: Title:

STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE PROGRAM CERTIFICATION

375-040-18

PROCUREMENT

03/17

287.087 Preference to businesses with drug-free workplace programs. --Whenever two or more bids, proposals, or replies that are equal with respect to price, quality, and service are received by the state or by any political subdivision for the procurement of commodities or contractual services, a bid, proposal, or reply received from a business that certifies that it has implemented a drug-free workplace program shall be given preference in the award process. In order to have a drug-free workplace program, a business shall:

(1) Publish a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violations of such prohibition.

(2) Inform employees about the dangers of drug abuse in the workplace, the business's policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace, any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs, and the penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations.

(3) Give each employee engaged in providing the commodities or contractual services that are under bid a copy of the statement specified in subsection (1).

(4) In the statement specified in subsection (1), notify the employees that, as a condition of working on the commodities or contractual services that are under bid, the employee will abide by the terms of the statement and will notify the employer of any conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, any violation of Chapter 893 or of any controlled substance law of the United States or any state, for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than 5 days after such conviction.

(5) Impose a sanction on, or require the satisfactory participation in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program if such is available in the employee's community by, any employee who is so convicted.

(6) Make a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace through implementation of this section.

Does the individual responding to this solicitation certify that their firm has implemented a drug-free workplace program in accordance with the provision of Section 287.087, Florida Statutes, as stated above?

YES

NO

NAME OF BUSINESS:

MBE PLANNED UTILIZATION

375-040-24

03/17

PROCUREMENT NO. FINANCIAL PROJECT NO.

(DEPARTMENT USE ONLY)

DESCRIPTION:

I, , (name) (title) of plan to subcontract at least % (percent) of the project costs on the above referenced project to Minority

Business Enterprises.

If I have indicated above that a portion of the project costs will be subcontracted to MBE(s), the firms considered as proposed subconsultants/contractors and the types of services or commodities to be subcontracted are as follows:

MBE SUBCONSULTANTS/CONTRACTORS TYPES OF SERVICES/COMMODITIES

I understand that I will need to submit Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) payment certification forms to the Department for reporting purposes only.

Signed:

Title:

Date:

DOT-RFP-25-9026-CA

STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 375-030-60

Florida Statutes VENDOR CERTIFICATION REGARDING PROCUREMENT

287.135 SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES LISTS OGC – 06/18

Respondent Vendor Name: _____________________________________________________

Vendor FEIN: ___________________

Vendor’s Authorized Representative Name and Title: ___________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________

City: _____________________ State: _____________________________ Zip: ______________

Phone Number: ____________________________________

Email Address: _

Section 287.135, Florida Statutes prohibits a company from bidding on, submitting a proposal for, or entering into or renewing a contract for goods or services of any amount if, at the time of contracting or renewal, the company is on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List, created pursuant to Section 215.4725, Florida Statutes, or is engaged in a boycott of Israel. Section 287.135, Florida Statutes, also prohibits a company from bidding on, submitting a proposal for, or entering into or renewing a contract for goods or services of $1,000,000 or more, that are on either the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List or the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Energy Sector Lists which were created pursuant to s. 215.473, Florida Statutes.

As the person authorized to sign on behalf of Respondent, I hereby certify that the company identified above in the section entitled “Respondent Vendor Name” is not listed on either the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List or the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Energy Sector List, or the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List. I further certify that the company is not engaged in a boycott of Israel. I understand that pursuant to section 287.135, Florida Statutes, the submission of a false certification may subject company to civil penalties, attorney’s fees, and/or costs.

Certified By: __________________________________________________________ who is authorized to sign on behalf of the above referenced company.

Authorized Signature Print Name and Title: _________________________________________

E-VERIFY

375-031-06

OGC – 10/21

Contract No:

Financial Project No(s):

Project Description: Statewide Natural Resources Support

In accordance with the contract, the Vendor/Consultant/Contractor hereby acknowledges and certifies compliance with Section 448.095, Florida Statutes. The Vendor/Consultant/Contractor shall register with and use the E-Verify system to verify the work authorization status of all newly hired employees. The Vendor/Consultant/Contractor shall utilize the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system, in accordance with the terms governing use of the system. The Vendor/Consultant/Contractor shall comply with Section 448.095, Florida Statutes, for the duration of the contract term, including any extensions or renewal periods.

Company/Firm:

Authorized Signature:

Title:

I N T R O D U C T I O N S E C T I O N

1) INVITATION

The State of Florida Department of Transportation, hereinafter referred to as the “Department”, requests written proposals from qualified Proposers to provide Statewide Natural Resources Support. It is anticipated that the term of the contract will begin on the date of contract execution and be effective through five (5) years thereafter.

The Department intends to award this contract to the responsive and responsible Proposer whose proposal is determined to be the most advantageous to the Department. After the award, said Proposer will be referred to as the “Vendor”. For the purpose of this document, the term "Proposer" means the prime Vendor acting on its own behalf and those individuals, partnerships, firms, or corporations comprising the Proposer team. The term "proposal" means the complete response of the Proposer to the Request for Proposals (RFP), including properly completed forms and supporting documentation.

2) TIMELINE

Provided below is a list of critical dates and actions. These dates are subject to change. Notices of changes (Addenda) will be posted on the Florida Vendor Information Portal at https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/(click on “Search Advertisements”) under this RFP number. It is the responsibility of all potential proposers to monitor this site for any changing information prior to submitting your proposal.

ACTION / LOCATION DATE LOCAL TIME

DEADLINE FOR TECHNICAL QUESTIONS 11-22-2024 5:00 PM EST

(There is no deadline for administrative questions)

PROPOSALS DUE, ON OR BEFORE 12-05-2024 09:00 AM EST

(Technical and Price Proposal) Florida Department of Transportation Central Procurement Office Cassandra Anderson, Procurement Agent Phone: (850) 414-4479 CO.Purch@dot.state.fl.us

PUBLIC OPENING (Technical Proposal) 12-05-2024 10:00 AM EST Florida Department of Transportation Central Procurement Office Cassandra Anderson, Procurement Agent 605 Suwannee Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-0450

PUBLIC OPENING / MEETING (Price Proposal) 01-14-2025 10:00 AM EST Florida Department of Transportation Central Procurement Office Cassandra Anderson, Procurement Agent 605 Suwannee Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-0450

POSTING OF INTENDED AWARD 01-14-2025

3) AGENDA FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS

Agenda – Public Opening (Technical Proposals) Agenda for Public Opening of Technical Proposals for DOT-RFP-25-9026-CA:

Starting Time: see “Timeline” in RFP solicitation

- Opening remarks of approx. 2 minutes by Department Procurement Office personnel.

- Public input period – To allow a maximum of 15 minutes total for public input related to the

RFP solicitation.

- At conclusion of public input or 15 minutes, whichever occurs first, the Technical Proposals received timely will be opened, with proposer’s name read aloud and tabulated. Price proposals will be kept secured and unopened until the Price Proposal Opening.

- Adjourn meeting.

Agenda – Price Proposal Opening & Intended Award Meeting

Agenda for Price Proposal Opening and Intended Award meeting for DOT-RFP-25-9026-CA:

Starting Time: see “Timeline” in RFP solicitation

- Opening remarks of approx. 2 minutes by Department Procurement Office personnel.

- Public input period – To allow a maximum of 15 minutes total for public input related to the

RFP solicitation.

- At conclusion of public input or 15 minutes, whichever occurs first, the Technical evaluation scores will be summarized.

- Announce the firms that did not achieve the minimum technical score.

- Announce the firms that achieved the minimum technical score and their price(s) as price proposals are opened.

- Calculate price scores and add to technical scores to arrive at total scores.

- Announce Proposer with highest Total Score as Intended Award.

- Announce time and date the decision will be posted on the Vendor Information Portal

(VIP).

- Adjourn.

4) SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS

Any person with a qualified disability requiring special accommodations at a pre-proposal conference, public meeting, oral presentation and/or opening shall contact the contact person at the phone number, e-mail address on the title page at least five (5) working days prior to the event. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact this office by using the Florida Relay Services which can be reached at

1 (800) 955-8771 (TDD).

S P E C I A L C O N D I T I O N S

1) MyFloridaMarketPlace

PROPOSERS MUST BE REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA’S MYFLORIDAMARKETPLACE

SYSTEM BY THE TIME AND DATE OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL OPENING OR THEY MAY BE

CONSIDERED NON-RESPONSIVE (see Special Condition 21). All prospective proposers that are not registered should go to https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/ to complete on-line registration, or call 1-866-352-3776 for assisted registration.

All payment(s) to the vendor resulting from this competitive solicitation WILL be subject to the MFMP Transaction Fee in accordance with the referenced Form PUR 1000 General Contract Condition #7d.

The Transaction Fees imposed shall be based upon the date of issuance of the payment.

2) Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) W-9 REQUIREMENT

The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) requires all vendors that do business with the state to submit an electronic Substitute Form W-9. Vendors must submit their W-9 forms electronically at https://flvendor.myfloridacfo.com to receive payments from the state. Contact the DFS Customer Service Desk at (850) 413-5519 or FLW9@myfloridacfo.com with any questions.

3) QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

In accordance with section 287.057(25), Florida Statutes, respondents to this solicitation or persons acting on their behalf may not contact, between the release of the solicitation and the end of the 72-hour period following the agency posting the notice of intended award, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays, any employee or officer of the executive or legislative branch concerning any aspect of this solicitation, except in writing to the procurement officer or as provided in the solicitation documents.

Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting a response.

Any technical questions arising from this Request for Proposal must be forwarded, in writing, to the procurement agent identified below. Questions must be received no later than the time and date reflected on the Timeline. The Department’s written response to written inquiries submitted timely by proposers will be posted on the Florida Vendor Information Portal at https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/ (click on “Search Advertisements”), under this RFP number. It is the responsibility of all potential proposers to monitor this site for any changing information prior to submitting their proposal.

WRITTEN TECHNICAL QUESTIONS should be submitted to:

Cassandra Anderson, Procurement Agent

4) ORAL INSTRUCTIONS / CHANGES TO THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (ADDENDA)

No negotiations, decisions, or actions will be initiated or executed by a proposer as a result of any oral discussions with a State employee. Only those communications which are in writing from the Department will be considered as a duly authorized expression on behalf of the Department.

Notices of changes (Addenda) will be posted on the Florida Vendor Information Portal at https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/ (click on “Search Advertisements”) under this RFP number. It is the responsibility of all potential proposers to monitor this site for any changing information prior to submitting your proposal. All Addenda will be acknowledged by signature and subsequent submission of Addenda with proposal when so stated in the Addenda.

5) DIVERSITY ACHIEVEMENT

MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (MBE) UTILIZATION

The Department, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 USC 2000d- 2000d-4, Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, U.S. Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in federally-assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that the Department will affirmatively ensure that in any contract/agreement entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority and disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded the full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex in consideration for an award.

The Department encourages small, minority, women, and service-disabled veteran businesses to compete for Department contracts, both as “Vendor” and as subcontractors. The Department, its vendors, suppliers, and consultants should take all necessary and reasonable steps to ensure that small, minority, women, and service-disabled veteran businesses have the opportunity to compete for and perform contract work for the Department in a nondiscriminatory environment. Bidders are requested to https://flvendor.myfloridacfo.com/ mailto:FLW9@myfloridacfo.com https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/ indicate their intention regarding MBE participation on the MBE Planned Utilization form and to submit the completed form with their Price Proposal. The contract vendor will be asked to submit payment certification for MBE subcontractors used.

To request certification or to locate certified MBEs, call the Office of Supplier Diversity, Department of Management Services at (850) 487-0915, or access their MBE directory on the Internet at www.osd.dms.state.fl.us/.

6) SCOPE OF SERVICES

Details of the services, information and items to be furnished by the Vendor are described in Exhibit "A", Scope of Services, attached hereto and made a part hereof.

7) INTENDED AWARD

The Department intends to award a contract to the responsive and responsible vendor with the highest cumulative total points for the evaluation criteria specified herein (See Section 30, Proposal Evaluation).

The Intended Award decision will be announced after final evaluation and totaling of scores at the Price Proposal opening specified in the Timeline (See Introduction, Section 2 Timeline).

If the Department is confronted with identical pricing or scoring from multiple vendors, the Department shall determine the order of award using the following criteria, in the order of preference listed below (from highest priority to lowest priority):

1. Section 295.187(4), Florida Statutes; Veteran Business Enterprise

2. Section 287.087, Florida Statute; Drug Free Work Place

3. Section 287.057(11); Minority Business Enterprise

In the event that the application of the above referenced preferences does not resolve the identical replies, the Department shall determine the award by means of random drawing.

8) PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE: A PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE WILL NOT BE HELD.

9) QUALIFICATIONS

9.1 General

The Department will determine whether the Proposer is qualified to perform the services being contracted based upon their proposal demonstrating satisfactory experience and capability in the work area. The Proposer shall identify necessary experienced personnel and facilities to support the activities associated with this proposal.

9.2 Qualifications of Key Personnel

Those individuals who will be directly involved in the project should have demonstrated experience in the areas delineated in the scope of work. Individuals whose qualifications are presented will be committed to the project for its duration unless otherwise excepted by the Department's Project Manager. Where State of Florida registration or certification is deemed appropriate, a copy of the registration or certificate should be included in the proposal package.

9.3 Authorized To Do Business in the State of Florida

In accordance with sections 607.1501, 605.0211(2)(b), and 620.9102, Florida Statutes, out-of-state corporations, out-of-state limited liability companies, and out-of-state limited partnerships must be authorized to do business in the State of Florida. Such authorization should be obtained by the proposal due date and time, but in any case, must be obtained prior to the award of the contract. For http://www.osd.dms.state.fl.us/ authorization, contact:

Florida Department of State Tallahassee, Florida 32399

(850) 245-6051

9.4 Licensed to Conduct Business in the State of Florida

If the business being provided requires that individuals be licensed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, such licenses should be obtained by the proposal due date and time, but in any case, must be obtained prior to posting of the intended award of the contract. For licensing, contact:

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0797

(850) 487-1395

10) WARRANTY/SUBSTITUTIONS

When performance of the services requires the supply of commodities, a warranty is required on all items provided against defective materials, workmanship, and failure to perform in accordance with required industry performance criteria, for a period of not less than ninety (90) days from the date of acceptance by the purchaser. Any deviation from this criteria must be documented in the proposal response or the above statement shall prevail. Delivery of substitute commodities requires prior written approval from the ordering location.

Replacement of all materials found defective within the warranty period shall be made without cost to the purchaser, including transportation if applicable. All fees associated with restocking cancelled orders shall be the responsibility of the vendor.

All items provided during the performance of the contract found to be poorly manufactured will not be accepted, but returned to the vendor, at their expense, for replacement. Replacement of all items found defective shall be made without cost to the Department, including transportation, if applicable.

As it may be impossible for each facility to inspect all items upon arrival, a reasonable opportunity must be given to these facilities for inspection of the items, and returning those that are defective.

11) LIABILITY INSURANCE

The Vendor shall not commence any work until they have obtained the following types of insurance, and certificates of such insurance have been received by the Department. Nor shall the Vendor allow any subcontractor to commence work on this project until all similar insurance required of the subcontractor has been so obtained. The Vendor shall submit the required Certificates of Insurance to the Florida Department of Transportation, Procurement Office, Cassandra Anderson, 605 Suwannee Street, MS 20, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0450, within ten (10) days after the ending date of the period for posting the intended award decision.

The Vendor must carry and keep in force during the period of this contract a general liability insurance policy or policies with a company authorized to do business in the state of Florida, affording public liability insurance with combined bodily injury limits of at least $ (200,000 minimum) per person and $(300,000 minimum) each occurrence, and property damage insurance of at least $(200,000 minimum) each occurrence, for the services to be rendered in accordance with this contract.

With respect to any general liability insurance policy required pursuant to this Agreement, all such policies shall be issued by companies licensed to do business in the State of Florida. The Vendor shall provide to the Department certificates showing the required coverage to be in effect with endorsements showing the Department to be an additional insured prior to commencing any work under this Contract. The certificates and policies shall provide that in the event of any material change in or cancellation of the policies reflecting the required coverage, thirty days advance notice shall be given to the Department or as provided in accordance with Florida law.

The Department shall be exempt from, and in no way liable for, any sums of money which may represent a deductible in any insurance policy. The payment of such deductible shall be the sole responsibility of the Vendor or subcontractor providing such insurance. Policies that include Self Insured Retention (SIR) will not be accepted.

12) PERFORMANCE BOND

A Performance Bond is not required for this project.

13) METHOD OF COMPENSATION

For the satisfactory performance of services, the Vendor shall be paid as described in the attached Exhibit “B”, Method of Compensation.

14) CONTRACT DOCUMENT

STANDARD WRITTEN AGREEMENT

The Department’s “Standard Written Agreement” is attached hereto and made a part hereof. The terms and conditions contained therein will become an integral part of the contract resulting from this solicitation. In submitting a proposal, the proposer agrees to be legally bound by these terms and conditions.

15) REVIEW OF PROPOSER'S FACILITIES & QUALIFICATIONS

After the proposal due date and prior to contract execution, the Department reserves the right to perform or have performed an on-site review of the Proposer's facilities and qualifications. This review will serve to verify data and representations submitted by the Proposer and may be used to determine whether the Proposer has an adequate, qualified, and experienced staff, and can provide overall management facilities. The review may also serve to verify whether the Proposer has financial capability adequate to meet the contract requirements.

Should the Department determine that the proposal has material misrepresentations or that the size or nature of the Proposer's facilities or the number of experienced personnel (including technical staff) are not adequate to ensure satisfactory contract performance, the Department has the right to reject the proposal.

16) PROTEST OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL SPECIFICATIONS

Any person who is adversely affected by the contents of this Request for Proposal must file the following with the Department of Transportation, Clerk of Agency Proceedings, Office of the General Counsel, 605 Suwannee Street, Mail Station 58, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0450:

1. A written notice of protest within seventy-two (72) hours after the posting of the solicitation, (the notice of protest may be Faxed to 850-414-5264), and

2. A formal written protest in compliance with Section 120.57(3), Florida Statutes, within ten (10) days of the date on which the written notice of protest is filed.

Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in section 120.57(3), Florida Statutes, or failure to post the bond or other security required by law within the time allowed for filing a bond shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes.

17) UNAUTHORIZED ALIENS

The employment of unauthorized aliens by any contractor is considered a violation of Section 274A(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. If the contractor knowingly employs unauthorized aliens, such violation shall be cause for unilateral cancellation of the contract.

18) SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES LISTS

ALL Responses, regardless of dollar value, must include a Vendor Certification Regarding Scrutinized Companies Lists to certify the respondent is not on either of those lists. The Form should be submitted with the Price Proposal.

A Vendor is ineligible to enter into a contract with the Department for goods or services of any amount if, at the time of entering into such contract, the Vendor is on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List, created pursuant to Section 215.4725, Florida Statutes, or is engaged in a boycott of Israel.

Section 287.135, Florida Statutes, also prohibits companies from entering into a contract for goods or services of $1 million or more that are on either the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List or the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Energy Sector Lists which were created pursuant to s. 215.473, Florida Statutes.

If the Department determines the Vendor submitted a false certification under Section 287.135 of the Florida Statutes, the Department shall either terminate the Contract after it has given the Vendor notice and an opportunity to demonstrate the Department’s determination of false certification was in error pursuant to Section 287.135 of the Florida Statutes, or maintain the Contract if the conditions of Section

287.135 of the Florida Statutes are met.

19) RESERVATIONS

The Department reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals received and reserves the right to make an award without further discussion of the proposals submitted. Therefore, the proposals should be submitted initially in the most favorable manner. It is understood that the proposal will become a part of the Department’s official file, without obligation to the Department.

20) ADDITIONAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

No conditions may be applied to any aspect of the RFP by the proposer. Any conditions placed on any aspect of the proposal documents by the proposer may result in the proposal being rejected as a conditional proposal (see “RESPONSIVENESS OF PROPOSALS”). DO NOT WRITE IN CHANGES ON ANY RFP SHEET. The only recognized changes to the RFP prior to proposal opening will be a written Addenda issued by the Department.

21) RESPONSIVENESS OF PROPOSALS

21.1 Responsiveness of Proposals

Proposals will not be considered if not received by the Department on or before the date and time specified as the due date for submission. All proposals must be typed or printed in ink. A responsive proposal is an offer to perform the scope of services called for in this Request for Proposal in accordance with all requirements of this Request for Proposal and receiving seventy (70) points or more on the Technical Proposal. Proposals found to be non-responsive shall not be considered. Proposals may be rejected if found to be irregular or not in conformance with the requirements and instructions herein contained. A proposal may be found to be irregular or non-responsive by reasons that include, but are not limited to, failure to utilize or complete prescribed forms, conditional proposals, incomplete proposals, indefinite or ambiguous proposals, and improper and/or undated signatures. ALL determinations of responsiveness will be the responsibility of the FDOT Procurement Office.

https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/vendor_registration_and_vendor_lists https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/vendor_registration_and_vendor_lists

21.2 Multiple Proposals

Proposals may be rejected if more than one proposal is received from a Proposer. Such duplicate interest may cause the rejection of all proposals in which such Proposer has participated.

Subcontractors may appear in more than one proposal.

21.3 Other Conditions

Other conditions which may cause rejection of proposals include, but are not limited to, evidence of collusion among Proposers, obvious lack of experience or expertise to perform the required work, failure to perform or meet financial obligations on previous contracts, or in the event an individual, firm, partnership, or corporation is on the General Services Administration Excluded Parties List. Proposers whose proposals, past performance, or current status do not reflect the capability, integrity, or reliability to fully and in good faith perform the requirements of the Contract may be rejected as non-responsible.

The Department reserves the right to determine which proposals meet the requirements of this solicitation, and which Proposers are responsive and responsible.

22) PROPOSAL FORMAT INSTRUCTIONS

22.1 General Information

This section contains instructions that describe the required format for the proposal. All proposals submitted shall contain two parts and be marked as follows:

PART I TECHNICAL PROPOSAL NUMBER DOT-RFP-25-9026-CA:

(One Separate Document for Technical)

PART II PRICE PROPOSAL NUMBER DOT-RFP-25-9026-CA:

(One Separate Document for Prices)

THE SEPARATE DOCUMENTS MAY BE E-MAILED TOGETHER OR SEPARATELY.

22.2 Technical Proposal (Part I) (Maximum of 20 pages)

(Do not include price information in Part I)

The Proposer must submit one (1) original technical proposal which is to be divided into the sections described below. Since the Department will expect all technical proposals to be in this format, failure of the Proposer to follow this outline may result in the rejection of the proposal. The technical proposal must be submitted in one separate document marked "TECHNICAL PROPOSAL NUMBER DOT-RFP-

25-9026-CA".

1. PROPOSER'S MANAGEMENT PLAN

The Proposer shall explain in detail their qualifications, written in non-technical language, the Proposer’s overall capabilities, and approach for successfully accomplishing the services specified herein. This plan shall include the following topics and associated information:

a. Organization and Management

The Proposer shall include a description of the organizational structure and management to be used to provide the required services, maintain schedules, control costs, and provide quality products. This shall include a discussion of the means of coordination and communication with the Department. If applicable, the Proposer shall include a description of its corporate organization and affiliates and explain if and how the affiliates will contribute to this contract. The Proposer shall explain the roles and responsibilities of the management and administrative staff in terms of how they apply to the activities in Exhibit “A”, Scope of Services.

b. Technical Staff Experience

The Proposer shall provide a list of the personnel (including subcontractors), by name, who meet the qualifications as outlined in Exhibit “A”, Scope of Services (Reference Section IX Personnel Qualifications), Attachment “A” (Reference Section I Personnel Qualifications), and the Bid Price Proposal Sheet who will be assigned to the project including, but not limited to the following:

• Project Manager

• Scientist

• Environmental Specialist

• Senior Environmental Specialist

• Chief Scientist

• GIS Specialist

• Computer Technician

• Graphic Designer

• Community Outreach Specialist

• Certified Small UAS Operator

• Secretary/Clerical

• Authorized Agent

• Assistant Authorized Agent

• Backhoe Operator

This list shall set forth the task to which each employee is assigned, his or her experience level, applicable knowledge (including resume and physical work location of all personnel including subcontractors) and all appropriate permits, registrations, licenses and certifications. (**NOTE:

Resumes will not count in the maximum page count for the Technical Proposal, but each resume should be limited to two pages)

The Proposer shall identify the Project Manager who will remain involved throughout the Contract term. Removal or substitution of the Project Manager or technical staff after the contract is awarded must be with personnel who have qualifications equal to or exceeding the person being replaced and will require the Department’s prior written approval. Without this prior written approval, the Vendor will be considered in default.

c. Vendor Experience, References, and Business History

The Proposer shall describe experience with gopher tortoise relocations including a brief description of at least two projects that required gopher tortoise relocation to off-site recipient sites within the state of Florida. For each project, include the client’s name, address, and email address. Also provide the location of the project, date of work, number of gopher tortoises relocated and method of trapping.

The Proposer shall describe experience with bat exclusion on bridges including a brief description of at least two projects that required bat exclusion installation and monitoring of installation during construction. For each project, include the client’s name, address, and email address. Also provide the location of the project, date of work, type of structure, and duration of exclusion.

The Proposer shall describe experience with environmental permitting and wetland mitigation including a brief description of at least two projects that required at least 5 wetland credits within the state of Florida. For each project, include the client’s name, address, and email address. Also provide the location of the project, date of work, number of wetland credits required and how regulatory mitigation requirements were satisfied.

The Proposer shall provide a minimum of four additional project summaries that can adequately describe experience with:

• Protected species program and process development, consultation with federal and state agencies, technical document reviews, and changes in laws and regulations.

• Developing natural resources related training content (in-person or computer based) or hosting technical meetings and workshops (e.g., with industry or other stakeholders)

• Conducting research or pilot projects related to transportation projects and natural resources or implementing new and innovative technologies to streamline species consultation or environmental permitting

• Developing public outreach materials related to natural resources (e.g., social media, fliers, presentations, websites, videos)

For each of these projects, include the client’s name, address, and email address. Also include any innovations or unique approaches accepted by the client. Project summaries are encouraged to be no more than three paragraphs each.

2. PROPOSER'S TECHNICAL PLAN

The Proposer shall explain in detail the approach, capabilities, and means to be used in accomplishing the tasks as outlined in Exhibit “A”, Scope of Services and where significant development difficulties may be anticipated and resolved. Any other specific techniques to be used should also be addressed in detail. The Technical Plan shall at a minimum address the following items:

a. Project Approach The Proposer shall provide a work plan to describe the approach to accomplishing the requirements set forth in the Scope of Services. This work plan shall explain the specific production techniques or procedures to be used for completion of each of the services to be provided by the Vendor (Reference Exhibit “A” Scope of Services, Section III Services to be Provided). This work plan shall also include a description of how the Proposer will serve the Department’s needs as outlined in Attachment “A”, (Reference Section II. Services to be Provided). This work plan shall also explain where significant production difficulties may be anticipated and how these are resolved.

b. Performance

When the Department identifies that services under this contract are needed, a specific Task Work Order will be developed for that effort. Specific deliverables shall be defined in each Task Work Order but are anticipated to include those outlined in Exhibit “A” Scope of Services, Section IV. Deliverables. The Proposer shall describe the turnaround time for expected services taking into consideration the unpredictability of the quantity and variety of the anticipated effort required under this Contract, current workload and staffing level. The Proposer shall discuss their commitment to adhere to schedules for timely submittal of deliverables.

c. Proximity to Project The Proposer shall list the description and location of its existing facilities that will be utilized for this project.

d. Materials and Equipment The Proposer shall provide an itemized list of all equipment that will be made available to accomplish the items outlined in Exhibit “A”, Scope of Service (Reference Section IX., Required Equipment and Materials).

22.3 Price Proposal (Part II)

The price proposal information is to be submitted in a separate sealed package marked "PRICE PROPOSAL NUMBER DOT-RFP-25-9026-CA ". The Price Proposal information shall be submitted on the forms provided in the Request for Proposal.

22.4 Presenting the Proposal

The proposal shall be limited to a maximum of 20 pages total. The proposal shall be limited to a page size of eight and one-half by eleven inches (8½" x 11"). Foldout pages may be used, where appropriate, but should not exceed five (5) percent of the total number of pages comprising the proposal. Type size shall not be less than 10 point font. The proposals should be indexed and all pages sequentially numbered. Embedded hyperlinks may also be used on a limited basis (should not exceed 10 links) for documenting vendor experience or providing examples of previous work products.

Unnecessarily elaborate special brochures, art work, expensive paper and expensive visual and other presentation aids are neither necessary nor desired.

It is recognized that existing financial reports, documents, or brochures, such as those that delineate the Proposer's general capabilities and experience, may not comply with the prescribed format. It is not the intent to have these documents reformatted and they will be acceptable in their existing form.

23) "DRUG-FREE WORK PLACE" PREFERENCE

Whenever two or more bids which are equal with respect to price, quality, and service are received, the Department shall determine the order of award first in accordance with section 295.187(4), Florida Statutes, giving preference to “Veteran Business Enterprise” then to bid responses from vendors that certify the business has implemented a drug-free workplace program in accordance with Section 287.087, Florida Statutes. The “Drug-Free Workplace Program Certification” must be completed and submitted with the bid response to be eligible for this preference.

24) COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL

Copyrighted material will be accepted as part of a technical proposal only if accompanied by a waiver that will allow the Department to make paper and electronic copies necessary for the use of Department staff and agents. It is noted that copyrighted material is not exempt from the Public Records Law, Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. Therefore, such material will be subject to viewing by the public, but copies of the material will not be provided to the public.

25) ATTACHMENT TO RFP SUBMITTAL - CONFIDENTIAL MATERIAL

The Proposer must include any materials it asserts to be exempted from public disclosure under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, in a separate bound document labeled "Attachment to Request for Proposals, Number DOT-RFP-25-9026-CA - Confidential Material". The Proposer must identify the specific Statute that authorizes exemption from the Public Records Law. Any claim of confidentiality on materials the Proposer asserts to be exempt from public disclosure and placed elsewhere in the proposal will be considered waived by the Proposer upon submission, effective after opening.

26) COSTS INCURRED IN RESPONDING

This Request for Proposal does not commit the Department or any other public agency to pay any costs incurred by an individual firm, partnership, or corporation in the submission of a proposal or to make necessary studies or designs for the preparation thereof, nor to procure or contract for any articles or services.

27) ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS:

Electronic Bid Submittals

Please follow the below instructions for the submittal of electronic bids, failure to do so, may result in your bid being found non-responsive. Non-responsive replies will not be evaluated.

a) Subject line must show: DOT-RFP-25-9026-CA

b) Email(s) shall contain file(s) marked in accordance with section 22.1 General Information.

c) Documents shall be submitted in portable document format (PDF) and have a size limit of

25MB.

d) The body of the email shall not contain any information

e) Documents shall not be submitted in a ZIP (.zip) file

f) Bids shall be submitted to: CO.Purch@dot.state.fl.us

It is the bidder’s responsibility to assure that the bid is delivered to the proper place on or before the Bid Due date and time (See Introduction Section 2 Timeline). Bids which for any reason are not so delivered, will not be considered.

28) MODIFICATIONS, RESUBMITTAL AND WITHDRAWAL

Proposers may modify submitted proposals at any time prior to the proposal due date. Requests for modification of a submitted proposal shall be in writing and must be signed by an authorized signatory of the proposer. Upon receipt and acceptance of such a request, the entire proposal will be returned to the proposer and not considered unless resubmitted by the due date and time. Proposers may also send a change in a sealed envelope to be opened at the same time as the proposal. The RFP number, due date and time should appear on the envelope of the modified proposal.

29) PROPOSAL OPENING

All proposal openings are open to the public. Technical Proposals will be opened by the Department at the date, time and location in the Timeline (See Introduction Section 2 Timeline). Price Proposals, which have a corresponding responsive Technical Proposal, will be opened by the Department at the date, time and location in the Timeline (See Introduction Section 2 Timeline).

30) PROPOSAL EVALUATION

30.1 Evaluation Process:

A Technical Review Committee (TRC) will be established to review and evaluate each proposal submitted in response to this Request for Proposal (RFP). The TRC will be composed of at least three

(3) persons who collectively have experience and knowledge in the program areas and service requirements for which the commodities and/or contractual services are sought.

The Procurement Office will distribute to each member of the TRC a copy of each technical proposal.

The TRC members will independently evaluate the proposals on the criteria and point system established in the section below entitled "Criteria for Evaluation" in order to assure that proposals are uniformly rated. Due to the complexity of certain procurements, the TRC members are authorized to consult with subject matter experts for the purpose of gathering information, if needed. The independent evaluations will be sent to the Procurement Office and averaged for each vendor.

Proposing firms must attain an average score of seventy (70) points or higher on the Technical Proposal to be considered responsive. Should a Proposer receive fewer than seventy (70) points for their average Technical Proposal score, the Price Proposal will not be opened.

During the process of evaluation, the Procurement Office will conduct examinations of proposals for responsiveness to requirements of the RFP. Those determined to be non-responsive will be automatically rejected.

30.2 Oral Presentations THERE ARE NO ORAL PRESENTATIONS FOR THIS PROJECT.

30.3 Price Proposal

The Proposer shall complete the Price Proposal form and submit as part of the Price Proposal

Package. Any proposal in which this form is not used or in which the form is improperly executed may be considered…