Intent and General Information - RFQ 2026-09 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR WAKULLA GARDENS STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE.remediated.pdf

WAKULLA COUNTY

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

INTENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS NUMBER 2026-09

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR WAKULLA GARDENS STORMWATER

INFRASTRUCTURE

PROPOSAL ADVERTISE DATE: MAY 7, 2026

PROPOSAL RELEASE DATE: MAY 7, 2026

RESPONSE DUE DATE AND TIME: JUNE 8, 2026 @ 3:00 P.M.

MAIL OR HAND DELIVER RESPONSE TO:

Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners

ATTN: RFQ 2026-09

3093 Crawfordville Highway

Crawfordville, FL 32327

CONTACT:

Wakulla County BOCC Procurement Office

Email: Procurement@mywakulla.com Phone: 850-926-0919, Ext. 715 mailto:Procurement@mywakulla.com

RFQ 2026-09 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR WAKULLA GARDENS STORMWATER

TABLE CONTENTS

SECTION 1.0 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

SECTION 2.0 PROPOSAL QUESTIONS

SECTION 3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

SECTION 4.0 RECEIPT AND OPENING OF THE PROPOSAL

SECTION 5.0 CONE OF SILENCE

SECTION 6.0 PROPOSAL RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS

SECTION 7.0 EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS AND SELECTION PROCESS

SECTION 8.0 INTENT TO AWARD AND CONTRACT EXECUTION

SECTION 9.0 STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS (STAC)

APPENDICES:

A. Legal Advertisement B. Draft Agreement

INTENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

INTENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

In accordance with Section 287.055, Florida Statutes, known as the Consultants Competitive Negotiation Act (CCNA), the Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners (the “County”) is issuing Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 2026-09 to solicit proposals from qualified consulting firms (the “Proposer”) to provide professional design services for this project.

Wakulla County (the “County”) is seeking Statements of Qualifications from qualified professional engineering firms (the “Consultant”) to provide surveying, flood risk reduction analysis, engineering, design, plans preparation, public notices, permitting coordination, and bid proposal preparation services for Phase 1 for RFQ 2026-09 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR

WAKULLA GARDENS STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE.

The purpose of this phase is to evaluate and develop measures to reduce flood risk within the Wakulla Gardens subdivision. No construction activities are included in Phase 1.

Phase 2 of the project, which is not included in this RFQ, is anticipated to include the acquisition of approximately sixteen (16) parcels and the construction of six (6) stormwater retention basins designed to provide protection against the 10-year storm event.

It is the intent of this RFQ to enter into a Contract with the successful Respondent to begin upon approval of the Board of County Commissioners and the issuance of a Notice to Proceed (NTP), for the Work.

Funding for the project is made possible through a federal grant and is contingent on strict conformance to the guidelines. Respondents will comply with Exhibit C of Appendix B, Federal Provisions. If a Respondent cannot adhere to or objects to any of the applicable federal requirements, Respondent’s proposal may be deemed by the County as unresponsive. In order for the Respondent to be eligible for consideration, the Respondent MUST have an active registration with Sam.gov and provide their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) on Form 1 of the Proposal Forms.

If this RFQ is amended, the County Procurement Office will issue an appropriate addendum to the RFQ. Any addendums will be posted on the County Website. If an addendum is issued, all terms and conditions of this RFQ that are not specifically modified in the addendum shall remain unchanged. An addendum to this RFQ will be issued if any of the date and/or time change, unless the date(s) fall after the date the RFQ Proposal(s) are due. Specific dates/time will be determined at each phase.

It is understood and the Respondent hereby agrees to be solely responsible for obtaining all materials and determining the best methods that will be utilized to meet the intent of the specifications of this RFQ. Failure by the Respondent to acquaint themselves with the available information will not relieve them from responsibility for estimating properly the difficulty or cost of successfully performing the work. Proposers are expected to examine the specifications and all instructions pertaining to the required commodities/services. Failure to do so will be at Respondent’s risk.

INTENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

The County reserves the right to reject any Proposal found to be non-responsive, vague, or non-conforming. The County also reserves the right at any time to withdraw all or part of this RFQ in order to protect its best interests. The County is not liable for any costs incurred by the Respondent in preparing its response, nor is a response an offer to contract with any Respondent.

Pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes (FS), all responses are subject to Florida’s public records laws.

While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of information in the RFQ, it is recognized that the information may not be complete in every detail and that all work may not be expressly mentioned in the RFQ. It is the responsibility of the Proposer to include in its Proposal all pertinent information in accordance with the objectives of the RFQ.

The RFQ and any addenda issued are available on the Wakulla County website at http://www.mywakulla.com or by contacting the County at 850-926-0919. All questions pertaining to this RFQ should be submitted in writing in accordance with the RFQ instructions set forth in Section

2.0 of the RFQ.

SECTION 1.0 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Failure to comply with this or any other paragraph of this RFQ shall be sufficient reason for rejection of the Proposal.

All times listed in the Schedule of Events are Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Event Date/Time PROPOSAL ADVERTISEMENT DATE May 7, 2026

RELEASE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS May 7, 2026 QUESTIONS DUE FROM PROSPECTIVE RESPONDENT May 20, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.

RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS DUE May 27, 2026 PROPOSALS DUE TO BOCC June 8, 2026, by 3:00 p.m.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS (IF NEEDED) June 23, 2026 – June 24, 2026 POSTING OF SELECTION COMMITTEE RANKINGS June 26, 2026

BOARD CONSIDERATION OF SELECTION COMMITTEE RANKINGS

AND AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO NEGOTIATIONS July 13, 2026

POSTING OF INTENDED AWARD July 14, 2026 BOARD CONSIDERATION OF INTENDED AWARD August 3, 2026

POSTING OF NOTICE OF AWARD August 4, 2026

SECTION 2.0 PROPOSAL QUESTIONS

2.1 All inquiries and questions concerning this RFQ must be in writing (e-mail is acceptable), received in accordance with Section 1.0 Schedule of Events, and must be directed to: Wakulla County BOCC Procurement Office, Procurement@mywakulla.com, or mailed to 3093 Crawfordville Highway, Crawfordville, FL 32327.

http://www.mywakulla.com/

INTENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

Questions and responses will be posted on the County’s Website and, if necessary, an Addendum(s) will be issued.

SECTION 3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

3.1 PROJECT OVERVIEW

Wakulla County (the “County”) is seeking Statements of Qualifications from qualified professional engineering firms (the “Consultant”) to provide surveying, flood risk reduction analysis, engineering, design, plans preparation, public notices, permitting coordination, and bid proposal preparation services for Phase 1 for RFQ 2026-09 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR

WAKULLA GARDENS STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE.

The purpose of this phase is to evaluate and develop measures to reduce flood risk within the Wakulla Gardens subdivision. No construction activities are included in Phase 1.

Phase 2 of the project, which is not included in this RFQ, is anticipated to include the acquisition of approximately sixteen (16) parcels and the construction of six (6) stormwater retention basins designed to provide protection against the 10-year storm event.

The approximate locations of the proposed retention basins are as follows:

ID# Address Coordinates 1 Sioux Trail (30.178686, -84.304062) 2 Chinook Trail (30.175143, -84.303089) 3 Summer Brooke Lane (30.168888, -84.297960) 4 Klickitat Drive (30.170706, -84.307382) 5 Squaw Road (30.169703, -84.310499) 6 Cayuse Drive (30.162872, -84.313324)

3.2 SCOPE OF SERVICES

The Consultant shall provide all labor, materials, and expertise necessary to complete Phase 1 services in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements, including FEMA and FDEM guidelines.

3.3 PHASE 1 – ENGINEERING, ANALYSIS, AND DOCUMENTATION SERVICES

The Consultant shall provide services including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Preparation of two (2) sets of signed and sealed engineering design documents, including surveying, engineering analysis, and Hydrologic and Hydraulic (H&H) studies. The analysis shall clearly identify pre- and post-mitigation conditions and quantify anticipated reductions in flood-related damages.

2. Development of H&H modeling scenarios (minimum of three), including one representing the proposed level of protection. Each scenario shall identify and compare losses before and after mitigation (e.g., structural damage, contents, displacement, road closure duration, and other applicable impacts).

INTENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

3. Identification and mapping of flood-prone infrastructure and structures, including elevations, overlaid with FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas to demonstrate mitigation effectiveness.

4. Preparation of construction plans and bid documents suitable for future Phase 2 implementation.

5. Preparation of updated cost estimates for the overall project, including:

6. Final Phase 1 costs; and

7. Phase 2 planning-level estimates for land acquisition, materials, and construction of the proposed retention basins.

8. Preparation of design documentation describing the project scope, including the depth and extent of anticipated ground disturbance.

9. Development of color maps, including topographic, aerial, and ground disturbance exhibits.

10. Provision of a general description of anticipated construction equipment and associated activities for project implementation.

11. Provision of color photographs of the project area and areas of anticipated ground disturbance.

12. Coordination with regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of

Engineers (USACE), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), and the Northwest Florida Water Management District (NWFWMD), to determine permitting requirements.

13. Preparation and/or submission of environmental permit applications, as required, and inclusion of all permit conditions within the design documents and project narrative.

14. Documentation of permitting status, including copies of:

15. Environmental permits or applications;

16. Section 404 permit or No Permit Required determination;

17. Floodplain permit or No Permit Required determination from the local floodplain administrator.

18. Preparation of documentation required for compliance with the National

Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

19. Preparation of a signed statement from the Engineer of Record addressing potential upstream and downstream impacts of the proposed project.

20. Preparation of any additional documentation required by FDEM.

21. Response to requests for information from FDEM related to project deliverables.

22. Assistance to the County in addressing and resolving comments from FDEM and other reviewing agencies.

All activities under Task 1 must be completed by MARCH 31, 2027. An extension to this deadline is not guaranteed for phase 1 of RFQ 2026-09, Professional Services for Wakulla Gardens Stormwater Infrastructure, which will be available from the funding agency.

INTENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

3.4 Phase 2 – CONTINGENT UPON THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION & APPROVAL OF

PHASE 1

3.5 COMPENSATION

Compensation for services shall be as follows on a cost-reimbursable basis:

Phase 1: $70,842.00 Phase 2 is contingent upon the availability of funding and formal authorization by the County, as well as the successful completion and FEMA approval of Phase 1.

3.6 FUNDING SOURCE

Funding for this project is provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), in conjunction with the Florida Legislature and administered by the Florida Division of Emergency Management

(FDEM).

SECTION 4.0 RECEIPT AND OPENING OF THE PROPOSAL

4.1 All Proposals received will be recorded and date-stamped at the Wakulla County office located at 3093 Crawfordville Highway, Crawfordville, Florida. The responsibility for submitting the Proposal to the County Procurement Office no later than the specified time and date is solely that of the Respondent. The County will in no way be responsible for delays in mail delivery or delays caused for any other occurrence.

4.2 Submission of Proposals by fax or other electronic means will not be accepted. Late

Proposals will not be accepted, i.e., any Proposal submitted/received after 3:00 P.M. on June 8, 2026, unless otherwise changed through the issuance of an addendum to this

RFQ.

4.3 Any Proposals received after the stated time and date will not be considered. Late

Proposals shall not be opened at the public opening. Arrangements may be made for the unopened Proposal to be returned at the Respondent’s request and expense.

4.4 A Proposal may be withdrawn or modified only by written notification from the

Respondent prior to the time fixed for the opening of Proposals. Negligence on the part of the Respondent in preparing the Proposal confers no right for withdrawal of the Proposal after it has been opened

4.5 All Proposals will be opened on the date and time indicated in Section 1.0, Schedule of

Events (i.e., date Proposals are due) or as modified by addendum.

4.6 Pricing shall be valid for a period of ninety (90) days from opening or Proposal or until award is made, whichever occurs first.

SECTION 5.0 CONE OF SILENCE

INTENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

5.1. This solicitation falls under the Wakulla County Procurement Ordinance 2015-2, Article VI. A Cone of Silence will be in effect for this RFQ beginning with the advertisement date of May 7, 2026, and will terminate upon issuance of Notice of Award. A violation of the “Cone of Silence” renders any award voidable at the sole discretion of the County Administrator with approval from the Board of County Commissioners and may subject the potential Respondent/Consultant or representative to debarment.

5.2 A prospective Respondent shall not have any communication with any of the Board of County Commissioners nor candidates for County Commission, nor any employees from the Wakulla County Government, which includes the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office, nor any members of the Evaluation Committee, either individually or collectively, concerning this project. Contractor/Respondent or representative who intend to submit qualifications, or have submitted qualifications, for this project are hereby placed on formal notice that they are not to contact County personnel for such purposes as holding meetings of introduction, meals, or meetings relating to the selection process outside of those specifically scheduled by the County. Any such lobbying activities may cause immediate disqualification for this project.

5.3 All requests for interpretations or clarifications shall be in writing, addressed to the contact person as shown in Section 2.0, Proposal Questions. All such request for interpretations or clarifications must be received in writing in accordance with Section 1.0, Schedule of Events. Any and all such interpretations and supplemental instructions shall be in the form of a written addendum which, if issued, shall be posted on the County’s website on the date indicated in Section 1.0, Schedule of Events. Such written addenda shall be binding on the Respondent and shall become a part of the RFQ Document(s).

5.4 The Cone of Silence shall not apply to:

a) Communications at the pre-Proposal meeting (if applicable).

b) Communications during contract negotiations between designated County employees and the intended Vendor.

c) Communication with a Vendor by a Procurement Department employee following

Competitive Procurement opening to clarify the Vendor's Response.

d) Communication following the filing of a challenge to a Competitive Procurement between the protesting Vendor or the selected Vendor and the Procurement Department, County Administrator's Office, and County Attorney's Office concerning the challenge.

SECTION 6.0 PROPOSAL RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS

6.1 The County has established certain mandatory requirements that must be included as part of any Proposal. The use of the terms “shall,” “must,” or “will” (except to indicate simple futurity) in this RFQ indicates a mandatory requirement or condition. The words “should” or “may” in this RFQ indicate desirable attributes or conditions, but are

INTENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

permissive in nature. Deviation from, or omission of, such a desirable feature will not by itself cause rejection of a Proposal.

6.2 Proposals not meeting all material requirements of this request, or which fail to provide all required information, documents, or materials such as required forms, bonds, etc., will be rejected as non-responsive. Material requirements of the Proposal are those set forth as mandatory, or without which an adequate analysis and comparison of replies is impossible, or those which affect the competitiveness of replies or the cost to the County.

6.3 The County reserves the right to determine which Proposals meet the material requirements of the RFQ and which Proposals are responsible and/or responsive.

Further, the Board of County Commissioners may reject any and all Proposals and seek new Proposals when it is in the best interest of the County to do so.

6.4 A Proposal by a corporation shall be executed in the corporate name by the president or a vice-president or other corporate officer accompanied by evidence of authority to sign.

The corporate seal shall be affixed and attested by the secretary or an assistant secretary.

The corporate address and state of incorporation shall be provided on the Proposal Form, for a Proposal by a/an:

a. Partnership shall be executed in the partnership name and signed by a partner (whose title must appear under the signature), accompanied by evidence of authority to sign.

The official address of the partnership shall be provided on the Proposal Form.

b. Limited liability company shall be executed in the name of the firm by a member and accompanied by evidence of authority to sign. The state of formation of the firm and the official address of the firm shall be shown.

c. Individual shall show the Respondent’s name and business address.

d. Proposal by a joint venture shall be executed by each joint venture member in the manner indicated on the Proposal form. The official address of the joint venture must be provided on the Proposal Form.

6.5 All names shall be printed in ink or typed below the signatures.

6.6 The Proposal shall contain an acknowledgment of receipt of all Addenda, the numbers and dates of which shall be filled in on the Proposal form.

6.7 The postal and email addresses and telephone number for communication regarding the

Proposal shall be shown.

6.8 A Respondent seeking to do business with the County shall, at the time of submitting a

Proposal, be appropriately registered with the Department of State in accordance with

INTENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

the provisions of Chapters 605, 607, 617, or 620 Florida Statutes, as applicable. For further information on required filing and forms, please go to the following sites:

http://sunbiz.org/index.html or https://www.dos.myflorida.com/.

The Proposal shall contain evidence of Respondent’s authority and qualification to do business in the state or locality where the Project is located, or Respondent shall covenant in writing to obtain such qualification prior to award of the Contract and attach such covenant to the Proposal. Respondent’s state contractor license number, if any, shall also be shown on the Proposal Transmittal Form (Proposal Form 1).

6.9 The Proposal should address the requirements in a clear and concise manner in the order stated herein.

6.10 Proposals must include the information/documents specified in the Proposal Forms, 1 through 15. Proposals that do not adhere to the format or include the requested information/documents may be considered incomplete and therefore unresponsive by the County.

6.11 The County reserves the right to seek additional/supplemental representation on specific issues as needed.

6.12 Proposals should be typed or clearly written. No changes in or corrections to Proposals will be allowed after the Proposals are opened.

6.13 The signer of the Proposal must declare that the Proposal in all respects fair and in good faith without collusion or fraud and that the signer of the Proposal has the authority to bind the principal Respondent.

6.14 The County shall not be liable for any costs incurred by Respondent prior to entering into a contract. Therefore, all Proposers are encouraged to provide a simple, straightforward, and concise description of their ability to meet the RFQ requirements.

SECTION 7.0 EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS AND SELECTION PROCESS

7.1 Proposals submitted to this RFQ that satisfy the required qualifications and are deemed to be submitted by responsive and responsible Proposers shall be ranked by a Selection Committee authorized by the County Administrator.

7.2 The County reserves the right to reject any or all Proposals, including without limitation, nonconforming, nonresponsive, unbalanced, or conditional Proposals. The County further reserves the right to reject the Proposal of any Proposer whom it finds, after reasonable inquiry and evaluation, to be non-responsible. The County also reserves the right to waive all informalities not involving price, time or changes in the Services and to negotiate contract terms with the Successful Proposer.

https://www.dos.myflorida.com/ http://sunbiz.org

INTENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

7.3 More than one Proposal for the same Services from an individual or entity under the same or different names will not be considered. Reasonable grounds for believing that any Proposer has an interest in more than one Proposal for the Services may be cause for disqualification of the Proposer and the rejection of all Proposals in which that Proposer has an interest.

7.4 The County may conduct such investigation as it deems necessary to establish the responsibility, qualifications, and financial ability of Proposers, proposed subcontractors, suppliers, individuals, or entities to perform the Services in accordance with the Contract document.

7.5 In ranking Proposals the Selection Committee shall evaluate the Proposals on the basis of the information provided by the Proposer, and rank each Proposal for compliance with the qualifications of each Proposer and compliance with the mandatory requirements of the RFQ. The County reserves the right to award to more than one Proposer.

7.6 The selection committee will evaluate the Proposals that are responsive to the requirements of this RFQ using the following weighted criteria listed in order of importance:

7.7 Proposers may be selected for interviews or oral presentations (shortlisted). The County makes no commitment to any Proposer to this RFQ beyond consideration of the written response to this RFQ. All Proposers will be notified of the shortlisted and non-shortlisted Proposers as well as the date, time and location of interviews and/or oral presentations.

7.8 The Proposals deemed best by the selection committee shall be presented by the County

Administrator in the form of an Agenda Request to the Wakulla County Board of Commissioners, who shall either accept or deny the recommendation of the selection committee as presented by the County Administrator.

7.9 Individual Committee members will be removed from the Committee if unable to participate in all reviews, and scoring will be based on scores of the remaining Committee members.

SECTION 8.0 INTENT TO AWARD AND CONTRACT EXECUTION

8.1 The County reserves the right to incorporate the successful Proposal into the Contract.

Failure of a Respondent to accept this obligation may result in the cancellation of the

CRITERIA Score

1. Project Approach 20

2. Qualifications of Firm and Key Staff 20

3. Availability of Dedicated Staff to Perform Scope of Work 20

4. References on Recent Projects 10

5. Oral Presentation 10

TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS 80

INTENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

award. The Contract document and its exhibits are included as Appendix B, which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

8.2 The construction, interpretation, and performance of this RFQ, and all transactions under it shall be governed by the laws of the State of Florida and Wakulla County. The Contract shall include all terms and conditions of this RFQ, any addenda, response, and the County’s contract issued as a result of this RFQ.

8.3 The County reserves the right to make award(s) by individual item, group of items, all or none, or a combination thereof. The County reserves the right to reject any and all Proposals or to waive any minor irregularity or technicality in the Proposals received.

Award will be made to the lowest responsible and responsive Respondent(s) within the category chosen for basis of award. The County reserves the right to award to one or multiple Proposers at its discretion.

8.4 The Successful Respondent will be required to assume responsibility for all services offered in the Proposal. The County will consider the Successful Respondent to be the sole point of contact with regard to contractual matters, including payment on any or all charges.

8.5 After successful posting of the award for 72 hours, the Successful Respondent will be required to enter into the Contract with the County.

SECTION 9.0 STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS (STAC)

9.1 Definitions

9.2 Florida Public Records Law and Confidentiality

9.3 Procurement Challenges

9.4 Construction and Venue

9.5 Contract

9.6 Insurance Requirements and Bond Requirements

9.1 Definitions

General terms used throughout this RFQ are provided below. Additional definitions may be provided as applicable to a specific section or subject matter.

Award means the determination of a successful Respondent(s) in response to this RFQ, resulting in an offer of a Contract to perform the services pursuant to the RFQ and their Proposal.

Proposal Bond means an insurance agreement in which a third party agrees to be liable to pay a certain amount of money in the event that a selected vendor fails to accept the contract as Proposal. A Proposal bond/deposit is required for this Proposal and shall be for 5% of the amount of the Proposal.

Respondent means any firm, individual or organization submitting a Proposal in response to this RFQ.

INTENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

Cone of Silence is the prohibition of any communication between a Vendor and a County officer, employee, or agent regarding a pending Competitive Procurement, except for such communications at a duly noticed Pre-Proposal Conference or oral presentation, or with the County's designated representative noted in the Competitive Procurement documents.

Contract means the legally enforceable document agreed to and signed by the County and successful Respondent(s) (collectively referred to as the “Parties”), a draft Contract is attached hereto as Appendix D and incorporated herein.

County means the Wakulla Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and its employees.

RFQ means this document, its attachments and any document hereinafter incorporated by reference.

Local Business means a business that has a current business tax receipt issued by Wakulla County, if required, and has its principal office located within Wakulla County currently and for the six (6) month period immediately preceding submission of a response to a Competitive Procurement.

Notice to Proceed (NTP) Authorization/letter that will inform the Contractor of the date that Contractor can start work. NTP start date will be calculated Fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of the Notice to Award.

Successful Respondent means a Respondent who is Awarded a Contract as result of the Proposal submitted in response to this RFQ.

Payment Bond means a bond which assures that the subcontractors, laborers, and material suppliers will receive payment for the services and products used to fulfill the contract and is due Fifteen (15) days after execution of Contract by the Board of County Commissioners for Wakulla County.

Performance Bond means a bond to assure satisfactory performance of the terms of the contract and is due Fifteen (15) days after execution of Contract by the Board of County Commissioners for Wakulla County

Work or SOW means the scope of work and/or services.

9.2 Florida Public Records Law and Confidentiality

9.2.1. By submitting a Proposal in response to this RFQ, a Respondent acknowledges that the

County is a governmental entity subject to the Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). The Respondent further acknowledges that any materials or documents provided to the County may be “public records” and, as such, may be subject to disclosure to, and copying by, the public unless otherwise specifically exempt by Law.

9.2.2 Should the Respondent provide the County with any materials which it believes, in good faith, contain information that would be exempt from disclosure or copying under Florida Law; the Respondent shall indicate that belief by typing or printing, in bold letters, the phrase “PROPRIETARY INFORMATION” on the face of each affected page of such materials. The Respondent shall submit to the County both a complete copy of such

INTENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

material and a redacted copy in which the exempt information on each affected page, and only such exempt information, has been rendered unreadable. In the event a Respondent fails to submit both copies of such material, the copy submitted will be deemed a public record subject to disclosure and copying regardless of any annotations to the contrary on the face of such document or any page(s) thereof.

9.2.3 Should any person request to examine or copy any material so designated and provided the affected Respondent has otherwise fully complied with this provision, the County, in reliance on the representations of the Respondent, will produce for that person only the redacted version of the affected materials. If the person requests to examine or copy the complete version of the affected material, the County shall notify the Respondent of that request, and the Respondent shall reply to such notification, in writing that must be received by the County no later than 4:00 p.m., EST, of the County business day following Respondent’s receipt of such notification, either permitting or refusing to permit such disclosure or copying.

9.2.4 Failure to provide a timely written reply shall be deemed consent to disclosure and copying of the complete copy of such material If the Respondent refuses to permit disclosure or copying, the Respondent agrees to, and shall, hold harmless and indemnify the County for all expenses, costs, damages, and penalties of any kind whatsoever which may be incurred by the County, or assessed or awarded against the County, in regard to the County’s refusal to permit disclosure or copying of such material. If litigation is filed in relation to such request and the Respondent is not initially named as a party, the Respondent shall promptly seek to intervene as a defendant in such litigation to defend its claim regarding the confidentiality of such material This provision shall take precedence over any provisions or conditions of any Proposal submitted by a Respondent in response to this RFQ and shall constitute the County’s sole obligation with regard to maintaining confidentiality of any document, material, or information submitted to the County.

9.3 Procurement Challenges

Any Respondent who desires to formally protest shall follow the procedures outlined in the Wakulla County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2 –Administration, Article 6 – Section 2.255(f) – Competitive Procurements, which is incorporated by reference.

9.4 Construction and Venue

The validity, construction, and effect of this RFQ and subsequent Contract shall be governed by the Laws of the State of Florida. The provisions of the RFQ, Successful Respondent’s Proposal and subsequent Contract shall be complied with by the Parties, but only to the extent they are consistent with applicable law and the Contract In the event of an inconsistency, the Order of Precedence shall be followed:

a. Laws of Florida and Contract

b. RFQ and all of its addendums and attachments

c. Successful firm’s Proposal

Venue for all actions arising under the RFQ and subsequent Contract shall lie in Wakulla County, Florida, United States.

9.5 Contract

9.5.1 The Successful Respondent will be required to enter into the Contract with the County and will be required to perform the Work in accordance with the Contract terms and conditions. The Draft Contract is attached hereto as Appendix B and incorporated herein by reference.

9.5.2 Any exceptions to the proposed Contract must be noted in Proposal Form No. 15. The

County is under no obligation to modify the proposed Contract to conform to the Successful Respondent’s Contract exceptions. Contingent Proposals will not be accepted.

If acceptance of the Contract Award is contingent on an exception and modification to the Contract, the Respondent must provide this information to the County at the time of submission of Proposal questions, as outlined in the Schedule of Events in order to obtain a determination from the County regarding the proposed exception. If a Respondent’s exception and modification are rejected by the County during the Proposal question portion of the Proposal process and the Respondent later submits a Proposal, Respondent shall be deemed to have accepted this Contract provision.

9.6 Insurance Requirements

9.6.1 Insurance Verification Requirements – See Appendix B, Article 14.

Insurance shall be underwritten by insurers having a Best’s Rating of A and Financial Size Category of VIII or higher, or by such other insurers as shall be acceptable to the Company in its sole discretion. In addition, a certificate of the issuance of each such insurance policy shall be delivered to the County prior to the commencement of performance of any Work. Such certificate shall contain an agreement by the insurance company issuing the policy that the policy will not be canceled, terminated, or modified without thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to the County. At least two weeks prior to the expiration of the original policy or any renewal thereof, a new certificate of the renewal of such insurance shall be delivered to the County.

9.6.2 Bond Requirements – Performance and Payment Bonds (NOT APPLICABLE)

A Performance and Payment Bond issued in a sum equal to one-hundred (100%) percent of the total awarded Contract amount by a surety company considered satisfactory by the County and otherwise authorized to transact business in the State of Florida will be required from the successful Respondent for purposes of insuring the faithful performance of the obligations imposed by the resulting Proposal and for purposes of protecting the County from lawsuits for non- payment of debts as might be incurred during the successful Respondent's performance under such Contract. When applicable, the performance and payment bond form will be included in the Contract Documents and said form must be properly executed by the surety company and successful Respondent within fifteen (15) calendar days after notification by the County of the County's intent to award the Contract.

If, within fifteen (15) calendar days after notification by the County of the County's intent to award a Contract, the successful Respondent refuses or otherwise neglects to execute the required written Contract or fails to furnish the required Performance and Payment Bond, the amount of

INTENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

the Respondent's Proposal security (check or Proposal Bond) shall be forfeited and the same shall be retained by the County. No plea of mistake in the Proposal or misunderstanding of the conditions of forfeiture shall be available to the Respondent for the recovery of his/her/its Proposal security or as a defense to any action based upon the neglect or refusal to execute a written Contract Agreement.

9.6.3 Non-Appropriation of Funds

In the event no funds or insufficient funds are appropriated and budgeted by the County or are otherwise unavailable for fulfilling the requirements of the Contract, the obligations of the County shall terminate on the last day of the fiscal period for which appropriations are received, without penalty or expense to the County of any kind whatsoever. County will immediately notify the Contractor or its assignee of such occurrence. In the event of such termination, the County agrees to peaceably surrender possession of the equipment to the Contractor or its assignee on the date of such termination to the extent that such equipment has not been paid for by the County. The Contractor will be responsible for packing all equipment and any freight charges.

The County will not cancel if any funds are appropriated to it, or by it, for the acquisition, retention or operation of the equipment or other equipment performing similar functions for the current fiscal period in which the termination occurs or the next succeeding fiscal period thereafter and that it will not, during the funding period, give priority to other functionally similar equipment or services.

The Contractor shall covenant and agree to indemnify and hold County harmless against any loss, damage liability, cost, penalty or expense, including attorney's fees, which it is not otherwise agreed to by the County in the equipment Contract and which is incurred and arises upon a failure of the County to appropriate funds in the manner described herein for a continuation of the Contract or exercise of the option to purchase the equipment.

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INTENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

APPENDIX A

LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT

APPENDIX A – LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT

LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT

WAKULLA COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

INVITATION TO BID NUMBER: RFQ 2026-09

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR WAKULLA GARDENS STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE

ADVERTISEMENT BEGIN DATE: MAY 7, 2026

RELEASE DATE: MAY 7, 2026

BIDS DUE TO BOCC: JUNE 8, 2026 @ 3:00 PM EST

Sealed bids will be received at the office of the Board of County Commissioners, 3093 Crawfordville Highway, Crawfordville, FL 32327; until 3:00 P.M., Local Time, on June 8, 2026, at which time the bids will be opened and read aloud. Bids received after the deadline will not be accepted.

The principal feature of this procurement by the County is known as PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR WAKULLA GARDENS STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE. The specifications of this procurement are stated in RFQ 2026-09.

The RFQ and any addenda issued will be posted to the County’s Website at www.mywakulla.com or can be obtained by contacting the County Procurement Office at 850-926-0919 or Procurement@mywakulla.com.

All technical inquiries and clarification requests shall be submitted in writing to the Procurement Office located at the Wakulla County BOCC or Procurement@mywakulla.com in accordance with the RFQ.

Verbal clarifications will not be provided.

A person or affiliate who has been placed on the convicted vendor list following a conviction for a public entity crime may not submit a bid on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity, may not submit a bid on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work, may not submit bids 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 http://www.mywakulla.com/

APPENDIX A – LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT

in Section 287.017, Florida Statutes, for CATEGORY TWO ($35,000) for a period of 36 months from the date of being placed on the convicted vendor list.

The Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners reserves the right to waive informalities in any bid;

reject any or all proposals, in whole or in part; re-bid a project, in whole or in part; and to accept a proposal that in its judgment is the lowest and best bid of a responsible bidder. In accepting a bid, Wakulla County may award a contract based only on the base bid, the base bid plus all alternates, or the base bid plus any alternates which Wakulla County selects -- with all decisions being made based upon what Wakulla County believes to be the best interests of its ratepayers, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion. Wakulla County further reserves the right to increase or decrease quantities as may be required to meet the needs of Wakulla County, at the unit price which was bid.

Wakulla County is an Equal Opportunity Employer MBE/WBE businesses are encouraged to participate

Wakulla County strictly enforces open and fair competition

Wakulla County does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, marital status and disability/handicapped status in employment or provision of service.

ADA – Special Accommodations: Any person requiring accommodations by the County due to a disability should call the Purchasing Office at 850-926-0919 at least five (5) days prior to any pre-response conference, response opening, or meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the County Purchasing Office by the Florida Relay Service, which can be reached at 1-800-955-8771 (TDD).

INTENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

APPENDIX B

DRAFT CONTRACT

APPENDIX B – DRAFT CONTRACT

CONTRACT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

This Contract is made and entered into this ________ day of _________, 2026, by and between THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WAKULLA COUNTY, FLORIDA (“BOARD”), a political subdivision of the State of Florida, located at 3093 Crawfordville Highway, Crawfordville, Florida 32327, and ___________________________________________ whose principal place of business is at _________________________ (the “Consultant”), whose Federal I.D. number is ______________________, and Unique Entity Identifier number is ______________________, in connection with Wakulla County Request for Qualifications No.

2026-09 and the professional services set forth therein.

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, the Board has pursued the professional services selection process contemplated under section 287.055, Florida Statutes; and

WHEREAS, after due review of the proposals, the Board selected a firm for professional consulting services; and

WHEREAS, Consultant is the firm selected; and

WHEREAS, Wakulla County (“County”) desires to obtain the professional consulting services of the Consultant through RFQ 2026-09 to provide planning, design, permitting, bid proposal preparation, and Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) services.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises herein, the Board and the Consultant agree as follows:

ARTICLE ONE

CONSULTANT’S RESPONSIBILITY

1.1. Consultant shall provide to County professional engineering consulting services for the duration of the Contract.

1.2. The Basic Services required under this Contract to be performed by Consultant shall be those set forth in Article Two for identified County projects (“Project”).

1.3. The basis of compensation to be paid Consultant by the County for Services is set forth in Article Five and Exhibit A, “Basis of Compensation” which is attached hereto and incorporated herein.

1.4. The Consultant agrees to obtain and maintain throughout the period of this Contract all such licenses as are required to do business in the State of Florida, including, but not limited to, all licenses required by the respective state boards, and other governmental agencies responsible for regulating and licensing the professional services to be provided and performed by the Consultant pursuant to this Contract.

1.5. The Consultant agrees that, when the services to be provided hereunder relate to a professional service which, under Florida Statutes, requires a license, certificate of authorization or other form of legal entitlement to practice such services, it shall employ and/or retain only qualified personnel to provide such services.

1.6. Consultant agrees that the Project Manager for the term of this Contract shall be:

The Consultant agrees that the Project Manager shall devote whatever time is required to satisfactorily manage the services to be provided and performed by the Consultant hereunder.

The person selected by the Consultant to serve as the Project Manager shall be subject to the prior approval and acceptance of the County, such approval or acceptance shall not be unreasonably withheld.

1.7 Consultant shall notify the County in the event of key personnel changes, which might affect this Agreement. To the extent possible, notification shall be made within ten (10) days prior to changes. Consultant at County's request shall remove without consequence to the County any subcontractor or employee of the Consultant and replace him/her with another employee having the required skill and experience. County has the right to reject proposed changes in key personnel. The following personnel shall be considered key personnel:

Name: ____________________

Name: ____________________

1.8. Consultant agrees, within fourteen (14) calendar days of receipt of a written request from the County, to promptly remove and replace from the project team the Project Manager, or any other personnel employed or retained by the Consultant, or any subconsultants or subcontractors or any personnel of any such subconsultants or subcontractors engaged by the Consultant to provide and perform services or work pursuant to the requirements of this Contract, whom the County shall request in writing to be removed, which request may be made by the County with or without cause.

1.9. The Consultant has represented to the County that it has expertise in the type of professional services that will be required for the Project. The Consultant agrees that all services to be provided by Consultant pursuant to this Contract shall be subject to the County's review and approval and shall be in accordance with the generally accepted standards of professional practice in the State of Florida, as well as in accordance with all published laws, statutes, ordinances, codes, rules, regulations and requirements of any governmental agencies which regulate or have jurisdiction over the Project or the services to be provided and performed by Consultant hereunder. In the event of any conflicts in these requirements, the Consultant shall notify the County of such conflict and utilize its best professional judgment to advise County regarding resolution of the conflict. At the County’s request, Consultant shall, at no additional cost to County, re-perform services which fail to satisfy the foregoing standard of care or otherwise fail to meet the requirement of this Agreement.

1.10. Consultant agrees not to divulge, furnish or make available to any third person, firm or organization, without County's prior written consent, or unless incident to the proper performance of the Consultant's obligations hereunder, or in the course of judicial or legislative proceedings where such information has been properly subpoenaed, any non-public information concerning the services to be rendered by Consultant hereunder, and Consultant shall require all of its employees, agents, subconsultants and subcontractors to comply with the provisions of this paragraph.

1.11. Evaluations of the County's adopted capital improvement budget, preliminary estimates of construction cost and detailed estimates of construction cost prepared by the Consultant represent the Consultant's best judgment as a design professional familiar with the construction industry. The Consultant cannot and does not guarantee that bids or negotiated prices will not vary from any estimate of construction cost or evaluation prepared or agreed to by the Consultant. Notwithstanding anything above to the contrary, Consultant shall revise and modify Construction Documents and assist in the rebidding of the work at no additional cost to County, if all responsive and responsible bids exceed the estimates of construction costs prepared by Consultant.

1.12. Consultant shall not be responsible for means, methods, techniques, sequences or procedures of construction selected by contractors or the safety precautions and programs incident to the work of contractors.

ARTICLE TWO

BASIC AND ADDITIONAL SERVICES OF CONSULTANT

As authorized or required by the County, Consultant shall furnish or obtain from others Basic Services of the types listed in this Article Two. These services will be paid for by the County as indicated in Article Five and Exhibit A. The following Section 2.1, is considered Basic Services and Section 2.2 is considered Additional Services:

2.1. Design Studies and Reports.

Consultant shall:

a. Consult with County to define and clarify County’s requirements for the Project and available data.

b. Advise County as to the necessity of County obtaining from Consultant Additional Services described in Article Two of this Agreement, including, but not limited to probing, subsurface explorations, special permits, or other similar investigations.

c. Identify, consult with, and analyze requirements of County to approve the portions of the Project designed or specified by Consultant, including but not limited to mitigating measures identified in the environmental assessment.

d. Identify and evaluate all reasonable alternate solutions available to County and, after consultation with County, recommend to County those solutions which in Consultant’s judgment meet County’s requirements for the Project.

e. Prepare a preliminary Consulting Report (the “Report”) which will, as appropriate, contain schematic layouts, sketches, operation and maintenance costs, and conceptual design criteria with appropriate exhibits to indicate the agreed-to…