Addendum QA 1 Final.pdf

STATE OF FLORIDA

DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AFFAIRS

OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

RFP DLA- 2025.01

SERVICE OF PROCESS

ADDENDUM NO. 1

June 30, 2025

FAILURE TO FILE A PROTEST WITHIN THE TIME PRESCRIBED IN SECTION 120.57(3), FLORIDA STATUTES, OR FAILURE TO FILE A BOND OR OTHER SECURITYWITHIN THE TIME ALLOWED FOR FILING A BOND SHALL

CONSTITUTE A WAIVER OF PROCEEDINGS UNDER CHAPTER 120, FLORIDA STATUTES.

The purpose of this Addendum is to answer questions received in accordance with section 2.3, Questions, and amend parts of the Request for Proposal, as identified in Part A. In the event of a conflict between previously released information and the information contained in this Addendum, the information herein will control. The information included in this Addendum is incorporated and made part of this solicitation. Note: This Addendum No. 1 does not need to be returned with the Reply.

Deletions are indicated by “strikethrough”. Additions, updates, or replacements are indicated by highlighting.

Part A. Changes to the Request for Proposal

1. Page #14, Section 4, Scope of Work, Task 4.3.1.9.4 is deleted and revised as follows:

Spousal Substitute Service: Substitute service may be made on the spouse of the individual to be served at any place in the county, if the cause of action is not an adversary proceeding between the spouse and the individual to be served, if the spouse requests receipt of such substitute service, and if the spouse and the individual to be served are residing together in the same dwelling. In all instances, substitute service shall be made according to all applicable rules and statutes, especially Section 48.031(2), Florida Statutes, providing the name of the person served to the OAG on the Affidavit or Proof of Service Form, without need for prior approval from the OAG.

Substitute service is not to be used in any action for termination of parental rights or in actions involving injunctive relief.

Part B. Questions and Answers

Contained herein are the responses to the questions submitted to the Department of Legal Affairs, Office of the Attorney General (OAG) for RFP DLA-2025.0, Service of Process.

# QUESTION ANSWER

1.

1. If service is required by statute to include a witness fee check, are we permitted to charge a separate fee for issuing and providing this check, in addition to the standard service of process fee? Yes.

2.

When multiple addresses are provided by the OAG, as referenced in section 4.3.1.8.3, will the OAG provide direction on the order of attempts or should all addresses be attempted simultaneously? Yes, you will receive specific directions from that requestor.

3.

Several jurisdictions in Florida are currently not appointing new private process servers, requiring us to utilize local sheriff. How does the OAG intend to handle these situations?

Service should be requested by the OAG directly to the sheriff’s office in those jurisdictions. Should the vendor receive a request in those jurisdictions, it should be returned with that information to the requesting individual.

4.

For counties (such as the 11 that do not maintain a formal process server appointment program) where service requires a motion and order, how does the OAG plan to manage or assist with these steps?

OAG will file the motion and provide an order to the vendor once issued by the court. Vendor would need to provide necessary information for the motion to be prepared.

5.

Section 4.3.1.9.4 appears to omit the language from Florida Statute 48.031(2)(a) regarding service upon a spouse if they request it or if they are a party to the action. Was this omission intentional, or will that language be included? No, see Section A. above.

6.

Does the OAG allow John Doe or Jane Doe service (commonly referred to as “drop service”) in cases where the individual has been identified and all statutory requirements for substitute service have been satisfied, provided that a complete narrative is included explaining the circumstances?

We are unable to provide a direct answer as it would be based on the narrative received at that time.

7.

If our firm locates a new address during the course of an attempted service and submits it to the OAG, should we immediately non-serve the original address and wait for a new service request to be issued?

Coordinate with and obtain written authorization from OAG regarding new address to serve. No new request required by

OAG.

8.

Does the OAG support or permit the use of a Universal Trading Platform (UTP) service that allows integration between our system and your Case Management Software (CMS) for seamless data exchange?

There is no UTP service connection to our Case Management System.

FAILURE TO FILE A PROTEST WITHIN THE TIME PRESCRIBED IN SECTION 120.57(3), FLORIDA STATUTES, OR FAILURE TO FILE A BOND OR OTHER SECURITYWITHIN THE TIME ALLOWED FOR FILING A BOND SHALL CONSTITUTE A WAIVER OF PROCEEDINGS UNDER CHAPTER 120, FLORIDA STATU...