Attachment E_Financial Controls Form.pdf

This is a Financial Control/Risk Assessment form for RFP #25-02, issued by the Florida Department of Citrus for a South Korean Marketing and Trade Representative contract. The solicitation seeks proposals from qualified vendors to manage trade representation and promotional programs for Florida Grapefruit, Grapefruit Juice, and Florida Orange Juice in South Korea. The contract encompasses marketing, public relations, advertising, and market research activities targeting consumers, media, trade partners, and foodservice operators. The initial contract term runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with a potential optional three-year renewal period. Proposals are due February 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST at the Florida Department of Citrus headquarters in Bartow, Florida, submitted as three hard copies and one USB flash drive. An Intent to Award will be posted on March 23, 2026, with official contract award set for July 1, 2026.

The financial control assessment carries 5 points within the 100-point evaluation criteria and requires vendors to demonstrate financial stability through three key areas: regular publication of financial statements with client availability; engagement of external accounting firms to audit annual financial statements and review internal control systems with documented reporting; and demonstrated capacity to pay third-party vendors with reimbursement from the Florida Department of Citrus within 30 days. The total available budget for this contract is approximately $1.3 million, divided between $600,000 for grapefruit products and $700,000 for orange juice promotional activities. Vendors will be compensated upon invoice submission with supporting documentation, with a one percent transaction fee assessed through the MyFloridaMarketPlace system.