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City of Port St. Lucie

20260242

DESIGN CRITERIA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR SW CALIFORNIA

CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT: PHASE 1

RELEASE DATE: July 2, 2026

RESPONSE DEADLINE: July 30, 2026, 3:00 pm

Please refer to the project timeline in this document for all important deadlines.

Request For Qualification (RFQu) #20260242 Title: Design Criteria Professional Services for SW California Corridor Improvements Project: Phase 1

Table Of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Scope of Work

3. Instructions to Proposers

4. General Insurance

5. Certifications

6. Proposal Evaluation, Negotiations, and Award

7. Scoring Criteria

8. Contract Terms and Conditions

9. List of RFQu Documents

10. Vendor Submission Requirements and Attestations

Attachments:

A - 20260242_Attachment_A_Sample_Contract

B - California Corridor Phase 1 Proposed Typical Sections

Title: Design Criteria Professional Services for SW California Corridor Improvements Project: Phase 1

1. Introduction

1.1. Purpose of Procurement

Pursuant to the Port St. Lucie City Code of Ordinance, Section 35.07, and Section 287.055, Florida Statutes (Consultants’ Competitive Negotiations Act), the City of Port St. Lucie, a Florida Municipal corporation (“City”), is requesting Proposals from qualified firms to provide Design Criteria Professional Services for SW California Corridor Improvements Project: Phase 1.

This electronic Request for Qualifications (RFQu) has been developed to solicit responses from consulting firms (or teams of firms) proven to be qualified and experienced in Design Criteria Professional Services.

A descriptive overview of the City can be found at About PSL | City of Port St. Lucie, FL (cityofpsl.com). Please visit the City’s website to familiarize yourself with how our city is structured and operates. Please contact the Issuing Officer with any questions.

1.2. Overview of the RFQu Process

The objective of the RFQu is to select a qualified Proposer (as defined by Section 1 – “Purpose of Procurement”) to provide the services outlined in this RFQu to the City. This RFQu process will be conducted to gather and evaluate responses from Proposers for potential award. All qualified Proposers are invited to participate by submitting responses, as further defined below. After evaluating all Proposers’ responses received prior to the closing date of this RFQu and following negotiations (if any) and resolution of any contract exceptions, the preliminary results of the RFQu process will be publicly announced (or posted) to the electronic bidding system, to include the names of all participating Proposers and the evaluation results. Subject to the protest process, final Contract award(s) will be publicly announced thereafter.

NOTE TO PROPOSERS: The general instructions and provisions of this document have been drafted with the expectation that the City may desire to make one award or multiple awards. For example, this document contains phrases such as “contract(s)” and “award(s).” Please refer to Section 1.1 – “Purpose of Procurement,” and Section 6 – “Proposal Evaluation, Negotiations, and Award,” for information concerning the number of Contract awards expected.

1.3. Schedule of Events

The Schedule of Events set out herein represents the City’s best estimate of the schedule that will be followed.

However, delays to the procurement process may occur, which may necessitate adjustments to the proposed schedule. If a component of this schedule, such as the close date, is delayed, the rest of the schedule may be shifted as appropriate. Any changes to the dates up to the closing date of the RFP will be publicly posted prior to the closing date of this RFQu. After the close of the RFQu, the City reserves the right to adjust the remainder of the proposed dates, including the dates for evaluation, negotiations, award, and the Contract term, on an as-needed basis, with or without notice.

Release of RFQu: July 2, 2026 https://library.municode.com/fl/port_st._lucie/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIIIAD_CH35FIPU_S35.07FOBIPR http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0200-0299/0287/Sections/0287.055.html https://www.cityofpsl.com/Government/Discover-Us/About-PSL

Title: Design Criteria Professional Services for SW California Corridor Improvements Project: Phase 1

Pre-Proposal Meeting (Non- Mandatory):

July 9, 2026, 4:00pm

Port St. Lucie City Hall, Bldg. A 121 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd.

Port St. Lucie, FL 34984 Room #390 - OMB Office 3rd Floor

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/2 32482558275921?p=3qgA7FoMYtDqH

LAN8G

Meeting ID: 232 482 558 275 921 Passcode: 4pV3AU6U

Dial in by phone +1 561-437-3554,,264344855# Phone conference ID: 264 344 855#

Question Submission Deadline: July 17, 2026, 5:00pm

Question Response Deadline: July 23, 2026, 3:00pm

Response Submission Deadline: July 30, 2026, 3:00pm

The City reserves the right to proceed to award without further discussions after receipt of the initial proposals, in which case, evaluation committee reviews, negotiations, and proposal revisions may not be required.

1.4. Official Issuing Officer (Procuring Agent)

Nate Rubel, Procurement Assistant Director

Office: 772-344-4230 nrubel@cityofpsl.com

1.5. Definition of Terms

Please review the following terms:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/232482558275921?p=3qgA7FoMYtDqHLAN8G https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/232482558275921?p=3qgA7FoMYtDqHLAN8G https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/232482558275921?p=3qgA7FoMYtDqHLAN8G

Title: Design Criteria Professional Services for SW California Corridor Improvements Project: Phase 1

Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act (“CCNA”) - Section of the Florida Statutes that governs the acquisition of professional architectural, engineering, landscape architectural, or surveying and mapping services. See section 287.055, Florida Statutes.

Consultant(s) - companies desiring to do business with the City (Also called “Engineer,” “Bidder,” “Proposer,” “Firm,” or “Offeror.”)

City of Port St. Lucie (“City”) - the governmental entity identified in Section 1.1 - “Purpose of Procurement," of this RFQu.

Contract - agreement entered into between City and the awarded Proposer.

Immaterial Deviation - does not give the Proposer a substantial advantage over other Proposers.

Material Deviation - gives the Proposer a substantial advantage over other Proposers and thereby restricts or prevents competition.

Procurement Management Division (“PMD”) - The City department that is responsible for the review and possible sourcing of all publicly sourced solicitations.

Responsible – means the Proposer, has the financial and technical capacity to perform the requirements of the solicitation and subsequent Contract which will assure good faith performance of the Contract.

Responsive – means the Proposer, whether a company or an individual, has submitted an offer which conforms in all material respects to the requirements set forth in the solicitation.

Sourcing Platform/Electronic Bidding System - OpenGov.

Any special terms or words which are not identified in the City’s RFQu Document may be identified separately in one or more attachments to the RFQu. Please download, save and carefully review all documents in accordance with the instructions provided in Section 3 – “Instructions to Proposers,” of this RFQu.

1.6. Contract Term

The Initial term of the contract is for one hundred twenty (120) calendar days from the execution date.

In the event that the contract(s), if any, resulting from the award of this RFQu shall terminate or be likely to terminate prior to the making of an award for a new contract for the identified products and/or services, the City may, with the written consent of the awarded Proposer(s), extend the contract(s) for such period of time as may be necessary to permit the City’s continued supply of the identified products and/or services. The contract(s) may be amended in writing from time to time by mutual consent of the parties. Unless this RFQu states otherwise, the resulting award of the contract(s) does not guarantee volume or a commitment of funds.

1.7. Hours of Service

The standard hours of work allowed in the City’s rights-of-way are from 7:00 a.m. to sundown Monday through Friday. Any work performed by the Consultant outside of the aforementioned time limit requires special authorization http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0200-0299/0287/Sections/0287.055.html

Title: Design Criteria Professional Services for SW California Corridor Improvements Project: Phase 1 by the City and requires that the Consultant obtain a noise permit from the Port St. Lucie Police Department (PSLPD). All equipment operated at night shall comply with the noise levels established by the City of Port St. Lucie noise ordinance. Any additional costs associated with work outside of the hours of work allowed shall be borne by the Consultant. This shall include, but is not limited to, costs of inspection, testing, police assistance, and construction administration.

All night, Saturday, Sunday, and/or Holiday work must be authorized by the City and requires that the Consultant obtain a noise permit from the PSLPD. All night work within the City’s rights-of-way requires a minimum forty-eight

(48) hour prior notice to the City. This clause shall not pertain to crews organized to perform maintenance work on equipment or to operate and maintain special equipment such as dewatering pumps, which may be required to work twenty-four (24) hours per day.

Title: Design Criteria Professional Services for SW California Corridor Improvements Project: Phase 1

2. Scope of Work

2.1. Scope of Work

DESIGN CRITERIA PACKAGE

Scope of Services

SW California Corridor Improvements Project – Phase I From St. Lucie West Boulevard to 1,000 LF South of Crosstown Parkway City of Port St. Lucie – Public Works Department

The City of Port St. Lucie is seeking qualifications and proposals from a licensed engineering firm to prepare a Design Criteria Package ("DCP"), including conceptual roadway design plans for the California Corridor Widening Project, Phase 1. This plan set shall utilize sub-surface utility engineering (SUE), preliminary permitting, survey, and geotechnical information and will serve as the basis of a DCP. The DCP shall include, but may not be limited to:

roadway widening, intersection improvements, drainage improvements, swale modifications, sidewalk, landscaping, utility adjustments, signage and striping. The limits of this project are SW California Boulevard, from St. Lucie West Boulevard to approximately 1,000 linear feet south of Crosstown Parkway. This project aims to enhance capacity and provide congestion management, while improving safety, multimodal connectivity, and overall corridor operations.

The selected firm will be responsible for developing preliminary engineering documents that define the technical requirements, design parameters, and project constraints necessary to support a future Design-Build procurement.

Services will include roadway geometry, typical sections, drainage concept design, utility conflict identification, and traffic analysis to support design decisions, right-of-way impact evaluation, permitting coordination, and preparation of supporting reports and exhibits.

The DCP must clearly establish the design intent and performance standards, ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements. The Consultant will work closely with City staff and stakeholders to refine project limits, confirm assumptions, and ensure the DCP is comprehensive, accurate, and ready for procurement.

Purpose of the Procurement

The purpose of this procurement is to secure an engineering Consultant to develop a DCP that will define technical requirements, reduce design risk, and enable the City to solicit a competitive and well-informed Design-Build team.

Project Overview

• In 2017, residents in St. Lucie County approved a Half-Cent Sales Tax referendum. The California Widening project from St. Lucie West Blvd. to south of Crosstown Parkway was included in the list of priority projects.

• Half-Cent Sales Tax funding for design is programmed in FY25/26.

• This project was prioritized for improvements due to the increased traffic volumes using this corridor for north to south movements.

• Manatee Academy (K-8) is a public school located near the intersection of SW California Blvd. and SW Heatherwood Blvd; school traffic significantly increases congestion in the morning/afternoon drop off and release times.

• Project planning began in 2021; conceptual exhibits were created and shared with residents at initial public outreach events in 2023. Proposed Typical Sections are included in this solicitation for reference as Attachment B. A four-lane divided roadway is anticipated.

Title: Design Criteria Professional Services for SW California Corridor Improvements Project: Phase 1

• The California Corridor Program will consist of three phases:

o Phase 1 is indicated in this solicitation;

o Phase 2 limits begin south of Crosstown Parkway to east of Del Rio Blvd. (to the east of Savona). Federal Appropriation dollars have been programmed to support a Planning, Development & Environmental (PD&E) study, scheduled tentatively for FY2027. (not applicable to this solicitation);

o Phase 3 limits begin Del Rio Blvd. (east of Savona) to Cameo Blvd. Federal Appropriation dollars to support a Planning, Development & Environmental (PD&E) study have been applied for and are currently under consideration at the State level. (not applicable to this solicitation).

Scope of Work

The project shall generally be defined and described as providing Professional Consultant and Design Engineering Services for the California Corridor Widening Project: Phase 1. The proposed roadway improvements are as follows:

• California Blvd. from St. Lucie West Blvd. to approximately 1,000 linear feet south of Crosstown Parkway o Widen roadway to four-lane divided configuration o Add 8’- 12’ multi-modal and/or shared-use path options for both east and west side of California Blvd.

o Analyze the intersection of SW Heatherwood and SW California Blvd. to make a recommendation for improvements; considerations for construction of a roundabout o Conduct lighting analysis and LED roadway lighting installations, as needed o Evaluate and Analyze need for subsurface utility locations (SUE) o Evaluate stormwater conveyance and drainage systems including treatment and attenuation upgrades, side-drain replacements, inlets, storage, as needed o Evaluate swale modifications, landscaping needs, signing, pavement marking, and channelization

The engineering services shall include all survey, geotechnical, utility exploration including SUE locations, traffic analysis, and preliminary permitting identification work associated with a DCP. Preliminary analysis of roadway improvements including, but not limited to, roadway widening, intersection improvements, mast arm & signal improvements or removal and replacement, pedestrian and multi-modal improvements, signal adjustments and crosswalks, drainage modifications, utility relocations, permitting, sketch & legal of property acquisition (if necessary), and minimal “post design” support prior to the solicitation for a Design-Build Firm.

The engineer shall prepare a deliverable package for a set of design criteria plans in accordance with the FDOT Design Manual and City of Port St. Lucie Engineering Standards for Land Development. The design shall follow the FDOT design criteria set forth in the Standard Specifications, Roadside Design Guide, and the Manual of Uniform Minimum Standards for Design, Construction, and Maintenance of Standard Streets (Florida Green Book). Additional criteria from the AASHTO A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets and Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE) Traffic Engineering Handbook may be applicable. The Design Criteria Plans shall include cross sections at a minimum of 100-foot intervals as well as plan and profile views.

Within the Scope of Work, the City anticipates the following nine (9) tasks will be required. These tasks are not necessarily provided in order. It is up to the selected Consultant to properly sequence the work for timely completion of all tasks, which includes working on the tasks in the order the Consultant sees fit and may require work to be performed on multiple tasks concurrently.

Task 1 - Project Management & Coordination Meetings, schedules, stakeholder engagement, QA/QC expectations.

Task 2 - Data Collection & Review Survey, utility mapping, crash data, traffic counts, environmental screening.

Title: Design Criteria Professional Services for SW California Corridor Improvements Project: Phase 1

Task 3 - Roadway Conceptual & Preliminary Design Typical sections, horizontal/vertical geometry, widening transitions, right-of-way needs.

Task 4 - Drainage & Water Quality Conceptual drainage system improvements, preliminary calculations, conveyance routes, stormwater criteria.

Task 5 - Traffic Engineering Operational analysis, intersection control evaluation, turn lane requirements.

Task 6 - Utilities Conflict matrix, coordination documentation, subsurface utility engineering expectations.

Task 7 - Preliminary Environmental, Permitting & Agency Coordination FDOT, SFWMD, FDEP, St. Lucie Water Services District, utility agencies.

Task 8 - Preliminary Design Criteria Plans

The consultant shall provide the City with a set of Design Criteria Plans documents for review. The Design Criteria Plans shall be prepared on 11” x 17” size format and comply with the City and FDOT Design Standards criteria.

The City will have a 10-business day period to review and provide comments. The Design Criteria Plan submittal shall include:

o Key Sheet (preliminary) o General Notes (preliminary) o Summary of Pay Items Sheet (preliminary) o Typical Sections (preliminary) o Project Layout Sheets (preliminary) o Plan Sheets @ 40 scale (preliminary) o Profile Sheets @ 40 scale (preliminary) o Intersection Crossing Detail Sheets (preliminary) o Cross Sections @ 100’ intervals (preliminary) o Traffic Control Plans (preliminary)

Task 9 - Final Deliverable Package

The Consultant shall provide the City a Final Deliverable Package to include the following information:

o Final Design Criteria Plans o Design Criteria Package narrative o Engineer’s Cost Estimate commensurate with the development of the design criteria plan information o Final Geotechnical Report o Final Survey Report o Final Sub-Surface Utility Engineering Report with Utility Conflict Matrix o Quality Assurance checklist, log, documentation o Traffic Analysis Memorandum (as needed) o Right-of-way impact sketches (as needed) o Design assumptions and deviation log

Required Design Standards & References

The following design and engineering standards and references should be utilized in the preparation of all project deliverables:

• FDOT Design Manual (FDM)

• FDOT Traffic Engineering Manual (TEM)

Title: Design Criteria Professional Services for SW California Corridor Improvements Project: Phase 1

• FDOT Standard Plans

• Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)

• City of Port St. Lucie Engineering Standards Manual

• SFWMD Environmental Resource Permit guidelines

Stakeholder Coordination Expectations

As this project is included in the 10-year Half Cent Sales Tax program, public and private stakeholder engagement will be required. Since this widening project will likely affect the drainage and utility systems, please note the following:

• A pre-design coordination meeting will be expected immediately following contract execution to ensure all stakeholders are aligned with the intent for the preparation of a Design Criteria Package.

• Early coordination with permitting and utility agencies is critical to the success of this Design Criteria Package preparation.

• A public meeting and/or one-on-one meetings with City Council members and the City Manager’s Office may be required.

Project Schedule

This Contract will allow for a 120-day term. The City requires a 10-business day review period for submittals. City comments will be provided back to the Consultant with expectation that comments will be addressed prior to the final deliverable(s).

Qualifications and Statutory Requirements The DCP and Consultant shall meet all requirements under section 287.055, including, but not limited to:

1. The DCP shall comply with the definition of a “design criteria package,” which means concise, performance-oriented drawings or specifications of the public construction project. The purpose of the design criteria package is to furnish sufficient information to permit design-build firms to prepare a bid or a response to an agency's request for proposal, or to permit an agency to enter into a negotiated design-build contract. The design criteria package must specify performance-based criteria for the public construction project, including the legal description of the site, survey information concerning the site, interior space requirements, material quality standards, schematic layouts and conceptual design criteria of the project, cost or budget estimates, design and construction schedules, site development requirements, provisions for utilities, stormwater retention and disposal, and parking requirements applicable to the project.

2. The Consultant shall qualify as a “design criteria professional,” which means a firm that is qualified under chapter 481 to practice architecture or landscape architecture or a firm who holds a current certificate as a registered engineer under chapter 471 to practice engineering and who is employed by or under contract to the agency for the providing of professional architect services, landscape architect services, or engineering services in connection with the preparation of the design criteria package.

3. The DCP must be prepared and sealed by a design criteria professional employed by or retained by the agency.

A design criteria professional who has been selected to prepare the design criteria package is not eligible to render services under a design-build contract executed pursuant to the design criteria package.

Title: Design Criteria Professional Services for SW California Corridor Improvements Project: Phase 1

3. Instructions to Proposers

This section contains general business requirements. By submitting a response, the Proposer is certifying its agreement to comply with all the identified requirements of this section and that all costs for complying with these general business requirements are included in the Proposer’s submitted pricing.

By submitting a response to the RFQu, the Proposer is acknowledging that the Proposer:

1. Has read the information and instructions, and

2. Agrees to comply with the information and instructions contained herein.

3.1. General Information and Instructions

3.1.1 Familiarity with Laws and Regulations

It is the responsibility of responding Proposers to be familiar with all Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations, that may affect the work. Ignorance on the part of the Awarded Contractor will in no way relieve it from Contract responsibility.

3.1.2 Restrictions on Communicating with Staff/ Cone of Silence

From the issue date of this RFQu until the time of City Council's approval of the award or the City Manager's approval when proposal amount is below the required formal solicitation threshold (or the RFQu is officially canceled), Proposers are not allowed to communicate for any reason with any City staff or elected officials except through the Issuing Officer named herein, during the Bidders'/Offerors’ conference (if any), as defined in this RFQu, or as provided by existing work agreement(s). This is commonly known as a Cone of Silence during the procurement process as identified in the City Code of Ordinances, Section 35.13. Prohibited communication includes all contact or interaction, including but not limited to, telephonic communications, emails, faxes, letters, or personal meetings, such as lunch, entertainment, or otherwise. The City reserves the right to reject the response of any Proposer violating this provision. Further information on this topic can be found on the Cone of Silence and RFQu Communication Document.

3.1.3 Submitting Questions

All questions concerning this RFQu must be submitted in writing on the OpenGov Platform during the Question and Answer open period. Please select the Question and Answer tab in the RFQu project and click the "Ask Question" option. Once the question has been entered, select the "Submit Question" button. Enter a subject in the Subject field and then type the question in the Question field below. Once finished, select "Submit." No questions other than written will be accepted. No response other than written will be binding upon the City. All Proposers must submit questions by the deadline identified in the Schedule of Events for submitting questions. Proposers are cautioned https://library.municode.com/fl/port_st._lucie/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIIIAD_CH35FIPU_S35.13COSI

Title: Design Criteria Professional Services for SW California Corridor Improvements Project: Phase 1 that the City may or may not elect to entertain late questions or questions submitted by any other method than as directed by this section.

3.1.4 Attending Pre-Proposal Conference

The Pre-Proposal Conference or any other information session (if indicated in the Schedule of Events) will be held at the offices referred to in Section 1.3 - “Schedule of Events” of this RFQu.

Unless indicated otherwise, attendance is not mandatory, although Consultants are strongly encouraged to attend. However, in the event the conference has been identified as mandatory, then a representative of the Consultant must attend the conference in its entirety to be considered eligible for Contract award. The Consultant is strongly encouraged to allow ample travel time to ensure arrival in the conference meeting room prior to the beginning of any mandatory conference.

The City reserves the right to consider any representative arriving late to be “not in attendance.”

Therefore, all Consultants are strongly encouraged to arrive early to allow for unexpected travel contingencies.

3.1.5 The City's Right to Request Additional Information- Proposer's Responsibility

Prior to Contract award, the City must be assured that the selected Proposer has all the resources to successfully perform under the Contract. This includes, but is not limited to, adequate number of personnel with required skills, availability of appropriate equipment in sufficient quantity to meet the on-going needs of the City, financial resources sufficient to complete performance under the Contract, and experience in similar endeavors. If, during the evaluation process, the City is unable to assure itself of the Proposer’s ability to perform, if awarded, the City has the option of requesting from the Proposer any information deemed necessary to determine the Proposer’s responsibility. If such information is required, the Proposer will be notified and will be permitted approximately ten

(10) business days to submit the information requested.

3.1.6 Failing to Comply with Submission Instructions

Responses received after the identified due date and time or submitted by any other means than those expressly permitted by the RFQu will not be considered. Proposer's response must be complete in all respects, as required in each section of this RFQu.

3.1.7 Rejection of Proposals; The City's Right to Waive Immaterial Deviation

The City reserves the right to reject any or all responses, to waive any irregularity or informality in a Proposer’s response, and to accept or reject any item or combination of items, when to do so would be to the advantage of the City. The City reserves the right to waive mandatory requirements, provided that, all the otherwise Responsive proposals failed to meet the mandatory requirements and/or doing so does not otherwise materially affect the procurement of requested commodities and/or services. It is also within the right of the City to reject responses that do not contain all elements and information requested in this RFQu. A Proposer’s response will be rejected if the

Title: Design Criteria Professional Services for SW California Corridor Improvements Project: Phase 1 response contains any defect or irregularity and such defect or irregularity constitutes a Material Deviation from the RFQu requirements, which determination will be made by the City in its sole discretion and on a case-by-case basis.

NOTE: The City may not accept proposals from firms that have had adversarial relationships with the City or firms that have represented entities that have had adversarial relationships with the City. This includes the firm, employees and financial or legal interests. The City will not enter into a contract or conduct business with any firm or any personnel that is listed on the Federal, State, or other local government agencies' Excluded Parties List, Suspended List or Debarment List. Please see section 287.133, Florida Statutes, for further information regarding business transactions with companies that have been convicted of public entity crimes.

3.1.8 The City's Right to Amend and/or Cancel the RFQu

The City reserves the right to amend this RFQu. All revisions must be made in writing prior to the RFQu closing date and time. If a responding entity discovers any ambiguity, conflict, discrepancy, omission, or other error in the RFQu, it shall immediately notify the City of such error in writing and request modification or clarification of the document. Any modification made to this RFQu will be issued as an addendum. If a responding entity fails to notify the City prior to the date and time fixed for submission of an error or ambiguity in the RFQu known to it, or an error or ambiguity that reasonably should have been known to it, it shall not be entitled to additional time by reason of the error/ambiguity or its late resolution. By submitting a response, the Proposer shall be deemed to have accepted all terms and agreed to all requirements of the RFQu (including any revisions/additions made in writing prior to the close of the RFQu, whether or not such revision occurred prior to the time the Proposer submitted its response), unless expressly stated otherwise in the Proposer’s response. THEREFORE, EACH PROPOSER IS INDIVIDUALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR REVIEWING THE REVISED RFQu AND MAKING ANY NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE CHANGES AND/OR ADDITIONS TO THE PROPOSER’S RESPONSE PRIOR TO THE CLOSE OF THE RFQu. All Notice(s) to Proceed with Negotiations and/or Notice of Intent to Award (NOIAs) will be posted as referenced in Section 6.7 - “Public Award Announcement,” of this document. Finally, the City reserves the right to amend or cancel this RFQu at any time.

3.1.9 Assigning of the Contract & Use of Subcontractors

Except as may be expressly agreed to in writing by the City, Proposer shall not assign, sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of the awarded Contract or any portion thereof, or of the work provided for therein, or of its right, title, or interest therein, to any person, firm, or corporation without the prior written consent of the City.

3.1.10 Proposal of Additional Services

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0200-0299/0287/Sections/0287.133.html

Title: Design Criteria Professional Services for SW California Corridor Improvements Project: Phase 1

If a Proposer indicates an offer of services in addition to those required by and described in this RFQu, these additional services may be added to the original Contract at the sole discretion of the City.

3.1.11 Protest Process

Proposers should familiarize themselves with the procedures set forth in City Code of Ordinances, Section 35.15. By submitting a response to this RFQu, the Proposer certifies that it is on notice of Section 35.15, understands the procedures set forth therein, and acknowledges it is bound by the protest process therein.

3.1.12 Costs for Preparing Responses

Each Proposer’s response should be prepared simply and economically, avoiding the use of elaborate promotional materials beyond those sufficient to provide a complete presentation. The cost for developing the response and participating in the procurement process (including the protest process) is the sole responsibility of the Proposer. The City will not provide reimbursement for such costs.

3.1.13 Public Access to Procurement Records

Solicitation opportunities will be publicly advertised as required by City ordinances and state and federal laws. Any material that is submitted in response to this RFQu, including anything considered by the Proposer to be confidential or a trade secret, will become a public document pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. Any claim of confidentiality is waived upon submission, effective after the City’s opening of the proposals pursuant to section 119.07, Florida Statutes. Therefore, the Proposer is hereby cautioned NOT to submit any documents that the Proposer does not want to be made public. The City is allowed to assess a reasonable charge to defray the cost of reproducing documents. A City employee must be present during the time of onsite inspection of documents.

PLEASE NOTE: Even though information (financial or other information) submitted by a Proposer may be marked as "confidential," "proprietary," etc., the City will make its own determination regarding what information may or may not be withheld from disclosure. Proposers should review Chapter 119, Florida Statutes for all updates before requesting exceptions from Chapter 119.

3.2. Submittal Instructions

Submittal Instructions to Electronic Bidding System

Listed below are key action items related to this RFQu. The Schedule of Events Section identifies the dates and time for these key action items. This portion of the RFQu provides high-level instructions regarding the process for reviewing the RFQu, preparing a response to the RFQu, and submitting a response to the RFQu. Proposers are required to access, print and utilize the submittal instructions https://library.municode.com/fl/port_st._lucie/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIIIAD_CH35FIPU_S35.15BIPR http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0100-0199/0119/0119.html http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0100-0199/0119/0119ContentsIndex.html&StatuteYear=2019&Title=%2D%3E2019%2D%25http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0100-0199/0119/0119.html%20119 http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0100-0199/0119/0119ContentsIndex.html&StatuteYear=2019&Title=%2D%3E2019%2D%25http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0100-0199/0119/0119.html%20119

Title: Design Criteria Professional Services for SW California Corridor Improvements Project: Phase 1 identified in Section 3.2 of this RFQu to ensure the Proposer successfully submits a response to this RFQu.

3.2.1. RFP Released

The release of the RFQu is through the posting of this project in OpenGov, the City's Electronic Bidding System. Each Proposer interested in competing to win a Contract award must complete and submit a response to this RFQu in OpenGov. Therefore, each Proposer MUST carefully review the submittal instructions.

3.2.2. RFP Review

The RFQu 20260242 consists of the following: this document, entitled “Design Criteria Professional Services for SW California Corridor Improvements Project: Phase 1,” and any and all information included in the RFQu, as posted to OpenGov, including any and all documents provided by the City as attachments to the RFQu or links contained within the RFQu or its attached documents.

Please carefully review all information, including all documents available as attachments or available through links. Any difficulty accessing or opening provided links or documents should be reported immediately to the Issuing Officer.

3.2.3. Preparing a Response

When preparing a response, the Proposer must consider the following instructions:

1. Answer each question in sufficient detail for evaluation while using judgment with regards to the length of response.

2. Proofread your response and make sure it is accurate and readily understandable.

3. Label any and all uploaded files using the corresponding section numbers of the RFP as specified by the City.

4. Use caution in creating electronic files to be uploaded. If the City is unable to open an electronic file due to a virus or because the file has become corrupted, the Proposer’s response may be considered incomplete and disqualified from further consideration.

5. Use commonly accepted software programs to create electronic files. The City has the capability of viewing documents submitted in the following formats: Microsoft Office and portable document format file (PDF). Unless the RFQu specifically requests the use of another type of software or file format than those listed above, please contact the Issuing Officer, Nate Rubel, prior to utilizing another type of software and/or file format. In the event that the City is unable to open an electronic file because the City does not have ready access to the software utilized by the Proposer, the Proposer’s response will be considered incomplete and disqualified from further consideration.

Title: Design Criteria Professional Services for SW California Corridor Improvements Project: Phase 1

3.2.4. Reviewing, Revising, or Withdrawing a Submitted Response

After the response has been submitted, the Proposer may view and/or revise its response by logging into OpenGov. Please take note of the following:

1. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION. Upload in one file, the proposal response formatted as instructed in Section 3.3 - "Proposal Format" of this document. All proposals shall be submitted by completing and uploading all required documents. All submittals are required to be electronic. No hard copies will be accepted.

Upload the proposal including all required information, completed forms, and supporting documentation in the appropriate tabs onto OpenGov by the due date and time. Please permit adequate time to submit the response. Please note submission is not instantaneous and may be affected by several events, such as the Proposer temporarily losing a connection to the Internet.

2. REVIEW AND REVISE. Proposers may modify their submittal electronically via the City's Electronic Bidding System at any time prior to the scheduled due date and time for submission. In order to revise, the Proposer must navigate to their submitted response via the City's Electronic Bidding System and then click "Unsubmit Response." At this point, Proposer's response is no longer submitted. Proposer should make the changes required and promptly re-submit its response before the submission date and time.

3. WITHDRAW. Proposers may withdraw their submittal electronically via the Portal at any time prior to the scheduled due date and time for submission. In order to withdraw, the Proposer must navigate to their submitted proposal via the City's Electronic Bidding System and then click "Unsubmit Response". In the event a Proposer desires to withdraw its response after the closing date and time, the Proposer must submit a request in writing to the Issuing Officer.

3.3. Proposal Format

Instructions to Respondents

The Respondent’s proposal must be submitted in accordance with these instructions. Failure to follow these instructions may be cause for rejection of the proposal. For ease of review, submittals should be tabbed and divided in accordance with the sections outlined below with pages sequentially numbered. Submittals must be in a font no smaller than 11. Submittals should be concise, provide only the information requested, and adhere to the page limits if applicable set forth herein.

Proposals must include the following information in this order:

Title Page

Title: Design Criteria Professional Services for SW California Corridor Improvements Project: Phase 1

Title Page shall show the request for proposal’s subject, title, and proposal number; the Consultant's firm’s name; the name, address, and telephone number of a contact person; and the date of the proposal.

Table of Contents

The Table of Contents shall provide listing of all major topics, their associated section number, and starting page.

Tab 1 - Project Understanding (3 pages max.)

Demonstrate an understanding of the City’s goals for the California Phase 1 Widening Project - Design Criteria. Discuss potential challenges, opportunities, and key considerations that may influence the development of the Design Criteria Package (DCP), including any relevant site constraints or coordination requirements.

Tab 2 - Business Continuity and Stability (1 page max.)

Proposers must have at least five (5) years of continuous business operations with stable management, providing services similar to those requested in this RFQu. Include a brief statement confirming your current operational capacity to begin work on this project without delay or disruption, including any relevant staffing or resource considerations.

Tab 3 - Staff Qualifications and Experience (2 pages max. per resume; 10 resumes max.)

Provide detailed qualifications and relevant experience of the proposed key personnel, including any subconsultants who will work directly with the City.

• Describe each individual’s role on this project and indicate the percentage of time they are expected to commit.

• Include resumes that clearly outline roles, responsibilities, and any applicable professional licenses or certifications.

• Highlight relevant project experience that directly supports each team member’s ability to perform their assigned role.

The City expects that the personnel listed will be the individuals performing the work. Substitutions will not be permitted without prior written approval from the City’s Contract Coordinator.

Include an organizational chart showing the structure of the proposed team, including subconsultants. The chart should clearly identify:

• Key personnel and their respective roles on the project, including backup and supervisory roles.

• Firm affiliation, indicating whether each person is with the prime consultant or a subconsultant.

Title: Design Criteria Professional Services for SW California Corridor Improvements Project: Phase 1

• Lines of communication within the project team.

• The project team’s primary point of contact for the City staff correspondence.

Tab 4 - Design Criteria Package (DCP) Experience (3 pages max.)

Demonstrate experience and examples of preparing DCPs and developing RFQu scopes for design-build projects involving roadway construction.

Describe any experience your firm has in designing roadways through design, design-build, or construction services. Although this RFQu is for the preparation of a Design Criteria Package (DCP) and not for full roadway design itself, the City places value on practical experience with similar work Firms that have gone through the process of designing or building roadways are often better informed to anticipate challenges, understand user needs, and account for cost and planning considerations—resulting in a more effective and complete DCP.

Tab 5 - Relevant Project References (min. 3 references/max. 5 references; 2 pages max. per reference)

Provide references for similar projects completed within the last five (5) years. Preference will be given to proposers with governmental experience.

Each reference should include:

• Project name and brief description

• Location and dates of service

• Type of services provided

• Client contact name, phone number, and email

• Project costs, change orders, and percentages of design plans included in the DCP

Proposers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all contact information. Inaccurate or unverifiable references may not be considered.

Tab 6 - Understanding of Project Cost Factors (2 pages max.)

Demonstrate knowledge of current design and construction costs for roadways of comparable size and complexity. Demonstration should include final design cost estimates and comparison to initial construction contract costs.

Tab 7 - Project Approach and Timeline (2 pages max.)

Describe the intended approach for completing the DCP, including:

• Methodology

Title: Design Criteria Professional Services for SW California Corridor Improvements Project: Phase 1

• Coordination with City staff

• Anticipated timeline/schedule

Include Gantt Chart with timeline and major milestones. The schedule should clearly demonstrate the firm’s ability to meet the City’s goals efficiently and on time, or specify if the City’s anticipated timeline cannot be met, and why. Additionally, please indicate if Consultant believes it can provide all deliverables sooner than the City's stated Contract time of performance.

*All required Additional Proposal Mandatory Forms must be completed and included with the submitted proposal. The Mandatory Forms are available in Section 10 – Vendor Submission Requirements and Attestations and can be downloaded, filled out, and uploaded in the designated tabs within the project on OpenGov.

Title: Design Criteria Professional Services for SW California Corridor Improvements Project: Phase 1

4. General Insurance

The Proposer shall, on a primary basis and at its sole expense, agree to maintain in full force and effect at all times during the life of this Contract, insurance coverage and limits, including endorsements, as described herein. The requirements contained herein, as well as City's review or acceptance of insurance maintained by the Proposer are not intended to and shall not in any manner limit or qualify the liabilities and obligations assumed by Proposer under the Contract.

The parties agree and recognize that it is not the intent of the City of Port St. Lucie that any insurance policy/coverage that it may obtain pursuant to any provision of this Contract will provide insurance coverage to any entity, corporation, business, person, or organization, other than the City of Port St.

Lucie and the City shall not be obligated to provide any insurance coverage other than for the City of Port St. Lucie or extend its immunity pursuant to Section 768.28, Florida Statutes, and as may be amended from time to time, under its self-insured program. Any provision contained herein to the contrary shall be considered void and unenforceable by any party. This provision does not apply to any obligation imposed on any other party to obtain insurance coverage for this project, and/or any obligation to name the City of Port St. Lucie as an additional insured under any other insurance policy or otherwise protect the interests of the City of Port St. Lucie as specified in this Contract.

4.1. Indemnification/Hold Harmless

Proposer agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless, the City, its officers, agents, and employees from, and against any and all claims, actions, liabilities, losses, and expenses including, but not limited to, attorney's fees for personal, economic, or bodily injury, wrongful death, loss of or damage to property, at law or in equity, which may arise or may be alleged to have risen from the negligent acts, errors, omissions or other wrongful conduct of Proposer, agents, laborers, subcontractors or other personnel entity acting under Proposer control in connection with the Proposer's performance of services under the Contract. To that extent, Proposer shall pay any and all such claims and losses and shall pay any and all such costs and judgements which may issue from any lawsuits arising from such claims and losses including wrongful termination or allegations of discrimination or harassment, and shall pay all costs and attorney's fees expended by the City in defense of such claims and losses, including appeals. That the aforesaid hold-harmless agreement by Proposer shall apply to all damages and claims for damages of every kind suffered, or alleged to have been suffered, by reason of any of the aforesaid operations of Proposer or any agent laborers, subcontractors, or employee of Proposer regardless of whether or not such insurance policies shall have been determined to be applicable to any of such damages or claims for damages. Proposer shall be held responsible for any violation of laws, rules, regulations, or ordinances affecting in any way the conduct of all persons engaged in or the materials or methods used by Proposer on the work. This indemnification shall survive the termination of the Contract.

4.2. Workers’ Compensation Insurance & Employer’s Liability

Title: Design Criteria Professional Services for SW California Corridor Improvements Project: Phase 1

The Proposer shall agree to procure and maintain Workers' Compensation Insurance & Employers' Liability in accordance with Section 440, Florida Statutes. Employers’ Liability must include limits of at least $100,000.00 each accident, $100,000.00 each disease/ employee, and $500,000.00 each disease/maximum. A Waiver of Subrogation endorsement must be provided. Coverage shall apply on a primary basis. Should scope of work performed by Proposer qualify its employee(s) for benefits under Federal Workers’ Compensation Statute (for example, U.S. Longshore & Harbor Workers Act or Merchant Marine Act), proof of appropriate Federal Act coverage must be provided.

4.3. Commercial General Liability Insurance

The Proposer shall agree to procure and maintain Commercial General Liability insurance, issued under an Occurrence form basis, including Contractual liability, to cover the hold harmless agreement set forth herein, with limits of not less than:

Each occurrence $1,000,000

Personal/advertising injury $1,000,000

Products/completed operations aggregate

$2,000,000

General aggregate $2,000,000

Fire damage $100,000 any 1 fire

Medical expense $10,000 any 1 person

4.4. Additional Insured

An Additional…