Development_of_a_Safety_Action_Plan_and_Crosswalk_Connection_Demonstration_Activity.pdf

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS,

WALTON COUNTY, FLORIDA

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

For

Development of a Safety

Action Plan and Crosswalk

Connection Demonstration

Activity

RFQ NO: 26-19

Introduction

PURPOSE:

The County has issued this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) with the sole purpose and intent of obtaining Statements of Qualification (SOQ) from interested and qualified engineering firms

(Proposers), licensed to practice in the State of Florida, offering to provide professional services for the Development of a Safety Action Plan and Crosswalk Connection Demonstration Activity for a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Project, in accordance with the specifications stated herein. This project includes the development of a safety action plan for Walton County and the design and construction of a Crosswalk Demonstration Activity for CR 30A and Scenic Gulf

Drive ( CR 2378) corridors.

This solicitation is made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 287.055, Laws of Florida, known as the Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act (CCNA) and with the specifications stated herein.

Scope of Services

Project Background

Walton County is a coastal community in Northwest Florida experiencing rapid growth and increasing pedestrian and bicycle activity, particularly along the CR 30A and Scenic Highway 98 corridors. The County has identified roadway safety — including pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries — as a critical priority.

In April 2026, the BCC approved a Grant Agreement with the Federal Highway Administration

(FHWA) for a combined Planning and Demonstration grant (Award No. 693JJ32640486). The project has three phases:

• Base Phase (Pre-NEPA): Development of the Safety Action Plan and preliminary evaluation and design of crosswalk locations and treatments. Includes completion of all required NEPA activities. Grant allocation: $275,200.

• Option Phase 1 (Final Design): Full design plans for prioritized crosswalk locations along CR

30A and Scenic Gulf Drive, including RRFBs, improved lighting, enhanced signing, and pavement markings. Contingent on NEPA completion and FHWA written Notice to Proceed

(NTP). Grant allocation: $48,000.

• Option Phase 2 (Construction): Installation of RRFBs and associated safety treatments at prioritized locations, including Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) and multi-year monitoring. Contingent on NEPA completion and FHWA written NTP. Grant allocation:

$783,466.

Project Goals

The County's key objectives for this project are:

• Identify intersections and roadways with the highest incidence of injuries and fatalities and determine root causes of risk, using a data-driven approach.

• Coordinate with the Emerald Coast Regional Council (ECRC) Safety Action Plan to capitalize on synergies and avoid duplication of effort.

• Develop participatory community engagement processes across the County, with a focus on underserved communities.

• Identify practical, cost-effective roadway safety solutions organized around the USDOT Safe

System Approach.

• Develop processes to evaluate, monitor, and report on roadway safety trends and the impact of interventions over time.

• Prioritize crosswalk enhancement locations along CR 30A and Scenic Highway 98 using crash history, usage data, and risk factors.

• Evaluate and design appropriate crosswalk treatments — including RRFBs, improved lighting, enhanced signing, and pavement markings — per FHWA and Florida Department of

Transportation (FDOT) guidance.

• Monitor and report on the efficacy of installed treatments at one-year intervals for up to three years post-installation.

Scope of Services

Base Phase: Safety Action Plan and Pre-NEPA Activities

The Consultant will conduct planning activities to include preliminary evaluation/design of crosswalk locations and treatments and develop a Safety Action Plan. This phase also includes completion of all NEPA activities.

• Task 1: Data Collection and Crash Analysis

Collect, analyze, and map crash data, traffic volumes, roadway characteristics, and land use across Walton County. Identify high-risk intersections and corridors with the highest incidence of fatalities and serious injuries. Analysis shall use a data-driven approach consistent with SS4A program requirements.

• Task 2: Coordination with ECRC Safety Action Plan

Coordinate with the Emerald Coast Regional Council (ECRC) to align Walton County’s

Safety Action Plan with the regional plan, capitalize on synergies, and avoid duplication of effort.

• Task 3: Community Engagement

Design and implement a participatory community engagement program. Develop and execute strategies to reach stakeholders across Walton County with emphasis on underserved and vulnerable populations. Document engagement activities and outcomes.

• Task 4: Safe System Approach Assessment

Evaluate root causes of roadway injuries and fatalities. Develop prioritized, cost-effective countermeasure recommendations organized around the USDOT Safe System Approach.

Coordinate with municipalities and community affiliates within the County.

• Task 5: Crosswalk Location Preliminary Evaluation and Prioritization

Identify and prioritize crosswalk enhancement locations along CR 30A and Scenic Highway

98 based on crash history, pedestrian usage, and risk factors. Evaluate appropriate crosswalk treatments for each location per FHWA and FDOT guidance (preliminary design only, per

FHWA Order 6640.1A, prior to NEPA completion).

• Task 6: NEPA Documentation

Support the County in completing all environmental analyses and documentation required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Section 106 of the National Historic

Preservation Act, and other applicable environmental statutes. NEPA must be approved by

FHWA before Option Phases 1 and 2 can proceed.

• Task 7: Monitoring and Evaluation Framework

Develop a framework to track roadway safety trends and measure the long-term impact of interventions. Framework must support annual performance measurement reporting per

Attachment A of the grant agreement, including: fatalities, serious injuries, crashes by road user category, project costs, quantitative and qualitative project benefits, and GIS location data.

• Task 8: Safety Action Plan Document

Prepare and deliver a final Safety Action Plan document incorporating all findings, countermeasure recommendations, and implementation priorities. Final plan must be made publicly available on a County website per grant agreement Article 6.4. Planned completion:

December 1, 2028.

• Task 9: SS4A Base Phase Final Report

Prepare the SS4A Final Report for the Base Phase per FHWA requirements. Due: February

1, 2029.

Option Phase 1: Final Design of Crosswalk Demonstration Activities

Option Phase 1 is contingent on FHWA NEPA approval and written notice to proceed. Selected

Proposer (Consultant) shall not begin final design or expend any funds on this phase until

FHWA has obligated funds and issued written NTP.

• Task 10: Final Design Plans

Develop a full set of signed and sealed construction/installation documents for prioritized crosswalk enhancements at locations along CR 30A and Scenic Gulf Drive. Plans shall include enhanced safety treatments: Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), improved lighting, enhanced signing, and pavement markings, developed per FHWA and FDOT guidance and standards.

• Task 11: Permitting

Prepare and submit all permit applications required for the crosswalk improvements, including FDOT Driveway Connection/Construction Agreement permits as applicable.

Option Phase 2: Construction of Demonstration Activities

Option Phase 2 is contingent on FHWA NEPA approval and written notice to proceed.

Consultant shall not begin construction or expend any funds on this phase until FHWA has obligated funds and issued written NTP.

• Task 12: Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI)

Provide CEI services during installation of RRFBs and associated safety treatments along

CR 30A and Scenic Highway 98. Target substantial completion: May 1, 2028.

• Task 13: Monitoring and Reporting

Monitor and report on the efficacy of installed safety treatments at one-year intervals for up to three years following installation. Reporting must include quantitative and qualitative performance data per Attachment A of the grant agreement. Baseline measurement date: October

1, 2027. Baseline report due: December 1, 2027.

• Task 14: SS4A Demonstration Activity Assessment

Provide a final assessment of each demonstration activity and support the County in updating the Safety Action Plan with findings. Per grant agreement Article 6.5, if the assessment does not affirm safety benefits, demonstration activities must be removed or ended following project conclusion.

Grant Agreement Schedule

The Proposer's submitted project schedule must be consistent with the following grant agreement milestones:

Phase Milestone Grant Agreement Date

Base Phase (Pre-NEPA) Safety Action Plan Publicly

Available

December 1, 2028

Base Phase (Pre-NEPA) NEPA Completion April 1, 2027

Base Phase (Pre-NEPA) SS4A Final Report February 1, 2029

Option Phase 1 (Final Design) Final Design Complete Per FHWA NTP after NEPA

Option Phase 2 (Construction) Construction Substantial

Completion

May 1, 2028

Option Phase 2 (Construction) Period of Performance End August 1, 2029

Minimum Qualifications

Proposers must meet the following minimum qualifications. Failure to demonstrate these requirements will result in disqualification:

• Licensed to provide professional engineering services in the State of Florida.

• Demonstrated experience developing transportation safety action plans, road safety audits, or comparable safety planning documents.

• Demonstrated experience with pedestrian and crosswalk safety design, including RRFB design and implementation.

• Familiarity with FHWA and FDOT guidance on pedestrian safety treatments.

• Experience managing federally-funded projects subject to 2 CFR Part 200 requirements.

Federal Requirements

This project is funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Transportation SS4A Grant

Program. The Recipient (Walton County) and Consultant(s) are subject to all applicable federal requirements, including:

• 2 CFR Part 200 — Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit

Requirements

• 2 CFR §§200.317–327 — Procurement Standards

• 2 CFR §200.321 — Contracting with Small and Minority Businesses, Women’s Business

Enterprises, and Labor Surplus Area Firms

• 2 CFR §200.322 — Domestic Preferences (Build America, Buy America Act)

• Appendix II to 2 CFR Part 200 — Required Contract Provisions for Non-Federal Entity

Contracts

• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. §4321 et seq.

• Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, 16 U.S.C. §470f

The resulting contract will incorporate all required federal provisions. The Consultant must comply with all applicable federal requirements before incurring costs under this agreement

(Grant Agreement Article 6.7).

*In accordance with 2 CFR §200.321, the County will take affirmative steps to solicit

Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, and labor surplus area firms. Proposers are encouraged to identify DBE or small business subconsultants. A DBE/Small Business Participation Statement is required with the

SOQ.

*This project is subject to the Build America, Buy America Act (IIJA §§70901-27) and 2 CFR

Part 184. All iron and steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in infrastructure under this award must be produced in the United States. This requirement applies to physical materials incorporated into the crosswalk improvements under Option Phases 1 and

2, including but not limited to: Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) equipment, poles, foundations, lighting fixtures, and pavement marking materials.

Submittal Requirements

General Requirements

The purpose of this RFQ is to evaluate the qualifications, competence, and capacity of

Proposers seeking to provide the requested professional services in conformity with the requirements of this RFQ. The submission should highlight the combined qualifications and experience of the Proposer, as well as the expertise of key personnel who will be assigned to this engagement.

While the SOQ shall address all the points outlined in this RFQ, it should clearly demonstrate the firm’s ability to meet the County’s needs through its experience, technical capabilities, and professional resources. Submissions should be clear, concise, and focused on qualifications, providing a straightforward demonstration of the Proposer's ability to successfully perform the required services.

No pricing or cost proposals should be included in response to this RFQ, as selection will be based solely on qualifications in accordance with Florida Statute 287.055 (CCNA). Cost negotiations will take place with the highest-ranked firm following the evaluation process.

All SOQs must be submitted electronically through the County’s e-Procurement Portal. No hard copies, emailed, or faxed submissions will be accepted. Limit SOQ to 30 pages, excluding required forms and resumes. Extraneous promotional materials are not desired.

Submissions shall be organized using the tab structure described below.

Format Requirements

The County requires a uniform format to ensure that all SOQs are fairly evaluated. SOQs shall be organized as outlined below and shall include the information specified.

Consultants shall include the following information in their submittal responses to this RFQ. The following format and sequence should be followed in order to provide consistency in responses and to ensure each SOQ receives full consideration.

Tab 1: INTRODUCTION LETTER

Provide an introduction letter introducing Proposer, including corporate name (if applicable), address, telephone number, name and email address of principal officer, number of years in business, and size of staff. Briefly state that Proposer fully understands the scope of services, possesses the capacity and ability to perform said services, and will make a positive commitment to perform the services as described herein. The introduction letter shall be signed by an individual authorized to bind Proposer.

Tab 2: QUALIFICATIONS OF PROPOSER, RELEVANT EXPERIENCE, AND

REFERENCES

Proposer shall describe its qualifications and relevant experience to perform the scope of services described in this RFQ. Provide the Proposer's organizational structure, identify key personnel proposed for this engagement with resumes demonstrating relevant qualifications, and disclose any subconsultants and their respective roles. Include the Proposer's projected workload and hours for this engagement and a proposed schedule from Notice to Proceed through closeout consistent with the grant agreement milestones identified herein. Provide descriptions of no fewer than three (3) comparable projects completed within the last five (5) years, each identifying project name, scope, contract value, contract dates, client name, client physical address, email address, and telephone number. Comparable projects should include transportation safety planning (e.g., Safety Action Plans, road safety audits) and/or pedestrian and crosswalk safety design and implementation, and should specifically address prior experience with SS4A or other federally-funded grant programs, FHWA/USDOT/FDOT standards, and governmental agency clients. Proposer shall demonstrate its capacity to manage the project on time and within budget. Letters of commendation or recommendation may be included in this section.

Tab 3: PROJECT APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY

Describe the Proposer’s understanding of the phased project structure, NEPA requirements, and grant agreement obligations. Address the following:

• Approach to the Safety Action Plan, including data analysis methodology and Safe System

Approach application.

• Community engagement strategy, with specific attention to reaching underserved populations across Walton County.

• Coordination approach with the ECRC regional safety action plan.

• Preliminary crosswalk evaluation and RRFB design methodology along CR 30A and Scenic

Highway 98.

• Approach to NEPA documentation and coordination with FHWA.

• Monitoring and reporting plan for the demonstration activities, including performance measurement per grant agreement Attachment A.

• Understanding of the phased fund obligation structure and constraints on Option Phases 1 and

2.

Tab 4: REQUIRED SUBMITTAL FORMS: Proposers shall submit the required forms listed on the Vendor Questionnaire. Copies of Proposers' support documentation such as licenses, resumes, or certifications may be provided here.

Evaluation Criteria

SOQs will be evaluated by an evaluation committee using criteria listed. The following represent the principal selection criteria, which will be considered during the evaluation process.

The committee may short list no less than three Proposers assuming that three SOQs have been received, that it deems to best satisfy the selection criteria. The committee may then conduct interviews and/or require oral presentations from the short-listed Proposers. The committee and/or the Walton County Board of County Commissioners may then conduct interviews and/or require oral presentations from the short-listed Proposers.

Note: Qualifications and experience information required under Tab 2 (Qualifications of

Proposer/Relevant Experience) will be evaluated against both Criterion 1 (Qualifications of Firm and Key Personnel) and Criterion 2 (Relevant Experience — Transportation Safety Planning and

Pedestrian/Crosswalk Design).

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. Qualifications of Firm and Key Personnel Organizational structure and key personnel roles; ability to manage on time and within budget; projected workload and hours;

proposed schedule from NTP to closeout

Points Based 25 (25% of Total) https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/waltoncountyfl/projects/274575/document?section=2648179

2. Relevant Experience — Transportation

Safety Planning and Pedestrian/Crosswalk

Design Experience on comparable safety action plans or transportation safety studies;

crosswalk/pedestrian safety design and implementation; prior SS4A or federal grant work; experience with FHWA, USDOT and

FDOT standards; governmental agency experience

Points Based 40 (40% of Total)

3. Project Approach and Methodology Understanding of dual-phase scope; Safe

System Approach application; community engagement methodology with focus on underserved populations; data analysis capability; NEPA coordination experience;

monitoring and reporting plan for demonstration activities

Points Based 35 (35% of Total)

Procurement Rules and Information

Contact Person

Jason Cutshaw

Purchasing Director

176 Montgomery Circle

DeFuniak Springs, FL, 32435

(850) 892-8176 email: cutjason@co.walton.fl.us

All questions regarding this RFQ should be directed to the County's e-Procurement Portal

Question & Answer feature. Questions shall be submitted no later than 12:00 pm Thursday, August 13, 2026 . Questions submitted after that date and time will not be answered.

DIRECTING QUESTIONS TO ANY OTHER STAFF, AGENT, REPRESENTATIVE, OR

EMPLOYEE OF THE COUNTY IS PROHIBITED AND WILL RESULT IN

SUBMITTAL BEING DISQUALIFIED. The Purchasing Director and County staff will review and answer questions. If applicable, answers citing the question(s) asked but not identifying the questioner will be published on the Walton County, Florida e-Procurement Portal.

Failure to submit requests in writing by the specified time shall not be grounds for a protest.

Note: Written requirements in the RFQ or its amendments are binding, but any oral communication between you and us is not.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Listed below are the important actions and dates/times by which the actions must be taken or completed. If the County finds it necessary to change any of these dates/times, it will be accomplished by addendum. All listed times are local time in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.

Advertised: July 23, 2026

Last Day for Questions: August 13, 2026, 12:00pm

RFQ Close Date: August 24, 2026, 2:00pm

Review of Submittals: August 25, 2026

Review Committee Ranking: September 3, 2026, 2:00pm https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/waltoncountyfl/projects/274575 https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/waltoncountyfl/projects/274575

Interviews (If required): September 15, 2026, 9:00am

BCC Award: September 22, 2026

Submission of Proposal

All SOQs must be submitted electronically through the designated submission portal. No hard copies, emailed, or faxed submissions will be accepted. Please limit SOQ to 30 pages, excluding forms and resumes.

Submissions should be clear, concise, and focused on qualifications, providing a straightforward delineation of the Proposer’s ability to meet the requirements outlined in this

RFQ. Extraneous materials such as fancy bindings, colored displays, or promotional materials are not necessary or desired. The emphasis should be on completeness, clarity, and the firm’s relevant experience and qualifications.

RFQ Opening

SOQs will be accepted until Monday, August 24, 2026, no later than 2:00 pm, and will be opened immediately thereafter.

SOQs are due at the time and date specified. SOQs received late will not be considered and will be marked as LATE.

Proposal Evaluation

The County will assemble an evaluation committee to review and rank the SOQs submitted in response to this RFQ. The committee will assess each submission based on the evaluation criteria outlined in this RFQ, considering the experience, technical capabilities, and qualifications of each Proposer.

Each submission will be evaluated individually and in comparison to all other SOQs received.

Submissions must be fully responsive to the requirements set forth in this RFQ, as well as to any subsequent requests for clarification or additional information made by the County through written addenda.

The County will select the most highly qualified Proposers in accordance with Florida Statute

287.055 (CCNA). The selection will be qualification-based, and contract negotiations will be conducted only with the highest-ranked Proposer(s).

As part of the evaluation process, the County may conduct an investigation of references to verify past performance and qualifications. Submission of an SOQ in response to this RFQ constitutes acknowledgment and consent to the County’s investigation process. The County reserves the right to determine, at its sole discretion, whether a Proposer meets the required qualifications and experience to perform the services outlined in this RFQ.

Insurance Requirements

The Consultant(s) shall purchase and maintain through the contract period workers compensation, comprehensive general liability (occurrence form), comprehensive automobile liability, professional liability, including errors and omissions coverage if applicable, and other insurance as is appropriate for the project being performed hereunder by the Consultant, its employees, subcontractors, or agents. All insurance contracts and certificates of insurance shall be executed by a licensed agent of the surety or insurance company possessing a current A.M.

Best’s Financial Strength Rating of A- Class VII or better.

The amounts and types of workers compensation, comprehensive general liability (occurrence form), and comprehensive automobile liability insurance shall conform to the following minimum requirements:

Worker's Compensation

Coverage must apply for all employees and statutory limits in compliance with the applicable state and federal laws, unless Consultant provides a current Florida Workers Compensation exemption certificate. In addition, the policy must include the following:

• Employer's Liability with a minimum limit per accident in accordance with statutory requirements.

• Notice of Cancellation and/or Restriction. The policy must be endorsed to provide the

County with thirty (30) days’ written notice of cancellation and/or restriction.

Comprehensive General Liability

Coverage must include:

• $1,000,000 combined limit per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage.

• Contractual coverage applicable to this specific contract, including any hold harmless and/or indemnification agreement.

• Additional Insured. The County is to be specifically included as an additional insured.

• Notice of Cancellation and/or Restriction. The policy must be endorsed to provide the

County with thirty (30) days’ written notice of cancellation and/or restriction.

Comprehensive Automobile Liability

Coverage must be afforded on a form no more restricted than the latest edition of the

Comprehensive Automobile Liability Policy filed by the Insurance Services Office and must include:

• $300,000 combined single limit per accident for bodily injury and property damage.

• Owned Vehicles.

• Hired and Non-Owned Vehicles.

• Employee Non-Ownership.

• Additional Insured. County is to be specifically included as an additional insured.

• Notice of Cancellation and/or Restriction. The policy must be endorsed to provide the

County with thirty (30) days’ written notice of cancellation and/or restriction.

Professional Liability Coverage must include:

• Minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and in the aggregate for claims of malpractice, negligence, and errors and omissions.

• Notice of Cancellation and/or Restriction. The policy must be endorsed to provide the

County with thirty (30) days’ prior notice of cancellation and/or restriction of coverage by changed exclusion.

Certificates of Insurance evidencing the insurance coverage specified in this Article shall be submitted to the County with the executed contract. The Certificates of Insurance shall be filed with the County before this contract is deemed approved by the County. The required

Certificates of Insurance not only shall name types of policies provided, but shall also refer specifically to Contract No. 26-19 and shall list the certificate holder as "Walton County Board of County Commissioners." All the policies of insurance so required of Consultant shall be endorsed to include as additional insured the County, its officers, employees, and agents, except for Worker's Compensation. If the initial insurance policy expires prior to contract expiration or termination, renewal Certificates of Insurance shall be furnished thirty (30) days prior to the date of the policy expiration.

The purchase of any of the above-referenced insurance policies shall not release Consultant or any Surety created by this contract from any obligation, warranty, or guarantee provided in this contract.

The Insurance Company(ies) shall be authorized to conduct business in the State of Florida. Any risk of loss of completed work on the project, or work in progress on the project shall be borne by the Consultant through the date of contract expiration or termination.

Cost for Preparing SOQs

The County is not liable for any costs incurred by the Consultant in responding to this RFQ, including those for oral presentations.

Disposal of SOQs

All SOQs become the property of the County and will be a matter of record.

Rules for Withdrawal

SOQs may be modified or withdrawn prior to the submission deadline. Modifications and withdrawals shall be made via the County's e-Procurement Portal. To modify an SOQ, log in to your vendor account at https://procurement.opengov.com/login, and go to your submitted SOQ.

Click on “Unsubmit Proposal”, make the required changes, and submit the proposal again. To withdraw a SOQ, log in to your vendor account at https://procurement.opengov.com/login, and go to your submitted SOQ. Click on “Unsubmit Proposal”.

Any submitted SOQ shall remain valid for 60 days after the submission date, but the County at its sole discretion may release any SOQ.

Rejection of SOQ

The County reserves the right to accept or reject any SOQ as may be deemed necessary by the

County to be in its best interest. The County further reserves the right to waive any and all formalities, and reserves the right to reject all nonconforming, unresponsive SOQs. The County reserves the right to reject the SOQ of any Proposer if the County believes that it would not be in the best interest of the County to make an award to the Proposer, because the Proposer is not responsive or responsible, or the Proposer is unqualified or of doubtful financial ability, or fails to meet any other pertinent standard or criteria established by the County.

Verbal Instructions

No negotiations, decisions, or actions shall be initiated or executed by the Proposer as a result of any discussion with any County employee. Only those communications from Proposer which are https://procurement.opengov.com/login https://procurement.opengov.com/login signed and in writing, will be recognized by the County as duly authorized expressions on behalf of the Proposer. Any and all communication with County Commissioners or County staff other than the Office of Central Purchasing is prohibited during the time of the RFQ advertising.

Proposers directing questions or communications to anyone other than staff at the Office of

Central Purchasing shall be disqualified.

Sales and Use Tax

The Proposer agrees that, if selected, all applicable federal, state, and local sales and use taxes that are incurred by the Consultant are included in negotiated price for the Project. The County is tax exempt from federal excise and state sales tax.

Public Entity Crimes

The Proposer must sign and complete a Public Entity Crime Sworn Statement as defined under

Section 287.133(3)(a), F.S. A person or affiliate who has been placed on the convicted vendor list following a conviction of a public entity crime may not submit a proposal on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity, may not submit a proposal on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work, may not submit proposals on leases of real property to a public entity, may not be awarded or perform work as a consultant, supplier, or subcontractor, under a contract with any public entity, and may not transact business with any public entity in excess of the threshold amount provided in Section

287.017, for Category Two for a period of 36 months from the date of being placed on the convicted vendor list.

Drug Free Workplace

The Proposer must complete the County’s Drug Free Workplace Certification form, attached and made a part of the RFQ. According to Walton County policy, preference shall be given to

Proposers with drug-free workplace programs. Whenever two or more SOQs submitted by equally qualified Proposers are received by the state or by any political subdivision for the procurement of commodities or contractual services, a SOQ received from a Proposer that certified that it has implemented a drug-free work place program shall be given preference in the award process. Established procedures for processing tie submittals will be followed if none of the tied Proposer have a drug-free workplace program.

Addendums

The County may issue addendums to modify the RFQ as deemed appropriate. Addendums and clarification to this RFQ will be posted online on the County's e-Procurement portal. The

Addendum Acknowledgement shall be submitted via the County's e-Procurement portal with each Consultant's submittal responsive to this RFQ.

Notices

Any notices to be given under a contract shall be given by United States Mail, addressed to the

Consultant at its address stated therein, and to the County at its address stated therein. Additional notice may also be given by email in which case it shall be deemed that notice was provided on the date said email was received. The party providing notice by email shall confirm that the email was received by the other party.

Protest

Any Proposer whose SOQ is rejected, in whole or in part, or who submits an SOQ but is not awarded the contract, may protest such decision. Written notice of intent to file a protest must be submitted to the Purchasing Director or Chief Financial Officer within twenty-four (24) hours after the Board’s declaration of its intention with regard to an award. Written protest must be submitted to the Purchasing Director or Chief Financial Officer within ten calendar days after filing written notice of intent. Each written protest must be accompanied by a protest bond in the form of a certified check, cashier’s check, or money order made payable to the Walton County

Board of County Commissioners, in the amount of $500.00. The condition of the protest bond shall be that, should the protest be determined to be without merit and non-valid, the bond shall be forfeited to the County in its entirety.

Blackout Period

The period between the beginning of the advertisement for the RFQ and the contract award, or any resulting protest is resolved, or the solicitation is otherwise canceled is referred to as the

Blackout Period. During the Blackout Period, any communication regarding this RFQ is prohibited between the Proposer(or its agents or representatives) or other entity with the potential for a financial interest in the award (or their respective agents or representatives) regarding such competitive solicitation, and any County Commissioner or County employee, selection committee member or other persons authorized to act on behalf of the County including the

County’s architect, engineer or their subconsultants, or anyone designated to provide a recommendation to award a particular contract, other than Purchasing Division staff. Each competitive solicitation shall provide notice of the Blackout Period.

Exceptions to the Blackout Period

The Blackout Period shall not apply to:

A. Communications at any public proceeding or meeting, including pre-SOQ submittal conferences, selection committee presentations, or pre-award meetings.

B. Communications during contract negotiations between designated County employees and the intended contract awardee.

C. Communication with the Proposer initiated by a Purchasing Division employee following the opening of the solicitation submittals to clarify the Proposer's SOQ.

D. Communication following the filing of a protest between the protesting party and the

Purchasing Division, County Administrator’s Office, and County Attorney’s Office, during the dispute resolution process.

E. Purchases exempt from competitive selection, sole source procurements, single source procurements, and emergency procurements, as defined in Walton County Purchasing

Policy and Procedure manual.

F. Communications with existing Consultants in the performance of existing contracts.

Indemnifications

The Consultant shall indemnify and save harmless the County, its officers, agents and employees, from all claims, suits or actions at law or equity, damages, losses, and expenses, whether direct or indirect, or consequential, including but not limited to, charges of engineers, attorneys, and other professionals and costs of both defense and appeal, in a court of law or other tribunal, for any reason whatsoever, including but not limited to bodily injury, sickness, disease or death of any person, including employees of the Consultant or any subcontractor, or injury to or destruction of property, including loss of use, which claims are arising out of, related to, connected with, or caused by (a) the Consultant or any subcontractor or supplier of the

Consultant's negligent performance or non-performance of the project; (b) noncompliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations by Consultant, or any subcontractor of Consultant;

or (c) the failure of Consultant, or any subcontractor of Consultant to obtain or renew the insurance coverage's required by the Contract Documents. The provisions of this indemnification agreement shall include all claims made, whether or not caused in part, by any act or omission of the County, its respective officers, agents, or employees, provided the Consultants shall not be required to indemnify the County for the County’s own negligence.

Public Access

A request to inspect or copy public records relating to this Contract must be made directly to the

County. If the County does not possess the requested records, it shall immediately notify the

Consultant of the request, and the Consultant must provide the records to the County or allow the records to be inspected or copied within a reasonable time (§119.0701(3)). If the Consultant fails to provide the public records within a reasonable time, the Consultant may be subject to penalties under §119.10, F.S.

The Consultant shall comply with the requirements of Florida’s Public Records law in accordance with Section 119.0701, Florida Statutes, the Consultant shall (1) Keep and maintain public records required by the public agency to perform the service; (2) Upon request from the public agency’s custodian of public records, provide the public agency with a copy of the requested records or allow the records to be inspected or copied within a reasonable time at a cost that does not exceed the cost provided under Florida’s Public Records law or as otherwise provided by law; (3) Ensure that public records that are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements are not disclosed except as authorized by law for the duration of the contract term and following completion of this contract if the Consultant does not transfer the records to the public agency; and (4) Upon completion of the contract, transfer, at no cost, to the public agency all public records in possession of the Consultant or keep and maintain public records required by the public agency to perform the service. If the Consultant transfers all public records to the public agency upon completion of the contract, the Consultant shall destroy any duplicate public records that are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements. If the Consultant keeps and maintains public records upon completion of this contract, the Consultant shall meet all applicable requirements for retaining public records. All records stored electronically must be provided to the public agency, upon request from public agency’s custodian of public records, in a format that is compatible with the information technology system of the public agency.

IF THE CONSULTANT HAS QUESTIONS REGARDING THE

APPLICATION OF CHAPTER 119, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO THE

CONSULTANT’S DUTY TO PROVIDE PUBLIC RECORDS RELATING TO

THIS AGREEMENT, CONSULTANT SHALL CONTACT THE CUSTODIAN

OF PUBLIC RECORDS AT:

Genara Roop, Records Management Liaison Officer

161 E. Sloss Avenue

DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433

850-892-8110 publicrecords@mywaltonfl.gov mailto:publicrecords@mywaltonfl.gov

Representation

The Proposer represents to the County that:

A. The Proposer is properly certified and licensed, is solvent financially, and is experienced in and competent to complete the scope of the SOQ.

B. The Proposer is familiar with all federal, state, local, or other regulatory laws, ordinances, and regulations, which in any manner whatsoever, may affect the performance of the project or service requested.

Unauthorized Aliens

The County prohibits contracting with Consultants that knowingly utilize services of unauthorized aliens in the performance of contracts for goods or services with the County.

Proposers shall complete and submit the attached Unauthorized Aliens Form with their SOQs.

Tie Submittals

In the event of a tie between SOQs responsive to this RFQ from equally qualified consultants, the County shall make the final determination of the award.

E-Verify

The Consultant shall utilize the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system to verify the employment eligibility of (a) all persons employed by the Consultant during the term of any contract resulting from award of this RFQ to perform employment duties within Florida;

and (b) all persons (including subcontractors) assigned by the Consultant to perform work pursuant to the contract.

Lobbying Prohibition

No funds received pursuant to this contract may be expended for lobbying the Florida

Legislature, judicial branch, or any state agency, in accordance with Section 216.347 Florida

Statutes.

Prohibition Against Considering Social, Political, or Ideological Interests in Government

Contracting

Pursuant to §287.05701, Florida Statutes, the County may not request documentation of or consider a Proposer's social, political, or ideological interests when determining if the Proposer is a responsible contractor. Further, the County may not give preference to a Proposer based on the

Proposer's social, political, or ideological interests.

Contents of RFQ

This section contains instruction regarding the format of the RFQs that are to be submitted.

Contact for Contract Administration

Proposers shall return the Contact for Contract Administration Form. This shall be the

Consultant's representative for the day-to-day activities of this contract. The signer shall have the authority to bind the Proposer to the submittal.

Forms

It is MANDATORY that Proposers submit the required forms listed on the Vendor

Questionnaire.

Term of Contract

The term of any contract resulting from this RFQ shall begin at complete execution and continue to run concurrently with the FHWA Grant Award No. 693JJ32640486, and unless earlier terminated by the Board of County Commissioners, this agreement shall automatically extend pursuant to any extensions of FHWA Grant Award No. 693JJ32640486. The aforementioned grant award is included in the Attachments tab of this solicitation.

The County may terminate this contract at any time with or without cause, or with or without prior notice when it is in the best interest of the County.

Award of Contract

The County will award this RFQ in accordance with Florida Statute 287.055 (CCNA) and the

County’s procurement policies. The most highly qualified Proposers will be ranked in order of preference by the evaluation committee, and contract negotiations will begin with the highest-ranked Proposer.

If the County is unable to reach an agreement with the top-ranked Proposer, negotiations may proceed with the next highest-ranked Proposer and continue in order of ranking until an agreement is successfully reached.

The final contract award is subject to approval by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC).

The County reserves the right to reject any or all submissions, waive minor irregularities, and make an award that is in the best interest of the County.

Vendor Questionnaire

SOQ Submittal*

Upload your SOQ in accordance with Submittal Requirements.

*Response required

Information Sheet For Transactions and Conveyances / Corporate Identification

The following information will be provided to the Office of the County Attorney for incorporation in legal documents. It is, therefore, vital all information is accurate and complete.

Please be certain all spelling, capitalization, etc. is exactly as registered with the state or federal government.

Was this entity created in the State of Florida?* ☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

When equals "No"

In what State was it created?* *Response required

When equals "No"

Name as spelled in that State:* *Response required

What kind of entity is it?* ☐ "For Profit"

☐ "Not for Profit"

*Response required

Is the entity in good standing?* ☐ Yes https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/waltoncountyfl/projects/274575/document?section=2648182

☐ No

*Response required

Is the entity authorized to transact business in Florida?* ☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

Florida Department of State Certificate of Authority Document Number* *Response required

Does it use a registered fictitious name?* ☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

Name of Officers:*

• President

• Vice President

• Secretary

• Treasurer

• Director

• Other

*Response required

Name of entity (as used in Florida)* Spelled exactly as it is registered with the state or federal government.

*Response required

Principal Address* Please provide post office box and street address for mail and/or express delivery; also for recorded instruments involving land.

*Response required

FEI/EIN Number* For all instruments to be recorded, taxpayer’s identification is needed.

*Response required

Name and Title of individual who will sign the instrument on behalf of the entity.* (Upon issuance of the Notice of Award, contract shall be signed by the President or Vice-

President. Any other officer shall have permission to sign via a resolution approved by the

Board of Directors on behalf of the company. Awarded contractor shall submit a copy of the resolution together with the executed contract to the Office of Central Purchasing)

(Spelled exactly as it would appear on the instrument)

*Response required

Vendor Certifications and Forms

Drug-Free Workplace Certification* Tie submittals: preference shall be given to Consultants with drug-free workplace programs.

Whenever two or more SOQs from equally qualified Consultants are received by the state or by any political subdivision for the procurement of commodities or contractual services, an SOQ received from a Consultant that certified it has implemented a drug-free work place program shall be given preference in the award process. Established procedures for processing tie submittals will be followed in none of the tied Consultants have a drug-free workplace program.

In order to have a drug-free workplace program, a business shall:

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

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

C. Give each employee engaged in providing the commodities of contractual services that are under bid a copy of the statement specified in paragraph #A.

D. In the statement specified in paragraph #1, notify the employees that, as a condition of working on the commodities or contractual services that are under bid, the employee will abide by the terms of the statement and will notify the employer of any conviction of or pleas of guilty or no contest to, and violation of Chapter 893 or of any controlled substance law of the United States or any state, for a violation occurring in the work place no later than five (5) days after such conviction.

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

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

As the person authorized to sign this statement, I certify that this firm complies fully with the above requirements.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

Contact for Contract Administration* Please provide the following information for the contact:

• Name

• Title

• Company Name

• Address

• Telephone Numbers

• Fax Number

• Email

*Response required

Public Entity Crimes* Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• PUBLIC_ENTITY_CRIMES.docx

*Response required

Unauthorized Aliens* Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• Unauthorized_Aliens.pdf

*Response required

Proof of Registration with State of Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz.org) * *Response required

Conflict of Interest Disclosure

For purposes of determining any possible conflict of interest, all Consultants must disclose if any

Walton County employee(s), elected official(s), or if any of its agencies is also an owner, corporate officer, agency, employee, etc., of their business.

Indicate either “YES” (a County employee, elected official, or agency is also associated with your business), or “NO”.* ☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

Give person(s) name(s) and position(s) with your business.* *Response required https://government-project.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/70274/423fc7d5-a24a-4d15-bde4-e66f0c61072e_PUBLIC_ENTITY_CRIMES.docx?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIA47RIURE4H2YJLV73%2F20260723%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260723T211408Z&X-Amz-Expires=72000&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjECwaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJGMEQCIBGIPE3UAsltV2hYdkiWToDNT26KQ5UPHi7EMN963eYlAiBKcWcXKnm1b3kKpNZfQRqt24b0VFxwzabSb81DLxDjWiqVBQj1%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F8BEAIaDDg5MjM2NDY4NzY3MiIMB3yCcjBafzKm2t5WKukE5g9YS%2BwTyK9pp1ZJ31p6xVCpyf0X1LTOoImkJ2Kro92i13Ib1Rn%2BkHStLt0cvobkukiG21ZwVnfSUYZ%2BDJhrrmf2BSmEQBFbjHnD%2FNPuJVbMfJiznObvyGuS7ewqiSWUTqZNZZlfFgsL5utNgBIkkQtSdPZlzpUtAf9NR8Hiu%2BA%2Bk0NCb72kWPFyYbvIaJzaxNWERwCfCWRPRFWFEVHVSjywznB4xPwoBTHnwK3tmfYRqozZv47ncp0TQ66sGchxejp%2FhBLj5HDzeX3EIpv73ur5bin%2FHl2jK9%2Bt65To%2FvcS2SWn4kR3Y3SgmMsnePimLQ%2F7YcCL%2F0UVcNLyXeVDQxKjZ%2BwUL%2Bpq2HEapT0t4CfwETNeNXf7mOu14xbgVa7VVmT%2BifaOvVLU4EnpCgjK8b0mdx9shCsAJyWK5B7AIefVhHJGDKL7D87B7oKSj0zsAXD0Q1vggT5FA2fo%2BNYfyhKIJqwEKyE%2BgTVjhwjfJn9MS6MZqWt97gmbniVPrfxm8gh7cKPtdVoCycqgK%2F9py7sfcuSgcZGvnLJb4eFbmlZzKhglk5J75qNT7okRMZ%2BYeOLtJ1ONfkj9Eo4Dwfu60WegwstOwzG8sy%2BhIQ%2FAujx0X%2BnPueuYvfgcGpmDi%2BP5y9OAsEhw8D2TvVs7JHbfGd5eyWbjgo%2FvrY%2BsgtYJGlxRbIEXuSBDfZoLQTNbmPtjl0mjcaD%2FAMAwE1Q4tZglVim8NGeqtR212BgYjGnuUHFL0jakcFnwFkUnNITFfYklwkWAksfON4rjhLXAsvJUdvyKOceUMOtaMfRVRINkwYCWdGovVZSKlrswttyJ0wY6mgGDueWEXR6v9BHnOM35TAEFexJbJayLYYq8HcBRUOWfzywVRDBq7d%2FHHn2Tsyz7wUBU0EEE6aNV%2BIkgeQUmLDywZtwseMn5wrMIC6nlzZ%2B7VPFTf4%2BAnmLQQ2sa7RvtCREf758BJ53U33Tw8kFLuUN%2FrE1DowGE96vlst6TaQ0c9hV3DPKOIG1i9eUTnBoz5U8yVyy5HEZ2eTEj&X-Amz-Signature=14d389a162ddffc1e6ce45f2a3c221cd6d1226dcb1a4548f2254fe4181ef88ad&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&response-content-disposition=attachment%3B%20filename%3D%22PUBLIC_ENTITY_CRIMES.docx%22&x-id=GetObject…