Disaster_Response_Services.pdf

PDF 294 KB Posted

Attached to
Polk Parkway 570B SR 60 Water and Wastewater Line Relocation
Solicitation number
26-16
Issued by
Walton County, Florida

About this file

Disaster Response Services RFP Summary

This is a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by the Board of County Commissioners of Walton County, Florida (RFP No. 26-16) for emergency disaster response services. Walton County seeks qualified contractors to provide emergency debris removal, hauling, reduction, and disposal services following federally or state-declared disaster events, with services performed in compliance with FEMA Public Assistance Program requirements, 2 CFR Part 200, and the FEMA Debris Management Guide. The scope encompasses emergency road clearance operations, debris removal from public rights-of-way and public property, debris reduction and disposal at county-approved temporary debris storage and reduction sites, and logistics support services including food, water, tarps, ice, generator provision, and temporary facility setup. Selected contractors must mobilize within 24 hours of written Notice to Proceed and coordinate directly with the County's Public Works Director, Emergency Management Director, or designated Project Manager. The deadline for submitting questions is May 4, 2026, at 12:00 PM, with proposal submissions due May 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM. Proposal review begins May 12, 2026, with committee ranking on May 21, 2026, potential interviews on May 27, 2026, and Board of County Commissioners award scheduled for June 2, 2026. The contract term is three years from execution, with options to renew for two additional one-year periods at the County's sole discretion, and activation occurs only upon issuance of a written Notice to Proceed following a declared emergency event.

Proposals are evaluated on six criteria: firm experience and qualifications (30 points), technical approach and operational plan (25 points), key personnel and management qualifications (15 points), past performance and references (15 points), capacity and resources (10 points), and disaster history and production rates (5 points). Contractors must provide proof of required insurance coverage, including workers compensation with statutory limits, comprehensive general liability with $1,000,000 combined limit per occurrence, and comprehensive automobile liability with $300,000 combined single limit, with the County named as additional insured. All contractors must comply with federal and state regulations, including E-Verify verification of employment eligibility, OSHA compliance, and environmental permit requirements. Payment is limited to FEMA-eligible debris quantities measured in cubic yards based on verified equipment capacity and load tickets, with no compensation for ineligible debris, pre-staging costs, travel, standby time, or anticipated profits. Proposers must submit mandatory forms including Public Entity Crimes Sworn Statement, Drug Free Workplace Certification, Unauthorized Aliens Form, and proof of Florida registration, with proposals limited to 30 pages excluding forms and resumes. The County reserves the right to reject any proposal, terminate the contract for convenience, or award to the most responsible and responsive proposer with the best cumulative score that meets County needs.

View the file

Other files

On GovTribe

Work with this file

  • Download the original file
  • Contacts named in this file
  • Similar government files
  • Ask GovTribe AI about this file

Text version

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS,

WALTON COUNTY, FLORIDA

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

For

Disaster Response Services

RFP NO: 26-16

Introduction

PURPOSE:

The County has issued this Request for Proposals (RFP) with the sole purpose and intent of obtaining proposals from interested and qualified individuals or firms (Proposers) offering to provide Disaster Response Services, in accordance with the specifications stated herein.

Scope of Services

Project Scope

1. PROJECT OVERVIEW

Walton County (“County”) is seeking qualified contractors to provide emergency debris removal, hauling, reduction, and disposal services following a federally or state-declared disaster event.

Services shall be performed in compliance with:

• The latest version of the FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Program requirements

• 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance)

• FEMA Debris Management Guide (most current edition)

• All applicable federal, state, and local rules, ordinances, and laws

The selected Proposer (Contractor) shall coordinate directly with the County’s Public Works

Director, Emergency Management Director, or designated Project Manager as dictated by the specific nature and circumstances of each event for which services are requested.

2. ACTIVATION AND MOBILIZATION

• Contractor must be capable of mobilizing within 24 hours of Notice to Proceed.

• Contractor shall provide sufficient labor, equipment, and supervision to meet County timelines.

• Operational hours will be determined by the County on event-by-event basis.

• Contractor shall provide an Incident Commander as the primary point of contact.

Note: Mobilization only occurs upon written Notice to Proceed issued by the County.

Contractor shall not invoice for pre-staging, travel, or readiness unless specifically authorized in writing by the County.

No standby costs are permitted unless a written standby authorization is issued.

3. SCOPE OF SERVICES 3.1 Emergency Road Clearance (“Push” Operations)

• Clear and remove debris from public roads to restore safe passage for emergency vehicles, damage assessment teams, critical infrastructure restoration, etc.

• Remove debris from travel lanes, shoulders, bridges, and critical infrastructure to include upland vessels.

• Work shall not interfere with emergency operations.

3.2 Debris Removal – Public Right of Way (ROW)

Contractor shall:

• Remove disaster-generated debris from County and municipal designated public ROW and public property.

• Remove disaster generated debris from private roadways/property in accordance with

Walton County Code of Ordinances, Sec. 8.5-5. - Disaster debris removal from private properties.

• Remove and dispose of derelict and abandoned vessels in waterways and on land, derelict and abandoned vehicles in waterways and on land, remove and clean sand found in the roadways, and transport cleaned sand from the processing location to staging areas.

• Collect vegetative debris (trees, limbs, brush).

• Cut and remove only the portion of debris extending into the public ROW from private property.

• Contractor shall not enter private property without a County-issued Right-of-Entry (ROE) form.

Contractor assumes liability for unauthorized entry.

Removal of ineligible debris shall be at Contractor expense.

The County Debris Manager and/or Debris Monitoring Consultant has final authority on eligibility determinations.

Contractor disputes do not pause operations. Contractor may document disagreement but must continue operations as directed.

3.3 Debris Reduction and Disposal

• Contractor must transport debris to County-approved Temporary Debris Storage and

Reduction (TDSR) sites or permitted disposal facilities in accordance with the following guidelines and requirements:

o Temporary Debris Site Rules o Site hours controlled by County o Safety officer required o Fire watch required for grinding and air curtain incineration o Mandatory separation by debris category o No commingling of C&D, white goods, household hazardous materials, and vegetative o No reduction without monitor present https://library.municode.com/fl/walton_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=WACOCO_CH8.5EMRESE_ARTIINGE_S8.5-5DIDEREPRPR https://library.municode.com/fl/walton_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=WACOCO_CH8.5EMRESE_ARTIINGE_S8.5-5DIDEREPRPR o Ash disposal per direction

• Obtain all required permits.

• Perform grinding, reduction, and final disposal as directed.

• Comply with all environmental regulations.

Logistics Support Services

• Contractor will supply water and food until FEMA and/or state resources are available and will continue to coordinate the distribution of the following, to include, but not limited to:

• Food, tarps, ice & water for Point of Distribution (POD) operations

• Set up and operations of logistics staging areas

• Temporary power generators

• Feeding stations (i.e., mass care feeding)

• Comfort stations (i.e., temporary bathroom facilities, laundry, shower facilities)

• Temporary housing facilities.

• Set up and operation of basecamps (full basecamps or specific pieces)

• Barges to facilitate movement of supplies if bridges are unusable

• Provide fuel and coordinate distribution to the County on an as needed basis

3.4 FEMA Documentation Support

• Utilize FEMA-compliant load ticket systems.

• Support documentation required for FEMA reimbursement.

• Provide electronic reporting compatible with County documentation standards.

• Maintain records for audit and inspection.

4. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 4.1 Equipment Requirements

All equipment must comply with federal, state, and local safety regulations.

• Trucks must be capable of rapid unloading without external assistance.

• All hauling units shall be measured and certified for cubic yard capacity prior to use.

• Capacity markings must be permanently displayed.

• Sideboards must be securely constructed and County-approved.

• Tailgates must prevent debris loss during transport.

• Backup alarms required.

• Plastic webbing tailgates are not permitted.

The County may re-measure equipment at any time.

4.2 Equipment Identification

Each truck must display permanent signage including:

• Contractor name

• Truck number

• Verified cubic yard capacity

Magnetic signage is not permitted.

4.3 Inspection and Monitoring Support

• Coordinate with County debris monitors.

• Provide inspection towers or mechanical lifts at TDSR sites if required.

• Allow full visual inspection of loads.

All inspection structures must comply with safety regulations. Contractor shall follow direction of debris monitors at all times.

Failure to comply may result in truck suspension from operations.

5. LOAD TICKET SYSTEM

Contractor shall submit a County-approved load ticket template prior to operations.

Each load ticket shall include:

• Sequential ticket number

• Contractor name

• Date

• Truck number

• Verified truck capacity

• Debris collection location

• Departure time

• Disposal site arrival time

• Estimated debris volume

Daily reconciliation of load tickets is required.

6. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Contractor shall provide daily operational reports including:

• Work locations

• Truck numbers utilized

• Daily debris totals by category

• Cumulative totals

• Issues or delays encountered

Discrepancies must be resolved within one (1) business day.

7. SAFETY AND TRAFFIC CONTROL

• Provide all traffic control devices, light towers, signage, and flaggers.

• Prevent damage to public and private property.

• Repair damage caused by Contractor operations at no cost to the County.

• Ensure employees wear identifiable uniforms.

Operations shall not interfere with emergency response or public utilities.

8. PERMITS AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

• Obtain all required environmental permits.

• Correct violations resulting from Contractor actions.

• Maintain compliance with OSHA and all applicable regulations.

9. SUBCONTRACTORS

• Contractor shall submit subcontractor list for County approval.

• Contractor remains fully responsible for subcontractor performance.

• Use of local subcontractors is encouraged.

10. MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT

• Measurement shall be by cubic yard based on verified capacity and load tickets.

• Payment shall be limited to FEMA-eligible debris quantities.

• No payment for ineligible debris.

Note: The County’s interpretation of the contract governs during emergency operations.

Submittal Requirements

General Requirements

The purpose of the proposal is to demonstrate the qualifications, competence, capacity, and methodology of the Proposer seeking to provide the services in conformity with the requirements of this RFP. The proposal should demonstrate the combined qualifications of the Proposer and of the particular staff to be assigned to this engagement.

While the proposal shall address all the points outlined in the RFP, it should also specify an approach that will meet the RFP requirements. The proposal should be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise description of the Proposer’s capabilities to satisfy the RFP requirements.

Format Requirements

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

Proposers shall include the following information in their submittal responses to this RFP. The following format and sequence should be followed in order to provide consistency in responses and to ensure each proposal 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. Provide the name and title of the person designated as the contact for contract administration. The introduction letter shall be signed by an individual authorized to bind Proposer.

Tab 2: QUALIFICATIONS OF PROPOSER/RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Proposers shall demonstrate their qualifications and experience in providing emergency debris removal and disaster recovery services for governmental entities. Submittals shall include a brief company profile, years in business, organizational structure, and description of experience with federally declared disaster events, particularly those involving FEMA Public Assistance reimbursement. Proposers shall provide examples of comparable projects performed within the past five (5) years, including client name, location, scope of services, contract value, and outcome. Experience in Florida or similar coastal environments is preferred. Include at least three (3) governmental references with contact information. The County will evaluate the

Proposer’s demonstrated ability to successfully mobilize, manage, document, and complete large-scale debris operations in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements.

Tab 3: REFERENCES

Provide references for services provided within the past five (5) years similar in scope and nature to those required by this RFP. These references must include, at a minimum: name of company or entity, contact person, address, email, and telephone number. References shall include the general description of the services and contract dates. Letters of commendation or recommendation may be included in this section.

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

Important: Proposers are responsible for reviewing all required forms and documentation listed in this solicitation. If any forms require notarization—such as the Public Entity Crimes Statement https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/waltoncountyfl/projects/238880/document?section=2274543 or the Unauthorized Alien Affidavit—they must be properly executed and uploaded with your submission. Failure to include completed and notarized documents, where applicable, may result in your proposal being deemed non-responsive.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated by an evaluation committee using criteria listed. The following chart includes 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 proposals have been received, that it deems to best satisfy the selection criteria. 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.

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. Firm Experience and Qualifications The extent to which the Proposer demonstrates:

• Experience providing post-disaster debris removal services for counties or municipalities

• Successful performance under FEMA

Public Assistance-funded contracts

• Experience in Florida and Gulf Coast disaster environments

• Knowledge of FEMA Debris

Management Guide requirements

• Organizational structure and years in business

Preference may be given to firms with direct experience in federally declared disaster recovery operations.

Points Based 30 (30% of Total)

2. Technical Approach and Operational Plan The clarity, completeness, and feasibility of the

Proposer’s approach, including:

• Mobilization strategy within 24 hours

• Debris removal methodology (push, hauling, reduction)

• Quality control and internal monitoring procedures

• FEMA-compliant documentation processes

• Coordination with County staff and debris monitors

• Use of technology for load tracking and reporting

Points Based 25 (25% of Total)

3. Key Personnel and Management Team Qualifications and experience of key personnel assigned to the project, including:

• Incident/Project Manager experience

• Field Supervisors

• Documentation/Compliance personnel

• FEMA reimbursement support staff

Resumes and demonstrated disaster response experience will be evaluated.

Points Based 15 (15% of Total)

4. Past Performance and References Evaluation of:

• Performance on similar projects

• Timeliness of mobilization and completion

• Compliance with federal reimbursement requirements

• Client references from governmental entities

• History of disputes, claims, or contract terminations

Points Based 15 (15% of Total)

5. Capacity and Resources The Proposer’s demonstrated ability to:

• Deploy sufficient labor and equipment

• Scale operations to meet large-scale disaster events

• Provide subcontractor network and local support resources

• Maintain financial stability to sustain operations during reimbursement delays

Points Based 10 (10% of Total)

6. Disaster History & Production Rates

• cubic yards per day achieved

• similar county size

• storm name references

Points Based 5 (5% 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 RFP should be directed to the County's e-Procurement Portal

Question & Answer feature. Questions shall be submitted no later than 12:00 pm Monday, May

4, 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

RFP 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: April 20, 2026

Last Day for Questions: May 4, 2026, 12:00pm https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/waltoncountyfl/projects/238880 https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/waltoncountyfl/projects/238880

RFP Close Date: May 11, 2026, 2:00pm

Location:

Walton County Office of Central Purchasing

176 Montgomery Circle

DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435

Or via teleconference:

Dial: 850-635-0655

Extension: 261217

Review of Submittals: May 12, 2026

Review Committee Ranking (Non-

Mandatory):

May 21, 2026, 2:00pm

Location:

Walton County Office of Central Purchasing

176 Montgomery Circle

DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435

Or via teleconference:

Dial: 850-635-0655

Extension: 261217

Interviews (If Required): May 27, 2026, 1:00pm

BCC Award: June 2, 2026

Submission of Proposal

Each proposal shall be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise delineation of Proposer’s capabilities to satisfy the requirements of this RFP. Fancy bindings, colored displays, and promotional material are not desired. Emphasis in each proposal must be on completeness and clarity of content. Please limit proposals to 30 pages, excluding forms and resumes.

RFP Opening

Proposals will be accepted until Monday, May 11, 2026, no later than 2:00 pm, and will be opened immediately thereafter.

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

Proposal Evaluation

The County will assemble an evaluation committee to evaluate the proposals. The evaluation committee will evaluate and rank the most advantageous proposals and make a recommendation to the BCC. The evaluation of the proposals will be performed based on the criteria included in this RFP. Each proposal will be evaluated individually and in the context of all other proposals.

Proposals must be fully responsive to the requirements described in this RFP and to any subsequent requests for clarification or additional information made by the County through written addenda to this RFP. The County reserves the right to award the contract to the Proposer submitting the best overall responsive proposal which offers the most advantageous opportunity to the County and is consistent with the evaluation criteria.

As part of the evaluation process, the County may conduct an investigation of references.

Submission of a proposal in response to this RFP constitutes acknowledgment of the investigation process and consent to the County’s investigation. The County is the sole judge in determining the Proposer’s qualifications.

Insurance Requirements

The Contractor shall purchase and maintain through the contract period workers compensation, comprehensive general liability (occurrence form), comprehensive automobile liability, and other insurance as is appropriate for the services being performed hereunder by the Contractor, 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 Contractor 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.

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 shall name types of policies provided, refer specifically to Contract No.

26-16, and list the certificate holder as "Walton County Board of County Commissioners." All the policies of insurance so required of Contractor 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 Contractor 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.

Cost for Preparing Proposals

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

Disposal of Proposals

All proposals become the property of the County and will be a matter of record. The County shall have the right to use all ideas, or adaptations of those ideas, contained in any proposal received in response to this RFP. Selection or rejection of this proposal will not affect this right.

Rules for Withdrawal

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

Proposal”.

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

Rejection of Proposal

The County reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal 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 proposals. The

County reserves the right to reject the proposal 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 https://procurement.opengov.com/login https://procurement.opengov.com/login proposal 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 Proposers, which are 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 RFP 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 all applicable federal, state, and local sales and use taxes that are incurred by the Proposer are included in the stated proposal 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 contractor, 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 RFP. According to Walton County policy, preference shall be given to businesses with drug-free workplace programs. Whenever two or more proposals, which are equal with respect to price, quality, and service, are received by the state or by any political subdivision for the procurement of commodities or contractual services, a proposal received from a business 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 proposals will be followed if none of the tied Proposers have a drug-free workplace program.

Addendums

The County may issue addendums to modify the RFP as deemed appropriate. Addendums and clarification to this RFP 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 Proposer's submittal responsive to this RFP.

Notices

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

Contractor 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 person or entity whose proposal is rejected, in whole or in part, or who submits a proposal 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 an amount equal to 1% of the protestor’s proposal received by the County, but in no case less than $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 Request for Proposals, Request for Qualifications, Invitation to Bid, or any other competitive solicitation and the contract award, or any resulting bid protest is resolved, or the solicitation is otherwise canceled is referred to as the Blackout Period. During the Blackout Period, any communication regarding the aforementioned solicitations 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-proposal 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 bid, proposal or intended scope of services.

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 contractors in the performance of existing contracts.

Indemnifications

The Contractor 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 Contractor 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 Contractor or any subcontractor or supplier of the

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

or (c) the failure of Contractor, or any subcontractor of Contractor 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 Contractor 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

Contractor of the request, and the Contractor 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 Contractor fails to provide the public records within a reasonable time, the Contractor may be subject to penalties under §119.10, F.S.

The Contractor shall comply with the requirements of Florida’s Public Records law in accordance with Section 119.0701, Florida Statutes, the Contractor 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 Contractor 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 Contractor or keep and maintain public records required by the public agency to perform the service. If the Contractor transfers all public records to the public agency upon completion of the contract, the Contractor shall destroy any duplicate public records that are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements. If the Contractor keeps and maintains public records upon completion of this contract, the Contractor 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 CONTRACTOR HAS QUESTIONS REGARDING THE

APPLICATION OF CHAPTER 119, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO THE

CONTRACTOR’S DUTY TO PROVIDE PUBLIC RECORDS RELATING TO

THIS AGREEMENT, CONTRACTOR 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@co.walton.fl.us

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 this RFP's Scope of Services.

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 contractors 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 proposals.

Identical Tie Proposals

In the event of a tie between identical proposals responsive to this RFP, the higher average of the

Technical Approach scores will decide the tie. Should those scores be a tie, the Board shall decide the final determination of the award.

E-Verify

The Contractor 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 Contractor during the term of any contract resulting from award of this RFP to perform employment duties within Florida;

and (b) all persons (including subcontractors) assigned by the Contractor 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 Proposer. Further, the County may not give preference to a Proposer based on the

Proposer's social, political, or ideological interests.

Contents of RFP

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

Contact for Contract Administration

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

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

Forms

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

Questionnaire.

Term of Contract

This Agreement shall be for an initial term of three (3) years from the date of its complete execution, with options to renew for up to two (2) additional one-year periods at the sole discretion of the County.

This Agreement is a continuing services contract and shall only be activated upon issuance of a written Notice to Proceed following a federally declared, state declared, or locally declared emergency event, or other event as determined by the County.

The County reserves the right to terminate this Agreement, in whole or in part, at any time for convenience when it is determined to be in the best interest of the County. In the event of such termination, the Contractor shall be entitled only to payment for authorized and satisfactorily completed work performed up to the date of termination. No compensation shall be due for anticipated profits, unperformed work, standby time not authorized in writing, or consequential damages.

In the event the Contractor fails to perform in accordance with the terms and conditions of this

Agreement, fails to follow the direction of the County or its authorized representatives, violates applicable laws or regulations, or fails to maintain required insurance or licensing, the County may, at its discretion, immediately suspend operations, direct corrective action, or proceed with termination under this section without liability to the County.

Termination of the Agreement shall not affect the Contractor’s responsibility to cooperate in the closeout of FEMA or other grant reimbursement documentation for work performed during an activation.

Award of Contract

The County will award this RFP to the MOST responsible, responsive Proposer with the best cumulative score that meets the County’s needs. In the event the Proposer with the best cumulative score is found to be non-responsive, the County may proceed to the responsible, responsive Proposer with the next best cumulative score and continue the award process.

Vendor Questionnaire

Proposal Submittal*

Upload your RFP response in accordance with Submittal Requirements.

*Response required

Proposal Fee Schedule *

*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.

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/waltoncountyfl/projects/238880/document?section=2274546

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

☐ 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* Identical tie bids: preference shall be given to businesses with drug-free workplace programs.

Whenever two or more bids which are equal with respect price, quality, and service are received by the state or by any political subdivision for the procurement of commodities or contractual services, a bid received from a business 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 bids will be followed in none of the tied Contractors 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 contractors 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.

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=ASIA47RIURE4PTNEMV5I%2F20260414%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260414T114645Z&X-Amz-Expires=72000&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEML%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FwEaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJGMEQCIBEbdlYR6XBvjdJPmMbf%2FvqHJyY6tOydlsN40eKIJhQcAiAUqcHSdrV3aothbzCf9tcBxC8aQ1b1kXfUp0g1rt8OlCqVBQiL%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F8BEAIaDDg5MjM2NDY4NzY3MiIMJ7aR8zmjJHAf%2FP4DKukEzq2XRnGogQp%2BQ1Ts8EHgDoOAqF8tHno15emo8oS9Vpihs8I18zxLaXn0mQAP%2FV%2BQROUI2bAti%2Bd6yWaWpVbyCLFzx6ER36igm4Jov84nCqpIqWSkYATD%2BzVtLJK5yFgxoxDWsotn3JgyMqr8MxBAQyMgQVrlX%2BoBYNgmBFJ01u%2FU8IjoVsOYEg74AzAJ35P2QaFpVR7yhhdhRypnAwv7pZkYb2mfhu6D5OTNDHEWoNk0lYs0nmcrBs5cPBe0EIsWx%2FUSdScdrGt%2BBkEdsHOqGujQiI7zB1Yvq1bpJBEuxCuMJauJ4HAU%2FFi2AW4iU%2F%2B2eU2S4mQpA9SpWf4NWjZo%2FHTguEIihREWosswcLo5mJ8KqhtczQPvCL6bxX0FEpQJLMyg98Amm63myD60l2dYMUbgNLz12oPuJH3TAYV4Qspt3Vsh3bUlRrZSpPjdM8twc3nmejNxx%2BNtYMOk6YLY4HwLpta307cfOM9Uiv%2BE8xz%2BMsyq8ZP42e8ssb5yMcuKYJV96W1qBaU5tjStKkNwL%2BZ%2B6Yc7fkkYmuXpNZKBfMKRpdnwu0hIPsxZvO9lL1fEf%2BmH%2FA2v9sKt4L2%2FKfo8OA8f0afCbUEIqGyaPGz3CZjnQHIfIR9CFIwYfp%2Biwaam%2BSxOaqdGjN29ooiJQTWkLeKqfVZJDUMuvJ7WdXmZ%2FIz50AKgI0xdTnbFwUUbIMBn3mkbcemxdysFemNj3bDWQM7AVWobxFWhgytuqkpWbjNu7E2NyHOvXKlcYgporfYtWnzk5fvG0fOYW600UPZYW4UHUhy5Bcay2tJmWowGGj51K%2BVS5cpA4mcwzKH4zgY6mgE4PKUh2Yh6uGsRctDscY02ghvuP3UE4qtx2cCmiOMC0UcSU%2FexqO375wyflT7xB0qTvCGTJlx%2FiGldg5kj0yLWfcrrEjgw1hQ8lf5qmVJjCO3kgJjkQNMd5uyIbUVThJRvu7XVO5ZqGkonCoo4VpHt1fUBkXeBnXZVleVM1ZNCYi%2B1IKFIXSn5cKsmwub8JVwIboFb5HaxwaBm&X-Amz-Signature=6ce2294b6197c0951de69f65fcb578cbfda6297054287daae59522d246b84571&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&response-content-disposition=attachment%3B%20filename%3D%22PUBLIC_ENTITY_CRIMES.docx%22&x-id=GetObject https://government-project.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/70274/c0a27443-ccbb-4c46-8d3c-7432bfe422d8_Unauthorized_Aliens.pdf?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIA47RIURE4PTNEMV5I%2F20260414%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260414T114645Z&X-Amz-Expires=72000&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEML%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FwEaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJGMEQCIBEbdlYR6XBvjdJPmMbf%2FvqHJyY6tOydlsN40eKIJhQcAiAUqcHSdrV3aothbzCf9tcBxC8aQ1b1kXfUp0g1rt8OlCqVBQiL%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F8BEAIaDDg5MjM2NDY4NzY3MiIMJ7aR8zmjJHAf%2FP4DKukEzq2XRnGogQp%2BQ1Ts8EHgDoOAqF8tHno15emo8oS9Vpihs8I18zxLaXn0mQAP%2FV%2BQROUI2bAti%2Bd6yWaWpVbyCLFzx6ER36igm4Jov84nCqpIqWSkYATD%2BzVtLJK5yFgxoxDWsotn3JgyMqr8MxBAQyMgQVrlX%2BoBYNgmBFJ01u%2FU8IjoVsOYEg74AzAJ35P2QaFpVR7yhhdhRypnAwv7pZkYb2mfhu6D5OTNDHEWoNk0lYs0nmcrBs5cPBe0EIsWx%2FUSdScdrGt%2BBkEdsHOqGujQiI7zB1Yvq1bpJBEuxCuMJauJ4HAU%2FFi2AW4iU%2F%2B2eU2S4mQpA9SpWf4NWjZo%2FHTguEIihREWosswcLo5mJ8KqhtczQPvCL6bxX0FEpQJLMyg98Amm63myD60l2dYMUbgNLz12oPuJH3TAYV4Qspt3Vsh3bUlRrZSpPjdM8twc3nmejNxx%2BNtYMOk6YLY4HwLpta307cfOM9Uiv%2BE8xz%2BMsyq8ZP42e8ssb5yMcuKYJV96W1qBaU5tjStKkNwL%2BZ%2B6Yc7fkkYmuXpNZKBfMKRpdnwu0hIPsxZvO9lL1fEf%2BmH%2FA2v9sKt4L2%2FKfo8OA8f0afCbUEIqGyaPGz3CZjnQHIfIR9CFIwYfp%2Biwaam%2BSxOaqdGjN29ooiJQTWkLeKqfVZJDUMuvJ7WdXmZ%2FIz50AKgI0xdTnbFwUUbIMBn3mkbcemxdysFemNj3bDWQM7AVWobxFWhgytuqkpWbjNu7E2NyHOvXKlcYgporfYtWnzk5fvG0fOYW600UPZYW4UHUhy5Bcay2tJmWowGGj51K%2BVS5cpA4mcwzKH4zgY6mgE4PKUh2Yh6uGsRctDscY02ghvuP3UE4qtx2cCmiOMC0UcSU%2FexqO375wyflT7xB0qTvCGTJlx%2FiGldg5kj0yLWfcrrEjgw1hQ8lf5qmVJjCO3kgJjkQNMd5uyIbUVThJRvu7XVO5ZqGkonCoo4VpHt1fUBkXeBnXZVleVM1ZNCYi%2B1IKFIXSn5cKsmwub8JVwIboFb5HaxwaBm&X-Amz-Signature=60e18b67345d8307ce7d15a36998f73863d5ef0250124306fe62dec767afa3eb&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&response-content-disposition=attachment%3B%20filename%3D%22Unauthorized_Aliens.pdf%22&x-id=GetObject

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

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .