DOT-RFP-24-6189LS - Request for Proposal.pdf

RFPSHELL. 12/16/2021

State of Florida Department of Transportation

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

To Provide Districtwide Environmental Compliance Monitoring of Construction or Maintenance Projects

DOT-RFP-24-6189LS

CONTACT FOR QUESTIONS:

D6.Purch@dot.state.fl.us 1000 NW 111th Avenue Miami, Florida 33172

State of Florida Department of Transportation District Six Procurement Office

1000 NW 111 Avenue, Room 6202 Miami, Fl 3317

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL REGISTRATION

PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM ASAP

E-MAIL TO D6.Purch@dot.state.fl.us

RFP Number: DOT-RFP-24-6189LS

Title: To Provide Districtwide Environmental Compliance Monitoring of Construction or Maintenance Projects

Proposal Due Date & Time (On or Before): September 18, 2023, at 10:00 AM

Potential proposers should notify our office by returning this Registration Form as soon as possible after downloading. Complete the information below and e-mail to D6.Purch@dot.state.fl.us

THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL DOCUMENT YOU RECEIVED IS SUBJECT TO

CHANGE. Notice of changes (Addenda), will be posted on the Florida Vendor Information Portal at https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/, under this bid number, click on “Search Advertisements”, click on the drop-down arrow beside the box under Advertisement Type, select Request for Proposal, click on the drop-down arrow beside the box for Organization, select FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, then go to the bottom of the same page and click on Advertisement Search. It is the responsibility of all potential bidders to monitor this site for any changing information prior to submitting your bid.

Company Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Telephone: ( ) Contact Person:

E-Mail Address: __________________________________________________

For further information on this process, e-mail or telephone: D6.Purch@dot.state.fl.us

INTRODUCTION SECTION

1) INVITATION

The State of Florida Department of Transportation, hereinafter referred to as the “Department”, requests written proposals from qualified Proposers to provide Districtwide Environmental Compliance Monitoring of Construction or Maintenance Projects. It is anticipated that the term of the contract will begin on October 2023 and be effective through October 2026 or a three-year term.

The Department intends to award this contract to the responsive and responsible Proposer whose proposal is determined to be the most advantageous to the Department. After the award, said Proposer will be referred to as the “Vendor”. For the purpose of this document, the term "Proposer" means the prime Vendor acting on its own behalf and those individuals, partnerships, firms, or corporations comprising the Proposer team. The term "proposal" means the complete response of the Proposer to the Request for Proposals (RFP), including properly completed forms and supporting documentation.

2) TIMELINE

Provided below is a list of critical dates and actions. These dates are subject to change. Notices of changes (Addenda) will be posted on the Florida Vendor Information Portal at https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/(click on “Search Advertisements”) under this RFP number. It is the responsibility of all potential proposers to monitor this site for any changing information prior to submitting your proposal.

ACTION / LOCATION DATE LOCAL TIME

DEADLINE FOR TECHNICAL QUESTIONS . . . . . . . . . 08/31/2023 5:00 PM

Via email: D6.Purch@dot.state.fl.us (There is no deadline for administrative questions)

PROPOSALS DUE, ON OR BEFORE 09/18/2023 10:00 AM

(Receipt of Technical and Price Proposal) Electronic submission of proposals Must be emailed to D6.Purch@dot.state.fl.us

PUBLIC BID OPENING/ MEETING

(Technical and Price Proposal) - . . . . . . . . . . . 09/18/2023 2:00 PM Florida Department of Transportation District Six Main Building Front Lobby 1000 Northwest 111 Avenue Miami, Florida 33172

SELECTION MEETING . . . . . . . . . 10/02/2023 10:00 AM

Florida Department of Transportation District Six Main Building, Front Lobby 1000 Northwest 111 Avenue Miami, Florida 33172

POSTING OF INTENDED AWARD - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10/02/2023 12:00 PM

3) AGENDA FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS

Agenda – Public Opening (Technical Proposals) Agenda for Public Opening of Technical Proposals for DOT-RFP-24-6189LS:

Starting Time: see “Timeline” in RFP solicitation.

- Opening remarks of approx. 2 minutes by Department Procurement Office personnel.

- Public input period – To allow a maximum of 15 minutes total for public input related to the RFP solicitation.

- At conclusion of public input or 15 minutes, whichever occurs first, the Technical Proposals received timely will be opened, evaluation scores will read aloud and tabulated and summarized.

- Announce the firms that did not achieve the minimum technical score.

- Announce the firms that achieved the minimum technical score and their price(s) as price proposals are opened.

- Calculate price scores and add to technical scores to arrive at total scores.

- Announce Proposer with highest Total Score as preliminary Intended Award.

- Announce time and date of the Final Selection Meeting.

- Adjourn meeting.

Agenda – Final Selection Meeting Agenda for Intended / Recommended Award meeting for DOT-RFP-24-6189LS:

Starting Time: see “Timeline” in RFP solicitation.

- Opening remarks of approx. 2 minutes by Department Procurement Office personnel.

- Public input period – To allow a maximum of 15 minutes total for public input related to the RFP solicitation.

- At conclusion of public input or 15 minutes, whichever occurs first, the Total Scores

(Technical scores plus price scores) will be summarized.

- Announce Intended Award decision.

- Announce time and date decision will be posted on the Vendor Information Portal (VIP).

- Adjourn

4) SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS

Any person with a qualified disability requiring special accommodations at a pre-proposal conference, public meeting, oral presentation and/or opening shall contact the contact person at the phone number, e-mail address on the title page at least five (5) working days prior to the event. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact this office by using the Florida Relay Services which can be reached at

1 (800) 955-8771 (TDD).

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

1) MyFloridaMarketPlace

PROPOSERS MUST BE REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA’S MYFLORIDAMARKETPLACE

SYSTEM BY THE TIME AND DATE OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL OPENING OR THEY MAY BE

CONSIDERED NON-RESPONSIVE (see Special Condition 21). All prospective proposers that are not registered should go to https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/ to complete on-line registration or call 1- 866-352-3776 for assisted registration.

All payment(s) to the vendor resulting from this competitive solicitation WILL be subject to the MFMP Transaction Fee in accordance with the referenced Form PUR 1000 General Contract Condition #14.

The Transaction Fees imposed shall be based upon the date of issuance of the payment.

2) Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) W-9 REQUIREMENT

The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) requires all vendors that do business with the state to submit an electronic Substitute Form W-9. Vendors must submit their W-9 forms electronically at https://flvendor.myfloridacfo.com to receive payments from the state. Contact the DFS Customer Service Desk at (850) 413-5519 or FLW9@myfloridacfo.com with any questions.

3) QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

In accordance with section 287.057(25), Florida Statutes, respondents to this solicitation or persons acting on their behalf may not contact, between the release of the solicitation and the end of the 72-hour period following the agency posting the notice of intended award, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays, any employee or officer of the executive or legislative branch concerning any aspect of this solicitation, except in writing to the procurement officer or as provided in the solicitation documents. Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting a response.

Any technical questions arising from this Request for Proposal must be forwarded, in writing, to the procurement agent identified below. Questions must be received no later than the time and date reflected on the Timeline. The Department’s written response to written inquiries submitted timely by proposers will be posted on the Florida Vendor Information Portal at https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/(click on “Search Advertisements”), under this RFP number. It is the responsibility of all potential proposers to monitor this site for any changing information prior to submitting their proposal.

WRITTEN TECHNICAL QUESTIONS should be submitted to:

Lester Silva D6.Purch@dot.state.fl.us Phone: 305-470-5402 Florida Department of Transportation 1000 Northwest 111 Avenue, Room 6202 Miami, Florida 33172

Questions regarding administrative aspects of the proposal process should be directed to the Procurement Agent in writing at the address above.

4) ORAL INSTRUCTIONS / CHANGES TO THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (ADDENDA)

No negotiations, decisions, or actions will be initiated or executed by a proposer as a result of any oral discussions with a state employee. Only those communications which are in writing from the Department will be considered as a duly authorized expression on behalf of the Department.

Notices of changes (Addenda) will be posted on the Florida Vendor Information Portal at https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/ (click on “Search Advertisements”) under this RFP number. It is the responsibility of all potential proposers to monitor this site for any changing information prior to submitting your proposal. All Addenda will be acknowledged by signature and subsequent submission of Addenda with proposal when so stated in the Addenda.

5) DIVERSITY ACHIEVEMENT

DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (DBE) UTILIZATION

The Department, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 USC 2000d- 2000d-4, Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, U.S. Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such Act, hereby notifies all bidders that the Department will affirmatively ensure that in any contract/agreement entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority and disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded the full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex in consideration for an award.

The Department encourages DBE firms to compete for Department contractual services projects, and also encourages non-DBE and other minority contractors to use DBE firms as sub-contractors. The Department, its contractors, suppliers, and consultants shall take all necessary and reasonable steps to ensure that disadvantaged businesses have an opportunity to compete for and perform contract work for the Department in a nondiscriminatory environment. The Department shall require its contractors, suppliers, and consultants to not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, or disability in the award and performance of its contracts.

Federal law requires states to maintain a database of all firms that are participating or attempting to participate in DOT-assisted contracts. To assist the Department in this endeavor, proposers are requested to submit the Bidder’s Opportunity List with their Price Proposal Sheet. The list should include yourself as well as any prospective sub-contractor that you contacted or who has contacted you regarding the project.

Proposers are requested to indicate their intention regarding DBE participation on the Anticipated DBE Participation Statement and to submit that Statement with their Price Proposal Sheet. After award of the contract resulting from this RFP, the awarded Vendor will need to complete the “Anticipated DBE Participation Statement” online through the Equal Opportunity Compliance (EOC) system within 3 business days after award of the contract. The link to access the EOC system is:

https://www3.dot.state.fl.us/EqualOpportunityCompliance. This will assist the Department in tracking and reporting planned or estimated DBE utilization.

During the contract period, the Vendor will be required to report actual payments to DBE and MBE subcontractors through the web based EOC system. All DBE payments must be reported whether or not you initially planned to utilize the company. In order for our race neutral DBE Program to be successful, your cooperation is imperative. If you have any questions, please contact EOOHelp@dot.state.fl.us .

Additional information about the EOC system can be found on the Equal Opportunity Office (EOO) website at http://www.dot.state.fl.us/equalopportunityoffice/eoc.shtm . A help manual on how to use the system will be available within the EOC application. If you have any questions or technical issues, please contact the EOO help desk at EOOHelp@dot.state.fl.us .

To request certification or to locate DBEs, call the Department of Transportation’s Equal Opportunity Office at

(850) 414-4747, or access an application or listing of DBEs on the Internet at www.dot.state.fl.us/equalopportunityoffice/ .

6) SCOPE OF SERVICES

Details of the services, information, and items to be furnished by the Vendor are described in Exhibit "A", Scope of Services, attached hereto and made a part hereof.

7) INTENDED AWARD

The Department intends to award a contract to the responsive and responsible vendor with the highest cumulative total points for the evaluation criteria specified herein (See Section 30, Proposal Evaluation). The Intended Award decision will be announced after final evaluation and totaling of scores at the Price Proposal opening specified in the Timeline (See Introduction Section 2 Timeline).

If the Department is confronted with identical pricing or scoring from multiple vendors, the Department shall determine the order of award using the following criteria, in the order of preference listed below (from highest priority to lowest priority):

1. Section 295.187(4), Florida Statutes; Veteran Business Enterprise

2. Section 287.087, Florida Statute; Drug Free Workplace

3. Section 287.057(11); Minority Business Enterprise

In the event that the application of the above referenced preferences does not resolve the identical replies, the Department shall determine the award by means of random drawing.

8) PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE: A PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE WILL NOT BE HELD.

9) QUALIFICATIONS

9.1 General

The Department will determine whether the Proposer is qualified to perform the services being contracted based upon their proposal demonstrating satisfactory experience and capability in the work area. The Proposer shall identify necessary experienced personnel and facilities to support the activities associated with this proposal.

9.2 Qualifications of Key Personnel

Those individuals who will be directly involved in the project should have demonstrated experience in the areas delineated in the scope of work. Individuals whose qualifications are presented will be committed to the project for its duration unless otherwise accepted by the Department's Project Manager. Where State of Florida registration or certification is deemed appropriate, a copy of the registration or certificate should be included in the proposal package.

9.3 Authorized to Do Business in the State of Florida

In accordance with sections 607.1501, 605.0211(2)(b), and 620.9102, Florida Statutes, out-of-state corporations, out-of-state limited liability companies, and out-of-state limited partnerships must be authorized to do business in the State of Florida. Such authorization should be obtained by the proposal due date and time, but in any case, must be obtained prior to the award of the contract. For authorization, contact:

Florida Department of State Tallahassee, Florida 32399

(850) 245-6051

9.4 Licensed to Conduct Business in the State of Florida

If the business being provided requires that individuals be licensed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, such licenses should be obtained by the proposal due date and time, but in any case, must be obtained prior to posting of the intended award of the contract. For licensing, contact:

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0797

(850) 487-1395

10) WARRANTY/SUBSTITUTIONS

When performance of the services requires the supply of commodities, a warranty is required on all items provided against defective materials, workmanship, and failure to perform in accordance with required industry performance criteria, for a period of not less than ninety (90) days from the date of acceptance by the purchaser. Any deviation from this criteria must be documented in the proposal response or the above statement shall prevail. Delivery of substitute commodities requires prior written approval from the ordering location.

Replacement of all materials found defective within the warranty period shall be made without cost to the purchaser, including transportation if applicable. All fees associated with restocking cancelled orders shall be the responsibility of the vendor.

All items provided during the performance of the contract found to be poorly manufactured will not be accepted, but returned to the vendor, at their expense, for replacement. Replacement of all items found defective shall be made without cost to the Department, including transportation, if applicable. As it may be impossible for each facility to inspect all items upon arrival, a reasonable opportunity must be given to these facilities for inspection of the items, and returning those that are defective.

11) LIABILITY INSURANCE

The Vendor shall not commence any work until they have obtained the following types of insurance, and certificates of such insurance have been received by the Department. Nor shall the Vendor allow any subcontractor to commence work on this project until all similar insurance required of the subcontractor has been so obtained. The Vendor shall submit the required Certificates of Insurance to the Florida Department of Transportation, Procurement Office, Ileen Zamora 1000 NW 111th Avenue, Miami, FL 33172 within ten (10) days after the ending date of the period for posting the intended award decision.

The Vendor must carry and keep in force during the period of this contract a general liability insurance policy or policies with a company authorized to do business in the state of Florida, affording public liability insurance with combined bodily injury limits of at least $200,000.00 per person and $ 300,000.00 each occurrence, and property damage insurance of at least $ 200,000.00 each occurrence, for the services to be rendered in accordance with this contract.

With respect to any general liability insurance policy required pursuant to this Agreement, all such policies shall be issued by companies licensed to do business in the State of Florida. The Vendor shall provide to the Department certificates showing the required coverage to be in effect with endorsements showing the Department to be an additional insured prior to commencing any work under this Contract. The certificates and policies shall provide that in the event of any material change in or cancellation of the policies reflecting the required coverage, thirty days advance notice shall be given to the Department or as provided in accordance with Florida law.

The Department shall be exempt from, and in no way liable for, any sums of money which may represent a deductible in any insurance policy. The payment of such deductible shall be the sole responsibility of the Vendor or subcontractor providing such insurance. Policies that include Self Insured Retention (SIR) will not be accepted.

12) PERFORMANCE BOND

A Performance Bond is not required for this project.

13) METHOD OF COMPENSATION

Method of Compensation for awarded contract is described in Exhibit “B”, Method of Compensation, attached hereto and made a part hereof.

14) CONTRACT DOCUMENT

STANDARD WRITTEN AGREEMENT

The Department’s “Standard Written Agreement” is attached hereto and made a part hereof. The terms and conditions contained therein will become an integral part of the contract resulting from this solicitation. In submitting a proposal, the proposer agrees to be legally bound by these terms and conditions.

15) REVIEW OF PROPOSER'S FACILITIES & QUALIFICATIONS

After the proposal due date and prior to contract execution, the Department reserves the right to perform or have performed an on-site review of the Proposer's facilities and qualifications. This review will serve to verify data and representations submitted by the Proposer and may be used to determine whether the Proposer has an adequate, qualified, and experienced staff, and can provide overall management facilities.

The review may also serve to verify whether the Proposer has financial capability adequate to meet the contract requirements.

Should the Department determine that the proposal has material misrepresentations or that the size or nature of the Proposer's facilities or the number of experienced personnel (including technical staff) are not adequate to ensure satisfactory contract performance, the Department has the right to reject the proposal.

16) PROTEST OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL SPECIFICATIONS

Any person who is adversely affected by the contents of this Request for Proposal must file the following with the Department of Transportation, Clerk of Agency Proceedings, Office of the General Counsel, 605 Suwannee Street, Mail Station 58, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0450:

1. A written notice of protest within seventy-two (72) hours after the posting of the solicitation, (the notice of protest may be Faxed to 850-414-5264), and

2. A formal written protest in compliance with Section 120.57(3), Florida Statutes, within ten (10) days of the date on which the written notice of protest is filed.

Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in section 120.57(3), Florida Statutes, or failure to post the bond or other security required by law within the time allowed for filing a bond shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes.

17) UNAUTHORIZED ALIENS

The employment of unauthorized aliens by any contractor is considered a violation of Section 274A(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. If the contractor knowingly employs unauthorized aliens, such violation shall be cause for unilateral cancellation of the contract.

18) SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES LISTS

ALL Responses, regardless of dollar value, must include a completed Vendor Certification Regarding Scrutinized Companies Lists to certify the respondent is not on either of those lists. The Form should be submitted with the Price Proposal.

A Vendor is ineligible to enter into a contract with the Department for goods or services of any amount if, at the time of entering into such contract, the Vendor is on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List, created pursuant to Section 215.4725, Florida Statutes, or is engaged in a boycott of Israel.

Section 287.135, Florida Statutes, also prohibits companies from entering into a contract for goods or services of $1 million or more that are on either the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List or the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Energy Sector Lists which were created pursuant to s. 215.473, Florida Statutes.

If the Department determines the Vendor submitted a false certification under Section 287.135 of the Florida Statutes, the Department shall either terminate the Contract after it has given the Vendor notice and an opportunity to demonstrate the Department’s determination of false certification was in error pursuant to Section 287.135 of the Florida Statutes or maintain the Contract if the conditions of Section 287.135 of the Florida Statutes are met.

19) RESERVATIONS

The Department reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals received and reserves the right to make an award without further discussion of the proposals submitted. Therefore, the proposals should be submitted initially in the most favorable manner. It is understood that the proposal will become a part of the Department’s official file, without obligation to the Department.

20) ADDITIONAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

No conditions may be applied to any aspect of the RFP by the proposer. Any conditions placed on any aspect of the proposal documents by the proposer may result in the proposal being rejected as a conditional proposal (see “RESPONSIVENESS OF PROPOSALS”). DO NOT WRITE IN CHANGES ON ANY RFP SHEET. The only recognized changes to the RFP prior to proposal opening will be a written Addenda issued by the Department.

21) RESPONSIVENESS OF PROPOSALS

21.1 Responsiveness of Proposals

Proposals will not be considered if not received by the Department on or before the date and time specified as the due date for submission. All proposals must be typed or printed in ink. A responsive proposal is an offer to perform the scope of services called for in this Request for Proposal in accordance with all requirements of this Request for Proposal and receiving seventy (70) points or more on the Technical Proposal. Proposals found to be non-responsive shall not be considered. Proposals may be rejected if found to be irregular or not in conformance with the requirements and instructions herein contained. A proposal may be found to be irregular or non-responsive by reasons that include, but are not limited to, failure to utilize or complete prescribed forms, conditional proposals, incomplete proposals, indefinite or ambiguous proposals, and improper and/or undated signatures. ALL determinations of responsiveness will be the responsibility of the FDOT Procurement Office.

21.2 Multiple Proposals

Proposals may be rejected if more than one proposal is received from a Proposer. Such duplicate interest may cause the rejection of all proposals in which such Proposer has participated. Subcontractors may appear in more than one proposal.

21.3 Other Conditions

Other conditions which may cause rejection of proposals include, but are not limited to, evidence of collusion among Proposers, obvious lack of experience or expertise to perform the required work, failure to perform or meet financial obligations on previous contracts, or in the event an individual, firm, partnership, or corporation is on the General Services Administration Excluded Parties List. Proposers whose proposals, past performance, or current status do not reflect the capability, integrity, or reliability to fully and in good faith perform the requirements of the Contract may be rejected as non-responsible. The Department reserves the right to determine which proposals meet the requirements of this solicitation, and which Proposers are responsive and responsible.

22) PROPOSAL FORMAT INSTRUCTIONS

22.1 General Information

This section contains instructions that describe the required format for the proposal Submittal.

Instructions for Electronic Submission of Proposals can be found in Section 27)

Electronic Submission of Proposals. Failure to follow these instructions may result in your proposal being found non-responsive. Non-responsive replies will not be evaluated.

22.2 Technical Proposal

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Proposer shall provide an Executive Summary to be written in nontechnical language to summarize the Proposer's overall capabilities and approaches for accomplishing the services specified herein. As part of the summary, the Proposer should discuss the importance of this contract from the Florida Department of Transportations (FDOT’s) perspective. The Proposer is encouraged to limit the summary to no more than one (1) page.

2. PROPOSER'S MANAGEMENT PLAN

The Proposer shall provide a management plan which describes administration, management, and key personnel.

i. Administration and Management

a) The Proposer shall include a description of the organizational structure, the management style, and the methodology to be used to provide reliable services; maintain schedules; control costs; perform job cost accounting and invoicing; as well as the means of coordination and communication between the organization and the Department.

b) The Proposer shall indicate any Sub-Consultants that will be utilized on this contract. Explain if and how the Sub-Consultants will contribute to this contract.

c) The Proposer shall explain the roles and responsibilities of each organizational team member, as they apply to the management and administrative activities as well as the technical activities in the Scope of Services. As part of this section, the Proposer should provide a chart of the organizational structure identifying positions and personnel. This chart may be included in the Appendix of the Technical Proposal.

Please indicate each team member’s affiliation—either as a full-time or hourly employee of the Consultant firm or as a full-time or hourly employee of the Sub-Consultant firm.

d) The Proposer shall state whether the firm has a Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) to accomplish the above goals. If so, discuss the manner of implementation of the QAP, including its implementation with regard to fieldwork and any sub-consultant’s contributions.

ii. Professional Staff

a) Key Personnel: The Proposer shall provide a list of all key personnel, as well as those of Sub-Consultants who would be assigned to this contract, the task in which each will be assigned, their experience level and applicable knowledge. Include signed, dated resumes for each individual proposed and their physical work location (resumes of senior managers and/or ancillary staff not proposed to work on this contract should not be included). All resumes may be included in the Appendix of the Technical Proposal.

b) Availability: This section should show the percentage of time the proposed key personnel will be available to devote to the subject contract. The Proposer should also discuss how conflicts with ongoing projects for the availability of key personnel will be resolved.

c) Project Manager: The Proposer shall identify the Project Manager who will remain involved throughout the Contract term. The Proposer shall demonstrate that the Project Manager assigned to this contract possesses advanced knowledge of the required mitigation services as well as environmental permitting. Note: Removal of the Project Manager from this role shall require the Department’s prior written approval of whomever the Proposer intends to substitute for the Contract Project Manager. Without this written approval, the Proposer shall be considered in default.

d) The Proposer shall provide the proof of all required registrations and licenses for all the personnel expected to perform work under this contract. All the registrations and licenses must be current and valid for renewal for the entire duration of the contract. Registrations and licenses may be included in the Appendix of the Technical Proposal.

iii. Experience of the Proposer

a) The Proposer shall provide an overview of the firm’s experience level in the area of environmental compliance monitoring, mitigation site development, mitigation site maintenance and mitigation site monitoring. The Proposer shall detail the firm’s experience conducting compliance inspections, reporting instances of noncompliance, and enforcing corrective solutions. Elaborate on no more than three (3) prior mitigation projects, preferably in at least one of the following areas: coastal wetlands, seagrass restoration, freshwater wetlands, coral relocation, in which the Proposer or one of the proposed Sub-Consultants for this contract played a critical role in the development (design, construction, or remediation), maintenance, or monitoring of a mitigation site, particularly in the South Florida region.

b) Define the exact role the Consultant firm had in the project being described. Include in this description any interagency coordination with which the Proposer was instrumental. Previous experience with FDOT mitigation projects and environmental compliance efforts shall be emphasized.

Clarify for each case listed whether the firm’s involvement was as the Prime Consultant or as a Sub- Consultant.

c) Also briefly describe the Proposer’s experience in the following areas: (1) post-construction monitoring and maintenance of mitigation sites; (2) coordination with Construction Office and construction contractors for construction inspections compliance efforts; and (2) environmental permit applications or modifications.

d) The Proposer shall provide a brief statement concerning the length of time the firm has been providing the services required in the contract.

3. PROPOSER'S TECHNICAL PLAN

The technical plan must at a minimum address the following:

i. Technical Approach

a) The Proposer shall explain the approach, capabilities and means to be used in accomplishing the tasks in Exhibit “A” Scope of Services.

b) The Proposer should show where significant challenges may be anticipated and resolved.

c) The Proposer shall prepare an effective communication plan to keep the Department’s Project Manager informed of all services rendered in the contract. This shall include the preparation of all required reports.

ii. Facilities and Equipment Capabilities

a) Facilities: With knowledge of the wide range of projects that occur in District Six, the Proposer shall provide the location and description of the capabilities of the Proposer’s facilities as they currently exist and as they will be employed for the purpose of this contract. The Proposer should also describe the procedures for mobilizing service personnel and the mobilization time.

b) Equipment: The Proposer shall provide a list of the equipment available for the tasks included in the Scope of Services. The list should include: (1) name of the equipment, (2) quantity available, (3) the expected manner of use on this contract (e.g., field inspections), and (4) whether that equipment usage is subject to a fee or is available as “standard” equipment (at no charge to the Department). The following equipment, at a minimum, should be considered standard operating equipment and will be considered in overhead (not subject to any additional fee): all office equipment, including but not limited to, telephones, cellular phones, and computer usage; vehicles used for inspections; turbidity meters; water sampling equipment, GPS data collector and digital cameras.

iii. Innovative Concepts The Proposer shall describe any innovative concepts or specific techniques, that enhance the approach to the project including in the areas of mitigation design, means and methods of construction, or communication, etc. Note: An innovative concept does not include revisions to any established Department policies or procedures.

iv. Work Samples The Proposer shall provide a sample mitigation site plan, as well as a sample monitoring report which illustrates monitoring procedures and serves as a good example of the Proposer’s monitoring report format.

The Proposer shall provide a sample environmental compliance report which illustrates inspection for compliance with environmental permit conditions. Provide the names and phone numbers of the clients for whom the work was performed.

22.3 Presenting the Proposal

The proposal shall not exceed fifteen (15) pages, excluding resumes and other items listed below. Resumes shall not exceed two (2) pages and shall be signed and dated. The proposal shall be limited to a page size of eight and one-half by eleven inches (8½" x 11"). Foldout pages may be used, where appropriate, but should not exceed ten (10) percent of the total number of pages comprising the proposal. Type size shall not be less than 10-point font. The proposals should be indexed and all pages sequentially numbered. Bindings and covers will be at the Proposer's discretion.

The following items may be submitted as appendices and these items will not count towards the 15-page limit: resumes, organizational chart, registrations and licenses, sample mitigation site plan, sample monitoring report, sample environmental compliance report and other forms requested by the DEPARTMENT. The Table of Contents and section dividers also do not count towards the 10-page limit. Any proposal that exceeds the maximum limit of 15 pages will be penalized 1-point for each extra page.

Unnecessarily elaborate special brochures, artwork, expensive paper and expensive visual and other presentation aids are neither necessary nor desired.

It is recognized that existing financial reports, documents, or brochures, such as those that delineate the Proposer's general capabilities and experience, may not comply with the prescribed format. It is not the intent to have these documents reformatted and they will be acceptable in their existing form.

22.4 Presenting the Proposal

The proposal shall be limited to a page size of eight and one-half by eleven inches (8½" x 11").

Foldout pages may be used, where appropriate, but should not exceed five (5) percent of the total number of pages comprising the proposal. Type size shall not be less than 10-point font. The proposals should be indexed and all pages sequentially numbered. Bindings and covers will be at the Proposer's discretion.

Unnecessarily elaborate special brochures, artwork, expensive paper and expensive visual and other presentation aids are neither necessary nor desired.

It is recognized that existing financial reports, documents, or brochures, such as those that delineate the Proposer's general capabilities and experience, may not comply with the prescribed format. It is not the intent to have these documents reformatted and they will be acceptable in their existing form.

23) "DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE" PREFERENCE

Whenever two or more bids which are equal with respect to price, quality, and service are received, the Department shall determine the order of award first in accordance with section 295.187(4), Florida Statutes, giving preference to “Veteran Business Enterprise” then to bid responses from vendors that certify the business has implemented a drug-free workplace program in accordance with Section 287.087, Florida Statutes. The “Drug-Free Workplace Program Certification” must be completed and submitted with the bid response to be eligible for this preference.

24) COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL

Copyrighted material will be accepted as part of a technical proposal only if accompanied by a waiver that will allow the Department to make paper and electronic copies necessary for the use of Department staff and agents. It is noted that copyrighted material is not exempt from the Public Records Law, Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. Therefore, such material will be subject to viewing by the public, but copies of the material will not be provided to the public.

25) ATTACHMENT TO RFP SUBMITTAL - CONFIDENTIAL MATERIAL

The Proposer must include any materials it asserts to be exempted from public disclosure under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, in a separate bound document labeled "Attachment to Request for Proposals, Number DOT-RFP-24-6189LS - Confidential Material". The Proposer must identify the specific Statute that authorizes exemption from the Public Records Law. Any claim of confidentiality on materials the Proposer asserts to be exempt from public disclosure and placed elsewhere in the proposal will be considered waived by the Proposer upon submission, effective after opening.

26) COSTS INCURRED IN RESPONDING

This Request for Proposal does not commit the Department or any other public agency to pay any costs incurred by an individual firm, partnership, or corporation in the submission of a proposal or to make necessary studies or designs for the preparation thereof, nor to procure or contract for any articles or services.

27) ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS:

Electronic Proposal Submittals

Please follow the below instructions for the submittal of electronic Proposals, failure to do so, may result in your bid being found non-responsive. Non-responsive replies will not be evaluated. Please go to Section 22.1 General Information for more instructions.

a) Subject line must show: DOT-RFP-24-6189LS.

b) Email shall contain two file attachments marked as the following:

File I – TECHNICAL PROPOSAL DOT-RFP-24-6189LS- (Insert Vendor’s Name) File II – PRICE PROPOSAL DOT-RFP-24-6189LS- (Insert Vendor’s Name)

c) Proposals shall be submitted to: D6.Purch@dot.state.fl.us

NOTES:

• Documents shall be submitted in portable document format (PDF) and have a size limit of 25MB.

• The body of the email shall not contain any information.

• It is the proposer's responsibility to assure that the proposal (Technical and Price proposal) is delivered to D6.Purch@dot.state.fl.us, on or before the Proposal Due date and time (See Introduction Section 2 Timeline). Proposals which for any reason are not so delivered will not be considered.

• By submitting a proposal, the Proposer represents that it understands and accepts the terms and conditions to be met and the character, quality, and scope of services to be provided.

• All proposals and associated forms shall be signed and dated in ink by a duly authorized representative of the Proposer.

• Each Proposer shall fully acquaint itself with the conditions relating to the performance of the services under the conditions of this Request for Proposal. This may require an on-site observation.

It is the bidder’s responsibility to assure that the bid is delivered to the proper place on or before the Bid Due date and time (See Introduction Section 2 Timeline). Bids which for any reason are not so delivered, will not be considered.

28) MODIFICATIONS, RESUBMITTAL AND WITHDRAWAL

Proposers may modify submitted proposals at any time prior to the proposal due date. Requests for modification of a submitted proposal shall be in writing and must be signed by an authorized signatory of the proposer. Upon receipt and acceptance of such a request, the entire proposal will be returned to the proposer and not considered unless resubmitted by the due date and time. Proposers may also send a change in a sealed envelope to be opened at the same time as the proposal. The RFP number, due date and time should appear on the envelope of the modified proposal.

29) PROPOSAL OPENING

All proposal openings are open to the public. Technical Proposals will be opened by the Department at the date, time and location in the Timeline (See Introduction Section 2 Timeline). Price Proposals, which have a corresponding responsive Technical Proposal, will be opened by the Department at the date, time and location in the Timeline (See Introduction Section 2 Timeline).

30) PROPOSAL EVALUATION

30.1 Evaluation Process:

A Technical Review Committee (TRC) will be established to review and evaluate each proposal submitted in response to this Request for Proposal (RFP). The TRC will be composed of at least three (3) persons who collectively have experience and knowledge in the program areas and service requirements for which the commodities and/or contractual services are sought.

The Procurement Office will distribute to each member of the TRC a copy of each technical proposal. The TRC members will independently evaluate the proposals on the criteria and point system established in the section below entitled "Criteria for Evaluation" in order to assure that proposals are uniformly rated. Due to the complexity of certain procurements, the TRC members are authorized to consult with subject matter experts for the purpose of gathering information, if needed. The independent evaluations will be sent to the Procurement Office and averaged for each vendor. Proposing firms must attain an average score of seventy

(70) points or higher on the Technical Proposal to be considered responsive. Should a Proposer receive fewer than seventy (70) points for their average Technical Proposal score, the Price Proposal will not be opened.

During the process of evaluation, the Procurement Office will conduct examinations of proposals for responsiveness to requirements of the RFP. Those determined to be non-responsive will be automatically rejected.

30.2 Oral Presentations: THERE ARE NO ORAL PRESENTATIONS FOR THIS PROJECT.

30.3 Price Proposal

The Proposer shall complete the Price Proposal form and submit as part of the Price Proposal Package. Any proposal in which this form is not used or in which the form is improperly executed may be considered non-responsive and the proposal will be subject to rejection. The vendor's completed form shall become a part of the contract upon award of the contract.

The Procurement Office will open Price Proposals in accordance with Section 29, Proposal Openings. The Procurement Office and/or the Project Manager/TRC will review and evaluate the price proposals and prepare a summary of its price evaluation. The Procurement Office and/or the Project Manager/TRC will assign points based on price evaluation criteria identified herein.

30.4 Criteria for Evaluation

Proposals will be evaluated and graded in accordance with the criteria detailed below.

a. Technical Proposal (100 Points) Technical evaluation is the process of reviewing the Proposer's Executive Summary, Management Plan, Technical Plan and Work Plan for understanding of project, qualifications, approach, and capabilities, to assure a quality product.

The following point system is established for scoring the technical proposals:

Point Value:

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY…………………………………………………………5

2. PROPOSER’S MANAGEMENT PLAN ……………………………………….50

i. Administration and Management………………………………….… 15

ii. Professional Staff ……………………………………….……………. 15

iii. Experience of Proposer……………………………………….……... 20

3. EXPERIENCE OF PROPOSER…………………………………………………45

i. Technical Approach……………………………………………………………15

ii. Facility and Equipment Capabilities………………………………………….10

iii. Innovative Concepts…………………………………………………….…….10

iv. Work Samples………………………………………………………………….10

c. Price Proposal (25 Points) Price evaluation is the process of examining a prospective price without evaluation of the separate cost elements and proposed profit of the potential provider. Price analysis is conducted through the comparison of price quotations submitted.

The criteria for price evaluation shall be based upon the following formula:

(Low Price / Proposer's Price) x Price Points = Proposer’s Awarded Points

31) POSTING OF INTENDED DECISION/AWARD

31.1 The Department’s decision will be posted on the Florida Vendor Information Portal, at https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/, on the date in the Timeline, and will remain posted for a period of seventy-two (72) hours. Any proposer who is adversely affected by the Department's recommended award or intended decision must file the following with the Department of Transportation, Clerk of Agency Proceedings, Office of the General Counsel, 605 Suwannee Street, Mail Station 58, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0450:

1. A written notice of protest within seventy-two (72) hours after posting of the Intended Award, (the notice of protest may be Faxed to 850-414-5264), and

2. A formal written protest and protest bond in compliance with Section 120.57(3), Florida Statutes, within ten (10) days of the date on which the written notice of protest is filed. At the time of filing the formal written protest, a bond (a cashier’s check or money order may be accepted) payable to the Department must also be submitted in an amount equal to one percent (1%) of the estimated contract amount based on the contract price submitted by the protestor.

Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in Section 120.57(3), Florida Statutes, or failure to post the bond or other security required by law within the time allowed for filing a bond shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes.

31.2 - Inability to Post:

If the Department is unable to post as defined above, the Department will notify all proposers by electronic notification on the Florida Vendor Information Portal (see special condition 31.1, above) and/or telephone.

The Department will provide notification of any future posting in a timely manner.

31.3 - Request to Withdraw Proposal:

Requests for withdrawal will be considered if received by the Department, in writing, within seventy-two

(72) hours after the price proposal opening time and date. Requests received in accordance with this provision will be granted by the Department upon proof of the impossibility to perform based upon obvious error on the part of the proposer.

32) AWARD OF THE CONTRACT

Services will be authorized to begin when the Vendor receives the following document(s), as appropriate, indicating the encumbrance of funds and award of the contract:

Standard Written Agreement executed by both parties, and a written Notice to Proceed, issued by the Project Manager.

33) RENEWAL

Upon mutual agreement, the Department and the Contract Vendor may renew the Contract for a period that may not exceed 3 years or the term of the original contract, whichever is longer. The renewal must be in writing and signed by both parties and is subject to the same terms and conditions set forth in the initial contract and any written amendments signed by the parties. Any renewal shall specify the renewal price, as set forth in the solicitation response except that an agency may negotiate lower pricing. Renewal is contingent upon satisfactory performance evaluations and subject to the availability of funds.

34) ATTACHED FORMS

Price Proposal Form Drug-Free Workplace Program Certification (Form 375-040-18) DBE Participation Statement Bid Opportunity List Vendor Certification Regarding Scrutinized Companies Lists (Form 375-030-60).

E-Verify (Form 375-031-06) Standard Written Agreement (form 375-040-19)

35) TERMS AND CONDITIONS

35.1 General Contract Conditions (PUR 1000)

The State of Florida’s General Contract Conditions are outlined in form PUR 1000, which is a downloadable document incorporated into this RFP by reference.