Engineering_Design_Services:_Mossy_Head_Industrial_Park_Additional_Access_Rd_and_Intersection_Improvement_Project.pdf

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS,

WALTON COUNTY, FLORIDA

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

For

Engineering Design Services:

Mossy Head Industrial Park

Additional Access Rd and

Intersection Improvement

Project

RFQ NO: 26-09

Introduction

PURPOSE:

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

(Proposers), licensed to practice in the State of Florida, offering to provide engineering design plans for the Engineering Design Services: Mossy Head Industrial Park Additional Access Rd and Intersection Improvement Project (Project), in accordance with the specifications stated herein. This Project includes survey, design and permitting for a new access road to the

Northwest Florida Commerce Park in Mossy Head that will include intersection improvements at the proposed US 90 connection as well as crossing the existing Florida Gulf and Atlantic

Railroad easement located south of US 90. The proposed scope of services will include survey, geotechnical, roadway design, utility coordination, stormwater design, railroad crossing design and authorization and all associated permitting required for the new construction of a roadway connecting Mossy Head Plaza Drive to US 90 at the intersection of the Mossy Head Elementary

School Access Road. Proposers shall be FDOT certified, and documentation shall be included with submittals responsive to this RFQ.

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

Scope of Services

Summary of Scope

Scope of Services anticipated under this contract:

1.0 SURVEYING

Design and topographic surveying will be determined based on the proposed typical section and project needs. The survey shall be in Florida State Plane NAD 83 and be tied to existing documentation with benchmarks set to accommodate construction. Limits of survey shall be as needed per FDOT and Florida Gulf and Atlantic requirements.

Deliverables:

1. Topographic Survey – digital CAD files in Open Roads Designer format; and

2. Digital pdf of signed and sealed surveyor’s report.

2.0 GEOTECHNICAL

The selected Proposer (Consultant) shall propose to the County the necessary geotechnical work to support Project scope.

Deliverables:

1. Digital pdf of signed and sealed geotechnical report.

3.0 PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING

The Consultant will provide to the County preliminary design drawings (30% design drawings) to include the plan and profile view of proposed improvements, existing right-of-way, utility, and stormwater management facilities. The preliminary engineering shall provide sufficient information on utility sizes, stormwater facility requirements, and a preliminary grading plan sufficient to verify that the preliminary design will satisfy any permitting agency’s requirements.

Preliminary engineering design for signal warrant analysis and signal design, if warranted. The

30% design drawings will include at a minimum:

▪ Cover Sheet

▪ Existing Conditions

▪ Plan / Profile Sheets with existing Stationing (1”=50’ scale at a minimum)

▪ Typical Section(s)

▪ Cross sections at 100’ intervals

▪ Utility locations

The following meetings are anticipated:

▪ Kick-off meeting with the COUNTY (1 meeting)

▪ County update meeting (1 meeting)

▪ 30% design drawing review meeting (1 meeting)

4.0 ENGINEERING DESIGN and CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

The Consultant will prepare construction plans, technical specifications, and opinions of probable construction costs for the proposed Project at 60% and 90% design stages. The construction documents will include plans and details for plan and profile view for the proposed roadway locating all potable water, fire system, sanitary sewer, power/communications duct bank, stormwater management, grading, pavement type locations, and driveway connections on the plan and profile sheets. The engineering design shall provide information on the stormwater management facility requirements (sizes), final grading plan and stormwater calculations. The

Consultant will provide plans for County review and comment at the 30%, 60%, and 90% design stages. Following permitting, the Consultant will provide 100% construction plans and specifications.

The plans will be designed using the latest FDOT Standard Plans, AASHTO’s Guidelines for

Geometric Design of Very Low Volume Local Roads, Florida’s Greenbook, FDOT’s Flexible

Pavement Design, FDOT Design Manual, FDOT Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge

Construction and any applicable standards of FDOT or Florida Gulf and Atlantic. All design calculations and decisions will be documented and provided to the COUNTY in a Design

Documentation Report. The 60%, 90% and Final Plans shall include, but not be limited to, the following components:

▪ Cover Sheet

▪ General Construction Notes

▪ Existing Conditions

▪ Demolition Plan (including details)

▪ Erosion & Sedimentation Control Plans (including details)

▪ Site Plan Drawings (1”=50’ scale) – including water, sewer, stormwater, grading, and utility plan view locations.

▪ Grading Plan

▪ Roadway Plan and Profile

▪ Cross Sections at 100’ intervals

▪ Stormwater Plan

▪ Signing and Pavement Marking Plans

▪ Traffic Control Sheets

▪ Railroad Crossing Design with Signal Coordination, if warranted

▪ Signalized Intersection Design, if warranted

▪ Detail Sheets

The following Draft Permit Documents (if necessary) should be anticipated during Engineering

Design (60%):

▪ FDEP/NWFWMD Environmental Resource Permit

▪ FDOT Driveway Connection Permit and/or Construction Agreements

▪ FDEP NPDES generic stormwater permit for site construction

▪ Florida Gulf and Atlantic Railroad Permit

▪ Any other applicable permits not specifically addressed above to accomplish complete scope of work.

The Engineering Design Deliverables shall include:

▪ Signed and Sealed Construction Plans (digital)

▪ Signed and Sealed survey (digital)

▪ All engineering calculations and geotechnical data/reports used in the design

(digital)

▪ Final permit documents as described in the Preliminary Engineering Phase

(digital)

▪ Stormwater Calculations (signed and sealed) (digital)

▪ Technical specifications (signed and sealed) (digital)

▪ Design Report including any hydraulic analysis needed, variance request (if applicable), pavement design or any other supporting documentation necessary

(digital)

5.0 UTILITY COORDINATION

The Consultant shall be responsible for all utility coordination associated with this Project.

Existing utilities will be flagged/marked through Sunshine One-call and located during surveying. The Consultant will contact each utility owner to discuss the Project and provide preliminary plans to confirm the location of the existing facilities. The Consultant will coordinate with utilities that are affected by the proposed construction and resolve conflicts through design modifications or relocation of the facilities. Subsurface utility exploration and location of existing utilities located within the Project limits.

6.0 PERMITTING

The Consultant will prepare permit application packages and assist County in obtaining all applicable permits based upon 60% design plans.

The following meetings are anticipated during Engineering Design:

o COUNTY coordination meeting (1 meeting) o COUNTY update meeting (1 meeting) o 60% design drawing review meeting (1 meeting) o 90% design drawing review meeting (1 meeting)

7.0 CONSTRUCTION AND BID SERVICES

The Consultant will provide the County with construction plans, technical specifications, and bid services to include (but not limited to) assisting the County in review and selection of the most responsive and responsible bidder upon receipt of bids.

Qualifications

Proposers shall be FDOT prequalified in the following work groups: 3.2 Major Highway Design,

4.1.1 Miscellaneous Structures, 7.1 Signing, Pavement Marking and Channelization, 7.2

Lighting, 7.3 Signalization, 8.1 Control Surveying, 8.2 Design, Right of Way, and Construction

Surveying, 9.1 Soil Exploration, and 9.2 Geotechnical Classification Lab Testing. Each Proposer must submit proof of the aforementioned prequalifications with their SOQ.

Submittal Requirements

General Requirements

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

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

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

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

Format Requirements

Format Requirements

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

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

Tab 1: INTRODUCTION LETTER

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

The letter should include the location of Proposer’s office that will be the lead office for this contract as well as the primary contact person, phone number, and email address.

Tab 2: QUALIFICATIONS OF PROPOSER/RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Describe Proposer’s qualifications and experience for providing design services relative to the scope of services and complexity of this RFQ. Provide a brief description for three (3) projects, to include the project name and estimated or actual cost. Provide the name of the client(s), project contact, their role on the project, and their contact information. Discuss current and previous experience with the County and other governmental agencies with contracts comparable in scope. Provide additional relevant information for consideration, such as previous experience in grant-funded projects and contract requirements, FDOT prequalifications for the following work groups: 3.2 Major Highway Design, 4.1.1 Miscellaneous Structures , 7.1 Signing, Pavement Marking and Channelization, 7.2 Lighting, 7.3 Signalization, 8.1 Control Surveying,

8.2 Design, Right of Way, and Construction Surveying, 9.1 Soil Exploration, and 9.2

Geotechnical Classification Lab Testing.

Describe the ability of Proposer to manage this Project within the specified Project time and within budget requirements. Show the workload of available personnel and hours projected for this Project. Provide a schedule of Project progress beginning with notice to proceed to close-out.

Describe Proposer’s organizational structure used to manage projects of this scope and identify the roles and responsibilities of the proposed personnel with resumes for the key personnel positions. Resumes should clearly show experience completing projects with railroad crossings.

Identify any subconsultant anticipated on the project. Clearly identify staff and their role that were assigned to any of the projects listed in Tab 2.

Consultant shall identify the Consultant's representative for the day-to-day activities of the contract and provide the necessary contact information.

Tab 3: PROJECT APPROACH AND UNDERSTANDING

Describe Proposer's understanding of the work described in this RFQ and its assessment of challenges, known from previous experience or anticipated, and how Proposer is uniquely qualified to meet or mitigate those challenges.

Tab 4: REFERENCES

Provide references for services provided by you which are similar in scope and nature to those required by this RFQ. 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 5: REQUIRED SUBMITTAL FORMS: Proposers shall submit the required forms listed on the Vendor Questionnaire. Copies of Proposers support documentation such as licenses, resumes, or certifications may be provided here.

Evaluation Criteria

SOQs will be evaluated by an evaluation committee using the criteria listed below. 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 SOQs 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. Qualification of Proposer and Assigned

Personnel for Relevant Scope of Services

1. Organizational structure and roles and responsibilities of key personnel indicated in previously identified projects of relevant complexity to the Scope of Services.

2. Ability to manage projects on time and within budget.

3. Workload of available personnel and projected hours for this Project, provide a

Project schedule from NTP to close-out.

Points Based 25 (25% of Total) https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/waltoncountyfl/projects/152274/document?section=1380480

2. Relevant Experience with Design and

Railroad Crossing Projects

1. Qualifications and experience of Proposer providing Design services of relevant complexity to Scope of Services on three (3) projects. Include railroad crossing design and permitting experience.

2. Current and previous experience with County and other governmental agencies or past performance with contracts comparable in scope.

3. Additional relevant information for consideration, such as previous experience in grant funded projects and contract requirements, close-out, FDOT Pre-

Qualifications for Work Groups: 3.2 Major

Highway Design, 4.1.1 Miscellaneous

Structures , 7.1 Signing, Pavement Marking and

Channelization, 7.2 Lighting, 7.3 Signalization,

8.1 Control Surveying, 8.2 Design, Right of

Way, and Construction Surveying, 9.1 Soil

Exploration and 9.2 Geotechnical Classification

Lab Testing.

Points Based 40 (40% of Total)

3. Approach to Project and Methodology

1. Understanding of work described in RFQ, assessment of challenges, known or from previous experience.

2. Qualification and experience to mitigate challenges.

Points Based 35 (35% of Total)

Procurement Rules and Information

Contact Person

Jordan Lee

Procurement Analyst

176 Montgomery Circle

DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, FL, 32435

(850) 892-8176 Ext: 1214 email: jordan.lee@mywaltonfl.gov

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

Question & Answer feature. Questions shall be submitted no later than 12:00 pm Monday, February 23, 2026. Questions submitted after that date and time will not be answered.

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

EMPLOYEE OF THE COUNTY IS PROHIBITED AND WILL RESULT IN

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

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

Note: Written requirements in the RFQ or its amendments are binding, but any oral communications between you and us are 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.

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/waltoncountyfl/projects/220079 https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/waltoncountyfl/projects/220079

Advertised: February 9, 2026

Last Day for Questions: February 23, 2026, 12:00pm

RFQ Close Date: March 2, 2026, 2:00pm

Review of Submittals: March 3, 2026

Review Committee Ranking: March 9, 2026, 10:00am

BCC Award: March 24, 2026

Submission of SOQ

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

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

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

RFQ Opening

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

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

SOQ Evaluation

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

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

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

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

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

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

Insurance Requirements

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

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

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

Worker's Compensation

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

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

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

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

Comprehensive General Liability

Coverage must include:

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

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

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

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

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

Comprehensive Automobile Liability

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

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

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

• Owned Vehicles.

• Hired and Non-Owned Vehicles.

• Employee Non-Ownership.

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

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

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

Professional Liability Coverage must include:

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

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

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

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

Certificates of Insurance not only shall name types of policies provided, but also shall refer specifically to this contract and shall list the certificate holder as "Walton County Board of

County Commissioners." All the policies of insurance so required of Consultant shall be endorsed to include as additional insured the County, its officers, employees, and agents, except for Worker's Compensation. If the initial insurance policy expires prior to contract expiration or termination, renewal Certificates of Insurance shall be furnished thirty (30) days prior to the date of the policy expiration.

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

The Insurance Company(ies) shall be authorized to conduct business in the State of Florida.

Cost for Preparing SOQs

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

Disposal of SOQs

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

Rules for Withdrawal

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

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

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

Rejection of SOQ

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

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

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Verbal Instructions

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

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

Central Purchasing shall be disqualified.

Sales and Use Tax

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

Public Entity Crimes

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

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

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

Drug Free Workplace

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

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

Addendums

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

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

Notices

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

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

Protest

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

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

Local Vendor Preference

Award of the contract for this Project shall be subject to local preference in accordance with the

Walton County Purchasing Policies and Procedures (PP017). Application for Local Preference is attached to this RFQ.

Blackout Period

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

Blackout Period. During the Blackout Period, any communication regarding this RFQ is prohibited between the Proposer (or its agents or representatives) or other entity with the potential for a financial interest in the award (or their respective agents or representatives) regarding such competitive solicitation, and any County Commissioner or County employee, selection committee member, or other persons authorized to act on behalf of the County including the County’s architect, engineer or their subconsultants, or anyone designated to provide a recommendation to award a particular contract, other than Purchasing Division staff. Each competitive solicitation shall provide notice of the Blackout Period.

Exceptions to the Blackout Period

The Blackout Period shall not apply to:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Policy and Procedure manual.

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

Indemnifications

The Proposer 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 Proposer 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 Proposer or any subcontractor or supplier of the Proposer's negligent performance or non-performance of the Project; (b) noncompliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations by Proposer, or any subcontractor of Proposer; or (c) the failure of

Proposer, or any subcontractor of Proposer, 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 Proposers shall not be required to indemnify the

County for the County’s own negligence.

Public Access

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

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

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

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

IF THE CONSULTANT HAS QUESTIONS REGARDING THE

APPLICATION OF CHAPTER 119, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO THE

CONSULTANT’S DUTY TO PROVIDE PUBLIC RECORDS RELATING TO

THIS AGREEMENT, CONSULTANT SHALL CONTACT THE CUSTODIAN

OF PUBLIC RECORDS AT:

Genara Roop, Records Management Liaison Officer

161 E. Sloss Avenue

DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433

850-892-8110 publicrecords@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 the scope of the SOQ.

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

Project or services requested.

Unauthorized Aliens

The County prohibits contracting with Proposers 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 SOQ.

Tie Submittals

In the event of a tie between SOQs responsive to this RFQ from equally qualified Proposers, the

County shall make the final determination of the award.

E-Verify

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

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

Lobbying Prohibition

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

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

Statutes.

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

Contracting

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

Proposer's social, political, or ideological interests.

Contents of RFQ

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

Contact for Contract Administration

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

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

Forms

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

Questionnaire.

Term of Contract

The anticipated term of the contract resulting from this RFQ shall commence upon execution by the parties and shall remain in effect for a period of TWO (2) years, unless earlier terminated by the County or extended by mutual written agreement.

Termination of Contract

Any resulting agreement may be terminated by the County, with or without cause and with or without prior written notice, when it is in the best interest of the County. If this agreement is so terminated, the Consultant shall be paid for all work performed, pursuant to the terms and conditions of this agreement, up to the date of termination and promptly deliver to the County copies, including reproducible mylars, of all then completed deliverable items and all tracings, drawings, survey notes, and other documents that directly support the deliverables prepared by the Consultant. Consultant shall not be paid on account of loss of anticipated profits, or revenue, or other economic loss arising out of or resulting from the termination.

Performance Evaluation

Please note that the CONSULTANT will have a performance evaluation completed by the

County Project Manager based on task performance and adherence to the schedule. The County approved Engineer Performance Review form is attached hereto as Exhibit B.

EXHIBIT A- Location Map

EXHIBIT B- Walton County Engineer Performance Review Form

Award of Contract

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

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

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

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

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

Vendor Questionnaire

SOQ Submittal*

Upload your SOQ in accordance with Submittal Requirements.

*Response required https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/waltoncountyfl/projects/220079/document?section=2069590

Information Sheet For Transactions and Conveyances / Corporate Identification

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

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

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

☐ No

*Response required

When equals "No"

In what State was it created?* *Response required

When equals "No"

Name as spelled in that State:* *Response required

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

☐ "Not for Profit"

*Response required

Is the entity in good standing?* ☐ Yes

☐ 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

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

*Response required

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

*Response required

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

*Response required

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

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

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

(Spelled exactly as it would appear on the instrument)

*Response required

Vendor Certifications and Forms

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

Whenever two or more SOQs from equally qualified Proposers are received by the state or by any political subdivision for the procurement of commodities or contractual services, an SOQ received from a Proposer that certified it has implemented a drug-free work place program shall be given preference in the award process. Established procedures for processing tie submittals will be followed in none of the tied Proposers 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 Proposer 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 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=ASIA47RIURE4DRC446QV%2F20260209%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260209T142850Z&X-Amz-Expires=72000&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEMf%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FwEaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJGMEQCIBWa%2FChZUXj3MY4YlY0v8NyjF4wivHmaRi2f1erBTnsYAiBBoUCMe5KgfC%2FzK1hFB3M3XGNpaqFYLQM6klDRNErP3SqOBQiQ%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F8BEAIaDDg5MjM2NDY4NzY3MiIMqwQIfUpRqov61lVvKuIEWT%2B6u70vZi9NtWNrQuKMmgPK34x1kcosSJWs8484r1HAafj9YZOwiGYtaI7CKSkvBtd8BJpqN%2F0PvYTamQhxm5NqnGzQjzHUnZUfXkmaRlAJz81qjRfu8V0lB1emZEXdc1vUSD0E4pXJUu5UQanoEl8lg2Oy3PeJLh%2FqJ7cJpUXyGXmgYTJb03uWs%2BqgilHVMDipC9lAsMbyoHBKio63R6xEwjAZaGHu55dodoPAqOJXcS9noURaF09u6h32z6%2BWjAMDxp%2BWAMY%2BxSeGTCGRiEKUYrNKEsjHyEFj%2FBfiRaJfWtquq1Rf3c3KoXF0tFhMvXdGfwjvT0aFZWUy9YcoHu8kYk9DHRn9PM97ybNGsD0SNqes2AS6oDTQCi164qWALyreIxJ%2BMOBAlRt2%2BpqLIPNlb%2F2hRlih1CzVC3%2BNIJNTCyqTjLK3ZAEeTrdKnrQ8YAN%2F8D6gNn551Q6oDWGdGZY%2BODRzUJf9FTPmGwvHnct8vOR%2B3vJy8ddxoU7rdKaDqzNu4WKgPXXYU8b5I8GYn6xdxvpMNyofh2H7Sxr3KM4K%2FyE%2BDazwxpA8thLMatlXAYpVj1OpHAwQXoNstQ146lgXqoo0kEpUcgLHihI5ywCLyMpGCAjdt8wrVtpq6TgaATLlh2FG4VeriIBBbt3Vk2%2FJAaOWMlhUJ6wagKe27LGZNiqdB3dIyI4UxabiysUA8bjVD%2F0wMPV4Wiu7jjlcxxUWqlrohUKrp856b25WXiwx7db6lEmnFUZLNJ9rxvGPXyc%2FaCeplRNGB6kzIDAl8t7sTjboi7IlffQMs%2FVYYqrBMjD926fMBjqaAa60Pm0YdxzUlmo1MhJJNWpSlq8ZYSkpAbeLTXGrQIUtwFn%2FVNKh6nR%2F4NMQIChzOrozMk2ow5JH8htRLG%2BcZ04Vfmlsg7wfC%2Fc18hBest%2Bok%2BySW%2BSryL3IKTMhi7mEXN9kFTG9qZ%2BgNWZR9QKNYkGB1rr4trsVUiDYaTtbEihAXNBFkqHRiAaAs3qME4gNw5p05XCUqQvWNEw%3D&X-Amz-Signature=b696ba957ad7ffb01f552b2512f491fd198024bd06f216daea5b53e613640e15&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=ASIA47RIURE4DRC446QV%2F20260209%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260209T142850Z&X-Amz-Expires=72000&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEMf%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FwEaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJGMEQCIBWa%2FChZUXj3MY4YlY0v8NyjF4wivHmaRi2f1erBTnsYAiBBoUCMe5KgfC%2FzK1hFB3M3XGNpaqFYLQM6klDRNErP3SqOBQiQ%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F8BEAIaDDg5MjM2NDY4NzY3MiIMqwQIfUpRqov61lVvKuIEWT%2B6u70vZi9NtWNrQuKMmgPK34x1kcosSJWs8484r1HAafj9YZOwiGYtaI7CKSkvBtd8BJpqN%2F0PvYTamQhxm5NqnGzQjzHUnZUfXkmaRlAJz81qjRfu8V0lB1emZEXdc1vUSD0E4pXJUu5UQanoEl8lg2Oy3PeJLh%2FqJ7cJpUXyGXmgYTJb03uWs%2BqgilHVMDipC9lAsMbyoHBKio63R6xEwjAZaGHu55dodoPAqOJXcS9noURaF09u6h32z6%2BWjAMDxp%2BWAMY%2BxSeGTCGRiEKUYrNKEsjHyEFj%2FBfiRaJfWtquq1Rf3c3KoXF0tFhMvXdGfwjvT0aFZWUy9YcoHu8kYk9DHRn9PM97ybNGsD0SNqes2AS6oDTQCi164qWALyreIxJ%2BMOBAlRt2%2BpqLIPNlb%2F2hRlih1CzVC3%2BNIJNTCyqTjLK3ZAEeTrdKnrQ8YAN%2F8D6gNn551Q6oDWGdGZY%2BODRzUJf9FTPmGwvHnct8vOR%2B3vJy8ddxoU7rdKaDqzNu4WKgPXXYU8b5I8GYn6xdxvpMNyofh2H7Sxr3KM4K%2FyE%2BDazwxpA8thLMatlXAYpVj1OpHAwQXoNstQ146lgXqoo0kEpUcgLHihI5ywCLyMpGCAjdt8wrVtpq6TgaATLlh2FG4VeriIBBbt3Vk2%2FJAaOWMlhUJ6wagKe27LGZNiqdB3dIyI4UxabiysUA8bjVD%2F0wMPV4Wiu7jjlcxxUWqlrohUKrp856b25WXiwx7db6lEmnFUZLNJ9rxvGPXyc%2FaCeplRNGB6kzIDAl8t7sTjboi7IlffQMs%2FVYYqrBMjD926fMBjqaAa60Pm0YdxzUlmo1MhJJNWpSlq8ZYSkpAbeLTXGrQIUtwFn%2FVNKh6nR%2F4NMQIChzOrozMk2ow5JH8htRLG%2BcZ04Vfmlsg7wfC%2Fc18hBest%2Bok%2BySW%2BSryL3IKTMhi7mEXN9kFTG9qZ%2BgNWZR9QKNYkGB1rr4trsVUiDYaTtbEihAXNBFkqHRiAaAs3qME4gNw5p05XCUqQvWNEw%3D&X-Amz-Signature=df4b02e5fb167006b2cdded8e4ebc630a8c112f509899298f19b25714b20eb50&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&response-content-disposition=attachment%3B%20filename%3D%22Unauthorized_Aliens.pdf%22&x-id=GetObject

Conflict of Interest Disclosure

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

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

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

☐ No

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

Give person(s) name(s) and position(s) with your business.*