Federal Single Vendor RFQ General Requirements and Specifications (1).pdf

Rev. 10.1.25

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR REQUEST FOR

QUALIFICATIONS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION

II. TIMETABLE

III. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

IV. FORMAT & CONTENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

V. EVALUATION & AWARD PROCEDURES

VI. GENERAL PROVISIONS

VII. SCOPE OF SERVICES & REQUIREMENTS

VIII. CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS & PAYMENT

IX. ATTACHMENTS

☒ Attachment A – RFQ & Addenda Acknowledgement

☒ Attachment B – Certification Regarding Lobbying

☒ Attachment C – Statement of Offeror Qualifications

☐ Attachment D – Subcontractor Listing Form

☒ Attachment E – References

☒ Attachment F – Contractor Profile

☐ Attachment G – Payment Bond

☒ Attachment H– Certification of Compliance with Federal Standards & Requirements

☒ Attachment I – Minimum Insurance Requirements

☐ Attachment J – Workers’ Compensation Insurance Coverage Rule 110.110

☒ Attachment K – Required Contract Provisions

☐ Attachment L – Section 3 Bid Requirements

☐ Attachment M – Standards

☐ Attachment N – General Conditions

☐ Attachment O – General Notices, Notes & Information

☐ Attachment P – GLO Compliance Package

☒ Attachment Q – Form SF-330 – Architect-Engineer Qualifications

☐ Attachment R – American Rescue Plan of 2021 (“ARPA”)

☐ Attachment S – Pre-Award Risk Questionnaire (Subrecipients)

☒ Attachment T – MWBE Utilization Plan Commitment Form

☒ Attachment U – MWBE Goal Participation Information Packet

☒ Attachment V – MWBE Trucking Procedure Compliance Packet

☒ Attachment W – Harris County Minimum Wage Policy and Certification

☒ Attachment X – Appendix A – Scope of Services Program Management

☒ Attachment Y – Sample Exercise

☒ Attachment Z – Vendor Disclosure Form

I. INTRODUCTION

Harris County administers Federal grant funds received from various sources, including but not limited to the Texas General Land Office (GLO), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). All purchases made with grant monies shall comply with the terms and conditions of the grant, as well as the applicable Federal, State, and County procedures regarding these purchases.

All Federal grant awards are subject to the Uniform Administrative Requirements and Cost Principles, codified at 2 CFR 200. This includes the standards for procurements under Federal grants, which applies to contracts for services, goods, construction, or repair. Harris County shall follow applicable local and State requirements except to the extent that these are inconsistent with Federal statutes, regulations, or grant conditions. In other words, Harris County shall follow the rule that allows compliance with all the rules that apply to it: Federal, State, and local. If compliance with all applicable levels is not possible and no rule is more restrictive than another, Harris County shall follow the Federal rule.

Contracts anticipated to be awarded pursuant to this Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”) shall be funded, in whole or in part, with Federal grant monies. Harris County is authorized to use the competitive proposal procedures for qualifications-based procurement for this contract opportunity in accordance with 2 CFR 200.320(d). Additionally, Texas Government Code requires that professional services (including architecture, engineering, and/or surveying) are acquired using a qualifications-based procurement and selecting the most highly qualified providers, subject to negotiation for a contract at a fair and reasonable price (TGC Sec. 2254.004).

Harris County is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The County reserves the right to negotiate with any and all individuals or firms that submit a Statement of Qualifications (“Qualifications”), as per the Texas Professional Services Procurement Act and the Uniform Grant and Contract Management Standards. Minority Business Enterprises, Small Business Enterprises, Women Business Enterprises, Historically Underutilized Businesses, Section 3 Business Concerns, and labor surplus area firms are encouraged to submit Qualifications.

A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION & SERVICES

The following is a project description of the services required by the County and solicited pursuant to this RFQ.

As used herein, the term “Contractor” shall mean and refer to the Offeror selected pursuant to this RFQ process that enters into a contract with Harris County.

Professional Engineering Services to Provide Program Management for the Clear Creek Federal Flood Risk Management Program for Harris County Flood Control District

B. PROJECT SCHEDULE – N/A

C. ANTICIPATED CONTRACT TERM

The anticipated Contract Term under this RFQ is for one (1) year or until project completion.

II. TIMETABLE

A. PRE-SUBMISSION CONFERENCE

1. A teleconference for this pre-submission will be held August 4, 2026, 9:00 a.m. CST, local time Houston, TX using the following dial-in information. Conference number (281) 985-1862 conference code 804 270 244#. Attendance is not mandatory, but all vendors should attend to discuss the requirements of this RFQ.

Due to space constraints, Harris County requests that Offerors limit their firms’ attendance at the Pre-Submission Conference to two company representatives.

2. Regardless of whether or not Offerors attend the Pre-Submission Conference, Offerors are responsible for fully acquainting themselves with the instructions, mandatory requirements, specifications, and standard terms and conditions set out in this RFQ, as well as the conditions of the Project site(s), if applicable, and for informing themselves with respect to subcontracting availability, means of transportation, laws and codes, local permit requirements, wage scales, local tax structure, contractors’ licensing requirements, availability of required insurance, and other factors that could affect the Services. It the responsibility of each Offeror to fully understand the facilities, difficulties and restrictions which may impact the cost or effort required to provide the Services.

B. QUESTIONS

It is the responsibility of each Offeror to examine the entire Request for Qualifications package, seek clarification in writing, and review their Statement of Qualifications for accuracy before submitting. It is the responsibility of each Offer before submitting Qualifications, to:

1. Examine the Request for Qualifications Documents thoroughly; and

2. Take into account Harris County, federal, state, and local laws, regulations, ordinances, and requirements that may affect costs, progress, performance, furnishing of the Work, or award.

During the period between issuance of this RFQ and the Statement of Qualifications due date, no oral interpretation of the RFQ’s requirements will be provided to any prospective Offeror. Requests for interpretation (and other questions) must be made in writing by the questions deadline via email to kenneth.jackson@harriscountytx.gov. The deadline for submission of questions relating to this RFQ is August 7, 2026, no later than 12:00 P.M. CST.

All questions submitted in writing prior to the deadline will be compiled and answered in writing via an Addendum. A copy of all questions and answers via Addendum will be published online and/or forwarded in an email to all firms. The County will not be bound by any information conveyed verbally.

The submission of a Statement of Qualifications shall constitute an incontrovertible representation by Offeror that Offeror has complied with the RFQ requirements and that without exception, the Statement of Qualifications is premised upon Offeror’s ability to meet the mandatory requirements detailed in the Request for Qualifications Documents and that the provided documents are sufficient in scope and detail to indicate and convey understanding of all terms and conditions for performance of the Services.

C. ADDENDA

Prior to the submission deadline, Harris County may wish to amend, add to, or delete from the contents of this Request for Qualifications. Harris County may also issue clarifications resulting from questions submitted. In such situations, Harris County shall issue an Addendum to the RFQ setting forth the nature of the modification. Once an Addendum is issued, it will be uploaded to Bonfire, and all Offerors who have downloaded the RFQ will be notified via email that an Addendum is ready to be downloaded.

D. EXTENSIONS

The County reserves the right to extend the Statement of Qualifications due date and time prescribed above.

However, unless the County issues a written Addendum to this RFQ that extends the Qualifications due date and time for all Offerors, the Qualification due date and time prescribed above shall remain in effect.

E. SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Statements of Qualifications must be mailed or hand-delivered, on or before 2:00 P.M. on Monday, August 17, 2026, to the authorized agency contact person at the location listed below.

Authorized Agency Contact Person: Kenneth Arlon Jackson

713-274-4426

Office of the Purchasing Agent

1111 Fannin St. 12th Floor

Houston, TX 77002-6925 kenneth.jackson@harriscountytx.gov

F. SCHEDULE SUMMARY

The following is the estimated timetable and is provided to assist responding firms in planning:

RFQ Release Date July 17, 2026

Submission of Questions Deadline August 7, 2026

Qualifications Submission Deadline August 17, 2026

Shortlisted Firms Notified TBD

Interviews and Selection TBD

This timetable may be modified based on number of submissions received and extent of interview and discussion timeframes.

III. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

A. OFFEROR ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

1. By submitting a Statement of Qualifications in response to this RFQ, Offeror accepts the solicitation process as it has been outlined in this RFQ.

2. Harris County will not be liable and shall not compensate any Offeror for any costs incurred by Offeror in preparing a response to this Request for Qualification (RFQ). Offerors submit Qualifications at their own risk and expense. Harris County makes no guarantee that any products or services will be purchased as a result of this RFQ and reserves the right to reject any and all Qualifications. All Qualifications and accompanying documentation will become the property of

Harris County. By submitting a Statement of Qualifications, Offeror acknowledges and accepts that reference checks and/or background investigation may be conducted as a part of the due-diligence process.

3. Offerors must sign Attachment A, RFQ & Addenda Acknowledgement, and include with their Statement of Qualifications submission. Offerors are responsible for consulting the requirements and standards referenced in this RFQ. Failure of Offeror to examine and inform itself shall be at its sole risk, and no relief for error or omission will be given except as required under State law.

4. In cases where Addenda are issued under this solicitation, Offeror must ensure all Addenda are reflected within the RFQ & Addenda Acknowledgement document, and Offeror must sign and submit the actual Addenda documents with their proposal. All Addenda shall become a part of the requirements for this RFQ. In signing and submitting the RFQ & Addenda Acknowledgment with its Statement of Qualifications, Offeror acknowledges that it has examined all documents, attachments, forms, standards, addenda, and all instructions. The County may deem a Statement of Qualifications non-responsive for failure of Offeror to acknowledge any and all Addenda.

5. Award will be made to the most qualified Offeror, subject to negotiation of fair and reasonable pricing, who submits a response to this RFQ.

6. By submitting a Statement of Qualifications, Offerors accept and acknowledge that determination of the most qualified firm may require subjective judgments by the County.

7. READ THIS ENTIRE DOCUMENT CAREFULLY AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS.

OFFEROR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR FULFILLING ALL REQUIREMENTS.

B. STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS SUBMISSION OPTIONS

RFQs may be submitted in hard copy, or electronically as detailed below.

A. HARD COPY RFQ SUBMISSION

1. Hard copy Qualifications must be hand-delivered or mailed to:

HARRIS COUNTY PURCHASING AGENT

1111 FANNIN STREET, 12TH FLOOR

HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002

Buyer: Kenneth Arlon Jackson, 713-274-4426, kenneth.jackson@harriscountytx.gov

2. Statements of Qualifications must be sealed and must show the RFQ Number, Description and be marked “SEALED STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS”.

3. Qualifications packages must include:

ONE (1) original Qualifications package, clearly marked “ORIGINAL”

THREE (3) copies of the Qualifications package, clearly marked “COPY”

Each copy must be marked “SEALED STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS” and submitted in separate three-ring, loose-leaf binders with the following clearly marked on the front binder cover:

o Identification of Offeror;

o The job or solicitation number as located on the RFQ cover sheet; and o The RFQ title.

All documents must be labeled with Offeror’s name and the RFQ number. Any response received by the Office of the Harris County Purchasing Agent that is not identified on the outside with the RFQ number will be at risk for rejection.

Qualifications must indicate for which contract opportunities Offeror is submitting.

All Qualifications must be typed, single spaced, and formatted to print on 8 ½” by 11” paper.

Response documents to Part V. D EVALUATION CRITERIA, shall not exceed 20 pages limit using 11-point Arial font (10-point Arial font permitted for graphics). Resumes will not count towards the 20-page limit.

Each section of Offeror’s response should start on a new page. A tabbed divider page marked with the section number should separate each section.

Offerors should prepare and submit a Table of Contents for the Qualifications being submitted.

The Table of Contents must list all sections and the contents of each section.

B. ONLINE RFQ SUBMISSION (PREFFERED METHOD)

1. Offerors choosing to submit Qualifications in digital format may electronically submit offers through Bonfire (https://harriscountytx.bonfirehub.com/portal/), which is a third-party online provider website and facilitates the bid management process. Offers submitted via e-mail will be rejected. Offers must include:

ONE (1) complete Offer.

Offers must indicate for which contract opportunities the Offeror is submitting.

2. If Offeror elects to submit its offer electronically, it is the responsibility solely of Offeror to see that its offer is properly submitted in proper form and prior to the stated closing time. THE

ELECTRONIC BID MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WILL NOT ACCEPT LATE

SUBMISSIONS. The County will only consider offers that have transmitted successfully and have been issued a confirmation number with a time stamp from Bonfire indicating that the offer was submitted successfully. Offerors shall be solely responsible for informing themselves with respect to the proper utilization of the online bid management system, for ensuring the capability of their computer system to upload the required documents, and for the stability of their internet service. Failure of the Offeror to successfully submit an electronic offer shall be at the Offeror’s sole risk, and no relief will be given for late and/or improperly submitted offers.

Offerors experiencing any technical difficulties with the offer submission process may contact Bonfire Support at https://support.gobonfire.com/hc/en-us/categories/360000773733-Vendors.

Neither the County nor Bonfire make any guarantee as to the timely availability of assistance or assurance that any given problem will be resolved by the offer submission date and/or time.

Response documents to Part V. D EVALUATION CRITERIA, shall not exceed 20 pages limit using 8 ½” by 11” pages, 11-point Arial font (10-point Arial font permitted for graphics). Resumes will not count towards the 20-page limit.

C. LATE SUBMISSIONS; SUBMISSION RETURNS

Submissions are due to the Harris County Purchasing Department by the date and time specified on the cover sheet and as listed under Section II - Timetable. Harris County will not accept late Qualifications. Late submissions will be rejected. If a solicitation is cancelled, submitted Statements of Qualifications will not be returned.

D. SCANNED OR RE-TYPED RESPONSE

If in its response, Offeror either electronically scans, re-types, or in some way reproduces the County’s published RFQ package, then in the event of any conflict between the terms and provisions of the County’s published RFQ package, or any portion thereof, and the terms and provisions of the response made by Offeror, the County’s RFQ package as published shall control. Furthermore, if an alteration of any kind to the County’s published RFQ package is only discovered after the Contract is executed and is or is not being performed, the Contract is subject to immediate cancellation.

E. REQUIRED STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS DOCUMENTS & INFORMATION

Offeror’s Request for Qualifications submission package must include the components checked below, in the order in which they are listed. If the item is “X” checked, the item must be included in Offeror’s Statement of Qualifications in order for the submission to be considered complete. Offerors are asked to review the documentation to ensure all applicable parts are included. If any portion of this RFQ or its attachments are missing, notify the Purchasing Department immediately. Offeror should be thoroughly familiar with all of the following items applicable to the Request for Qualifications before submitting an offer.

☒ 1.

RFQ & Addenda Acknowledgement – Offeror must sign and submit the RFQ & Addenda Acknowledgement form, included as Attachment A.

☒ 2.

Experience & Qualifications – Offeror must provide their qualifications and experience as requested by the RFQ.

☒ 3.

Capacity & Resources – Offeror must demonstrate sufficient capacity and financial resources as requested by the RFQ.

☒ 4.

Organization & Project Methodology – Offeror must provide information about their organization and project methodology as requested by the RFQ.

☒ 5.

Certification Regarding Lobbying – Offeror must sign and submit the Certification Regarding Lobbying form, included as Attachment B.

☒ 6.

Certificate of Interested Parties (Form 1295) – Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 2252.908, Offerors must complete and submit Form 1295, Certificate of Interested Parties, prior to the proposal deadline using the following website:

https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/whatsnew/elf_info_form1295.htm. Offerors must file Form 1295 electronically with the Texas Ethics Commission using the online filing application, and then print a copy of the form filed with the Commission and submit the signed copy with their Proposal.

☒ 7.

Statement of Offeror Qualifications – Offeror must complete and submit the Statement of Offeror Qualifications form, included as Attachment C.

☒ 8.

Offeror and Subcontractor Licensing / Certifications – Offeror must submit any applicable licensing and/or certifications required for the completion of the scope of services under this

RFQ.

☒ 9.

Form SF-330 – Architect-Engineer Qualifications – Offeror must complete and submit Form SF-330 – Architect-Engineer Qualifications for any work requiring Architects or Engineers, which can be downloaded at https://www.gsa.gov/forms-library/architect-engineer-qualifications

If applicable, Offerors must submit a completed Form SF-330 – Architect-Engineer Qualifications for each of the subcontractors proposed to be used in the completion of the Contract.

☐ 10.

Subcontractor Listing Form – Offeror must complete and submit the Subcontractor Listing Form, included as Attachment D.

☒ 11.

References – Offeror must complete and submit the References form, included as Attachment E.

☒ 12.

Certification of Compliance with Federal Standards & Requirements – Offeror must sign and submit the Certification of Compliance with Federal Standards & Requirements form, included as Attachment H.

☐ 13.

Section 3 Bid Requirements – Offeror must complete and submit the Obligation Summary Contract Awardees & Section 3 Business Concern Self-Certification Form (Attachment L), for any for any HUD-funded projects expected to exceed $200,000.

Offerors intending to self-perform as Section 3 Businesses, or for any subcontractors of Offerors who qualify as Section 3 Businesses and wish to self-certify as Section 3, the Harris County Section 3 Business Concern Self-Certification Form must be included and submitted with the Proposal.

☒ 14.

Certification or documentation that Offeror, or its subcontractor(s), is HUB-certified by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts or the local MWBE office in their jurisdiction

☒ 15.

Conflict of Interest Questionnaire – Offerors who enter or seek to enter into a contract with Harris County must disclose Offeror’s or its employees’ affiliation, business relationship, employment, family relationship, or provision of gifts that might cause a conflict of interest with Harris County. By law, the Conflict of Interest Questionnaire (provided by the Texas Ethics Commission at www.ethics.state.tx.us) must be filed with the records administrator of Harris County not later than the 7th business day after the date Offeror becomes aware of facts that require the statement to be filed.

☒ 16.

Statement of Conflicts – A statement of conflicts (if any) the Offeror or key employees may have regarding these services.

☒ 17.

System for Award Management results – Offeror must include verification that your company as well as the company’s principal is not debarred through the System for Award Management (www.SAM.gov). Offeror must enclose a print out of the search results that includes the record date.

☒ 18.

Sample Insurance Certificate – Offeror must provide a sample Insurance Certificate which adheres to the Minimum Insurance Requirements shown under Attachment I (does not supersede the “Hold Harmless” provision).

☐ 19.

GLO Compliance Package – This project is funded in whole or in part by the Texas General Land Office (GLO). As such, Offeror must also complete and submit the following documents with their Statement of Qualifications:

GLO Compliance Package o GLO Contractor Proposal Certification o GLO Certification of Offeror Regarding Civil Rights Laws and Regulations o GLO Contractor Certification of Efforts to Fully Comply with Employment and Training Provisions of Section 3

☒ 20.

MWBE Utilization Plan Commitment Form – Harris County strives to engage with prime contractors and subcontractors that represent the diverse businesses of the County. We will ensure that historically underutilized minority-and woman-owned businesses (M/WBEs) receive a fair and equal opportunity to participate in the County’s procurement process.

Offeror must sign and submit the MWBE Utilization Plan Commitment Form (Attachment T).

IV. FORMAT AND CONTENT OF THE STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

A. STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Harris County shall evaluate each Offeror in terms of its:

1. Professional qualifications necessary for satisfactory performance of required services;

2. Specialized experience and technical competence in the type of work required, including, where appropriate, experience in energy conservation, pollution prevention, waste reduction, and the use of recovered materials;

3. Past performance on contracts with Government agencies and private industry in terms of cost control, quality of work, and compliance with performance schedules.

Offeror providing the professional services must:

1. Be led by a principal or partner of an established professional firm or organization;

2. Have a minimum of five (5) years’ experience providing similar types of service;

3. Have demonstrated ability to work successfully with government including:

a. No previous record of default on a government contract;

b. No applicant entity, or principal thereof, may be awarded a Federal contract if subject to a debarment, suspension, or limited denial of participation under 24 CFR Part 24;

c. No formal debarment or suspension from entering into contracts with a governmental agency or other notification of ineligibility or prohibition against bidding or proposing on government contracts; and

d. A clear understanding of, and ability to comply with, state, federal, and grant funding requirements as defined in this RFQ.

B. CONTENT OF THE STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

The Statement of Qualifications shall address the areas listed below in the order given. The responses provided will be the basis for evaluation of the Offeror. The Statement of Qualifications must include firm experience and qualifications, capacity and resources, organization and project methodology, and ability to integrate Section 3 and HUB / MWBE participation into the plan for accomplishing the work described in this RFQ, as well as any other information that the Offeror feels appropriate to support its Qualifications.

Mere reiterations or paraphrasing of provisions/requirements as detailed in the RFQ are strongly discouraged, as they do not provide insight into Offeror’s ability to meet the specifications and qualifications as detailed in this RFQ.

1. FIRM EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

Offeror must describe the overall qualifications of its firm to complete the Scope of Services as described.

Offeror must describe the specific relevant successful experience of the firm and, if applicable, that of each subcontractor. Include a thorough description of other relevant projects, which demonstrate the firm’s past performance and ability to carry out the Scope of Services similar to the one described in this RFQ. Offerors should provide a minimum of three (3) recent examples of similar projects completed on time and on budget. Offerors should demonstrate specialized experience or technical expertise in connection with the Scope of Services to be provided and in consideration of the complexity of the project.

Offeror must complete the References form, included as Attachment E, and provide the organization’s name, contact information, and the services provided to that organization. Offeror must also complete the Statement of Offeror Qualifications form, included as Attachment C. Responses should be as thorough and definitive as possible. Indicate if there are certain conditions or circumstances that may change Offeror’s response. If design work is involved, Offeror must provide evidence that the Architecture/Engineering firm is currently registered in the State of the project’s location and carries Errors and Omissions insurance (Note that this is a yes or no criterion: if the answer is no, the firm is disqualified, not point-scored).

Offeror must provide its demonstrated experience completing projects of similar size and scope. Offeror should demonstrate its knowledge, experience, and ability to comply with local building codes, Texas and Harris County requirements, and all federal codes, policies and regulations applicable to this project.

Offeror must demonstrate past performance in terms of cost control, quality of work, and compliance with performance schedules.

Project Team: Identify Offeror’s proposed project team (including subcontractors), throughout the term of the contract, to perform the required services. Resumes of the proposed key personnel, detailing managerial and technical qualifications, shall be included. Resumes shall include academic qualification, professional experience, and professional license if applicable, with supporting documents. Project team and subcontractor information should include years of experience relevant to the Scope of Services, anticipated role on the project, and their credentials, licenses and accreditations. Particular attention and appropriate evaluation credit will be given to the track record of the proposed key personnel in successfully completing projects of comparable scope and complexity to that described in this RFQ.

For any work which may involve or require Architects or Engineers, Offerors must submit Form SF-330

– Architect-Engineer Qualifications (found at https://www.gsa.gov/forms-library/architect-engineer-qualifications). If applicable, Offerors must submit a completed Form SF-330 – Architect-Engineer

Qualifications for each of the subcontractors proposed to be used in the completion of the Contract (Harris County must approve the actual subcontractors prior to their use).

2. FIRM CAPACITY & RESOURCES

Offeror must demonstrate its firm’s capability in terms of quality of requested skills and projects, capabilities and current workload including other disaster-related projects and administration of public and federally compliant contracts. Indicate if Offeror can meet the specifications, or if the specifications can be met only under certain conditions or circumstances. If Offeror is not able to meet the specification, briefly explain why, noting any concerns or issues Harris County should be aware of.

Offeror must demonstrate ability to provide personnel, managerial, and other resources as and when required to meet the project’s objectives. Offeror must demonstrate its overall staffing size and capacity of the organization to perform the work within time limitations, taking into consideration the current and projected planned workloads of the firm. Offeror must provide a summary/matrix of the staff identified/designated to support Harris County, and must demonstrate clear understanding of an effective organizational approach to the management of multiple concurrent projects for the stated Scope of Services.

Offeror must establish that it has sufficient financial strength, resources, and capability to accomplish and finance the work in a satisfactory manner. To demonstrate sufficient fiscal capacity, after Qualifications are opened but prior to award, Offeror may be required to submit, upon request, the following:

List Offeror’s total annual billings for each of the past five (5) calendar years.

Financial references.

Financial statements that include a balance sheet, audited annual statement, and income statement.

Failure to submit additional requested documentation, within the requested time period, may deem your firm non-responsive.

3. FIRM ORGANIZATION & PROJECT METHODOLOGY

Offeror should provide a detailed project execution plan, or methodology, that discusses principles, practices, and procedures to be used by Offeror in implementing associated work for this project. The information should include, but not be limited to, a discussion of services, project mobilization, use of subcontractors (if applicable), a project organization chart, project manager identification, quality assurance program, safety record, and reporting capabilities.

Project mobilization means the time required to have a team in place once the Purchase Order has been issued, and identification of which skills would be performed by Offeror and by any required subcontractors;

Information regarding the method that is used to qualify a subcontractor as satisfactory.

A project organization chart detailing the team to be assigned to Harris County. The organizational chart shall show the chain of command, and the role and responsibility of each member. (The successful Offeror shall keep Harris County up to date with a revised organization chart each time there is a significant change).

Description of the firm’s philosophy, approach(es) and preferred methods for meeting requirements and/or deliverables of this Request for Qualifications (RFQ).

Reporting capabilities of the firm, including monthly management reports, comprehensive invoicing, notification, and electronic capabilities. Include any standard reporting forms provided to the customer, and additional programs or services available to customers.

Offeror must provide a written response to the Sample Exercise included as Attachment Y. The response should describe Offeror’s project approach, applicable guidance and/or tools, proposed project controls, construction phase service capabilities, and approach to reducing HCFCD staff workload while successfully delivering the project. The Sample Exercise response shall be limited to 1,500 words or less and is included in the 20-page limit for the Statement of Qualifications.

4. INTERVIEWS/PRESENTATIONS

Offerors will be required to participate in an oral presentation. The oral presentation may include discussion of the Sample Exercise response, key personnel, past performance, technical factors, project methodology, and follow-up questions from the Evaluation Committee.

The oral presentation shall be no longer than one (1) hour and shall include up to fifteen (15) minutes for follow-up questions from the Evaluation Committee. No more than five (5) representatives from the Offeror may participate in the presentation and should represent the key personnel proposed for the project, with no duplication of roles.

V. EVALUATION & AWARD PROCEDURES

A. NONCONFORMING STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS

Statements of Qualifications that are incomplete, contain material irregularities or include alterations to terms and conditions that do not conform to the terms and conditions of the RFQ, or otherwise do not comply with the requirements of the RFQ may be deemed as non-responsive. In accordance with the regulations of 2 CFR 200 and the laws of the State of Texas, Harris County reserves the right to waive any informality or irregularity, to make awards to more than one Offeror, and/or to reject any or all Qualifications if there is a sound documented reason.

B. EVALUATION PROCESS

All Statements of Qualifications will be examined by an evaluation committee consisting of various Harris County personnel and Harris County Purchasing staff (hereafter “Evaluation Committee”) and ranked according to the selection criteria set out below. Harris County may establish a “shortlist” of up to five (5) or more of the highest ranked firms and conduct interviews with the firms on the “shortlist”. Interviews will be scored based on the same evaluation criteria, and total scores calculated to determine the highest ranked Offeror.

Harris County anticipates that the “shortlisted” firms will be notified on TBD. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for TBD. Offerors are advised to keep this date open. Failure to appear at the interview will cause the Offeror to be eliminated from further evaluation. Interviews shall be coordinated by Harris County Purchasing. Harris County reserves the right to postpone the interview date, or cancel an interview, in its sole and absolute discretion. Offeror shall be notified in advance of any such postponement or cancellation.

In conducting evaluations, Harris County shall consider the weighted value for each selection criteria (see “Evaluation Criteria” below for details regarding weighting of each aspect of the criteria), and the Evaluation Committee’s rankings.

Qualifications that do not conform to the instructions or which do not address all the requested services as specified may be eliminated from consideration. However, Harris County reserves the right to accept such a submission if it is determined to be in the best interest of Harris County.

While Harris County appreciates a brief, straightforward and concise reply, Offeror must fully understand the evaluation is based on the information provided. Accuracy and completeness are essential. Omissions, ambiguous and equivocal statements may be construed against the Offeror. The Qualifications submission may be incorporated into any contract which results from this RFQ, and Offerors are cautioned not to make claims or statements they are not prepared to commit to contractually. Failure of Offeror to meet such claims will result in a requirement that the Offeror provide resources necessary to meet submitted claims.

The highest ranked firms will be selected for award, subject to negotiation of fair and reasonable rates, as further detailed below.

C. BASIS OF AWARD

Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.320(d)(5), Harris County shall evaluate Statements of Qualifications in response to this solicitation and intends to award contracts to the most qualified Offeror(s) as determined pursuant to this RFQ process. Qualifications shall be evaluated, and the most qualified Offeror selected, subject to negotiation of fair and reasonable rates.

Price will not be considered as an evaluation factor; however, awards are subject to negotiation of fair and reasonable compensation. After Qualifications are opened but prior to award, Offeror may be required to submit its pricing, which shall be subject to negotiation. Contract award shall be subject to the timely completion of contract negotiations between the County and the selected Offeror.

In accordance with the regulations of 2 CFR 200 and the laws of the State of Texas, Harris County reserves the right to waive any formality or irregularity, to make awards to more than one Offeror, and/or to reject any or all submissions.

No award can be made until approved by the Harris County Commissioners Court. This RFQ does not obligate Harris County to the eventual purchase of any product/service described, implied or which may be proposed. Progress toward this end is solely at the discretion of Harris County and may be terminated at any time prior to execution of a contract.

D. EVALUATION CRITERIA

Award shall be made to the responsible Offeror who is determined to be the most qualified, subject to negotiation of fair and reasonable rates. Additional requirements listed for each criteria is detailed in section IV. Submission of a Statement of Qualifications serves as Offeror’s acceptance of the evaluation criteria and Offeror’s recognition that subjective judgments must be made by the Evaluation Committee:

1. Firm Experience & Qualifications ....................................................................................... [40]%

If design work is involved, firm has provided evidence that it is currently registered in the State of the Texas and carries Errors and Omissions insurance (Note that this is a yes or no criterion: if the answer is no, the firm is disqualified, not point-scored). Firm provides qualifications, competence, and experience of staff to be assigned to project. Firm demonstrates:

a. Understanding of scope of the Project.

b. Ability to meet the qualifications and compliance requirements listed herein, including that firm meets the appropriate state licensing requirements to practice as an Architect/Engineer in Texas.

c. Specialized experience or technical expertise in connection with the scope of services to be provided and complexity of the project, which includes a thorough description of other successful projects, that demonstrate the firm’s ability to carry out the Scope of Services similar to the one described in this RFQ.

d. Knowledge of local building codes and Federal building alterations requirements (if applicable).

e. Successful past performance in terms of cost control, conformance to contract requirements, quality of work, and compliance with performance schedules.

f. A clear understanding of, and ability to comply with, state, federal, and grant funding requirements as defined in this RFQ.

2. Firm Capacity & Resources ................................................................................................... [20]%

Firm demonstrates:

a. Capability to provide professional services in a timely manner.

b. Sufficient staffing size and capacity of the organization to perform the work within time limitations, taking into consideration the current and projected planned workload of the firm.

c. Ability to perform requested services for similar projects of scope and scale by providing three recent examples of projects completed on budget and on time.

d. Sufficient financial capacity and acceptable business practices.

3. Organization & Project Methodology .................................................................................. [30]%

Firm sufficiently describes:

a. How the services will be provided and how they will be supported.

b. Firm’s organization, project manager identification, quality assurance program, safety record, and reporting capabilities as applicable.

c. The approach that the firm will take to achieve the required collaboration, scheduling, and coordination required for this project.

d. Firm’s philosophy, approach(es) and preferred methods for meeting requirements and/or deliverables of this Request for Qualifications (RFQ).

e. Sample Exercise

4. Interviews/Presentations ....................................................................................................... [10]%

Firm sufficiently describes the requested sample exercise response. The oral presentations should include but is not limited to the following topics:

a. Key Personnel

b. Past Performance, which should demonstrate the following:

o Relevant experience with preparing the construction documents projects for projects similar to the elements included in the Project.

o Relevant experience in overseeing programs (or projects) similar in scope, size.

Oversight includes reviewing construction plans, preparing schedule/risk/cost analysis, grant reporting, flood control reporting, and environmental/regulatory compliance.

o Relevant experience in construction management and inspection including compliance with permit and safety requirements o Relevant experience in conflict resolution – for example, If vendors overseen are performing poorly, then how has the submitting party handled the situation in the past.

If contracts/interlocal agreements are under negotiations, how does the submitting party handle process.

How does the submitting party handle coordination with granting agencies when the Flood Control District is on a different page than the Granting agency.

o Relevant similar project experience with Harris County region particularly Harris County Flood Control District and experience with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

o Experience in Federal Contracting including overseeing and negotiating professional services and construction contracts and the associated change contract amendment process.

c. Technical Factors, which should demonstrate the following:

o Demonstrates familiarity with HCFCD Design, Construction and Inspection procedures as well as USACE design deliverables and tools required (e.g, MCACES, TPCS) o Illustrates steps required from the FCD for administration compliance including:

Project Risk Schedule, Risk Reporting for FCD and USACE Reporting Budget/Cost changes with Design Submissions Change orders or contractual changes for Professional Services and Contractors Communications across Departments and Agencies

d. Follow-Up Questions from Committee

The oral presentation should be no longer than 1 hour and should allow for fifteen (15) minutes for follow-up questions from the committee. There should be no more than five (5) attendees from the presenter and should represent the top roles outlined for the key personnel with no role duplication (e.g., multiple principles).

E. DISCUSSIONS & NEGOTIATIONS

Following ranking of Offerors as described above, Harris County shall commence negotiations of contracts with the highest ranked Offeror. Harris County shall request the highest ranked Offeror to submit proposed prices. The professional fees under the contract may not exceed any maximum provided by law (TGC 2254.003(b)).

Because selection of firm is based upon qualifications, Offeror must limit subcontracting to firms agreed upon during negotiations.

If a mutually satisfactory contract cannot be negotiated with the highest ranked Offeror at fair and reasonable rates, Harris County shall formally terminate negotiations. Harris County may then initiate negotiations with and obtain prices from the next firm on the final selection list. This procedure shall be continued until mutually satisfactory contracts have been negotiated at fair and reasonable rates.

F. CONTRACT OBLIGATION

Harris County Commissioners Court must award the contract and the County Judge or other person authorized by the Harris County Commissioners Court must sign the contract before it becomes binding on Harris County or Offeror. Department heads are NOT authorized to sign agreements for Harris County.

Progress toward this end is solely at the discretion of Harris County and may be terminated at any time prior to execution of a contract. Binding agreements shall remain in effect until all products and/or services covered by this procurement have been satisfactorily delivered and accepted.

VI. GENERAL PROVISIONS

A. AUTHORIZATION TO DO BUSINESS IN TEXAS

Offeror must obtain Texas Sales & Use Tax permit from the Texas State Comptroller Office if they are engaged in business in Texas and they are selling tangible personal property, leasing personal property, or selling a taxable service in Texas.

Offeror is required to have and maintain any licenses, certifications, and registrations required by the State of Texas, Harris County, or recognized professional organization governing the services performed under this contract (such as professional licensing requirements i.e. Licensed Professional Engineers). The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation is the primary state agency responsible for the oversight of businesses, industries, general trades, and occupations that are regulated by the state.

For businesses to legally operate in Harris County, Offeror must be registered with the Texas Secretary of State to transact business in Texas and must be current on all state and local fees and taxes, including but not limited to Franchise Account Status with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts in good standing, delinquent taxes, court judgments, tickets, tolls, fees, or fines.

A Sole Proprietorship, General Partnership, and all business entities (SP, LLC, INC, etc.) doing business under a name other than the name of the owner requires a DBA (Doing Business As) Certificate, which must be filed within the county of which they are doing business. If an Offeror’s business isn’t located in Harris County, Offeror must submit the licenses, certifications, and other documentation required by the locality in which its, or its subcontractors’, business is based.

B. PERFORMANCE & PAYMENT BONDS

2 CFR 200.325 mandates the minimum federal bonding requirements. However, Texas Government Code is more stringent, and provides for the requirements set forth below. Since the Texas Government Code requirements are more stringent than 2 CFR 200.325, compliance with the following requirements shall satisfy the federal bonding requirements.

1. Performance Bonds: Successful Offeror may be required to furnish a performance bond within ten

(10) days after award of the Contract and receipt of performance and/or payment bond application form.

a. If a contract is for a public works project and is expected to exceed $100,000, Offeror must furnish a performance bond to Harris County for the full amount of the contract (TGC 2253.021(1)) within ten (10) days after award of the contract and receipt of performance bond application form. The prescribed Performance Bond Form for public works contracts over $100,000 is found under Attachment G, and is the only form Harris County will accept.

b. If a contract is not a public works project and is expected to exceed $50,000, Offeror must furnish a performance bond to Harris County for the full amount of the contract (LGC 262.032) within ten (10) days after award of the contract and receipt of performance bond application form. The prescribed Performance Bond Form for non-public works contracts over $50,000 is found under Attachment H, and is the only form Harris County will accept.

c. The Performance Bond, if required, must be submitted within ten (10) days after award and prior to commencement of the actual work. The performance bond shall be in the amount equal to the amount of money to be paid by the County under the contract, unless otherwise stated, and shall be executed by a surety company authorized to do business in the State of Texas. The performance bond is:

i. Solely for the protection of Harris County;

ii. In the full amount of the contract; and

iii. Conditioned on the faithful performance of the work in accordance with the plans, specifications, and contract documents.

2. Payment Bonds: A payment bond is required on all public works jobs that exceed $25,000 (TGC 2253.021), or as required by Harris County. Harris County may require Payment Bonds for other contracts depending on the scope and use of subcontractors. Harris County may require Offeror to furnish a payment bond within ten (10) days after award of the contract and receipt of payment bond application form. The prescribed Payment Bond form for public works contracts over $25,000 is found under Attachment G and is the only form Harris County will accept.

If the successful Offeror submits a bank cashier’s check as guaranty, Harris County may elect to hold the check until all provisions of the Contract have been completed, and/or require Offeror to submit a performance and/or payment bond. The performance and/or payment bond shall be in the amount equal to the amount of money to be paid by the County under the Contract, unless otherwise stated, and shall be executed by a surety company authorized to do business in the State of Texas.

If any required performance and/or payment bond forms and related documents are not returned to the Harris County Office of the Purchasing Agent, 1001 Preston, Suite 670, Houston, Texas 77002, within ten (10) days, Harris County has the right to render the award ineffective. Written verification of the validity of the bond shall be received by the Office of the Purchasing Agent from the contractor’s surety before any payments will be made.

A bond required by this section must be executed by a corporate surety in accordance with Section 1, Chapter 87, Acts of the 56th Legislature, Regular Session, 1959 (Article 7.19-1, Vernon’s Texas Insurance Code). A bond executed for a public work contract with Harris County must be payable to and its form must be approved by Harris County.

A bond required under this section must clearly and prominently display on the bond or on an attachment to the bond:

1. The name, mailing address, physical address, and telephone number, including the area code, of the surety company to which any notice of claim should be sent; or

2. The toll-free…