Final-NC26-014-RFP_ Economic Development Services.pdf

NASSAU COUNTY

FLORIDA

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

RFP NO. NC26-014-RFP

PROPOSALS ARE DUE NOT LATER THAN

OCTOBER 1, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. ET

NC26-014-RFP Economic Development Services

SECTION 1

SECTION 2

SECTION 3

SECTION 4

SECTION 5

SECTION 6

SECTION 7

APPENDIX “A”

APPENDIX “B”

APPENDIX "C”

APPENDIX “D”

FORM “A”

FORM “B”

FORM “C”

FORM “D”

FORM “E”

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL INFORMATION

SCOPE OF SERVICES

INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS

PROPOSAL CONTENT

PROPOSAL EVALUATION/SELECTION CRITERIA

CONTRACT PROCEDURES

STANDARD CONTRACT TERMS FOR SERVICES

SCOPE OF SERVICES

COST PROPOSAL SHEET

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

DRAFT CONTRACT

PUBLIC ENTITY CRIMES SWORN STATEMENT

RESPONDENT QUESTIONNAIRE

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE CERTIFICATE

E-VERIFY AFFIDAVIT

ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING AFFIDAVIT AND CONTRACTING WITH

FOREIGN ENTITIES AFFIDAVIT

SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 INTRODUCTION:

Nassau County Board of County Commissioners (hereinafter referred to as the “County”) is seeking proposals from qualified firms to lead economic development efforts, promoting economic advancement and development to assist with the recruitment, creation and expansion of new and existing businesses in accordance with the terms, conditions, and scope of services contained in this Request for Proposal (RFP).

1.2 PROCUREMENT METHOD:

This RFP is being conducted in accordance with all applicable provisions of the County Code of Ordinances. The specific method of source selection for the services required in this RFP is Code Section 1-141, Competitive Purchasing Methods.

1.3 COMPETITIVE PROCESS:

Any Bidder that meets the requirements specified in this RFP may participate in the competitive process.

1.4 PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS:

This document and subsequent addendums, if any, can be downloaded from PlanetBids, through the Nassau County Procurement webpage https://www.nassaucountyfl.com/280/Procurement-Contracts-Management under current bid opportunities.

1.5 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

The term of the contract, if awarded, shall begin upon date of execution and terminate September 30, 2027. The contract may be renewed in one (1) year increments, up to four

(4) additional years, upon written agreement between the awarded Bidder and the County.

Option to renew for four (4) additional one (1) year terms:

The County shall have the option to renew the contract for four (4) additional one (1) year terms by notifying the awarded Bidder prior to, or upon completion of, the initial term or the applicable renewal term. The Bidder shall maintain, for the entirety of the stated additional renewal terms, the same terms, and conditions included within the originally awarded contract. Continuation of the contract beyond the initial period, and any optional renewal term subsequently exercised, is in the sole discretion of the County.

If the contract provides for an adjustment to compensation, the Bidder shall submit a written request to the County ninety (90) calendar days prior to the expiration of the current term. Any adjustment request received after the commencement of a new optional renewal term will not be considered.

https://www.nassaucountyfl.com/280/Procurement-Contracts-Management

1.6 PUBLIC ENTITY CRIMES:

A person or affiliate who has been placed on the Convicted Vendor List following a conviction for 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 public entity, may not be awarded or perform work as a contactor, supplier, subcontractor, or Bidder under a contract with any public entity, and may not transact business with any public entity in excess of the threshold amount provided in Florida Statutes, Section 287.017, for Category Two for a period of thirty-six

(36) months from the date of being placed on the Convicted Vendor List. By signing this solicitation and confirmation on the attached form, the Bidder certifies that they are qualified to do business with Nassau County in accordance with Section 287.133, Florida Statutes.

1.7 CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

The Bidder, by submission of their proposal, warrants that he or she has not employed or retained any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working solely for the Bidder to solicit or secure this agreement and that he or she has not paid or agreed to pay any person, company, corporation, individual, or Bidder other than a bona fide employee working solely for the Bidder any fee, commission, percentage, gift, or other consideration contingent upon or resulting from the award or making of this agreement. For the breach or violation of this provision, the County shall have the right to terminate the agreement without liability and, at its discretion, to deduct from the contract price, or otherwise recover, the full amount of such fee, commission, percentage, gift, or consideration.

1.8 PROHIBITION AGAINST CONSIDERING SOCIAL, POLITICAL, OR IDEOLOGICAL

INTERESTS IN GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING:

Bidder is hereby notified that pursuant to Section 287.05701, Florida Statutes, the County may not request documentation of or consider a Bidder's social, political, or ideological interests when determining if the Bidder is a responsible Bidder and may not give preference to a Bidder based on the Bidder’s social, political, or ideological interests.

1.9 DEBARRED BIDDERS:

The County reserves the right to withhold award, rescind an award, or forego award to any Bidder who is found to have been debarred from doing business with the State of Florida or any other public entity. It shall be County’s sole determination as to the desirability of contracting with a Bidder who has been barred from doing business with a public entity.

1.10 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:

The County recognizes fair and open competition as a basic tenet of public procurement and encourages participation by veteran-, minority-, and woman-owned businesses. Such businesses are to be afforded a full opportunity to participate in any procurement by the

County and will not be subject to discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, disability, political affiliation, or national origin.

The County is an equal opportunity employer. The County is committed to equal employment opportunities and expects firms that do business with the County to do the same.

1.11 MINIMUM STANDARD:

Specifications listed herein describe the expected minimum standard. These specifications are intended to be descriptive in nature and are not intended to eliminate, discourage, impede, or otherwise prevent any Bidder from submitting a proposal.

1.12 EXPERIENCE OF BIDDER:

Bidder must be qualified to perform the services outlined in the scope of work and meet all applicable code and Florida Statute requirements.

1.13 APPENDICES/ATTACHMENTS/FORMS:

All appendices, attachments, and forms are incorporated into and made an essential part of this solicitation.

1.14 BID BOND (IF APPLICABLE): INTENTIONALLY DELETED

1.15 PERFORMANCE/PAYMENT BOND: INTENTIONALLY DELETED

1.16 The County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, with or without cause, without recourse, or to waive technicalities or to accept Bids which, in its sole judgment, best serves the interests of the County. Response to this solicitation is considered an operational cost of the Bidder and shall not be passed on to or borne by the County. The County also reserves the right to reject the response of a Bidder who has previously failed to perform properly, completely, on-time and/or on-cost, contracts of a similar nature, or that are not, in the County’s sole discretion, in a position to perform the contract.

1.17 The County may consider, including but not limited to the following as sufficient for the disqualification of a Bidder and the rejection of its submittal:

(a) Submission of more than one Bid for the same work by an individual, firm, partnership, or corporation under the same or different names;

(b) Evidence of collusion among Bidders, or previous participation in collusive bidding or proposing on work for the County;

(c) Any material misrepresentation;

(d) Uncompleted work for which the Bidder is committed by contract which, in the judgment of the County, might hinder or prevent the prompt completion of the work under the contract if awarded to Bidder;

(e) Violations of the Cone of Silence as provided for herein;

(f) Actual or potential conflict of interest as provided for in Section 112.313(3), Florida

Statutes; or

(g) Conviction for a public entity crime as provided for in Section 287.133, Florida Statutes.

1.18 PUBLIC RECORDS REQUIREMENT:

The County is a public agency subject to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. IF THE

BIDDER HAS QUESTIONS REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF CHAPTER

119, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO THE BIDDER’S DUTY TO PROVIDE PUBLIC

RECORDS RELATING TO THE CONTRACT, CONTACT THE CUSTODIAN OF

PUBLIC RECORDS AT (904) 530-6090,

RECORDS@NASSAUCOUNTYFL.COM, 96135 NASSAU PLACE, SUITE 6,

YULEE, FLORIDA 32097.

To the extent that the selected Bidder provide(s) goods and/or services to the County, and pursuant to Florida Statute 119.0701, the Bidder shall:

(a) Keep and maintain public records required by the public agency to perform the service,

(b) 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 in this chapter or as otherwise provided by law,

(c) 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 the contract if the Bidder does not transfer the records to the public agency, and

(d) Upon completion of the contract, transfer, at no cost, to the public agency all public records in possession of the Bidder or keep and maintain public records required by the public agency to perform the service. If the Bidder transfers all public records to the public agency upon completion of the contract, the Bidder shall destroy any duplicate public records that are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements. If the Bidder keeps and maintains public records upon completion of the contract, the Bidder shall meet all applicable requirements for retaining public records. All records stored electronically must be provided to the public agency, upon request from the public agency’s custodian of public records, in a format that is compatible with the information technology systems of the public agency. If a Bidder does not comply with a public records request, the County shall enforce the contract provisions in accordance with the contract.

SECTION 2: SCOPE OF SERVICES

2.1 SCOPE OF SERVICES:

Bidder shall provide all Services (and items incidental thereto) set forth in Appendix “A” Scope of Services.

SECTION 3: INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS

3.1 RFP SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Listed below are the dates and times by which stated actions will be taken or completed.

The County may determine, in its sole discretion, that it is necessary to change any of these dates and times. All listed times are based on local (eastern) time.

Event Date Time

RFP Available on PlanetBids

September 1, 2026

Deadline for Questions September 18, 2026 by 2:00 p.m.

County’s Responses to Questions Posted to PlanetBids September 25, 2026

RFP Responses Due Date/Time and RFP Opening Date/Time October 1, 2026 by 10:00 a.m.

Evaluation Committee (Evaluate/Rank Firms)

Week of Month __, 2026 TBD

Shortlist Interviews (If required) TBD TBD

BOCC Award/Approval TBD

Solicitation responses, tabulation and award will be made public in accordance with Section 119.071, Florida Statues, and Section 286.0113, Florida Statutes.

3.2 PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING (Not Applicable)

3.3 SUBMISSION OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP):

All proposals must be submitted electronically via the County’s electronic bidding platform (PlanetBids), which is accessible via the County’s website or using the following link:

https://pbsystem.planetbids.com/portal/49083/bo/bo-search.

It is the Bidder’s responsibility to ensure that proposals are received in the County’s electronic bidding platform before the due date and time referenced in Section 3.1 of this RFP. The platform will not allow Proposals to be submitted after the cut-off time

EVEN IF YOU ARE IN THE PROCESS OF SUBMITTING YOUR PROPOSAL WHEN

THE CUT-OFF TIME ARRIVES. Please plan your submittal timing accordingly. No mailed, facsimile, or emailed proposals will be considered.

https://pbsystem.planetbids.com/portal/49083/bo/bo-search

3.4. Any proposals received after the due date and time referenced in Section 3.1 of this RFP will be rejected and considered non-responsive. Proposals will be publicly read and recorded at the office of the Ex-Officio Clerk, Nassau County on date and time specified in Section 3.1. By submitting a response, Bidder represents that it has thoroughly examined and is familiar with the work required under this RFP and that it is capable of performing quality work to achieve the County’s objectives, as described in the Scope of Services and the Bidder is prepared to comply with all statutes and regulations applicable to the services to be performed.

• Nassau County reserves the right to amend, withdraw or cancel this RFP at any time without prior notice, and it makes no representations that any contract will be awarded to any Bidder responding to this RFP.

• Nassau County reserves the right at its sole discretion to modify this RFP should Nassau County deem that it is in the best interests to do so.

• All proposals received by Nassau County are subject to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, and are public records law and will be made available to any person upon request, after the entire proposal evaluation process has been completed. Bidder shall provide all bid documents/in a readable/printable format.

3.5 SUBMISSION OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP):

The following person has been designated the County Point of Contact for this RFP:

Evelyn J. Burton Sr. Procurement Specialist

Nassau County 96135 Nassau Place, Suite 2

Yulee, FL 32097 Ph: 904-530-6040

3.6 QUESTIONS/CLARIFICATIONS:

Bidders to this RFP, or persons acting on their behalf shall not contact any employee or officer of the County or external agents or consultants concerning any aspect of this RFP, except in writing to the authorized County Point of Contact identified in this section, between the time RFP is released and the end of the seventy-two (72) hour period (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and County holidays) following the County’s posting of notice of recommendation of award (the “Cone of Silence”). Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting the violator’s proposal submitted for this RFP.

ANY QUESTIONS FROM BIDDERS MUST BE RECEIVED VIA THE COUNTY’S

electronic bidding platform (PlanetBids). Failure to comply with this requirement may result in disqualification of your proposal and egregious and/or repeated violations may result in debarment from future solicitations, contracts, or other business with the County.

Questions received will be formatted by the Procurement department and issued to all interested parties in the form of an addendum. THE COUNTY WILL NOT ENTERTAIN

ANY VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS REGARDING THIS OR ANY OTHER

SOLICITATION. All questions regarding this solicitation must be received by the date and

NC26-014-RFP Economic Development Services time specified in Section 3.1 of this RFP. Questions received after this date will not be reviewed.

Inquiries or requests for clarification must specify the relevant section(s), subsection(s), paragraph(s), and page number(s) of the competitive solicitation being questioned by the Bidder.

The County will consider the Bidder’s lack of inquiries or requests for clarification prior to the Deadline for Questions to constitute the Bidder’s acceptance of all of the terms, conditions, and requirements as stated in this solicitation and any addenda or amendments thereto.

It will be the responsibility of the Bidder to visit the County’s electronic bidding platform (PlanetBids), prior to submitting a proposal, to ascertain if any addenda have been issued and to review those addenda, if applicable. Bidders must complete and return the enclosed Addenda Acknowledgement Form with their proposal. Failure to comply may result in disqualification of the proposal.

3.7 VERBAL INSTRUCTIONS:

No negotiations, decisions, or actions shall be initiated or executed by the Bidder as a result of any discussions with any County officer or employee. Only those written communications that are issued from the County’s Procurement Department shall be considered as duly authorized expressions on behalf of the County.

ALL QUESTIONS FROM BIDDERS MUST BE ADDRESSED IN WRITING AND

SUBMITTED TO THE NASSAU COUNTY’S EPROCUREMENT SYSTEM, PLANETBIDS

VENDOR PORTAL.

3.8 PROPOSALS AND PRESENTATION COST: The County will not be liable in any way for any cost incurred by the Bidder in the preparation of their proposal in response to this RFP nor for the presentation of their proposals or participation in any discussions or negotiations.

3.9 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS

The Bidder shall comply with all applicable regulatory requirements including federal, state, and local laws, rules regulations, codes, orders criteria and standards.

3.10 INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS: Bidders to this RFP shall submit proof of insurance coverage that meets or exceeds the insurance requirement listed in Appendix “C.”

Proof of Insurance must be in the form of a Certificate of Insurance or a copy of the policy declarations page.

SECTION 4: PROPOSAL CONTENT

4.1 RESPONSE FORMAT: To facilitate and expedite review, all Bidders shall follow the response format outlined below. Failure to submit your response in the format requested

NC26-014-RFP Economic Development Services https://pbsystem.planetbids.com/portal/49083/bo/bo-search https://pbsystem.planetbids.com/portal/49083/portal-home https://pbsystem.planetbids.com/portal/49083/portal-home may result in the reduction of your overall evaluation score. To assist you in preparing your response, the County’s selection procedures are also described herein. Failure to abide by the requirements set forth herein may lead to rejection of your proposal.

TAB 1 – Cover Letter

Provide a cover letter no longer than two (2) pages in length, signed by an authorized representative of the firm that can legally bind the company and provide his/her title, address, phone number, and email address. Provide a positive commitment to perform the required scope of services. The Bidder should also provide the primary contact person for this solicitation along with his/her title, phone number, and email address.

TAB 2 – Table of Contents

Provide a table of contents clearly identifying the material included in the proposal by page number.

TAB 3 – Experience and Qualifications

• A brief description of your firm’s organization, structure, and philosophy.

• Firm’s years of experience.

• Provide a summary of relevant background information to demonstrate that the Bidder meets the minimum qualifications stated herein.

• Knowledge of and compliance with applicable federal, state and local law pertaining to this solicitation, including but not limited to Section 125.045, Florida Statutes

• Description of firm’s experience in work that is similar to scale and complexity of the

Scope of Services, Appendix “A”.

• Past experience and success firm has achieved with organizations similar in nature and size of Nassau County.

• Firm’s ability to communicate, work effectively and build consensus with staff, elected officials, boards and committees.

• Available resources, technology and equipment.

• Experience of firm’s primary consultant assigned to the awarded contract providing similar services as described herein.

TAB 4 – Understanding and Project Approach

• Firm’s ability to provide a level of service sufficient to meet the County’s needs.

• Define what services the firm is proposing to the County that will best meet the criteria specified in the Scope of Services.

• State project management plans, interpretation of scope and method of approach.

• Provide information regarding any proposed innovative concepts that may enhance the value and effectiveness of proposed service or alternative ideas that may be successful if implemented by the County.

TAB 5 – Structure of Staff

• Introduce the designated project manager and the project team. Include a project team organizational chart.

• For each key person that would be assigned to the project, include:

o A one or two-page résumé that includes a summary of relevant professional qualifications, relevant project experience, education, and professional registration.

o Describe the services the individuals will provide to Nassau County.

• Indicate the firm's structure and staffing levels that are sufficient to ensure timely completion of tasks

TAB 6 – References

As part of this solicitation, Bidders are required to submit references. Bidder references are a critical aspect of this solicitation. As such, evaluators reserve the right to contact and evaluate each reference provided in response to this solicitation. Additionally, evaluators may review public sources to verify whether Bidder has listed contracts for similar work within the specified period.

To satisfy this requirement, please complete Form “B”, the Respondent Questionnaire (as referenced in the Table of Contents), and include the completed form in this section (Tab 4). The form should list the references where the Bidder has performed similar services within the past five (5) years.

TAB 7 – Cost Proposal

Provide an annual cost for services. Amounts must be fully burdened to include all costs, (overhead, profit, and non-labor expenses, such as travel, mileage, per diem for meals and incidentals, etc.).

TAB 8 – Forms

All forms required by this RFP shall be fully completed and executed by an authorized representative that can legally bind the Bidder.

Bidder shall submit all information in the above order. Failure to do so may diminish your score.

SECTION 5: PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND SELECTION CRITERIA

5.1 PROPOSAL EVALUATION: The County will review all qualified responses to this RFP and select the proposal that is determined to be in the best public interest in accordance with the intent of this RFP. All proposals will first be screened for adherence to the requirements of this RFP. The County will not consider any non-responsive proposals. A non-responsive proposal is a proposal that was not timely submitted or fails to meet the material terms and conditions of this RFP as determined by the County.

The County reserves the right to waive any informality in any proposal and to accept any proposal which it considers to be in the best public interest, and to reject any or all proposals. The decision of the County shall be final.

Solicitation responses, tabulation and award will be made public in accordance with Florida Statute 119.071 and Florida Statute 286.0113.

5.2 EVALUATION/SELECTION COMMITTEE: The Procurement Staff will facilitate the evaluation process. The Evaluation/Selection Committee will be responsible for evaluating and ranking each Bidder based upon the proposal submitted.

5.3 The Evaluation/Selection Committee shall evaluate the responses to this RFP and rank the Bidder’s based on the evaluation criteria contained herein. THE COUNTY RESERVES

THE RIGHT TO ISSUE MULTIPLE AWARDS.

5.4 EVALUATION CRITERIA: A one hundred (100) point formula scoring system will be utilized based upon the following criteria:

Evaluation Criteria Maximum Points Experience / Qualifications of Firm / References 30 Understanding/Project Approach 20 Past Experience and Success 20 Structure of Staff 15 Cost Proposal/Fees 15

TOTAL POINTS 100

5.5 The County reserves the right to make selections based on the submittals only or to request oral presentations or questions/answer sessions with the top ranked firms before determining the final ranking.

5.6 If the County requests oral presentations from the top ranked firms, a separate evaluation process will be conducted. The evaluation criteria and scoring that will be used for the ranking of the oral presentations will be provided prior to the presentation date.

SECTION 6. CONTRACT PROCEDURES

6.1 PRESENTATION TO THE BOARD:

The County’s Office of Strategic Advancement and Economic Resources Department shall submit an agenda item for presentation to the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners requesting consideration and approval to award based on the recommendation of the Evaluation/Selection Committee according to the overall ranking and authorization to award a contract with the top-ranked firm.

The award of a contract does not constitute an order or a Notice to Proceed. Before any services can be performed, the successful Bidder must receive written authorization from the County.

SECTION 7. STANDARD CONTRACT TERMS FOR SERVICES

A draft template of the contract that the County intends to use for award is attached as Appendix “D”. The successful Bidder will be required to enter into an agreement which will include the requirements of this RFP as well as the terms and conditions of the draft contract, Appendix “D”. Any exceptions to the standard terms and conditions must be stated in the proposal. Any submission of a proposal without objection to the standard terms and conditions indicates understanding and intention to comply with the standard terms and conditions. If there is a term or condition that the firm intends to negotiate, it must be stated in the proposal. The successful Bidder will not be entitled to any changes or modifications unless they were first stated in the proposal. The County reserves the right to reject any proposal(s) containing exceptions or modifications to the standard terms and conditions. The County may revise the stated standard terms and conditions prior to execution.

[Remainder of page intentionally blank.]

APPENDIX “A”

SCOPE OF SERVICES

PURPOSE

The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners is seeking proposals for a firm to lead the County’s economic development efforts, promoting economic advancement and development to help assist with the recruitment, creation, and expansion of new and existing businesses.

HISTORY

Nassau County has a strong and growing business community supported by industries including advanced manufacturing, logistics and distribution, healthcare, tourism, and professional services. Through collaboration among local governments, educational institutions, regional partners, and the private sector, the County continues to advance strategic economic development initiatives while strengthening talent development through partnerships with local schools, colleges, and technical training institutions. With available commercial and industrial sites, access to I-95, CSX and Norfolk Southern rail service, the Port of Fernandina, Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport, and close proximity to JAXPORT and Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), Nassau County is well-positioned for continued growth and investment. The County is among Florida's fastest-growing communities, attracting new businesses and residents with its A-rated schools, outstanding quality of life, and strategic Northeast Florida location.

SCOPE OF SERVICES

The provider will serve as the lead firm for coordination of economic and development efforts and provide the following services:

Encourage economic expansion of our existing business and industry.

Encourage expansion of new business and industry, especially in locations where existing public services and infrastructure are in place. Should appropriate locations not be available, encourage business and industry to locate in areas where future infrastructure will become available as designated in the Public Facilities Element of the County’s Comprehensive Plan and the County’s Capital Improvement Program.

Seek businesses that will utilize and train the local labor force as skilled employees and provide better than median wages and salaries.

Seek business and industry that will promote economic diversity while building on existing assets of the area.

Encourage existing and new business to encompass the new opportunities available through our improved transportation and infrastructure systems within the County, including Crawford Diamond Industrial Park, Wildlight, Nassau Crossing, the SR 200/I-95 corridor, and the U.S. 301 corridor.

Promote the availability of workforce training and talent development programs offered through Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ), Nassau Technical Career Center, local Career and Technical Education programs, and regional higher education partners, helping to ensure a skilled and competitive workforce for current and future industry needs.

Support and encourage public/private partnerships to strengthen economic development energies.

Implement the County’s economic development strategy in accordance with the Nassau County Comprehensive Plan, Vision 2050, and other adopted plans and policies that guide economic growth, workforce development, and investment attraction throughout Nassau County. Links to this information can be found at Nassau Florida 2050 Vision.

NC26-014-RFP Economic Development Services https://www.nassaufl2050.com/

Pursue for Nassau County a competitive economy that combines a variety of business and industry, which will produce goods and services for export and for local consumption, which would otherwise be imported into the area.

Maintain an inventory of available buildings and industrial sites.

Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with FloridaCommerce, SelectFlorida, JAXUSA Partnership, the Northeast Florida Economic Development Partnership (NFEDP), the Northeast Florida Regional Council (NEFRC), utilities, railroads, transportation providers, workforce organizations, and other economic development entities to identify, attract, and support qualified business, industry, and investment opportunities in Nassau County.

Coordinate efforts to obtain grant monies where available.

Provide consultation, cooperation and assistance as may be requested in developing

Nassau County policies and programs in the areas of economic growth, the economic development elements of the Comprehensive Plan, zoning ordinances, permitting processes and development issues.

Encourage clustering of major business and industry activities to occur in areas close to arterial roads, access to utilities, port facilities, and areas that minimize impacts on the natural environment and on adjacent lands.

Continue programs of economic diversification and in the location of new business and industry.

Ensure that all records, reports, services which relate to funding that is provided by the County, are available for review or audit by the County Manager or his/her designee.

Furnish the County with quarterly written reports and Board presentations on economic development activities and a final written report at the end of each calendar year.

o Such reports must include, at a minimum:

Business retention visits;

Qualified project leads;

New jobs announced;

Jobs retained;

Capital investment generated;

Marketing campaigns;

Prospect visits;

Grant applications and awards;

Industry outreach activities; and

Strategic partnerships.

Performance metrics shall be reported and presented quarterly.

The County reserves the right to interview and approve all agencies and personnel providing services to the County prior to commencement of work for the County.

PAYMENT

A valid quarterly invoice including a written quarterly report is required and subject to staff and Board approval prior to payment.

The Remainder of this Page Intentionally Left Blank

APPENDIX “B”

COST PROPOSAL SHEET

Provide an annual cost for services. Amounts must be fully burdened to include all costs, (overhead, profit, and non-labor expenses, such as travel, mileage, per diem for meals and incidentals, etc.).

ANNUAL COST PROPOSAL $______________________

The undersigned declares that they have examined the Notice to Bidders, Instructions to Bidders, and Technical Specifications/Scope of Services and is informed fully with regard to all terms and conditions pertaining thereto and agrees under these specifications at the prices set forth above.

Company: __________________________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip code: _________________________________________________________________

Phone Number: ___________________________ Email: ____________________________________

Authorized Signature: ________________________ Printed Name: ____________________________

Title: _____________________________________ Date: ____________________________________

Exposure Category M w. Professional

APPENDIX “C”

GENERAL INFORMATION AND MINIMUM INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE

The Vendor/Contractor shall purchase and maintain at the Vendor/Contractor’s expense Commercial General Liability insurance coverage (ISO or comparable Occurrence Form) for the life of this Contract. Modified Occurrence or Claims Made forms are not acceptable.

The Limits of this insurance shall not be less than the following limits:

Each Occurrence Limit $1,000,000 Personal & Advertising Injury Limit $1,000,000 Products & Completed Operations Aggregate Limit $2,000,000 General Aggregate Limit (other than Products & Completed Operations) Applies Per Project $2,000,000

General liability coverage shall continue to apply to “bodily injury” and to “property damage” occurring after all work on the Site of the covered operations to be performed by or on behalf of the additional insureds has been completed and shall continue after that portion of “your work” out of which the injury or damage arises has been put to its intended use.

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYER’S LIABILITY INSURANCE

The Vendor/Contractor shall purchase and maintain at the Vendor/Contractor’s expense Workers’ Compensation and Employer’s Liability insurance coverage for the life of this Contract.

The Limits of this insurance shall not be less than the following limits:

Part One – Workers’ Compensation Insurance – Unlimited Statutory Benefits as provided in the Florida Statutes and

Part Two – Employer’s Liability Insurance Bodily Injury By Accident $500,000 Each Accident Bodily Injury By Disease $500,000 Policy Limit Bodily Injury By Disease $500,000 Each Employee

*If leased employees are used, policy must include an Alternate Employer’s Endorsement

AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY INSURANCE

The Vendor/Contractor shall purchase and maintain at the Vendor/Contractor’s expense Automobile Liability insurance coverage for the life of this Contract.

The Limits of this insurance shall not be less than the following limits:

Combined Single Limit – Each Accident $1,000,000

Covered Automobiles shall include any auto owned or operated by the insured Vendor/Contractor, including autos which are leased, hired, rented or borrowed, including autos owned by their employees which are used in connection with the business of the respective Vendor/Contractor.

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY (ERRORS & OMISSIONS)

This additional coverage will be required for all projects involving consultants, engineering services, architectural or design/build projects, independent testing firms and similar exposures.

The Contractor/Vendor shall purchase and maintain at the Contractor/Vendor’s expense Professional Liability insurance coverage for the life of this Contract.

If the contract includes a requirement for Professional Liability or Errors and Omissions insurance, the minimum amount of such insurance shall be as follows:

Each Occurrence/Annual Aggregate – $1,000,000

Design Professional Liability coverage will be provided on an Occurrence Form or a Claims Made Form with a retroactive date to at least the first date of this Agreement. If provided on a Claims Made Form, the coverages must respond to all claims reported within three years following the period for which coverage is required and which would have been covered had the coverage been on an occurrence basis.

Vendor/Contractor shall require each of his Sub-Vendor/Contractors to likewise purchase and maintain at their expense Commercial General Liability insurance, Workers’ Compensation and Employer’s Liability coverage and Automobile Liability insurance coverage meeting the same limit and requirements as the Vendor/Contractors insurance.

Certificates of Insurance and the insurance policies required for this Agreement shall contain –

• Endorsement that coverage afforded under the policies will not be cancelled or allowed to expire until at least thirty (30) days prior written notice has been given to Nassau County Board of County Commissioners.

Nassau County Board of County Commissioners must be named as an Additional Insured and endorsed onto the Commercial General Liability (CGL), Auto Liability policy (ies).

CGL policy for construction related contracts –

• Additional Insured Endorsement must include Ongoing and Completed

• CGL policy shall not be endorsed with Contractual Liability Limitation Endorsement or

Amendment of Insured Contract Definition

• CGL policy shall include broad form contractual liability coverage for the Contractors covenants to and indemnification of the Authority under this Contract

• Provision under General Liability, Auto Liability and Workers’ Compensation to include a Waiver of Subrogation clause in favor of Nassau County Board of County Commissioners.

• Provision that policies, except Workers’ Compensation, are primary and noncontributory.

Certificates of Insurance and the insurance policies required for this Agreement shall contain a provision under General Liability, Auto Liability, Environmental Liability and Workers’ Compensation to include a Waiver of Subrogation clause in favor of Nassau County Board of County Commissioners.

All Insurers must be authorized to transact insurance business in the State of Florida as provided by Florida Statute 624.09(1) and the most recent Rating Classification/Financial Category of the insurer as published in the latest edition of “Best’s Key Rating Guide’ (Property-Casualty) must be at least A- or above.

All of the above referenced Insurance coverage is required to remain in force for the duration of this Agreement and for the duration of the warranty period. Accordingly, at the time of submission of final application for payment, Vendor/Contractor shall submit an additional Certificate of Insurance evidencing continuation of such coverage.

If the Vendor/Contractor fails to procure, maintain or pay for the required insurance, Nassau County Board of County Commissioners shall have the right (but not the obligation) to secure same in the name of and for the account of Vendor/Contractor, in which event, Vendor/Contractor shall pay the cost thereof and shall furnish upon demand, all information that may be required to procure such insurance. Nassau County Board of County Commissioners shall have the right to back-charge Vendor/Contractor for the cost of procuring such insurance. The failure of Nassau County Board of County Commissioners to demand certificates of insurance and endorsements evidencing the required insurance or to identify any deficiency in Vendor/Contractors coverage based on the evidence of insurance provided by the Vendor/Contractor shall not be construed as a waiver by Nassau County Board of County Commissioners of Vendor/Contractor’s obligation to procure, maintain and pay for required insurance.

The insurance requirements set forth herein shall in no way limit Vendor/Contractors liability arising out of the work performed under the Agreement or related activities. The inclusions, coverage and limits set forth herein are minimum inclusion, coverage and limits. The required minimum policy limits set forth shall not be construed as a limitation of Vendor/Contractor’s right under any policy with higher limits, and no policy maintained by the Vendor/Contractor shall be construed as limiting the type, quality or quantity of insurance coverage that

Vendor/Contractor should maintain. Vendor/Contractor shall be responsible for determining appropriate inclusions, coverage and limits, which may be in excess of the minimum requirements set forth herein.

If the insurance of any Vendor/Contractor or any Sub-Vendor/Contractor contains deductible(s), penalty(ies) or self-insured retention(s), the Vendor/Contractor or Sub-Vendor/Contractor whose insurance contains such provision(s) shall be solely responsible for payment of such deductible(s), penalty(ies) or self-insured retention(s).

The failure of Vendor/Contractor to fully and strictly comply at all times with the insurance requirements set forth herein shall be deemed a material breach of the Agreement.

Contract No.: CM________

Page 1 of 23 Revised 01.26.2026

CONTRACT FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

THIS CONTRACT (the “Contract”) is entered into by and between the BOARD OF

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF NASSAU COUNTY, FLORIDA, a political subdivision of the State of Florida (the “County”), and ___________________________________________, a _________ located at _______________________________________________, (the

“Vendor”) (each a “Party” and collectively the “Parties”) on the day and year last written below

(the “Effective Date”).

WHEREAS, the County is one of the fastest growing counties in the State of Florida and is primed for additional growth due to its desirable location, “A” rated school system, business community, a strong multi-modal transportation system, and access to numerous rail lines, interstate systems, and Jacksonville International Airport; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 125.045, Florida Statutes, in order to provide a stronger, more balanced, and stable economy, a county may expend public funds to attract and retain business enterprises, and may contract with economic development agencies, and such expenditures constitute a public purpose; and

WHEREAS, the County’s goal is to create initiatives for sustainable economic growth by creating job opportunities that reduce the tax burden placed on residential property owners by focusing efforts on industrial recruitment and retention, business development, and entrepreneurship; and

WHEREAS, on _____ the County advertised a Request for Proposal, RFP No. ______

(the “Solicitation”) to solicit and engage a firm to lead the County’s economic development efforts to promote economic development and to assist with the creation and expansion of new and existing businesses (the “Deliverables”); and

WHEREAS, Vendor submitted a response to the Solicitation (the “Response”); and

APPENDIX "D"

Page 2 of 23 Revised 01.26.2026

WHEREAS, the County has determined based on the Solicitation criteria that award of the Contract to the Vendor is in the best interest of County; and

WHEREAS, all terms and conditions of the County’s Solicitation are incorporated herein and made a part of this Contract by this reference and a copy is on file with the Nassau County

Procurement; and

WHEREAS, a copy of the County’s Solicitation and the Vendor’s Response including the

Scope of Work is attached hereto as Exhibit “A”.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions herein set forth, the

County and the Vendor agree as follows:

SECTION 1. Recitals.

1.1 The above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein, in their entirety, by this reference.

SECTION 2. Contract Exhibits.

2.1 The Exhibits listed below are incorporated into and made part of this Contract:

Exhibit “A” COUNTY’S SOLICITATION AND VENDOR’S RESPONSE

INCLUDING SCOPE OF WORK

Exhibit “B” INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

SECTION 3. Description of Deliverables to be Provided.

3.1 The Vendor shall provide Deliverables further described in the Scope of Work, as set forth in Exhibit “A”. The Vendor shall provide the Deliverables as described in Exhibit “A” in a timely and professional manner.

SECTION 4. Payment and Invoicing.

4.1 The County shall pay the Vendor in an amount not to exceed __________ for the

Deliverables referenced in Exhibit(s) “A”.

Page 3 of 23 Revised 01.26.2026

4.2. Payment will be made to Vendor based on invoices submitted to the County on a quarterly basis accompanied by the required written Quarterly Reports as outlined in Exhibit “A” and in accordance with this Contract.

4.3 The Vendor shall invoice the County based on the amount of the Deliverables done or completed. The amount of the quarterly payments shall be the percentage of the Deliverables rendered, based on the total amount, less payments previously made. The quarterly invoice shall itemize and describe the Deliverables performed during the invoiced timeframe.

4.4 The County shall not be responsible for reimbursement or payment of any costs or other expenses, including, but not limited to, materials, supplies, courier services, telephone, facsimile, copying or postage charges, out-of-pocket expenses, fees overhead, and other items or requirements to complete the Deliverables as any and all costs or expenses incurred by the Vendor are to be included as part of the payment addressed in Article 4.1.

4.5 The County may, in addition to other remedies available to it at law or equity and upon written notice to the Vendor, retain such monies from amounts due to the Vendor as may be necessary to satisfy any claim for payment, including under the indemnification clause, payment of liquidated damages, and payment for claims asserted by or against the County. The County reserves the right to set off any liability or other obligation of the Vendor or its affiliates to the

County against any payments due to the Vendor under any contract with the County. The exercise of these rights will not be a breach of the Contract, nor will they in any way entitle the Vendor to a claim against the County, including for damages.

SECTION 5. Acceptance of Deliverables.

5.1 Receipt of the Deliverables shall not constitute acceptance by the County. Final acceptance and authorization of payment shall be given only after a thorough inspection by the

County indicates that the Deliverables meet Contract requirements. Should the quantity and/or

Page 4 of 23 Revised 01.26.2026 quality differ in any respect from the Contract requirements, payment shall be withheld by the

County until such time as the Vendor takes necessary corrective action. If the proposed corrective action is not acceptable to the County, the County Manager’s Office may authorize the refusal of final acceptance of the quantity and/or quality received. Should a representative of the County agree to accept the Deliverables on condition that the Vendor shall correct its performance within a stipulated time period, then payment shall be withheld until said corrections are made.

5.2 The Vendor shall provide County with written quarterly and annual reports as further describe in Exhibit “A.” Such reports shall detail how County funds were spent and detail the results of the Vendor’s efforts on behalf of the County as required by Section 125.045(4), Florida

Statutes.

SECTION 6. Term of Contract and Option to Renew.

6.1 The term of this Contract shall begin upon the Effective Date and shall terminate on

September 30, 2027, unless terminated sooner or renewed as provided herein.

6.2 The term of this Contract may be renewed in one (1) year increments, for up to four (4) additional years, upon mutual written agreement between the Vendor and the County.

SECTION 7. Firm Prices.

7.1 Prices for the Deliverables shall remain firm for term pursuant to pricing as reflected in Exhibit “A”. No additional fees or charges shall be accepted or paid for by the County.

SECTION 8. Funding.

8.1 The County’s performance and obligation under this Contract is contingent upon an annual appropriation by the Board of County Commissioners and is subject to termination based on lack of funding.

Page 5 of 23 Revised 01.26.2026

SECTION 9. Expenses.

9.1 The Vendor shall be responsible for all expenses incurred while providing the

Deliverables including, but not limited to, license fees, memberships and dues; automobile and other travel expenses; meals and entertainment; insurance premiums; and all salary, expenses and other compensation paid to the Vendor’s agents, if any, hired by the Vendor to complete the work under this Contract.

SECTION 10. Taxes, Liens, Licenses and Permits.

10.1 The Vendor recognizes that the County, by virtue of its sovereignty, is not required to pay any taxes on the Deliverables. As such, the Vendor shall refrain from including taxes in any billing. The Vendor is placed on notice that this exemption generally does not apply to nongovernmental entities, contractors, or subcontractors. Any questions regarding this tax exemption shall be addressed to the County Manager.

10.2 The Vendor shall secure and maintain all licenses and permits required to provide the Deliverables and to pay any and all applicable sales or use tax, or any other tax or assessment which shall be imposed or assessed by any and all governmental authorities, required under this

Contract.

10.3 The Vendor acknowledges that property being improved that is titled to the County, shall not be subject to a lien of any kind for any reason. The Vendor shall include notice of such exemptions in any subcontracts and purchase orders issued under this Contract.

SECTION 11. Governing Law, Venue and Compliance with Laws.

11.1 This Contract shall be deemed to have been executed and entered into within the State of Florida and any dispute arising hereunder shall be governed, interpreted and construed according to the laws of the State of Florida, the Ordinances of Nassau County, and any applicable federal statutes, rules and regulations. Any litigation arising under or relating to this Contract shall

Page 6 of 23 Revised 01.26.2026 be brought in…