FINAL RFQ - Soil MaterialTest RFQ 1724 By.pdf

CAMERON COUNTY

PURCHASING DEPARTMENT

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

RFQ NUMBER # 1724

RFQ TITLE: SOIL & MATERIALS TESTING SERVICES

DATE DUE: JULY 30, 2025 DUE NO LATER THAN 3:00 P.M.

RFQ’s will be opened at the Cameron County Courthouse, 1100 East Monroe Street, Brownsville, Texas in the Purchasing Department –Basement Floor – Room # B17 at 3:01 p.m. (per Purchasing Dept. time clock) on deadline due date. All participants are welcome to attend RFQ acknowledgment opening.

RFQs received later than the date and time above will not be considered.

Please return RFQ ORIGINAL (marked “ORIGINAL”) AND ONE (1) COPY (marked “COPY”) sets and an electronic (PDF format file only) of your qualification statement for review by evaluation committee in a sealed envelope. Be sure that return envelope shows the RFP Number, Description and is marked “SEALED RFQ”.

RETURN RFQ TO:

by U.S. mail or delivered to the office of Purchasing Dept., County Courthouse (Dancy Bldg.)

1100 E. Monroe St, Basement Floor, Room #B17, Brownsville, Texas 78520.

Questions/clarifications must be submitted by: Monday, July 21, 2025, before 3:00 p.m. C.S.T.

(e-mail to purchasing@co.cameron.tx.us or fax to 956-550-7219, attention to Roberto C. Luna, Purchasing Agent)

Addendum to answer all questions/clarifications will be released on Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025.

For additional information, clarifications and/or questions or to request addendum please contact: Dalia Loera or Roberto Luna at

(956) 544-0871, E-mail: purchasing@co.cameron.tx.us

YOU MUST SIGN BELOW IN INK; FAILURE TO SIGN WILL DISQUALIFY THE OFFER.

All prices must be typewritten or written in ink.

Company Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________

Company Address: ____________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code: ____________________________________________________________________________

Historically Underutilized Business (State of Texas) Certification VID Number: _________________________________

Telephone No.____________________________ Fax No. _____________________ e-mail_________________________

SIGNATURE:______________________________________ Print Name:_____________________

How did you find out about this RFQ? _______________________________________ _ (ex: Newspaper, Web, Mail)

Is Proposer’s principal place of Business within Cameron County? □ Yes □ No If yes what City: ____________________________

(Your signature attests to your offer to provide the goods and/or services in this RFQ according to the published provision of this RFQ. When an award letter is issued, this RFQ becomes the contract. If RFQ required specific Contract is to be utilized in addition to this RFQ, this signed RFQ will become part of that contract. When an additional Contract is required RFQ award does not constitute a contract award and RFQ / Contract is not valid until contract is awarded by Commissioners Court (when applicable) signed by County Judge) and Purchase Order is issued.

Responders must sign each page to ensure you have read each page’s information, terms, conditions and/or required forms.

Failure to sign or initial each page will disqualify the RFQ offer mailto:purchasing@co.cameron.tx.us mailto:purchasing@co.cameron.tx.

RFQ # 1724 SOIL & MATERIALS TESTING SERVICES Responder’s Initials: ________

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT

SOIL & MATERIALS TESTING SERVICES

RFQ # 1724

Please submit this page upon receipt

For any clarifications, please contact Mr. Roberto C. Luna, Purchasing Agent and/or Dalia Loera, Assistant Purchasing Agent at the Cameron County Purchasing Department office at: (956) 544-0871 or e-mail at: purchasing@co.cameron.tx.us

Please fax or e-mail this page upon receipt of RFQ package no later than Friday, July 25th, 2025 before 3:00 p.m. CST. All questions regarding this RFQ should also be submitted no later than the stated date and time on RFQ cover page.

Fax: (956) 550-7219 or E-mail: purchasing@co.cameron.tx.us

If you are unable to respond on this RFQ solicitation, kindly indicate your reason for “Not Responding/No-Participation” below and fax or e-mail back to Cameron County Purchasing Department. This will insure you remain active on our vendor list.

Date: _______________

(___) Yes, I will be able to submit a Statement of Qualifications submittal.

(___) No, I will not be able to submit a Statement of Qualifications submittal for the following reason:

Company Name: _______________________________________________________

Company Representative Name: __________________________________________

Company Address: _____________________________________________________

Phone #: ______________________ Fax #” ___________________________

E-mail Address: ________________________________________________________

CHECK LIST

Respondents are asked to review the package to be sure that all applicable parts are included. If any portion of the package is missing, notify the Purchasing Department immediately. It is the Respondent’s responsibility to be familiar with all the Requirements and Specifications. Be sure you understand the following before you return your RFQ packet.

_X__ Cover Sheet

Your company name, address and your signature (IN INK) should appear on this page.

_X__ Instructions to Proposers

You should be familiar with all of the Instructions to Responders.

_X__ Special Requirements

This section provides information you must know in order to make an offer properly.

_X__ Specifications / Scope of Work

This section contains the detailed description of the product/service sought by the County.

Attachments

_X__ Addendum Acknowledgment Form – Attachment No. 1 (Page 15 of 39)

Be sure to complete this form and return with packet.

_X__ Attachments A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H , I & J

Be sure to complete these forms and return them with packet.

_X___ Minimum Insurance (Professional) Requirements

Included when applicable.

_X__ Financial Statement

When this information is required, you must use this form.

Other - Final reminders to double check before submitting RFQ

____ Is your RFQ sealed with RFQ #, title, Responder’s Name, & return address, on outside?

____ Did you complete, sign and submit page 1?

____ Did you provide the number of copies as required on the cover page?

____ Did you visit our website for any addendums? https://www.cameroncounty.us/purchasing-bids-rfpq-addms-tabs/

If not interested in responding please let us know why e-mail to: Purchasing@co.cameron.tx.us

Thank you, Purchasing Department Cameron County https://www.cameroncounty.us/purchasing-bids-rfpq-addms-tabs/ mailto:Purchasing@co.cameron.tx.us

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING RFQ’S

These General Instructions apply to all offers made to Cameron County, Texas (herein after referred to as “County”) by all prospective vendors (herein after referred to as “Proposers”) on behalf of Solicitations including, but not limited to, Invitations to RFQ and Requests for Quotes.

Carefully read all instructions, requirements and specifications. Fill out all forms properly and completely. Submit your RFQ with all appropriate supplements and/or samples. Prior to returning your sealed RFQ response / submittal, all Addendums - if issued -should be reviewed and downloaded by entering the County Purchasing web at:

https://www.cameroncounty.us/purchasing-bids-rfpq-addms-tabs/

Addendums Column (updated Addendums). These Addendums must be signed and returned with your RFQ in order to avoid disqualification. All Tabulations can also be viewed and downloaded at this site. Annual award information can be accessed at:

https://www.cameroncounty.us/purchasing-bids-rfpq-addms-tabs/

Review this document in its entirety. Be sure your RFQ is complete, and double check your RFQ for accuracy.

Cameron County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Review this document in its entirety. Be sure your RFQ is complete, and double check your RFQ for accuracy. GOVERNING FORMS: In the event of any conflict between the terms and provisions of these requirements and the specifications, the specifications shall govern. In the event of any conflict of interpretation of any part of this overall document, Cameron County’s interpretation shall govern. Where substitutions are used, they must be of equivalent value or service, and specified by the Proposer as such, in the columns to the right on the "Minimum Specifications' Forms". The County’s specifications may be exceeded and should be noted by the Vendor as such. Any RFQ NOT MEETING the Minimum Requirements specified will be rejected.

GOVERNING FORMS: In the event of any conflict between the terms and provisions of these requirements and the specifications, the specifications shall govern. In the event of any conflict of interpretation of any part of this overall document, Cameron County’s interpretation shall govern.

GOVERNING LAW: This invitation to RFQ is governed by the competitive RFQ requirements of the County Purchasing Act, Texas Local Government Code, δ262.021 et seq., as amended. Offerors shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. Offeror is further advised that these requirements shall be fully governed by the laws of the State of Texas and that Cameron County may request and rely on advice, decisions and opinions of the Attorney General of Texas and the County Attorney concerning any portion of these requirements.

Questions requiring only clarification of instructions or specifications will be handled verbally. If any questions result in a change or addition to this RFQ, the Change(s) and addition(s) will be forwarded to all vendors involved as quickly as possible in the form of an addendum. Verbal changes to Bids/RFP’s/RFQ’s must be backed-up by written addendum or written Q/A clarifications which would be posted on County Purchasing Web site. Without written Addendum or written Q / A clarification, verbal changes to RFQ will not apply.

Sign the Vendor’s Affidavit Notice, complete answers to Attachments A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, & J and return all with your RFQ.

The County of Cameron, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award.

MINORITY/WOMAN OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (M/WBE), DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (DBE), AND

HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESS (HUB):

Cameron County encourages and strives towards an ever-increasing expansion in opportunities for M/WBE’s & HUB’s in assisting the County for its Purchasing needs. Cameron County’s policy is to increasingly involve qualified M/WBE & HUBs to the greatest extent feasible in the County's procurement process.

Objectives of County HUB Program

Ongoing increase in procurement opportunities for M/WBE’s & HUB’s Assisting M/WBE’s & HUB’s with registration to Bidders List and Bid opportunities that may be of interest Directing M/WBE’s & HUB’s to various beneficial web links giving them additional opportunities

Certification Process: Federal, state, and local regulations determine the type of certification(s) available. Attached below are links to various Certification agencies which are available to assist you in obtaining your M/WBE’s & HUB’s Certification.

HUB Certification Sources:

State of Texas HUB Certification Process https://www.cameroncounty.us/purchasing-bids-rfpq-addms-tabs/ https://www.cameroncounty.us/purchasing-bids-rfpq-addms-tabs/ http://www.window.state.tx.us/procurement/prog/hub/hub-certification/

Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program (texas.gov) Texas Statewide HUB System | Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (gob2g.com)

Register with State as a HUB Vendor

HUB Certification Agreements

HUB Minority & Women Organizations

M/WBE’s & HUB’s Questions Cameron County contact:

Purchasing Department P: 956-544-0871 | Email: purchasing@co.cameron.tx.us

The County, its contractors, their suppliers and subcontractors, and vendors of goods, equipment services, and professional services shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, handicap, or sex in the award and/or performance of contracts. All vendors, suppliers, professionals, and contractors doing business or anticipating doing business with Cameron County shall support, encourage, and implement affirmative steps toward our common goal of establishing equal opportunity for all citizens of Cameron County.

REQUIREMENT OF ALL BIDDERS/PROPOSERS: Each firm responding to this solicitation shall be required to submit with their proposal information regarding minority/women business and HUB business participation in this project.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST QUESTIONNAIRE:

For all persons and business entities doing business with Cameron County:

This questionnaire must be submitted with the response to this RFQ and filed in accordance with chapter 176 of the Local Government Code by a persons and business entities doing business with Cameron County. By law this questionnaire must be filed with the records administrator of the Cameron County Clerk’s office not later than the 7th business day after the date the person becomes aware of facts that require the statement to be filed. See Section 176.006, Local Government Code.

A person (or entity or both) commits an offense if the person violates Section 176.006, Local Govt. Code.

A vendor commits an offense if the vendor:

(1) is required to file a conflict of interest questionnaire under Section 176.006; and either:

(A) knowingly fails to file the required questionnaire with the appropriate records administrator not later than 5 p.m. on the seventh business day after the date on which the vendor becomes aware of the facts that require the filing of the questionnaire; or

(B) knowingly fails to file the required questionnaire with the appropriate records administrator not later than 5 p.m. on the seventh business day after the date on which the vendor becomes aware of an event that would make a statement in a questionnaire previously filed by the vendor incomplete or inaccurate.

Under Section 176.013, Local Government Code An offense under this section is (1) a Class C misdemeanor if the contract amount is less than $1 million or if there is no contract amount for the contract; (2) a Class B misdemeanor if the contract amount is at least $1 million but less than $5 million; or (3) a Class A misdemeanor if the contract amount is at least $5 million.

Please review this entire document, if for any reason there is any information to disclose, relative to any questions in this Conflict of Interest form, you must file with County Clerk’s Office subject to above instructions.

The form can be downloaded at the following web site:

https://www.cameroncounty.us/wp-content/uploads/Purchasing/docs/Conflict_of_Interest_Questionnaire_New_2015__.pdf

DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS:

This questionnaire must be filed with the records administrator (County Clerk’s Office) of the local government and no later than the 7th business day after the person becomes aware of facts that require this statement to be filed. Cameron County, Texas requires all persons or firms seeking to do business with the County to provide the following information if the person becomes aware of facts that require this statement to be filed. Every question must be answered. If the question is not applicable, answer with “N/A.”

Please review this entire document, if for any reason there is any information to disclose, relative to any questions in this disclosure of interest form, you must file with County Clerk’s Office subject to above instructions.

https://comptroller.texas.gov/purchasing/vendor/hub/ https://texashub.gob2g.com/ https://texashub.gob2g.com/ http://www.window.state.tx.us/procurement/registration/ http://www.window.state.tx.us/procurement/prog/hub/certagreements/ http://www.window.state.tx.us/procurement/prog/hub/mwb-links-1/ https://www.cameroncounty.us/wp-content/uploads/Purchasing/docs/Conflict_of_Interest_Questionnaire_New_2015__.pdf

The form can be downloaded at the following web site:

https://www.cameroncounty.us/wp-content/uploads/Purchasing/CIS.pdf

TEXAS ETHICS COMMISSION FORM 1295

All RFQs prior to award or award of Contract by Commissioner’s Court will require that the Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) Form 1295 Electronic (on line) Vendor filing procedure be completed by Vendor.

All Vendors being recommended to Commissioners Court for award or renewal of award on Agenda must register and obtain a TEC Certification for the specific award. This Certification Form 1295 must be electronically submitted, printed and notarized. Notarized form must be emailed or delivered to County Purchasing Department making the request for form. This process must be completed prior to Commissioners Court Agenda for approval consideration of RFQ award. There is no charge for this TEC online process.

Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) Form 1295 must be completed (by firm - on line “New Form 1295 Certificate of Interested Parties Electronic Filing Application” Site at:

https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/whatsnew/elf_info_form1295.htm )

If any Vendors have questions as to TEC Form 1295 visit the County Purchasing Web site left column tab “Vendor – TEC Form 1295” for more information. TEC Web site links can be found at this location including Question / Answers and Video instructions.

tab Link: https://www.cameroncounty.us/vendors-tec-form-1295/

Respondents SHALL SUBMIT RESPONSES TO THIS RFQ ON THE FORM PROVIDED, SIGN THE VENDOR AFFIDAVIT, AND RETURN ENTIRE RFQ PACKET. In the event of inclement weather and County Offices are officially closed on a RFQs deadline day, RFQ’s will be received unit 2:00 p.m. of the next business day. Qualifications will be opened at the Cameron County Courthouse, 1100 East Monroe Street, Brownsville, Texas in the Purchasing Department – Basement Floor – Room #B17 (as per Purchasing Dept. time clock.

RFQs SUBMITTED AFTER THE SUBMISSION DEADLINE SHALL BE RETURNED UNOPENED AND WILL BE CONSIDERED VOID

AND UNACCEPTABLE.

PROPOSERS MAY ATTEND PUBLICLY HELD COMM COURT MEETING FOR AWARD OF THIS SOLICITATION. All responding bidders/ proposers are welcome to attend the publicly held Commissioners Court meeting relative to the outcome / award of this solicitation. Court Meeting agenda date and times may be obtained at the following web site: http://www.co.cameron.tx.us/judge/agenda.htm

SUCCESSFUL VENDOR WILL BE NOTIFIED BY MAIL. All responding vendors will receive written notification regarding the outcome of the award.

PLEASE NOTE CAREFULLY

THIS IS THE ONLY APPROVED INSTRUCTION FOR USE ON YOUR RFQ. ITEMS BELOW APPLY TO AND BECOME A PART OF

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF RFQ. ANY EXCEPTIONS THERETO MUST BE IN WRITING.

1. ORIGINAL (marked “ORIGINAL”) AND ONE (1) COPY (marked “COPY”) sets and an electronic (PDF format file only) MUST BE SUBMITTED Each RFQ shall be placed in a separate envelope completely and properly identified with the name and number of the RFQ. RFQ’s must be in the Purchasing Department BEFORE the time/hour and date specified.

2. RFQ’s MUST give full firm name and address of the Proposer. Failure to manually sign RFQ will disqualify it. Person signing RFQ should show TITLE or AUTHORITY TO BIND THE FIRM IN A CONTRACT.

3. RFQ’s CANNOT be altered or amended after deadline time. Any alterations made before deadline time must be initiated by Proposer or his authorized agent. No RFQ can be withdrawn after opening time without approval by the Commissioners Court based on a written acceptable reason.

4. The County is exempt from State Sales Tax and Federal Excise Tax. DO NOT INCLUDE TAX IN RFQ. Cameron County claims exemption from all sales and/or use taxes under Texas Tax Code δ151.309, as amended. Texas Limited Sales Tax Exemption Certificates will be furnished upon written request to the Cameron County Purchasing Agent.

7. If RESPONDENT takes no exception to specifications or reference data, RESPONDENT will be required to provide details etc. as specified.

8. Written and verbal inquires pertaining to RFQ’s must give RFQ Number and Company.

9. NO substitutions or cancellations permitted without written approval of Purchasing Agent.

10. The County reserves the right to accept or reject all or any part of any RFQ, waiver minor technicalities. The County of Cameron reserves the right to award by item category or by total RFQ.

11. This is a RFQ inquiry only and implies no obligation on the part of Cameron County.

https://www.cameroncounty.us/wp-content/uploads/Purchasing/CIS.pdf https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/whatsnew/elf_info_form1295.htm https://www.cameroncounty.us/vendors-tec-form-1295/ http://www.co.cameron.tx.us/judge/agenda.htm

12. Partial or incomplete RFQ submittals will not be accepted. The County is seeking qualifications for the Respondent to write and administer a complete solution to the subject matter of this RFQ. All RFQ requests must be addressed in the Respondent’s submittal.

13. It is expected that the RESPONDENT will meet all state and federal safety standards and laws in effect on the date of the

12. Acceptance of and final payment for the item will be contingent upon satisfactory performance of the product received by Cameron County.

13. Partial RFQ’s will not be accepted unless awarded by category or line item. To be awarded by total RFQ.

14. It is expected that the Proposer will meet all state and federal safety standards and laws in effect on the date of the RFQ for the item(s) being specified, and the particular use for which they are meant.

15. This RFQ procurement is subject to federal funding requirements and regulations. All participants must comply with “Exhibit XII

PROCUREMENT SUBJECT TO FEDERAL FUNDING” PROCEDURES AS PER LANGUAGE IN CAMERON COUNTY PURCHASING MANUAL. (See Exhibit 1). In addition, Procurement procedures will adhere to FEDERAL PROCUREMENT STANDARDS as per 2 CFR 200.318 – 200.326 (See Exhibit 2)

ALTERING RFQ: Any interlineations alterations, or erasures made before opening time must be initialed by the Respondent, guaranteeing authenticity.

WITHDRAWAL OF RFQ: An RFQ may not be withdrawn or cancelled by the Respondent without the written acknowledgement of the County for a period of (60) days following the date designated for the receipt of RFQ, and Respondent so agrees upon submittal of Respondent’s response to the RFQ.

ORAL CHANGES: No oral statement of any person shall modify or otherwise change, or affect the terms, conditions or specifications stated of this RFQ. All changes to this RFQ will be made in writing by the Cameron County Purchasing Department.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST: No public official shall have an interest in this RFQ except in accordance with Vernon’s Texas Codes Annotated, Local Government Code Title 5, Subtitle C, Chapter 171.

ETHICS: The Respondent shall not offer or accept any gifts or anything of value nor enter into any business agreement with any employee or agent of Cameron County.

ADDENDA: Any interpretations, corrections or changes to this RFQ will be made by addenda. Sole issuing authority of addenda shall be vested in Cameron County Purchasing Department. Addenda will be posted to the purchasing Bids web site in the Addm column. Respondents shall acknowledge receipt of all addenda in writing.

SUCCESSFUL RESPONDENTS, UPON ENTERING INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY, SHALL BE REQUIRED TO DEFEND, INDEMNIFY AND SAVE AND HOLD HARMLESS CAMERON COUNTY AND ALL ITS OFFICERS, AGENT, EMPLOYEES FROM ALL SUITS, ACTIONS, OR OTHER CLAIMS OF ANY PERSON, PERSONS, OR PROPERTY ON

ACCOUNT OF NEGLIGENT ACT OR FAULT OF THE SUCCESSFUL RESPONDENT.

NOTICE: Any notice provided by this RFQ or required by Law to be given to the successful Respondent by Cameron County shall be conclusively deemed to have been given and received on the next day after such written notice has been deposited in the mail in Brownsville, Texas by Registered or Certified mail sufficient postage affixed thereto, addressed to the successful Respondent at the address so provided: this shall not prevent the giving of actual notice in any other manner.

VENUE: Any agreement arising out of this RFQ will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas. The obligation and undertaking of each of the parties to this RFQ shall be performable in Cameron County, Texas.

INVOICES AND PAYMENTS: (a) Seller shall submit separate invoices, in duplicate, on each purchase order after each delivery or service is rendered. Invoices shall indicate the purchase order number, shall be itemized and transportation charges, if any, shall be listed separately. A copy of the bill of lading and the freight weigh bill when applicable, should be attached to the invoice. Mail to: Cameron County, ATTN: Auditor’s Office, 1100 E. Monroe St, 3rd Floor, Brownsville, Texas 78520. Payment shall not be due until the above instruments are submitted after delivery. Suppliers should keep the Finance Department advised of any changes in your remittance addresses. (b) Buyer’s obligation is payable only and solely from funds available for the purpose of the purchase. Lack of funds shall render this contract null and void to the extend funds are not available and any delivered buy unpaid for goods will be returned to Seller by Buyer. (c) Do not include Federal Excise, State or City Sales Tax. County shall furnish tax exemption certificate if required.

Any invoice, which cannot be verified by the contract price and/or is otherwise incorrect, will be returned to the offeror for correction. Under term contracts, when multiple deliveries and/or services are required, the offeror may invoice following each delivery and the County will pay on invoice. Contracts providing for a monthly charge will be billed and paid on a monthly basis only. Prior to any and all payments made for good and/or services provided under this contract, the offeror should provide his Taxpayer Identification Number or social security number as applicable.

This information must be on file with the Cameron County Auditor’s office. Failure to provide this information may result in a delay in payment and/or back-up withholding as required by the Internal Revenue Services.

Proposer shall submit two (2) copies of an itemized invoice showing RFQ number and purchase order number to:

CAMERON COUNTY AUDITOR

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

1100 E. Monroe St, 3rd Floor, BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS 78520

Please note that any payment due under this RFQ award will be applied towards any debt, including but not limited to delinquent taxes that is owed to Cameron County.

PAYMENT DISCOUNT: Indicate the payment discount (s) available depending on the when invoices are paid. For example, 1/30 means a 1% discount if paid within 30 days, 2/15 means a 2% discount if paid within 15 days, etc.

Payment in full will be made within thirty (30) days of delivery, inspection, and receipt of invoice.

Criminal Background Checks are Mandatory:

Checks are mandatory for all personnel performing work on Cameron County sites. Contractors, consultants, and subcontractors are required to take all reasonable steps to ensure that their employees do not represent a threat to the County or Facilities. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in immediate termination of any award or contract. The selected contractor shall provide a complete list of names (including supervisors) that may be working on campus. The contractor(s) shall remove from the Cameron County workplace any of its employees who are found to be unacceptable by Cameron County. Such requests shall not be unreasonable, are the sole decision of Cameron County, and are not subject to negotiation. Contractor shall provide proper identification for all contractor employees. While on Cameron County premises, all contractor employees must wear attire that identifies them as contractor’s employee with identification visible from both the front and the back. Vehicles shall be clearly identified as company vehicles and be maintained in a neat clean and sanitary condition. At least one person in each vehicle, preferably the driver, must be able to speak, read and write. It shall be the contractor’s responsibility to see that employees render quiet and courteous service.

Trade Secrets, Confidential Information and the Texas Public Information Act.

If you consider any portion of your Bid/Proposal/Qualification Statement to be privileged or confidential by statue or judicial decision, including trade secrets and commercial or financial information, clearly identify those portions.

Bid/Proposal/Qualification Statement will be opened in a manner that avoids disclosure of the contents to competing offers and to keep the proposals secret during negotiations. All proposals are open for public inspection after the contract is awarded, but trade secrets and confidential information in the proposals are not open for inspection.

Cameron County will honor your negotiations of the trade secrets and confidential information and decline to release such information initially, but please note that the final determination of whether a particular portion of your proposal is in fact a trade secret or commercial or financial information that may be withheld from public inspection will be made by the Texas Attorney General or a court of competent jurisdiction. In the event a public information request is received for a portion of your proposal that you have marked as being confidential information, you will be notified of such request, and you will be required to justify your legal position in writing to the Texas Attorney General pursuant to Section §552.305 of the Government Code. In the event that it is determined by opinion or order of the Texas Attorney General or a court of competent jurisdiction that the information is in fact not privileged and confidential under Section §552.110 of the Government Code and Section §252.049 of the Local Government code, then such information will be made available to the requested.

Bid/Proposal/Qualification Statement are to be signed by an officer of the company authorized to bind the submitter to its provisions.

Bid/Proposal/Qualification Statement are to contain a statement indicating the period during which the proposal will remain valid. A period of not less than ninety (90) days required. The Bid/Proposal/Qualification Statement submitted by the bidders/proposer/responders shall become an integral part of the contract between the County and the bidder/proposer/responder and the representations, covenants, and conditions therein contained shall be binding upon the person, firm or corporation executing the same.

THE RESPONDENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR READING AND UNDERSTANDING ALL DOCUMENTS, FORMS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND INSTRUCTIONS WITHIN THIS ENTIRE DOCUMENT. Follow all RFP package instructions; you are responsible for obtaining any information needed in order to respond to this solicitation. Further, the Respondent is responsible for providing any and all relevant information necessary to submit a response. Failure to do so will be at the Respondent’s risk and may result in rejection of the response as non-conforming.

General Requirements apply to all advertised solicitations; however, these may be superseded, whole or in part, by OTHER DATA CONTAINED HEREIN. Be sure your proposal package is complete.

RFQ is subject to:

GOVERNMENT CODE

TITLE 10. GENERAL GOVERNMENT

SUBTITLE F. STATE AND LOCAL CONTRACTS AND FUND MANAGEMENT

CHAPTER 2254. PROFESSIONAL AND CONSULTING SERVICES

SUBCHAPTER A. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Sec. 2254.002. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:

(1) "Governmental entity" means:

(B) a district, authority, county, municipality, or

(2) "Professional services" means services:

(A) within the scope of the practice, as defined by state law, of:

(ii) architecture;

(vii) professional engineering;

(B) provided in connection with the professional employment or practice of a person who is licensed or registered as:

(ii) an architect;

(vii) a professional engineer;

GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 2254. PROFESSIONAL AND CONSULTING SERVICES

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.2254.htm

CAMERON COUNTY, TEXAS

RFQ. REQUIREMENTS

ANNUAL RFQ #1724

Cameron County is soliciting RFQ's beginning on the RFQ award date for three (3) years, until August 30th, 2025 with option to renew for an additional two (2) years and based upon agreed prices and all terms remaining constant - based upon Commissioners Court final approval.

CAMERON COUNTY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO AWARD TO MORE THAN ONE FIRM AND PLACE THE TOP

SELECTED FIRMS ON A ROTATION LIST.

The attached pages list the services desired. The RFQ should list any variations from, or exceptions to, the conditions of this RFQ and attach it to the RFQ.

Roberto C. Luna, CPM, CTCD, CTCM Purchasing Agent

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES RFQ # 1724

I. Project Summary: Cameron County is requesting RFQ’s to provide Soil & Materials Testing as well as occasional Environmental Studies.

Cameron County wishes to retain an engineering firm to provide the following services:

A) Soil Testing Services.

B) Materials Testing Services.

C) Environmental Studies (occasionally).

D) Geotechnical Field Investigations & Engineering Recommendations (occasionally).

II. GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR PREPARATION OF THE RFQ’s

A) Provide a brief narrative of how your firm will provide the requested services.

B) Provide information required in Attachment A, "Statement of Qualifications".

C) If you so desire, you may provide a copy of a previously completed Soil & Materials Testing report as a representative sample of your firm's work. The example can be returned to the submitting firm.

Cameron County expressly reserves the right to accept or reject any and all statements submitted; and is under no legal requirement to execute a resulting contract on the basis of this advertisement and intends the material provided only as a means of identifying the various contractor alternatives. Cameron County will base its choice on demonstrated competence, qualifications and evidence of superior conformance with criteria.

This request for Qualifications does not commit Cameron County to pay any costs incurred prior to execution of a contract. Issuance of this material in no way obligates Cameron County to award a contract or to pay any costs incurred the preparation of a response.

Cameron County specifically reserves the right to vary all provisions set forth at any time prior to execution of a contract where it deems it to be in the best interest of Cameron County. Requests for additional information on this RFQ may be directed to the above address or Benjamin L. Worsham, P.E., P.T.O.E. – County Engineer at (956) 247-3526.

RFQ’s MUST COMPLY with all federal, state, county and local laws.

ANY QUESTIONS concerning this Request for Qualifications should be directed to:

Benjamin L. Worsham, P.E., P.T.O.E. Roberto C. Luna, CPM, CTCD, CTCM Cameron County Engineer Cameron County Purchasing Agent

(956) 247-3526 (956) 544-0871

III. EVALUATION CRITERIA & SCORING

WEIGHTED QUANTITATIVE SCORING:

Each Vendor will be assigned a score of 0 - 4 by each evaluator for each criteria

4 = Very good / Exceeds expectations 3 = Above expectations 2 = Meets expectations 1 = Does not meet expectations 0 = non responsive

Evaluators score by category will be multiplied by the assigned weight for each criteria by vendor then totaled.

Once RFQ’s Qualification Statements are reviewed and scored, a short list will be compiled. Interviews may be conducted with Vendors determined by total score rankings. Additional information may be required at that time. Negotiations will begin with the Vendors selected for the project. Commissioners Court will make the final selection and possible approval of the contract.

The following criteria will be used as a basis for the selection of a firm:

1. Understanding of the Proposal - methodology proposed to meet objectives – knowledge of project - 35 %

2. Firm’s Qualifications & Experience – list of references – list of similar projects completed - 30 %

3. Personnel & Staff - allocation of resources for this project - resumes / qualifications - 35%

For costs of engineering (Soil & Materials Testing as well as occasional Environmental Studies) services, negotiations must occur after the initial selection of the engineer or architect as price cannot be used as a selection factor. (See 2 CFR 200.320(d)(5) and Texas Government Code § 2254.004)

Questions regarding the County’s RFQ requirements and procedures should be referred in writing only to the County’s Purchasing Department, attention Purchasing Agent, Roberto C. Luna via email at: Roberto.luna@co.cameron.tx.us

IV. ROTATION

The County plans to select several firms towards award and utilization through rotation basis for services on as needed basis.

THE COUNTY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO:

1. Reject any and/or all RFQ’s.

2. Accept any RFQ’s or portion thereof most advantageous.

3. Revise the RFQ and/or issue addenda to the RFQ, in event it becomes necessary to revise any or part of the

RFQ. Addenda will be provided to all those that receive the RFQ.

4. Cancel or re-issue the RFQ, in whole or in part, prior to execution of a contract.

5. Request reference when deemed necessary by Cameron County.

6. Conduct a post-award meeting with successful respondent when deemed necessary.

7. Negotiate with the respondent.

8. County will award RFQ by total award. Cameron County reserves the right to award a Multiple Award based on a rotation list administered by County Engineer, Department of Transportation.

mailto:Roberto.luna@co.cameron.tx.us

ATTACHMENT A

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

Please provide the following information in an effective, clear, concise and comprehensive manner in your proposal. Additional information may be submitted.

1. Name of firm or individual

2. Permanent main office address.

3. When organized.

4. Is this a disadvantage business enterprise ( DBE, MBE, WBE, etc.) ?

5. If a corporation, where incorporated?

6. How many years have you been engaged in the testing business under your present firm or trade .

name?

7. Contracts on hand. Schedule these, showing amount of each contract and the appropriate dates of completion.

8. General type of work performed by your company.

9. Have you ever failed to complete any work awarded to you? If so, explain.

10. Have you ever defaulted on a contract? If so, explain.

11. List the more important projects recently completed by your company, stating the approximate cost for each, and the month and year completed.

12. Past individual experience in work similar in importance to this project.

13. Background and experience of the principal members of your organization, including the officers.

14. List client references.

15. Will you, upon request, fill out a detailed financial statement and furnish any other information that may be required by Cameron County?

16. Submit updated resumes of all key personnel who will or may be assigned to this project if you are selected to provide professional services.

17. Furnish, upon request, any information requested by Cameron County to verify the information in this Statement of Qualifications.

18. Description of Firm.

19. Professional Qualifications of Firm.

20. Familiarity with applicable rules and regulations.

21. Ability to meet the County’s schedule when requested.

22. Does the respondent have a local office within 50 miles of County.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Format and Content: Please included in your RFQ’s as part of your cover the following:.

Executive Summary ( 2 pages max.)

Summary of Proposal as submitted

Introduction ( 2 pages max.)

Proposals must include confirm that the firm will comply with all of the provisions in this RFP/RFQ. If exceptions will be taken it should be so noted. Proposals must be signed by a company officer empowered to bind the company. A proposer's failure to include these items in their proposals may cause their proposal to be determined to be non-responsive and the proposal may be rejected. Include the following: Firms Name, Address, Phone #, Contact Name, Phone #, Email address.

Understanding of the Project ( 1 pages max.)

Proposers must provide a comprehensive narrative statement that illustrates their understanding of the requirements of the project and the project schedule.

Management Plan for the Project ( 1 page max.)

Proposers must provide a comprehensive narrative statement that sets out the management plan they intend to follow and illustrates how their plan will serve to accomplish the work and meet Cameron County's project schedule.

Experience and Qualifications ( 2 pages max.)

Provide list specific to the personnel assigned to accomplish the work called for in this RFP/RFQ; illustrate the lines of authority;

designate the individual responsible and accountable for the completion of each component and deliverable of the RFP/RFQ.

Provide a narrative description of the organization of the project team.

Evaluation Criteria ( 2 pages total max. for all criteria)

Explain your firms strengths/advantages as they pertain to each of the Evaluation Scoring criteria. Note each criteria separately with explanation for each.

Attachment 1

ADDENDUM

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

SOIL & MATERIAL TESTING SERVICES

Title of Project

Receipt of the following Addendum is acknowledged:

Failure to acknowledge an addendum may result in a Respondent being deemed non-responsive.

Addendum no. _______ Date: ____________________

Signature: Date:

Title

Name of Firm

THIS FORM MUST BE RETURNED WITH YOUR RFQ

Attachment 2

HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESS (HUB) DECLARATION

The primary objective of the Cameron County HUB Program is to ensure Historically Underutilized Businesses receive a fair and equal opportunity for participation in the County’s procurement process. This fact holds true for Services (Professional & Non-Professional), Commodities, and Construction contracts and any subcontracts thereto. The program strongly encourages Prime Contractors to provide subcontracting opportunities to Certified Hub Contractors/Vendors.

Our goal for HUB contractor/vendor participation, as well as HUB subcontractor participation is 30%. To be considered as a “Certified HUB Contractor/Vendor” the contractor/vendor must have been certified by, and hold a current and valid certification with any of the three agencies listed below.

Have you been Certified as a HUB or an MBE/WBE source?: □Yes □ No

If yes, by whom?: □ Texas Building & Procurement Commission □ Other

Indicate Certification No(s).: or Are Certificate(s) Attached?: □ Yes □ No

LIST OF CERTIFIED HUB SUBCONTRACTORS

(Attach additional pages if necessary)

What percentage of the Bid, RFP,or RFQ is to be subcontracted with Certified HUB sources?: % (List HUB Subcontractor information below).

HUB Subcontractor Name: HUB Status:

Certifying Agency (Check all applicable): □Texas Building & Procurement Commission □ Other Address: City: State: Zip:

Contact Person: Title: Phone No.: ( ) Subcontract Amount: $ Description of Work to be Performed:

Address: City: State: Zip:

Address: City: State: Zip:

Attachment A

RFQ Title __________________ Proposers Name__________________ Date: _________

REFERENCES

Please list three (3) references of current customers who can verify the quality of service your company provides. The County prefers customers of similar size and scope of work to this RFP/RFQ.

REFERENCE ONE

Government/Company Name: _________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________________

Contact Person and Title: _____________________________________________________________

Phone: ___________________________________ e-mail address: ____________________________

Contract Period: ___________________________ Scope of Work___________________________

REFERENCE TWO

Address: __________________________________________________________________________

Contact Person and Title: _____________________________________________________________

REFERENCE THREE

Address: __________________________________________________________________________

Contact Person and Title: _____________________________________________________________

Attachment B

STATE OF TEXAS

COUNTY OF CAMERON

AFFIDAVIT

The undersigned certifies that the RFQ have been carefully checked and are submitted as correct and if RFQ is accepted (up thru RFP award date agrees to furnish any and/or all services upon which are offered, and upon the conditions contained in the Specifications.

BEFORE ME, the undersigned authority, A Notary Public in and for the State of _______, on this day personally appeared ___________________________________ who, after having first been duly sworn, upon oath did depose and say;

That the foregoing RFQ submitted by___________________________________ hereinafter called “Respondent” is the duly authorized agent of said company and that the person signing said RFQ has been duly authorized to execute the same. Respondent affirms that they are duly authorized to execute this contract, that this company, corporation, firm, partnership or individual has not prepared this RFQ in collusion with any other Respondent. The Respondent is not a member of any trust, pool, or combination to control the price of products or services responded on, or to influence any person to respond or not to respond thereon. I further affirm that the Responder has not given, offered to give, nor intends to give, at any time hereafter, any economic opportunity, future employment, gift, loan, gratuity, special discounts, trip, favor, or service to a public servant in connection with the submitted RFQ. The contents of this RFQ as to prices, terms or conditions of said RFQ have not been communicated by the undersigned nor by any employee or agent to any other person engaged in this type of business prior to the official opening of this RFQ.

Name and Address of Responder :

Telephone number_______________ Fax number_______________________

Signature

Name:__________________________________ Title:__________________________

SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBE BEFORE ME THIS__________day of____________20_______.

Notary Public in and for County State

Attachment C

RESIDENCE CERTIFICATION

Pursuant to Texas Government Code δ2252.001 et seq., as amended, Cameron County requests Residence Certification. δ2252.001 et seq. of the Government Code provides some restrictions on the awarding of governmental contracts; pertinent provisions of δ2252.001 are stated below:

“Nonresident Respondent ” refers to a person who is not a resident.

“Resident Respondent ” refers to a person whose principal place of business is in this state, including a contractor whose ultimate parent company or majority owner has its principal place of business in this state.

� I certify that ______________________________________________________is a Resident

(Company Name) Respondent of Texas as defined in Government Code δ2252.001.

� I certify that ___________________________________________________ is a Nonresident (Company Name) Respondent as defined in Government Code δ2252.001 and our principal place of business is (City and State)

Print Name:________________________________________Signature:______________________________________

Attachment D

NON-COLLUSION STATEMANT

CAMERON COUNTY EXPRESSLY REQUESTS THAT OFFEROR NOT DISCUSS THIS ENGAGEMENT OR THIS RESPONDENT’S PLANS, EXPERIENCE OR CREDENTIALS WITH OTHER RESPONDENT’S OR ANY MEMBER

OF COMMISSIONERS’ COURT, ANY COUNTY OFFICIAL, OR ANY EVALUATION COMMITTEE MEMBER

APPOINTED BY COMMISSIONERS COURT. EXCLUDED ARE PRE-RFQ CONFERENCES, EVALUATION

COMMITTEE SCHEDULED VENDOR PRESENTATIONS OR VENDOR INTERVIEWS, OR EVALUATION

COMMITTEE SCHEDULED EQUIPMENT OR SERVICES DEMONSTRATIONS. YOU MAY CONTACT THE

PURCHASING AGENT /PURCHASING DEPARTMENT AT ANY TIME.

FROM RFQ OPENING DATE THROUGH COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING FOR SELECTION, VENDORS

WILL NOT APPROACH THE COUNTY JUDGE OR COMMISSIONERS TO DISCUSS MATTERS PERTAINING TO

THIS RFQ.

01. Has any individual with the firm submitting this RFQ made any contact with any member of the Commissioners’ Court, any County Official, or an Evaluation Committee member concerning this Invitation to RFQ, other than questions to the Purchasing Agent?

02. Has any individual with the firm submitting this RFQ made any contact with any other Respondent concerning this Invitation to

RFQ?

Signature of person submitting this RFQ Date

Attachment E

ORDER NO. 2007O2005

THE STATE OF TEXAS §

COUNTY OF CAMERON §

ORDER ADOPTING CONTRACTING RULES

FOR PERSONS INDEBTED TO COUNTY

WHEREAS, pursuant to V.T.C.A., Local Government Code, Section 262.0276, a commissioners court is authorized to adopt rules permitting a county to refuse to enter into a contract or other transaction with a person indebted to the county;

WHEREAS, the Commissioners Court of Cameron County finds it is in the best interest of Cameron County to adopt such rules;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED by the Commissioners Court of Cameron County, that the following rules be adopted regarding Cameron County and persons interested in doing business with Cameron County:

1.Cameron County may refuse to enter into a contract or other transaction with a person with a past due debt to Cameron County, including delinquent ad valorem taxes, even if the person is the lowest successful respondent; and

2.For purposes of this Order, a debt is past due if it is not received in the County Treasurer’s Office by the due date in a written agreement or notice, and ad valorem taxes are past due if not received in the County Tax Assessor/Collector’s Office by February 1st following the January 1st on which the ad valorem taxes are due.

3.For purposes of this Order, a person includes an individual, sole proprietorship, corporation, nonprofit corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, and any other entity that proposes or otherwise seeks to enter into a contract or other transaction with Cameron County requiring…