Hydrogeologist_Consulting_Services_(Addendum_231_Revision).pdf

For more information, please visit our online supplier portal, located at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/cityofpsl

City of Port St. Lucie

20260240

HYDROGEOLOGIST CONSULTING SERVICES

RELEASE DATE: September 2, 2026 RESPONSE DEADLINE: October 7, 2026, 3:30 pm

Please refer to the project timeline in this document for all important deadlines.

Request For Qualification (RFQu) #20260240 Title: Hydrogeologist Consulting Services

Table Of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Scope of Work

3. Instructions to Proposers

4. General Insurance

5. Certifications

6. Proposal Evaluation, Negotiations, and Award

7. Scoring Criteria

8. Contract Terms and Conditions

9. List of RFQu Documents

10. Vendor Submission Requirements and Attestations

Attachments:

A - CCNA_Sample_Contract_ABL_Edits

1. Introduction

1.1. Purpose of Procurement

Pursuant to the Port St. Lucie City Code of Ordinance, Section 35.07, and Section 287.055, Florida Statutes (Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act), the City of Port St. Lucie, a Florida Municipal corporation (“City”) is requesting Proposals from qualified firms to provide professional consulting services for Hydrogeologist

Consulting Services.

A descriptive overview of the City can be found at About PSL | City of Port St. Lucie, FL (cityofpsl.com). Please visit the City’s website to familiarize yourself with how our city is structured and operates. Please contact the Issuing Officer with any questions.

1.2. Overview of the RFQu Process

The objective of the RFQu is to select a qualified Proposer (as defined by Section 1 – “Purpose of Procurement”) to provide the services outlined in this RFQu to the City. This RFQu process will be conducted to gather and evaluate responses from Proposers for potential award. All qualified Proposers are invited to participate by submitting responses, as further defined below. After evaluating all Proposers’ responses received prior to the closing date of this RFQu and following negotiations (if any) and resolution of any contract exceptions, the preliminary results of the RFQu process will be publicly announced (or posted) to the electronic bidding system, to include the names of all participating Proposers and the evaluation results. Subject to the protest process, final Contract award(s) will be publicly announced thereafter.

NOTE TO PROPOSERS: The general instructions and provisions of this document have been drafted with the expectation that the City may desire to make one award or multiple awards. For example, this document contains phrases such as “contract(s)” and “award(s).” Please refer to Section 1.1 – “Purpose of Procurement,” and Section 6 – “Proposal Evaluation, Negotiations, and Award,” for information concerning the number of Contract awards expected.

1.3. Schedule of Events

The Schedule of Events set out herein represents the City’s best estimate of the schedule that will be followed.

However, delays to the procurement process may occur, which may necessitate adjustments to the proposed schedule. If a component of this schedule, such as the close date, is delayed, the rest of the schedule may be shifted as appropriate. Any changes to the dates up to the closing date of the RFP will be publicly posted prior to the closing date of this RFQu. After the close of the RFQu, the City reserves the right to adjust the remainder of the proposed dates, including the dates for evaluation, negotiations, award, and the Contract term, on an as-needed basis, with or without notice.

Release of RFQu: September 2, 2026

Question Submission Deadline: September 16, 2026, 3:30pm https://library.municode.com/fl/port_st._lucie/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIIIAD_CH35FIPU_S35.07FOBIPR http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0200-0299/0287/Sections/0287.055.html https://www.cityofpsl.com/Government/Discover-Us/About-PSL

Question Response Deadline: September 23, 2026, 3:30pm

Response Submission Deadline: October 7, 2026, 3:30pm

Microsoft Teams meeting Join:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/2 47588093320130?p=4w1TiCC8ssRRq m17nN

Meeting ID: 247 588 093 320 130 Passcode: cX3wu6cx

Dial in by phone +1 561-437-3554 Find a local number Phone conference ID: 373 302 358#

The City reserves the right to proceed to award without further discussions after receipt of the initial proposals, in which case, evaluation committee reviews, negotiations, and proposal revisions may not be required.

1.4. Official Issuing Officer (Procuring Agent)

Max Previlon, Procurement Contracting Officer III

772-871-5224 mprevilon@cityofpsl.com

1.5. Definition of Terms

Please review the following terms:

Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act (“CCNA”) - Section of the Florida Statutes that governs the acquisition of professional architectural, engineering, landscape architectural, or surveying and mapping services. See section 287.055, Florida Statutes.

Consultant(s) - companies desiring to do business with the City (Also called “Engineer,” “Bidder,” “Proposer,” “Firm,” or “Offeror.”)

City of Port St. Lucie (“City”) - the governmental entity identified in Section 1.1 “Purpose of Procurement" of this RFQu.

Contract - agreement entered into between City and the awarded Proposer.

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/247588093320130?p=4w1TiCC8ssRRqm17nN https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/247588093320130?p=4w1TiCC8ssRRqm17nN https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/247588093320130?p=4w1TiCC8ssRRqm17nN http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0200-0299/0287/Sections/0287.055.html

Immaterial Deviation - does not give the Proposer a substantial advantage over other Proposers.

Material Deviation - gives the Proposer a substantial advantage over other Proposers and thereby restricts or prevents competition.

Procurement Management Division (“PMD”) - The City department that is responsible for the review and possible sourcing of all publicly sourced solicitations.

Responsible – means the Proposer, has the financial and technical capacity to perform the requirements of the solicitation and subsequent Contract which will assure good faith performance of the Contract.

Responsive – means the Proposer, whether a company or an individual, has submitted an offer which conforms in all material respects to the requirements set forth in the solicitation.

Sourcing Platform/Electronic Bidding System - OpenGov.

Any special terms or words which are not identified in the City’s RFQu Document may be identified separately in one or more attachments to the RFQu. Please download, save and carefully review all documents in accordance with the instructions provided in Section 3 – “Instructions to Proposers,” of this RFQu.

1.6. Contract Term

The Initial term of the contract(s) is for three (3) calendar years from the execution date. The City shall have two (2), one (1) year option(s) to renew, which options shall be exercisable at the sole discretion of the City. Renewal(s), if provided and selected solely by the City, will be accomplished through the issuance of Contract Amendment.

In the event that the contract(s), if any, resulting from the award of this RFQu shall terminate or be likely to terminate prior to the making of an award for a new contract for the identified products and/or services, the City may, with the written consent of the awarded Proposer(s), extend the Contract(s) for such period of time as may be necessary to permit the City’s continued supply of the identified products and/or services. The contract(s) may be amended in writing from time to time by mutual consent of the parties. Unless this RFQu states otherwise, the resulting award of the Contract(s) does not guarantee volume or a commitment of funds.

1.7. Hours of Service

The standard hours of work allowed in the City’s rights-of-way are from 7:00 a.m. to sundown Monday through Friday. Any work performed by the Contractor outside of the aforementioned time limit requires special authorization by the City and requires that the Contractor obtain a noise permit from the Port St. Lucie Police Department (PSLPD). All equipment operated at night shall comply with the noise levels established by the City of Port St. Lucie noise ordinance. Any additional costs associated with work outside of the hours of work allowed shall be borne by the Contractor. This shall include, but is not limited to, costs of inspection, testing, police assistance, and construction administration.

All night, Saturday, Sunday, and/or Holiday work must be authorized by the City and requires that the Contractor obtain a noise permit from the PSLPD. All night work within the City’s rights-of-way requires a minimum forty-eight

(48) hour prior notice to the City. This clause shall not pertain to crews organized to perform maintenance work on equipment or to operate and maintain special equipment such as dewatering pumps, which may be required to work twenty-four (24) hours per day.

2. Scope of Work

2.1. Scope of Services – Hydrogeologic Consulting

Background

The City of Port St. Lucie Utilities Department relies on groundwater from the Surficial and Floridan Aquifer Systems, as well as surface-water resources such as the McCarty Ranch Water Quality Project, to meet current and future potable water needs. As the City continues to grow, maintaining a reliable and sustainable water-supply system requires ongoing technical evaluations, wellfield development, regulatory compliance, and specialized hydrogeologic expertise.

To support these efforts, the City requires qualified hydrogeologic consultants to provide professional services on a continuing, as-needed basis in accordance with Section 287.055, Florida Statutes, the Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act (CCNA). These services will assist the City with planning, permitting, construction support, monitoring, modeling, and long-term management of groundwater and related surface-water systems.

General Scope of Services

The Consultant shall provide comprehensive hydrogeologic and water resource consulting services, including planning, technical evaluations, field investigations, permitting, construction phase services, and preparation of technical documentation. Emphasis shall include public water supply systems, groundwater quantity and quality, and regulatory coordination with state and regional agencies.

The selected Consultant(s) shall support the City’s Utilities Department in the planning, design, permitting, construction, monitoring, operation, rehabilitation, and maintenance of groundwater and related surface water systems, including but not limited to:

• Surficial Aquifer System

• Floridan Aquifer System

• McCarty Ranch Water Quality Project

• Associated monitoring, modeling, regulatory compliance, and utility planning activities

Services shall be provided through individual Task Orders issued by the City, each defining a specific scope, schedule, deliverables, and compensation.

The scope of services may include, but is not limited to, the following categories of work:

Groundwater Supply Systems – Design, Permitting, and Operations – Surficial Aquifer Systems

• Design, permitting, construction support, and operational assistance for new and existing Surficial Aquifer production wells

• Surficial wellfield planning, capacity evaluation, and optimization

• Surficial aquifer monitoring well design and construction

• Aquifer performance testing, step-drawdown tests, and long-term pumping tests

• Evaluation of well efficiency, specific capacity, and sustainable yield

Floridan Aquifer Systems

• Design, permitting, construction observation, and operational support for new and existing Floridan Aquifer production wells

• Upper Floridan Aquifer well and wellfield design

• Dual-zone and monitoring well design and testing

• Floridan aquifer yield and water quality evaluations

• Assessment of impacts on regional groundwater levels and neighboring utilities

Well Rehabilitation, Maintenance, and Abandonment

• Evaluation of existing Surficial and Floridan Aquifer wells for performance degradation

• Development of rehabilitation and redevelopment plans (mechanical, chemical, or combined methods)

• Design and permitting of rehabilitation and abandonment activities

• Construction observation and post-rehabilitation testing

• Proper abandonment and plugging of wells in accordance with FDEP requirements

• Development of long-term well maintenance and asset management strategies

McCarty Ranch Water Quality Project Services

The Consultant shall have demonstrated experience similar to the McCarty Ranch Water Quality Project and shall provide hydrogeologic services including, but not limited to:

• Oversight and evaluation of groundwater/surface water supply and recharge associated with McCarty Ranch

• Monitoring of groundwater/surface water quality and quantity

• Support for operation and optimization of McCarty Ranch wells and surface water systems

• Design, permitting, rehabilitation, and maintenance of McCarty Ranch wells

• Preparation of regulatory documentation related to McCarty Ranch systems

• Coordination with City staff and regulatory agencies regarding compliance and performance

Field Studies, Monitoring, and Construction Phase Services

• Field investigations and data collection related to groundwater systems

• Construction observation for well installation, rehabilitation, and abandonment

• Oversight of drilling, testing, and well development activities

• Groundwater and surface water monitoring program oversight

• Data management, interpretation, and reporting

• Support of compliance monitoring programs

Groundwater Modeling and Technical Analysis

• Development, calibration, and application of groundwater flow and water quality models

• Evaluation of water supply availability and sustainability

• Assessment of cumulative and regional impacts of groundwater withdrawals

• Modeling in support of Water Use Permits, Water Supply Plans, and Master Plans

• Technical memoranda and model documentation suitable for regulatory review

Permitting and Regulatory Coordination

The Consultant shall provide permitting and regulatory support including coordination with, but not limited to:

• South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)

• Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)

Services may include:

• Preparation and modification of Consumptive Use Permits (CUPs), including new permits, permit modifications, and permit renewals

• Development and implementation of permit compliance and reporting programs

• Support for potable groundwater, McCarty Ranch wells, and related surface water systems

• Technical support during regulatory meetings, workshops, and hearings

Water Supply and Utility Planning

• Support the development and update of Water Supply Plans in coordination with SFWMD

• Support the development and/or update of the Utility Master Plan related to groundwater and surface water systems

• Support for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) planning related to water supply infrastructure

• Technical evaluations to support future water supply expansion and resiliency planning

Technical Reporting and Deliverables

• Preparation of well completion reports

• Technical studies and memoranda

• Groundwater monitoring and compliance reports

• Model documentation and supporting analyses

• Reports suitable for submission to regulatory agencies and inclusion in City planning documents

Additional Services

The Consultant may be requested to provide other hydrogeologic services customarily associated with municipal water supply systems that are consistent with the intent of this Scope of Services and CCNA requirements.

3. Instructions to Proposers

This section contains general business requirements. By submitting a response, the Proposer is certifying its agreement to comply with all the identified requirements of this section and that all costs for complying with these general business requirements are included in the Proposer’s submitted pricing.

By submitting a response to the RFQu, the Proposer is acknowledging that the Proposer:

1. Has read the information and instructions, and

2. Agrees to comply with the information and instructions contained herein.

3.1. General Information and Instructions

3.1.1 Familiarity with Laws and Regulations

It is the responsibility of responding Proposers to be familiar with all Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations, that may affect the work. Ignorance on the part of the Awarded Consultant will in no way relieve it from Contract responsibility.

3.1.2 Restrictions on Communicating with Staff/ Cone of Silence

From the issue date of this RFQu until the time of City Council's approval of the award or the City Manager's approval when proposal amount is below the required formal solicitation threshold (or the RFQu is officially canceled), Proposers are not allowed to communicate for any reason with any City staff or elected officials except through the Issuing Officer named herein, during the Bidders'/Offerors’ conference (if any), as defined in this RFQu, or as provided by existing work agreement(s). This is commonly known as a Cone of Silence during the procurement process as identified in the City Code of Ordinances, Section 35.13. Prohibited communication includes all contact or interaction, including but not limited to, telephonic communications, emails, faxes, letters, or personal meetings, such as lunch, entertainment, or otherwise. The City reserves the right to reject the response of any Proposer violating this provision. Further information on this topic can be found on the Cone of Silence and RFQu Communication Document.

3.1.3 Submitting Questions

All questions concerning this RFQu must be submitted in writing on the OpenGov Platform during the Question and Answer open period. Please select the Question and Answer tab in the RFQu project and click the "Ask Question" option. Once the question has been entered, select the "Submit Question" button. Enter a subject in the Subject field and then type the question in the Question field below. Once finished, select "Submit." No questions other than written will be accepted. No response other than written will be binding upon the City. All Proposers must submit questions by the deadline identified in the Schedule of Events for submitting questions. Proposers are cautioned https://library.municode.com/fl/port_st._lucie/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIIIAD_CH35FIPU_S35.13COSI that the City may or may not elect to entertain late questions or questions submitted by any other method than as directed by this section.

3.1.4 Attending Pre-Proposal Conference

The Pre-Proposal Conference or any other information session (if indicated in the Schedule of Events) will be held at the offices referred to in Section 1.3 - “Schedule of Events” of this RFQu.

Unless indicated otherwise, attendance is not mandatory, although Consultants are strongly encouraged to attend. However, in the event the conference has been identified as mandatory, then a representative of the Consultant must attend the conference in its entirety to be considered eligible for Contract award. The Consultant is strongly encouraged to allow ample travel time to ensure arrival in the conference meeting room prior to the beginning of any mandatory conference.

The City reserves the right to consider any representative arriving late to be “not in attendance.”

Therefore, all Consultants are strongly encouraged to arrive early to allow for unexpected travel contingencies.

3.1.5 The City's Right to Request Additional Information- Proposer's Responsibility

Prior to Contract award, the City must be assured that the selected Proposer has all the resources to successfully perform under the Contract. This includes, but is not limited to, adequate number of personnel with required skills, availability of appropriate equipment in sufficient quantity to meet the on-going needs of the City, financial resources sufficient to complete performance under the Contract, and experience in similar endeavors. If, during the evaluation process, the City is unable to assure itself of the Proposer’s ability to perform, if awarded, the City has the option of requesting from the Proposer any information deemed necessary to determine the Proposer’s responsibility. If such information is required, the Proposer will be notified and will be permitted approximately ten

(10) business days to submit the information requested.

3.1.6 Failing to Comply with Submission Instructions

Responses received after the identified due date and time or submitted by any other means than those expressly permitted by the RFQu will not be considered. Proposer's response must be complete in all respects, as required in each section of this RFQu.

3.1.7 Rejection of Proposals; The City's Right to Waive Immaterial Deviation

The City reserves the right to reject any or all responses, to waive any irregularity or informality in a Proposer’s response, and to accept or reject any item or combination of items, when to do so would be to the advantage of the City. The City reserves the right to waive mandatory requirements, provided that, all the otherwise Responsive proposals failed to meet the mandatory requirements and/or doing so does not otherwise materially affect the procurement of requested commodities and/or services. It is also within the right of the City to reject responses that do not contain all elements and information requested in this RFQu. A Proposer’s response will be rejected if the response contains any defect or irregularity and such defect or irregularity constitutes a Material Deviation from the RFQu requirements, which determination will be made by the City in its sole discretion and on a case-by-case basis.

NOTE: The City may not accept proposals from firms that have had adversarial relationships with the City or firms that have represented entities that have had adversarial relationships with the City. This includes the firm, employees and financial or legal interests. The City will not enter into a contract or conduct business with any firm or any personnel that is listed on the Federal, State, or other local government agencies' Excluded Parties List, Suspended List or Debarment List. Please see section 287.133, Florida Statutes, for further information regarding business transactions with companies that have been convicted of public entity crimes.

3.1.8 The City's Right to Amend and/or Cancel the RFQu

The City reserves the right to amend this RFQu. All revisions must be made in writing prior to the RFQu closing date and time. If a responding entity discovers any ambiguity, conflict, discrepancy, omission, or other error in the RFQu, it shall immediately notify the City of such error in writing and request modification or clarification of the document. Any modification made to this RFQu will be issued as an addendum. If a responding entity fails to notify the City prior to the date and time fixed for submission of an error or ambiguity in the RFQu known to it, or an error or ambiguity that reasonably should have been known to it, it shall not be entitled to additional time by reason of the error/ambiguity or its late resolution. By submitting a response, the Proposer shall be deemed to have accepted all terms and agreed to all requirements of the RFQu (including any revisions/additions made in writing prior to the close of the RFQu, whether or not such revision occurred prior to the time the Proposer submitted its response), unless expressly stated otherwise in the Proposer’s response. THEREFORE, EACH PROPOSER IS INDIVIDUALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR REVIEWING THE REVISED RFQu AND MAKING ANY NECESSARY OR APPROPRIATE CHANGES AND/OR ADDITIONS TO THE PROPOSER’S RESPONSE PRIOR TO THE CLOSE OF THE RFQu. All Notice(s) to Proceed with Negotiations and/or Notice of Intent to Award (NOIAs) will be posted as referenced in Section 6.7 - “Public Award Announcement,” of this document. Finally, the City reserves the right to amend or cancel this RFQu at any time.

3.1.9 Assigning of the Contract & Use of Subconsultants

Except as may be expressly agreed to in writing by the City, Proposer shall not assign, sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of the awarded Contract or any portion thereof, or of the work provided for therein, or of its right, title, or interest therein, to any person, firm, or corporation without the prior written consent of the City.

3.1.10 Proposal of Additional Services

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0200-0299/0287/Sections/0287.133.html

If a Proposer indicates an offer of services in addition to those required by and described in this RFQu, these additional services may be added to the original Contract at the sole discretion of the City.

3.1.11 Protest Process

Proposers should familiarize themselves with the procedures set forth in City Code of Ordinances, Section 35.15. By submitting a response to this RFQu, the Proposer certifies that it is on notice of Section 35.15, understands the procedures set forth therein, and acknowledges it is bound by the protest process therein.

3.1.12 Costs for Preparing Responses

Each Proposer’s response should be prepared simply and economically, avoiding the use of elaborate promotional materials beyond those sufficient to provide a complete presentation. The cost for developing the response and participating in the procurement process (including the protest process) is the sole responsibility of the Proposer. The City will not provide reimbursement for such costs.

3.1.13 Public Access to Procurement Records

Solicitation opportunities will be publicly advertised as required by City ordinances and state and federal laws. Any material that is submitted in response to this RFQu, including anything considered by the Proposer to be confidential or a trade secret, will become a public document pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. Any claim of confidentiality is waived upon submission, effective after the City’s opening of the proposals pursuant to section 119.07, Florida Statutes. Therefore, the Proposer is hereby cautioned NOT to submit any documents that the Proposer does not want to be made public. The City is allowed to assess a reasonable charge to defray the cost of reproducing documents. A City employee must be present during the time of onsite inspection of documents.

PLEASE NOTE: Even though information (financial or other information) submitted by a Proposer may be marked as "confidential," "proprietary," etc., the City will make its own determination regarding what information may or may not be withheld from disclosure. Proposers should review Chapter 119, Florida Statutes for all updates before requesting exceptions from Chapter 119.

3.2. Submittal Instructions

Submittal Instructions to Electronic Bidding System

Listed below are key action items related to this RFQu. The Schedule of Events Section identifies the dates and time for these key action items. This portion of the RFQu provides high-level instructions regarding the process for reviewing the RFQu, preparing a response to the RFQu, and submitting a response to the RFQu. Proposers are required to access, print and utilize the submittal instructions https://library.municode.com/fl/port_st._lucie/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TITIIIAD_CH35FIPU_S35.15BIPR http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0100-0199/0119/0119.html http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0100-0199/0119/0119ContentsIndex.html&StatuteYear=2019&Title=%2D%3E2019%2D%25http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0100-0199/0119/0119.html%20119 http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0100-0199/0119/0119ContentsIndex.html&StatuteYear=2019&Title=%2D%3E2019%2D%25http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0100-0199/0119/0119.html%20119 identified in Section 3.2 of this RFQu to ensure the Proposer successfully submits a response to this RFQu.

3.2.1. RFQ Released

The release of the RFQu is through the posting of this project in OpenGov, the City's Electronic Bidding System. Each Proposer interested in competing to win a Contract award must complete and submit a response to this RFQu in OpenGov. Therefore, each Proposer MUST carefully review the submittal instructions.

3.2.2. RFQ Review

The RFQu 20260240 consists of the following: this document, entitled “Hydrogeologist Consulting Services,” and any and all information included in the RFQu, as posted to OpenGov, including any and all documents provided by the City as attachments to the RFQu or links contained within the RFQu or its attached documents.

Please carefully review all information, including all documents available as attachments or available through links. Any difficulty accessing or opening provided links or documents should be reported immediately to the Issuing Officer.

3.2.3. Preparing a Response

When preparing a response, the Proposer must consider the following instructions:

1. Answer each question in sufficient detail for evaluation while using judgment with regards to the length of response.

2. Proofread your response and make sure it is accurate and readily understandable.

3. Label any and all uploaded files using the corresponding section numbers of the RFP as specified by the City.

4. Use caution in creating electronic files to be uploaded. If the City is unable to open an electronic file due to a virus or because the file has become corrupted, the Proposer’s response may be considered incomplete and disqualified from further consideration.

5. Use commonly accepted software programs to create electronic files. The City has the capability of viewing documents submitted in the following formats: Microsoft Office and portable document format file (PDF). Unless the RFQu specifically requests the use of another type of software or file format than those listed above, please contact the Issuing Officer, Max Previlon, prior to utilizing another type of software and/or file format. In the event that the City is unable to open an electronic file because the City does not have ready access to the software utilized by the Proposer, the Proposer’s response will be considered incomplete and disqualified from further consideration.

3.2.4. Reviewing, Revising, or Withdrawing a Submitted Response

After the response has been submitted, the Proposer may view and/or revise its response by logging into OpenGov. Please take note of the following:

1. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION. Upload in one file, the proposal response formatted as instructed in Section 3.3 - "Proposal Format" of this document. All proposals shall be submitted by completing and uploading all required documents. All submittals are required to be electronic. No hard copies will be accepted.

Upload the proposal including all required information, completed forms, and supporting documentation in the appropriate tabs onto OpenGov by the due date and time. Please permit adequate time to submit the response. Please note submission is not instantaneous and may be affected by several events, such as the Proposer temporarily losing a connection to the Internet.

2. REVIEW AND REVISE. Proposers may modify their submittal electronically via the City's Electronic Bidding System at any time prior to the scheduled due date and time for submission. In order to revise, the Proposer must navigate to their submitted response via the City's Electronic Bidding System and then click "Unsubmit Response." At this point, Proposer's response is no longer submitted. Proposer should make the changes required and promptly re-submit its response before the submission date and time.

3. WITHDRAW. Proposers may withdraw their submittal electronically via the Portal at any time prior to the scheduled due date and time for submission. In order to withdraw, the Proposer must navigate to their submitted proposal via the City's Electronic Bidding System and then click "Unsubmit Response". In the event a Proposer desires to withdraw its response after the closing date and time, the Proposer must submit a request in writing to the Issuing Officer.

3.3. Proposal Format

Instructions to Respondents

The Respondent’s proposal must be submitted in accordance with these instructions. Failure to follow these instructions may be cause for rejection of the proposal. For ease of review, submittals should be tabbed and divided in accordance with the sections outlined below with pages sequentially numbered. Submittals must be in a font no smaller than 11. Submittals should be concise, provide only the information requested, and adhere to the page limits if applicable set forth herein.

Proposals must include the following information in this order:

Title Page

Title Page shall show the RFQu project title and number; the Proposer’s firm’s name; the name, address, and telephone number of a contact person; and the date of the proposal. The Proposer's firm name must be the firm's legal name, as registered on Sunbiz. If Proposer has a registered fictious name, it shall so note by adding "d/b/a" after its registered legal name.

Cover Letter

The cover letter should introduce the firm, express interest in providing hydrogeologic consulting services under the CCNA continuing contract and identify the primary contact and authorized representative. It should summarize the firm’s qualifications, including strengths in groundwater supply, aquifer systems, well design, modeling, and regulatory coordination, and confirm the firm’s ability to meet schedule, staffing, and task-order requirements.

If the Project Team is a partnership, the cover letter must be signed by one or more general partners.

If the Project Team is a corporation, an authorized officer must sign and indicate their title beneath the full corporate name. For joint ventures, an authorized representative of each participating firm must sign the letter. Any individual signing on behalf of another as an agent must provide legal documentation demonstrating their authority to execute the proposal.

Table of Contents

Provide a Table of Contents with major headings and subheadings identified with the corresponding pages numbers. The table of contents shall conform to the sections presented, in the same sequence, and labeled using the title provided. Identify all attachments, exhibits, tables, and figures.

Tab 1 - Firm’s Relevant Experience and Past Performance (10-15 pages)

This criterion evaluates the Proposer’s demonstrated capability and track record in delivering hydrogeologic and water resource consulting services, including:

• Experience with surficial and Floridan aquifer systems, groundwater supply development, wellfield design, construction support, and operational assistance.

• Performance on comparable municipal utility projects, including groundwater and surface water investigations, aquifer testing, well rehabilitation, monitoring, and abandonment.

• Experience supporting complex projects such as groundwater/surface water recharge facilities.

• Documented past performance including quality of deliverables, regulatory compliance, schedule adherence, and client satisfaction.

Tab 2 - Experience in Similar Projects (10-15 pages)

This criterion evaluates demonstrated technical experience based on past work comparable to this Scope of Services. Proposers shall submit a minimum of five (5) similar projects completed within the past five years. Evaluation will consider:

• Relevance and complexity of hydrogeologic projects completed within the past five years.

• Clarity, completeness, and applicability of project descriptions, roles, responsibilities, and outcomes.

• Demonstrated experience in groundwater modeling, aquifer testing, permitting (CUPs), regulatory coordination, and water supply planning.

• Successful implementation of technical evaluations, field programs, and regulatory documentation similar to the City’s needs.

Only projects meeting the minimum submission requirement and the above criteria will be considered in the evaluation of this section.

Tab 3 - Qualifications and Availability of Key Personnel (10-15 pages)

This criterion evaluates the competence, depth, and availability of the team proposed for the Contract. Considerations include:

• Professional qualifications, licenses, and technical expertise of key personnel (e.g., PGs, PEs, hydrogeologists, modelers, field staff).

• Demonstrated experience of key personnel on similar hydrogeologic, groundwater, and utility related projects.

• Clear identification of individual roles on past projects and their proposed role under the Contract.

• Availability and capacity of the project team and supporting subconsultants to respond to City task orders promptly.

Tab 4 - Technical Approach, Resources, and Organizational Capability (10-15 pages)

This criterion evaluates the firm’s ability to support the City under a continuing contract through established practices and organizational resources. Considerations include:

• Standardized methodologies for managing task orders, communication, scheduling, QA/QC, documentation, and reporting.

• Availability of modeling software, field equipment, analytical tools, and internal technical resources necessary to perform hydrogeologic work.

• Data management and reporting systems, that ensure timely, accurate, and regulatory ready deliverables.

• Organizational structure that supports responsiveness and consistent technical performance.

Understanding of Scope of Services

• Summarize understanding of the City's needs including aquifer evaluations, well design and rehabilitation, modeling, CUP permitting, McCarty Ranch support, monitoring, and task-order execution.

Proposed Project Management and Communication Plan

• Explain task order management, scheduling, budgeting, field coordination, regulatory communication, roles of personnel, and integration of subconsultants.

Appendices

• Include detailed resumes, project sheets, organizational chart, licenses, certifications, and optional letters of recommendation.

*All required Additional Proposal Mandatory Forms must be completed and included with the submitted proposal. The Mandatory Forms are available in Section 10 – Vendor Submission Requirements and Attestations and can be downloaded, filled out, and uploaded in the designated tabs within the project on OpenGov.

4. General Insurance

The Proposer shall, on a primary basis and at its sole expense, agree to maintain in full force and effect at all times during the life of this Contract, insurance coverage and limits, including endorsements, as described herein. The requirements contained herein, as well as City's review or acceptance of insurance maintained by the Proposer are not intended to and shall not in any manner limit or qualify the liabilities and obligations assumed by Proposer under the Contract.

The parties agree and recognize that it is not the intent of the City of Port St. Lucie that any insurance policy/coverage that it may obtain pursuant to any provision of this Contract will provide insurance coverage to any entity, corporation, business, person, or organization, other than the City of Port St.

Lucie and the City shall not be obligated to provide any insurance coverage other than for the City of Port St. Lucie or extend its immunity pursuant to Section 768.28, Florida Statutes, and as may be amended from time to time, under its self-insured program. Any provision contained herein to the contrary shall be considered void and unenforceable by any party. This provision does not apply to any obligation imposed on any other party to obtain insurance coverage for this project, and/or any obligation to name the City of Port St. Lucie as an additional insured under any other insurance policy or otherwise protect the interests of the City of Port St. Lucie as specified in this Contract.

4.1. Indemnification/Hold Harmless

Proposer agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless, the City, its officers, agents, and employees from, and against any and all claims, actions, liabilities, losses, and expenses including, but not limited to, attorney's fees for personal, economic, or bodily injury, wrongful death, loss of or damage to property, at law or in equity, which may arise or may be alleged to have risen from the negligent acts, errors, omissions or other wrongful conduct of Proposer, agents, laborers, subcontractors or other personnel entity acting under Proposer control in connection with the Proposer's performance of services under the Contract. To that extent, Proposer shall pay any and all such claims and losses and shall pay any and all such costs and judgements which may issue from any lawsuits arising from such claims and losses including wrongful termination or allegations of discrimination or harassment, and shall pay all costs and attorney's fees expended by the City in defense of such claims and losses, including appeals. That the aforesaid hold-harmless agreement by Proposer shall apply to all damages and claims for damages of every kind suffered, or alleged to have been suffered, by reason of any of the aforesaid operations of Proposer or any agent laborers, subcontractors, or employee of Proposer regardless of whether or not such insurance policies shall have been determined to be applicable to any of such damages or claims for damages. Proposer shall be held responsible for any violation of laws, rules, regulations, or ordinances affecting in any way the conduct of all persons engaged in or the materials or methods used by Proposer on the work. This indemnification shall survive the termination of the Contract.

4.2. Workers’ Compensation Insurance & Employer’s Liability

The Proposer shall agree to procure and maintain Workers' Compensation Insurance & Employers' Liability in accordance with Section 440, Florida Statutes. Employers’ Liability must include limits of at least $100,000.00 each accident, $100,000.00 each disease/ employee, and $500,000.00 each disease/maximum. A Waiver of Subrogation endorsement must be provided. Coverage shall apply on a primary basis. Should scope of work performed by Proposer qualify its employee(s) for benefits under Federal Workers’ Compensation Statute (for example, U.S. Longshore & Harbor Workers Act or Merchant Marine Act), proof of appropriate Federal Act coverage must be provided.

4.3. Commercial General Liability Insurance

The Proposer shall agree to procure and maintain Commercial General Liability insurance, issued under an Occurrence form basis, including Contractual liability, to cover the hold harmless agreement set forth herein, with limits of not less than:

Each occurrence $1,000,000

Personal/advertising injury $1,000,000

Products/completed operations aggregate

$2,000,000

General aggregate $2,000,000

Fire damage $100,000 any 1 fire

Medical expense $10,000 any 1 person

4.4. Additional Insured

An Additional Insured endorsement must be attached to the certificate of insurance (should be CG2026) under the General Liability policy. Coverage is to be written on an occurrence form basis and shall apply as primary and non-contributory. Defense costs are to be in addition to the limit of liability.

A waiver of subrogation is to be provided in favor of the City. Coverage shall extend to independent consultants and fellow employees. Contractual Liability is to be included. Coverage is to include a cross liability or severability of interests provision as provided under the standard ISO form separation of insurers clause.

Except as to Workers' Compensation and Employers' Liability insurance, Certificates of Insurance and policies shall clearly state that coverage required by the Contract has been endorsed to include the City of Port St. Lucie, a municipality of the State of Florida, its officers, agents and employees as Additional Insured for Commercial General Liability and Business Auto Liability policies. The name for the Additional Insured endorsement issued by the insurer shall read: "City of Port St. Lucie, a municipality of the State of Florida, its officers, employees and agents shall be listed as additional insured and include Contract #20260240 – Hydrogeologist Consulting Services .”

Copies of the Additional Insured endorsements shall be attached to the Certificate of Insurance. The policies shall be specifically endorsed to provide thirty (30) days written notice to the City prior to any adverse changes, cancellation, or non-renewal of coverage thereunder. Formal written notice shall be sent to City of Port St. Lucie, 121 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL 34984, Attn: Procurement. In the event that the statutory liability of the City is amended during the term of this Contract to exceed the above limits, the Contractor shall be required, upon thirty (30) days written notice by the City, to provide coverage at least equal to the amended statutory limit of liability of the City. Copies of the Additional Insured endorsement shall be attached to the Certificate of Insurance.

4.5. Business Automobile Liability Insurance

The Proposer shall agree to maintain Business Automobile Liability at a limit of liability not less than $1,000,000.00 each accident covering any auto, owned, non-owned and hired automobiles. In the event the Proposer does not own any automobiles, the Business Auto Liability requirement shall be amended allowing the Proposer to agree to maintain only Hired & Non-Owned Auto Liability. This amended requirement may be satisfied by way of endorsement to the Commercial General Liability, or separate Business Auto Coverage form. Certificate holder must be listed as additional insured. A waiver of subrogation shall be provided. Coverage shall apply on a primary and non-contributory basis.

4.6. Waiver of Subrogation

By entering into this Contract, the Proposer agrees to a Waiver of Subrogation for each required policy.

When required by the insurer, or should a policy condition not permit an Insured to enter into a pre-loss Contract to waive subrogation without an endorsement then the Vendor shall agree to notify the insurer and request the policy be endorsed with a Waiver of Transfer of Rights of Recovery Against Others, or its equivalent. This Waiver of Subrogation requirement shall not apply to any policy where a condition to the policy specifically prohibits such an endorsement, or voids coverage should Proposer enter into such a Contract on a pre-loss basis.

4.7. Deductibles

All deductible amounts shall be paid for and be the responsibility of the Proposer for any and all claims under this Contract. Where an SIR or deductible exceeds $5,000, the City reserves the right, but is not obligated, to review and request a copy of the bidder’s most recent annual report or audited financial statement.

4.8. Compliance

It shall be the responsibility of the Proposer to ensure that all independent contractors and/or subcontractors comply with the same insurance requirements referenced herein. It shall be the responsibility of the Proposer to obtain Certificates of Insurance from all independent contractors and subcontractors listing the City as an Additional Insured without the language “when required by written contract”. If the Proposer, independent contractor and/or subconsultant maintain higher limits than the minimums shown above, the City requires and shall be entitled to coverage for the higher limits maintained by the Proposer/independent contractor/subcontractor.

The Proposer may satisfy the minimum limits required above for either Commercial General Liability, Business Auto Liability, and Employers’ Liability coverage under Umbrella or Excess Liability. The Umbrella or Excess Liability shall have an Aggregate limit not less than the highest "Each Occurrence" limit for either Commercial General Liability, Business Auto Liability, or Employers’ Liability. When required by the insurer, or when Umbrella or Excess Liability is written on Non-Follow Form, the City shall be endorsed as an "Additional Insured."

The City by and through its Risk Management Department reserves the right, but is not obligated, to review, modify, reject or accept any required policies of insurance, including limits, coverages or endorsements, herein from time to time throughout the term of this Contract. All insurance carriers must have an AM Best rating of at least A:VII or better.

A failure on the part of the Proposer to execute the contract and/or punctually deliver the required insurance certificates and other documentation may be cause for annulment of the award.

4.9. Professional Liability Insurance

Proposer shall agree to maintain Professional Liability, or equivalent Errors & Omissions Liability, at a limit of liability not less than $2,000,000 Per Occurrence. When a self-insured retention (SIR) or deductible exceeds $10,000, the City reserves the right, but is not obligated, to review and request a copy of Proposer’s most recent annual report or audited financial statement. For policies written on a “Claims-Made” basis, Proposer warrants that the retroactive date equals or precedes the effective date of this Contract. In the event the policy is canceled, non-renewed, switched to an Occurrence Form, retroactive date advanced, or any other event triggering the right to purchase a Supplemental Extended Reporting Period (SERP) during the life of this Contract, Proposer shall agree to purchase a SERP with a minimum reporting period not less than four (4) years. If policy contains an exclusion for dishonest or criminal acts, defense coverage for the same shall be provided.

4.10. Requirements for Insurance

Within ten (10) business days of award, the awarded Proposer must procure the required insurance and provide the City with an executed Certificate of Insurance. Certificates must reference the contract number and the City as the Additional Insured party, as identified herein. The Proposer’s submitted pricing must include the cost of the required insurance. No contract performance shall occur unless and until the required insurance certificates and endorsements are provided.

5. Certifications

5.1. Certification

Proposal Certification

By responding to this…