ITB 2025008.pdf

Invitation to Bid (ITB)

For

Borehole Drilling & Core Sampling in Hamilton County

ITB 2025008

Procurement Officer:

Gloriann McInnis Procurement Manager, Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Procurement & Contracting Services - Procurement Section

3800 Commonwealth Blvd., MS #93 Tallahassee, FL 32399-3000

Email: Gloriann.McInnis@FloridaDEP.gov

Borehole Drilling & Core Sampling in Hamilton County

Rev. 7/30/2024

Table of Contents 1 Introduction

1.1 Solicitation Objective

1.2 Background and Program Information

1.3 Anticipated Contract Term & Renewals

1.4 Definitions

1.5 Draft Contract Terms

1.6 Procurement Officer

1.7 Special Accommodations

1.8 Timeline of Events

1.9 List of Attachments and Forms

2 ITB Process

2.1 Vendor Responsibilities

2.2 Who May Respond

2.3 Overview of the ITB

2.4 Conformance to Requirements

2.5 Limitation on Vendor Contact with Agency During Solicitation Period

2.6 Addenda/Amendments to the ITB

2.7 Contract Formation

2.8 Disclosure of Response Contents

2.9 Withdrawal of Responses

2.10 Administrative Cure Process

2.11 Clarification Process

2.12 Information from Other Sources

2.13 Firm Response

2.14 Right to Reject

2.15 Cancellation, Non-Award, and Withdrawal

2.16 Misrepresentations

2.17 Licensure & Registration

2.18 Replacement and Alternate Responses

2.19 Exclusivity

2.20 Diversity

2.21 Bid Protests

3 Response Instructions

3.1 MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) Vendor Registration

3.2 Pre-Response Conferences and/or Site Visits

3.3 Submission of Responses

3.4 Response Content Requirements

3.5 Economy of Presentation

3.6 Confidential Response Materials and Redacted Submissions

4 Scope of Work

4.1 Scope of Work

4.2 Definitions

4.3 Contractor Responsibilities

4.4 Department’s Responsibilities

5 Award

5.1 Basis of Award

5.2 Florida-Based Business Preference

5.3 Award Preferences for Equal Scores (Ties)

5.4 Recommendation of Award

5.5 Posting of Decision

5.6 Execution of Contract

5.7 Failure to Perform the Contract

1 Introduction The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (the Department or DEP) hereby issues this Invitation to Bid (ITB) to contract for Borehole Drilling & Core Sampling in Hamilton County. The Solicitation will be administered through the Vendor Information Portal (VIP). Respondents interested in submitting a Response must comply with all of the terms and conditions described in this ITB.

1.1 Solicitation Objective

The Department intends to enter into a contract using the Attachment 1, Draft Contract, for Borehole Drilling & Core Sampling in Hamilton County, hereby incorporated by reference. The Department intends to make a single award, however the Department reserves the right to award to one Respondent or multiple Respondents, or to make no award, as determined to be in the best interest of the State.

1.2 Background and Program Information

The Florida Geological Survey (FGS) is a Division of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

FGS collects, archives, interprets and distributes geologic information to benefit the environment and Florida’s communities. FGS uses geologic, hydrogeologic and related data as well as mapping and modeling to improve understanding of water and mineral resources, and geological hazards such as sinkholes. The FGS manages multiple federal grants awarded by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to produce geologic maps and data throughout the state of Florida. The USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) awarded the FGS funding through Grant no. G23AC00004-00 to investigate the critical mineral abundance in waste streams related to phosphate mining in Florida.

Samples are primarily acquired by drilling geologic test borings and analyzing the core sample. The project is in its second year and currently mapping critical minerals in the North Florida. The contracted services will fulfill drilling requirements for the Earth MRI – phosphate waste project as well as fill in geologic data gaps for the FGS mapping initiative.

1.3 Anticipated Contract Term & Renewals

The initial term of the Contract will be upon execution and expire on November 30, 2025 with no renewal year(s).

1.4 Definitions

The “General Contract Conditions” Form PUR 1000 (PUR 1000) and “General Instructions to Respondents” Form PUR 1001 (PUR 1001), found in Rule 60A-1.002, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), are hereby incorporated by reference and can be accessed at:

https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/state _purchasing_pur_forms. The following definitions apply to this ITB:

Business Days - Monday through Friday, inclusive, except for State government holidays.

Confidential Information - Any documents, data, or records that are confidential and not subject to disclosure pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statute (F.S.), the Florida Constitution, or any other authority.

Contract - The agreement that results from this competitive procurement, if any, between the Department and the Contractor.

Contractor(s) - The Respondent(s) that will be awarded a Contract pursuant to this Solicitation.

https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/state_purchasing_pur_forms https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/state_purchasing_pur_forms

Respondent – an entity that submits a Response to this ITB.

State - The State of Florida.

1.5 Draft Contract Terms

Awarded Respondent(s) must provide the contractual services sought by this ITB in accordance with the terms, conditions, and Scope of Work detailed in the Contract. All Respondents should carefully review Attachment 1, prior to submission of a Response. Any questions related to the Contract should be submitted as a formal question in accordance with the instructions contained in this ITB. Forced Labor Attestation Form

1.6 Procurement Officer

The Procurement Officer is the Department’s sole point of contact for information regarding this ITB from the date of release until an Agency Decision is posted on the VIP, at https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/ in accordance with Section 2.3.1.2 below.

Refer ALL inquiries in writing to the Procurement Officer by email. Responses to timely questions posed to the Procurement Officer will be posted on the VIP, at https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/ in accordance with Section 2.3.1.2 below.

The Department will not talk to any Respondents or their agents regarding a pending solicitation.

Questions will NOT be answered via telephone.

1.7 Special Accommodations

Any person requiring a special accommodation due to a disability should contact the Department’s Procurement Officer. Requests for accommodation for meetings must be made at least five (5) Business Days prior to the meeting.

1.8 Timeline of Events

The following schedule will be strictly adhered to in all actions relative to this Solicitation. The Department reserves the right to modify this schedule and will notify participants in the Solicitation by posting an addendum to this Solicitation on VIP. It is the responsibility of the Respondent to check VIP on a regular basis for such updates.

Event Date Time* Location/Method

ITB Advertised 10/14/24 N/A Vendor Information Portal

Questions Due 10/21/24 5:00 PM Email to Procurement Officer

Answers Posted (Anticipated)

On or about:

10/28/24 Vendor Information Portal

Responses Due 11/4/24 3:00 PM

Department of Environmental Protection DEP Procurement Section, Room 215 3800 Commonwealth Blvd, MS93 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000

Public Opening 11/5/24 10:00 AM Teleconference by calling 1-850-629-7330

Phone Conference ID: 412 090 41# https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

The number will be active 5 minutes before the meeting

Award Date (Anticipated) On or about:

11/18/24 Vendor Information Portal

*All times are Eastern Time Zone.

1.9 List of Attachments and Forms

The Attachments and Forms below are incorporated by reference. Copies of these documents are available in the VIP advertisement that accompanies the ITB posting. If a Form requires electronic completion or filling in, such as a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, an electronic copy can be obtained by contacting the Procurement Officer.

Attachment Title 1 Draft Contract

Form Title A Business Response Form B Foreign State Preference Opinion Form

C -RESERVED-

D Price Sheet E Award Preference Form F Forced Labor Attestation Form

2 ITB Process

2.1 Vendor Responsibilities

Vendors should carefully read the entire ITB, all attachments, and any addenda before submitting a Response. Vendors interested in submitting a Response must comply with all instructions, terms, and conditions of this ITB to be considered for Award.

Vendors are responsible for understanding all terms and conditions of this ITB, its attachments, addenda, and proposed resulting Contract. If a Vendor does not understand these requirements, Vendor should submit formal questions to the Department in accordance with Section 2.3.1.2.

2.2 Who May Respond

Vendors who possess the financial capability, experience, and personnel resources described in this ITB are invited to submit Responses. Vendors on the Convicted, Suspended, Discriminatory Vendor List(s), the Antitrust Violator Vendor List(s), and/or the Scrutinized List(s) of Prohibited Companies may not submit a Response.

2.3 Overview of the ITB

The ITB is a method of competitively soliciting a commodity or contractual service under Chapter 287, F.S. The ITB process involves three phases: Solicitation, Minimum Mandatory Requirement Review and Evaluation.

2.3.1 Solicitation Phase

2.3.1.1 Pre-Response Conference and Site Visit (If Applicable) The Department may hold an optional or mandatory pre-response conference or site visit as part of the process as indicated in Section 3.2.

Anyone attending a pre-response conference or site visit is required to register their attendance in a means provided by the Department at the time and location of the meeting. Respondents who fail to attend or who are not represented at a mandatory conference or site visit will be determined Non- Responsive.

Note: Any answers to questions given at any conferences or site visits are not binding and do not alter the ITB. Only questions submitted in accordance with the instructions below and answered on the VIP are considered binding.

2.3.1.2 Question and Answer Period

Respondents may submit questions regarding the terms, conditions, and requirements of the ITB to the Procurement Officer via email by the deadline listed in the Timeline, Section 1.8 of the ITB.

Questions will not constitute a formal protest of the specifications or of the Solicitation. Answers to questions will be posted on the VIP.

All emails shall have the Solicitation number in the subject line. The Department recommends that questions be submitted in the following format:

ITB Section ITB Page # Question

2.3.1.3 Submission of Responses

Once the Department posts the answers to the questions, Respondents may begin submitting Responses as indicated in Section 3.4; however, Respondents are encouraged to submit their Responses no earlier than five (5) days prior to the submission deadline. Responses must be submitted by the deadline listed in the Timeline above.

2.3.1.4 Public Opening

The Department will open the Responses in a public meeting at the date, time, and location noted in the Timeline, Section 1.8. The Procurement Officer will review the entire Response to ensure that all required volumes were timely submitted, however prices will not be read aloud at the public opening.

2.3.2 Minimum Mandatory Requirement Review Phase

2.3.2.1 Administrative Review

All responses will be reviewed by the Procurement Officer to ensure that Responses contain all mandatory Forms and are complete. Complete Responses may be sent to the Program Area for their qualifications review, if any.

2.3.2.2 Responsibility Review

The Department will review the Responsibility section of the Respondent’s Business Response Form, Form A, for affirmative responses and attached documentation, if any. Answers in the affirmative are not, in themselves, grounds for declaring a vendor as Non-Responsible; the Department may seek additional clarification and decide whether the circumstances of the case warrant declaring a Respondent Non-Responsible. Respondents deemed Non-Responsible are not eligible for Contract Award.

2.3.2.3 Qualifications Review (if any)

If the Department requires the Respondents to submit documentation as evidence of qualifications, the Department will review said documentation to ensure it supports the minimum qualifications outlined in Section 1.2.

2.3.3 Evaluation Phase

Price Sheet Evaluation The Procurement Officer will review and compare the Price Sheets of the Respondents who are determined to be responsible and develop the recommendation of award based on the lowest total price (LTP) as described on the Price Sheet, Form D. Form D must be completed, signed, and submitted without alteration as part of a response. Respondents must not submit their own forms, including quote forms or other documents, in lieu of Form D. Please see Section 2.4, Conformance to Requirements, below.

2.4 Conformance to Requirements

In order to be considered for Award, Responses submitted to the Department must conform in all material aspects to the requirements set forth in this ITB, including the requirement set forth in Form D, Price Sheet. Responses failing to conform in all material aspects to the requirements included in this ITB, including the requirement set forth in Form D, Price Sheet are Non-Responsive and are not eligible for Award, at the sole discretion of the Department.

This is an invitation to bid. The Response must not include any proposal to negotiate, or any proposed terms and conditions that supersede, conflict with, take exception to, supplement, or materially change, the terms and conditions set forth in this ITB or the documents that will comprise the Contract. Any questions regarding the terms, conditions, or requirements of this ITB or the Contract can be raised during the Question and Answer Period described in Section 2.3.1.2 of this ITB. Respondents that fail to comply with the requirements of this paragraph may, at the sole discretion of the Department, be deemed to be Non-Responsive.

2.5 Limitation on Vendor Contact with Agency During Solicitation Period Respondents to this Solicitation or persons acting on their behalf may not contact, between the release of the Solicitation and the end of the 72-hour period following the agency posting the notice of intended award, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays, any employee or officer of the executive or legislative branch concerning any aspect of this Solicitation, except in writing to the Procurement Officer or as provided in the Solicitation documents. Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting a Response.

2.6 Addenda/Amendments to the ITB

The Department reserves the right to modify this ITB by issuing addenda and/or amendments. All changes to the ITB will be made through addenda or amendments posted on the VIP. It is the responsibility of the Respondent to check for any changes on the VIP. Issuance of written Addenda and/or amendments is the only method by which a solicitation may be modified.

2.7 Contract Formation

The Department will issue a notice of award, if any, to successful Respondent(s). No contract shall be formed between the Department and the awarded Respondent until both parties sign the Contract. The Department will not be liable for any costs incurred by a Respondent in preparing or producing its Response or for any work performed before the Contract is effective.

The Contract will consist of the Draft Contract as attached, which will incorporate the Scope of Work/Technical Specifications, below in Section 4, relevant portions of the Response submitted by the awarded Respondent (if any), and the Price Sheet submitted by the awarded Respondent. If there is any discrepancy between the Scope of Work/Technical Specifications and the incorporated relevant portions of the Response, the terms most favorable to the Department shall prevail.

The Department objects to and shall not consider any additional terms or conditions submitted by a Respondent, including any appearing in documents attached as part of a Response, except those identified in the Contract. The Respondent shall bring any perceived inconsistencies among any of the provisions of the ITB and its attachments to the attention of the Department prior to the submission of its Response. At any time during the Solicitation, the Department may specifically identify and incorporate by reference any additional documents which are to be incorporated into the Contract. The Contract that results from this Solicitation will be posted on the Florida Accountability Contract Tracking System (FACTS) website in accordance with section 215.985, F.S., “Transparency Florida Act.”

2.8 Disclosure of Response Contents

All documentation produced as part of the ITB will become the exclusive property of the Department and will not be returned to the Respondent unless it is withdrawn prior to the Response opening in accordance with Section 2.9. Once the Procurement Officer opens the Response, the Response may be disclosed pursuant to a public records request, subject to any confidentiality claims and the timeframes identified in section 119.071(1)(b), F.S.

2.9 Withdrawal of Responses

The Respondent may withdraw or modify a Response at any time prior to the due date by submitting a request to the Procurement Officer.

2.10 Administrative Cure Process

In the interest of maximizing competition, the Response qualification and cure process seeks to minimize, if not eliminate, Respondent disqualifications resulting from nonmaterial, curable deficiencies in the Response that are identified in the Minimum Mandatory Review Phase. Therefore, the Department may, in its sole discretion, notify Respondents whose qualifying information or documentation does not meet the requirements of the ITB and allow for the correction of errors and omissions prior to making a final determination of responsiveness. Timely cures made pursuant to this section will be accepted by the Department.

2.11 Clarification Process

The Department may request clarification from the Respondent for the purpose of resolving ambiguities or questioning information presented in the Response. Clarifications may be requested throughout the Solicitation process. The Respondent’s answers to requested clarifications must be in writing and must address only the information requested. Respondent’s answers to requested clarifications must be submitted to the Department within the time specified by the Department in the requested clarification.

2.12 Information from Other Sources

The Department reserves the right to seek information from outside sources regarding the Respondent, the Respondent’s offerings, capabilities, references, and the Respondent’s performance, if the Department determines that such information is pertinent to the ITB. The Department may consider such information throughout the Solicitation process including, but not limited to, determining whether the award is ultimately in the best interest of the State. This may include, but is not limited to, the Department engaging consultants, subject matter experts, and others to ensure that the Department has a complete understanding of the information provided pursuant to the Solicitation.

2.13 Firm Response

The Department may make an award within one hundred and eighty (180) days after the date of the opening, during which period responses shall remain firm and shall not be withdrawn. If award is not made within one hundred and eighty (180) days, the Response shall remain firm until either the

Department awards the Contract, or the Department receives from the Respondent written notice that the Response is withdrawn. Any response that expresses a shorter duration may, in the Department's sole discretion, be accepted or rejected.

2.14 Right to Reject

The Department may reject any Response not submitted in the manner specified by the Solicitation documents. Respondents whose past performance, current status, or Response does not reflect the capability, integrity, or reliability to fully, and in good faith, perform the requirements of Contract may be rejected as Non-Responsible and are not eligible for Award.

2.15 Cancellation, Non-Award, and Withdrawal

When the Department determines that is it in the best interest of the State, it reserves the right to:

• Cancel this Solicitation.

• Make no Award and reject all responses.

• Withdraw the Solicitation at any time, including after an award is made.

• Withdraw or amend its Notice of Award at any time prior to execution of a contract, including, but not limited to situations in which the Contractor(s) fails to execute the contract.

• Re-procure services.

2.16 Misrepresentations

All information submitted, and all representations made, by the Respondent in a response may be relied upon by the Department in determining Responsibility of a Respondent for Award. Any misstatement or omission, whether intentional or not, may be treated by the Department as a fraudulent concealment of the true facts relating to the Response. Such misrepresentation will be a basis for the Department to disqualify the Respondent as Non-Responsible, and bar the Respondent from participation in any re-solicitation pertaining to this subject matter (regardless of whether the re-solicitation resulted from Respondent’s misrepresentation) and may be punishable under law, including, but not limited to, Chapter 817, F.S.

2.17 Licensure & Registration

Prior to the execution of a Contract, the selected Respondent must be properly licensed to do business within the State, and all entities must be appropriately registered with the Florida Department of State, if required by federal or state law.

2.18 Replacement and Alternate Responses

The Department will only consider one (1) Response per Respondent, unless otherwise indicated in Section 3. Respondents may submit revised Responses at any time prior to the Response Due Date as specified in the Timeline of Events. Revised Responses must include a statement, signed and dated by an Authorized Signatory, withdrawing all prior Responses from the Respondent. Alternate commodities and/or contractual services may be proposed only if permitted in accordance with the instructions contained in this Solicitation. The Department is under no obligation to consider alternate commodities and/or contractual services to those requested in this Solicitation if not specifically requested as part of a Response and may reject a Response making such offers as Non-Responsive.

2.19 Exclusivity

This Solicitation will not result in an exclusive license to provide the commodities and/or contractual services described in this Solicitation or the resulting Contract. The Department may, in compliance with applicable laws, contract with other vendors to provide the same or similar commodities and/or contractual services if the Department determines that doing so will serve the State’s best interests.

2.20 Diversity

The State is dedicated to fostering the continued development and economic growth of minority-owned, veteran-owned, and woman-owned businesses. Participation of a diverse group of Respondents doing business with the Department is central to the State’s effort.

The Office of Supplier Development (OSD) has been established within the Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) to certify qualifying minority-owned, veteran-owned, and woman-owned business enterprises (CBEs). CBEs are encouraged to participate in the State’s procurement process as both prime Respondents and subcontractors. Non-CBE Respondents are encouraged to partner with CBEs for Contract performance.

2.21 Bid Protests

Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in section 120.57(3), F. S., or failure to post the bond or other security required by law within the time allowed for filing a bond shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, F.S.

Documents received after normal working hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time) will be filed the following business day.

All filings must be made with the Agency Clerk ONLY and are only considered "filed" when stamped, physically or digitally, by the Agency Clerk. It is the responsibility of the filing party to meet all filing deadlines.

The Agency Clerk's address is:

Agency Clerk, Office of General Counsel Department of Environmental Protection 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, Douglas Building, MS#35 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000 Email: Agency_clerk@floridadep.gov mailto:Agency_clerk@floridadep.gov

3 Response Instructions This section contains the General Instructions and Special Instructions to Respondents. The “General Instructions to Respondents” Form PUR 1001 is incorporated by reference and can be accessed at https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/state _purchasing_pur_forms.

The terms of the PUR1001 are controlling for this ITB, except for the following sections, which are inapplicable:

Section 3. Electronic Submission of Responses Responses shall be submitted in accordance with Section 3.4 of this Solicitation.

Section 5. Questions Questions shall be submitted in accordance with Section 2.3.1.2 of this Solicitation.

Section 14. Firm Response.

This paragraph is superseded by Section 2.13 of this Solicitation.

Section 15. Clarifications/Revisions.

This paragraph is superseded by Section 2.11 of this Solicitation.

Section 16. Minor Irregularities/Right to Reject.

This paragraph is superseded by sections 2.10 and 2.14 of this Solicitation.

Section 17. Contract Formation.

This paragraph is superseded by Section 2.7 of this Solicitation.

Section 20. Protests.

This paragraph is superseded by Section 2.21 of this Solicitation.

3.1 MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) Vendor Registration

Prior to execution of the Contract by the Department, the Contractor must be registered with MFMP.

Information about the registration process is available on, and registration may be completed at https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/.

Prospective vendors who do not have internet access may request assistance from MFMP Customer Service within DMS.

The following United Nations Standard Products and Services Code(s) (UNSPSC) are provided to assist potential Respondents in their registration efforts:

Code Title 71101502 Test boring or core drilling 73181008 Drilling services https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/state_purchasing_pur_forms https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/state_purchasing_pur_forms

3.2 Pre-Response Conferences and/or Site Visits

The Department will not hold a Pre-Response Conference or Site Visit.

3.3 Submission of Responses

Respondents shall deliver Responses to the Department’s office designated in the Timeline of Events before the date and time specified. Any Response that is received after the exact time specified in the Timeline of Events is late. Late Responses, as well as Responses submitted through email or by facsimile, are Non-Responsive and will not be evaluated. All Response materials must be packaged so that each box shipped to the Department does not exceed 25 pounds.

Response packages must be marked to show the Respondent's name and address, the Solicitation number, and the date and time Responses are due. If multiple packages are shipped, package sequences (i.e. 1 of 3, 2 of 4, etc.) must also be indicated on the outside of the package.

3.4 Response Content Requirements

Respondent’s Responses must be submitted in hard and electronic copies divided into volumes containing the information specified below:

Volume Name Copies Volume I Business Response One (1) Original Volume II Price Sheet One (1) Original CD/DVD/USB Electronic Copy of Response One (1) copy of each Volume CD/DVD/USB Redacted Electronic Copy of Response (if applicable) One (1) Redacted copy of each Volume

3.4.1 Volume I, Business Response

Respondents must prepare a Business Response volume in the order outlined below.

Volume I Business Response Page Limit Tab A Executive Summary Two (2) Tab B Required Forms None

3.4.1.1 Tab A: Executive Summary

Respondents must prepare and include an Executive Summary that summarizes the key points from the Respondent’s Business. The Executive Summary must begin with company/division’s street address; and size of business, CBEs status, and a summary of the key points from the Respondent’s Response. If the Respondent is a current or former Contractor to the Department, the Respondent will notify the Department of the contract number and the Department’s contract manager in its Executive Summary.

3.4.1.2 Tab B: Required Forms

Respondents must complete and submit Form A, Business Response Form and Form B, Foreign State Preference Opinion Form.

3.4.2 Volume II, Price Sheet

The Respondent must complete and submit the Form D, Price Sheet, without alteration, using the instructions provided. The Price Sheet is to be organized as directed on the Form and must contain complete responses to all items. If a portion of any section is omitted, the Price Sheet may be deemed non-Responsive at the sole discretion of the Department. The Respondent must not submit their own forms, including quote forms or other documents, in lieu of Form D.

3.5 Economy of Presentation

Responses must be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise delineation of the Respondent’s capabilities to satisfy the requirements of this Solicitation without the use of marketing materials, white papers, fancy or flashy graphics, case studies, or other promotional materials. The emphasis of each Response should be on completeness and clarity of content.

3.6 Confidential Response Materials and Redacted Submissions

In addition to the public records requirements of the PUR 1001, section 19, if the Respondent considers any portion of its Response to be Confidential Information or exempt under Chapter 119, F.S., or other authority (Public Records Law), then the Respondent must simultaneously provide the Department with an unredacted version of the materials and a separate redacted copy of the materials the Respondent claims as Confidential Information or exempt and in an index, as described in Section 3.6.1.

The Respondent shall mark the unredacted version of the document as “Unredacted version – contains Confidential Information” and place such information in an encrypted electronic form or a sealed separate envelope.

3.6.1 Redacted Submissions

If submitting a redacted version of its Response, the Respondent shall mark the cover of the redacted copy with the Respondent’s name, Department’s solicitation name, and number, and the words “Redacted Copy.” The Redacted Copy should only redact those portions of material that the Respondent claims are Confidential Information or exempt from Public Records Law. An entire Response should not be redacted. An entire page or paragraph which contains Confidential Information or exempt material should not be redacted unless the entire page or paragraph is wholly Confidential Information or exempt from Public Records Law. In the Redacted Copy, the Respondent shall redact and maintain in confidence any materials the Department provides or seeks regarding security of a proposed technology system or information subject to sections 119.011(14), 119.071(1)(f), and 119.071(3), F.S.

In addition, the Respondent should submit a separate index listing the Confidential Information or exempt portions of its Response. The index should briefly describe in writing the grounds for claiming exemption from the Public Records Law, including the specific statutory citation for such exemption.

The Redacted Copy will be used to fulfill public records and other disclosure requests and will be posted on the FACTS website. In addition, the Department will follow the procedures described in Attachment 4, Public Records Requirements, of the Draft Contract.

By submitting a Response, the Respondent agrees to protect, defend, and indemnify the Department for any and all claims arising from or relating to the Respondent’s determination that the redacted portions of its Response are Confidential Information or otherwise not subject to disclosure. If the Respondent fails to submit a Redacted Copy of its Response, the Department is authorized to produce the entire unredacted Response submitted to the Department in response to a public records request.

4 Scope of Work

4.1 Scope of Work

All services shall be performed in accordance with the requirements set forth in this section. The timeframes outlined in the Scope of Work may be modified at the sole discretion of the Department (DEP) if required for a particular Task. Any changes to the timeframes outlined in the Scope of Work will be agreed to in writing for that Task. The Department may request any or all the services outlined in the Scope of Work from the Contractor, on an as needed basis.

Five boreholes are to be drilled to approximately 150' with continuous core sampling at various locations throughout Hamilton County. Boreholes will be terminated upon reaching Suwannee or Ocala Limestone. Boreholes will be grouted, raked and grade restored. Boxes are not required; core will be loaded into Florida Geological Survey (FGS) vehicles for processing at FGS facilities. FGS personnel will be onsite to oversee sample collection and to supervise the drill team. All state and county laws will be followed while right-of-way (ROW) drilling activities take place. The potential of drilling a 6th borehole exists, assuming the DEP project manager approves, and the grant budget can support the additional expenses.

4.2 Definitions

In this Contract, the following terms shall be defined as set forth below:

Boreholes – A Borehole is a term used to refer to a hole that has been bored or drilled in the surface of the earth. More specifically, a borehole is a geotechnical term used to describe a narrow shaft that was bored into the ground surface. Boreholes are drilled/constructed for different purposes including the extraction of water, soil or rock material, and petroleum resources. They are commonly used in geotechnical investigations to determine and identify subsurface materials. For the purposes of this project, these boreholes will be used as stratigraphic tests to determine the subsurface geology, including sample type and formation, within Hamilton County, Florida.

Boxes – Boxes refer to core boxes that the drill core samples are stored in. They can be wooden, aluminum, or high-density plastic crates that have latches on them to seal the samples once they’ve been closed. Boxes can come in a variety of sizes and dimensions but with regards to sonic drilling they are typically 5 feet long and 1 foot wide with enough storage space inside the box to secure 10 feet of core sample. For the purposes of this drilling project the FGS will be in charge of collecting/boxing all materials on-site and delivery to the FGS Core Repository for sample storage.

Continuous core sampling – Continuous core sampling is a method of sampling that provides one continuous soil/rock sample instead of separate samples taken at set depth intervals. This can be done with any cased drilling method but is most commonly performed using sonic, rotary, and direct push technologies. Continuous coring is typically used to log and classify the soil/rock type, identify groundwater depth, and identify subsurface contaminants or plumes. Continuous coring doesn’t leave any gaps in the subsurface sample. Geologists can get a reasonably complete picture of the subsurface with this method if used appropriately. That’s one reason continuous coring is especially helpful for sites with limited existing characterization data, such as in Hamilton County, Florida.

Drillers notes and logs – With regards to drilling activities, Drillers notes, logs, and field notes are the same product. When drilling, the driller, or the assigned field notes taker, will make notes about the field conditions the team is experiencing, what the target depths are, how the drill rig is operating, etc.

Additionally, the drillers notes will mention any issues the drill team encountered while drilling including poor sample recovery, karst features (aka subsurface cavities or conduits), sample type, water usage, etc. These notes are important because they can be used during sample descriptions to help the geologist know more about the borehole and the characteristics of the subsurface materials.

Management of Traffic (MOT) - The primary function of MOT is to provide safe and efficient movement of vehicles, bicyclist, and pedestrians through and around temporary traffic control zones while protecting workers and equipment.

Ocala Limestone – The late Eocene Ocala Limestone is a cream to white colored, chalky, highly fossiliferous limestone. It contains very few impurities like quartz sand, clay or heavy minerals, which makes it easy to distinguish from younger, less pure limestone deposits. The Ocala Limestone is also distinguished from other stratigraphic units in Florida by the index fossils contained in it including Nummulites ocalanus and Lepidocyclina ocalana.

Per Day – A minimum of an eight (8) hour day, Monday - Friday. If an exception is needed, the Contractor must request approval in advance from the DEP project manager.

Right of Way (ROW) – A transportation corridor along which people, animals, vehicles, watercraft, or utility lines travel, or the legal status that gives them the right to do so.

Suwannee Limestone – The early Oligocene Suwannee Limestone is typically a yellowish to cream colored, poorly- to well-indurated, variably fossiliferous, moldic limestone. Some parts of the formation contain chert, quartz sand, and dolomite. Similar to the Ocala Limestone, the Suwannee Limestone contains index fossils that make it distinguishable from other carbonate formations including Dictyoconus cookie and Rhyncholampas gouldii.

4.3 Contractor Responsibilities

a. Deliverables. The Contractor shall perform services to provide the following deliverables in accordance with the chart below:

Deliverable(s) Task(s) Performance

Standards Supporting Documentation

Financial Consequence(s)

1. Delivery of continuous core samples from 5 boreholes.

a. Continuous core drilled at Location A*

a. Arrive within the prescribed time with correct personnel and safety equipment.

b. Clear communication of site conditions, operations, and task progress.

a. Daily Log/Drillers’ Notes

b. Photos of the abandoned and grouted boreholes.

a. Reduction of invoice by 10% for every day late.

b. Continuous core drilled at Location B*

c. Continuous core drilled at Location C*

d. Continuous core drilled at Location D*

e. Continuous core drilled at Location E*

2. Delivery of continuous core samples from 1 potential borehole

a. Continuous core drilled at Sixth (6th) Location**

a. Arrive within the prescribed time with correct personnel and safety equipment.

b. Clear communication of site conditions, operations, and task progress.

a. Daily Log/Drillers’ Notes

b. Photos of the abandoned and grouted boreholes.

a. Reduction of invoice by 10% for every day late.

*Location A-E will be provided once the contract is signed and executed.

** The Potential of drilling a 6th borehole exists, assuming the DEP project manager approves, and the grant budget can support the additional expenses.

b. Mobilization/Demobilization. The Contractor is responsible for preparing equipment and materials to include the subsequent removal after successful completion of a Deliverable.

c. Sonic Drilling Rig and Crew. In the event of unfavorable weather conditions, broken parts, or equipment failures the Contractor is to cease drilling, immediately notify the DEP project manager, and only bill the Department for those hours worked.

d. Completion Criteria and Date. Drilling dates are to be determined but will be completed within six months of the initiation of this contract. Time extensions may be granted for circumstances when approved by the Department (project manager).

Supporting documentation for all charges must be maintained by the Contractor and made available to DEP upon request in accordance with Contract requirements.

The Contractor shall be compensated for authorized travel expenses in accordance with Section 112.061, Florida Statutes.

4.4 Department’s Responsibilities

a. The Department (DEP site representatives) will provide all permissions for site access of the

ROW and decide the borehole locations.

b. The Department (DEP site representatives) will bring County site access documentation.

c. The Department (DEP site representatives) will take possession of the continuous core samples on site.

d. The Department (DEP site representatives) will communicate with the County about all MOT on

County roads.

e. The Department (DEP site representatives) will verify that the boreholes are grouted and that the site is sufficiently clean before each site is abandoned.

5 Award

5.1 Basis of Award

A Contract may be awarded to the responsible and responsive Respondent(s) who submits the lowest responsive bid, considering the Adjusted LTP (see section 5.2 below), if applicable.

The Department reserves the right to accept or reject any or all offers, or separable portions, and to waive any minor irregularity, technicality, or omission if the Department determines that doing so will serve the best interest of the State.

Responses that do not meet all requirements, specifications, terms, and conditions of the Solicitation or fail to provide all required information, documents, or materials may be rejected as non-responsive.

The Department may request additional information pertaining to the Respondent’s ability and qualifications to accomplish all services described or provide commodities as in this ITB as deemed necessary during the ITB or after contract award.

5.2 Florida-Based Business Preference

As required by section 287.084, F.S., if this is a Contract for personal property (i.e., commodities) and the lowest bid price, as determined in accordance section 2.3.3 above, is from “a vendor whose principal place of business is in a state or political subdivision thereof which grants a preference” (hereafter, “Foreign State Preference”) “for the purchase of such personal property to a person whose principal place of business is in such state,” then the Department shall award the Foreign State Preference to the lowest responsible and responsive vendor having a principal place of business within Florida.

If there is no Foreign State Preference, then the Department shall award a preference of 5%. This shall be calculated by the following formula to each Foreign State Vendor whose LTP is lower than the lowest Florida-based vendor:

LTPForeign State Vendor x 1.05 = Adjusted LTP

5.3 Award Preferences for Equal Scores (Ties)

In the event that the Department’s evaluation results in a Tie, the Department will request Form E, Award Preference Form, from the Respondents with Responses that resulted in the Tie. Based on Form E, the Department will give the award to a Respondent if it is a minority-owned or veteran-owned business. If more than one Respondent is entitled to this preference, the preference will be given to the Respondent with the qualifying business with the smallest net worth, consistent with section 295.187(4)(b), F.S. In the event all preferences are equal or that none of the Respondents are entitled to a preference, the Tie will be broken using a coin toss.

5.4 Recommendation of Award

The Department will forward the Recommendation of Award to the Secretary or their designee. The Secretary or their designee will make the final decision as to which Respondent(s) should be awarded the Contract(s) based on the Recommendation of Award.

5.5 Posting of Decision

The Department will post a Notice of Intent to Award, stating its intent to enter into one (1) or more Contracts with the Respondent(s) identified therein, on the VIP. If the Department decides to reject all Responses, it will post its notice on the VIP website.

5.6 Execution of Contract

The awarded Respondent(s) shall sign the Contract within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of the Contract for execution, unless there is an automatic stay triggered by the filing of a formal protest. If a formal protest is timely filed, the time to sign the Contract shall be tolled. The Department reserves the right to withdraw its Notice of Intent to Award if the Contract is not timely signed, if it determines in its sole discretion that it is in the best interest of the State to do so. The Department also reserves the right to award to the Respondent ranked second if the Department does not receive a timely signed Contract from the awarded Respondent.

5.7 Failure to Perform the Contract

If the Contractor is unable or unwilling to meet the requirements of the Contract within 60 days of execution, the Department may terminate its Contract with Contractor and may award to the next lowest price responsible/responsive Bidder(s) or may not award to anyone at all.

Form A

Rev. 2/22/22

State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Business Response Form

Respondents shall complete and submit the following information with their Response. Joint venture Respondents must submit one Business Response Form per venturer.

Vendor Information Vendor Legal Name:

Principal Place of Business1:

FEIN:

Phone Number:

Mailing Address:

Type of Business Entity:

For joint ventures only: ☐ Check this box if you are the principal venturer in a joint venture agreement.

Primary Contact Name:

Title:

Address:

Phone Number:

Email Address:

Authorized Signatory2

Name:

Title:

Address:

Email Address:

I, am the of (Authorized Representative’s Name) (Title)

, (the “Respondent”) and am authorized to represent the (Respondent Legal Name)

Respondent. I do hereby certify, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the information submitted to the Department on this form and with my Response is true and correct.

Signature of Authorized Representative Date

1 “Principal place of business” means the address at which the Respondent’s high-level officers direct, control, and coordinate the Respondent’s activities 2 Person shall have authority to contractually bind the Respondent, should a Contract be awarded.

Rev. 2/22/22

Minimum Mandatory Criteria To be eligible for award, Respondents must respond “Yes” to each statement below.

1. Respondent is not on the Department of Management Services’ (DMS)

Discriminatory Vendor list as defined in Section 7 of the PUR 1001. ☐ Yes ☐ No

2. Respondent is not on the DMS’ Convicted Vendor list as defined in Section 8 of the PUR 1001. ☐ Yes ☐ No

3. Respondent certifies that it is not 1) on the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List, 2) on the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Energy Sector List, 3) participating in a boycott of Israel and does not have business operations in Cuba or Syria? (If over $1M)

☐ Yes ☐ No

4. Respondent certifies that it is not participating in a boycott of Israel. ☐ Yes ☐ No

5. Respondent has not been removed from the DMS’ Vendor List, pursuant to Rule

60A-1.006, F.A.C. ☐ Yes ☐ No

6. Respondent has an active W-9 on file with the Department of Financial Services or provide one prior to execution of the Contract. ☐ Yes ☐ No

7. Respondent has not colluded with any entity to reduce competition. This includes the disclosure or discussion of technical or price portions of the Response, or any other attempt to fix pricings.

☐ Yes ☐ No

8. Respondent does not have an unfair competitive advantage from either: a) having access to information that is not available to the public that would assist the Respondent in obtaining Contract Award, and/or b) obtaining source selection information that is relative to the contract but is not available to all the competitors and that would assist the Respondent in obtaining Contract Award.

☐ Yes ☐ No

9. Respondent has not participated in the drafting of any portion of this solicitation or developed this program for future implementation, as prohibited by section 287.057(17), F.S.

☐ Yes ☐ No

10. Respondent has read and agrees to all Solicitation Terms and Conditions and agrees to perform under the Contract, if awarded. ☐ Yes ☐ No

Responsibility Respondents shall complete and submit answers to the questions below. For each “yes” Respondents shall provide a detailed explanation (1 page) relevant to the issue and attach copies of documents relevant to the written explanation(s) provided (unlimited pages). For Bankruptcy documentation, please provide the court, case number, status, date filed, and date closed, if applicable. The Department reserves the right to request additional information, as needed, to determine a Respondent’s Responsibility pursuant to section 287.012(25), F.S.

1. Within the past 5 years, has the Respondent been subject to criminal judgments or administrative actions? ☐ Yes ☐ No

2. Within the past 5 years, has the Respondent been suspended or barred from participation in any competitive process or contract award? ☐ Yes ☐ No

3. Within the past 5 years, has the Respondent had any licenses or certifications required for this Scope suspended, revoked, or canceled? ☐ Yes ☐ No

4. Within the past 5 years, has the Respondent had any contracts or agreements terminated for cause? ☐ Yes ☐ No

5. Within the past 5 years, has the Respondent been the subject of bankruptcy proceedings? ☐ Yes ☐ No

Rev. 2/22/22

Conflict of Interest Disclosure PUR 1001, section 6, Conflict of Interest, states:

This solicitation is subject to chapter 112 of the Florida Statutes. Respondents shall disclose with their response the name of any officer, director, employee, or other agent who is also an employee of the State. Respondents shall also disclose the name of any State employee who owns, directly or indirectly, an interest of five percent (5%) or more in the Respondent or its affiliates.

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