Lobbyist_-_State_and_Federal_(Addendum_#1_Revision).pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

PD 25-26.075

LOBBYIST - STATE AND FEDERAL

Escambia County

213 Palafox Place

Pensacola, FL 32502-5822

RELEASE DATE: May 29, 2026

DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS: June 12, 2026

RESPONSE DEADLINE: June 29, 2026, 10:30 am

RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO:

https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/escambiacountyfl https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/%7bproject.government.code%7d

Escambia County

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Lobbyist - State and Federal

1. Introduction

2. Scope of Work

3. Solicitation Terms and Conditions 3+1+1

4. General Terms and Conditions

5. Standard Insurance Requirements and Certificates

6. Professional Errors and Omissions

7. Endorsements/Additional Insurance to Consider

8. Professional Liability

9. Evidence/Certificates of Insurance

10. Vendor Submissions

11. Evaluation Process

12. Evaluation Criteria

Request For Proposal #PD 25-26.075 Title: Lobbyist - State and Federal

1. Introduction

1.1. Summary

The Board of County Commissioners of Escambia County (County) is seeking the Professional Services of a Lobbyist with regard to any matters in which the County may need such services before the Florida

Legislature, state and federal officials and administrative agencies, the Florida Governor and Cabinet, and the U.S. President and Cabinet, in whichever legal role said entities may be performing.

Proposals to act, as Lobbyist, for the County shall be designed to portray how to complete the range of services available through the firm that may best assist the County. The proposer chosen by the County as its Lobbyist agrees to be available at all times upon reasonable request to meet with the Board of

County Commissioners, the County’s staff, and other consultants in order to perform the responsibilities of Lobbyist.

1.2. Contact Information

Angela Jones

Senior Purchasing Coordinator

213 Palafox

2nd Floor

Pensacola, FL 32502

Email: ajjones@myescambia.com

Phone: (850) 595-4953

Department:

Purchasing

1.3. Timeline

Release Project Date May 29, 2026

Question Submission Deadline June 12, 2026, 2:00pm mailto:ajjones@myescambia.com tel:(850)595-4953

Submission Deadline June 29, 2026, 10:30am

Office of Purchasing

213 Palafox Pl 2nd Floor

Pensacola, FL 32502

OR

MS Teams https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/259834875733

222?p=aWRT1AStfqdHexWpFU

Meeting ID: 259 834 875 733 222

Passcode: WW7tM3wZ

Dial in by phone

+1 863-333-5817,,318632430# United States, Lakeland

Find a local number

Phone conference ID: 318 632 430#

2. Scope of Work

2.1. Scope of Work

The Consultant will represent the County before the Governor, Cabinet/Constitutional Officers, Florida

State Legislature, including its committees, state agencies, the U.S. President and Cabinet, U.S.

Legislature, including its committees, and federal agencies . The goal of such representation will be to secure legislation and funding for programs and projects that have been identified by the County as priorities.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities of the Consultant include, but are not limited to:

a) The Consultant will communicate and provide a monthly progress report to the County

Administrator (or designated staff) who will be available to communicate the Board of County

Commissioners’ priorities and provide background information/data to assist the Consultant in advancing the County’s efforts.

b) Alert the County at the earliest time of pending appropriations or actions that will impact the

County and its funding posture.

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/259834875733222?p=aWRT1AStfqdHexWpFU https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/259834875733222?p=aWRT1AStfqdHexWpFU

c) To the highest degree possible, the Consultant will represent the County’s interest in securing state and federal assistance for various funding aspects -- including technical assistance, planning and design, infrastructure, and services -- in all areas within the state and federal jurisdiction.

d) Assist in establishing meetings with Governor, Cabinet/Constitutional Officers, state legislators, U.S. legislators, U.S. President/Cabines, appropriate staff or state and federal agency members to facilitate information exchange or soliciting their aid and advice on matters impacting the County.

e) The Consultant shall advocate positions before the State Legislature, its committees and agencies, and Federal Legislature, its committees and agencies, that are beneficial to the County as well as oppose harmful measures, in particular the following:

i. Any State and Federal legislation which passes additional cost burdens on the County

▪ Medicaid

▪ Criminal justice

▪ Environmental issues

▪ FRS

▪ Unfunded mandates

ii. Transportation Funding Alternatives

iii. Economic Development Incentives

iv. Transit

v. Health Insurance

vi. Preemptions that cause loss of revenue

Revisions:

During negotiations, the County may suggest revisions to this Scope of Service, highlighting or de-emphasizing certain facets or activities, as the County’s priorities emerge, and new information becomes available.

Specific Performance

Perform as a lobbyist for the County, managing the activities in accordance with County direction, and provide the full scope of lobbyist services in representing the County in matters where such representation is needed by County. The Successful Provider will:

a) Communicate directly with the County Administrator (or designee) to secure sponsors for proposed bills or amendments to State and Federal law.

b) Required attendance at State and Federal Legislature (including, but not limited to, committee meetings and sessions) where appropriations of importance to the County are being discussed. Request attendance of County Staff (County Administrator, Assistant County

Administrator, the Board of County Commissioners or their designees) to travel to meetings to assist if needed.

c) Attend State and Federal agency meetings, when necessary, to monitor rule making proceedings.

d) Provide the County, through the County Administrator (or designee) with a weekly update on issues of importance to the County during sessions including calendars of hearings and meetings discussing County issues and providing the County with an after-session report.

e) Provide the County, through the County Administrator (or designee) with a monthly summary of legislative activities on behalf of the County in non-session months.

f) Travel to the County, as necessary, to meet with the staff and the Board in the development, review, and follow-up of legislative issues (twice per year). Travel other than the two annual required trips will be reimbursed in accordance with §112.061, Florida Statutes (2010). (The

County intends to utilize video and phone conference systems as much as possible.)

g) Pursue major funding opportunities and investigate other opportunities. Consultant shall research and provide information to the County on existing and emerging legislation, availability of funding, distribution of funding, techniques to be used by the County to capitalize on opportunities, and examples of successful local government applications.

h) If possible, identify criteria for eligibility, which may include replacing or modifying existing requests.

i) Monitor legislation and forward pertinent information to the County Administrator (or designee) for distribution to appropriate staff on a weekly basis.

j) Explore rollover funding in all programs through the end of the current fiscal year. Even in cases where there are no funds identified or obligated for a particular project or program, the

Consultant may recommend submitting a project for review and following the project through the appropriations process to identify potential funding.

k) Demonstrate a keen understanding of County priorities, policy objectives, project merits and supporting data.

l) Research and gather socioeconomic and other information to support the County’s issues, to heighten the state and federal government’s awareness that the County has significant and demonstrated needs.

m) The Consultant’s goal shall be to secure funding for priority projects identified by the County, with the support and assistance of County staff and the Board of County Commissioners, and facilitated by Consultant’s vital connections with appropriate state agencies, elected officials and staff.

2.2. INFORMATION REQUIRED FROM SUBMITTERS ALL RESPONSES SHALL

INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

FORMAT AND CONTENT

The County discourages overly lengthy and costly responses; however, in order for the County to evaluate qualifications fairly and completely, submitters should follow the format set out herein and provide all of the information requested.

Responses shall include the complete name and address of their firm and the name, mailing address, and telephone number of the person the County should contact regarding the submittal of qualifications.

REQUIREMENTS

The following information shall be submitted:

Tab 1 - Qualifications

The firm selected will be an established, experienced organization with a strong history of representing large County governments to the Governor, Cabinet/Constitutional Officers, the State Legislature, President/Cabinet, Federal Legislature, and state and federal agencies to secure funding and influence the enactment of beneficial appropriations on the behalf of its clients.

Provide a statement of the firm’s qualifications. Explain how the firm is organized and how its resources will be utilized on the County's behalf. Include, as a minimum:

a) Staff - Names, resumes, professional credentials, experience, and a list of local, state and federal elected officials with which those who will actually perform the services for this account have direct access relative to this solicitation. This information shall also be submitted for any sub-consultants.

b) Firm - Include a summary of work and professional experience relative to the Scope of

Services and documented relative experience.

c) List of all current Florida Public Entity clients and contract amounts. Include entity's contact person, telephone number and e-mail address.

d) The firm's local availability and degree of accessibility to Pensacola, Florida.

e) Permission to contact represented entities to discuss firm's performance.

f) Any other qualifications and experience which you consider to be significant, innovative, or otherwise relevant to the County's consideration of the firm in regard to this solicitation, including activities and positions held in state and national professional organizations.

Tab 2 - Experience With Other Governmental Entities

Provide specific examples of successes with U.S. President/Cabinet, Governor, Cabinet/Constitutional

Officers, State and Federal Legislature, state and federal agencies to include but not limited to the following: attracting and highlighting new funding sources, special projects and identifying opportunities to increase client's exposure.

Tab 3 - Technical Approach

a) Provide a brief description of the firm’s approach to its lobbying process.

b) Select one of the following two examples of representative tasks the County may ask the lobbyist to accomplish in the state/federal and within the appropriate agency on its behalf. For the example selected, describe in detail the specific actions the firm would take to accomplish the objective, including all actions up to enactment of legislation. This shall include the persons the lobbyist would contact, meetings to be attended, and all other actions the lobbyist would take.

Example 1: How your firm can by process work to compete for project funding or secure appropriations for the following types of County projects:

• Infrastructure

• Highways

• Environmental

• FEMA related

Example 2: Identify the process and tools you will use to monitor critical issues and how you communicate with your client and implement a strategy to be aggressive for each and all issues, projects and requests.

TAB 4 - Vendor Submission Documents

3. Solicitation Terms and Conditions 3+1+1

3.1. Solicitation Terms and Conditions

Submission of a bid in accordance with these Terms and Conditions and the General Terms and

Conditions provided in Section IV below constitutes a binding offer from the bidder. The Terms and

Conditions incorporated herein will become a part of the written agreement between the parties.

Pre-Bid Inquiries

Submission of a proposal in accordance with these Terms and Conditions and the General Terms and

Conditions provided in Section IV below constitutes a binding offer from the respondent. The Terms and

Conditions incorporated herein will become a part of the written agreement between the parties.

Pre-Proposal Inquiries

All inquiries concerning the solicitation, including, but not limited to, the scope of work, specifications, additional requirements, attachments, general or supplemental terms and conditions, must be submitted to the Office of Purchasing through the e-procurement portal hosted by OpenGov.

All questions or inquiries must be received no later than the last day for questions stated on the cover page of the solicitation. Any modification to the solicitation documents will be in the form of a written addendum issued by the County not less than five (5) days prior to the date and time of solicitation closing. Addenda will be provided to each respondent via email and will be posted to the Escambia

County website at Escambia County Solicitations

(https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/escambiacountyfl). Such written addenda or modification shall be part of the solicitation documents and shall be binding upon each respondent. Each respondent is required to submit with the proposal a written acknowledgment to confirm receipt of any and all addenda. No respondent may rely upon any verbal modification to or interpretation of the solicitation https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/escambiacountyfl documents, and no interpretation shall be considered binding unless provided in writing by the Office of

Purchasing as provided in this provision.

Examination of Documents and Site

Before submitting a proposal, the Respondents shall familiarize themselves with the nature and extent of the work and any local conditions that may in any manner affect the work to be done and the equipment, materials, and labor required. Respondent shall also examine all drawings, specifications, addenda, and other relevant documents to be thoroughly informed regarding any and all conditions and requirements that may in any manner affect the work to be performed under the contract.

Preparation of Proposal

The Proposal shall be based upon the completion of the Scope of Work according to the drawings and specifications, together with all addenda thereto. The proposal must be executed by an individual listed as an authorized representative with the records on file with the Florida Division of Corporations website (Sunbiz) with the principal address provided below the signature. The proposal shall include evidence of respondent’s authority and qualification to do business in the State of Florida.

As applicable, a state contractor license # for the State of Florida shall also be included in the proposal, and Respondent shall be licensed in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 489, Florida Statutes.

Recommended Proposal Preparation Guidelines

All respondents shall provide a straightforward and concise description of their ability to meet the proposal requirements. The proposal shall clearly show the technical approach to include work tasks, estimated time phasing and the proposed approach. The County discourages overly lengthy or costly proposals, all proposals shall be submitted in one electronic file.

Integrity of Documents

Respondents shall use the original solicitation documents in the format provided by the Escambia

County Office of Purchasing and enter information only in the spaces where a response is requested.

Submittal of Proposal

A proposal shall be submitted no later than the date and time prescribed in the Request for Proposal and shall be accompanied by all required documents. It is the respondent’s responsibility to ensure that its proposal is delivered at the proper time.

Each submittal shall include all the items listed in the Vendor Submissions section.

Identification of Subconsultants/Changes After the Fact

After submitting a proposal in response to this solicitation, respondents are prohibited from substituting, modifying, or amending the sub-consultants identified in the submittal at any time during the course of the solicitation process up to the final award of contract and including question and answer sessions, presentations or technical clarifications and submittals as may be required by the

Review/Selection Committee. A substitution or addition of sub-consultants or any other material https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/escambiacountyfl/projects/270116?section=undefined changes to the submittal after the initial response will cause the submittal to be invalid for review and selection purposes.

Withdrawal of Submittals

Any respondent may withdraw its submittal, either personally or by written request, at any time prior to the scheduled time for opening submittals. Requests to alter or withdraw an offer must be submitted in writing to the Purchasing Director. Submittals may not be altered or unilaterally withdrawn by the respondent after the scheduled time for submittal opening. All offers not so withdrawn shall constitute an irrevocable offer and will remain subject to acceptance or rejection by the County for a period of 90 calendar days.

Proposal to Remain Subject to Acceptance

All proposals will remain subject to acceptance or rejection by Escambia County for ninety (90) calendar days after opening Submittals.

Conditional or Incomplete Proposals

Escambia County specifically reserves the right to reject any conditional or incomplete proposal.

Addition/Deletion of Item(s)

The County reserves the right to add or delete any item from this solicitation or resulting contract when deemed to be in the County’s best interest.

Changes to Specification

Specifications are based on the most current literature available. The Office of Purchasing must be notified in writing of any proposed changes to the manufacturer’s specifications, including, but not limited to, materials used, manufacturing process, or construction, that conflict with the specifications provided in the solicitation. Proposed changes must be explained in detail along with a copy of the relevant manufacturer’s specifications. Proposed changes to the specifications provided in the solicitation shall not be binding upon the County unless evidenced by a Change Notice issued and signed by the Purchasing Director. Should Respondent fail to comply with this provision, Respondent will be liable for any costs incurred by the County to comply with the specifications provided in the solicitation.

Disqualification of Respondents

Any of the following reasons may be considered as sufficient for the disqualification of a respondent and the rejection of its proposal:

• Submission of more than one proposal for the same work from an individual, firm, or corporation under the same or different name. Evidence that the respondent has a financial interest in the firm of another respondent for the same work.

• Evidence of collusion among respondents. Participants in such collusion will receive no recognition as respondents for any future work of the County until such participant has been reinstated as a qualified respondent.

• Uncompleted work which in the judgment of the County might hinder or prevent the prompt completion of additional work if awarded.

• Failure to pay or satisfactorily settle all bills due for labor and material on contracts in effect at the time of issuing the solicitation or default under a previous contract.

• Listing of the respondent by any Local, State or Federal Government/Agency on its debarred/suspended vendor list.

Investigation of Respondent

The County may make such investigations, as it deems necessary to determine the stability of the respondent to perform the work and that there is no conflict of interest as it relates to the project. The respondent shall furnish to the County any additional information and financial data for this purpose as the County may request.

Negotiations

Should negotiations be required, the contents of the proposal of the successful firm shall become a basis for contractual negotiations.

Evaluation of Proposals and Award of Contract

Escambia County will review all proposals and will provide the recommendation to award to the County

Administrator, and the Board of County Commissioners. The County will award the proposal to the most responsive and responsible firm(s). The County reserves the right to award the proposal to the respondent submitting a responsive proposal with a resulting negotiated agreement which is most advantageous and in the best interest of the County, and to reject any and all proposals or to waive any irregularity or technicality in proposals received. Escambia County shall be the sole judge of the proposal and the resulting negotiated agreement that is in its best interest and its decision shall be final.

Escambia County reserves its right to reject any or all Proposals, including without limitation nonconforming, nonresponsive, unbalanced, or conditional Proposals. The County further reserves the right to reject the Proposal of any Respondent whom it finds after reasonable inquiry and evaluation to not be responsible. In evaluating Respondents, the County may consider the qualifications of

Respondents and may consider the qualifications and experience of Subcontractors, Suppliers, and other individuals or entities proposed for those portions of the Work for which the identity of Subcontractors, Suppliers, and other individuals or entities must be submitted as a part of the Proposal.

Escambia County reserves the right to waive any informalities or reject any and all submissions, in whole or part, to utilize any applicable state contracts in lieu of or in addition to this solicitation, and to accept the proposal that in its judgment will best serve the interest of the County.

Award

Multiple awards will be made based upon responsibility and responsiveness to the needs of the

County. It is the intent of the County to place Purchase/Task Orders with the responsive and responsible bidders who can provide the services based upon the needs of the County at the time.

Contract Term

A. The contract resulting from this solicitation shall commence effective upon execution by both parties and extend for a period of Thirty-Six (36). The contract may be renewed for two (2) additional twelve (12) month periods, up to a maximum Sixty (60) months total upon mutual agreement of both parties. If any such renewal results in changes in the terms or conditions, such changes shall be reduced to writing as an amendment to the contract and such addendum shall be executed by both parties and approved by the Board of County Commissioners.

B. Renewal of the contract shall be subject to appropriation of funds by the Board of County

Commissioners.

C. The initiating County department(s) shall issue release (purchase) orders against the term contract on an “as needed” basis.

D. The contract may be canceled by the awarded firm, for good cause, upon ninety (90) days prior written notice.

E. The County retains the right to terminate the contract, with or without good cause, upon (30) days prior written notice.

F. In the event of termination by either party as provided herein, the awarded firm shall be paid for services performed through the date of termination.

Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (Not applicable to Lump Sum Agreements)

After exercising all options to renew, if it is determined that interim performance is necessary to allow for the solicitation and award of new contract, the County may extend this Agreement for up to an additional six (6) months. The County shall provide written notice to the

Contractor no later than thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the last one (1) year renewal period. The exercise of the option shall be for the period specified and for the prices listed on the bid form. All other terms and conditions of the contract shall apply to the option periods.

Form of Agreement

The Contract form shall be provided by the Office of Purchasing. The successful respondent shall, within

5 days after receipt of the Notice of Award and the contract forms or documents, sign and deliver to the

County Legal Office all required contract documents. Failure to execute the contract within such period shall constitute a default, and the county may award the contract to the next responsive and responsible proposal or re-solicit and charge against the respondent the difference between the amount of the offer and the amount for which a contract is subsequently executed, irrespective of whether the amount due exceeds the amount of the bid surety. The awarded respondent shall also deliver the policies of insurance or insurance certificate as required. All insurance documents shall be approved by Escambia

County Risk Manager before the successful respondent may proceed with the work.

Indemnification

Offeror agrees to save harmless, indemnify, and defend County and their elected and appointed officials, agents, officers and employees from any and all claims, losses, penalties, interest, demands, judgements, and costs of suit, including attorneys' fees and paralegals' fees, for any expense, damage or liability incurred by any of them, whether for personal injury, death, property damage, direct or consequential damages, or economic loss, including environmental impairment, arising directly or indirectly on account of or in connection with the work performed by Offeror under this Agreement or by any person, firm or corporation to whom any portion of the Work is subcontracted Offeror; or resulting from the use by Offeror, or by any one for whom

Offeror is legally liable, of any materials, tools, machinery or other property of County.

County and Offeror agree the first $100.00 of the Contract Amount paid by County to Offeror shall be given as separate consideration for this indemnification, and any other indemnification of County by

Offeror provided for within the Contract Documents, the sufficiency of such separate consideration being acknowledged by Offeror by Offeror’s acceptance and execution of the Agreement.

The Offeror's obligation shall not be limited by, or in any way to, any insurance coverage or by any provision in or exclusion or omission from any policy of insurance. The Offeror agrees to pay on behalf of

Escambia County, as well as provide a legal defense for the County, both of which will be done only when requested by the County, for all claims made. Such payment on behalf of the County shall be in addition to all other legal remedies available to the County and shall not be the County's exclusive remedy.

4. General Terms and Conditions

Any and all Supplemental Terms and Conditions and specifications referenced within the solicitation that vary from these General Terms and Conditions shall have precedence. Submission of an offer in accordance with these General Terms and Conditions and Supplemental Terms and Conditions constitutes a binding offer from the offeror. The terms and conditions incorporated herein will become a part of the written agreement between the parties.

Prospective offerors may utilize the Office of Purchasing Home Page to obtain Vendor Information and

Solicitation Information, including Bid/Proposal Tabulations, Recommended Award(s), etc. In order to participate in a solicitation, offerors must establish an account via the e-procurement portal of the

County’s vendor management software hosted by OpenGov. Once the vendor registration is completed, the offeror will receive all notifications relating to the relevant solicitation via e-mail to the address registered with the account.

1. Sealed Solicitations: All solicitation forms shall be executed and submitted in the e-procurement portal of the County’s vendor management software. The file name shall contain the solicitation number and title and the contractor/vendor’s name. All solicitations are subject to the terms and conditions specified herein. Solicitation offers which do not comply with these terms and conditions are subject to rejection.

2. Execution of Solicitation: Solicitation forms shall be manually or electronically signed by an authorized representative in the space provided. Persons signing on behalf of a corporate entity must be identified as President or Vice President with the records on file with the Florida Division of Corporations or otherwise authorized by corporate resolution of the Board of Directors.

Persons signing on behalf of a limited liability company must be identified as a managing member or other authorized representative with the records on file with the Florida Division of

Corporations.

3. No Offer: If not submitting an offer, respond by selecting the “NO BID” option in the e-procurement portal of the County’s vendor management software, specify the reason in the drop-down menu, and confirm the “NO BID” before the expiration of the Submission Deadline.

4. Conduct of Participants: The following policy will apply to all solicitations:

Conduct of Participants.

After the issuance of any solicitation, all bidders/proposers/protestors, or individuals action on their behalf are hereby prohibited from lobbying as defined herein or otherwise attempting to persuade or influence any elected County official, their agents or employees, or any member of the relevant Selection Committee at any time during the blackout period as defined herein;

provided, however, nothing herein shall prohibit bidders/proposers/ protestors or individuals acting on their behalf from communicating with the purchasing staff concerning a pending solicitation unless otherwise provided for in the solicitation or unless otherwise directed by the

Purchasing Director.

Definitions.

Blackout Period means the period between the time the bids/proposals for Invitations to Bid or the Request for Proposal, or Qualification, or Information, or Request for Letters of Interest, or the Invitation to Negotiate, as applicable, are received at the Escambia County Office of

Purchasing, and the time the Board awards the Contract and any resulting bid protest is resolved or the solicitation is otherwise cancelled.

Lobbying means the attempt to influence the thinking of elected County officials, their agents or employees, or any member of the relevant Selection Committee, for or against a specific cause related to a pending solicitation.

5. Additional Terms and Conditions: No additional terms and conditions included with the offer will be considered, and any and all such additional terms and conditions shall have no force and effect and are inapplicable to this solicitation. It is understood and agreed that the General and

Supplemental Terms and Conditions in this solicitation are the only terms and conditions applicable to this solicitation, and the contractor’s authorized signature affixed to the offer attests to this.

6. Mistakes: Contractors are expected to examine the specifications, delivery schedule, solicitation prices, extensions, and all instructions pertaining to supplies and services described in the solicitation. Failure to do so will be at contractor’s risk. In the event of an error in the extension of the unit price, the unit price will govern.

7. Prices: All offers shall include firm unit prices that include all packing, handling, shipping charges, and delivery to any point within Escambia County, Florida.

8. Discounts: Discounts for prompt payments shall not be considered when determining the lowest net cost for solicitation evaluation purposes except in cases of tie solicitations.

9. Product Literature: Offeror shall provide a copy of any relevant product literature and price list(s) with the offer.

10. Abnormal Quantities: Should any unusual or abnormal quantity requirements arise, the County reserves the right to solicit separate offers as a multiple award.

11. Additional Quantities: For a period not exceeding one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of the offer, the County reserves the right to purchase additional quantities at the prices offered in this solicitation. If additional quantities are not acceptable, the contractor must specify “OFFER

IS FOR SPECIFIED QUANTITY ONLY”.

12. Approved Equivalents: Any manufacturer’s name, trade name, brand name, information and/or catalog numbers listed in a specification are for information and not intended to limit competition. The contractor may offer any brand for which it is an authorized representative that meets or exceeds the specifications for any item(s). Customary measurements appearing in these specifications are not intended to preclude offers for commodities with metric measurements. If an offer includes equivalent products, indicate the manufacturer’s name and number. The contractor shall submit with its offer applicable cuts, sketches, and descriptive literature and/or complete specifications. Reference to literature submitted with a previous solicitation will not satisfy this provision. Escambia County reserves the right to determine acceptance of item(s) as an approved equivalent. Offers that do not comply with these requirements are subject to rejection.

13. Nonconformance to Specifications: Items may be tested for compliance with the contract specifications by a testing laboratory acceptable to the County. The County may require the contractor to reimburse all costs incurred by the County in connection with the examination or testing of the commodity, including costs relating to transporting the commodity samples to the testing site, actual test costs, personnel costs and other applicable costs should the items fail testing. The data derived from any tests for compliance with the contract specifications are public records and open to examination in accordance with Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. Items delivered that do not conform to the contract specifications may be rejected and returned at contractor’s expense. These items and items not timely delivered by the delivery date specified in the solicitation and/or purchase order may result in the contractor being found in default, in which event, any and all re-procurement costs may be charged against the defaulting contractor.

Any violation of these stipulations may also result in contractor’s name being removed from the

Office of Purchasing registered vendor list, and the County not doing business with the contractor until such time as the County has been reimbursed for all re-procurement costs.

14. Service and Warranty: Unless otherwise specified, the offeror shall define any warranty service and replacements that will be provided at no cost to the County during and subsequent to the contract term.

15. Condition and Packaging: All items shall be a new, current standard production model available at the time of the solicitation. All containers shall be suitable for storage or shipment, and all prices shall include standard commercial packaging.

16. Safety Standards: Unless otherwise stipulated in the solicitation, all manufactured items and fabricated assemblies shall comply with applicable requirements, standards, and regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA).

17. Delivery: Delivery shall be Monday through Friday during regular business hours, excluding

County designated holidays, unless otherwise specified. Unless a date is specified, contractor must provide the number of days required to make delivery after receipt of purchase order. The

County may utilize delivery time as a factor for recommending the award.

18. Inspection, Acceptance and Title: Inspection and acceptance will be at “the place of destination” unless otherwise provided. Title and risk of loss or damage to all items shall be the responsibility of the contractor until accepted by the County, unless loss or damage results from negligence by the County. The contractor shall be responsible for filing, processing, and collecting all damage claims.

19. Samples: Samples of items shall be furnished at no expense to the County. If not destroyed and upon written request, samples will be returned at the contractor’s expense. Each sample shall be labeled with the contractor’s name, manufacturer’s brand name, and serial number (as appropriate), solicitation number, and item reference. Requests to return samples must be received within 10 days after the solicitation opening date and must be accompanied by instructions with the applicable shipping authorization number and name of carrier. If instructions are not received, sample items become the sole property of the County and may be disposed of at the County’s discretion.

20. Protests: Any actual bidder/proposer who is aggrieved in connection with a pending award may submit a protest in writing to the Purchasing Director within two business days after the posting of the award recommendation as provided in Sec. 46-100, Escambia County Code of Ordinances.

21. Solicitation Expenses: The County accepts no responsibility for any expenses incurred by the offeror in the solicitation preparation and submittal as well as any other requirements as may be specified in the solicitation. All such expenses are borne solely by the offeror.

22. Taxes: Escambia County does not pay Federal Excise and Sales taxes on direct purchases of tangible personal property. See exemption number on face of purchase order. This exemption does not apply to the purchases of tangible personal property by contractors who use the tangible personal property in the performance of contracts for the improvement of County owned real property.

23. Invoicing and Payment: Payments shall be made in accordance with the Local Government

Prompt Payment Act, §§218.70, et seq., Florida Statutes, as amended.

24. Improper Invoice; Resolution of Disputes: Improper invoices for construction services and non-construction services will be processed in accordance with Sections 218.735(2)-(5) and

218.736(1), Florida Statutes, respectively. In the event a dispute occurs between a contractor and the County concerning payment of an original invoice, such dispute shall be finally determined by the County pursuant to the County’s Dispute Resolution Procedure established in accordance with

Section 218.76(2), Florida Statutes.

25. Conflict of Interest: The offeror represents that it presently has no interest and shall acquire no interest, either direct or indirect, which would conflict in any manner with the performance of services required hereunder. The offeror further represents that no person having any such interest shall be employed by it during the agreement term and any extensions. The offeror shall promptly notify the Purchasing Director, in writing, of any potential conflict of interest which may influence or appear to influence the contractor’s judgment or quality of services.

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

27. Code of Ethics; Gifts: The award hereunder is subject to the provisions of Chapter 112, Part III, Florida Statutes, regarding the Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees, and the Escambia

County Code of Ethics Policy. Contractors are required to promptly disclose to the Purchasing

Director any gifts or gratuities offered to or solicited by any County employee or public officer.

The right of the contractor to proceed may be terminated by the County if, after notice and hearing, the Purchasing Director determines that the contractor, its agent, or another representative offered or gave a gratuity, including, but not limited to, money, services, travel, entertainment, or gifts to an officer, official, or employee of the County under circumstances where it may be reasonably inferred that the action of the contractor was intended to obtain a contract or favorable treatment under a contract. If the resulting contract is terminated under this clause, the County will be entitled to pursue all available legal remedies, including an action for breach of contract. The rights and remedies of the County provided in this clause shall not be exclusive and are in addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law or under the contract.

28. Governmental Restrictions: In the event any governmental restrictions may be imposed which would necessitate alteration of the material, quality, workmanship, or performance of the items prior to delivery, it shall be the responsibility of the contractor to provide written notice to the

Office of Purchasing identifying the applicable restrictions or regulation(s) that necessitate the alteration. The County reserves the right to accept any such alteration, including any price adjustments occasioned thereby, or to cancel the contract at no further expense to the County.

29. Legal Requirements: This solicitation shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the

Escambia County Purchasing Ordinance, and all applicable laws and regulations of the State of

Florida and the Escambia County Code of Ordinances shall apply to any resulting contract.

Applicable provisions of all federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations shall govern development, submittal, and evaluation of all offers received in response hereto and shall govern any and all claims and disputes which may arise regarding this solicitation or any resulting contract; and lack of knowledge by any offeror shall not constitute a cognizable defense against the legal effect thereof.

30. Compliance with Laws: The contractor agrees to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, policies, or guidelines related to this offer and the performance of any resulting contract, including, but not limited to, the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act

(ADA), the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

Act, and the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, as amended, (8 U.S.C.A.

§1324a).

31. Patents and Royalties: In addition to any other indemnification obligation, the contractor shall hold harmless, indemnify and defend the County and its officers, agents, and employees from liability of any nature or kind, including cost and expenses for or on account of any copyrighted, patented, or unpatented invention, process, or article manufactured or supplied by the offeror.

The contractor has no liability when such claim is solely and exclusively due to the combination, operation or use of any article supplied hereunder with equipment or data not supplied by contractor or is based solely and exclusively upon the County’s alteration of the article. The

County will provide prompt written notification of a claim of copyright or patent infringement and will afford the contractor full opportunity to defend the action and control the defense. Further, if such a claim is made or is pending, the contractor may, at its option and expense, procure the right to continue use of, replace or modify the article to render it non-infringing. (If none of the alternatives are reasonably available, the County agrees to return the article on request to the contractor and receive reimbursement, if any, as may be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.) If the contractor uses any design, device, or materials covered by letters, patent or copyright, it is mutually agreed and understood that the offered prices shall include all royalties or costs arising from the use of such design, device, or materials in any way involved in the work.

32. Public Records: Any documents submitted in response to this solicitation may be subject to disclosure pursuant to the provisions of Florida’s Public Records Act, Chapter 119, Florida

Statutes. contractor waives any claim of confidentiality upon submission of its offer. Records that are exempt or exempt and confidential will not be disclosed to any third-party except as authorized by law. Pursuant to Section 119.071 (1)(b)-2., Florida Statutes, sealed bids, proposals, or replies received by the County pursuant to a competitive solicitation are exempt from public disclosure until such time as the County provides notice of an intended decision or until 30 days after opening the bids, proposals, or final replies, whichever is earlier.

33. Equal Employment Opportunity: In the performance of the contract, the contractor shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or physical handicap.

34. Contractor Personnel: The County shall, throughout the term of the contract, have the right of reasonable rejection and approval of staff or subcontractors assigned to the work by the contractor. If the County reasonably rejects staff or subcontractors, the contractor shall provide replacement staff or subcontractors satisfactory to the County in a timely manner and at no additional cost to the County. The day- to-day supervision and control of the contractor’s employees and subcontractors is the sole responsibility of the contractor. Contractors who are suspended or debarred are prohibited from subcontracting.

35. Public Entity Crimes: Pursuant to Section 287.133(2), Florida Statutes, a person or affiliate who has been placed on the convicted vendor list following a conviction for a public entity crime may not submit an offer on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity, may not submit an offer on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work, may not submit offers on leases of real property to a public entity, may not be awarded or perform work as a contractor, supplier, subcontractor, or consultant under a contract with any public entity, and may not transact business with any public entity in excess of the threshold amount provided in Section 287.017, F.S., for Category Two for a period of 36 months from the date of being placed on the convicted vendor list. The Sworn Statement on Public Entity

Crimes must be completed and submitted with the offer. Information as provided may be verified through the State of Florida.

36. Scrutinized Companies: Pursuant to Section 287.135, Florida Statutes, a company is ineligible to bid or submit a proposal for, or enter into or renew a contract for goods or services of any amount if the company is on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List, created pursuant to

Section 215.4725, or is engage in a boycott of Israel or bid on submit a proposal for, or enter into or renew a contract for goods or services of one million dollars or more if on the Scrutinized

Companies with activities in Sudan List or the Scrutinized Companies with activities in the Iran

Petroleum Energy Sector List, created pursuant to Section 215.473 or is engaged in business operations in Cuba or Syria. The Scrutinized Companies Certification must be completed and submitted with the offer. If contractor is found to have submitted a false certification or subsequently fails to maintain compliance, the contract may be terminated for cause.

37. Prohibition Against Considering Social, Political, Ideological Interests: Pursuant to Section

287.05701, Florida Statutes, the County will not request documentation of or consider a vendor’s social, political, or ideological interests when determining if the vendor is a responsible vendor.

In addition, the County may not give preference to any vendor based on the social, political, or ideological interests of the vendor.

38. Prohibition Against Use of Coercion for Labor and Services: In accordance with §787.06(13), Florida Statutes, Contractor shall sign and submit with its offer a Certification Regarding the Use of Coercion for Labor and Services attesting that Contractor does not use coercion for labor or services as the term is defined in §787.06(2), Florida Statutes.

39. Suspended and Debarred Vendors: Offers shall be received from only those contractors who are presently in good standing on the County’s vendor list. By submitting an offer, the contractor certifies that it is not currently suspended or debarred from submitting offers for contracts issued by any political subdivision or agency of the State of Florida or the federal government; and that it is not an agent of a person or entity that is currently suspended or debarred from submitting offers for contracts issued by any political subdivision or agency of the State of Florida or the federal government.

40. Drug-Free Workplace: Pursuant to Section 287.087, Florida Statutes, whenever two or more offers that are equal with respect to price, quality, and service are received by the County for the purchase of commodities or contractual services, an offer received from a business that certifies it has implemented a Drug-Free Workplace Program shall be given preference in the award process.

41. License and Certifications: Before submitting an offer, the offeror shall have met the applicable licensing, certification, and any other requirements of the state, county, city and/or other agency of authority with jurisdiction in such matters and must provide copies of documentation which evidence such qualifications with the response to this solicitation, and the offeror shall maintain such credentials throughout the term of the contract.