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

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Project #: LOI 26-098

LOI 26-098 CODE COMPLIANCE SPECIAL MASTER AND ALTERNATE SPECIAL

MASTER SERVICES

Bid Due Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 @ 2:00 pm

Issue Invitation to Submit March 7, 2026

Letter of Interest submittal Due Date and

Time

March 24, 2026, 2:00pm

Public Opening Date and Time via

Microsoft Teams (Non-Mandatory)

March 24, 2026, 2:15pm

Microsoft Teams meeting Meeting ID: 238 616 977 132 53 Passcode: qZ9af3iS

Board Approval of Selection and Award

(subject to change)

April 14, 2026

CITRUS COUNTY, FLORIDA

A political subdivision of the State of Florida

Department of Management & Budget

3600 W. Sovereign Path, Suite 266

Lecanto, FL 34461

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION

2. REQUIREMENTS

3. LETTER OF INTEREST SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS AND FORMAT

4. TERM OF AGREEMENT

5. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

6. SCOPE OF SERVICES

7. RESPONDENT RESPONSES

8. EXHIBITS

Attachments:

A - Chapter 162 F.S.

B - Land Development Code

C - Citrus County Florida Code of Ordinances, Chapter 19, 20, 106

D - LOI 26-098 SAMPLE-Master Agreement final

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Solicitation Overview

Citrus County, Florida (“County”), Code Compliance Division is seeking the services of two (2) qualified attorneys to serve as the Special Master and an Alternate Special Master pursuant to Chapter 162, Florida Statutes, Citrus County Code, including but not limited to Chapter 19 (Citrus County Code Enforcement Ordinance), Chapter 20 (Nuisance Ordinance), and Chapter 106 (Waterways), and Land Development Code. The Special Master will perform the duties of hearing officer as provided in the Citrus County Code, hearing all cases assigned to him/her by Citrus County involving alleged violation of the various codes of Citrus County as they may be amended from time to time. The Special Master shall work with County staff and be prepared to issue, in a timely manner, findings of fact and conclusions of law consistent with the powers granted.

1.2. Background

Special Master hearings are currently held once a month on the third Wednesday of the month at 9:00am

Location of hearings:

Citrus County Courthouse, 110 N. Apopka Ave., Room 100, Inverness, FL 34450

1.3. Contact Persons

All inquiries pertaining to this Letter of Interest are to be directed to all:

Linda Morse, Purchasing & Contracts Manager, linda.morse@citrusbocc.gov

Karin McMahon, Purchasing & Contracts Specialist, Karin.mcmahon@citrusbocc.gov

Leigha Utter, Purchasing Assistant, leigha.utter@citrusbocc.gov

Saleem Mahmood, Purchasing Assistant, saleem.mahmood@citrusbocc.gov

Department of Management & Budget, Purchasing Division

3600 W. Sovereign Path, Suite 266

Lecanto, Florida, 34461

Phone: 352-527-5457

Fax: 352-527-5424

1.4. Questions/Additional Terms and Conditions/Variances/Exceptions

Respondents may submit questions about the meaning or intent of the Letter of Interest or Agreement to the website link https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl/projects/242003 in written format only and shall submit such on or before the deadline for questions listed in the Event Timeline. Interpretations or clarifications considered necessary in response to such questions will be issued by a written Addendum. Only questions answered by formal written

Addendum will be binding. Oral and other interpretations or clarifications will be without legal effect. Questions submitted shall not constitute formal protest of the specifications or of this Letter of Interest.

A written addendum, if applicable, will be issued online to OpenGov (https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl) and/or

DemandStar® websites in response to questions received as of the specified deadline in the Event Timeline.

Issues regarding any and all discrepancies, errors, or ambiguities in the Letter of Interest documents, including those noted in the Agreement shall be submitted in writing to https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl on or before deadline for questions which is listed in the Event Timeline.

2. REQUIREMENTS

mailto:linda.morse@citrusbocc.com mailto:Karin.mcmahon@citrusbocc.com mailto:leigha.utter@citrusbocc.gov mailto:saleem.mahmood@citrusbocc.gov https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl/projects/242003

a. Must be a member in good standing of the Florida Bar for a minimum of five years and shall demonstrate adequate knowledge of the Citrus County Code and Chapter 162 Part 1 and Part II, Florida Statutes.

b. Must possess a reputation in the community for integrity, responsibility and professional liability.

c. Respondent shall answer and submit all documents required in RESPONDENT RESPONSES section.

3. LETTER OF INTEREST SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS AND FORMAT

Please upload your complete Response submittal in the RESPONDENT RESPONSES section.

Submission of Letter of Interest

Electronic submittal for this Letter of Interest is to be submitted on or before Tuesday March 24, 2026, at 2:00 pm. It is the sole responsibility of the Respondent to ensure that their Letter of Interest is submitted through OpenGov Procurement no later than the time and date specified in the Solicitation or subsequent addenda. . BIDDERS MUST COMPLETE THE

INFORMATION REQUESTED IN THE RESPONDENT RESPONSES SECTION.

Letters of Interest shall be submitted through the online solicitation management portal, https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl. You may enter information and/or upload completed forms/documents using the OpenGov portal. Respondents must have registered and received an established account in advance of uploading submissions. When submitting a Letter of Interest electronically through the solicitation posting portal, please allow sufficient time to complete the online forms and upload documents. The solicitation offer will end at the closing time listed in the Event

Timeline included in this Solicitation. If you are in the middle of uploading your documents at the closing time, the system will stop the process and your offer will not be received by the system. It is recommended that the submission process be completed the day prior to the due date, with the knowledge that any changes/updates will be accepted up to the due date and time. If technical difficulties arise during submission of the Solicitation submittal, it is the submitting Bidder’s responsibility to contact OpenGov Procurement technical support. For support, click on the “Help” link on the Solicitation

Posting portal; or email procurement-support@opengov.com.

Timeliness of Letter of Interest Submittal

Letter of Interests submitted after the due date and time listed in the Event Timeline shall not be accepted. There will be no exceptions to this policy. It is the responsibility of the Respondent to ensure their Letter of Interest is uploaded by the due date and time.

Format of Letter of Interest Submittal

1. Title Page

Provide the Project # and title, the Firm’s name; the name, address, telephone number and email of the contact person;

and the date of the Response.

2. Letter of Transmittal

A transmittal letter must be provided briefly stating the Respondent’s understanding of the Services required and the

Respondent's commitment to perform the Services.

3. Resume

a. Include background of Respondent.

b. Legal career of Respondent.

c. Qualifications of Respondent.

d. Experience with Local Government and Land Use Law.

4. References

Provide three (3) references for which Respondent has provided services similar to the services requested in this solicitation over the past five (5) years. Each reference provided shall include:

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl/projects/242003/document?section=2308071 https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl/projects/242003/document?section=2308071 https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl/projects/242003/document?section=2308071 mailto:procurement-support@opengov.com

a. Client name

b. address

c. phone number

d. email address

e. description of services provided

5. Price

Please provide hourly rate for all costs associated with Services in section SCOPE OF SERVICES

4. TERM OF AGREEMENT

Term of Agreement

If award is made, an Agreement shall be executed and the duration of the Agreement shall be for a period of one (1) year, with an option to renew for four (4) additional, one (1) year periods. The renewal option will be conditioned upon satisfactory performance by Respondent and will be subject to availability of funds. The renewal option can only be exercised through mutual agreement between County and Respondent. The date that Respondent shall commence the provision of Services shall be the date on which a Purchase Order and/or a Notice to Proceed is received by Respondent.

This Agreement is not exclusive. County reserves the right to hire other individuals as Special Masters or Alternate

Special Masters during the term of this Agreement.

5. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Addenda

Any Addenda issued in relation to this Solicitation will be transmitted by way of posting such on OpenGov and the

Demand Star® e-procurement sourcing websites, which can be accessed at the following addresses:

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl.

http://www.demandstar.com/supplier/bids/agency_inc/bid_list.asp?f=search&mi=10180

It is Respondent's responsibility to be aware of any addenda that might have a bearing on their Response before the Letter of Interest is due. Respondents shall acknowledge receipt of any and all addenda in the Proposal Form. In the event a Respondent fails to acknowledge receipt of such addenda, their Letter of Interest submittal will be construed as though they have received such addenda, and the submission of a Letter of Interest will constitute acknowledgement of the receipt of same. All addenda will become a part of the Response Documents and Respondent will be bound by such, whether or not received by Respondent.

Conflict of Interest

Respondents shall disclose in their Letter of Interest the name of any officer, director, employee, or other agent who is also an employee of County. Respondents shall also disclose the name of any County employee who owns, directly or indirectly, an interest of five percent (5%) or more in Respondent's company or its affiliates.

Any Respondent who is currently involved in a contract with County or who believes that it may have a potential or actual conflict of interest regarding this solicitation shall be required to submit such information with their Letter of Interest, which shall include sufficient details regarding the actual or potential Conflict of Interest to allow County to evaluate the submittal, including but not limited to Services being performed under a current contract(s) and the Services to be performed under a

Contract awarded pursuant to this Solicitation. Failure to do so may result in an adverse determination by County. County also reserves the right to request additional information regarding such conflict of interest.

County will determine whether Respondent has a conflict of interest which will interfere with Respondent’s ability to perform the Services outlined in this Solicitation and notify Respondent of the determination.

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl/projects/242003/document?section=2308065 http://www.demandstar.com/supplier/bids/agency_inc/bid_list.asp?f=search&mi=10180

Respondent, its employees, and proposed subcontractors are prohibited from entering into any contract with County or any other governmental entity during the term of any Contract covered under this Solicitation that would create a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest with the Services noted in the Solicitation.

Rights of County

County reserves the right to debar or suspend, for no longer than three (3) years, a Respondent from any solicitation process should it be discovered that (1) Respondent was in violation of any of the issues listed in the section titled “Respondent’s

Representation And Certification” of this Solicitation, or (2) Respondent has shown a recent record of failure to perform or of unsatisfactory performance under any existing or past contracts with County; provided such failure was not caused by acts beyond the control of Respondent, or (3) County became aware of anything concerning Respondent that was found to be so serious and compelling as to affect responsibility of Respondent, including debarment or suspension by another governmental entity. County will not exercise this right until after written notice has been given to Respondent and reasonable opportunity has been given for Respondent to be heard. The decision of debarment or suspension shall be final and conclusive, unless fraudulent, or Respondent commences an action in court, or Respondent administratively appeals the decision.

Letter of Interest Evaluation and Award

County reserves the right to (1) cancel this Letter of Interest, (2) reject any or all Letter of Interest submittals, (3) waive any or all irregularities in the Letter of Interest submittals, (4) modify the Scope of the Services, or (5) disregard all nonconforming, non-responsive, unbalanced or conditional Letters of Interest, as long as such does not give Respondent an advantage or benefit not enjoyed by the other Respondents or does not adversely impact the interests of County. County reserves the right to re-advertise the Letter of Interest, when it is in the best interest of County. County also reserves the right to reject the Letter of Interest of any Respondent if County believes that it would not be in its best interest to make an award to that Respondent, whether because the Letter of Interest submittal is non-responsive, the Respondent is unqualified or of doubtful financial ability or Respondent fails to meet any other pertinent standard or criteria established by County.

In evaluating Letter of Interest submittals, the County shall consider (1) the qualifications of Respondents, (2) whether or not the Letter of Interest submittals comply with the prescribed requirements, (3) any additional terms and conditions, exceptions or variances stipulated by Respondent, and (4) price for Services.

County may conduct such investigations as County deems necessary to assist in the evaluation of any Letter of Interest and to establish the responsibility, qualifications and financial ability of Respondents to County's satisfaction. County reserves the right to seek clarification or request any information deemed necessary for proper evaluation of Letters of

Interest from all Respondents deemed eligible for contract award. Failure to provide the requested information may result in rejection of the Letter of Interest.

If award of the Letter of Interest is to be made, it shall be made to the lowest most responsive and responsible

Respondent whose evaluation by County indicates that the award will be in the best interest of County or the Project.

County shall give Successful Respondent a Notice of Intent to Award by way of e-mail, however, no contract shall be formed between Successful Respondent and County until County signs the Agreement.

Acceptance of Letter of Interest Content

The submission of a Letter of Interest shall be considered as a representation that Respondent has carefully investigated all conditions that affect, or may at some future date, affect the performance of the Services covered by this Solicitation;

and that Respondent is fully informed concerning conditions to be encountered, the character, quality, and quantity of the

Services to be performed and the materials to be furnished. In addition, Respondent is familiar with what is required to perform the Services covered by this Solicitation.

The contents of the Successful Respondent's Letter of Interest submittal shall become a contractual obligation.

Documentation Becomes Property of County

All documentation submitted in response to this Solicitation shall become the exclusive property of the

County. Documentation may not be removed by Respondent or its agents and will not be returned to Respondent.

Drug-Free Workplace

County has a “zero tolerance” policy concerning the use of drugs and alcohol in the workplace. The Successful Respondent will be required to comply with such policy and ensure that its employees follow and comply with such policy.

Public Records Act

Respondents should make themselves familiar with Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, concerning availability of public records.

Section 119.071, Florida Statutes, was amended to provide that sealed Letters of Interest or replies received by a Florida public agency shall remain exempt from disclosure until an intended decision is announced or until 30 days from the opening, whichever is earlier. This means that Respondents will not be able to procure a copy of their competitor's Letters of Interest until an intended decision is reached, or 30 days has elapsed since the time of the Letter of Interest opening. In accordance, Response documents may be viewed during normal business hours (which is Monday through Friday; 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) at 3600 W. Sovereign Path, Suite 283, Lecanto, Florida. To request copies, visit our public records request portal:

Public Records Request

Florida law generously defines what constitutes a public record and under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, all Letter of Interest submittals are to be made available by County for viewing by the general public. If a Respondent believes that their Letter of Interest contains information that should not be a public record, Respondent shall clearly segregate and mark that information as “Confidential" and describe in writing the grounds for claiming exemption from the public records law, including the specific statutory citation for such exemption. Any documents given to the Successful Respondent as part of performing the Services covered under this Solicitation shall not be sold or distributed to third parties without the written consent of County.

The Successful Respondent will be required to retain a copy of these documents for a minimum of three (3) years from completion of the Agreement. All documents, papers, letters, e-mails, or other material made or received by the Successful

Respondent in conjunction with the Services, unless exempt from Section 24(a) of Article I, Florida Constitution and Section

119.07(1), Florida Statutes, shall be made available for public access. Should the Successful Respondent refuse to allow such access, County has the unilateral right to cancel the Award.

Respondents should consult an attorney as to their duties under the records and information laws (Section 257.36, Florida

Statutes) and public records laws (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) of the State of Florida. Significant judicial sanctions can be imposed for violation of these Statutes.

E-Verification System

Respondent shall utilize the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system, https://www.uscis.gov/, in accordance with Section 448.095, Florida Statutes, to verify the employment eligibility of: (1) all persons employed by

Respondent during the contract term to perform any duties within Florida, and; (2) all persons, including subcontractors, assigned by Respondent to perform Services pursuant to this Contract. Respondents meeting the terms and conditions of the E-Verify System are deemed to be in compliance with this provision. Respondent shall provide County with affidavits stating that they do not employ, contract with, or subcontract with an unauthorized alien. County is obligated to terminate this Agreement upon a good faith belief that Respondent has knowingly violated Section 448.095, Florida Statutes.

Immigration and Nationality Act

Respondent shall comply with all immigration laws as outlined in 8 USC § 1324a - Unlawful employment of aliens. County will not intentionally award contracts to any Respondent who knowingly employs unauthorized Alien workers. Any violation of the employment provisions outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act throughout the term of any Agreement with

County may constitute immediate termination of said Agreement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Respondent shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, age, national origin, religion, disability or genetic information in accordance with the Provisions of: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000 et seq.); Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.); Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992 (§ 760.10 et seq.); Title 41 CFR

Part 60; Title 49 CFR 23 and 49 CFR 26 for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises; Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C.

§ 6101, et seq.), Title 49 CFR 21; Title 49 CFR 27; Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102, et. seq.), Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (29 U.S.C. § 201, et. seq.), and any other Federal and State discrimination statute. Respondent shall furnish pertinent information regarding its employment policies and practices as well as those of https://www.citrusbocc.com/departments/commissioners/public_records_request.php https://www.uscis.gov/ their proposed subcontractors as the Secretary of Labor or County may require. The above shall be required of any subcontractor hired by Respondent. All Equal Employment Opportunity requirements shall be included in all non-exempt subcontracts entered into by Respondent. Subcontracts entered into by Respondent, shall also include all other applicable labor provisions. No subcontract shall be awarded to any non-complying subcontractor. Additionally, Respondent shall insert in its subcontracts a clause requiring subcontractors to include these provisions in any lower tier subcontracts that may in turn be made. Respondent shall comply with all state laws and local ordinances, except when preferential consideration of local in-state subcontractors is NOT allowed for grant funded projects.

Indemnification

Respondent shall indemnify, save and hold harmless the County and all its officers, agents or employees from and against any and all causes of action, demands, claims, losses, liabilities and expenditures of any nature whatsoever, including defense costs and fees, caused by the intentional or negligent act of, or omission of, Respondent, its subcontractors, agents or employees or accruing, resulting from, or related to the subject matter of this Agreement including, without limitation, any and all claims, losses, liabilities, expenditures, demands or causes of action of any nature whatsoever resulting from injuries or damages sustained by any person or property. Neither Respondent nor any of its agents will be liable under this section for damages arising out of injury or damage to persons or property directly caused or resulting from the sole negligence of

County or any of its officers, agents, or employees. In the event any lawsuit or other proceeding is brought against County by reason of any such claim, cause of action or demand, Respondent shall, upon written notice from County, resist and defend such lawsuit or proceeding by counsel satisfactory to County or, at County's option, pay for an attorney selected by

County to defend County. This indemnification includes attorney’s fees and all costs of litigation including appellate attorney’s fees and costs as well as any judgments. The parties agree that this clause shall not waive the benefits or provisions of Section 768.28, Florida Statutes, or any similar provision of law. The provisions and obligations of this section shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement. To the extent considered necessary by the County, any sums due Respondent under this Agreement may be retained by County until all of the County's claims for indemnification pursuant to this Agreement have been settled or otherwise resolved; and any amount withheld shall not be subject to payment of interest by County.

Human Trafficking

Nongovernmental Entities shall comply with the requirements set forth in Section 787.06, Florida Statutes.

Prohibition Against Considering Social, Political, or Ideological Interests in Government Contracting

Respondents are hereby notified of the provisions of section 287.05701, Florida Statutes, as amended, that the County will not request documentation of or consider a Respondent's social, political, or ideological interests when determining if the

Respondent is a responsible Respondent. Respondents are further notified that the County's governing body may not give preference to a Respondent based on the Respondent's social, political, or ideological interests.

6. SCOPE OF SERVICES

6.1. Establishment

Code compliance special master for the purpose of hearing and deciding matters of alleged violations of the county codes and to impose administrative fines and enforcement costs where a pending or repeat violation continues to exist. The code compliance special master shall be vested with all the powers granted to code enforcement boards under Chapter 162, Florida Statutes as amended from time to time, except that any powers conferred upon local governments therein, including, but not limited to, the authority to execute satisfactions and releases of liens, or to otherwise mitigate code enforcement fines and liens shall not be delegated to the code compliance special master, but are expressly reserved by the Citrus

County Board of County Commissioners.

6.2. Qualifications

(1) Must be a member in good standing of the Florida Bar for a minimum of five years and shall have demonstrated adequate knowledge of the Citrus County Code, the Land Development Code and Chapter 162, Florida Statutes.

(2) Must possess a reputation in the community for integrity, responsibility, and professional ability.

6.3. Appointment and Removal

(a) Appointment to the position of code compliance special master shall be made by the board of county commissioners on the basis of experience or interest in code enforcement. Additional and/or alternate special masters may also be appointed by the board of county commissioners. Any special master may be reappointed at the discretion of the board of county commissioners.

(b) Appointments shall be for a term of one year. There shall be no limit on the number of reappointments that may be given to any individual code compliance special master provided however, that a determination as to removal or reappointment must be made by the board of county commissioners for each code compliance special master at the end of each one-year term.

(c) The code compliance special master shall not be a county employee but shall be compensated at an hourly rate to be established by contract.

(d) The board of county commissioners and county administrator shall have the authority to temporarily suspend a code compliance special master for cause. The board of county commissioners shall have the authority to remove any code compliance special master with or without cause. Appointments to fill any vacancy for the remainder of an unexpired term may be made by the board of county commissioners.

6.4. Jurisdiction

(a) The code compliance special master shall have the jurisdiction to hear and decide alleged violations of the various codes of Citrus County, Florida.

(b) The jurisdiction of the code compliance special master shall not be exclusive. Any alleged violation of the County

Codes may be enforced by appropriate action in any court of competent jurisdiction or by any other lawful means at the discretion of the board of county commissioners.

(c) The code compliance special master shall not hear any case in which he or she has a conflict of interest through familial relationship, personal or business financial interest, or other conflict of interest recognized under the rules regulating the Florida Bar.

6.5. Powers and Duties

(a) The code compliance special master shall conduct hearings on alleged violations of the various county codes as provided in this chapter. In order to accomplish this purpose, the special master shall have the power to:

(1) Adopt rules for the conduct of hearings;

(2) Subpoena alleged violators to attend hearings, and subpoena witnesses to attend hearings and provide testimony. Subpoenas may be served by the county sheriff, his or her deputies, by process server, or as otherwise provided by law;

(3) Subpoena evidence to his or her hearings;

(4) Take testimony under oath; and

(5) Issue orders having the force of law to command whatever steps are necessary to bring a violation into compliance.

(b) The code compliance special master shall conduct hearings on a regularly scheduled monthly basis or more frequently upon request of the director of development services.

(c) In the course of deciding the cases coming before the code compliance special master, he or she shall be bound by the administrative interpretations of county codes, whenever applicable.

6.6. Code Compliance Legal Secretary

The code compliance division legal secretary, or such other county employee as may be designated by the director of development services, shall provide necessary clerical assistance to the code compliance special master in order to efficiently perform his or her functions.

7. RESPONDENT RESPONSES

1. Conflicts of Interest*

Respondent covenants that it presently has no interest and shall not acquire any interest which would conflict in any manner of degree with the performance of the Services covered under this Agreement. Furthermore, Respondent warrants that it has not employed or retained any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working solely for Respondent to solicit or secure this Agreement 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 Respondent any fee, commission, percentage, gift or other consideration contingent upon or resulting from the award or making of this Agreement. Respondent, and its subconsultants at any tier, certify that they have not entered into any contract, subcontract, or arrangement in connection with the Project covered under this Agreement, or of any property included or planned to be included in the Project, in which any member, officer, of employee of Respondent or its subconsultants, during its tenure, or for two years thereafter, has any interest, direct or indirect. Respondent, and its subconsultants at any tier, shall insert the following provision into each of their contracts and subcontracts: "No member, officer, or employee of the subconsultant, during their tenure or for two years thereafter, shall have any interest, direct or indirect, in this contract or the proceeds thereof."

Do you have any Conflicts of Interest to report?

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

1.1. Stated Conflicts of Interest*

Please upload a document listing all your Conflicts of Interest.

*Response required

2. Compliance with Laws*

Respondent shall comply with all laws, rules, codes, ordinances, and licensing requirements that are applicable to the conduct of its business, including those of Local, State and Federal agencies having jurisdiction and authority. These laws, shall include, but not be limited to, Chapter 287, Florida Statutes, the Uniform Commercial Code, the Immigration and

Nationalization Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the United States Occupational Safety and Health Act, the United

States Environmental Protection Agency, the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Code of Federal

Regulations and all prohibitions against discrimination on the basis of race, religion, sex, creed, age, national origin, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status. Violation of such laws shall be grounds for termination of the Agreement.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

3. Convictions*

Respondent has fully informed Owner of all convictions of the firm, its affiliates (as defined in section 287.133(1) (a), Florida

Statutes), and all directors, officers, and employees of the firm and its affiliates for violation of state or federal antitrust laws with respect to a public contract for violation of any state or federal law involving fraud, bribery, collusion, conspiracy or material misrepresentation with respect to a public contract. This includes disclosure of the names of current employees who were convicted of contract crimes while in the employ of another company.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

4. Debarment*

Respondent certifies to the best of their knowledge and belief, that they and their principals 1) are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any

Municipal, County, State or Federal department or agency, 2) have not, within a three-year period preceding execution of this Agreement, been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (Federal, State or local) transaction or contract under a public transaction; violation of Federal or State antitrust statutes or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records; making false statements; or receiving stolen property, 3) are not presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (Federal, State or local) with commission of any of the offenses enumerated above, 4) have not within a three-year period preceding execution of this

Agreement had one or more public transactions (Federal, State or local) terminated for cause or default, and 5) will advise

County immediately if their status changes and will provide an explanation for the change in status.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

5. Drug-Free Workplace Certification*

In accordance with Florida Statute 287.087 (current version), Respondent hereby certifies the following:

1. Publishes a written statement notifying that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the workplace named above, and specifying actions that will be taken against violations of such prohibition.

2. Informs employees about the dangers of drug abuse in the workplace, the firm’s policy of maintaining a drug free working environment, and available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs, and the penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug use violations.

3. Gives each employee engaged in providing commodities or contractual services that are under proposal a copy of the statement specified above.

4. Notifies the employees that as a condition of working on the commodities or contractual services that are under proposal, the employee will abide by the terms of the statement and will notify the employer of any conviction of, pleas of guilty or nolo contendere to, any violation of Chapter 893, or of any controlled substance law of the State of Florida or the

United States, for a violation occurring in the workplace, no later than five (5) days after such conviction, and requires employees to sign copies of such written statement to acknowledge their receipt.

5. Imposes a sanction on, or requires the satisfactory participation in, a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program, if such is available in the employee’s community, by any employee who is so convicted.

6. Makes a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug free workplace through the implementation of the Drug Free

Workplace Program.

“As a person authorized to sign this statement, I certify that the above named business, firm or corporation complies fully with the requirements set forth herein”.

By clicking confirm below, Respondent certifies that the information as provided in this Drug-Free Workplace Certification, is truthful and correct at the time of submission.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

6. Discriminatory Vendor*

Respondent certifies that they are not subject to Section 287.134 (2)(a) which specifies that an entity or affiliate who has been placed on the discriminatory vendor list may not submit a Proposal on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity, may not submit a Proposal on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work, may not 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 public entity.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

7. Equal Employment Opportunity*

Respondent shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, age, national origin, religion, disability or genetic information in accordance with the Provisions of: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000 et seq.); Title

VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.); Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992 (§ 760.10 et seq.); Title 41

CFR Part 60; Title 49 CFR 23 and 49 CFR 26 for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises; Age Discrimination Act of 1975

(42 U.S.C. § 6101, et seq.), Title 49 CFR 21; Title 49 CFR 27; Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102,

et. seq.), Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (29 U.S.C. § 201, et. seq.), and any other Federal and State discrimination statute. Respondent shall furnish pertinent information regarding its employment policies and practices as well as those of their proposed subcontractors as the Secretary of Labor or County may require. The above shall be required of any subcontractor hired by Respondent. All Equal Employment Opportunity requirements shall be included in all non-exempt subcontracts entered into by Respondent. Subcontracts entered into by Respondent, shall also include all other applicable labor provisions. No subcontract shall be awarded to any non-complying subcontractor. Additionally, Respondent shall insert in its subcontracts a clause requiring subcontractors to include these provisions in any lower tier subcontracts that may in turn be made. Respondent shall comply with all state laws and local ordinances, except when preferential consideration of local in-state subcontractors is NOT allowed for grant funded projects.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

8. E-Verification System*

Respondent and its subcontractors shall utilize the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system, https://www.uscis.gov/, in accordance with Section 448.095, Florida Statutes, to verify the employment eligibility of: (1) all persons employed by Respondent during the contract term to perform any duties within Florida, and; (2) all persons, including subcontractors, assigned by Coordinating Contractor to perform work pursuant to this Contract. Respondent meeting the terms and conditions of the E-Verify System are deemed to be in compliance with this provision. Respondent and its subcontractors shall provide County with affidavits stating that they do not employ, contract with, or subcontract with an unauthorized alien. County is obligated to terminate this Agreement upon a good faith belief that Respondent or its subcontractors has knowingly violated Section 448.095, Florida Statutes. E-Verification Identification

☐ Please confirm

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9. Immigration and Nationality Act*

Respondent shall comply with all immigration laws as outlined in 8 USC § 1324a- Unlawful employment of aliens. County will not intentionally award County contracts to any Respondent who knowingly employs unauthorized Alien workers. Any violation of the employment provisions outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act throughout the term of any Agreement with County may result in immediate termination of the Agreement. County will consider the employment of unauthorized aliens a violation of Section 274A (e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Such violation will be cause for unilateral cancellation of the Agreement, by County, if Consultant knowingly employs unauthorized aliens.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

10. Lobbying*

Respondent confirms that it will not, in connection with the Agreement, directly or indirectly

1. offer, confer, or agree to confer any pecuniary benefit on anyone as consideration for any County officer or employee’s decision, opinion, recommendation, vote, other exercise of discretion, or violation of a known legal duty, or

2. offer, give, or agree to give to anyone any gratuity for the benefit of, or at the direction or request of, any County officer or employee. For purposes of clause (2), “gratuity” means any payment of more than nominal monetary value https://www.uscis.gov/ in the form of cash, travel, entertainment, gifts, meals, lodging, loans, subscriptions, advances, deposits of money, Services, employment, or contracts of any kind.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

11. Non-Collusion*

Respondent agrees that neither it, nor any of its officers, partners, agents or employees have entered into any agreement, participated in any collusion, or otherwise taken any action which is in restraint of a free competitive solicitation in connection with this Agreement, and that Respondent intends to do the work with its own bona fide employees or subcontractors and has not provided a Proposal for the benefit of another Contractor/Vendor. Furthermore, Respondent certifies that its affiliates, subsidiaries, directors, officers, and employees are not currently under investigation by any governmental authority and have not in the last ten (10) years been convicted or found liable for any act prohibited by law in any jurisdiction, involving conspiracy or collusion with respect to submitting a Proposal on any public contract.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

12. Prohibited Interests*

Respondent, and its subcontractors at any tier, certify that they have not entered into any contract, subcontract, or arrangement in connection with the project covered under this Letter of Interest, or of any property included or planned to be included in the project, in which any member, officer, of employee of the Respondent or its subconsultants, during its tenure, or for two years thereafter, has any interest, direct or indirect.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

13. Public Entity Crime*

Pursuant to 287.133, Florida Statute, A person or affiliate who has been placed on the convicted vendor list following a conviction for a public entity crime may not submit a Proposal, or reply on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity; may not submit a Proposal, or reply on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work; may not submit Proposals, or replies 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 s. 287.017, Florida Statutes for

CATEGORY TWO for a period of 36 months following the date of being placed on the convicted vendor list.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

14. Prohibition Against Contracting with Scrutinized Companies*

Pursuant to Section 287.135, Florida Statutes, as modified from time to time, subject to limited exceptions, Respondent acknowledges that it may not bid on, submit a proposal for, or enter into or renew a contract with County for provision of goods or services, if it is on a Scrutinized Companies List or engaged in business in Syria or Cuba.

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. on the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Terrorism Sector List,

4. on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List or engaged in a boycott of Israel,

5. engaged in business operations in Cuba or Syria

If Respondent is found to have submitted a false certification, is placed on a Scrutinized Companies List or engages in business in Syria or Cuba, County may terminate the awarded contract or any renewal hereof.

Respondent certifies compliance with Section 287.135, Florida Statutes

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

15. My Letter of Interest is attached with all of the required information and in the required format defined in

Section 3.*

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

15.1. Please submit Letter of Interest here*

*Response required

16. Human Trafficking Confirmation*

Respondent confirms compliance with Section 787.06, Florida Statutes, entitled "Human Trafficking".

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

16.1. Human Trafficking Affidavit*

Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• REVISED_Human_Traffic_Affid...

*Response required

17. Does Letter of Interest contain "Confidential" information?*

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

When equals "Yes"

17.1. If answer is "yes"*

Under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, all Bids/Responses are to be made available by County for viewing by the general public. If a Bidder/Respondent believes that their Bid/Response contains information that should not be a public record, the Bidder shall clearly segregate and mark that information as “Confidential” and provide a description in writing for:

1) the grounds for claiming exemption from the public records law, and

2) the specific statutory citation for such exemption.

*Response required https://government-project.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/144927/d2c91881-b38e-4d50-9fc9-a8a99ed0b5b4_REVISED_Human_Traffic_Affidavit.pdf?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Credential=ASIA47RIURE4F4JTXIAJ%2F20260305%2Fus-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260305T190001Z&X-Amz-Expires=72000&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEAsaCXVzLXdlc3QtMiJHMEUCIQCKWWEHOe%2BbLdj5rwTKGQdDBuRFZruVaKoLhTyePqYvDwIgOr4D9PFOB4O2b%2F8wzSxD0zXhcr%2FdXuqNnUrw%2BZafjxcqlQUI1P%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FARACGgw4OTIzNjQ2ODc2NzIiDP7G2NYr7OtT%2FHVJpyrpBNC8OluAy0AIOCc7GwXG4EmuPY46sGFq%2Bpvd2lYr9zuDq2XDksNxM4FiWfdTEIuNZIErmWt4BOqlHgYlSZ3qpa6Y%2BJ2C4x5OzrGGNSDSe0zhVu047KyOPWf6SxBpK%2B7w%2F%2FRTp2VOgtSvUlBLyK432sMfJEzMqIpCBqEWJrc7vvBYTuYzf5U9aAjoK64BfbWzYbxIXhQTl8li93y8LJ6o0svj6JnX9epCJpsHt5h6dXYqz6DxAMvsxd0EHelxVZlkBklKEdmjc8lt0h3EOgagv6uSSjQp1qdbMBcVT3R7gBwk7UAzFfv1YGYgDQpVlr0HMiofACz8CPGAcsigcT7%2FlgJccwnRFJdARpW%2BIeixaVm%2FRQfxpYZstgwjUuT8vSrIg2%2FuLSXuQtQNd1IfnsR6KOGg8vxKrPdkpiELTbExjo%2B92Z6U6CsaXMJmFHPok1Rzj8f%2FFU9Mt8G9%2BkrUOoKC5ysiIOogLcv2JhGXRa6UX%2FKO%2BNhoDGnd%2BxvLkJGwSvWirde%2F3rus%2FmFcMI31bBOuP76WNbBRqbuNqsR34OWNiATgEX3TvIjeSJ9lio5OpM%2Ff5M8272o%2FVo0MxJgnXjHybiPaHIhdOJMcMlWLyV7mAxe78RxWL%2BZXGhFiL70wYb7UJgCRPyFkSD96DsUDVtPUsufsmJPo8v4JpV83hwa9rqWsGgpnRe4bMwK29ll15zMHMXnNOL2mNz4lmom1zvwjLBmgas8UhFhOQemkqfM2f3%2FGlNVSpAkh8R%2FfF4lopqDKWn3ZPY5ug0ZNPJpOyZnNsStZ%2FN%2Fu8ZBuqlWKW%2F9YVAuO%2BvqHhYoj5n%2FXMOeZp80GOpkBb1zzSjcgNrghZb175pUmBSZ1%2FBgJAyh%2BywMAs6C1GesggdOnuWJqSW%2BPndKINN0lqViRfyQy7PRpSidWgYllwphLcq%2F0L01GL2eOEBKpr%2FfZmK92yEuEmCpEn%2BqrOhEopgQlVXwzKBsJ3%2FL5k%2BksHVgg7fyPfElqX2z6uOlswDxY6WLYYoY%2BiGFdnir2jDoGu5QfYuv5CmG%2B&X-Amz-Signature=5e63710b5b1f92f333f7cc60df3c6c2d1b01e83a386bacbfe6bc857f7753dd66&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&response-content-disposition=attachment%3B%20filename%3D%22REVISED_Human_Traffic_Affidavit.pdf%22&x-id=GetObject