RFP- 26 - 118

MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC UTILITY (MEU) FEASIBILITY

STUDY

City of St. Petersburg

P.O. Box 2842

St. Petersburg, FL 33731

RELEASE DATE: January 30, 2026

DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS: February 26, 2026

RESPONSE DEADLINE: March 19, 2026, 3:00 pm

RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO:

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

City of St. Petersburg

Municipal Electric Utility (MEU) Feasibility Study

I. Introduction

II. Solicitation Information

III. Evaluation Criteria

IV. Vendor Questionnaire

V. Scope of Work

VI. General Terms

VII. Special Terms: Service Contract Exceeding $200k

VIII. Insurance

Attachments:

A - Proposal Requirements

#RFP- 26 - 118

Title: Municipal Electric Utility (MEU) Feasibility Study

1. Introduction

1.1. Summary

The City of St. Petersburg, Florida (“City”) is seeking the services of qualified experienced consulting firms (“Consultant”) to determine if it is in the City’s best interests to establish a City-owned Municipal

Electric Utility (“MEU”) to replace Duke Energy Florida (“Duke Energy”).

A. Phase 1 MEU Feasibility Study (base award) will include all work necessary to evaluate the financial, technical, operational, regulatory, and legal implications of transitioning to an MEU.

B. Phase 2 100% Renewable Powered MEU Comparison (optional award) will produce a comprehensive feasibility study assessing (a) the technical, financial, regulatory, and operational viability of the City’s MEU generating its own 100% renewable energy, and (b) a comparison of that model with citywide participation in Duke Energy Florida’s Clean Energy Connection

(“CEC”) program. The resulting report will guide the City’s strategic energy planning and decision-making. Phase 2 findings may require updates to the Phase 1 reports.

C. Phase 3 Alternative municipalization options, draft transition plan, public education and engagement (optional award) will include an evaluation of alternative municipalization options, development of a draft transition plan, and supporting the City in preparing clear, unbiased information for public education and engagement.

Phases 2 and 3 may be authorized at the City’s discretion.

1.2. Background

Duke Energy is an investor-owned, regulated public utility that generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to customers in Florida. Duke Energy is headquartered in St. Petersburg and is the only provider of electricity within City limits. In recent years, electric utility customers in St. Petersburg have expressed concerns about the utility’s affordability, reliability, and transparency and have petitioned the City to perform a feasibility study to examine the viability of forming an MEU. Duke Energy’s 30-year Franchise Agreement with the City expires in August 2026 but does not include a purchase option granting the City the right to acquire and operate Duke

Energy’s local distribution system.

1.3. Contact Information

Victoria Amerson Procurement Analyst 1 4th St N.

St. Petersburg, FL 33731 Email: victoria.amerson@stpete.org Phone: (727) 551-3387

Department:

Engineering

1.4. Timeline

*Timeline is subject to change mailto:victoria.amerson@stpete.org tel:(727)551-3387

Solicitation Published January 30, 2026

Deadline for Questions February 26, 2026, 12:00pm

Deadline for Question Response March 5, 2026, 3:00pm

Deadline for Submittals March 19, 2026, 3:00pm

Evaluation/Shortlisting (Non-Mandatory) April 3, 2026, 10:30am

One 4th St. N St. Petersburg, FL Conference Room 800

Interviews/Selections April 22, 2026

Anticipated Recommendation of Award to

City Council

June 4, 2026

2. Solicitation Information

2.1. Submission or Receipt of Proposal

Proposals will be received through the City’s online bidding system no later than 3:00 pm on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

2.2. Standard for Award

The City will award to one vendor whose proposal is determined in writing to be the most advantageous to the City, taking into consideration the price and the evaluation criteria set forth in this solicitation. All awards are contingent on the Vendor meeting the minimum qualifications outlined in this solicitation.

The City reserves the right, at any time, to evaluate more vendors for inclusion on the list of approved vendors.

2.3. Selection Process

A. Short-Listing. Where there are multiple responsive proposals to the solicitation, a short-listing of two or more Vendors may be made. Negotiations as outlined in City Code Section 2-193 (g) will begin with the selected Vendors on the short-list. If there is only one responsive proposal, negotiations may proceed with a single Vendor.

B. Negotiations. The City may conduct discussions (negotiations) with short-listed Vendors to clarify and understand proposals and to provide responses to post-proposal opening and modifications to the solicitation specifications that are in the best interest of the City and that do not significantly change the scope or purpose of the project for which the solicitation was issued

(“negotiation subjects”). During the negotiation process, short-listed Vendors will be accorded fair and equal treatment with respect to any opportunity for discussion and revision of proposals related to negotiation subjects for the purpose of preparing their best and final offer which may be requested and received by the City prior to the conclusion of the negotiation process. If modifications are made as a result of these discussions, they will be put in writing. Following discussions, the City may set a time and date for the best and final offers from those Offerors with whom discussions were held. Proposals may be reevaluated after receipt of the best and final offers.

C. Award without Discussion. The City may award the Agreement on the basis of initial proposals received, without discussions. Therefore, each initial proposal should contain the Vendor’s best terms in relation to all relevant evaluation criteria.

2.4. Submittal Requirements

Please see attachment: Proposal Submittal Requirements

2.5. Performance and Payment Bond

If applicable, the annual bond amount will be equal to the one-year amount of a multi-year agreement.

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/stpete/projects/231203

3. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based solely on the following evaluation criteria:

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. Experience & Qualifications

1. The offeror must describe the composition and organization of the team.

2. The offeror must describe their performance history and experience of the project team on similar projects. The information should demonstrate the firm’s ability to work cooperatively with multiple clients and any third party.

3. The offeror should identify the key strengths of the firm. Highlight capabilities and areas of specialization provided by the firm. The firm must have the following minimum qualifications:

4. Provide a list of three (3) client contact persons for whom the offeror has recently provided services similar in nature to the services identified in this

RFP.

0-10 Points 35 (35% of Total)

2. Project Approach

The offeror should identify the process utilized on other services contracts and the process envisioned for the services identified in this RFP to ensure task authorizations meet expectations.

0-10 Points 30 (30% of Total)

3. Fee Summary

The offeror must submit information including a narrative on costs associated with undertaking this study.

0-10 Points 20 (20% of Total)

4. Business Outreach Plan

If subconsultants or subcontractors are part of the team, describe the specific scope of work for each firm’s services and specifically in which types of projects the subconsultants or subcontractors will participate.

Offerors must also indicate if the company is a City of St.

Petersburg SBE, MBE, WBE, combination; and describe how the company plans to utilize the various business enterprise programs in the company’s fulfilment of the contract. The

Subcontractor Utilization Plan is provided.

0-10 Points 15 (15% of Total)

4. Vendor Questionnaire

4.1. General Information

4.1.1. Is the Vendor registered with the Florida Department of State, Division of

Corporations (Sunbiz) in accordance with Florida Statute §607.1501?* ☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

4.1.2. Is the Vendor a City of St. Petersburg certified SBE? * If you have submitted an application and it is pending, please send an email to osd@stpete.org. In the subject line- provide the solicitation number and due date.

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

4.1.3. Is the Vendor a City of St. Petersburg certified MWBE? * If you have submitted an application and it is pending, please send an email to osd@stpete.org. In the subject line- provide the solicitation number and due date.

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

4.1.4. Address for Headquarters location.*

*Response required

4.1.5. Address of office providing service, if different than above.

4.1.6. Contact Information for Contact Person.*

This person must be capable of committing the company to an agreement with the City.

• Name

• Title

• Phone

• Email

*Response required

4.1.7. Description of nature of company’s business.*

*Response required

4.1.8. Year the Company was Founded.*

*Response required

4.1.9. Number of years company has operated under the current name.* mailto:osd@spete.org mailto:osd@spete.org

*Response required

4.1.10. Number of years company has been in the present business.* *Response required

4.1.11. Company’s bank of record.*

*Response required

4.1.12. Describe any litigation that the vendor has been a party to in the last five years where it was alleged that the offeror breached a contract for similar services with a client/customer and describe any contracts for similar services that the vendor failed to complete for similar services. Describe the facts and status of any such litigation or contract. * Type N/A if not applicable.

*Response required

4.1.13. Identify any government entity that has debarred or otherwise prohibited the vendor from responding to its competitive solicitations within the last five years. Describe the circumstances surrounding such debarment or other prohibition. * Type N/A if not applicable.

*Response required

4.1.14. The vendor acknowledges that it has read, understands and will comply with

Florida Statute §448.095 pertaining to required use of the U.S. Department of

Homeland Security E-Verify system. Should the City terminate the contract with the vendor for violation of §448.095, vendor may not be awarded a contract with the City for at least one year.* ☐ Please confirm

*Response required

4.1.15. The vendor acknowledges that its solicitation response is subject to Public

Records laws (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes).* ☐ Please confirm

*Response required

4.1.16. Will vendor allow other agencies to piggyback the contract if awarded?* ☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

4.1.17. The vendor hereby makes all certifications required by Florida Statute

§287.135 related to scrutinized companies.* ☐ Yes

☐ No

4.1.18. Is vendor required to provide any disclosures to the City regarding a foreign country of concern pursuant to Florida Statutes §286.101 (3)(a)? * ☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

4.1.19. If YES, please provide the disclosure(s) in accordance with the requirements of

Florida Statute §286.101 (3)(a).

4.1.20. Has the vendor identified any trade secrets or confidential information in its solicitation response?* ☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

4.1.21. If yes to the above question, please upload your redacted proposal here.

4.1.22. Please upload your proposal

4.1.23. I currently have the required insurance coverage as specified in the solicitation and will be able to provide a Certificate of Insurance if awarded. * ☐ Please confirm

*Response required

4.2. Service Contracts Over $200,000

4.2.1. Does vendor employ more than 50 full time employees?*

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

4.2.2. a. If YES, does the vendor agree to comply with the living wage requirements set forth in the St. Petersburg City Code? * ☐ Yes

☐ No

5. Scope of Work

5.1. Intent

The City of St. Petersburg, Florida (“City”) is seeking the services of qualified experienced consulting firms (“Consultant”) to determine if it is in the City’s best interests to establish a City-owned Municipal

Electric Utility (“MEU”) to replace Duke Energy Florida (“Duke Energy”).

A. Phase 1 MEU Feasibility Study (base award) will include all work necessary to evaluate the financial, technical, operational, regulatory, and legal implications of transitioning to an MEU.

B. Phase 2 100% Renewable Powered MEU Comparison (optional award) will produce a comprehensive feasibility study assessing (a) the technical, financial, regulatory, and operational viability of the City’s MEU generating its own 100% renewable energy, and (b) a comparison of that model with citywide participation in Duke Energy Florida’s Clean Energy Connection

(“CEC”) program. The resulting report will guide the City’s strategic energy planning and decision-making. Phase 2 findings may require updates to the Phase 1 reports.

C. Phase 3 Alternative municipalization options, draft transition plan, public education and engagement (optional award) will include an evaluation of alternative municipalization options, development of a draft transition plan, and supporting the City in preparing clear, unbiased information for public education and engagement.

Phases 2 and 3 may be authorized at the City’s discretion.

5.2. Desired Benefits

The Consultant will assess whether an MEU will provide the following benefits:

A. Community Ownership

1. Local Control: Establish local control over energy policy decisions to align with the community’s needs and values.

2. Clean Energy Investment: Position the City to achieve its 100% renewable energy goals and attract businesses and investors focused on sustainability.

3. Local Investment: Revenues are reinvested in the local community, create local jobs, support the local economy, support utility reserves or returned to the customer in the form of lower rates.

4. Accountability: Public accountability and community involvement are prioritized through hearings, workshops, and surveys to ensure transparency and public involvement.

B. Affordability

1. Affordable and Stable Rates: Energy rates that remain affordable and stable for all customers, especially vulnerable and low-income populations.

2. Energy-For-All Rate Structures: Rate structures that distribute costs fairly across different consumer groups while ensuring affordability for low-income households.

3. Energy Efficiency Assistance: Financial incentives and assistance programs to reduce energy consumption and lower costs, especially for vulnerable and low-income populations.

4. Net Metering: Encourage rooftop solar through net metering rates that appropriately balance the benefits and costs to both the customer and the utility.

C. Resilience

1. Decarbonization and Grid Modernization: Invest in infrastructure to ensure the energy grid is resilient and adaptable through the integration of distributed energy resources, microgrids, appropriate undergrounding, and smart grid technology.

2. Energy Storage: Explore the integration of energy storage solutions for enhanced reliability and operational flexibility.

D. Sustainability

1. Emissions Reduction: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning to 100% renewable energy sources.

2. Renewable Energy Portfolio: Increase the percentage of renewable energy in the City’s energy portfolio, aligning with the Integrated Sustainability Action Plan (ISAP) climate action goals.

3. Energy Efficiency: Promote energy efficiency programs to reduce energy consumption and lower costs while supporting environmental sustainability.

5.3. Tasks

A. PHASE 1 MEU FEASIBILITY STUDY (Base Award)

1. Task 1 — Project Management and Stakeholder Engagement

a. Project Management:

i. Kick-off meeting with City staff.

ii. Prepare a detailed project work plan, schedule, and communication protocol.

iii. Provide regular progress updates and participate in standing meetings with City staff.

iv. Identify risks, dependencies, and constraints throughout the project lifecycle.

b. Stakeholder Engagement:

i. Identify key internal and external stakeholders, including City departments, community groups, and regulatory agencies.

ii. Conduct structured interviews and facilitate workshops as needed to inform the feasibility study and transition planning.

2. Task 2 — Data Collection and Baseline Assessment

a. Assets and Operations Review:

i. Assess existing Duke Energy electric distribution and sub-transmission assets within

City boundaries.

ii. Identify asset conditions, useful life, upgrade needs, gaps, and interconnections.

iii. Show all key assumptions with tie-backs to relevant data.

b. Load, Customer, and System Characteristics:

i. Review system load profiles, customer classes, reliability metrics, and growth projections.

ii. Evaluate historical outage and system performance data.

iii. Forecast energy demand growth over a 10-, 20-, and 30-year horizon, accounting for electrification trends, energy efficiency, and city development plans.

iv. Determine the city’s load profile (daily, monthly, seasonal peaks) and critical load requirements (e.g., essential services during outages).

v. Show all key assumptions with tie-backs to relevant data.

c. Forms, Reports, Contracts, Franchise Agreements, and Regulatory Framework:

i. Us all appropriate available data from Duke Energy for asset assessment and valuation, including FERC Form 1, Capex Plan, Storm Protection Plan, and capital asset accounting records.

ii. Review relevant franchise agreements, memorandums of understanding, territorial boundaries, service obligations, Florida Public Service Commission, and Florida

Statutes requirements.

iii. Analyze legal pathways for municipal acquisition of Duke Energy assets.

iv. Show all key assumptions with tie-backs to relevant data.

3. Task 3 — Feasibility Study and Financial Analysis

a. Valuation and Acquisition Analysis:

i. Estimate the fair market value of electric utility assets serving the City, including value of assets, separation and reintegration costs, potential severance costs including stranded costs and going concern costs, and transaction costs.

ii. Identify likely acquisition mechanisms and legal processes (negotiated purchase, condemnation, etc.).

iii. Show all key assumptions with tie-backs to relevant data.

b. Financial Feasibility Modeling:

i. Develop multi-scenario financial models comparing continued service from Duke

Energy versus municipal ownership.

ii. Forecast MEU startup and ongoing capital (including system upgrades and expansion), operational, staffing, equipment, maintenance, contractual services

(ongoing as well as emergency contractual services), Payments in Lieu of Taxes

(PILOT), and Payments in Lieu of Franchise (PILOF).

iii. Assess current and future power supply cost impacts of federal and state power supply policies, incentives, and restrictions. Include the expected future power cost increases driven by AI and data centers.

iv. Forecast power supply costs under municipal ownership.

v. Evaluate revenue requirements, rate impacts, bonding capacity, and funding options.

vi. Conduct sensitivity analyses for fuel prices, wholesale power costs, capital investment needs, and interest rates.

vii. Evaluate the minimum cash reserves required.

viii. Evaluate the minimum cost of insurance and liability coverages.

ix. Show all key assumptions with tie-backs to relevant data.

c. Risk and Benefit Analysis:

i. Assess economic, operational, and regulatory risks associated with municipalization.

ii. Identify potential benefits such as rate stability, reliability, local control, renewable integration, and economic development.

iii. Show all key assumptions with tie-backs to relevant data.

4. Task 4 – Deliverables

a. Draft Feasibility Report: Technical, financial, legal, and risk assessments for MEU.

b. Final Feasibility Report: Revised based on City feedback.

c. Executive Summary: Clear, non-technical summary for elected officials and public.

d. Presentation to City Leadership: Up to two sessions (virtual or in-person) to present findings and recommendations.

e. Data Appendix: Detailed modeling data, assumptions, maps, calculations, sensitivity analyses.

B. PHASE 2 100% RENEWABLE POWERED MEU COMPARISON (OPTIONAL AWARD AT

CITY’S DISCRETION)

1. Objectives:

a. Evaluate the feasibility of the City’s MEU generating all its electricity demand with renewable energy sources and storage.

b. Quantify system design: type, quantity, size, and siting of renewable energy facilities, storage capacity, configuration, and redundancy.

c. Analyze resilience and reliability, including hurricane protection, redundant systems, and emergency backup.

d. Estimate capital, operational, and lifecycle costs.

e. Compare the business case, risks, and benefits of a city-owned renewable energy generation system versus subscribing to or partnering via Duke Energy Florida’s CEC program.

f. Provide strategic recommendations and implementation plan.

2. Task 5 – Renewable Energy Scenarios

a. Regulatory & Legal Analysis

i. Review applicable federal, state (Florida), and local laws, rules, and policies related to distributed generation, energy storage, interconnection, and microgrids.

ii. Examine zoning, land use, permitting, and environmental regulations (including hurricane-specific requirements).

iii. Analyze utility interconnection standards, grid code compliance, and agreements required for a city-owned system.

iv. Investigate regulatory requirements for the City to participate in Duke Energy’s CEC program on behalf of all power customers within the City, including contract structure, rights, limitations, financial obligations, and exit options.

v. Identify incentives, grants, tax credits, Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), or other support mechanisms.

vi. Assess legal risk and liability (e.g., ownership, maintenance, insurance, disaster recovery).

b. Renewable Resources and Site Analysis

i. Conduct preliminary measurements and analysis of the City's potential for specific resources like solar irradiance, wind speed, or geothermal activity.

ii. Identify potential deployment sites, including rooftops (city-owned and private), municipal land, parking structures, and open land.

iii. Evaluate site constraints: shading, structural capacity, environmental and physical constraints, permitting, and property ownership.

iv. Develop conceptual site layouts showing how much capacity can be installed at each type of site.

c. System Design & Technical Sizing

i. Power Generation Design

I. Calculate the total wattage/megawatt capacity needed to meet the City’s projected annual and peak demand.

II. Develop conceptual designs, including site layout, equipment selection, and system specifications.

III. Investigate the options for connecting the potential energy system to the local grid, including technical and cost considerations.

ii. Battery Storage System Design

I. Model the sizing (in MWh) required for battery storage to support:

I. Nighttime loads

II. Daily peak shifting

III. Emergency backup / islanded operation

IV. Reserve capacity

II. Recommend conceptual battery technology (lithium-ion, flow, others) and configuration (distributed vs centralized).

III. Provide estimates for number of units, footprint, thermal management, safety, and maintenance.

iii. Redundancy and Resiliency

I. Design for system redundancy (e.g., multiple microgrids, parallel inverters, diverse feed paths).

II. Evaluate hurricane resilience: wind loading, flood risk, anchoring, elevation, design for extreme weather.

III. Assess critical facility microgrids (emergency services, water, hospitals) for islanding capability.

IV. Recommend backup generation if necessary (e.g., diesel, renewable hybrid) to ensure reliability in prolonged outages.

d. Financial & Economic Analysis

i. Develop a detailed capital cost estimate (generation, storage, interconnection, site prep, permitting).

ii. Estimate O&M costs, replacement costs, insurance, and other lifecycle expenses.

iii. Calculate revenue and financial projections: Create financial models and projections based on estimated energy production and market prices.

iv. Risk-adjusted financial modeling (including sensitivity analysis on costs, demand, return on investment, potential risks, incentives).

e. Analysis of Duke Energy Florida Clean Energy Connection (CEC) Program

i. Review the structure, costs, benefits, and obligations under the CEC program.

ii. Quantify projected costs to the MEU under CEC over the same time horizon used for the city-owned system.

iii. Model expected energy “credits” or offsets, if relevant, and compare these to the production from a city-owned system.

iv. Analyze risks and limitations (contractual, regulatory, price escalation, credit risk, program changes).

v. Compare financial returns, payback, and value for the City between owning vs participating in CEC.

vi. Evaluate co-existence or hybrid scenarios: e.g., partial city-owned generation paired with CEC participation.

f. Risk Assessment & Mitigation

i. Identify technical, financial, regulatory, environmental, operational, and disaster-related risks.

ii. Evaluate risk exposure under both the city-owned and CEC models.

iii. Provide risk mitigation strategies (insurance, contracts, system redundancy, maintenance plans).

g. Implementation Strategy & Roadmap

i. Develop a phased implementation plan: short-term (1–3 years), mid-term (3–10 years), and long-term (10+ years).

ii. Recommend priority projects (e.g., sites with highest return, municipal buildings, critical infrastructure).

iii. Propose a governance structure (who owns, operates, maintains).

iv. Stakeholder engagement plan (residents, utilities, regulators).

v. Permitting, regulatory approvals, and interconnection strategy.

vi. Funding strategy: recommending funding sources, partnerships, grants, and financing mechanisms.

h. Deliverables

i. Draft Feasibility Report: Technical, financial, legal, and risk assessments for both city-owned and CEC scenarios.

ii. Final Feasibility Report: Revised based on City feedback.

iii. Executive Summary: Clear, non-technical summary for elected officials and public.

iv. Presentation to City Leadership: Up to two sessions (virtual or in-person) to present findings and recommendations.

v. Data Appendix: Detailed modeling data, assumptions, maps, calculations, sensitivity analyses.

C. PHASE 3 ALTERNATIVE MUNICIPALIZATION OPTIONS, DRAFT TRANSITION PLAN,

PUBLIC EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT (OPTIONAL AWARD AT CITY’S

DISCRETION)

1. Task 6 — Evaluation of Alternative Municipalization Models

a. Governance and Organizational Structures:

i. Assess governance options including city-operated utility, independent municipal utility, utility authority, public-private partnership, or hybrid models.

ii. Recommend a preferred governance option based on feasibility, risk, independence, and scalability.

b. Operational Models:

i. Evaluate alternatives for operations: fully in-house, contracted operations, shared-services models, or phased implementation.

ii. Analyze implications for staffing, training, asset management, and customer service.

c. Power Supply Options:

i. Evaluate short-term and long-term power supply strategies including existing market opportunities, bilateral contracts, renewable procurement, and build-own-transfer strategies.

2. Task 7 — Initial Transition Plan Development

a. Transition Roadmap:

i. Develop a high-level transition plan outlining major milestones from acquisition through full operational control.

ii. Identify required regulatory filings, key decision points, workforce transition steps, and procurement needs.

b. Operational Readiness Plan:

i. Outline requirements for system operations, control center establishment, emergency response, meter reading, billing, cybersecurity, customer service, and reliability compliance.

ii. Recommend organizational structure, staffing levels, workforce transition strategies, and training plans.

c. Financial and Implementation Planning:

i. Provide preliminary cost estimates for startup and transition activities.

ii. Identify potential funding and financing options for capital and operational needs during transition.

3. Task 8 — Public Education and Communications Support

a. Public Education Campaign Framework:

i. Develop a strategy to support public understanding of the municipalization decision, timelines, and implications.

ii. Prepare clear, non-advocacy educational materials easily understood by the general public.

b. Outreach Tools:

i. Provide content for FAQs, fact sheets, digital communications, presentations, and community workshops.

ii. Prepare materials suitable for use prior to any public referendum or decision-making process.

c. Public Meetings:

i. Participate in public information sessions, commission meetings, or community forums to present findings and answer questions.

4. Task 9 – Additional Services as Deemed Necessary - Allowance

6. General Terms

6.1. Vendor Registration

Vendor must register online with the City of St. Petersburg via their online sourcing system at https://procurement.opengov.com/signup and subscribe to City's Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/stpete for solicitation notifications. Prior to an award of an

Agreement resulting from this solicitation, Vendor shall be registered with the Florida Department of

State, Division of Corporations to do business within the State of Florida in accordance with Florida

Statute 607.1501.

6.2. Solicitation Review

Vendors are required to carefully review this solicitation for defects and questionable or objectionable material. Comments concerning defects and questionable or objectionable material must be made in writing to the Procurement Analyst of record for this solicitation and received by the City at least 10 days before the solicitation submission deadline. This will allow issuance of any necessary addendum. A protest based on omission or error, or on the content of the solicitation, will be disallowed if these faults have not been brought to the attention of the City, in writing, at least 10 days before the time set for submission deadline.

6.3. Solicitation Response Preparation

Vendors are expected to examine this solicitation and all related documents. Failure to do so is at the

Vendor’s risk. Each vendor shall furnish the information required by this solicitation. Vendor(s) shall retain a copy of all documents for future reference. All solicitation responses must be submitted with the

Vendor’s legal name and by an officer or employee having the authority to bind the Vendor by his or her signature.

The City will not pay any costs associated with the preparation, submittal, presentation, or evaluation of any solicitation response.

6.4. Questions

All questions must be submitted via City's online sourcing system's Question & Answer feature no later than 12:00 pm on Thursday, February 26, 2026. Questions will be answered via City's online sourcing system no later than 3:00 pm on Thursday, March 5, 2026. More complex questions may require a written addendum to the solicitation. Explanations or instructions will not materially alter this solicitation unless they are in writing. Oral explanations or instructions given before the award of an Agreement will not be binding. If necessary, a written addendum to this solicitation will be issued and posted on the City’s online sourcing system at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/stpete/projects/231203 for download by Vendors.

6.5. Amendments

Any amendments issued for this solicitation will be posted as an addendum on the City’s online sourcing system at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/stpete/projects/231203 and notifications will be released to vendors who are following the project by clicking "Follow". Vendors must submit their responses to the most current version of the solicitation as amended, if applicable.

https://procurement.opengov.com/signup https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/stpete

6.6. Submission of Solicitation Responses

Solicitation responses will be received through the City’s online sourcing system. E-mail or in-person submittals will not be considered unless approved before the solicitation submission deadline by the

Procurement and Supply Management Director. Late proposals and modifications will not be considered;

however, solicitation responses may be modified online at any time prior to the submission deadline.

Failure to follow the instructions in this solicitation is cause for rejection of the submittal.

6.7. Mistakes in the Solicitation

Solicitation responses may be modified or withdrawn in the online application portal prior to the time and date set for the solicitation opening. Correction or withdrawal of solicitation responses after the solicitation opening because of an inadvertent non-judgmental mistake in the solicitation requires careful consideration to protect the integrity of the competitive solicitation process and to assure fairness. If the mistake is attributable to an error in judgment, the solicitation response may not be corrected. Solicitation response corrections or withdrawals by reason of non-judgmental mistakes are permissible but only to the extent they are not contrary to the interest of the City or the fair treatment of other vendors.

6.8. Information Designated a Trade Secret and/or Confidential and/or Proprietary

All solicitation responses (including all documentation and materials attached thereto or provided in connection with this solicitation) submitted to the City are subject to Florida’s public records laws (i.e., Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), which requires disclosure of public records, unless exempt, if a public records request is made. Solicitation responses (including all documentation and materials attached thereto or provided in connection with this solicitation (even if in a separate electronic file)) submitted to the City cannot be returned. DO NOT LIST YOUR ENTIRE SOLICITATION RESPONSE AS TRADE

SECRET AND/OR CONFIDENTIAL. The City will not consider solicitation responses if the entire response is labeled a Trade Secret and/or Confidential and/or Proprietary.

If Vendor believes that its solicitation response contains information that is a trade secret (as defined by

Florida law) and/or information that is confidential and/or proprietary and therefore exempt from disclosure, then such information must be submitted in a separate electronic file and comply with the following requirements. In addition to submitting the information in a separate or electronic file, Vendor must include a general description of the information designated as a trade secret and/or confidential and/or proprietary and provide reference to the Florida statute or other law which exempts such designated information from disclosure in the event a public records request.

The City does not warrant or guarantee that information designated by Vendor as a trade secret and/or confidential and/or proprietary is a trade secret and/or confidential and/or proprietary and exempt from disclosure. The City offers no opinion as to whether the reference to the Florida statute or other law by

Vendor is/are correct and/or accurate. Please be aware that the designation of information as a trade secret and/or confidential and/or proprietary may be challenged in court by any person or entity. By designation of information as a trade secret and/or confidential and/or proprietary Vendor agrees to defend and indemnify the City, its employees, agents, and elected and appointed officials (“Indemnified Parties”) against any and all claims, demands, and actions (whether or not a lawsuit is commenced) arising out of or in connection with Vendor's designation of information as a trade secret and/or confidential and/or proprietary and to hold harmless the Indemnified Parties for any award to a plaintiff for damages, costs and attorneys’ fees, and for costs and attorney's fees (including those of the City Attorney’s office) incurred by the City by reason of any claim, demand, or action arising out of or related to the Vendor's designation of information as a trade secret and/or confidential and/or proprietary.

Failure to comply with the requirements above shall be deemed as a waiver by Vendor to claim that any information in its solicitation response is a trade secret and/or confidential and/or proprietary, regardless of whether such information is labeled trade secret and/or confidential and/or proprietary. Vendor acknowledges, understands, and agrees that all information in Vendor's solicitation response (not including information submitted in a separate electronic file and designated trade secret and/or confidential and/or proprietary in accordance with the requirements in this section) will be disclosed, without any notice to Vendor, if a public records request is made for such information, and the City shall not be liable to Vendor for such disclosure.

Vendor acknowledges and understands that Vendor's proposal, including the information submitted in a separate electronic file and designated trade secret and/or confidential and/or proprietary in accordance with the requirements in this section, will be distributed to the evaluation committee members, City staff, and City consultants to allow Vendor's entire solicitation response, including the information submitted in a separate electronic file, to be evaluated and considered for award of the Agreement. The entire contents of the Vendor's solicitation response, including the information submitted in a separate electronic file, may be discussed at meetings that are open to the public, subject to the requirements set forth in

Chapter 286, Florida Statutes.

6.9. Bonds

Vendors will need to furnish all bonds as indicated in the solicitation, if applicable.

6.10. Cash Discounts

When the City is entitled to a cash discount, the period of computations will commence on the date of delivery, or receipt of a correctly completed invoice, whichever is later. If an adjustment in payment is necessary due to damage, the cash discount period shall commence on the date final approval for payment is authorized. If a discount is part of the Agreement, but the invoice does not reflect the existence of a cash discount, the City is entitled to a cash discount with the period commencing on the date it is determined by the City that a cash discount applies.

6.11. Award

The solicitation will be awarded based on the requirements outlined in the scope, the criteria or factors identified in the solicitation, and the standard for award for the solicitation. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all parts of the solicitation response, waive informalities, and request re-solicitations on the services or products outlined in the scope. The City reserves the right to award the

Agreement on a split-order, lump-sum, or individual item basis, or such combination as shall best serve the interest of the City unless otherwise specified.

Pursuant to Florida Statute sec. 287.05701, the City will not request documentation of a Vendor’s social, political, or ideological interests, consider such interests, or give preference to a vendor based on such interests.

6.12. Acceptance Period

Unless otherwise specified in this solicitation, the solicitation response may be held by the City for a period of ninety (90) days after the submission deadline and will continue in full effect and not be subject to withdrawal during that period until an Agreement has been executed with a Vendor. If no Agreement has been executed within the ninety-day period, any solicitation response may be withdrawn or nullified by either the City or the Vendor, or be deemed to be confirmed and extended in time for as long as permitted by the Vendor submitting each solicitation response.

6.13. Right to Reject

Vendors must comply with all the terms of the solicitation, all applicable provisions of the City of St.

Petersburg City Code, and all applicable federal and state laws. The City may reject any solicitation response that does not comply with all material and substantive terms, conditions, and performance requirements of the solicitation.

The City may waive minor informalities that (i) do not affect responsiveness; (ii) are merely matter of form or format; (iii) do not change the relative standing or otherwise prejudice other vendors; (iv) do not change the meaning or scope of the solicitation; (v) are trivial, negligible or immaterial in nature; (v) do not effect a material change in the work; or (vi) do not constitute a substantial exclusion or modification of a requirement or provision in the solicitation.

6.14. Vendor Complaints

All complaints or grievances should be first submitted in writing to the Procurement & Supply

Management Director, by email at Stephanie.Scarbrough@stpete.org or by mail to P. O. Box 2842, St.

Petersburg, FL 33731 who will promptly investigate the validity of the complaint and present the findings in writing to the person who submitted the complaint.

6.15. Protest

(a) All protests related to a solicitation or award must be first submitted in writing to the POD no later than seven

(7) days preceding the date of the City Council meeting approving the contract, or no later than seven (7) calendar days following the selection of the successful bidder if the contract does not require City Council approval.

(b) The POD will consider the protest if it is timely filed and contains the following:

(1) Sufficient information to identify the solicitation or award that is the subject of the protest;

(2) The grounds that demonstrate how the procurement process is contrary to law or how the solicitation document is unnecessarily restrictive or legally flawed;

(3) Evidence or supporting documentation that supports the grounds on which the protest is based; and

(4) The relief sought.

(c) If the protest meets the requirements of subsection (b) of this section, the POD will investigate the validity of the protest and present the findings in writing to the person or entity that submitted the protest. Otherwise, the

POD will promptly notify the person or entity that submitted the protest that the protest is untimely or that the protest failed to meet the requirements of subsection (b) of this section and give the reasons for the failure.

(d) If the person or entity is dissatisfied with the POD’s response, the person or entity may then make an appeal to the City Administrator, who will hear the appeal. The City may not establish appellate jurisdiction of the courts; however, if allowed by the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure or other rule or judicial decision, the decision from the City Administrator is the final decision of the City and may be subject to judicial review in the manner provided by law.

6.16. Public Entity Crimes

A person or affiliate who has been placed on the convicted vendor list following a conviction for a public entity crime may not (i) submit a solicitation response on an Agreement to provide any goods or services to a public entity, (ii) submit a solicitation response on an Agreement with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work, (iii) submit a solicitation response for leases of mailto:stephanie.swinson@stpete.org real property to a public entity, (iv) be awarded or perform work as a contractor, supplier, subcontractor, or consultant under an Agreement with any public entity, or (v) transact business with any public entity in excess of the threshold amount provided in Section 287.017 for Category Two for a period of 36 months from the date of being placed on the convicted vendor list.

6.17. Nondiscrimination

Vendors for the City of St. Petersburg are required to comply with all applicable laws regarding discrimination in employment, including Pinellas County Code Section 70-53 (a)(1) (prohibiting discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability) and all other applicable federal, state and local laws. Vendors are encouraged to provide workplaces free of discrimination in terms of conditions of employment, including benefits.

6.18. Prohibited Communication

Vendors and their employees, agents, contractors, and representatives are prohibited from lobbying City

Council, the Mayor, City staff, selection committee members, and City project consultants relative to this solicitation until the solicitation selection and award processes have been completed. Non-compliance with this provision may result in disqualification from consideration of the award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this provision shall not prohibit the Vendor from (i) providing public comment in accordance with applicable laws and City policies at public meetings where public comment is permitted, (ii) communicating with the assigned Procurement Analyst, (iii) making a presentation during a selection committee meeting if requested by the selection committee, or (iv) submitting a dispute or complaint in accordance with the requirements set forth in this solicitation.

6.19. Environmentally Preferable Purchasing

It is the policy of the City of St. Petersburg to purchase recycled and environmentally preferable goods.

Environmentally preferable goods are defined as “products or services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose.” This includes products that contain recycled content, reduced toxicity and pollution, conserve energy, conserve water, prevent waste, and promote sustainability and resiliency initiatives.

This policy does not require the City to specify environmentally preferable products or services when it can be demonstrated that they are not in the best interest of the City compared to products and services that are not as environmentally preferable. Best interests include but are not limited to, service life, life cycle cost, product effectiveness, or compatibility. This policy will be carried out consistent with the

City’s obligations and purpose, and with an overall intent to obtain competitive prices and to provide value to the taxpayer.

6.20. Health In All Policies

Pursuant to Executive Order EO-2018-04, it is the policy of the City to apply the consideration of health, health impacts, and the social determinants of health to the City’s decision-making, including policy development and implementation, budgeting, and the delivery of services and procurement of supplies and construction. Vendors are encouraged to propose services, supplies, and construction that promote health to the greatest extent practicable in their responses to City solicitations. Vendors are further encouraged to provide workplaces that promote the health and well-being of their employees.

6.21. American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Public Notice

In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the City of St. Petersburg will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in the City’s services, programs, or activities. If Vendor requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to adequately respond to this solicitation. Vendor should contact ADA Coordinator Lendel Bright at (727)-893-7229 or email at lendel.bright@stpete.org as soon as possible but no later than 72 hours before the applicable deadline.

6.22. Background Checks

In the event the solicitation or Agreement requires criminal history checks, Vendor will be responsible for conducting a criminal history check for each employee or subcontractor for which a criminal history check is required.

6.23. Disqualification

The City reserves the right to disqualify Vendors before or after opening, upon evidence of collusion with intent to defraud or other illegal practices on the part of the Vendors.

6.24. Taxes

The City of St. Petersburg is exempt from any taxes imposed by the State and/or Federal Government.

Exemption certificates will be provided upon request.

6.25. Compliance with State and/or Federal Requirements

All Vendors entering into a contract with the City with permit(s) issued by a state or federal agency, shall comply with the requirements set forth in the permit(s).

6.26. E-Verify

Vendor shall comply with Florida Statute §448.095 pertaining to required use of the U.S. Department of

Homeland Security's E-Verify system, and that should the City terminate§ the contract with the Vendor for violation of §448.09(1), Vendor may not be awarded a contract with the City fort at least one year.

6.27. Exceptions to Terms and Conditions

If the Vendor takes exceptions to the terms and conditions of the solicitation and refuses to withdraw such exceptions, the City may deem the Vendor nonresponsive if the City determines that negotiating with the

Vendor to address such exceptions may affect the fair treatment of other vendors.

7. Special Terms: Service Contract Exceeding $200k

7.1. Living Wage

Vendor agrees to be subject to and shall comply with the living wage requirements set forth in St.

Petersburg City Code Chapter 2, Article V, Division 9, as those requirements may be amended from time to time, (collectively, the “Living Wage Requirements”).

7.2. Data Collection

Pursuant to Florida Statute 119.071 Social Security Numbers collected from Vendors are used for identification, verification, and tax reporting purposes.

8. Insurance

8.1. Commercial General Liability

Commercial general liability insurance in an amount of at least One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence, Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) aggregate in occurrences form. This policy must include coverage for bodily injury, property damage, personal and advertising injury, products and completed operations, and contractual liability under this Agreement.

8.2. Commercial Automobile Liability

Commercial automobile liability insurance of $1,000,000 combined single limit covering all owned, hired and non-owned vehicles.

8.3. Worker's Compensation

Workers’ Compensation insurance as required by Florida law and Employers’ Liability Insurance in an amount of at least $100,000 each accident, $100,000 per employee, and $500,000 for all diseases.

8.4. E&O/Professional…