NASBLA_Boat_Crew_Member_Certification.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

FDX01525A

NASBLA BOAT CREW MEMBER CERTIFICATION

CITY OF BRIDGEPORT

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC PURCHASES

999 BROAD STREET

BRIDGEPORT CT 06604

November 4, 2024

Table Of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Scope of Work

3. Submission Guidelines

4. Evaluations

5. Evaluation Criteria

6. Selection Process

7. Pricing Proposal

8. Required Response Format

9. Vendor Questionnaire

10. Appendix A

11. Appendix B

12. Appendix C

Attachments:

A - City of Bridgeport Contractor Agreement

B - NO CONFLICTS FORM 10-2018

1. Introduction

The City of Bridgeport seeks proposals for NASBLA Boat Crew Member Certification.

The requirements of this project are outlined in greater detail under Scope of Work.

The selected awardee must meet all municipal, State and Federal practices and requirements.

The initial term for the contract will be one (1) year with two (2) one-year renewal options, for a potential total term of five (5) years. Written acknowledgement from vendor will be required.

Please note the City of Bridgeport encourages Minority business enterprises (MBE), Women business enterprises (WBE) and City-based businesses (CBB) to submit proposals. MBE, WBE or CBB State and/or City certification(s) showing the vendor’s current M/WBE and/or CBB status must be included as part of the proposal package at the time of submission for such status to be considered. For details, please see City Ordinance 3.12.130D (setting an attainable goal of 30% for prime contractor utilization of certain target groups for contracts stemming from

QBS selection process and City Ordinance 3.12.130E (setting a possible award of 10 additional points to the evaluation criteria scoring).

1.1. City Background

Bridgeport, the most populous city in Connecticut and the fifth-most populous in New England, is situated in eastern Fairfield County at the mouth of the Pequonnock River on Long Island

Sound. With a population of 148,654 in 2020, it is 60 miles from Manhattan and 40 miles from

The Bronx, forming part of the New York metropolitan area. The city borders Trumbull to the north, Fairfield to the west, and Stratford to the east. Bridgeport is a significant part of the

Greater Bridgeport Planning Region and the Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk-Danbury metropolitan statistical area, the second largest in Connecticut.

Since the early 21st century, Bridgeport has seen extensive redevelopment in its downtown and other neighborhoods. Bridgeport is home to several educational institutions, including the

University of Bridgeport, Housatonic Community College, Paier College, and part of Sacred

Heart University, as well as the state's only zoo, Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo. The city is also nicknamed "Park City" for its 35 public parks, covering 1,300 acres, including two large parks.

Despite not being headquartered in the city, over a dozen Fortune 500 companies are based in the metropolitan area shared with Stamford.

Bridgeport is a culturally vibrant city with three museums, numerous parks, and significant venues like Seaside Park, the Total Mortgage Arena, and the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater.

The Barnum Museum and Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo are notable attractions, enhancing the city's cultural and recreational appeal. Recognized for its diversity, Bridgeport is consistently ranked among the 25 most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in the United States.

1.2. Project Overview and Summary

The City of Bridgeport Fire Department (BFD) is requesting proposals to train 20 response personnel to obtain NASBLA Boat Crew Member certification under a Department of Homeland

Security (FEMA) FY23 Port Security Grant. The 5-day/35-hour class will meet the national standards of training, qualification, credentialing, and typing found in DHS-126-RESP guidelines in the FEMANTED Catalog and referenced in NFPA Standard 1670. Classes will be conducted in classrooms at BFD facilities. BFD vessels will be utilized for practical training in

Bridgeport Harbor and adjacent waters.

2. Scope of Work

2.1. Project Description

The 5-day/35-hour class for 20 BFD members will focus on the basic elements in the following qualification areas, as listed in the US Coast Guard Boat Operations and Training Manual

(Volume II), and meet the national standards of training, qualification, credentialing, and typing established in the NASBLA Boat Operations and Training (BOAT) Manual (Volume II). Further reference can be found in DHS-126-RESP guidelines in the FEMA NTED Catalog and referenced in NFPA Standard 1670:

Section Subject Area

A

Crew Efficiency Factors, Risk Factors and

Team Coordination

B Physical Fitness, First-Aid, and Survival

C Marlinespike Seamanship, Boat

Nomenclature, Nautical Terminology, and

Basic Stability

D Boat Handling

F Navigation

G Mission-Oriented Operations

The course will be delivered using “team teaching” as the model, where all instructors are engaged in every module within the course. Course structure will be instructor lecture, aided by slide presentations, class interactions, practical exercises, a knowledge test, and final exam. The

Student to Instructor Ratio will be 4 to 1. Classes will be conducted in classrooms at BFD facilities. BFD vessels will be utilized for practical training in Bridgeport Harbor and adjacent waters.

Provide a detailed description of the project, including specific tasks and deliverables.

Qualifications:

1. Company must be certified through the NASBLA Instructor Credentialing Program

(NICP) and in good standing.

2. Company must not have any licensure actions or pending charges through NASBLA, the

USCG, or any other overseeing agencies.

3. Company will include an itemized quote to provide the NASBLA Boat Crew Member

Certification for 20 members.

4. Company shall be responsible for filing all necessary documents for the class and certifications with NASBLA and any other overseeing agencies.

5. The Company shall provide references for similar sized classes taught to other agencies.

6. The Company shall provide instructor biographies for the lead instructors to be used during the project.

7. The course will be delivered using “team teaching” as the model, where all instructors are engaged in every module within the course.

8. Textbooks, learning aides, and paperwork will be provided by the Company.

9. Course structure will be instructor lecture, aided by slide presentations, class interactions, practical exercises, a knowledge test and final exam.

10. The Student to Instructor Ratio will be 4 to 1.

11. Classes will be conducted in classrooms at BFD facilities. BFD vessels will be utilized for practical training in Bridgeport Harbor and adjacent waters.

12. Upon successful completion of the course, each student will demonstrate mastery of each of the objectives outlined in each module through a compilation of measures including objective testing, scenario review, class discussion, practical activities, and homework.

2.2. Qualification Expectations

Eligible respondents must be able to demonstrate the following:

2.2.1 Demonstrated experience with similar projects. To be qualified, the proposed project awardee for this project must have recently and successfully completed recent projects with similar scope and complexity and shall provide references for those projects.

2.2.2 Demonstrated experience with municipalities comparable to the City of

Bridgeport. Any additional information which demonstrates the respondent’s ability to perform the required work not already mentioned herein, must be provided.

2.2.3 Assigned Staff and office support must have the necessary experience, organization, and professional skills and facilities to successfully perform the required services described in the scope of work in this RFP. Description of the firm’s composition with identification of roles of all anticipated employees and/or subcontractors, if any. Resumes of key personnel are required for all key personnel.

2.2.4 No pending criminal litigation or criminal charges against the firm, Principal

Owners, Partners, Corporate Officers, or management Personnel.

2.3. Key Deliverables

The City of Bridgeport must provide a list of key deliverables i.e. transparent & “reliable” fees, superior customer service & responsiveness, demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.

2.4. Capability

Detail the requirements, including standards or protocols that must be followed or adhered to and any other specific requirements or technologies that need to be used.

2.5. Schedule, Timeline, and Milestone Tracking

The project timeline should be outlined here. Key milestones, including start date, major dates, and any associated milestone payment schedules, including a project completion date, should be inserted here. In the context of a project timeline, requiring milestone payments are considered project specific, and may not apply to all projects.

2.6. Pricing

All pricing must be valid for no less than one hundred and twenty (120) days from the RFP opening date. Services and materials for this project are exempt from State of Connecticut sales tax.

2.7. Payment Terms

Payment terms are Net 45 Days.

3. Submission Guidelines

3.1. Contacting the City of Bridgeport

The exclusive means by which all prospective respondents may obtain RFP packages, direct inquires, request and receive addenda and supplemental information, and submit proposals shall be through the City of Bridgeport’s bidding platform.

The City of Bridgeport has made it possible for vendors to view our solicitations, download bid packages and ask questions, free of charge.

Instructions to do so are as follows:

1. Go to https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/bridgeportct https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/bridgeportct

2. Click on any bid you see. It will take you to that bid’s page.

3. On the right-hand side of the page, click on Register now for free!

4. After you register, you'll be able to view/download or ask questions on any bid you have interest in.

If you have any trouble registering, please contact OpenGov using the chat feature or send an email to procurement-support@opengov.com

Addenda Notification: Respondents are required to register on OpenGov. Once the respondent has completed registration, they will receive addenda notifications in their email. Ultimately, it is the sole responsibility of each respondent to periodically check the site for any addenda.

3.2. Submission Instructions

Submissions are encouraged to be made electronically through the OpenGov site at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/bridgeportct no later than 2:00 pm on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.

Submissions may also be made as follows:

ONE (1) ORIGINAL, THREE (3) COPIES AND ONE (1) ELECTRONIC VIA

THUMBDRIVE MUST BE SUBMITTED.

Sealed submissions must be received and time-stamped by the Department of Public Purchases prior to RFP closing time. No submission received after closing time will be considered. The opening will be in the City of Bridgeport Department of Public Purchases’ Conference Room. To ensure proper handling and avoid misdirected delivery, please mark your RFP envelope as follows:

FDX01525A-NASBLA Boat Crew Member Certification

Send your submissions to:

Pedro Silva City of Bridgeport Department of Public Purchases 2nd floor, 999 Broad Street

Bridgeport, CT 06604

RFP submissions are due:

Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 2:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Questions and Answers: It is the responsibility of each firm to inquire about additional information or clarification as to any aspect of the RFP or the Project by submitting questions. The City of Bridgeport will receive questions until Monday, November 18, 2024 at

4:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) and will promptly provide answers to such questions no later than Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 4:00 pm by publishing them on the Procurement mailto:procurement-support@opengov.com https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/bridgeportct

Portal and the All firms are obligated to become familiar with such questions and answers and to submit or revise their proposals accordingly. The City of Bridgeport assumes no responsibility for a firm’s failure to read questions or answers and to revise their responses accordingly.

Late Submissions: City will not assume responsibility if a submission is misdirected, or its delivery is delayed. It shall be the sole responsibility of the submitter to pay for any type of delivery service charge, and to see that the Office of the Purchasing Agent receives his/her submission on time. The clock used shall be the Purchasing Agent’s official date and time stamp clock. The City does not assume financial responsibility for late deliveries by the U.S. Postal

System or any other delivery service.

Expenses: The City shall not be responsible for and/or shall not pay any costs associated with the preparation, submission, or presentation of any submission, or costs incurred by the responding firms during the interview and negotiations phase of the solicitation process

Information and Materials: Any information or materials submitted to this RFP shall become the property of the City of Bridgeport and will not be returned. All submitted materials will be available for public review.

Dates: Please keep in mind dates are estimates only and are subject to change.

3.3. Timeline

Release Project Date: November 4, 2024

Question Submission Deadline: November 18, 2024, 4:00pm

Question Response Deadline: November 20, 2024, 4:00pm

Response Submission Deadline: November 26, 2024, 2:00pm

4. Evaluations

Selection of the successful proposal will be based upon submission of proposals meeting the evaluation criteria shown in the Evaluation Criteria Section. Proposal evaluations will be based on a points scale, using the Evaluation Criteria listed.

As part of the evaluation process, the City may ask questions of a clarifying nature from Offerors as required. The City may also request an oral presentation to explain the proposal and answer questions.

The City Reserves the right to cancel this RFP at any time or reject an or all proposals received as a result of this RFP if it is in the best interest of the City. The City reserves the right to waive any informality in any proposal.

5. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated utilizing an evaluation matrix based on a City Selection Committee’s project specific or weighted criterion. Typical decision criteria are listed in the chart below. The decision criteria in the chart below are for demonstration purposes, only. The decision criteria can vary based on project scope or request for proposal (RFP) type.

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. Technical Qualifications, Capacity, and

Experience

Reference Scope of Work Section

Points Based 20 (18.2% of Total)

2. Substance of Proposal

Reference Scope of Work Section

Points Based 20 (18.2% of Total)

3. Availability and Capacity to Timely Perform

Reference Scope of Work Section

Points Based 20 (18.2% of Total)

4. Public Sector Experience and Knowledge of

Locality

Reference Scope of Work Section

Points Based 20 (18.2% of Total)

5. Best Price Value

Reference Scope of Work Section

Points Based 20 (18.2% of Total)

6. MBE Credit

Reference Introduction Section

Points Based 10 (9.1% of Total)

6. Selection Process

The City Selection Committee will review the responses to compliance with the required documentation to determine responsiveness. MBE firms, or firms that form a joint venture with non-MBE prime, and who are entitled to Evaluation Credits pursuant to City ordinance, will be determined and evaluation credits will be issued for purposes of selection.

The City Selection Committee, comprised of key internal stakeholders, will review, evaluate proposals, and score them and rank the responses on a 100-point scale with any evaluation credits awarded. Upon completion of the evaluation and scoring, the City Selection Committee may conduct post-evaluation interviews with the most qualified suppliers prior to a final decision. The City of Bridgeport reserves the right to reject any or all submissions and cancel this request for proposal (RFP), without liability.

Provide a timeline for when a decision will be made and the process for how suppliers will be notified.

Selection Committee:

The selection committee will consist of at least 4 members from the following divisions.

• One (1) Deputy Chief of the Bridgeport Fire Department

• Two (2) Captains of the Bridgeport Fire Department

• One (1) Lieutenant of the Bridgeport Fire Department

7. Pricing Proposal

CERTIFICATION COST

Line Item Description Quantity Unit of

Measure Unit Cost Total

1 On-Site training 20 Members to receive NASBLA certification 1 Ea

TOTAL

8. Required Response Format

8.1. Executive Summary

The executive summary should include an introduction, a summary of the proposal, an understanding of requirements, and the value proposition.

8.2. Company Profile

A company overview should be provided, along with experience and expertise, certifications and accreditations, and key personnel assigned to the project including resumes. All personnel in responsible charge of the project will be required to process and maintain valid professional licenses and certifications for the State of Connecticut.

8.3. Case Studies | Comparable Projects

Prove demonstrated experience with similar projects. To be qualified, the proposed project awardee for this project must have recently and successfully completed recent projects with similar scope and complexity and shall provide references for those projects.

Provide demonstrated experience with municipalities comparable to the City of Bridgeport. Any additional information which demonstrates the respondent’s ability to perform the required work not already mentioned herein, must be provided.

8.4. Solution Proposal

A solution description, a detailed scope of work, a project plan, and a summary of how quality assurance will be maintained and guaranteed.

8.5. Financial Proposal

A cost breakdown including payment terms and cost justification should be provided.

8.6. Management Proposal

An organizational structure along with roles and responsibilities should be provided. Additionally, a communication strategy should be provided along with a project and quality assurance plan. Finally, responses shall clearly indicate the legal name, address, telephone number, and email address of the respondent and shall indicate whether the respondent is a corporation, general partnership, individual or other business entity.

8.7. Compliance and Legal

Please refer to Scope of Work and Appendices A & B

8.8. References

Please provide three (3) client references applicable to your value proposition.

9. Vendor Questionnaire

1. No Conflicts/Disclosure Form (Signed and notarized)*

Every business or individual that is issued a notice of intent to award pursuant to the city’s purchasing ordinance (section 3.08.070, as amended), must fully and accurately complete this disclosure form. If there is insufficient space for any answer, attach additional sheets.

No Conflicts/Disclosure Form are included in Attachment B of this RFP.

*Response required

2. Certificate of Insurance*

Please upload most current Certification of Insurance meeting the specifications of this bid.

Reference Appendix A

*Response required

3. Bid Proposal Documents

Please upload your proposal here. Reference Required Response Format and Scope of Work

Section

10. Appendix A

Professional Services Insurance Rider

As a provider of Professional Services, the Consultant shall provide and maintain insurance coverage related to its services in connection with the Project in compliance with the following requirements.

The insurance required shall be written for not less than the scope and limits of insurance specified hereunder, or required by applicable federal, state and/or municipal law, regulation or requirement, whichever coverage requirement is greater. It is agreed and understood that the scope and limits of insurance specified hereunder are minimum requirements and shall in no way limit or preclude the City from requiring additional limits and coverage to be provided under the

Consultant's policies.

The insurance obligations under this agreement shall be (1) all the insurance coverage and/or limits carried by or available to the Consultant; or (2) the minimum insurance coverage requirements and/or limits shown in this agreement, whichever is greater.

Minimum Scope and Limits of Insurance:

Workers' Compensation: With respect to all operations the Consultant performs, it shall carry workers' compensation insurance in accordance with the requirements of the laws of the State of

Connecticut, and Employer's Liability limits of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) coverage for each accident, One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) coverage for each employee by disease, Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) policy limit coverage for disease.

Commercial General Liability: With respect to all operations the Consultant performs it shall carry Commercial General Liability insurance providing for a total limit of One Million Dollars

($1,000,000) coverage per occurrence for all damages arising out of bodily injury, personal injury, property damage, products/completed operations, and contractual liability coverage for the indemnification obligations arising under this Agreement. The Annual Aggregate limit shall not be less than Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000).

Automobile Liability: With respect to each owned, non-owned, or hired vehicles the

Consultant shall carry Automobile Liability insurance providing One Million Dollars

($1,000,000) coverage per accident for bodily injury and property damage.

Professional Liability: The Consultant shall provide Professional Liability Insurance covering errors and omissions. Such insurance shall be in an amount no less than $1,000,000 for each claim and $1,000,000 Aggregate. Such insurance coverage shall remain in place for seven years after City’s acceptance of Consultant’s work, and if Consultant’s insurance coverage is written on a “claims made” basis, such seven-year requirement can be satisfied through a combination of an extended reporting period and tail coverage.

Acceptability of Insurers: The Consultant's policies shall be written by insurance companies licensed to do business in the State of Connecticut, with an AM Best rating of A-VII, or better. Additionally, all carriers are subject to approval by the City of Bridgeport.

Subcontractors: The Consultant shall require all subcontractors to provide the same "minimum scope and limits of insurance" as required herein. All Certificates of Insurance shall be provided to the City's Office of the City Attorney and to the City’s Purchasing Department required herein

Deductibles and Self-Insured Retentions: Any deductible or self-insured retention must be declared to and approved by the city. All deductibles or self-insured retentions are the sole responsibility of the Consultant to pay and/or to indemnify.

Notice of Cancellation or Nonrenewal: Each insurance policy required shall be endorsed to state that coverage shall not be suspended, voided, cancelled, or reduced in coverage or in limits before the expiration date except after thirty (30) days prior written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, has been given to the City. Notwithstanding this requirement, the

Consultant is primarily responsible for providing such written notice to the City thirty (30) days prior to any policy change or cancellation that would result in a change of the amount or type of coverage provided. In the event of any such change the Consultant shall provide comparable substitute coverage so that there is no lapse in applicable coverage or reduction in the amount of coverage available to the City related to the Consultant’s Services.

Waiver of Governmental Immunity: Unless requested otherwise by the City, the Consultant and its insurer shall waive governmental immunity as defense and shall not use the defense of governmental immunity in the adjustment of claims or in the defense of any suit brought against the City.

Additional Insured: The liability insurance coverage, (excluding Workers' Compensation &

Professional Liability, if included) required for the performance of the Services shall include the

City as an Additional Insured with respect to the Consultant's activities to be performed under this Agreement. Consultant’s insurance shall be primary and shall not seek contribution from any other insurance carried by the additional insured in the payment of a claim.

Waiver of Subrogation: Consultant hereby waives the right to subrogate or seek recovery from

City of Bridgeport and its insurance carriers. This waiver of subrogation does not apply to

Professional Liability coverage.

Certificate of Insurance: Prior to the commencement of services under this Contract, the

Consultant shall furnish Certificate(s) of Insurance to the City. The Certificate(s) will specify all parties who are endorsed on the policy as Additional Insureds (or Loss Payees). The Certificates and endorsements for each insurance policy are to be signed by a person authorized by the insurer to bind coverage on its behalf. Renewals of expiring Certificates shall be provided prior to expiration but no more than fifteen (15) days after policy renewal.

Certificates shall designate the City in the following form and manner:

“City of Bridgeport, its elected officials, officers, department heads, employees, agents, servants, successors and assigns ATIMA Margaret E. Morton Government Center 999 Broad Street, 2nd Floor Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604”

All insurance documents required should be mailed to the Office of the City Attorney 999 Broad

Street 2nd Floor Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604.

Waiver of requirements: The City Attorney may vary these insurance requirements at her sole discretion if it determines that the City's interests will be adequately protected by the provision of different types or other amounts of coverage.

11. Appendix B

Please see Attachment A - City of Bridgeport Contractor Agreement.

12. Appendix C

Please see Attachment B - No Conflicts/Disclosure Form .