P-25-015_Local_Government_Relations_Services.pdf

JACKSONVILLE TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR

Request for Proposal

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION DATE:

BY 2:00 pm (ET), Friday, January 10, 2025

RFP NUMBER: RFP

Jacksonville Transportation Authority

100 LaVilla Center Drive

Jacksonville, Florida 32204

JACKSONVILLE TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

II. NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

III. INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS

IV. PROPOSAL FORM AND SELECTION CRITERIA

V. SCOPE OF SERVICES

VI. EVALUATION PHASES

VII. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

VIII. REQUIRED FORMS AND CERTIFICATIONS

IX. VENDOR QUESTIONNAIRE

1. NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

1.1. NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

JACKSONVILLE TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL No. P-25-015

SUBJECT: P-25-015 Local Government Relations Services

PROPOSAL CLOSING: Friday, January 10, 2025, 2:00 pm (ET)

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (the “Authority” or the “JTA”) hereby requests Sealed Proposals for

P-25-015, P-25-015 Local Government Relations Services.

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) is an independent agency of the State of Florida serving

Northeast Florida with multimodal transportation and facilities, including fixed route, Bus Rapid Transit, Alternative Transit Solutions, an Automated People Mover known as the “Skyway”, paratransit services, and the

Saint Johns River Ferry. The JTA also designs and constructs road and highway infrastructure projects. In addition, the JTA is implementing a cutting-edge and transformational program known as the Ultimate Urban

Circulator (U²C) that will focus on integrating newer technologies to implement an automated transit network in

Jacksonville.

Sealed Proposals will be received by the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (the “Authority” or the “JTA”), until the above-stated Submittal closing/opening dates and times on the JTA OpenGov Procurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/jtafla/projects/135109.

The complete Solicitation package will be available Tuesday, December 17, 2024 and may be obtained by visiting https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/jtafla/projects/135109. A complete examination and understanding of information contained in the Solicitation package is necessary in order for the Proposer to properly submit a

Proposal. The Solicitation package also includes a detailed set of Instructions to Proposers. All Proposals shall be prepared in accordance with the Instructions to Proposers. The failure to comply with any requirement contained in the Solicitation may result in the rejection of the Proposal as non-responsive or a finding that the

Proposer is not qualified.

Proposals must be uploaded to the JTA OpenGov Procurement Portal by the date and time identified in this solicitation. We strongly recommend that you give yourself sufficient time and at least ONE (1) day before

Closing Time to begin the uploading process and to finalize your submission. Late proposals will not be accepted and the JTA OpenGov Procurement Portal will not accept submissions past the date and time of closing/opening.

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/jtafla/projects/135109 https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/jtafla/projects/135109

1.1.1. DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (DBE)

All Proposers are hereby notified that there is No DBE Goal Established For The Contract: Proposers are encouraged to make every attempt to obtain participation of certified DBEs and other small businesses in the completion of the Contract (race neutral).

1.1.2. TYPE OF PROCUREMENT

Professional Services (Non-CCNA)

1.1.3. CONTRACT TYPE

Firm -Fixed Price or Rate

1.1.4. CONTRACT TERM

5 Years with no options for renewal

1.1.5. BASIS OF AWARD - BEST VALUE

A. This is a “best value” competitive source selection. Award will be made to the prospective

Proposer who is deemed responsible in accordance with the JTA Procurement Rule 002; possesses the management, financial, technical capabilities necessary to fulfill the requirements of the contract;

whose proposal conforms to solicitation requirements; and is judged by an integrated assessment of the evaluation criteria to be most advantageous to the Authority, price and other factors considered.

This will be determined by comparing differences in the value of the technical criteria including quality and safety, and business management features with differences in cost to the Authority. In making this comparison the Authority is determining an award with obtaining superior technical or business management features than with making an award at the lowest overall cost to the Authority.

However, the JTA will not make an award at a significantly higher overall cost to achieve slightly superior technical or management features. Cost is not expected to be the controlling factor in the selection of a contractor for this solicitation. The degree of importance of cost as a factor could become greater depending on the parity of the offers for the other evaluation criteria, where offers are determined to be substantially equal, total cost and other cost factors could become the controlling factor.

B. Prospective Proposers are advised that award may be made without discussions or any contact with the Proposers concerning the offers received except for clarifications. Therefore, proposals should be submitted initially with the most favorable terms the prospective Proposer can submit to the JTA.

C. Price evaluation will be based on the total cost to the JTA for all requirements which will be based on “Fixed Unit Prices.”

D. The technical items will be evaluated by weighted averages along with Proposer Qualifications.

The JTA intends to select the Proposer based on it’s offering the best package of approach, experience, technical proficiency, and economy (not in this specific order) to the Authority.

E. The JTA reserves the right to waive any irregularity in any Proposal, to request clarification of any

Proposal, to request additional information from any Proposer, to reject any or all Proposals, in whole or in part, and to re-advertise, cancel, or postpone the Solicitation, at any time, with or without cause, without liability to any Proposer. The JTA also reserves the right to take into consideration the

Proposer’s qualifications and past performance with the JTA or any other entity in determining if the

Proposer is responsible and qualified.

The JTA will make the Contract award, if any, to the responsible Proposer who’s Proposal, conforming to all the material terms and conditions of the Solicitation documents, is the lowest in price, and in accordance with its

Procurement Rule 002, which is incorporated herein by reference. The JTA reserves the right to waive any irregularity in any Proposal, to request clarification of any Proposal, to request additional information from any

Proposer, to reject any or all Proposals, in whole or in part, and to re-advertise, cancel, or postpone the Solicitation, at any time, with or without cause, without liability to any Proposer. The JTA also reserves the right to take into consideration the Proposer’s qualifications and past performance with the JTA or any other entity in determining if the Proposer is responsible and qualified.

1.1.6. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Proposers must be in good standing and authorized to transact business in the State of Florida, and must not be listed in the System for Award Management (SAM) as an excluded party. In addition, all licenses required for

Proposers whose businesses and professions are regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional

Regulation must be active and current at the time of the proposal submission. Failure to demonstrate compliance will result in being deemed non-responsive.

In addition, all licenses required for Proposers whose businesses and professions are regulated by the Florida

Department of Business and Professional Regulation must be active and current at the time the Proposal is submitted. Failure to demonstrate compliance may result in being deemed non-responsive.

1.1.7. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

All questions or concerns regarding this solicitation must be submitted on the JTA OpenGov Procurement Portal prior to 12:00 pm (EST) on Friday, December 27, 2024. You will not be able to send messages after this time.

All responses to questions will be uploaded to the JTA OpenGov Procurement Portal and issued in an Addendum, on Monday, December 30, 2024.

1.1.8. CONE OF SILENCE

From the date of the initial publication of this Solicitation until the contract is awarded and the protest period has expired, all communication relating to this Solicitation, with the exception of Disadvantaged Business

Enterprise (DBE) related questions, shall be sent to:

Heather Obora

Chief Procurement Officer

Email: procurement@jtafla.com

(904) 630-3136 mailto:purchasing@jtafla.com

All DBE questions shall be addressed to Ken Middleton at DBE1@jtafla.com or 904-598-8728. This includes questions related to certification or assistance with finding certified DBE’s to partner with.

If you are not sure who to send a question to, please send it to procurement@jtafla.com and it will be forwarded to the appropriate personnel.

All other communication to the JTA or any JTA employee, consultant, or Board Member regarding this

Solicitation is prohibited, unless made in accordance with JTA's Solicitation and Award Protest Rule.

The JTA Board of Directors has established a zero tolerance policy and the JTA will disqualify any

Proposer who makes or causes to be made, directly or indirectly, any improper communication. Nothing contained in this paragraph prohibits JTA personnel from initiating contact with a Proposer and subsequent communication related thereto for the purpose of obtaining additional information that is relevant to the Solicitation.

Proposers are hereby notified that the JTA is subject to the Florida Public Records Law and the Government in the Sunshine Act, as set forth in Florida Statutes Chapters 119 and 286; as such, most communications to the

JTA are subject to public disclosure, and the selection meeting(s), if any, will be open to the public.

All JTA contracts are subject to funding availability and are not binding upon the Authority until duly executed by the Authority and delivered to the Proposer.

1.1.9. TIMELINE

Release Project Date: December 17, 2024 mailto:DBE1@jtafla.com mailto:purchasing@jtafla.com

Pre-Proposal Meeting (Non-Mandatory): December 19, 2024, 2:00pm

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Thank you for your participation.

Deadline for Questions: December 27, 2024, 12:00pm

Response to Questions: December 30, 2024, 5:00pm

Proposal Closing Date: January 10, 2025, 2:00pm

Technical Evaluation Team Meeting: January 21, 2025, 11:00am

Issue Notice of Intent to Award: February 4, 2025

1.2. INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS

1.2.1. INTRODUCTION

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (the “Authority” or “JTA”) is a public body politic and corporate agency of the State of Florida created under Chapter 349, as amended, Florida Statutes. The Authority is a https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_OGM2ODkzNzktNmU5Mi00MDUyLTlkYmUtNGU1NDk3NWE4YTE4%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22a77932bd-dc60-4221-b61b-9499cc35b277%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22bbbb7f2d-d3ce-4143-a2aa-6f7306ca920f%22%7d https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_OGM2ODkzNzktNmU5Mi00MDUyLTlkYmUtNGU1NDk3NWE4YTE4%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22a77932bd-dc60-4221-b61b-9499cc35b277%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22bbbb7f2d-d3ce-4143-a2aa-6f7306ca920f%22%7d https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_OGM2ODkzNzktNmU5Mi00MDUyLTlkYmUtNGU1NDk3NWE4YTE4%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22a77932bd-dc60-4221-b61b-9499cc35b277%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22bbbb7f2d-d3ce-4143-a2aa-6f7306ca920f%22%7d https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_OGM2ODkzNzktNmU5Mi00MDUyLTlkYmUtNGU1NDk3NWE4YTE4%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22a77932bd-dc60-4221-b61b-9499cc35b277%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22bbbb7f2d-d3ce-4143-a2aa-6f7306ca920f%22%7d https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_OGM2ODkzNzktNmU5Mi00MDUyLTlkYmUtNGU1NDk3NWE4YTE4%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22a77932bd-dc60-4221-b61b-9499cc35b277%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22bbbb7f2d-d3ce-4143-a2aa-6f7306ca920f%22%7d https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_OGM2ODkzNzktNmU5Mi00MDUyLTlkYmUtNGU1NDk3NWE4YTE4%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22a77932bd-dc60-4221-b61b-9499cc35b277%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22bbbb7f2d-d3ce-4143-a2aa-6f7306ca920f%22%7d https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_OGM2ODkzNzktNmU5Mi00MDUyLTlkYmUtNGU1NDk3NWE4YTE4%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22a77932bd-dc60-4221-b61b-9499cc35b277%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22bbbb7f2d-d3ce-4143-a2aa-6f7306ca920f%22%7d https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_OGM2ODkzNzktNmU5Mi00MDUyLTlkYmUtNGU1NDk3NWE4YTE4%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22a77932bd-dc60-4221-b61b-9499cc35b277%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22bbbb7f2d-d3ce-4143-a2aa-6f7306ca920f%22%7d mailto:jtafla@m.webex.com transit and transportation facilities provider in North Florida, constructing and improving roadways as well as constructing, equipping and operating transit services. The Authority operates in Duval County, Florida (the

“County”), including in the City of Jacksonville, Florida (the “City”) and surrounding areas.

1.2.2. SOLICITATION TERMINOLOGY

The term Solicitation includes all documents that are included or referenced in the Solicitation package, including without limitation, the Request for Proposals, Notice for Publication, Instructions to Proposers, Specifications, Scope of Work, Special Conditions, Insurance Requirements, Contract Form, General

Conditions, Required Clauses for Federally-Assisted Contracts, Required Proposal Forms, Certifications, Addenda, Project Manual, Drawings, Specifications, and the documents, reports, and information referenced in such Solicitation. The terms Proposer, Contractor, and Supplier may be used interchangeably.

1.2.3. PROPOSER'S OFFICIAL RECEIPT OF SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS

The Proposer must receive the complete Solicitation package directly from the JTA OpenGov Procurement

Portal. If you submit a Proposal for the Solicitation and you do not receive the Solicitation documents directly from the JTA OpenGov Procurement Portal, there is a serious risk that you will not be kept informed of

Addenda and, therefore, your Proposal may be deemed non-responsive.

1.2.4. PROPOSAL DELIVERY

Proposals must be uploaded, submitted and finalized by the due date, at the location identified in the Notice for

Publication (the “Notice”), or as amended in an Addendum. No additional promotional or advertising information will be accepted. We strongly recommend that you give yourself sufficient time and at least ONE (1) day before the submission deadline to begin the uploading process and to finalize your submission. The eProcurement Portal will not allow the acceptance of late proposals. Facsimile, electronic mail and in-person deliveries will not be accepted. The Authority is the official timekeeper and the Authority's determination of the time shall be deemed correct and final.

Pursuant to Article 1, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution and under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, if a

Respondent considers any portion of the documents, data, or records submitted in response to this solicitation to be confidential, proprietary, trade secret, or otherwise not subject to disclosure pursuant to applicable State of

Florida laws, the Respondent must provide JTA with a separate “REDACTED COPY” of its response. This redacted copy shall be submitted, on the JTA eProcurement Portal, and shall be clearly titled “REDACTED

COPY” at the same time the Bidder submits its response to the solicitation. An entire proposal or the proposed cost in a proposal cannot be identified as “CONFIDENTIAL”, “PROPRIETARY” or “TRADE SECRET”. The

Respondent must provide a brief description of the grounds for claiming exemption from public records law, including the specific statutory citation for such exemption that allows the withholding on the require form

“Certification of Redacted Copy”.

Facsimile and electronic transmissions will not be accepted. Late Proposals are not able to be accepted through the eProcurement Portal. Any responses that are delivered in person will not be accepted. The Authority is the official timekeeper and the Authority's determination of the time shall be deemed correct and final.

1.2.5. PROPOSER REVIEW OF SOLICITATION AND CONTRACT DOCUMENTS

By submitting a Proposal, the Proposer represents that it has fully informed itself as to: (i) the conditions to be encountered; (ii) the character, quality, and quantities of work to be performed;; and (iii) all of the requirements of the Solicitation and Contract documents, including the plans, specifications, and the labor and security conditions under which the Contract is to be performed. The Proposer shall not be relieved of its obligation to furnish all materials, equipment, labor, and services necessary to complete the Contract by reason of having failed to inform itself with respect to those matters. If this acquisition is related to a project in which conditions, specifications, and/or plans have been issued, those documents, where applicable, are incorporated herein. The

Authority does not guarantee the accuracy of any information that may have been provided in connection with the Solicitation and if this is a lump sum Contract, the Authority does not assume any responsibility for determining the quantities required.

1.2.6. QUALIFICATIONS AND REFERENCES

The Authority reserves the right to request any additional information it deems necessary regarding the

Proposer’s previous experience and qualifications, and the Authority may also consider any evidence available to it regarding the financial, technical, and other qualifications and abilities of the Proposer. The Proposer shall provide any additional information requested within forty-eight (48) hours of such request.

1.2.7. NON-RESPONSIVE PROPOSALS MAY BE REJECTED

The failure to comply with any requirement contained in the Notice, Instructions to Proposers, Required Forms, and/or other Solicitation documents may result in the rejection of the Proposal as non-responsive.

1.2.8. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS IN THE SOLICITATION PROCESS.

The Authority reserves all rights it is entitled to under the law, including the right to:

• reject any or all Proposals and to cancel or postpone the Solicitation, in whole or in part, for any reason, without liability;

• issue subsequent or concurrent Solicitation(s) for the work/services described herein;

• perform background checks, reference checks, and consider any information the Authority deems pertinent to the Solicitation;

• request additional copies of the Proposal from the Proposer, at no cost to the Authority; and

• request additional or omitted information and seek clarifications of any Proposal.

1.2.9. REQUIRED FORMS

Proposers shall complete and return all Forms required by section "Required Forms and Certifications". The

Forms must be submitted using the exact Forms provided and must be signed by an authorized representative of the Proposer. Any alteration of the Forms or failure to submit required Forms shall cause the Proposal to be rejected as non-responsive.

The Forms cannot be marked “N/A” and returned as an effort to comply with the requirements. These Forms

MUST be completed, signed, and returned with your Proposal. The burden is on each Proposer to know of and submit all required Forms with Proposal submittals. If the Authority determines that a Proposer has failed to return completed Form(s), and/or has failed to sign all required Form(s), the Proposal shall be rejected as non-responsive .

1.2.10. TRUTH IN NEGOTIATION CERTIFICATION

In accordance with Florida Statute Section 287.055(5)(a), Proposers are required to submit a Truth-in-

Negotiation-Certificate with Technical Proposals certifying that wage rates and other factual unit costs supporting compensation for the Contract will be accurate, complete, and current at the time of contracting. The original Contract price and any adjustments thereto can and will be adjusted if the Authority determines that such Contract price was increased due to inaccurate, incomplete, or noncurrent wage rates and other factual unit costs.

1.2.11. PROPOSER DISQUALIFICATION

Any of the following causes may be considered sufficient for the disqualification of a Proposer and the rejection of its Proposal:

A. submission of more than one (1) Proposal from a Proposer for the same work by an individual, entity, partnership, or corporation under the same or different names;

B. evidence of collusion between or among Proposers;

C. work for which the Proposer is committed by contract, which, in the Authority's judgment and sole discretion, might hinder or prevent the prompt completion of the Contract if awarded to the Proposer;

D. being behind on the approved completion schedule for any existing contract or contract completed within two (2) years of the Proposal Closing date with the Authority where the Contractor has been assessed liquidated damages, being involved in litigation with the Authority, or having been declared by the Authority to be in default on a previous contract with the Authority;

E. poor, negligent, or defective performance of work for the Authority or any other party on prior projects, which, in the Authority's judgment and sole discretion, raises doubts as to the Proposer's ability to properly perform the Contract;

F. appearance of the Proposer on the Department of General Services' Convicted Vendors List; debarment or suspension of the Proposer by the Authority pursuant to the Authority’s Administrative Rule 003; or for “covered transactions,” as that term is defined in 49 CFR Part 29, with a value greater than $25,000, if the Proposer is presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, or declared ineligible for the award of contracts by any Federal agency;

G. violating the Cone of Silence;

H. having any real or apparent conflict of interest, including any relationship with or interest in those firms who have assisted the Authority in the preparation of the Solicitation;

I. misstating or omitting a material fact in the Proposal, submitting a Proposal that is conditional, or submitting a proposal that contains unauthorized conditions, limitations, exceptions, or alterations;

J. failing to properly: (i) execute any Form; (ii) execute any Proposal Security; (iii) execute other required documents; or (iv) meet the minimum requirements of the Solicitation; or

K. any other reason, as determined in the sole discretion of the Authority, that warrants rejection of the

Proposal or disqualification of the Proposer, including listing unqualified subcontractors or failing to provide adequate references for the Proposer and/or any subcontractors upon request.

The Authority may cancel or postpone the Solicitation and may reject any and all Proposals, with or without cause, and may waive any minor irregularity in any Proposal.

1.2.12. TAXES

The Authority is exempt from the following taxes: (a) State of Florida Sales Tax by Certificate No.85-

8012646346C-1; and (b) Federal Excise Tax Registration No. 59-6018367. The only purchases allowed to be made using these exemptions are to be made on either an Authority Purchase Order or an Authority check. The sales tax exemption does not apply to goods or services that are purchased or consumed by the Proposer for which the Proposer is deemed to be the ultimate consumer.

1.2.13. DEVIATIONS TO SPECIFICATIONS

All requests for deviations from the specifications must be submitted as a written question prior to the deadline for questions. Proposals may be rejected as non-responsive if deviations are used without being approved in an

Addendum.

1.2.14. DISCOUNTS

Prompt payment discounts will be considered during the administration of the Contract, but will not be considered when evaluating the Proposal.

1.2.15. PROVISION FOR OTHER AGENCIES

By signing and submitting its Proposal, the Proposer hereby agrees to extend the terms, conditions, and other negotiated agreements to any Transit Authority, or any City, County, or State Government agency within the

State of Florida. It is understood that some negotiated agreements may require further negotiations between the successful Proposer and the entity desiring to benefit from this Solicitation. Any such resulting agreements will be independent of the Authority.

1.2.16. PROCUREMENT DEPARTMENT AS AGENT

When the Procurement Department is acting as agent for “other public activities” defined as activities receiving financial support in part from the Authority but not under the direct governing jurisdiction of the Authority, the name of such public activity shall be substituted for the words “JTA” and “Authority” throughout the

Solicitation and Contract.

1.2.17. ETHICS PROVISION

The Proposer, by affixing its signature to the Proposal and/or by accepting a Purchase Order, represents that it has reviewed the provision of the Jacksonville Ethics Code contained in chapter 602, Jacksonville Ordinance

Code, and the provisions of the Procurement Code contained in chapter 126, Jacksonville Ordinance Code.

1.2.18. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND AGREEMENT TO CONTRACT TERMS

By signing the Proposal, the Proposer acknowledges its agreement to all terms, conditions, and specifications contained in this Solicitation and resulting Contract, if any. When the Authority issues a Purchase Order(s), the

Proposer shall comply with all the terms, conditions, and specifications contained in this Solicitation and resulting Contract, per the Order of Precedence in the Contract, until expiration or termination of the

Contract. The work is to begin only after proper authorization and issuance of a Purchase Order or a Notice to

Proceed.

1.2.19. NO PROPOSAL PREP COSTS

Under no circumstances will the Authority compensate any Proposer for the costs associated with responding to this Solicitation.

1.2.20. ALL-INCLUSIVE PROPOSAL

The Proposal shall include, at no additional cost to the Authority, all necessary safety equipment: in addition, all necessary taxes, licenses, permits, and insurance shall also be obtained by the Proposer at no additional cost to the Authority.

1.2.21. REQUEST FOR CLARIFICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

The Authority reserves the right to seek clarification and supplemental information from any or all Proposers when the Proposal contains any information or implication that is ambiguous.

1.2.22. PUBLIC RECORDS AND GOVERNMENT IN THE SUNSHINE LAWS

The Authority is subject to the Florida Public Records Law, the Government in the Sunshine Act, and possibly the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). In compliance therewith, at the sole discretion of the Authority, the

Authority may disseminate or make available to any person, without the consent of the Proposer, information regarding the Contract or the Proposal, including without limitation: requirements; specifications; drawings;

sketches; schematics; models; samples; tools; computer or other apparatus programs; and technical information or data, whether or written or oral, furnished to the Authority in connection with this Solicitation.

1.2.23. AVAILABILITY OF PROPOSALS AFTER OPENING

In accordance with the Florida Public Records Law, Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, copies of all Proposals are available for public inspection thirty (30) days after the opening of Proposals or on the date of Notice of Intent to

Award, whichever is earlier. Proposers may review opened Proposals once they are available for public inspection by contacting the JTA Public Records Office at publicrecords@jtafla.com.

If JTA rejects all Proposals submitted in response to a competitive Solicitation and concurrently provides notice of its intent to reissue the competitive Solicitation, the rejected Proposals remain exempt from §§

119.07(1) and 119.24(a), Florida Statutes, Art. I of the State Constitution until such time as JTA provides notice of an intended decision concerning the reissued competitive Solicitation or until JTA withdraws the reissued competitive Solicitation. A Proposal is not exempt for longer than twelve (12) months after the initial notice rejecting all Proposals.

1.2.24. PROHIBITION AGAINST CONTRACTING WITH SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES.

By submitting a proposal:

A. The Contractor hereby certifies that it is not on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List and is not engaged in a boycott of Israel, as defined in Florida Statutes § 287.135, as amended;

B. When the contract value is $1,000,000 or more; the Contractor hereby certifies that it is: (1) not on the

Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List or the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the

Iran Petroleum Energy Sector List as defined in Florida Statutes § 287.135; and (2) not engaged in business operations in Cuba or Syria, as defined in Florida Statutes § 287.135, as amended.

1.2.25. STANDARD ASSURANCES (including Non-Collusion and Debarment Certifications)

By submitting a signed Proposal, each Proposer certifies, under penalty of perjury, that:

A. The Proposer understands all requirements and, if selected, the Proposer will comply with all of the requirements of the Solicitation, the Proposal, and any resulting Contract.

B. The signatory of the Proposer is of lawful age, and no other person, firm, or corporation, other than those clearly identified in the Proposal, has any interest in the Proposal and/or any resulting

Contract.

C. The Proposal is made without any understanding, agreement, or connection with any other

Proposer or potential Proposer for the Contract, and is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud; no attempt has been made or will be made by the Proposer to induce any other person, entity, partnership, or corporation to submit or not submit a Proposal for the purpose of restricting competition.

D. The Proposer is familiar with, and the Proposal is in full compliance with, all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and the Proposer shall fully comply with same during the entire term of the Contract. The Proposer certifies that the Proposal complies with all applicable safety requirements, such as those required by OSHA, EPA, and the Authority.

E. The Proposer is not precluded from submitting a Proposal under Section 287.133(2)(a), Florida

Statutes, which provides that a person or affiliate (as defined by Florida law) who has been placed on the convicted vendor list following a conviction for a public entity crime may not submit a mailto:publicrecords@jtafla.com http://www.lawserver.com/law/state/florida/statutes/florida_statutes_119-07

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 contractor under a contract with any public entity; and may not transact business with any public entity in excess of the threshold amount provided in Florida Statutes section 287.017, for Category Two, for a period of thirty-six (36) months from the date of being placed on the convicted vendor list. By submitting a signed Proposal, the Proposer certifies, under penalty of perjury, that no person, entity, or affiliate involved in the Proposal is in violation of the restriction noted above.

F. If the Proposal is over one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), the Proposer understands that the

Contract awarded under this Solicitation, if any, is a covered transaction for purposes of the following statutes and regulations and the Proposer is required to comply with 2 CFR Part 1200, 2

CFR Part 180, Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, and 31 U.S.C. § 6101 note, as each may be amended from time to time. By submitting a signed Proposal, the Proposer certifies, that:

1. The Proposer is not currently debarred or suspended by the Authority under the Authority's Rules, and the Proposer will comply and facilitate compliance with U.S. DOT regulations, “Nonprocurement

Suspension and Debarment,” 2 CFR part 1200, which adopts and supplements the provisions of the

U.S. Office of Management and Budget (U.S. OMB) “Guidelines to Agencies on Government-wide

Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement),” 2 CFR part 180.

2. The Proposer and its principals and subrecipients at the first tier,

a. Are eligible to participate in covered transactions of any federal department or agency and are not presently:

i. Debarred,

ii. Suspended,

iii. Proposed for debarment,

iv. Declared ineligible,

v. Voluntarily excluded, or

vi. Disqualified;

b. The Proposer's management has not, within a three (3) year period preceding its Proposal, been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against any member of management for

i. 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,

ii. Violation of any federal or state antitrust statute, or

iii. Commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making any false statement, or receiving stolen property;

c. The Proposer is 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 listed in the preceding Section 1.b of this Certification;

d. The Proposer has not had one (1) or more public transactions (federal, state, or local) terminated for cause or default within a three (3) year period preceding this Certification;

e. If, at a later time, the Proposer receives any information that contradicts the statements of subparagraphs 2.a – 2.d above, the Proposer will promptly provide that information to the

Authority;

f. The Proposer will treat each lower tier subcontract under this Contract as a covered lower tier contract for purposes of 2 CFR part 1200 and 2 CFR part 180 if it:

i. Equals or exceeds twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00),

ii. Is for audit services, or

iii. Requires the consent of a federal official; and

g. The Proposer will require that each covered lower tier subcontractor:

i. Comply and facilitate compliance with the federal requirements of 2 CFR parts 180 and

1200, and

ii. Assure that each lower tier participant in this Contract is not presently declared by any federal department or agency to be:

I. Debarred, II. Suspended, III. Proposed for debarment, IV. Declared ineligible to participate, V. Voluntarily excluded from participation, or

VI. Disqualified from participation.

3. The Proposer shall provide a written explanation attached to the Signature Page of the Proposal if it or any of its principals, including any of its first tier subrecipients or any of its third-party participants at a lower tier, are unable to certify compliance with the preceding statements in this Certification. If requested by the Authority, the Proposer shall execute the FDOT Form 375-30-32.

1.2.26. PROTESTS

All protests concerning this Solicitation and any award hereunder shall comply with and be governed by the

Authority's Solicitation and Award Protest Rule (the “Rule”), a copy of which is available from the Authority's website at www.jtafla.com (under “About JTA,” then “Administrative Rules,” then “Rule 004”) or from the

Authority's Administrative Offices at 100 LaVilla Center Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32204. Under the Rule, any person who wishes to protest the contents of this Solicitation, including Addenda, shall file with the Authority's

Senior Manager of Procurement a written Notice of Protest, no less than five (5) business days before the

Proposal’s due date, and comply with the other requirements of the Rule. Under the Rule, any person who is adversely affected by the Authority's decision or intended decision with respect to an award under this Solicitation shall file with the Authority's CEO and Senior Manager of Procurement a written protest, no later than 5:00 p.m.

on the fifth (5th) business day after the posting of the Notice of Decision or Intended Decision,and shall comply with the other requirements of the Rule. Failure to submit a timely protest shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under the Rule. The time period set forth herein is not extended by service of the protest by mail.

1.2.27. E-VERIFY REQUIREMENT

Pursuant to Section 448.095, Florida Statutes, Contractor shall register with and utilize the U.S. Department of

Homeland Security’s E-Verify system to verify the work authorization status of all new employees hired by the

Contractor during the term of the Contract, and shall expressly require any Subcontractor(s) performing work or providing services pursuant to the Contract to likewise register with and utilize the U.S. Department of Homeland

Security’s E-Verify system to verify the work authorization status of all new employees hired by the

Subcontractor during the term of the Subcontractor agreement. Contractor and Subcontractor(s) shall provide JTA with an affidavit stating that the Contractor and Subcontractor(s) does not employ, contract with, or subcontract with an unauthorized alien, as set forth in Section 448.095(2)(b)1, Florida Statutes. Upon request, Contractor and

Subcontractor(s) must provide evidence of compliance with this provision. Failure to comply with this provision is a material breach of the Contract, and the JTA shall have the option of terminating this Contract at its discretion.

1.3. PROPOSAL FORM AND SELECTION CRITERIA

1.3.1. PROPOSERS RESPONSIBLE FOR ADDRESSING CRITERIA

Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the Selection Criteria set forth in the next section. Proposers should structure the Proposal in a manner that properly and clearly addresses each of the Selection Criteria. It is the sole responsibility of each Proposer to address each of the Selection Criteria and to provide with the Proposal any other information which would be relevant to the Selection Criteria. When in doubt as to any requirement or criteria, submit a written question to procurement@jtafla.com by the question deadline onFriday, December 27, 202412:00 pm.

1.3.2. SELECTION CRITERIA

The proposals submitted to the Authority’s Procurement Division will be evaluated and scored by the Authority’s

Evaluation Committee based on the following criteria:

A. Minimum Criteria (Pass/Fail)

Provide evidence that the Proposer meets the minimum criteria that is set forth in the Notice, if any, such as copies of the State of Florida Certificate of Status or Good Standing and all of the Required Forms from Section VII.

B. Qualifications/Experience related to the identified project (40 points max.)Minimum years of experience must be achieved as listed above for team members. Proposers should provide specific examples of work on similar projects and outline relevant accomplishments. Identify how your firm has developed and implemented a government relations plan at the state level (both at the executive and legislative branch) for a client(s) that are in similar nature to JTA. Consideration will be given to the proposer’s track record in working with the state agencies that are critical to achieving strategic vision and goals and objectives such as those described in the Scope of Work. Proposals must contain an organizational chart and brief resumes of the team that will be providing services directly to the

JTA. Do not include resumes of those that will not be providing a direct and active service under this contract.

C. Approach to Project & Schedule (40 points max.)

Qualities and indicators that should receive consideration, should generally include the company’s performance in converting the Scope of Services in to a work plan, the detail and clarity as to the respondent’s approach to undertaking agency-specific projects versus generally interacting with the City of Jacksonville, Mayor’s Office and City Council, and the company’s ability to identify any agency-specific issues special problems with discretionary grants versus, facilitating or maintaining relationships with newly confirmed agency leaders or concerns associated with the project-specific type grants versus and ideas how these obstacles should be addressed, including any approach which are designed to save time and money. Proposals must indicate a clear understanding of the scope of work, including a detailed project plan for this engagement outlying major tasks and responsibilities, time frames, and staff assigned for each category of the scope of work identified above. Proposals shall clearly distinguish the Firms’ duties and responsibilities and those of the Authority. Absence of this distinction shall mean the Firm is assuming full Proposers should demonstrate how their approach will assist the JTA to achieve its strategic vision and goals and objectives such as those described in the

Scope of Work. This will include interaction with traditional executive branch transportation agencies and legislative committees and offices. However, additional consideration will be given to the proposer’s plan to engage non-traditional transportation agencies to help advance the goals and objectives of JTA. This should include, but is not limited to, agencies and committees that may be able to advance community livability and sustainability, transit-oriented development, innovative financing and public private partnerships. The JTA realizes that proposers have other clients. Due consideration should be given to demonstrating that JTA’s priorities are the proposers’ priorities thereby ensuring due attention is given to the JTA. he number and size of relevant projects currently being performed, personnel assigned to, and status of such projects, will be evaluated. The Proposer shall include an overall schedule of availability of key personnel, as such exists at the time of the Proposal, and provide sufficient information so reviewers can determine for themselves the availability of key staff members.

Any significant commitment of listed personnel which could conflict with their availability for the project should be clearly shown and planned contingencies to deal with such conflicts, if they occur, shall be noted

D. Past Performance (10 points max.)

Please submit references from three (3) clients currently under contract with your company. If applicable, please include a minimum of two contact information in each reference, including one for your direct report, as well as another team member that you’ve done work with. Additionally, references will be accepted from either existing clients or past clients whereby your company provided services within the past three (3) years. Demonstrate experience with city council committees and various department/divisions within the City of Jacksonville and Northeast Florida, as well as other government/agencies that could contribute and/or impact JTA’s operations, finances and strategic projects and priorities, such as local beaches municipal governments.

E. Rates/Fee (10 points max.) Consultants may submit proposals based on a lump sum basis payable monthly over the course of the year or on an hourly fee basis. All proposals must include a maximum not-to-exceed amount. Expenses not specifically listed will not be considered. The rates and fees, along with unit price quotations, including, without limitation, hourly rates, fees or other charges that will ultimately be used during contract negotiations to calculate or determine total compensation. Pricing must be inclusive of all associated costs required to satisfy all requests outlined in the scope of work. Pricing will be scored as follows. The best price, as presented on the Price proposal form, will be awarded 10 points. The next best price will be awarded 8 points (two points less than the lowest price) and so on and so forth until all Proposals have been scored for Pricing.

1.4. SCOPE OF SERVICES

1.4.1. Scope of Services

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) is an independent agency of the State of Florida serving

Northeast Florida with multimodal transportation and facilities, including fixed route, Bus Rapid Transit, Alternative Transit Solutions, an Automated People Mover known as the “Skyway”, paratransit services, and the

Saint Johns River Ferry. The JTA also designs and constructs road and highway infrastructure projects. In addition, the JTA is implementing a cutting-edge and transformational program known as the Ultimate Urban

Circulator (U²C) that will focus on integrating newer technologies to implement an automated transit network in

Jacksonville.

The JTA was originally created in 1955 by a special act of the Florida Legislature as the Jacksonville Expressway

Authority to construct roadway extensions, as well as operate and maintain the Jacksonville Expressway

System. In 1971, the agency officially became the JTA when it merged with the Jacksonville Coach Company, a privately owned entity operating local bus service. The JTA’s role was expanded to include acquisition and provision of public transit service for Duval County. Chapter 349, Florida Statutes also authorizes the JTA to serve neighboring counties through the establishment of an Interlocal Agreement. The JTA has Interlocal

Agreements with the neighboring counties of Clay, Baker and Nassau, making JTA a regional provider of dynamic transportation solutions.

The JTA has provided some of Jacksonville’s most significant transportation facilities and through its planning and transportation services, connects customers to full-time employment opportunities, retail centers and health care facilities. JTA has received substantial funding from local, state and federal governments. The JTA receives an annual appropriation to handle the county’s transit dependent transportation services. In 2014, the Jacksonville

City Council extended the local option gas tax to 2037. As a part of that extension, the JTA agreed to build a number of roads left over from the Better Jacksonville Plan as well as to accept the transfer of the Saint Johns

River Ferry. In addition, in 2021, the JTA and the City of Jacksonville extended and expanded the local option gas tax through 2052, splitting one billion dollars with the City for JTA to complete an additional 17 transportation and infrastructure projects.

The JTA frequently partners with the City of Jacksonville and is advancing into neighboring counties, such as

Baker, Clay, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns, to perform transportation infrastructure projects and services.

The JTA is interested in receiving and evaluating proposals from highly experienced consulting firms with expertise with the executive and legislative branch processes and people in local governments in Jacksonville and the region and strong relationships and insight into the processes and inner workings of the 6-county region local governments. As program manager for such important transportation and infrastructure projects in Duval County and Northeast Florida, JTA needs to have key contacts within these governments and their respective municipal and regional dependencies to expedite and resolve complex and technical issues that are commonly associated with transportation and infrastructure projects.

JTA is opening a Local Government Relations Services Contract that will support, assist and advocate for JTA’s projects and initiatives with the Jacksonville City Council and other local governments within the surrounding 5-county area of Northeast Florida. This contract will be managed by the Vice President of Government Affairs or designee.

Scope of Services

1. Consultants will provide government affairs services at the local level with the Jacksonville Executive and Legislative branch of government and other local elected and public officials from the surrounding

5-county area of Northeast Florida, including Baker, Clay, Nassau, St. Johns and Putnam.

2. Consultants will provide advocacy, strategic communication, and technical expertise, associated with

JTA’s projects and initiatives, such as the Ultimate Urban Circulator, JTAMobilityWorks, Transit

Oriented Development, among other strategic projects and initiatives.

3. Consultants will be familiar with programs and resources in local governments and advise JTA of funding opportunities on which JTA may submit/request funding application(s).

4. Consultants will provide knowledge and guidance on current laws, rules, regulations, procedures, and forthcoming policies of local government.

5. Consultants will provide keen knowledge and expertise on various processes such as, but not limited to budget approval, city council committees, among others.

6. Consultants will monitor rulemaking and advise the JTA regarding proposed rules and regulations that can/could materially impact the JTA operations, finances and strategic projects.

7. Consultants will monitor legislative activities and advise the JTA of legislative activity that might materially impact JTA operations, finances and strategic projects.

8. Consultants will represent, upon direct JTA request, in hearings, meetings, and other interaction with local governments, upon request.

9. Consultants will schedule meetings that create, enhance or strengthen key relationships.

10. Consultants will advise JTA on opportunities for agency representatives to serve on advisory boards.

11. Consultants will perform services not specifically enumerated but similar in nature as the need might arise from time to time, at the direction of the JTA’s Public Affairs…