Revised 1/13/26

School District of Palm Beach County FL

Solicitation No.

27C-009V

Asbestos Abatement Services

RESPONSES ARE DUE PRIOR TO:

September 25, 2026

RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO:

www.bidnetdirect.com

The School District of Palm Beach County is an Equal Education Opportunity Provider and Employer.

https://www.palmbeachschools.org/about-us/our-district/non-discrimination-statement

Revised 7.13.26

School Board of Palm Beach County

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR ASBESTOS ABATEMENT SERVICES

(Upon receipt, all submittals become Public Records and shall be subject to public disclosure consistent with Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. See section 24.3 Trade Secrets for details)

27C-009V

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 This is a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Asbestos Abatement Services to The School District of Palm Beach County, Florida (the Board), the governing body for The School District of Palm Beach County, Florida (the District).

1.2 All terms and conditions of this RFP, any addenda, proposer’s submissions and negotiated terms, are incorporated into the contract by reference, as set forth herein.

To the extent that any conflict exists between the provisions of the contract documents, the following order of precedence shall apply 1) a written, negotiated contract, 2) the above referenced Request for Proposal, including any addenda, 3) any School District ordering or authorizing documents such as purchase orders, and 4) Proposer’s response to the RFP, including any appendix and exhibits. The Board will not be bound by or deemed liable for any verbal or written information or communication, obtained by the proposer which is not included in the RFP or other contract documents.

1.3 The Board objects to and shall not consider any additional terms or conditions submitted by a respondent, including any appearing in documents attached as part of a respondent’s response. In submitting it response, a respondent agrees that any additional terms or conditions, whether submitted intentionally or inadvertently, shall have no force or effect. Failure to comply with terms and conditions, including those specifying information that must be submitted with a response, shall be grounds for rejecting a response.

1.4 Document files may be examined during normal working hours when agency provides notice of intended decision or 30 days after opening the proposals, whichever period is earlier. If, however, the School District rejects all proposals and concurrently provides notice of its intent to reissue a competitive solicitation, the proposals will not be available for inspection until the School Board provides notice of an intended decision concerning the reissued solicitation.

2.0 DISTRICT INFORMATION

2.1 The School District is the 10th largest K-12 school district in the US and the 5th largest in Florida serving more than 193,000 students (this number includes students that attend non-District operated Charter Schools) who speak 150 languages and dialects.

and a total budget of $5.7 Billion. Our District has 182 schools. As the largest employer in Palm Beach County, the School District has 23,000 employees, including more than 13,000 teachers.

Our district has 330+ Career Academies and Choice Programs including a variety of academic and career and technical programs. Palm Beach County School District serves approximately 38,000 students identified as eligible for Exceptional Student Education (ESE); this includes 9,252 students identified as gifted. Eligible students with disabilities are provided services from birth through age 22. Our District supports 28 Adult and Community Education sites, including our Adult Education Center and eight satellite locations.

2.2 The School District has built 90 new or replacement schools in the past 15 years;

winning national design and construction awards.

3.0 INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSER

3.1 All offers must be submitted electronically to Bidnet Direct at www.bidnetdirect.com/palmbeachschools including all required documents listed in the solicitation. No other responses will be accepted, including hard copy or emailed responses.

3.2 Only Microsoft Windows supported file extensions will be accepted.

3.3 Bidnet Direct supports online document tracking and completion. All documents must be viewed/accepted before the bid packet can be viewed and an offer can be placed.

3.4 The District will only consider offers that have been submitted through Bidnet Direct at www.bidnetdirect.com prior to the RFP closing date and time. As with any document upload, larger documents and/or heavy user activity may result in longer upload times.

Please allow sufficient time to complete your offer.

3.5 IMPORTANT INFORMATION: For help filling out your offer, please visit:

https://communications.bidnet.com/electronic-bid-submission-user-guide Vendor Support Contact Information: support@bidnet.com or 800-835-4603, option 2 (Vendor Assistance).

Customer Service Hours of Operation: 8 am – 8 pm (EST)

All responses entered into Bidnet Direct must be typed in. DO NOT cut and paste from any other program. Doing so may corrupt or invalidate your response and not allow you to respond.

In order to complete this response process, you must first “Create Bid”, complete the bid submission process, verify the information is correct then enter your Full Name and password and select “Submit Bid.”

After clicking “Submit Bid,” a Bid Submission Confirmation window will be displayed.

Select “Yes” to confirm. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation page with the Bid Submission Date and a Confirmation Number. The Status of the Bid should display “Bid Submitted” in green. If you do not see this confirmation, your offer was not submitted successfully.

If you do not receive confirmation that your offer has been received, please call Bidnet Direct (Vendor Support) at 800-835-4603 and then Option 2 (Vendor Assistance).

3.6 If necessary, an addendum will be distributed by Bidnet Direct to all who are known by the Purchasing Department to have received a complete set of proposal documents.

3.7 Be advised that registering with Bidnet Direct at

www.bidnetdirect.com/palmbeachschools is a FREE service.

3.8 All proposals must be signed electronically by an officer or employee having authority to legally bind the Proposer(s).

3.9 Proposer should become familiar with any local conditions which may, in any manner, affect the services required. The proposer(s) is/are required to carefully examine the RFP terms and become thoroughly familiar with any and all conditions and requirements that may in any manner affect the work to be performed under the contract. No additional allowance will be made due to lack of knowledge of these conditions.

3.10 Proposals not conforming to the instructions provided herein will be subject to disqualification at the sole option of the Board.

3.11 Any proposal may be withdrawn prior to the date and time the proposals are due. Any proposal not withdrawn will constitute an irrevocable offer, for a period of 120 days, to provide the District with the services specified in the proposal.

4.0 TIME SCHEDULE

4.1 The District will attempt to use the following time schedule which will result in selection of a proposer(s).

September 4, 2026 Deadline for submission of question on (date) at 5:00 PM

September 25, Proposals due no later than 2:00 PM EST

October 8, 2026 *Evaluation Committee Meeting, 9:00 AM EST, 3300 Forest Hill Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33406 – Rear Cafeteria

October 9, 2026 **Oral Presentation (If required) 1:00 PM EST, 3300 Forest Hill Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33406 – Rear Cafeteria

October 12, 2026 Posting of Intent to Award

December 16, 2026 *Recommend proposer(s) to The School District of Palm Beach County for approval (if required)

*This is an open, public meeting

**The District follows Section 286.00113(2), Florida Statutes, which provides detailed information regarding the laws and requirements that governs open, public meetings.

4.2 Notification of any changes to the time schedule will be made to proposers through Bidnet Direct.

4.3 The School District will not respond to inquiries regarding the status of a proposal prior to the posting of intent to award.

5.0 AWARD

5.1 The Board reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals.

5.2 The Board reserves the right to undertake inquiries into proposer’s financial and/or litigation history, and by submitting a proposal, the proposer expressly consents to these inquiries.

5.3 The Board, through its designee(s), reserves the right to waive any irregularities and technicalities, and may, at its sole discretion, request a clarification or other information to evaluate any or all proposals.

5.4 The Board, through its designee(s) reserves the right, before awarding the contract, to require proposer(s) to submit evidence of qualifications or any other information the Board may deem necessary for evaluating the proposal.

5.5 The Board, through its designee(s), reserves the right, prior to the Board’s approval, to cancel the RFP, or portions thereof, without penalty.

5.6 The Board, through its designee(s), reserves the right to: (1) accept the proposals of any or all of the items it deems, at its sole discretion, to be in the best interest of the District; and (2) reject any and/or all items proposed or award to multiple proposers.

5.7 The Evaluation Committee shall rank all proposals received, which meet the submittal requirements, in order to establish a pool of qualified vendors. Proposals receiving a score of 65 or more points by the Evaluation Committee will be recommended for award.

6.0 TERM OF CONTRACT / RENEWAL

The term of the contract shall be for three (3) years from the date of award with two (2) one year renewals at the sole discretion of the Board. If considering renewing the contract the Board, through the Purchasing Department, will provide a letter of intent to renew to the contract awarded proposer(s) 120 days prior to the end of the initial term of the contract period or any subsequent Renewal Term. If needed, the contract may be extended 120 days beyond the contract expiration date or any extensions. The contract awarded proposer(s) will be notified when the Board has acted upon the intent to award. All multiplier(s) and hourly rates shall be firm for the entire length of the contract on all subsequent renewal periods. The District may in its sole discretion make an equitable adjustment in the pricing If pricing or availability of supply is affected by extreme and unforeseen volatility in the marketplace that is by circumstances that satisfy all of the following:

1. The volatility is due to causes wholly beyond the successful bidder’s control.

2. The volatility affects the marketplace or industry, not just the particular successful bidder source of supply.

3. The effect on pricing or availability of supply is substantial.

4. The volatility so affects the successful bidder that continued performance of the contract would result in a substantial loss.

Any adjustment would require irrefutable evidence and written approval by the Director of Purchasing.

If an adjustment to pricing is granted, beginning quarterly on dates agreed to between the District and the awardee, the awardee shall provide the Director of Purchasing with written justification to continue the pricing adjustment. If awardee does not provide the quarterly update, pricing shall revert back to the original pricing submitted by the awardee.

7.0 RFP INQUIRIES

7.1 From the time this solicitation is posted, until the time a Decision or Intended Decision is posted, potential Proposers and employees, representatives, partners, director, officers, or other individuals acting on behalf of the Proposer, shall be prohibited from lobbying any School District employee, Member of the School Board, Member of a School District Advisory Committee that may evaluate the awarded contract, or person selected to evaluate or recommend selection of the awarded Proposer. Violation of the Cone of Silence shall result in rejection/disqualification of the Proposer from award of a contract arising out of this solicitation.

7.2 Further, in order to protect the integrity of the award process, all questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted via Bidnet Direct no later than 5:00 p.m. EST, on Friday, September 4, 2026. Questions received via Bidnet Direct by the time and date specified will be answered in writing and posted on Bidnet Direct. Maddison Carter is authorized only to direct the attention of prospective proposers to various portions of the solicitation so that they may read and interpret such for themselves. Maddison Carter nor any employee of the District is authorized to interpret any portion of this solicitation or give information as to the requirements of the solicitation in addition to that contained in the written documents.

7.3 All questions submitted (along with their source) are subject to Public Records Laws and as such will be available for inspection upon receipt of a Public Records Request.

7.4 If necessary, an addendum will be distributed by Bidnet Direct to all who are known by the Purchasing Department to have received a complete set of proposal documents.

7.5 Copies of addendum will be made available for inspection at the District Purchasing Department where proposal documents will be kept on file.

7.6 No addendum will be issued later than three calendar days prior to the date for receipt of proposals except an addendum withdrawing the request for proposals or one which includes postponement of the date for receipt of proposals.

7.7 No verbal or written information which is obtained other than by information in this RFP, or by written addendum to this RFP, or by negotiated terms will be binding on the Board.

8.0 PROPOSERS RESPONSIBILITY

8.1 Before submitting a response, proposers are required to carefully examine the Request For Proposal to completely familiarize themselves with all of the terms and conditions that are contained within the Request for Proposal. Failure to do so on the part of the proposer will in no way relieve proposer of any obligations and responsibilities which are a part of the Request For Proposal.

9.0 BENEFICIAL INTEREST AND DISCLOSURE OF OWNERSHIP AFFIDAVIT

9.1 The proposer must provide this affidavit to include a list of every “person” (as defined in section 1.01(3), Florida Statutes, to include individuals, children, firms, associates, joint ventures, partnerships, estates, trusts, business trusts, syndicates, fiduciaries, corporations and all other groups and combinations) holding 10% or more of the beneficial interest in the disclosing entity. The affidavit must be returned to the Purchasing Department with RFP or within three days of request. To submit this document, you must download, print, complete, print, complete, notarize and upload the completed form to Bidnet Direct with your response. The Proposer must submit all supporting documentation in the name of Proposer’s entity only. Parent and/or subsidiary entities will not be acceptable.

10.0 CONFLICT OF INTEREST

10.1 All proposers must disclose the name of any officer, director, or agent who is also an employee of the District. All proposers must disclose the name of any District employee who owns, directly or indirectly, any interest in the proposers’ business or any of its branches. Indicate with either a statement of Conflict of Interest or Non Conflict of Interest and submit with your proposal.

11.0 LOBBYING

11.1 No proposers or person acting on behalf of the proposer may lobby any District personnel or Board members regarding this RFP from the date the RFP is released until the administration’s intent to award has been posted at the Purchasing Department reception center. All oral or written inquiries must be directed through the Purchasing Department.

11.2 Lobbying is defined as any action taken by an individual, firm, association, joint venture, partnership, syndicate, corporation, and all other groups who seek to influence the governmental decision of a Board member or District personnel after advertisement of the RFP and prior to the posted intent to award of the contract.

11.3 Any proposer who is adversely affected by the intent to award may file a protest within the time prescribed in section 120.57(3), Florida statutes. Failure to post bond with the

Board or to adhere strictly to the requirements of statutes and State Board of Education rules pertaining to protests will result in summary dismissal by the Purchasing Department. Additionally, any proposer who is adversely affected by the intent to award may address the Board at a regularly scheduled Board meeting.

11.4 Prohibited lobbying on behalf of proposer during the time specified herein will result in rejection/disqualification of said proposal.

12.0 CODE OF ETHICS

12.1 Per District Policy 3.02, District Employees shall not accept gifts or gratuities in violation of the State Code of Ethics or which give the appearance that the gift improperly influenced a decision

13.0 SCOPE OF SERVICES

13.1 The scope of services may include any and all services needed to provide asbestos abatement services for the School District of Palm Beach County. This includes all labor, materials, supplies, equipment, etc. necessary or incidental for the proper completion of work in accordance with the District’s Technical Specification, Paragraph 1.2.4, dated July 2026, included with this RFP.

14.0 EVALUATION COMMITTEE MEETINGS

14.1 As stated in Sections 4.0, 16.0, and 17.0, the Evaluation Committee will be convened to review and evaluate responsive proposals. Per Section 286.011, Florida Statutes, the Evaluation Committee meeting is open to the public.

The Evaluation Committee shall rank all proposals received, which meet the submittal requirements, in order to establish a pool of qualified vendors. Proposals receiving a score of 65 or more points by the Evaluation Committee will be recommended for award.

15.0 PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION

15.1 In order to maintain comparability and enhance the review process, it is requested that proposals be organized in the manner specified below. Please upload your proposal in one Document. Do not embed documents or links within your response; the upload process to Bidnet Direct may convert your document in PDF format rendering them useless. Add any attachments to the end of the document. Submit and upload Cost of Services and any additional information on a separate document. It is required that your information be uploaded to Bidnet Direct. Please contact Bidnet Direct at 800-835-4603 Option 2 (Vendor Assistance) if you require assistance with document upload.

In order to be considered for award Proposer must complete and return all required forms including all required References, Company Financials, Organizational Profile, Conflict Interest Statement and Complaint Notification as stated herein.

All vendors must complete and submit the official forms provided by the School District of Palm Beach County. Conversion of these official documents into alternative formats, including through the use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) form conversion applications, is prohibited. Failure to adhere to the required official form format may result in the rejection of the bid/proposal.

15.2 Title Page: Show the date; RFP number; RFP subject: and proposer’s name, address, telephone number, and email address.

15.3 Table of Contents: Include a clear identification of the material by section and by page number.

15.4 Letter of Transmittal: Give the names of the persons who will be authorized to make representations for the proposer and their titles, addresses, and telephone numbers.

15.5 Required Response Form: Complete the Required Response Form with all required information completed and all signatures as specified.

15.6 Organization Profile: Provide the Corporate Name and Parent Company (if applicable) and address of corporate headquarters. Provide the names, titles, addresses, email and telephone numbers of the persons authorized to answer any questions related to Company’s proposal. The Organization Profile should also include information such as number of years in the business, number of locations, location of facilities, company vision statement and a succinct history of the company. In addition the Beneficial Interest and Disclosure of Ownership Affidavit (PBSD Form 1997) must be completed, signed, notarized and returned with your bid.

1. Definition of Proposer For the purpose of this Solicitation, "Bidder" or "Proposer" means the specific person or firm who submits a proposal or bid in direct response to this solicitation published by the School District of Palm Beach County.

2. Legal Name Requirement All supporting documentation, including the cover page, organizational profile, resumes, financial statements, and all other forms and submissions to the School District, must be submitted solely and exclusively in the legal name of the Proposer. Submissions that incorporate branding, letterhead, or primary identity different from the Proposer may be deemed non-responsive and subject to rejection, except as expressly permitted herein.

3. Use of Related Entities and Corporate Guarantee In the event that a Proposer intends to utilize a parent company, subsidiary, or affiliate entity in meeting the qualification requirements and/or in the provision of services under any resulting contract, the following requirements apply:

• Corporate Structure Disclosure: The Proposer is required to clearly define its complete corporate structure and relationship with any parent company, subsidiary, or affiliate entity.

• Performance Guarantee: The Proposer must include a formal, notarized corporate resolution from the parent company, subsidiary, or affiliate which explicitly states that the entity:

o Guarantees full performance by the Proposer of all contractual obligations.

o Accepts joint and several liability for any and all contractual obligations, including, but not limited to, indemnification, warranty, and insurance provisions throughout the entire term of this Contract.

4. Notification of Change The Proposer must notify the School District in writing within thirty (30) days of any change in ownership, merger, acquisition, or internal corporate restructuring that alters the relationship between the Proposer and its parent company, subsidiary, or affiliate, or that may affect the provision of services under this Contract.

15.7 Beneficial Interest Affidavit: Submit Beneficial Interest Affidavit, Form 1997 per paragraph 9.1.

15.8 Company Financials: Proposers must provide financial statements giving the District enough information to determine financial stability. Failure to do so may result in your response being rejected.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT REQUIREMENTS

The Proposer is required to submit three (3) years of audited financial statements.

o Financial statements must bear the Proposer's legal identity, branding, and letterhead. Statements incorporating a different identity may be deemed non-responsive.

Using Financial Statements from a Parent, Subsidiary, or Affiliate In the event a Proposer intends to use the financial statements of a parent company, subsidiary, or affiliate to meet this qualification, the Proposer must submit all of the following:

1. Consolidated Audited Financial Statements: Three (3) years of consolidated audited financial statements from the parent company, subsidiary, or affiliate providing the financial support.

2. Corporate Resolution/Guarantee: A formal, notarized corporate resolution from the parent company, subsidiary, or affiliate that explicitly states its financial commitment to the School District and guarantees the Proposer's ability to perform under any resulting contract.

3. Proposer's Financial Summary: The Proposer’s most recently available internal or un-audited financial summary.

15.9 Conflict/Non Conflict of Interest Statement: Submit Conflict or Non Conflict of Interest Statement per paragraph 10.1

15.10 Complaint Notifications:

A list all complaints, administrative & legal, in the last ten (10) years which allege discrimination on the basis of:

o Race;

o Gender;

o gender identity or expression;

o religion;

o national origin;

o ethnicity;

o sexual orientation;

o age; or o disability alleged by:

• An employee;

• An independent contractor;

• A subcontractor;

• A vendor;

• A supplier; or

• A commercial customer;

If any complaints have been filed against your firm as stated above, your firm MUST provide the following information:

o If any complaint(s) is pending, the firm must provide a statement/description of the pending complaint AND the firm’s response to the complaint;

o If any complaint(s) are resolved, the firm must provide a statement/description of the complaint AND the terms of the resolution of the complaint AND any remedial action taken by the firm as a result.

o INDIVIDUAL NAMES, IDENTITIES, CASE INFORMATION OR CONFIDENTIAL

INFORMATION IS NOT REQUESTED.

o Broad, vague or ambiguous statements by your firm which do not provide the information requested will be deemed non-responsive by the Director of Purchasing.

15.11 Experience and Qualifications of the Firm: State the experience your firm has had in the last five (5) years with Asbestos Abatement Services.

15.12 Qualifications of Staff: Include the names of the asbestos abatement managers and supervisors, who will be assigned to the contract, if awarded to proposer. Also, include their resumes with your proposal. Please expand on their experience in the area they will be serving.

15.13 Approach/ Methodology: At a minimum, show how you will perform, or directly support, all services as described in the Request for Proposal in full compliance with applicable Federal, State, and Local laws including all rules, regulations, and guidance documents as well as required licenses and permits related to Asbestos Containing Building Materials. Applicable regulatory requirements include:

• Toxic Substance Control Act II, 40 CFR 763 Subpart E

• 40 CFR Subpart E, Appendix C

• 40 CFR 763 Subpart G

• 40 CFR Part 61 Subpart M

• 29 CFR 1910

• 29 CFR 1926

15.14 Time of Completion: State your ability to meet the time requirements. The availability of key personnel is critical when requests are made to provide asbestos abatement services in a timely manner that meets the District’s requirements as described in section 13.1.

All individuals identified in this Request for Proposal should be available and committed to fulfilling their assigned roles under this contract to provide the Environmental Conservation Department with asbestos abatement services. Work will be performed after school hours and weekends with the exception of Summer/Winter Break and other holidays when students are not present. An example of requirements for Time of Completion for jobs/projects when service is requested may include same day response, response within 24 hours, responses within six hours etc.

Provide examples of how your company responds to emergency situations and describe how your company will meet specific timelines of awarded projects.

State how your company will provide these services for completion of jobs/projects that meet these criteria.

15.15 References: Electronically complete the Reference Document and include at least five

(5) references. This should include at least one reference from a customer who has been with you for a year or less, three references from veteran customers with long term or repeat contracts, and at least one reference from a past customer who is currently not under contract with you. It is preferred that these references be for clients that have hired your firm for performance of Asbestos Abatement Services or similar kinds of services.

Please do not include the School District of Palm Beach County as a reference. NOTE:

The information requested must include a current contact name, phone number, and email address for each reference.

15.16 Qualifications: Provide photocopies of the following (valid and current) licenses and/or certificates: Failure to provide this documentation may result in rejection of bid.

If you are a business located within Palm Beach County please provide:

1. Palm Beach County Local Business Tax Receipt, formerly Occupational License.

AND

2. Proof of an active Certificate of Authority issued by the Florida Department of State which authorizes the Bidder to transact business in the State of Florida. This proof may be provided by either submitting a copy of the Letter of Authority issued by the Office of the Secretary of State or by submitting a copy of the Certificate of Status Verification which may be obtained via Sunbiz.org-Department of State.

AND

3. Copy of industry/skills certifications and /or licenses required for the performance of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations Licensed Asbestos Abatement Contractor.

Per Florida Statutes 607.1501, A foreign corporation may not transact business in this state until it obtains a certificate of authority from the Department of State. For information on how to register to do business in the State of Florida go to:

https://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/forms/

If you are an out of the county business please provide:

1. a current Business Tax Receipt within that county you are registered

AND

2. Proof of an active Certificate of Authority issued by the Florida Department of State which authorizes the Bidder to transact business in the State of Florida. This proof may be provided by either submitting a copy of the Letter of Authority issued by the Office of the Secretary of State or by submitting a copy of the Certificate of Status Verification which may be obtained via Sunbiz.org-Department of State.

AND

3. Copy of industry/skills certifications and /or licenses required for the performance of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations Licensed Asbestos Abatement Contractor.

15.17 Cost of Services: The pricing portion of the Proposal will be only considered after the other criteria have been scored. The cost of services portion of your proposal for this project must be submitted as a separate document upload to Bidnet Direct.

15.18 Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Participation: The SBE Participation portion of your proposal for this project must be submitted as a separate document upload to BIDNET DIRECT. An SBE business must meet The School District of Palm Beach SDPBC defines a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) as having average annual gross sales that are less than fifty percent (50%) of the small business size standard as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for a firm’s relevant industry. The average number of full-time employees over the last three years that is less than fifty percent (50%) of small business size standard as defined by SBA for the business firm’s relevant industry. See SBE guidelines at: www.sba.gov/federal-contracting-guide/size-standards.

1.1.2. The principal place of business of the SBE must be in Palm Beach County, Broward County, and/or Miami Dade County. The firm’s headquarters must be located in Palm Beach County, Broward County, and/or Miami Dade County with either, a majority of the firm’s gross revenues or sales derived there, or a majority of the firm’s employees domiciled in one of these counties.

1.1.3. An SBE business must have received less than fifteen million dollars ($15 million) in contract payments from the School District of Palm Beach County projects or contracts in the fiscal year preceding the bid.

1.1.4. An SBE business shall be independent (a free-standing business) and recognized as a separate entity for tax purposes. Businesses that share common ownership, space, employees, or other facilities, may be considered as a single business for this program without reference to tax status.

1.1.5. The business must have been established and operational for a period of at least one (1) full year prior to the certification application. The business’ address must include street number, name of the street, suite number, if any, and correct zip code. A post office box is unacceptable without the physical street address.

Revenue or Sales Size Standards:

1.1.6. Procurement Program – Any firm that has had an average cumulative gross sales or revenues of greater than seven million dollars ($7 million) over the last three (3) years shall not be considered eligible to participate in the School District SBE program for procurement.

1.1.7. SDPBC will accept SBE certification on a school district solicitation if the bidder can demonstrate that they meet the guidelines as outlined in the School District Small Business Enterprise Program eligibility guidelines. Industry specific classification and income thresholds are consistent with and meets the standards of the Office of Small Business Development Procedures Manual as depicted in the chart below.

INDUSTRY INCOME THRESHOLD

Construction Not to exceed $13,000,000

Professional Services Not to exceed $6,000,000

General Procurement Not to exceed $7,000,000

SBE VENDOR DIRECTORY:

1.1.8. The Vendor Directory represents SBE vendors certified only by the School District of Palm Beach County. Vendors certified as an SBE with any entity or agency other than the School District of Palm Beach County will not be accepted.

The District does not have reciprocity with any other certifying Agency/Entity. The District has an Inter-Local Agreement (IA) with The City of West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County and Miami-Dade County Public Schools; however, SBE bidders must have met the certification eligibility criteria of the District certification program at the time of documentation submittal in order to be deemed a District Certified

SBE.

SBE Bid Preference:

1.1.9. Qualification requirements for SBE Bid Preference are, the bidder must be certified by the School District of Palm Beach County, at the time the bid is submitted. The District does not recognize any other certifications. Bidders must submit their School District Certification Certificate with the bid. For District certification go to https://www.palmbeachschools.org/departments/small-business-development website and complete the SBE certification application. The Office of Small Business Development will review the certification database to ensure that all SBE’s are certified at the time the bid is submitted.

Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Participation:

1.1.10. Sub-Contracting/Small Business Participation: The Board strongly encourages the use of Small Business Enterprises for participation as associates, joint-ventures, prime proposers, and subcontractors in contracting opportunities.

1.1.11. In order to receive evaluation credit for SBE participants, the proposer or firm(s) to be utilized by the proposer must be certified as indicated in Paragraph 15.17 at the time the proposals are due. In order to receive evaluation credit for SBE participation, the cost proposal must identify the specific certified SBE firm, or firms, upon which evaluation credit is sought, shall indicate the extent and nature of the SBE’s work, and shall include the percentage of the dollar value of total work which will be received by the SBE firm in connection with its performance as described within the proposer’s technical proposal.

1.1.12. SBE participation in auxiliary services (e.g., graphics, printing, and other services) is acceptable but will only be given evaluation credit if it augments the primary service of this RFP. ALL PROPOSERS MUST COMPLETE AND SUBMIT THE Letter of Intent – SBE Subcontractor Participation (FORM 1525). See attached Document. Bidders who list SBE subcontractors as participants in their bids must complete and submit both Participation Letter of Intent Form 1525 and Sub-Consultant, Subcontractor & Vendor Participation Services Form 1526.

1.1.13. Before submission to the District for consideration, contractor must confirm that proposed subcontractor’s insurance company has the School Board of Palm Beach County, Florida NAMED AS AN ADDITIONAL INSURED. The Certificate of Insurance (COI) must state the Bid Number and the name of the subcontractor in the Description of Operations Section in the COI. Contractor will provide the subcontractor’s COI and any additional documentation to insurancecertificate@palmbeachschools.org.

1.1.14. By submitting a proposal or bid, the contractor expressly understands, consents and agrees that it will not retain, hire or contract with any subcontractors prior to furnishing all requested subcontractor information, including insurance coverage, to the District and receiving written approval from the District.

1.1.15. The Purchasing Department reserves the right to reject a subcontractor who previously failed in the proper performance of an award or failed to deliver on-time contracts of a similar nature, or who is not in the position to perform this award.

The School District Representative reserves the right to inspect all facilities of any subcontractor in order to make determination as to the foregoing. The subcontractor will be equally responsible for meeting all requirements specified in this Invitation to Bid.

B2G Now Compliance Reporting System:

1.1.16. The SCHOOL BOARD maintains an electronic Contract Compliance System known as the B2GNow Compliance Reporting System. This Contract is subject to Compliance Tracking and Contractor shall use the B2GNow secure web-based system to submit Project Specific information including, but not limited to, monthly payments and progress reports on all Sub consultants and Subcontractors.

Contractor understands that all Sub consultants and/or Subcontractors are also required to utilize the B2GNow Reporting System to manage their contact information and Project Specific records, respond to any noted instructions and/or information requests. Contractor agrees to advise all of its Sub consultants and/or Subcontractors in writing of the requirement to submit all Contract Compliance related data electronically to the B2GNow Reporting System. Contractor further agrees and understands it is responsible for ensuring all Sub consultants and/or Subcontractors have uploaded all requested items via the B2GNow Reporting System.

Contractor understands its contact information and that of its Sub consultants and/or Subcontractor must remain accurate and up-to-date in the B2GNow Reporting System and agrees to timely notify SCHOOL BOARD of any changes to its contact information or that of a Sub consultant and/or Subcontractor. From time to time, the SCHOOL BOARD may require additional information from the Contractor and/or its Sub consultants/Subcontractors and Contractor agrees that it will provide such information, within five (5) business days via the B2GNow Reporting System. Contractor understands its obligations hereunder are continuing and shall survive the expiration or termination of the Contract.

Information concerning access of the B2GNow Reporting System will be provided to Contractor by the Office of Small Business Development The B2GNow Reporting System is web-based and can be accessed at the following Internet address:

https://www.palmbeachschools.org/departments/small-business-development. The Contractor shall contact the Office of Small Business Development to register for training and support for the B2GNow Reporting System. Contractor agrees to advise all of its Sub consultants and/or Subcontractors in writing of their obligation to contact the Office of Office of Small Business Development to register for training and support for the B2GNow Reporting System. For information request and questions, contact the Office of Small Business Development (561-681-2403).

1.1.17. Per Section 7.0 RFP INQUIRIES, any questions concerning conditions and specifications must be submitted via Bidnet Direct to the buyer named in the RFP;

however, Listings of District Small Business Enterprises can be found on the District’s Office of Small Business Development website at https://www.palmbeachschools.org/Domain/455. All companies using Small Business Enterprise subcontractors will complete the Subcontractor Participation Summary (FORM 1526). See attached Document. This form must be submitted with requests for payment, and will be submitted as part of the response to the solicitation.

1.1.18. If proposer, or subcontractor, has been denied certification, graduated from District certification, or would be unable to meet certification requirements, the District will not recognize SBE status. Once an SBE has graduated from District

SBE certification program, the District shall no longer recognize SBE status. Points for utilization of District certified SBE subcontractors shall be assigned as follows:

15% and over 10 points

9% - 14% 8 points

4% - 8% 6 points

1% - 3% 4 points

0% - 0.9% 0 points

The industry specific classification for this solicitation is: Professional Services

SELF-REPORTING SMALL BUSINESS/MINORITY STATUS

Self-reporting SBE/MWBE vendors do not qualify for SBE preference. Business must be a District certified SBE vendor to qualify for SBE preference as detailed in paragraph F. This information is for reporting purposes only.

This business is a self-reporting M/WBE owned and operated business enterprise

(Minimum 51%) ____Yes ____No

This is a self-reporting small business enterprise ____Yes ____No

16.0 ORAL PRESENTATION

16.1 Responders who submit proposals in response to this RFP and are selected by the Evaluation Committee may be required to present an oral presentation of their proposal to the Evaluation Committee on Friday, October 9, 2026. This will provide an opportunity for responders to highlight their proposals. This is only a fact-finding and explanation session to assist the Evaluation Committee in recommending the successful firm and does not include contract award or negotiations. The presentation is to be based upon the written proposals received. The presentations will be held at 3300 Forest Hill Blvd., Suite A-323, West Palm Beach, Florida 33406.

17.0 PROPOSAL EVALUATION PROCESS:

17.1 RFPs are received and publicly opened. Only names of responders will be read at this time.

17.2 An Evaluation Committee, consisting of District personnel, or District personnel and community members, will convene, review and discuss all proposals submitted.

Purchasing personnel will participate in an advisory capacity only.

17.3 In the evaluation and intent to award process, the Committee will assign points to each proposal to evaluation criteria as listed in Section 18.0.

17.3.1. The committee will evaluate and score the criteria listed in Section 13.

The points awarded will be based on the following standard:

• Exceptional – Exceeds evaluation standards in a beneficial way and meets the outcomes identified and contains strengths and no weaknesses or deficiencies. The proposal submitted is innovative, comprehensive, and complete in all details and meets, or exceeds, performance standards. Receives full point value.

• Exceeds Standards – Exceeds evaluation standards in a beneficial way and meets the outcomes identified. Comprehensive and complete and has no significant weaknesses. May be lacking some of the strengths but generally meets performance standards. Receives 85% of full point value.

• Meets Standards – Meets outcomes and performance standards and may contain weaknesses which are not significant and may be correctable. Receives 75% of full point value.

• Fails to Meet All Standards – Fails to meet evaluation standards. Lacks essential information to support the proposal. Does not contain the outcomes and contains significant weaknesses. Receives 25% of full point value.

• Unacceptable – Fails to meet evaluation standards. Demonstrated a lack of understanding of requirements, or omissions, of major areas.

Receives 0% of full point value.

17.3.2. Small Business Enterprise Participation will be scored as outlined in Section 1.5. The SBE points will be included as part of the total points as listed in 18.0.

17.3.3. Once the Evaluation Committee has completed the scoring excluding any consideration of Cost of Services, the points will be totaled and scores will be ranked as a percentage of the total points. Proposals that receive less than a minimal acceptable score of 65% will be eliminated from further consideration.

17.4 The evaluation Committee reserves the right to interview any personnel who may administer and be assigned to work on the contract before intent to award. This interview is to be based upon the written proposal received.

17.5 The results of the Evaluation Committee’s evaluations and ranking is reviewed and approved by the Department Director and the Purchasing Director prior to posting the intent to award.

17.6 Per Board Policy (6.14) the Purchasing Department will prepare and submit to the Board, or its designee, the intended decision to award, or reject, any or all proposals received.

18.0 EVALUATION CRITERIA

The Evaluation Committee shall rank all proposals received, which meet the submittal requirements, in order to establish a pool of qualified vendors. Proposals receiving a score of 65 or more points by the Evaluation Committee will be recommended for award.

MAXIMUM POINTS

A. Experience and Qualifications of the Firm 25 B. Qualifications of Proposer’s Staff 25 C. Approach / Methodology 20 D. Time of Completion 20 E. Small Business Enterprise Participation 10

Total 100

19.0 CANCELLATION OF AWARD

19.1 Cancellation of contract by contract awarded responder(s) may result in removal from proposer list for a period of three years.

20.0 DEBARMENT

20.1 The Board shall have the authority to debar a person/corporation for cause for consideration or award of future contracts. The debarment shall be for a period commensurate with the seriousness of the causes, generally not to exceed three (3) years. When the offense is willful, or blatant, a longer term of debarment may be imposed, up to an indefinite period.

21.0 ANTI-DISCRIMINATION

21.1 The Bidder certifies that they are in compliance with the non-discrimination clause contained in Executive Order 11246, Section 202, 3 CFR, 1964-65 as amended by Executive Order 11375, Section 202, 3 CFR 1967 and as may be further amended relative to equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national origin. The provisions of the ADA Act of 1990 pertaining to employment shall also be applicable.

22.0 FEDERAL AND STATE TAX

22.1 The District is exempt from federal and state taxes for tangible personal property.

The Purchasing Department Coordinator will sign an exemption certificate submitted by the successful proposer(s). Proposer(s) doing business with the District will not be exempted from paying sales tax to their suppliers for materials to fulfill contractual obligations with the District, nor will any proposer be authorized to use the District’s Tax Exemption Number in securing such materials.

22.2 E-VERIFY

A. Pursuant to Fla. Stat. §448.095, Contractor agrees that it shall register with and use the

U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system, https://e-verify.uscis.gov/emp, to verify the work authorization status of all newly hired employees during the term of this contract or solicitation

B. Pursuant to Fla. Stat. §448.095, if Contractor enters into a contract with a subcontractor(s) for the labor, supplies or services provided under this contract or solicitation, Contractor must require that the subcontractor(s) provide Contractor with an affidavit stating that the subcontractor does not employ, contract with, or subcontract with an unauthorized alien.

The Contractor understands that Contractor must maintain a copy of such affidavit for the duration of the contract or solicitation.

C. If School Board has a good faith belief that the Contractor has knowingly violated Fla. Stat.

§448.09, School Board shall terminate the contract with the Contractor. The Contractor is liable for any additional costs incurred by the School Board as a result of a termination of this contract or solicitation pursuant to §448.095(2)(f) .

D. If School Board has a good faith belief that a subcontractor(s) has knowingly violated §448.095, but Contractor has otherwise complied with this subsection, School Board shall promptly notify Contractor and order Contractor to immediately terminate the contract with the subcontractor(s).

23.0 Representations and Warranties

A. CONTRACTOR represents and warrants that any materials licensed hereunder do not contain any virus, worm, Trojan Horse, tracking software or devices capable of identifying users or tracking use, or any undocumented software locks or drop-dead devices.

B. CONTRACTOR understands and agrees that the materials, including software, and curriculum delivered under this Contract must be compliant with criteria and standards in all applicable Florida Statutes and State Board of Education rules (SBER), including but not limited to: Florida Statutes Sections 1003.41, 1003.42, 1006.28, 1006.29, 1006.31, 1006.32, 1006.35, 1006.38, 1006.40. And SBER 6A-1.09401, 6A-1.09411, 6A.1.09412, 6A-1.094124, 6A-1.09414 and 6A-7.0710. CONTRACTOR hereby represents and warrants that the materials, including software, and curriculum delivered under this Contract will comply with criteria and standards in applicable Florida Statutes and SBER, as may be amended from time to time, during the performance of this Contract.

C. CONTRACTOR represents and warrants that all instructional and supplemental materials provided under the Agreement will comply with applicable Florida statutes, State Board of Education rules and regulations and Florida Department of Education guidance including, but not limited to, the following standards:

1. Free of pornography and material prohibited under s. 847.012, F.S. Merriam‐ Webster dictionary defines pornography as “the depiction of erotic behavior (as in pictures or writing) intended to cause sexual excitement.”

2. Suited to student needs and their ability to comprehend the material presented.

3. Appropriate for the grade level and age group for which the materials are used and made…