1 Revised 2.26.2026

THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

RFP NO.: 27C-004H

DESIGN SERVICES

FOR

HISTORIC CARVER TECHNICAL EDUCATION CENTER – FACILITY REMODEL

PROJECT NO.: 0904-8464

PROPOSAL DUE DATE:

JULY 20, 2026, NO LATER THAN 2:00 P.M., EDT

RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO

BidNet Direct @ www.bidnetdirect.com

The RFP document and all additional project information published as part of the RFP document may be obtained at: BidNet Direct @ www.bidnetdirect.com. BidNet Direct will not allow offers to be submitted after the closing date and time.

2 Revised 2.26.2026

SECTION 00002

DESIGN SERVICES FOR FACILITY REMODEL

PROJECT NAME: HISTORIC CARVER TECHNICAL EDUCATION CENTER

RFP NO.: 27C-004H

PROJECT NO.: 0904-8464

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION & TITLE PAGES

SECTION 00001 TITLE PAGE

SECTION 00002 TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 00030 PROJECT NOTIFICATION - REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL ...................... 3-5

SECTION 00035 SBE CERTIFICATION APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION 00040 INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS .................................................... 7-17

SECTION 00090 SBE PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS ......................................... 18-26

SECTION 00300 EVALUATION PROCESS ................................................................ 27-32

SECTION 00600 SUPPLEMENTAL CONDITIONS

SECTION 00700 OWNER-ARCHITECT CONTRACT ................................................... 34-75

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION NUMBER OF PAGES

REQUIRED RESPONSE FORMS

A PROPOSAL RESPONSE FORM

B DISCLOSURE OF DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS STATEMENT

C SBE SUBCONSULTANT/SUBCONTRACTOR PARTICIPATION

ATTACHMENTS

A RELATED EXPERIENCE OF THE FIRM

B LIST OF SUBCONSULTANTS

C SBE PARTICIPATION LETTER OF INTENT – PBSD 1525

D SBE PARTICIPATION SUMMARY – PBSD 1526

E SBE SUBCONTRACTOR PARTICIPATION GOOD FAITH EFFORT – PBSD 1527

F FINAL RELEASE & VERIFICATION OF PAYMENT – PBSD 1621

G SBE GOOD FAITH EFFORTS NONCOMPLIANCE SUPPLEMENT – PBSD 1629

H DRUG FREE WORKPLACE CERTIFICATION FORM

I BENEFICIAL INTEREST & DISCLOSURE OF OWNERSHIP AFFIDAVIT – PBSD 1997

J SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES LIST CERTIFICATION

K BYRD ANTI-LOBBYING AMENDMENT

EXHIBIT

A PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS PAYMENT REQUEST

3 Revised 2.26.2026

SECTION 00030

PROJECT NOTIFICATION

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) – DESIGN SERVICES

The School District of Palm Beach County, Florida invites qualified Architects, licensed by the

State of Florida, to submit a Proposal for:

DESIGN SERVICES FOR: FACILITY REMODEL AT:

PROJECT ADDRESS: 301 SW 14th AVE.

DELRAY BEACH, FL 33444

PROPOSALS SHOULD BE BASED UPON THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

History of the Site:

In 1958 the school was built in its current location, where it became a dedicated high school for

Black students in grades 9 through 12 during segregation. After desegregation, the former Carver high school campus was repurposed as the Delray Full-Service Center. The site carries significant historical weight and has a proud history. Over the years, the facility has benefited the community in multiple ways. It has educated many residents who became leaders, business owners, and professionals. The Historic Carver continues to function as a center for adult education and career training, honoring the legacy of Carver’s educational contribution while preparing students for current workforce demands.

As of late 2024 and 2025, the campus underwent a major transformation, which included the demolition of older buildings and the preservation of original buildings, with the gymnasium converted into a multipurpose facility. The redevelopment introduced a new 20,000 square-foot, two-story adult education facility that houses advanced labs for health sciences, IT, and construction. The existing campus parking lots, utilities, and site drainage does not accommodate the proposed Historic Carver Technical Education Center redevelopment and remodel project. This

RFP is for the scope of work which includes the demolition, site development, and remodel of existing facilities as depicted in the attached concept site plan and explanation below.

Planned Scope of Work:

• Work and design with District Staff on the expansion of the Educational Program and site plan scope of work validation.

• Demolition of Building #2, Building #8, and Building #13 per the DOE-approved Castaldi

Analysis and Educational Plant Survey.

• Remodel Building #1 and Building #12 to accommodate the Educational Programs and to meet all Building Codes.

• Evaluate and expand the existing parking lots, vehicular circulation, and pedestrian path to accommodate the proposed campus-wide scope of work.

• Design new parking lot and drainage improvements as required

• Design a new building sign for Building 17 with the new school’s name: “Historic Carver

Technical Education Center.”

• Install First Respondents security signage on the exterior walls of the buildings and roof(s).

• Provide existing facilities analysis and measured drawings for the proposed remodel of existing buildings as required.

• The preservation and remodel of the existing buildings may include, but are not limited to the following new scope of work:

o Roof

4 Revised 2.26.2026 o HVAC o Electrical o Water Service o Sewer Service o Elevator o Cabling and Networking o Removing some interior walls and/or structural redesign of load-bearing walls o Structural interior shell renovations o Structural exterior shell renovations o Fenestration o ADA compliance

• Incorporate CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) principles.

• In addition to the A/E Basic Services outlined for the proposed scope of work, additional services may be required. These services may include, but are not limited to, Facility Programming, Measured Drawings of Existing Facilities, Civil Engineering Design covering Paving, Grading, Utilities, Drainage, Storm-water Management, Environmental permits, and all Site Permitting, Site Lighting Design, Landscape Architecture and Irrigation Design, Specialty Consultants such as Food Service Equipment, and others as required.

Preferred Architect qualifications:

• Historic project experience with adaptive reuse, preservation, rehabilitation, and/or remodel services.

• Design and Construction Remodel Experience.

• Urban redevelopment with repurposing projects.

• CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) certified Team members and or consultants.

• Experience designing and working on occupied campuses.

Additional Supporting Documentation and Drawings:

• Overall Site Plan

• The Castaldi Report

The ARCHITECT shall provide all professional services necessary to deliver Permitted Design

Documents within the established Construction Budget and in accordance with the established

Design Schedule.

The ARCHITECT shall provide validation of OWNER Facilities Assessments Surveys and identification of any additional design services necessary to establish permitted design documents as required and directed by District staff including, but not limited to, ADA and CSIR compliance requirements, renovation and repair to school facilities including, but not limited to, exterior doors and windows, roof repair, intercom/sound system, security system, fire alarm system, HVAC system, electrical switch gear, paving and play court resurfacing, marquees and scoreboards and other Work as may be required.

Required deliverables include, but are not limited to: Scope/Program Verification Report, Statement of Probable Construction Cost, Project Schedules, Phasing of Design Plans as directed by the

OWNER, Completion of permitted Construction Documents with specified Design Schedule, Life

Safety/FISH Plans, FF&E Schedule & Specifications, Design Calculations, Life Cycle Cost Analysis, Color Charts and Finish Schedules. The ARCHITECT will be required to certify the permitted design complies with one of the energy efficient and sustainable building standards per F.S. 255.2575.

5 Revised 2.26.2026

The Permitted Design must incorporate all requirements set forth in the Florida Building Code, Florida Accessibility Code, District Master Specifications, District Design Criteria and all other applicable specifications.

ESTABLISHED GMP CONSTRUCTION BUDGET: $14,250,000.00

DESIGN SCHEDULE BASED UPON ESTABLISHED DATES FOR AWARD OF DESIGN

CONTRACT AND DESIGN NOTICE TO PROCEED:

AWARD OF DESIGN CONTRACT ............................................................ October 14, 2026 DESIGN NOTICE TO PROCEED ............................................................... October 19, 2026 COMPLETION OF SCHEMATIC DESIGN/SV REPORT ............................ December 18, 2026

COMPLETION OF 100% DESIGN DEVELOPMENT ................................... February 26, 2027 COMPLETION OF 100% CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS ............................... April 30, 2027

PERMITTED CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS................................................... May 31, 2027

SCHEDULE FOR SELECTION

PROPOSALS DUE: July 20, 2026, NO LATER THAN 2:00 P.M., EDT via BidNet Direct @ www.bidnetdirect.com

SELECTION COMMITTEE MEETING*: July 28, 2026 at 9:00 A.M., EDT

SCHEDULED APPROVAL OF CONTRACT: October 14, 2026

*OPEN TO PUBLIC ATTENDANCE at North County Support Center, 3661 Interstate Park Road

North, 1st Floor Conference Room, Riviera Beach, FL 33404.

All questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted via BidNet Direct @ www.bidnetdirect.com NO LATER THAN 2:00 P.M., EDT on June 29, 2026.

Only questions received via BidNet Direct @ www.bidnetdirect.com by the time and date specified will be answered by Addendum and posted on BidNet Direct. Branden Brown is authorized only to direct the attention of prospective Proposers to various portions of the RFP so that they may read and interpret such for themselves. Neither Branden Brown nor any employee of the District is authorized to interpret any portion of this RFP or give information as to the requirements of the RFP in addition to that contained in the written documents.

All questions submitted (along with their source) are subject to Public Records Law and as such will be available for inspection upon receipt of a Public Records Request. There shall be no communication between Selection Committee Members or their staff and the Proposers.

The RFP Document and all additional Project information published as part of the RFP

Document may be obtained at: BidNet Direct @ www.bidnetdirect.com.

FOR GENERAL INQUIRIES CONTACT: Branden Brown at 561-882-1911 or by email at

Branden.brown@palmbeachschools.org.

SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (SBE) PREFERENCES

As specified by Board Policy 6.144, the School District of Palm Beach County shall apply preferences for Small Business Enterprises (SBE) in the District’s procurement process for the solicitation of

Professional Services Contracts.

In order to receive consideration for SBE preference the firm(s) to be utilized by the Proposer must be Certified by the District at the time the Proposal is submitted.

6 Revised 2.26.2026

For more information on the District’s SBE programs see School Board Policy 6.144 and the SBE

Procedures Manual. The Manual and Directory of certified SBE firms can be found at:

https://www.palmbeachschools.org/departments/small-business-development.

INDUSTRY SPECIFIC CLASSIFICATIONS

To ensure compliance with program guidelines and intent, Proposers will receive SBE

Preference ONLY if their SBE classification is consistent with, and meets the standards identified in the Industry Specific Classifications and thresholds contained in School

Board Policy 6.144 and the Office of Small Business Development’ Procedures Manual.

THE INDUSTRY SPECIFIC CLASSIFICATION FOR THIS SOLICITATION IS:

• Professional Services- Small Business Enterprises

REVENUE/SALES SIZE STANDARDS FOR INDUSTRY SPECIFIC CLASSIFICATIONS

Any firm that has exceeded gross sales or revenues (averaged over the last three (3) years) greater than the amounts below shall not be considered eligible to participate in the School District’s SBE

Program.

• $6,000,000 for Professional Services

LOBBYING

From the time this RFP is advertised until the time a decision or intended decision for award is posted, potential Proposers and employees, representatives, partners, director, officers, or other individuals acting on behalf of the Proposer, shall be prohibited from communicating with any School District employee, member of the School Board, member of a School District Advisory Committee or person selected to evaluate or recommend selection of the Awarded Proposer. All communication involving this RFP must be through the Construction Purchasing Department. All oral or written inquiries must be directed through the Purchasing Department. Violation of this “Cone of Silence” shall result in rejection/disqualification of the Proposer from Award of a Contract arising out of this solicitation.

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

Recommendation for Award has been posted on BidNet Direct. 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 Recommendation on the Award of the Contract. Lobbying on behalf of Proposer during the time specified herein will result in rejection/disqualification of said Proposal.

POSTING OF PROPOSAL RECOMMENDATION/TABULATIONS

Recommendations and Tabulations will be posted electronically with BidNet Direct for review by interested parties, no later than July 30, 2026, and will remain posted for a period of 72 hours. If the RFP Tabulation with Recommended Awards is not posted by said date, a "Notice of Delay of

Posting" will be posted to inform all Proposers of the new posting date.

PROTEST

Any Proposer who is adversely affected by the Recommended 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

7 Revised 2.26.2026 protests will result in summary dismissal by the Purchasing Department. Additionally, any Proposer who is adversely affected by the Recommended Award may address the Board at a regularly scheduled Board meeting. Failure to file a Notice of Protest or to file a formal written protest within the time prescribed in section 120.57 (3), Florida Statutes, shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under chapter 120, Florida Statutes.

BY: Karen M. Brill, Board Chair ATTEST: Michael J. Burke, Superintendent

PUBLISH DATES: June 8, June 15, and June 22, 2026

END OF SECTION

8 Revised 2.26.2026

SECTION 00035

SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (SBE)

CERTIFICATION APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

A Small Business Enterprise Contract Goal has been established for this Project. Only firms Certified by the School Board of Palm Beach County are eligible for participation to satisfy the Established

Participation Requirement.

Proposers and Subconsultants seeking to qualify as a Small Business Enterprise shall be Certified by the School Board of Palm Beach County, prior to the Proposal Due Date Specified in Section

00030 of this Request for Proposal.

CERTIFICATION APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Firms seeking to apply for certification with the School Board of Palm Beach County shall submit the School Board of Palm Beach County application. The application must be approved by the School

Board of Palm Beach County Office of Small Business Development. The Office of Small Business

Development will review the Certification Database to ensure SBEs are Certified with the District at the time the Bid is submitted. Vendors do not have to submit their Certification Certificate.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER

1) The application must be submitted complete with all required supporting documentation and the firm must allow sufficient time for the application to be processed prior to the Proposal

Due Date. The application may take up to 60 days to process after receipt of completed application.

2) Please contact the Office of Small Business Development for the application or information on certification at https://www.palmbeachschools.org/departments/small-business-development, or by phone at (561) 681-2403 or write:

THE SCHOOL BOARD OF PALM BEACH COUNTY

Office of Small Business Development

3300 Summit Boulevard

West Palm Beach, Florida 33406

3) Complete the online School District SBE application.

(https://www.palmbeachschools.org/departments/small-business-development)

4) Complete the SBE Affidavit.

9 Revised 2.26.2026

SECTION 00040

INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS

ARTICLE 1

SCOPE

1.1 The School Board of Palm Beach County, Florida invites qualified Architects, licensed in the State of Florida, to provide Design Services for the development of permitted design documents for FACILITY REMODEL AT HISTORIC CARVER TECHNICAL EDUCATION

CENTER.

1.2 The Design shall incorporate all of the requirements set forth in the Board approved

Educational Specifications, Florida Building Code, Florida Accessibility Codes, District Master

Specifications, District Design Criteria and all other applicable specifications.

ARTICLE 2

AWARD OF CONTRACTS

2.1 The Contract, if Awarded by the OWNER, will be Awarded based on the procedures in Section

00300 – “Evaluation Process;” provided the Proposal is reasonable, meets the criterion specified herein and it is in the best interest of the OWNER to accept the Proposal.

2.2 It is the intent of the OWNER to select one Top Ranked Proposer and Award a separate

Contract for each Project identified in the Project Notification to the Top Ranked Proposer.

2.3 The School Board of Palm Beach County reserves the right to reject any or all offers or to accept any offers which are in its best interest. The School Board also reserves the right to waive any informalities, irregularities and technicalities in procedure.

2.4 The School Board of Palm Beach County reserves the right, before Awarding any Contract, to require a firm to submit such evidence of qualifications and any current or updated information that was requested in the RFP as it may deem necessary, and may consider any information available to it of the financial, technical, and other qualifications and abilities of a Proposer, including past performance with other governmental/educational agencies. Proposers are advised that requests for additional information or site visitations are not to be construed as an indication that a proposer will receive or is in the best position to receive a Contract Award.

2.5 The School Board reserves the right to cancel the Contract, or portions thereof, without penalty at any time.

2.6 The OWNER will initiate negotiations with the Top Ranked Proposer to establish the Final Terms and Conditions of a Contract. If no agreement is reached between OWNER and Top Ranked

Proposer, negotiations may be terminated and the OWNER may begin negotiations with the second ranked Proposer. The same process may be used until a satisfactory agreement is reached.

2.7 The Basic Compensation for Contract will be negotiated based upon the established Scope of

Work. The Top Ranked Proposer shall attend a mandatory site visit prior to negotiation to review and verify scope.

2.8 All negotiations will follow the requirements of Florida Statutes, and will be conducted with

10 Revised 2.26.2026 the highest ethical standards, fairness and equity. All negotiation meetings with vendors must be audio recorded and conform to the Public Records requirements of applicable laws.

ARTICLE 3

TIME SCHEDULE

3.1 The School Board will use the following Time Schedule subject to change if necessary.

QUESTIONS DUE*: June 29, 2026, NO LATER THAN 2:00 P.M., EDT via BidNet Direct @ www.bidnetdirect.com

FINAL ADDENDUM ISSUED: July 13, 2026 via BidNet Direct @ www.bidnetdirect.com

PROPOSALS DUE: July 20, 2026 NO LATER THAN 2:00 P.M., EDT via BidNet Direct @ www.bidnetdirect.com

SELECTION COMMITTEE MEETING**: July 28, 2026, 9:00 A.M., EDT

SCHEDULED AWARD OF CONTRACT: October, 2026

*Only questions received via BidNet Direct @ www.bidnetdirect.com by the time and date specified will be answered by Addendum and only those responses issued by Addenda through BidNet Direct will be binding. All Addenda will be posted on BidNet Direct @ www.bidnetdirect.com.

Branden Brown is authorized only to direct the attention of prospective Proposers to various portions of the RFP so they may read and interpret such for themselves. Neither Branden Brown nor any employee of the District is authorized to interpret any portion of this RFP or give information as to the requirements of the RFP in addition to that contained in the written documents.

All questions submitted (along with their source) are subject to Public Records Law and as such will be available for inspection upon receipt of a Public Records Request. There shall be no communication between selection committee members or their staff and the Proposers.

**Selection Committee Meetings are open to public attendance located at:

Lincoln Elementary School

1st Floor Media Center

1160 Avenue North Riviera Beach, FL 33404

NOTE: Proposers are requested to have a representative present at the Selection

Committee Meeting to respond to questions the Committee may have regarding the contents of their Proposal.

ARTICLE 4

DELIVERY

4.1 This Project shall be completed and delivered to the OWNER under the time constraints stated in the RFP and/or Contract Documents.

ARTICLE 5

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPOSAL

5.1 Proposals shall be prepared in accordance with these Instructions to Proposers. Proposals not

11 Revised 2.26.2026 conforming to the instructions provided herein may be subject to disqualification at the option of the OWNER. It is necessary for the Proposer to carefully consider each item specified in this

Request for Proposal and insure each item meets the requirements and specifications as indicated. Proposal modification will not be accepted from Proposers.

5.2 The Proposer acknowledges the right of the OWNER to reject any or all Proposals and to waive any informality or irregularity in any Proposal received. In addition, the Proposer recognizes the right of the OWNER to reject a Proposal if the Proposer failed to furnish any required

Proposal security, or to submit the data required by the Proposal Documents, or if the Proposal is in any way incomplete or irregular; to reject the Proposal of a Proposer who is not in a position to perform the Contract; and to re-advertise for other or further Proposals or to accept the next responsive Proposal.

As required by 1010.04(5), Fla. Stat., please be advised that the School District will not:

1. Request documentation of or consider a bidder’s social, political, or ideological interests when evaluating its proposal.

2. Give preference to a bidder based on the bidder’s social, political, or ideological interests.

5.3 The Proposer meeting Specifications, Terms, and Conditions and being designated as having submitted an approved Proposal shall be a Florida licensed Architect and be authorized to perform services in the city of their domicile and in Palm Beach County. The Proposer shall provide proof, in the form of licenses and certificates in their Proposal.

5.4 Each Proposer, by submitting a Proposal, represents they have read and understand the

Request for Proposal document.

5.5 Proposals shall be prepared using the forms contained in this RFP and submitted in accordance with Section 00040 Instructions to Proposers. Each Proposer shall use the forms contained in this RFP where indicated. Proposals containing any conditions, omissions, alternates, items not called for or irregularities of any kind may be rejected by the OWNER.

5.6 The Proposer certifies by submission of their Proposal, that neither it nor its principals is presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction by the State of Florida or Federal Government.

Further, Proposer certifies that it has divulged, in its RFP response, information regarding any of these actions or proposed actions with other governmental agencies.

5.7 Successful Proposer will be required to comply with applicable law as it relates to E-Verify legislation.

5.8 A person or affiliate who has been placed on the Convicted Vendor List following a conviction for a Public Entity Crime may not submit an RFP on a Contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity, may not submit an RFP on a Contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work, may not submit RFPs on leases of real property to a public entity, may not be awarded or perform work as an Architect, Supplier, Subcontractor, or Awarded Proposer(s) under a Contract with any public entity, and may not transact business with any public entity in excess of the threshold amount provided in Section

287.017, Florida Statutes, for CATEGORY TWO for a period of 36 months from the date of being placed on the Convicted Vendor List.

5.9 A Contract Awarded Proposer(s) or any Subcontractors shall not employ any persons with

12 Revised 2.26.2026 multiple felonies and/or crimes against children. The Contract Awarded Proposer(s) must provide documented proof of efforts to comply with this requirement. The Board may declare any non-compliance or lack of diligent effort by the Contract Awarded Proposer(s) to comply as a Breach of Contract and immediately terminate the services of the Contract Awarded

Proposer(s).

5.10 All costs incurred by Proposers, their employees and agents in preparing a response to this

Request for Proposals, in clarifying such response to the satisfaction of the OWNER, in attending any pre-proposal conference or interview, in ascertaining the conditions of the site, in entering into a Contract with the OWNER or for any other reason shall be the sole responsibility of the Proposers and will not be paid or reimbursed by the OWNER.

5.11 The Proposer acknowledges the right of the OWNER to accept or reject any or all Proposals and to waive any informality or irregularity in any Proposal received. In addition, the Proposer recognizes the right of the OWNER to reject a Proposal if the Proposer failed to furnish any required or to submit the data required by the Proposal Documents, or if the Proposal is in any way incomplete or irregular; to reject the Proposal of a Proposer who is not in a position to perform the Contract; and to re-advertise for other or further Proposals or to accept the next responsive Proposal.

5.12 The Proposer, in submitting their Proposal, realizes that time is of the essence and that any delay of this Project will have a serious negative impact on the students of Palm Beach County.

Therefore, the Proposer has taken due diligence to determine factors that may impact the days necessary to complete this Project. Specifically, the approval process required under

Florida Statute as governed by the Rules of the Department of Education, Florida State Board of Education, as well as the Permitting process required by the School District of Palm Beach

County, Department of Environmental Regulation, the South Florida Water Management

District, Palm Beach County and any other bodies that have jurisdiction over the land parcel for this Project.

5.13 Each Proposer, by submitting a Proposal, represents they have familiarized themselves with the local conditions under which the Work is to be performed. The Proposer is assumed to be familiar with all Federal, State and Local Laws, Ordinances, Rules and Regulations, that in any manner affect the Work. Public Contracting and Purchasing Process Florida Statutes, Sections

235.01 et seq. 287.132-.133 (Public Entity Crimes) is applicable and Florida Department of

Education, Office of Educational Facilities, Florida Building Code (FBC). Ignorance on the part of the Proposer will in no way relieve them from responsibility.

5.14 The Proposer shall have a place of business for contact by the School District during normal hours on normal working days. An emergency phone number and the name of a responsible managing employee of the successful Proposer shall be provided to the School District.

5.15 A Proposal from a Joint Venture will be accepted for evaluation if the Joint Venture has been approved and licensed by the Dept. of Business and Professional Regulations and authorized by the Florida Dept. of State prior to Proposal. A Joint Venture Proposal shall include the name and address of all parties included in the Joint Venture with one of the parties identified as the Prime Vendor. The Prime Vendor shall be financially responsible for the Joint Venture providing bonding and insurance requirements and execution of the Contract. The Prime

Vendor shall have overall and complete accountability to resolve any dispute arising from the

Contract.

In the case of a Proposal submitted by a Joint Venture, a Joint Venture shall be in compliance with and meet all of the terms, conditions, and criteria of this RFP, School Board Policy 6.144, and all other relevant School Board Policies.

13 Revised 2.26.2026

A Joint Venture may be considered a Certified SBE for purposes of the SBE Evaluation

Preference point award when the Joint Venture is SBE Certified by the School District’s Office of Small Business Development (OSBD). The Joint Venture shall include in its Proposal submittal the SBE Certification Document of each SBE Joint Venture member.

A Joint Venture shall not be awarded a Contract unless that Joint Venture is fully and properly licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, at the time of

Proposal submittal.

5.16 All questions concerning the Request for Proposal shall be submitted via BidNet Direct @ www.bidnetdirect.com by the date and time specified and will be answered by Addendum.

All questions submitted shall be held until such time as they are compiled and answered in the form of an Addendum, which will be released through BidNet Direct @ www.bidnetdirect.com.

5.17 Questions and Answers, in the form of Addenda, as distributed by the OWNER shall become part of the Request for Proposal. An Addendum is a written or graphic instruments issued prior to the execution of the Contract which modify or interpret the Proposal Documents, including

Drawings and Specifications, by additions, deletions, clarifications or corrections. All Addenda will become part of the Contract Documents when the Contract is executed. As necessary, Addenda will be distributed by BidNet Direct to all who are known by the Construction

Purchasing Department to have received a complete set of Proposal Documents. All questtions submitted (along with their source) and Addenda are subject to Public Records Law and as such will be available for inspection upon receipt of a Public Records Request.

5.18 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.

5.19 All Proposals must be submitted electronically to BidNet Direct @ www.bidnetdirect.com.

Hardcopy Proposals will not be accepted. A Proposal is invalid if it has not been fully uploaded to BidNet Direct @ www.bidnetdirect.com prior to the time and date for receipt of

Proposals specified in Article 3, Time Schedule or prior to any extension issued by Addendum.

Proposals received after the stated time and date will not be considered.

5.20 BIDNET DIRECT

1. All offers must be submitted electronically to BidNet Direct @ www.bidnetdirect.com including all required documents listed in the Proposal (or solicitation). No other responses will be accepted, including hard copy or emailed responses.

2. BidNet Direct supports online document tracking and completion. All documents must be viewed/accepted before the Proposal Packet can be viewed and an offer can be placed.

3. The District will only consider offers that have been uploaded and submitted through BidNet Direct @ www.bidnetdirect.com PRIOR to the Proposal closing date and time. As with any document upload, larger documents and/or heavy use activity may result in longer upload times. Please Allow sufficient time to complete your offer.

14 Revised 2.26.2026

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

https://www.bidnetdirect.com/palmbeachschools/

• In order to complete this process, you must first select “Review Response,” verify the information is correct then enter your password and select “Confirm & Submit

Response.”

• After clicking “Confirm & Submit Response,” a confirmation page loads with “Offer

Received” at the top of the page. If you do not see this confirmation, your offer was not submitted successfully.

• If you select to receive a confirmation email indicating a successful response you will receive a confirmation email within five (5) minutes.

If you DO NOT receive a confirmation that your offer has been received, please call BidNet Direct at 800-835-4603, Option 2 (Vendor Assistance). Customer

Service Hours of Operation: 8 am – 8 pm.

5. If necessary, Addenda will be distributed by BidNet Direct to all who are known by the Construction Purchasing Department to have received a complete set of Proposal

Documents.

6. Be advised that registering with BidNet Direct @ www.bidnetdirect.com is a

FREE service.

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

8. Proposers 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.

9. Proposals not conforming to the instructions provided herein will be subject to disqualification.

10. Any Proposal may be withdrawn prior to the date and time the Proposals are due.

5.21 Unless otherwise provided in any supplement to these Instructions to Proposers, no Proposer shall modify, withdraw or cancel his Proposal or any part thereof for 60 days after the time designated for the receipt of Proposals in the "Advertisement for Request for Proposal."

5.22 Each Proposer shall use the forms contained in this RFP where indicated. Any erasures or other corrections in the Proposal shall be explained or noted over the signature of the

Proposer. Proposals containing any conditions, omissions, unexplained erasures, alternates, items not called for or irregularities of any kind may be rejected by the OWNER.

5.23 Each Proposal shall give, on the required document, the full business address of the Proposer, and state whether he is an individual, corporation or partnership. Proposals by a corporation must be signed with the legal name of the corporation followed by the name of the state of its incorporation and by the manual signature and designation of an officer, owner, or other

15 Revised 2.26.2026 person, authorized to bind the corporation. Proposals by partnerships shall show the names of all partners and shall be signed in the partnership name by one of the partners or by an authorized representative. In either case, the partnership signature shall be followed by the manual signature and designation of the person signing. ANY POTENTIAL, PERCEIVED OR

ACTUAL CONFLICT OF INTEREDT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY FLORIDA LAW.

5.24 In every case, the name of the person signing, and his designation, shall be typed or printed below his signature. A Proposal by a person who affixes to his signature the word "President", "Secretary", "Owner" or other designation without disclosing his principal may be held to be the Proposal of the individual so signing. Satisfactory evidence of the authority of an officer, owner, attorney, or other person signing for a corporation and for an owner, attorney, etc., signing for a partnership or an individual shall be furnished.

5.25 Following submittal of the Proposal, a Proposer may not add or substitute Project Team

Members, including Major Subconsultants, without written approval from the Construction

Purchasing Department. Requests shall be made in writing to the Purchasing Agent in charge of the procurement process for that solicitation. All requests shall be submitted by the individual responsible for the authorization of the Proposal Response (Required Response

Form A). Other than an emergency situation, the request shall be submitted not less than five (5) OWNER business days prior to the published date of the evaluation Meeting, otherwise the request shall not be allowed. The request shall identify the Project Name, RFP Number, reason for the request and resume of each Team Member requested for substitution. The resume shall include the same information as that specified in the Phase I Evaluation Criteria of the RFP for Project Team Members. The request shall be reviewed and responded to in writing by the Construction Purchasing Department advising the Proposer if their request for substitution is approved.

5.26 WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALS

Proposals may be withdrawn on written request received from the Proposers prior to the time fixed for opening. Such request shall be properly signed in accordance with the requirements pertaining to signatures contained in Paragraph 5.15. Negligence on the part of the Proposer in preparing the Proposal confers no right for withdrawal of the Proposal after it has been opened.

5.27 INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTAL OF PROPOSAL DOCUMENTS

The Proposal shall be divided into three (3) Sections 1, 2 and 3 and uploaded to BidNet

Direct @ www.bidnetdirect.com as one (1) optimized PDF file. A Proposal shall include all items listed for Section 1, otherwise the Proposal shall be declared non-responsive. A Proposal should include all items specified for Sections 2 and 3; however, exclusion of any of the items specified in Section 2 and 3 shall not be cause to declare the

Proposal non-responsive.

SECTION 1: - shall contain the following items:

1. Proposal Response Form (Required Response Form A)

2. Disclosure of Discrimination Complaints Statement (Required Response Form B)

3. SBE Subconsultant/Subcontractor Participation Form (Required Response Form C)

SECTION 2: - submit the following items with Proposal:

16 Revised 2.26.2026

1. Business Tax Certificate or Receipt as evidence of business location in Palm Beach, Broward or Miami-Dade Counties (see Evaluation Criteria)

2. Verification of Architectural Business Organization Qualification by the Florida

Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), Board of Architecture and

Interior Design.

3. Copy of Professional License (AR#) for the registered Architect who serves as the qualifying agent for the architectural firm and responsible for sealing the design documents, issued by the Florida DBPR Board of Architecture & Interior Design.

4. Proof of an active Certificate of Authority issued by the Florida Department of State which authorizes the Proposer 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 www.Sunbiz.org - Department of State.

5. Current Certificate of Insurance demonstrating coverage specified in Article 17. For submittal purposes, General Professional Liability Insurance may be less than that specified; however, all coverage requirements must be satisfied prior to issuing the

Notice to Proceed.

6. List of all Subconsultants intended for the Project (Attachment B)

7. Provide a copy of each Subconsultants Certificate of Authorization and the professional license of the individual responsible for sealing the Subconsultants design documents.

These copies should not be reduced to less than one-half of the page (i.e. two copies per page).

8. Drug Free Workplace Certification (Attachment H)

9. Beneficial Interest and Disclosure of Ownership Affidavit, PBSD 1997 (Attachment

I) The School District is requesting this affidavit to include a list of every

“person” (as defined in Section 1.01 (3), Florida Statutes, to include individuals, children, firms, syndicates, fiduciaries, corporations and all other groups and combinations) holding five percent (5%) or more of the Beneficial

Interest in the disclosing entity. The Proposer must submit all supporting documentation in the name of the Proposer’s entity only. Parent and/or subsidiary entities will not be acceptable.

10. Scrutinized Companies List Certification (Attachment J)

11. Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment (Attachment K)

SECTION 3: - Responses:

• Responses to Section 00300 – Evaluation Process.

• Section 3 of the Proposal shall not exceed a total of forty (40) pages otherwise the Proposal shall be deemed non-responsive. Each page of Section 3 shall be numbered consecutively and shall not exceed 8 ½” x 11” in size. Each text page shall be printed in font 11 or larger and have a minimum 1” margin. The Proposer should only provide responses to the Evaluation Process Criteria specified in Categories 1-3 in

17 Revised 2.26.2026

Section 00300 - “Evaluation Process.” The response provided for each Category should be bookmarked separately.

ARTICLE 6

PROTEDT PROCEDURES

6.1 The OWNER shall provide notice of its decision or intended decision concerning a Request for

Proposal or an Award as follows:

• Notice of a decision or intended decision shall be given by posting the Tabulation on

BidNet Direct @ www.bidnetdirect.com.

• The notice required by this paragraph shall contain the following statement: “Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in 120.57(5)(b), Florida Statutes, shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes.”

6.2 Any party who is adversely affected with respect to the Request for Proposal Documents shall file a notice of protest in writing within 72 hours after the receipt of the Request for Proposal

Documents, and SHALL FILE A FORMAL WRITTEN PROTEDT WITHIN 10 DAYS AFTER FILING

THE NOTICE OF PROTEDT. Failure to file a notice of protest or failure to file a formal written protest shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under F.S. Chapter 120.

All Notices of Protest and Formal Written Protests shall be submitted to:

Darci Garbacz, Director of Purchasing

3300 Forest Hill Blvd., Suite A323

WEDT Palm Beach, FL 33406

6.3 In accordance with F.S. 255.0516 “Bid Protests by Educational Boards,” with respect to state contracts and bids, pursuant to competitive bidding, whether under Chapter 235 Florida

Statutes, relating to educational facilities, or under this chapter, relating to public buildings, if a School Board, a community college board of trustees, or the Board of Regents uses procedures pursuant to Chapter 120 Florida Statutes, for bid protests, the board will require the protestor to post a bond at the time of filing the written protest amounting to:

Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000)

6.4 Upon receipt of a Notice of Protest which has been timely filed, the OWNER shall stop the

Solicitation Process or the Award Process until the subject of the protest is resolved by final

OWNER action, unless the OWNER sets forth in writing particular facts and circumstances which require the continuance of the Solicitation process or the Contract Award Process without delay in order to avoid an immediate and serious danger to the public health, safety, or welfare.

6.5 The OWNER, on its own initiative or upon the request of a protestor, shall provide an opportunity to resolve the protest by mutual agreement between the parties within seven (7) days of receipt of a formal written protest.

6.6 If the subject of a protest is not resolved by mutual agreement within seven (7) days of receipt of the formal written protest and if there is no disputed issue of material fact, an informal proceeding shall be conducted pursuant to Florida Statute 120.57(2). If the hearing is not requested in the Notice of Bid Protest, it shall be waived. The informal hearing shall be conducted in the presence of the Director of Purchasing, as the Superintendent’s designee, 18 Revised 2.26.2026 the legal staff, and any other witnesses deemed appropriate. The protesting party may be present with assistance of counsel and any witnesses they deem appropriate, however, failure to have counsel or witnesses present shall not invalidate the hearing.

ARTICLE 7

LOBBYING

7.1 Lobbying is defined as any action taken by an individual, firm, association, partnership, joint

Venture, syndicate, corporation, and all other groups who, after advertisement of the RFP and prior to the posted recommendation on Award of Contract, seek to influence the decision of a

Board member or District personnel on the Award of a Contract.

7.2 Proposers and their employees or individuals acting on behalf of the Proposer are hereby advised that Lobbying is not permitted with any School District employee, School Board members, School District Advisory Committee member, Evaluation Committee member or other person related to or involved with this RFP until the Recommendation for Award has been posted. Violation shall result in rejection of the Proposal and disqualification of the

Proposer from consideration for Award.

7.3 Any Proposer who is adversely affected by the Recommended Award may address the School

Board at a regularly scheduled Board meeting.

7.4 Any Proposer or any individuals that lobby on behalf of Proposer during the time specified will result in rejection/disqualification of said Proposal.

7.5 All issues and or questions regarding the Project need to be addressed and resolved through the Construction–Purchasing Department. There shall be no communication between

Committee Members, their staff and the prospective Proposers. Committee Members will not be allowed to meet separately and discuss the Project. All oral or written inquiries must be directed through the Construction–Purchasing Department.

7.6 Any Proposer that is adversely affected by the Recommended Award may address the School

Board at a regularly scheduled Board meeting.

ARTICLE 8

MISCELLANEOUS

8.1 ANTI-COLLUSION

By electronically submitting a Proposal, the Proposer certifies that it has not divulged, discussed or compared its Proposal with other Proposers and has not colluded with any other

Proposer or parties to a Proposal whatsoever. No premiums, rebates or gratuities are permitted either with, prior to, or after any delivery of materials. Any such violation will result in the cancellation and/or return of materials (as applicable) and the removal of the Proposer from all Proposal lists for the School Board of Palm Beach County, Florida.

8.2 PUBLIC RECORDS EXEMPTION

For purposes of this paragraph, “Competitive Solicitation” means the process of requesting and receiving sealed Bids, Proposals, or replies in accordance with the terms of a competitive process, regardless of the method of procurement.

19 Revised 2.26.2026

Sealed Bids, Proposals, or replies received by an agency pursuant to a Competitive Solicitation are exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution until such time as the agency provides notice of an intended decision or until 30 days after opening the Bids, Proposals, or final replies, whichever is earlier.

If an agency rejects all Bids, Proposals, or replies submitted in response to a Competitive

Solicitation and the agency concurrently provides notice of its intent to reissue the Competitive

Solicitation, the rejected Bids, Proposals, or replies remain exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s.

24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution until such time as the agency provides notice of an intended decision concerning the reissued Competitive Solicitation or until the agency withdraws the reissued Competitive Solicitation. A Bid, Proposal, or reply is not exempt for longer than 12 months after the initial agency notice rejecting all Bids, Proposals, or replies.

8.3 EXEMPTION FROM PUBLIC DISCLOSURE

Upon receipt, all submittals become Public Records and shall be subject to public disclosure consistent with Chapter 119, Florida Statutes.

By submitting its Proposal, Proposer understands and waives any Claim of confidentiality, including Trade Secrets, to its pricing and/or cost of service related submittals.

Any firm that intends to assert that certain materials are exempt from public disclosure under

Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, must submit the documents in a separate bound document or file labeled "Name of Firm, Attachment to Proposal Package. RFP# - Confidential Matter." In addition, the firm must identify the specific statute that authorizes the exemption from

Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. CD or DVDs included in a submittal must also comply with this requirement and the firm must separate any CD or DVDs claimed to be confidential.

Any Claim of confidentiality on materials the firm asserts to be exempt and placed elsewhere in the submittal will be considered waived by the firm upon submission, upon opening.

The School District will provide Proposer with prompt notice by phone and/or email of any request for Public Records in which that Proposer has claimed an exemption information being a Trade Secret so the Proposer may seek, at its sole expense, an appropriate protective order from a court of competent jurisdiction. In the event the Proposer elects not to seek an appropriate protective order or is unable to obtain such an order within no later than 10 business days following receipt of notice, the Proposer agrees and consents that the School

District shall be permitted to respond to the Public Records Request with the response not being deemed a breach by the School Board of its obligations under…