PC-370000-ES031.pdf

Request for Proposals (RFP)

For

Environmental Consulting Services for the Apalachicola River Watershed and

Adjacent Areas

RFP 2023015

Procurement Officer:

Wanda Norton Purchasing Analyst, Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of General Services - Procurement Section

3800 Commonwealth Blvd., MS #93 Tallahassee, FL 32399-3000

Email: Wanda.Norton@FloridaDEP.gov

Environmental Consulting Services for the Apalachicola River Watershed and Adjacent Areas

Rev.7/18/22

Table of Contents 1 Introduction

1.1 Solicitation Objective

1.2 Background and Program Information

1.3 Anticipated Contract Term & Renewals

1.4 Definitions

1.5 Draft Contract

1.6 Procurement Officer

1.7 Special Accommodations

1.8 Timeline of Events

1.9 List of Attachments and Forms

2 RFP Process

2.1 Vendor Responsibilities

2.2 Who May Respond

2.3 Overview of the RFP

2.4 Conformance to Requirements

2.5 Limitation on Vendor Contact with Agency During Solicitation Period

2.6 Addenda/Amendments to the RFP

2.7 Contract Formation

2.8 Disclosure of Response Contents

2.9 Withdrawal of Responses

2.10 Administrative Cure Process

2.11 Clarification Process

2.12 Information from Other Sources

2.13 Firm Response

2.14 Right to Reject

2.15 Cancellation, Non-Award, and Withdrawal

2.16 Misrepresentations

2.17 Licensure & Registration

2.18 Replacement and Alternate Responses

2.19 Exclusivity

2.20 Diversity

2.21 Bid Protests

3 Response Instructions

3.1 MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) Vendor Registration

3.2 Pre-Response Conferences and/or Site Visits

3.3 Submission of Responses

3.4 Response Content Requirements

3.5 Economy of Presentation

3.6 Confidential Response Materials and Redacted Submissions

4 Scope of Work

4.1 Scope of Work

4.2 Definitions

4.3 Contractor Responsibilities

4.4 Department’s Responsibilities

4.5 Enforcement

5 Evaluation Criteria

5.1 Evaluation of Volume I, Past Performance

5.2 Evaluation of Volume II, Technical Response

5.3 Evaluation of Volume III, Price Sheet

5.4 Available Points

5.5 Compilation of Evaluation Scores

6 Award

6.1 Basis of Award

6.2 Award Preferences for Equal Scores (Ties)

6.3 Recommendation of Award

6.4 Posting of Decision

6.5 Execution of Contract

6.6 Failure to Perform the Contract

1 Introduction The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (the Department) hereby issues this Request for Proposals (RFP) to contract for Environmental Consulting Services for the Apalachicola River Watershed and Adjacent Areas. The Solicitation will be administered through the Vendor Information Portal (VIP).

Respondents interested in submitting a Response must comply with all of the terms and conditions described in this RFP.

1.1 Solicitation Objective

The Department intends to enter into a contract using the Attachment 1, Draft Contract, for Environmental Consulting Services for the Apalachicola River Watershed and Adjacent Areas, hereby incorporated by reference. The Department intends to make a single award, however the Department reserves the right to award to one Respondent or multiple Respondents, or to make no award, as determined to be in the best interest of the State.

1.2 Background and Program Information

Currently, there are several valuable, well-designed, and focused Conservation and Resource Management Plans for the Basin. These plans identify challenges and threats associated with the management or planning for all or parts of the Basin and may additionally propose solutions and efforts that can mitigate or avoid these challenges or threats. Parallel to these land management plans are Basin-wide initiatives/partnerships that focus on specific management objectives. An example of such a group is the Apalachicola Regional Stewardship Alliance, a group of resources managers that work cooperatively to apply prescribed fire on managed lands within the system and reduce the occurrence and prevalence of invasive species. The proposed Apalachicola Comprehensive Watershed Planning and Coordination effort would take place over five (5) years. It would focus on collecting and summarizing existing planning documents, identify key threats, collect priority efforts (i.e. planning actions, restoration projects) to mitigate or prevent those threats, connect disparate data sources and research initiatives, identify funding sources for project implementation, and ensure these efforts are conducted with substantial public engagement and feedback.

1.3 Anticipated Contract Term & Renewals

The initial term of the Contract will be three (3) year(s) with up to two (2) renewal year(s). At the discretion of the Department, the Contract may be renewed subject to the terms and conditions specified in the Contract.

1.4 Definitions

The “General Contract Conditions” Form PUR 1000 (PUR 1000) and “General Instructions to Respondents” Form PUR 1001 (PUR 1001), found in Rule 60A-1.002, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), are hereby incorporated by reference and can be accessed at:

https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/documents_forms_references _resources/state_purchasing_pur_forms. The following definitions apply to this RFP:

BOTIITF - Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund.

Business Days - Monday through Friday, inclusive, except for State government holidays.

https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/documents_forms_references_resources/state_purchasing_pur_forms https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/documents_forms_references_resources/state_purchasing_pur_forms

Confidential Information - Any documents, data, or records that are confidential and not subject to disclosure pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statute (F.S.), the Florida Constitution, or any other authority.

Contract - The agreement that results from this competitive procurement, if any, between the Department and the Contractor.

Contractor(s) - The Respondent(s) that will be awarded a Contract pursuant to this Solicitation.

NWFWMD - Northwest Florida Water Management District.

Respondent - an entity that submits a Response to this RFP.

State - The State of Florida.

NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

1.5 Draft Contract

Awarded Respondent(s) must provide the contractual services sought by this RFP in accordance with the terms, conditions, and Scope of Work detailed in the Draft Contract. All Respondents should carefully review the Draft Contract prior to submission of a Response. Any questions related to the Draft Contract should be submitted as a formal question in accordance with the instructions contained in this RFP.

1.6 Procurement Officer

The Procurement Officer is the Department’s sole point of contact for information regarding this RFP from the date of release until an Agency Decision is posted on the VIP. Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting a Response.

Refer ALL inquiries in writing to the Procurement Officer by email. Responses to timely questions posed to the Procurement Officer will be posted on the VIP, at https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/ in accordance with Section 2.3.1.2 below.

The Department will not talk to any Respondents or their agents regarding a pending solicitation.

Questions will NOT be answered via telephone.

1.7 Special Accommodations

Any person requiring a special accommodation due to a disability should contact the Department’s Procurement Officer. Requests for accommodation for meetings must be made at least five (5) Business Days prior to the meeting.

https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

1.8 Timeline of Events

The following schedule will be strictly adhered to in all actions relative to this Solicitation. The Department reserves the right to modify this schedule and will notify participants in the Solicitation by posting an addendum to this Solicitation on VIP. It is the responsibility of the Respondent to check VIP on a regular basis for such updates.

Event Date Time* Location/Method

RFP Advertised 6/26/23 N/A Vendor Information Portal

Questions Due 7/10/23 5:00 PM Email to Procurement Officer

Answers Posted (Anticipated)

On or about:

7/24/23 Vendor Information Portal

Responses Due 8/7/23 3:00 PM

Department of Environmental Protection DEP Procurement Section, Room 215 3800 Commonwealth Blvd, MS93 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000

Public Opening 8/8/2023 10:00 AM

Teleconference by calling +1 850-629-7330

Phone Conference ID 709 482 664# The number will be active 5 minutes before the meeting.

References Contacted Between: Telephone and/or Email 8/21/23 8/25/23

Award Date (Anticipated) On or about:

9/11/23 Vendor Information Portal

*All times are Eastern Time Zone.

1.9 List of Attachments and Forms

The Attachments, Exhibits, and Forms below are incorporated by reference. Copies of these documents are available in the VIP advertisement that accompanies the RFP posting. If a Form requires electronic completion or filling in, such as a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, an electronic copy can be obtained by contacting the Procurement Officer.

Attachment Title 1 Draft Contract 2 Past Performance Evaluation Form

Form Title A Business Response Form B Foreign State Preference Opinion Form C Client Reference Form D Price Sheet E Award Preference Form

2 RFP Process

2.1 Vendor Responsibilities

Vendors should carefully read the entire RFP, all attachments, and any addenda before submitting a Response.

Vendors interested in submitting a Response must comply with all instructions, terms, and conditions of this RFP to be considered for Award.

Vendors are responsible for understanding all terms and conditions of this RFP, its attachments, addenda, and proposed resulting Contract. If a Vendor does not understand these requirements, Vendor should submit formal questions to the Department in accordance with Section 2.3.1.2.

2.2 Who May Respond

Vendors who possess the financial capability, experience, and personnel resources described in this RFP are invited to submit Responses. Vendors on the Convicted, Suspended, Discriminatory Vendor List(s), the Antitrust Violator Vendor List(s), and/or the Scrutinized List(s) of Prohibited Companies may not submit a Response.

2.3 Overview of the RFP

The RFP is a method of competitively soliciting a commodity or contractual service under Chapter 287, F.S. The RFP process involves three phases: Solicitation, Minimum Mandatory Requirement Review and Evaluation.

2.3.1 Solicitation Phase

2.3.1.1 Pre-Response Conference and Site Visit (If Applicable) The Department may hold an optional or mandatory pre-response conference or site visit as part of the process as indicated in Section 3.2.

Anyone attending a pre-response conference or site visit is required to register their attendance in a means provided by the Department at the time and location of the meeting. Respondents who fail to attend or who are not represented at a mandatory conference or site visit will be determined Non-Responsive.

Note: Any answers to questions given at any conferences or site visits are not binding and do not alter the RFP.

Only questions submitted in accordance with the instructions below and answered on the VIP are considered binding.

2.3.1.2 Question and Answer Period

Respondents may submit questions regarding the terms, conditions, and requirements of the RFP to the Procurement Officer via email by the deadline listed in the Timeline, Section 1.8 of the RFP.

Questions will not constitute a formal protest of the specifications or of the Solicitation. Answers to questions will be posted on the VIP.

All emails shall have the Solicitation number in the subject line. The Department recommends that questions be submitted in the following format:

RFP Section RFP Page # Question

2.3.1.3 Submission of Responses

Once the Department posts the answers to the questions, Respondents may begin submitting Responses as indicated in Section 3.4; however, Respondents are encouraged to submit their Responses no earlier than five

(5) days prior to the submission deadline. Responses must be submitted by the deadline listed in the Timeline above.

2.3.1.4 Public Opening

The Department will open the Responses in a public meeting at the date, time, and location noted in the Timeline, Section 1.8. The Procurement Officer will review the entire Response to ensure that all required volumes were timely submitted, however prices will not be read aloud at the public opening.

2.3.2 Minimum Mandatory Requirement Review Phase

2.3.2.1 Administrative Review

All responses will be reviewed by the Procurement Officer to ensure that Responses contain all mandatory Forms and are complete. Complete Responses will be sent to the Evaluation Team for their qualitative review.

2.3.2.2 Responsibility Review

The Department will review the Responsibility section of the Respondent’s Business Response Form, Form A, for affirmative responses and attached documentation, if any. Answers in the affirmative are not, in themselves, grounds for declaring a vendor as Non-Responsible; the Department may seek additional clarification and decide whether the circumstances of the case warrant declaring a Respondent Non-Responsible. Respondents deemed Non-Responsible are not eligible for Contract Award.

2.3.3 Evaluation Phase

2.3.3.1 Technical Response Evaluation

The Department will evaluate Responses from responsive and responsible Respondents that meet the Minimum Mandatory requirements listed in Form A, Business Response Form, and provide the documentation required in this Solicitation. All Respondents and Responses that meet the minimum mandatory requirements reviewed by the Procurement Officer will be evaluated according to the Evaluation Criteria in Section 5. Each evaluation team member will work independently using the Evaluation Criteria contained Section 5, to review and score Respondent’s Technical Response. Upon completion of the Technical Response evaluation, the evaluators will submit their scores to the Procurement Officer for tabulation.

A Respondent’s Response is the only material which will be considered by the evaluators. No oral or written representations, prior conversations, meetings, projects, or outside information, other than what is specifically requested to be in a Response, will be considered by the evaluators.

following the three (3) attempts, or if the Respondent fails to provide a reference, the Respondent will receive a score of zero (0) for that reference.

2.3.3.3 Price Sheet Evaluation

The Procurement Officer will review the Price Sheet and apply the scoring criteria as contained in the Evaluation Criteria in Section 5.

2.3.3.4 Compilation of Scores

After the evaluation phase, the Procurement Officer will compile the final evaluation scores and use them to develop the recommendation of award.

2.4 Conformance to Requirements

In order to be considered for Award, Responses submitted to the Department must conform in all material aspects to the requirements included in this RFP. Responses failing to conform in all material aspects to the requirements included in this RFP are Non-Responsive and are not eligible for Award, at the sole discretion of the Department.

2.5 Limitation on Vendor Contact with Agency During Solicitation Period Respondents to this Solicitation or persons acting on their behalf may not contact, between the release of the Solicitation and the end of the 72-hour period following the agency posting the notice of intended award, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays, any employee or officer of the executive or legislative branch concerning any aspect of this Solicitation, except in writing to the Procurement Officer or as provided in the Solicitation documents. Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting a Response.

2.6 Addenda/Amendments to the RFP

The Department reserves the right to modify this RFP by issuing addenda and/or amendments. All changes to the RFP will be made through addenda or amendments posted on the VIP. It is the responsibility of the Respondent to check for any changes on the VIP. Issuance of written Addenda and/or amendments is the only method by which a solicitation may be modified.

2.7 Contract Formation

The Department will issue a notice of award, if any, to successful Respondent(s). No contract shall be formed between the Department and the awarded Respondent until both parties sign the Contract. The Department will not be liable for any costs incurred by a Respondent in preparing or producing its Response or for any work performed before the Contract is effective.

The Contract will consist of the Draft Contract as attached, which will incorporate the Scope of Work/Technical Specifications, below in Section 4, relevant portions of the Response submitted by the awarded Respondent (if any), and the Price Sheet submitted by the awarded Respondent. If there is any discrepancy between the Scope of Work/Technical Specifications and the incorporated relevant portions of the Response, the terms most favorable to the Department shall prevail.

The Department 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 Response, except those identified in the Contract. The Respondent shall bring any perceived inconsistencies among any of the provisions of the RFP and its attachments to the attention of the Department prior to the submission of its Response. At any time during the Solicitation, the Department may specifically identify and incorporate by reference any additional documents which are to be incorporated into the Contract. The Contract that results from this Solicitation will be posted on the Florida Accountability Contract Tracking System (FACTS) website in accordance with section 215.985, F.S., “Transparency Florida Act.”

2.8 Disclosure of Response Contents

All documentation produced as part of the RFP will become the exclusive property of the Department and will not be returned to the Respondent unless it is withdrawn prior to the Response opening in accordance with Section 2.9. Once the Procurement Officer opens the Response, the Response may be disclosed pursuant to a public records request, subject to any confidentiality claims and the timeframes identified in section 119.071(1)(b), F.S.

2.9 Withdrawal of Responses

The Respondent may withdraw or modify a Response at any time prior to the due date by submitting a request to the Procurement Officer.

2.10 Administrative Cure Process

In the interest of maximizing competition, the Response qualification and cure process seeks to minimize, if not eliminate, Respondent disqualifications resulting from nonmaterial, curable deficiencies in the Response that are identified in the Minimum Mandatory Review Phase. Therefore, the Department may, in its sole discretion, notify Respondents whose qualifying information or documentation does not meet the requirements of the RFP and allow for the correction of errors and omissions prior to making a final determination of responsiveness.

Timely cures made pursuant to this section will be accepted by the Department.

2.11 Clarification Process

The Department may request clarification from the Respondent for the purpose of resolving ambiguities or questioning information presented in the Response. Clarifications may be requested throughout the Solicitation process. The Respondent’s answers to requested clarifications must be in writing and must address only the information requested. Respondent’s answers to requested clarifications must be submitted to the Department within the time specified by the Department in the requested clarification.

2.12 Information from Other Sources

The Department reserves the right to seek information from outside sources regarding the Respondent, the Respondent’s offerings, capabilities, references, and the Respondent’s performance, if the Department determines that such information is pertinent to the RFP. The Department may consider such information throughout the Solicitation process including, but not limited to, determining whether the award is ultimately in the best interest of the State. This may include, but is not limited to, the Department engaging consultants, subject matter experts, and others to ensure that the Department has a complete understanding of the information provided pursuant to the Solicitation.

2.13 Firm Response

The Department may make an award within one hundred and eighty (180) days after the date of the opening, during which period responses shall remain firm and shall not be withdrawn. If award is not made within one hundred and eighty (180) days, the Response shall remain firm until either the Department awards the Contract, or the Department receives from the Respondent written notice that the Response is withdrawn. Any response that expresses a shorter duration may, in the Department's sole discretion, be accepted or rejected.

2.14 Right to Reject

The Department may reject any Response not submitted in the manner specified by the Solicitation documents.

Respondents whose past performance, current status, or Response does not reflect the capability, integrity, or reliability to fully, and in good faith, perform the requirements of Contract may be rejected as Non-Responsible and are not eligible for Award.

2.15 Cancellation, Non-Award, and Withdrawal

When the Department determines that is it in the best interest of the State, it reserves the right to:

• Cancel this Solicitation.

• Make no Award and reject all responses.

• Withdraw the Solicitation at any time, including after an award is made.

• Withdraw or amend its Notice of Award at any time prior to execution of a contract, including, but not limited to situations in which the Contractor(s) fails to execute the contract.

• Re-procure services.

2.16 Misrepresentations

All information submitted, and all representations made, by the Respondent in a response may be relied upon by the Department in determining Responsibility of a Respondent for Award. Any misstatement or omission, whether intentional or not, may be treated by the Department as a fraudulent concealment of the true facts relating to the Response. Such misrepresentation will be a basis for the Department to disqualify the Respondent as Non-Responsible, and bar the Respondent from participation in any re-solicitation pertaining to this subject matter (regardless of whether the re-solicitation resulted from Respondent’s misrepresentation) and may be punishable under law, including, but not limited to, Chapter 817, F.S.

2.17 Licensure & Registration

Prior to the execution of a Contract, the selected Respondent must be properly licensed to do business within the State, and all entities must be appropriately registered with the Florida Department of State, if required by federal or state law.

2.18 Replacement and Alternate Responses

The Department will only consider one (1) Response per Respondent, unless otherwise indicated in Section 3.

Respondents may submit revised Responses at any time prior to the Response Due Date as specified in the Timeline of Events. Revised Responses must include a statement, signed and dated by an Authorized Signatory, withdrawing all prior Responses from the Respondent. Alternate commodities and/or contractual services may be proposed only if permitted in accordance with the instructions contained in this Solicitation. The Department is under no obligation to consider alternate commodities and/or contractual services to those requested in this Solicitation if not specifically requested as part of a Response and may reject a Response making such offers as Non-Responsive.

2.19 Exclusivity

This Solicitation will not result in an exclusive license to provide the commodities and/or contractual services described in this Solicitation or the resulting Contract. The Department may, in compliance with applicable laws, contract with other vendors to provide the same or similar commodities and/or contractual services if the Department determines that doing so will serve the State’s best interests.

2.20 Diversity

The State is dedicated to fostering the continued development and economic growth of minority-owned, veteran-owned, and woman-owned businesses. Participation of a diverse group of Respondents doing business with the Department is central to the State’s effort.

The Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD) has been established within the Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) to certify qualifying minority-owned, veteran-owned, and woman-owned business enterprises (CBEs). CBEs are encouraged to participate in the State’s procurement process as both prime Respondents and subcontractors. Non-CBE Respondents are encouraged to partner with CBEs for Contract performance.

2.21 Bid Protests

Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in section 120.57(3), F. S., or failure to post the bond or other security required by law within the time allowed for filing a bond shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, F.S.

Documents received after normal working hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time) will be filed the following business day.

All filings must be made with the Agency Clerk ONLY and are only considered "filed" when stamped, physically or digitally, by the Agency Clerk. It is the responsibility of the filing party to meet all filing deadlines.

The Agency Clerk's address is:

Agency Clerk, Office of General Counsel Department of Environmental Protection 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, Douglas Building, MS#35 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000 Email: Agency_clerk@floridadep.gov mailto:Agency_clerk@floridadep.gov

3 Response Instructions This section contains the General Instructions and Special Instructions to Respondents. The “General Instructions to Respondents” Form PUR 1001 is incorporated by reference and can be accessed at http://dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/documents_forms_references_resources/pur chasing_forms.

The terms of the PUR1001 are controlling for this RFP, except for the following sections, which are inapplicable:

Section 3. Electronic Submission of Responses Responses shall be submitted in accordance with Section 3.4 of this Solicitation.

Section 5. Questions Questions shall be submitted in accordance with Section 2.3.1.2 of this Solicitation.

Section 14. Firm Response.

This paragraph is superseded by Section 2.13 of this Solicitation.

Section 15. Clarifications/Revisions.

This paragraph is superseded by Section 2.11 of this Solicitation.

Section 16. Minor Irregularities/Right to Reject.

This paragraph is superseded by sections 2.10 and 6.1 of this Solicitation.

Section 17. Contract Formation.

This paragraph is superseded by Section 2.7 of this Solicitation.

Section 20. Protests.

This paragraph is superseded by Section 2.21 of this Solicitation.

3.1 MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) Vendor Registration

Prior to execution of the Contract by the Department, the Contractor must be registered with MFMP.

Information about the registration process is available on, and registration may be completed at https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/.

Prospective vendors who do not have internet access may request assistance from MFMP Customer Service within DMS.

The following United Nations Standard Products and Services Code(s) (UNSPSC) are provided to assist potential Respondents in their registration efforts:

Code Title 77101502 Environmental standards 77101503 Environmental indicators analysis 77101505 Environmental monitoring 77101604 Natural resources management or conservation strategy planning services http://dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/documents_forms_references_resources/purchasing_forms http://dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/documents_forms_references_resources/purchasing_forms https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

77101602 Forest conservation strategy planning 80171502 Focus group and public feedback meeting facilitation and analysis 80161500 Management support services 80101600 Project management 80101603 Economic or financial evaluation of projects

3.2 Pre-Response Conferences and/or Site Visits

The Department will not hold a Pre-Response a Conference or a Site Visit.

3.3 Submission of Responses

Respondents shall deliver Responses to the Department’s office designated in the Timeline of Events before the date and time specified. Any Response that is received after the exact time specified in the Timeline of Events is late. Late Responses, as well as Responses submitted through email or by facsimile, are Non-Responsive and will not be evaluated. All Response materials must be packaged so that each box shipped to the Department does not exceed 25 pounds.

Response packages must be marked to show the Respondent's name and address, the Solicitation number, and the date and time Responses are due. If multiple packages are shipped, package sequences (i.e. 1 of 3, 2 of 4, etc.) must also be indicated on the outside of the package.

3.4 Response Content Requirements

Respondent’s Responses must be submitted in hard and electronic copies divided into volumes containing the information specified below:

Volume Name Copies Volume I Business Response One (1) Original Volume II Technical Response One (1) Original Volume III Price Sheet One (1) Original CD/DVD/USB Electronic Copy of Response One (1) copy of each Volume CD/DVD/USB Redacted Electronic Copy of Response (if applicable) One (1) Redacted copy of each Volume

3.4.1 Volume I, Business Response

Respondents must prepare a Business Response volume in the order outlined below.

Volume I Business Response Page Limit Tab A Executive Summary Two (2) Tab B Required Forms None

3.4.1.1 Tab A: Executive Summary

Respondents must prepare and include an Executive Summary that summarizes the key points from the Respondent’s Business and Technical volumes. The Executive Summary must begin with company/division’s street address; and size of business, CBEs status, and a summary of the key points from the Respondent’s Response. If the Respondent is a current or former Contractor to the Department, the Respondent will notify the Department of the contract number and the Department’s contract manager in its Executive Summary.

3.4.1.2 Tab B: Required Forms

Respondents must complete and submit Form A, Business Response Form and, if Respondent’s principal place of business is outside of the State of Florida, Form B, Foreign State Preference Opinion Form.

Respondents must complete Form C, Client Reference Form, for three (3) Clients to whom Respondent has provided commodities and/or contractual services of similar scope and size as those identified in the RFP. The three (3) completed Client Reference Forms shall be attached in this Tab. Respondents shall not list the Department as a reference. Current or former Contracts with the Department indicated in the Executive Summary will not count as one of the three references.

Respondent gives Department permission to contact client references and obtain their opinion of the Respondent’s past performance using the questions listed on Attachment 2. The Respondent acknowledges that Department will record the client’s opinion on Attachment 2, and that the completed form will become a public record.

3.4.2 Volume II, Technical Response

The Respondent must prepare and submit a Technical Response volume detailing their qualifications, capabilities, and a description of the commodities and/or contractual services that they will provide to the Department. The Technical Response must contain complete responses to all items. If a portion of any section is omitted, the Response may be deemed Non-Responsive at the sole discretion of the Department.

Volume II Technical Response Tab A Introduction Tab B Background and Organizational Structure Tab C Qualifications and Experience

3.4.2.1 Tab A: Introduction

Respondents must provide a general description of how the Respondent will accomplish the overall goal of this Solicitation.

3.4.2.2 Tab B: Background and Organizational Structure

Respondents should provide information on the historical background of the Respondent and on the Respondent’s organizational structure. This should include years in operation and years involved in work related to this Solicitation.

3.4.2.3 Tab C: Qualifications and Experience

Respondents should present the qualifications of the Respondent and Respondent’s team. The following topics must be addressed:

a) Each Team member’s experience and examples of qualifications to perform assigned tasks should be outlined. The resume or curriculum vitae for the proposed project manager and principal point of contact must be provided.

b) Respondent’s past experience developing and producing comprehensive planning documents, facilitating working groups and engaging stakeholders in a collaborative process.

c) Respondent’s experience with identifying resilience, conservation and restoration funding entities and associated funding opportunities.

d) Respondent’s knowledge of and experience with the Apalachicola Region’s challenges and opportunities.

3.4.3 Volume III, Price Sheet

The Respondent must complete and submit the Form D, Price Sheet, using the instructions provided. The Price Sheet is to be organized as directed on the Form and must contain complete responses to all items. If a portion of any section is omitted, the Price Sheet may be deemed Non-Responsive at the sole discretion of the Department.

This worksheet must be included in both the electronic proposal (original Excel format) and the hard copy proposal (the print area is already pre-set for this worksheet).

3.5 Economy of Presentation

Responses must be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise delineation of the Respondent’s capabilities to satisfy the requirements of this Solicitation without the use of marketing materials, white papers, fancy or flashy graphics, case studies, or other promotional materials. The emphasis of each Response should be on completeness and clarity of content.

3.6 Confidential Response Materials and Redacted Submissions

In addition to the public records requirements of the PUR 1001, section 19, if the Respondent considers any portion of its Response to be Confidential Information or exempt under Chapter 119, F.S., or other authority (Public Records Law), then the Respondent must simultaneously provide the Department with an unredacted version of the materials and a separate redacted copy of the materials the Respondent claims as Confidential Information or exempt and in an index, as described in Section 3.6.1.

The Respondent shall mark the unredacted version of the document as “Unredacted version – contains Confidential Information” and place such information in an encrypted electronic form or a sealed separate envelope.

3.6.1 Redacted Submissions

If submitting a redacted version of its Response, the Respondent shall mark the cover of the redacted copy with the Respondent’s name, Department’s solicitation name, and number, and the words “Redacted Copy.” The Redacted Copy should only redact those portions of material that the Respondent claims are Confidential Information or exempt from Public Records Law. An entire Response should not be redacted. An entire page or paragraph which contains Confidential Information or exempt material should not be redacted unless the entire page or paragraph is wholly Confidential Information or exempt from Public Records Law. In the Redacted Copy, the Respondent shall redact and maintain in confidence any materials the Department provides or seeks regarding security of a proposed technology system or information subject to sections 119.011(14), 119.071(1)(f), and 119.071(3), F.S.

In addition, the Respondent should submit a separate index listing the Confidential Information or exempt portions of its Response. The index should briefly describe in writing the grounds for claiming exemption from the Public Records Law, including the specific statutory citation for such exemption.

The Redacted Copy will be used to fulfill public records and other disclosure requests and will be posted on the FACTS website. In addition, the Department will follow the procedures described in Attachment 4, Public Records Requirements, of the Draft Contract.

By submitting a Response, the Respondent agrees to protect, defend, and indemnify the Department for any and all claims arising from or relating to the Respondent’s determination that the redacted portions of its a Redacted Copy of its Response, the Department is authorized to produce the entire unredacted Response submitted to the Department in response to a public records request.

4 Scope of Work

4.1 Scope of Work

The Contractor shall provide Environmental Consulting Services to assist the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (the Department or DEP) with natural resource, planning and restoration activities related to long term degradation within the Apalachicola River Watershed and Adjacent Areas. Services may include, but are not limited to, identification, evaluation, planning, and implementation of programs and projects, including public engagement and regulatory compliance.

As a part of this scope of services, the Contractor will perform support services to assist the Department in achieving the goals for these restoration activities. This support could include restoration planning and implementation under the Natural Resource Damage Act (NRDA) settlement; logistical and support planning of restoration activities related to the RESTORE Act; activities related to the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund (GEBF) and the America the Beautiful Fund (ABF) administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF); Apalachicola Comprehensive Watershed Planning (ACWP)and Coordination Blueprint (CB) administered by NOAA; and other associated efforts restoration efforts and funding sources. A significant number of acres of the Apalachicola Basin are owned by public parties either in fee or with a less-than-fee interest. This includes, but is not limited to:

1. St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge: More than 12,000 acres owned and managed by the US Dept. of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service.

2. Box-R Wildlife Management Area: More than 12,000 acres owned by the BOTIITF and managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

3. Torreya State Park: More than 14,000 acres owned by the BOTIITF and managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

4. Apalachicola River Water Management Area: More than 36,000 acres owned and managed by the

NWFWMD.

5. Apalachicola River Wildlife and Environmental Area: More than 77,000 acres owned by the BOTIITF and managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (Additional acres anticipated in 2023).

6. Tate’s Hell State Forest: More than 212,000 acres owned by the BOTIITF and managed by the Florida Forest Service.

7. Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve: More than 234,000 acres owned by the BOTIITF and managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

8. Apalachicola National Forest: More than 569,000 acres owned and managed by the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

This list generally includes managed areas greater than 10,000 acres, but a significant number of holdings less than 10,000 also exist, including those associated with the Chipola River. In addition, though the above highlight large public land holdings, private partners’ properties, such as The Nature Conservancy’s Bluffs and Ravines Preserve (~6000 acres), continue to be important partners in land acquisition and conservation in the Basin.

Geopolitical jurisdictions (including special districts) have developed planning documents, including, but not limited to, Vulnerability Assessments, Peril of Flood analyses, Capital Improvement Plans, and their own local land management plans among other potential planning documents. Similarly, state, and federal entities, such as, but not limited to, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Northwest Florida Water Management District, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Forestry Service, Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tyndall Airforce Base, and others have varied authorities to develop projects and implement planning efforts. These may include efforts associated with the numerous designations made within the Basin, including, but not limited to, the National Estuarine Research Reserve, an area of critical state concern, the Apalachicola Biosphere Reserve, the Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape, and more.

Finally, industry groups, nonprofits and universities have planning documents, including restoration plans, volunteerism, long term study plans, research designs, and more. Coordinating with these entities will be critical to completing a Comprehensive Watershed Planning and Coordination effort.

4.2 Definitions

In this Contract, the following terms shall be defined as set forth below:

ANERR’s Site Profile (2008): A site characterization of the lands and waters within the Apalachicola NERR located here.

https://coast.noaa.gov/nerrs/reserves/apalachicola-bay.html

Apalachicola Bay System Initiative: A Florida State University program dedicated to seeking insight into the root causes of decline of the bay's ecosystem and the deterioration of oyster reefs.

Apalachicola Regional Stewardship Alliance: An alliance of stakeholders addressing invasive species management regionally within the Apalachicola Region.

Apalachicola Research Symposium: A two-day event which highlights research conducted within the reserve and adjacent areas, including sessions on productivity in the river and bay, fisheries management, restoration science, and climate change impacts.

Apalachicola River Watershed: The drainage Basin of the Apalachicola River, Chattahoochee River, and Flint River.

Basin: The portion of land drained by a river and its tributaries. It encompasses all of the land surface dissected and drained by many streams and creeks that flow downhill into one another, and eventually into a river.

Florida Forever Projects: Florida’s premier conservation and recreation lands acquisition program; a blueprint for conserving Florida’s natural and cultural heritage.

Interactive Map: Maps that allow zooming in and out, panning around, identifying specific features, querying underlying data such as by topic or a specific indicator, generating reports and other means of using or visualizing select information in the map.

Panhandle Estuarine Restoration Team: A platform for coastal restoration practitioners to communicate and share knowledge, ideas, and resources.

Reserve: A place set aside for special use. In this document, Reserve is shortened from Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve.

https://coast.noaa.gov/nerrs/reserves/apalachicola-bay.html

Stakeholders: A type of organization or system in which all the members or participants are seen as having an interest in its success.

Story Map: A graphic organizer that helps individuals learn the elements of a narrative.

Web Tool: Any software tool that operates over the Internet.

4.3 Contractor Responsibilities

The five (5) tasks shall be completed over a period of three (3) years. Task one (1) shall be completed within year one (1) of the contract award. Tasks two (2) and three (3) shall be completed within year two (2) of the contract award, and Tasks four (4) and five (5) shall be completed in year three (3) of the award. While the tasks are mostly sequential, it may be beneficial to overlap the task timelines. To this end, each task will be detailed in a Task Assignment, with specific deliverables, timelines, and payment schedules. Estimates of Deliverable deadlines are below in the Scope; however, these dates will be finalized upon execution of the Task Assignment.

a. Deliverables. The Contractor shall provide the following deliverables:

Task 1: Identify, collect, review, and summarize Land Management Plans and Planning Documents from various entities related to Conservation Lands. Including the management of natural resources within the Apalachicola River Watershed.

1. The Contractor will coordinate with Reserve/DEP staff on project tasks and expectations. The group will meet on a biweekly basis via Microsoft Team meetings to identify stakeholders and potential partners and to collaborate on the development of a workplan to complete future phases of coordination and planning.

2. The Contractor will identify all Landowners/Managers; resource (water, species, natural community) management entities; local, state, and federal entities; industry groups; nonprofits;

and Universities that conduct planning activities, monitoring, research, and resource management in the Apalachicola River Watershed.

3. The Contractor will identify, inventory, and collect all management plans for all lands managed for conservation purposes as well as all applicable planning documents of local geopolitical entities, state and federal entities, industry groups, nonprofits, and Universities. The inventory should log, at a minimum, the name of managed area, document title, date approved, responsible entity, and responsible point of contact as well as document the types of information that are included in the plan.

4. Review each collected Management Plan and aggregate information from the various plans into a single summary document. This summary document need not repeat the detail in each individual plan, but should:

a. Identify threats or issues impacting the overall health of the river and bay ecosystem in the Apalachicola Basin.

b. Provide a summary of how existing threats and stressors are being addressed by that entity.

c. Identify information gaps and needs.

d. Identify projects or efforts that may mitigate adverse impacts, including conversation or restoration work.

e. Identify restoration efforts within the last ten (10) years and priority projects identified by each Management Plan.

f. Aggregate restoration or other proposed projects into a single project data set developing data standards and metadata for each field for ease of use (e.g., developing consistent project types and data definitions).

g. Identification of additional/alternative lands beyond Florida Forever Projects.

5. The overview should be provided to each responsible entity for review prior to finalization.

Contractor will provide the draft summary document to all partners and stakeholders for review.

The Contractor will summarize edits and comments for the final report. September 2024

6. As part of this process, the Contractor will develop a workplan to complete future phases of coordination and planning. September 2024

7. Stakeholder Engagement

a. Host first Stakeholder meeting to summarize project progress.

Outcome End Date: March 2024.

b. Host second Stakeholder meeting to provide updates on progress: June 2024.

c. Host third Stakeholder meeting and present final Watershed Coordination Plan to stakeholders: September 2024.

Task 2: Identify funding opportunities for land acquisition (or conservation), restoration projects and areas of needed study; facilitate workgroup development and/or project leads for proposal development.

1. Develop a summary of state and federal authorities and funding sources along with timelines for submitting proposals. Develop a priority list of restoration projects and crosswalk with existing project lists such as Deepwater Horizon.

2. Contractor will support the development of proposal(s) based upon the recommendations from the Stakeholder group. Support may include tracking the eligibility requirements of the funding opportunities, providing supporting information related to the funding opportunities or proposal writing. One (1)-page project summaries will be developed to support grant development.

3. Facilitate meetings throughout year two (2) (Oct 2024, February 2025, June 2025) to keep Stakeholders engaged, identify key constituents and partners that may assist in identifying pertinent research and restoration projects conducted in the Apalachicola Watershed. Identify data gaps and needs.

4. Facilitate the implementation of topic-specific working groups based upon the synthesized list of threats and stressors generated in year one (1) and/or utilize existing workgroups (Apalachicola Regional Stewardship Alliance, Panhandle Estuarine Restoration Team, Apalachicola Bay System Initiative) as appropriate (February 2025 and August 2025).

Task 3: Synthesize pertinent status and trends data, research, restoration science, and modeling efforts to identify research gaps and needs.

1. Aggregate pertinent research information (publications, white papers, project one-pagers) into an existing document repository and develop index for each, including title, author(s), publication date, publication magazine (or other source), index keywords, and a brief summary (abstract) for searchability (September 2025).

Task 4: Deliver information to Stakeholders through interactive maps, participation in the Apalachicola Research Symposium and updates to the 2008 Apalachicola Reserve Site Profile.

1. Development of a project Story Map, Interactive Map or Web Tool that allows all proposed, ongoing, or completed restoration projects to be added (September 2025).

2. Organize and host a session on the project at the Apalachicola Research Symposium (May 2025).

3. Organize at least two (2) (between February 2025 and June 2025), facilitated meetings with

Stakeholders to discuss funding options and prioritize project ideas for submission.

4. Update the 2008 Reserve Site Profile to include all new pertinent research and modify the structure of the document (or website or Story Map) to make it a living document (September 2026).

Task 5: Develop a Strategic Plan to continue the facilitation of the working groups and to keep Stakeholders engaged (September 2026).

1. Development of a strategic plan to continue to move the facilitation of the working groups forward and to keep stakeholders engaged in watershed planning and coordination.

Note: Renewal Contract Term project timelines will be determined within each Task Assignment.

b. Performance Measures. Performance Measures are contained…