Request for Proposals (RFP)

For

Consultant Services for Groundwater Monitoring

RFP 2021011

Procurement Officer:

Lori L. Anderson

Purchasing Analyst, Department of Environmental Protection

Bureau of General Services - Procurement Section 3800 Commonwealth Blvd., MS #93

Tallahassee, FL 32399-3000 Email: lori.l.anderson@FloridaDEP.gov

RFP 2021011

Consultant Services for Groundwater Monitoring

Rev. 10/30/2020

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

Rev. 10/30/2020

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 Quality Assurance Requirements

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 Available Points

5.4 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

Rev. 10/30/2020

1 Introduction The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (the Department) hereby issues this Request for

Proposals (RFP) to contract for Consultant Services for Groundwater Monitoring. The Solicitation will be administered through the Vendor Bid System (VBS). 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 Consultant Services for Groundwater Monitoring, 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 by region, or to make no award, as determined to be in the best interest of the State.

1.2 Background and Program Information

DEP’s Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration is seeking technical support services with design, permitting, construction, data collection and analysis, document development, and coordination with local governments and stakeholders for tasks associated with the technical aspects of conducting assessments of the fate and transport of water quality pollutants in groundwater and surface water bodies. Services may include: (1.) Monitoring well design, location siting, permitting, construction and sampling, laboratory and data analysis, (2.) Qualitative dye trace studies, (3.) Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS) studies, (4.) Analysis of groundwater and surface water isotope data. Each of these four project goals involves working closely with DEP staff and stakeholders or representatives including but not limited to: local, state, and regional governmental entities.

Monitoring Well Construction Each monitoring well requires a design that considers project objective, site geology, hydrology, site history, groundwater quality, and target monitoring zone(s). Prior to monitoring well design and installation, development of a conceptual hydrogeologic framework that identifies potential flow path and target monitoring zone(s) is necessary. Design and installation of monitoring wells should consider permanence, installation methodology, and well construction requirements. The driller, water well contractor, and/or water well consultant is responsible for identifying all applicable permits, licenses, professional registration, rights-of-entry, and applicable State and local regulatory procedures for drilling, well installation, and well abandonment as required (to include any requirements for the submission of well logs, samples, or other permit requirements). Monitoring well construction includes development of a water quality monitoring plan, quarterly sampling for standard field analytes, laboratory analysis of water quality samples (as required), and report preparation for data analysis ( See Exhibit 1, Analyte List, as outlined in the Scope of Work).

Qualitative Dye Trace Studies Design qualitative tracer studies in areas near selected Outstanding Florida Springs (OFS) or other surface waters. These services may be conducted at various locations across the state including other areas where springs occur. The purpose of a dye trace study is to assess hydrogeologic connections between one or more discrete locations in a springshed and potential discharge points (springs or wells), and if connections are established to estimate the approximate travel times. Multiple dyes may be used to differentiate between injection sources. In addition to spring vents, dye monitoring may occur at selected irrigation or private supply wells, or other spring conduits.

Rev. 10/30/2020

OSTDS Studies Assess and quantify the leaching of nitrogen from designed or active septic systems to better understand potential for and conditions under which septic systems may contribute nitrogen to groundwater. The primary focus will be on gathering data on the transport and attenuation of nitrogen from septic systems within the underlying soil profile under a variety of settings that represent the range of conditions under which most septic systems exist. Assist in monitoring design and installation for representative septic systems in project areas of interest, and monitor soil pore water to provide data on nitrogen leaching into groundwater. Septic system studies will provide good representation of the more common drainfield designs, and ages, as well as the range in soil conditions.

Analysis of Groundwater Isotope Data

Design studies using nitrogen and oxygen isotope analyses on dissolved nitrate as a useful technique to help identify sources and fate of nitrate found in groundwater, springs, and other surface water bodies.

Measurement of the nitrogen and oxygen isotope ratios, 15N/14N and 18O/16O, of NO3

- in groundwater can be used to help distinguish sources of nitrate and evaluate whether nitrate concentrations are changing due to mixing of different sources or to denitrification processes. Provide groundwater nitrate isotope data analysis, prepare plots of delta-N15 vs. delta O-18 and delta-N15 vs. nitrate data. Provide interpretation of results for trends and identification of potential sources and processes.

1.3 Anticipated Contract Term & Renewals

The initial term of the Contract will be three (3) year(s) with up to three (3) 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:

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

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.

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

State - The State of Florida.

1.5 Draft Contract

Awarded Respondent(s) must provide the contractual services sought by this RFP in accordance with the terms, conditions, and Statement 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.

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

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 VBS. 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 VBS, at http://myflorida.com/apps/vbs/vbs_www.main_menu 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.

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 VBS. It is the responsibility of the Respondent to check VBS on a regular basis for such updates.

Event Date Time* Location/Method

RFP Advertised 2/9/21 N/A Vendor Bid System

Questions Due 2/23/21 4:00 PM Email to Procurement Officer

Answers Posted (Anticipated)

On or about:

March 2, 2021

Vendor Bid System

Responses Due 3/11/21 3:00 PM

Mail to Department:

RFP2021011

Bureau of General Services Procurement Section 3800 Commonwealth Blvd, MS93 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000

Public Opening 3/12/2021 10:00 AM

Teleconference by calling: 888.585.9008 Conference room number: 617.871.258 The number will be active 5 minutes before the meeting.

References Contacted Between:

Telephone and/or Email 3/15/21 3/19/21

Award Date (Anticipated) On or about:

4/6/21 Vendor Bid System

*All times are Eastern Time Zone.

http://myflorida.com/apps/vbs/vbs_www.main_menu

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 VBS 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

3 Sample Task Assignments (Scenarios)

Form Title

A Business Response Form B Foreign State Preference Opinion Form

C Client Reference Form

D Rate Schedule 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), 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 VBS 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 VBS.

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.

The Procurement Office will review the Sample Task Assignment (Scenario) Pricing portion of the Scenario Responses and apply the scoring criteria as contained in the Evaluation Criteria in Section 5.2.1.

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.

2.3.3.2 Past Performance

The Respondent’s references will be contacted by the Department by telephone during normal working hours (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) as indicated in the Timeline. The Department will make up to two (2) attempts to call before making one attempt to contact the references by email. If the contact person cannot be reached 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 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 VBS. It is the responsibility of the Respondent to check for any changes on the VBS. 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 Statement 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 Statement 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_resour ces/purchasing_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

82111500 Technical writing

82111600 Non-technical writing 81111811 Technical support or help desk services

94131503 Technical assistance non-governmental 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/

93142103 Technical cooperation services

86132100 Training planning, facilitation and delivery services 83101503 Water quality control management

70170000 Water resources development and oversight

70171600 Water quality management services 70171500 Water resource development service

70171502 Water resources planning services

70171504 Water resources mapping services 70171507 Surface water development

70171601 Water quality management

70171501 Water quality assessment services

3.2 Pre-Response Conferences and/or Site Visits

The Department will not hold a pre-Response 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 Rate Schedule 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 principle 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

Tab D Proposed Project Approach to Sample Task Assignments (Scenarios), Attachment 3

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. In addition, Respondents shall include the following:

• Number of company locations in the state;

Rev. 10/30/2020

• Full address of those company locations (clearly indicate the primary location);

• Total number of employees (full-time, part-time, other); and

• Total number of employees present at each location.

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 with the following:

• Monitoring well location siting, permitting, design, construction, drilling and installation techniques, construction oversight, development of wells, and water quality monitoring;

• Well permitting and right-of-entry access authorizations;

• Florida geology and hydrogeology;

• Development and implementation of geophysical surveys;

• Interpreting isotopic analysis results for groundwater in the State of Florida;

• Installation, monitoring, and analysis of OSTDS studies;

• Implementation of qualitative dye trace studies, data collection, and analysis;

• Data collection and data analysis for surface waters and groundwater;

• Government facilitation and interagency collaboration;

• Water resource issues and related DEP water resource programs, such as National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs), water quality standards, etc.;

• Water quality concepts;

• Conducting water quality and watershed assessments for groundwater analysis, springs, and other surface water bodies;

• Report preparation, technical presentations, and agency coordination; and

• Developing quality assurance and water quality monitoring plans/reports.

3.4.2.4 Tab D: Proposed Project Approach to Sample Task Assignments (Scenarios)

Respondents must describe in detail how they would respond to each of the two Sample Task

Assignments (Scenarios), Attachment 3. See Attachment 3, Sample Task Assignments (Scenarios) for the complete details.

3.4.3 Volume III, Rate Schedule

The Respondent must complete and submit the Form D, Rate Schedule, using the instructions provided.

The Rate Schedule 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 Rate Schedule may be deemed Non-Responsive at the sole discretion of the Department.

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 Response are Confidential Information or otherwise not subject to disclosure. If the Respondent fails to submit 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.

Rev. 10/30/2020

4 Scope of Work

4.1 Scope of Work

The Contractor shall provide technical support services with data collection, analysis, design, permitting, construction, document development, and coordination with local governments and stakeholders for task associated with all technical aspects of conducting assessments of the fate and transport of water quality pollutants in groundwater and surface water. Services include: (1.) Monitoring well construction and water quality sampling, (2.) Qualitative dye trace studies, (3.) OSTDS studies, (4.) Analysis of groundwater and surface water isotope data studies (see Exhibit 1, Analyte List).

The following Scope of Services provides more detailed information on the technical support tasks anticipated to be assigned to the Contractor:

Purpose: Provide technical support and follow-up assistance to the DEP in the technical development, and implementation of groundwater monitoring projects; including siting needs, monitoring well construction and sampling, qualitative dye trace studies, OSTDS studies, and analysis of groundwater and surface water isotope data. These tasks include technical design, permitting, construction, monitoring, participation in meetings and conference calls, scientific analyses, or other consultations/contacts with DEP staff, other state and federal agencies, counties or other local municipalities, technical groups, and subgroups (e.g., regional governmental entities, advisory groups, advocacy groups, private enterprises, the general public, and others affected by these activities). All activities must comply with Chapter 62-160, F.A.C., Quality Assurance, and the appropriate incorporated

DEP Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) (Exhibit D, Standard Quality Assurance Requirements, of the draft Contract).

Activities: The following is a general list and may include additional activities not listed:

a) Data Collection/Analysis

1. Identify suitable sites for well construction

2. Collect data using own equipment.

3. Provide water quality laboratory analysis as necessary.

4. Prepare right of access authorization permits.

5. Provide data interpretation as requested.

6. Research information and prepare background papers, options papers, and other materials for working group meetings (e.g., data analysis options).

7. Conduct quality assurance and quality control reviews and analysis.

8. Provide analysis of groundwater nitrate isotope data, prepare plots of delta-N15 vs. delta O-

18 and delta-N15 vs. nitrate data.

9. Provide interpretation of isotope results for trends and identification of potential sources and processes.

b) Document Development

1. Facilitate discussions that follow technical presentations, prompt discussions, and promote consensus-based decisions.

2. Quality assurance and water quality monitoring plans and reports (including quality assurance practices and results).

3. Prepare reports for other studies as needed, for example, but not limited to restoration focus area (RFA) studies, monitoring well construction, dye tracer studies, OSTDS studies, analysis of isotope data, special investigations, other groundwater projects.

c) Monitoring Well Construction

1. Identify short and long-term objectives with DEP.

2. Development of a conceptual hydrogeologic framework that identifies potential flow path and target monitoring zone(s).

3. Identification and application of all applicable permits, licenses, professional registration, rights-of-entry, and applicable state and local regulatory procedures for drilling, well installation, and well abandonment.

4. Development of monitoring well installation, construction oversight, and site safety plans.

5. Interpretation and analysis of results for water quality monitoring, and laboratory analysis as necessary.

6. Determination of drilling methodology: Hollow-stem augers, solid-stem augers, water/mud rotary, air/pneumatic rotary, sonic, direct push, and casing or cable.

7. Construction oversight by a site geologist, engineer or geotechnical engineer suitably qualified and licensed to conduct hydrogeologic investigations.

8. Sample and coring collection of soil or rock with lithographic descriptions as required.

9. Determine design, material specifications, and surface completion of wells.

10. Well development, associated methodologies, and water quality sampling.

11. Well abandonments as required.

d) Qualitative Dye Trace Studies

1. Identify data needs with DEP.

2. Monitoring network setup and dye injection determinations.

3. Site access agreements, health and safety and dive plans as required.

4. Development of an operational plan, sampling, and data analysis plan.

5. Background sampling, dye injection, station sampling and data analysis.

6. Analysis and interpretation of dye trace results and report preparation, including any discrete hydrogeologic connection points and estimated travel times.

7. Identification and application of all applicable permits, licenses, professional registration, rights-of-entry, and applicable state and local regulatory procedures for implementation of qualitative dye trace injections and monitoring.

e) OSTDS Studies

1. Assess and quantify the leaching of nitrogen from active or designed OSTDS systems.

2. Identify representative systems and monitor soil pore water associated with OSTDS.

3. Selection of representative sites to adequately represent soil conditions of the area, and typical construction practices for septic tank systems.

4. Determination of soil conditions, occupancy patterns, household sizes, residential lots sizes, and irrigation system contributions.

5. Determination of construction type, age of system, and maintenance frequency.

6. Monitoring site screening and selection.

7. Monitoring system design, sampling frequency, and parameters of interest.

8. Identification and application of all applicable permits, licenses, professional registration, rights-of-entry, and applicable state and local regulatory procedures for OSTDS installation and monitoring.

f) Isotopic Collection and Data Analysis

1. Identify data needs with DEP.

2. Design studies using nitrogen and oxygen isotope analyses on dissolved nitrate to help identify sources and fate of nitrate in groundwater and surface water.

3. Provide analysis of groundwater nitrate isotope data, prepare plots of delta-N15 vs. delta O- 18 and delta-N15 vs. nitrate data.

4. Provide interpretation of isotope results for trends and identification of potential sources and processes.

Specific assignments will be accomplished through the use of Task Assignments. Specific scopes, schedules, level of effort, cost estimates and performance measures will be developed for each individual task assignment. The Contractor has the capacity to accept and execute multiple Task Assignments on a simultaneous basis. No work on any task shall begin until a Task Assignment outlining the work and agreed upon cost has been fully executed by both parties. No minimum amount of work is guaranteed under the Contract.

The DEP may add to, or modify, any of the general procedures outlined in this RFP as necessary and as mutually agreed upon by the DEP and the Contractor(s). The DEP reserves the right to task the Contractor to perform other services that are deemed necessary by the DEP to be performed, which are related to the services outlined herein.

In the event of any changes to the Contractor’s key personnel and/or subcontractor key personnel that will be performing work under the Contract, the proposed replacement personnel must be at least equal in qualifications, experience, and abilities of the incumbent. All personnel changes must be pre-approved by the DEP Contract Manager. In order to facilitate this process, the qualifications, experience, and abilities of the replacement personnel should be provided to the DEP Contract Manager for review.

It is at the sole discretion of the DEP to determine if the replacement personnel have the qualifications, experience, and abilities of the incumbent.

4.2 Quality Assurance Requirements

Deliverables. The following is a list of deliverables that are associated with the quality assurance requirements of this Contract:

a) An initial planning review technical audit as specified in Section 5.b.(i) of Exhibit D, Standard Quality Assurance Requirements, of the draft Contract (Quality Assurance Requirements for Contracts Standard Field & Lab Services) shall be completed by the Contractor after the second completed sampling and analysis event, but no later than the fourth. The Contractor shall submit a report of this initial planning review audit within one month of the review, and that report shall include a statement of usability as described in Section 5.b.(iii) of Exhibit D.

b) Ongoing planning review technical audits shall be conducted…