REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATION

2026-RFQ-094

PLANNING, URBAN DESIGN, ECONOMIC ANALYSIS AND

IMPLEMENTATION SERVICES (CCNA)

City of Lakeland

1140 E. Parker Street

Lakeland, FL 33801

RELEASE DATE: August 13, 2026

DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS: August 26, 2026

RESPONSE DEADLINE: September 3, 2026, 2:00 pm

RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO:

https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/lakelandgov https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/%7bproject.government.code%7d

City of Lakeland

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATION

Planning, Urban Design, Economic Analysis and Implementation Services

(CCNA)

I. NOTICE

II. INTRODUCTION

III. SCOPE OF WORK

IV. SELECTION CRITERIA

V. INSURANCE AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

VI. SPECIFICATION OF SAFETY AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

REQUIREMENTS

VII. VENDOR QUESTIONNAIRE

Attachments:

B - Indemnification 2026 Consultant

G - Human Trafficking Affidavit

Request For Qualification #2026-RFQ-094 Title: Planning, Urban Design, Economic Analysis and Implementation Services (CCNA)

1. NOTICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Planning, Urban Design, Economic Analysis and Implementation Services (CCNA)

FOR THE CITY OF LAKELAND

Thursday, August 13, 2026

RFQ No.2026-RFQ-094

Qualification packages will be received electronically by the Purchasing Manager via OpenGov, the City’s e-Procurement Portal (“Portal”), until 2:00 pm – Thursday, September 3, 2026. Qualifications received after this specified time and date will not be considered.

Qualification Documents may be accessed by visiting our Website athttps://procurement.opengov.com/portal/lakelandgov or by contacting the City of Lakeland

Purchasing Division @ (863) 834-6780.Qualification Documents are Required for Submittal.

Respondents are required to submit their response through the Portal. Respondents shall sign up on the Portal if an account does not exist.

THE CITY OF LAKELAND IS REQUESTING QUALIFICATIONS FROM FIRMS INTERESTED IN ENTERING INTO

A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR Planning, Urban Design, Economic Analysis and

Implementation Services (CCNA). THE TYPE OF WORK TO BE PERFORMED UNDER SUCH AGREEMENT

WILL BE ASSIGNED ON A “TASK AUTHORIZATION” BASIS AND WILL INCLUDE ANY WORK ASSOCIATED

WITH Planning, Urban Design, Economic Analysis and Implementation Services (CCNA). ANY

INTERESTED FIRM SHOULD SEND AT THE MINIMUM, A PROPOSAL WHICH INCLUDES LOCAL OFFICE

LOCATION, QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND REFERENCES OF WORK PERFORMED IN THE INDUSTRY.

IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE FLORIDA CONSULTANTS’ COMPETITIVE NEGOTIATION ACT (CCNA), RATES

SHALL NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE QUALIFICATIONS. THE QUALIFICATIONS SUBMITTED AND THE

CONTRACT, IF AWARDED, SHALL BE IN COMPLETE ACCORDANCE WITH, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THIS

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS, ALL CODES, REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER REGULATIONS REFERENCED

THEREIN.

All Questions regarding this request for qualifications shall be in writing and submitted electronically via the Portal through the Question and Answer tab before 5:00 pm on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

Responses will be released on the Question and Answer Tab.

1.1. CLARIFICATION AND/OR EXCEPTIONS OF DOCUMENTATION

Bidders requiring clarification or having a dispute with these documents must advise the City Purchasing

Division of the nature of the required clarification or basis of the dispute, in writing, no later than 5:00 pm on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 via the Portal's Question and Answer tab. If no written contact has been made by this specified date, the Bidder waives the right to any future consideration and accepts the documents as published and/or revised by the City. Additionally, submitting a signed bid shall be construed as a total compliance statement. Note: Any use of brand names (manufacturer) in this https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/lakelandgov invitation and specification is for Bidder convenience only and shall not limit this offering. Equal or better equipment and alternate bids may be given consideration.

1.2. FLORIDA PUBLIC RECORDS LAW

IF THE CONTRACTOR HAS QUESTIONS REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF

CHAPTER 119, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO THE CONTRACTOR’S DUTY TO PROVIDE

PUBLIC RECORDS RELATING TO THIS CONTRACT, CONTACT THE CUSTODIAN OF

PUBLIC RECORDS: KELLY S. KOOS – CITY CLERK AT: PHONE: 863-834-6210, E-

MAIL: cityclerk@lakelandgov.net, MAIL: ATTN: CITY CLERK 228 S.

MASSACHUSETTS AVE., LAKELAND, FLORIDA 33801.

In accordance with Florida Statute §119.0701, the Contractor shall keep and maintain public records required by the City in performance of services pursuant to the contract. Upon request from the City’s custodian of public records, Contractor shall provide the City with a copy of the requested records or allow the records to be inspected or copied within a reasonable time at a cost that does not exceed the cost provided pursuant to Florida Statute Chapter 119 or as otherwise provided by law. Contractor shall ensure that public records that are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements are not disclosed except as authorized by law for the duration of the contract term and following completion of the contract if the Contractor does not transfer the records to the City. Contractor shall, upon completion of the contract, transfer, at no cost, to the City all public records in possession of the Contractor or keep and maintain public records required by the City to perform services pursuant to the contract. If the Contractor transfers all public records to the City upon completion of the contract, the Contractor shall destroy any duplicate public records that are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements. If the Contractor keeps and maintains public records upon completion of the contract, the Contractor shall meet all applicable requirements for retaining public records. All records stored electronically must be provided to the City, upon request from the City’s custodian of public records, in a format that is compatible with the information technology systems of the City.

1.3. EXPARTE COMMUNICATION

Please note that to insure the proper and fair evaluation of a proposal the City of Lakeland prohibits exparte communication (i.e., unsolicited) initiated by the Respondent to the City Official or Employee evaluating or considering the proposals prior to the time a bid decision has been made. Communication between Respondent and the City will be initiated by the appropriate City Official or Employee in order to obtain information or clarification needed to develop a proper and accurate evaluation of the proposal. Exparte communication may be grounds for disqualifying the offending Respondent from consideration or award of the proposal, then in evaluation, or any future proposal.

1.4. INSURANCE AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

All insurance shall be secured from or countersigned by an agent or surety company recognized in good standing and authorized to do business in the State of Florida.

mailto:cityclerk@lakelandgov.net

The Respondent shall, within ten (10) days of notification of award and prior to commencement of work, take out and maintain in full force and effect minimum insurance coverage as specified in the enclosed requirements. This insurance shall remain in force and effect throughout the duration of the contract.

A certificate of existing insurance coverage should be submitted with the qualifications as proof of insurability. If the current coverage does not meet the RFQ requirements, then the Respondent should request an affidavit of insurability from the Respondent’s insurance agent that certifies the requirements can and will be met. Failure to provide adequate insurance coverage may be cause for disqualification as non-responsive to the RFQ requirements. The Contractor agrees to accept and abide by the City of Lakeland safety regulations in complete accordance with the attached requirements.

1.5. INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

The Respondent agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the City of Lakeland in complete accordance with the enclosed requirements. This agreement shall be signed, notarized and returned with the RFQ submittal. Failure to provide the Hold Harmless Indemnification Agreement may be cause for disqualification as non-responsive to the RFQ requirements.

1.6. HUMAN TRAFFICKING -- F.S. 787.06(14)

In compliance with Section 787.06(14), Florida Statutes, the attached Affidavit must be completed by an officer or representative of a nongovernmental entity that is executing, renewing, or extending a contract with the City of Lakeland, Florida (the “Governmental Entity”). This attests under penalty of perjury that the nongovernmental entity does not use coercion for labor or services when a contract is executed, renewed or extended between a governmental entity.

1.7. PUBLIC ENTITY CRIMES

A person or affiliate who has been placed on the convicted vendor list following a conviction for a public entity crime may not submit a proposal on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity, may not submit a proposal on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work, may not submit proposals on leases of real property to a public entity, may not be awarded or perform work as a contractor, supplier, subcontractor, or consultant under a contract with any public entity, and may not transact business with any public entity in excess of the threshold amount provided in Section 287.017, for CATEGORY TWO for a period of 36 months from the date of being placed on the convicted vendor list.

1.8. DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE CERTIFICATION

By submitting qualifications in response to this Request for Qualifications, you are certifying that your company is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Florida Statute 287.087.

1.9. SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT CERTIFICATION

By submitting a bid in response to this Request for Qualifications, you are certifying that your company, pursuant to 49 CFR Part 29: (1) is not presently suspended or debarred as, and/or listed on the U.S.

General Services Administration’s System for Award Management (SAM) as such; and (2) will at all times remain eligible to bid for and perform the services subject to the requirements set forth herein and other applicable laws. Bidder agrees that any contract awarded to Bidder will be subject to termination by the City if Contractor or its subcontractors fail to comply or maintain such compliance.

1.10. PROHIBITION AGAINST CONSIDERING SOCIAL, POLITICAL OR IDEOLOGICAL

INTERESTS IN GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING -- F.S. 287.05701

Bidders are hereby notified of the provisions of section 287.05701, Florida Statutes, as amended, that the City will not request documentation of or consider a Bidder's social, political, or ideological interests when determining if the Bidder is a responsible Bidder. Bidders are further notified that the City's governing body may not give preference to a Bidder based on the Bidder's social, political, or ideological interests.

1.11. ADDENDA

It is the Respondent’s responsibility to review all available project documents including Addenda, Notices and Questions & Answers prior to submitting qualifications. Respondent shall acknowledge all addenda electronically within their submission via the Portal.

The failure of a Respondent to submit acknowledgement of any addenda that affects the proposal price(s) may be considered an irregularity and may be cause for rejection of the proposal.

1.12. BID PROTEST PROCEDURE

The City’s procedure on bid disputes is located in the City’s Purchasing Manual and can be found at https://www.lakelandgov.net/departments/purchasing/bid-dispute-policy.

1.13. CONFLICT OF INTEREST / STATEMENT OF NON-COLLUSION

The award hereunder is subject to Chapter 112, Florida Statutes. All respondents must disclose with their proposal the name of any officer, director, or agent who is also an employee of the City of

Lakeland. Further, all respondents must disclose the name of any City of Lakeland employee who owns, directly or indirectly, an interest of five percent (5%) or more of the respondent’s firm or any of its branches.

The respondent shall certify that he/she has not, either directly or indirectly, entered into any agreement, participated in any collusion, or otherwise taken any action in restraint of free competitive bidding in connection with the proposal and that the respondent is not financially interested in, or otherwise affiliated in a business way with any other respondent on the same land or improvements.

1.14. E-VERIFY CERTIFICATION

Vendor/Contractor shall utilize the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system, in accordance with the terms governing use of the system, to confirm the employment eligibility of:

All persons employed by the Vendor/Contractor during the term of the Contract to perform employment duties within Florida; and

All persons, including subcontractors, assigned by the Vendor/Contractor to perform work pursuant to the Contract with the City.

https://www.lakelandgov.net/departments/purchasing/bid-dispute-policy

1.15. VENDOR/CONTRACTOR CERTIFICATION REGARDING SCRUTINIZED

COMPANIES

Section 287.135, Florida Statutes, as may be amended, prohibits agencies or local government entities from contracting with companies for goods or services of $1,000,000.00 or more, that are on the

Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List, the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran

Petroleum Energy Sector List, the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List or is engaged in a boycott of Israel and that it does not have business operations with Cuba or Syria.

As the person authorized to submit responses/bids on behalf of respondent/bidder, I hereby certify that the company identified above in the section entitled “Respondent Vendor Name” is not listed on either the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List or the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Energy Sector List, the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List. I further certify that the company is not engaged in a boycott of Israel or has business operations in Cuba or Syria. I understand that pursuant to section 287.135 , Florida Statutes, as may be amended, the submission of a false certification may subject company to civil penalties, attorney’s fees, and/or costs.

1.16. SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES OR OTHER ENTITIES

Pursuant to Florida Statute §287.135(3)(b)2., as may be amended, the City may terminate its contract with Contractor if Contractor is found to have been placed on the Scrutinized Companies or Other

Entities that Boycott Israel or is engaged in a boycott of Israel.

1.17. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF AGREEMENT

A copy of the agreement to be entered into with the successful bidder in included with this bid as an

Attachment, should the City require such. Please include any exceptions/revisions to the agreement with your submittal for review during the evaluation period.

1.18. OPENGOV PROCUREMENT

The City of Lakeland uses OpenGov, the e-Procurement Portal (“Portal”), to administer the competitive solicitation process, including but not limited to soliciting quotes, sealed bids, proposals, and qualifications, issuing addenda, posting results and issuing notification of an intended decision. Bidders are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves well in advance of their intention of submitting qualifications to ensure familiarity with the use of the Portal. The City shall not be responsible for a

Bidder’s inability to submit qualifications by the end date and time for any reason, including issues arising from the use of the Portal.

1.19. RFQ SUBMITTAL

Respondent shall complete all electronic sections of their response and submit a response before the due date and time identified in the Timeline of this solicitation. Electronic sections may comprise of but are not limited to Contact Information, Addenda Confirmation, Questionnaire and Company Profile.

The City of Lakeland at its sole discretion reserves the right to waive technicalities or irregularities, to reject any or all proposals, and/or to accept that proposal which is in the best interest of the City. The award of this request for qualifications, if made, may be based on considerations other than total cost and may be awarded based on various considerations, including without limitation; Respondent’s experience and/or qualifications, past experience, administrative cost, standardization, technical evaluation and oral and/or written presentations as required. The City reserves the right to accept all or part, or to decline the whole, and to award this RFQ to one (1) or more Respondents. There is no obligation to buy. The RFQ, if awarded, will be in the judgement of the City the most responsive to the

City’s needs. The City of Lakeland encourages the use of minority and women owned businesses as subcontractors or in joint venture arrangements.

City of Lakeland, Florida

2. INTRODUCTION

2.1. Summary

THE CITY OF LAKELAND’S COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS REQUESTING

THE SUBMITTAL OF STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATION FROM INTERESTED PLANNING, DESIGN AND

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS PROFESSIONALS OR FIRMS TO PROVIDE ANY OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING SERVICES

FOR THE CITY OF LAKELAND AND/OR THE LAKELAND COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY ON A

CONTINUING CONTRACT BASIS: COMMUNITY, NEIGHBORHOOD AND COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING,

COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING, HOUSING DATA AND MARKET

ANALYSIS, IMPACT FEE ANALYSIS AND REEVALUATION OF EXISTING FEES, LAND DEVELOPMENT

REGULATIONS AND CODES, TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND REVIEW, URBAN AND COMMUNITY

DESIGN, HISTORIC PRESERVATION, ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, VISUAL

IMAGING, MULTI-MEDIA AND GRAPHIC DESIGN. THIS SOLICITATION WILL FOLLOW THE REQUIREMENTS

OF FLORIDA STATUTE 287.055 TERMED THE “CONSULTANTS’ COMPETITIVE NEGOTIATIONS ACT

(CCNA)”. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE FLORIDA CONSULTANTS’ COMPETITIVE NEGOTIATION ACT (CCNA), (CHAPTER 287), RATES SHALL NOT BE INCLUDED IN THIS PROPOSAL.

The City is interested in prequalifying individuals or firms that have expertise in any or all of the above listed areas to be put on three (3) year open contracts for service with the City of Lakeland with two (2), one (1) year renewal options.

2.2. Contact Information

Tara Walls

Senior Buyer

1140 East Parker Street

Lakeland, FL 33801

Email: tara.walls@lakelandgov.net

Phone: (863) 834-6780

Department:

Community & Economic Development - Planning

2.3. Timeline

The City Commission may not approve this purchase, or may ask that the plan be modified in some respect. The City may opt to modify and/or terminate the project described within the RFP.

The suggested deployment schedule contained within this RFP is subject to change based on the City’s needs and/or final scoping of the project through the contract negotiation phase.

Estimated Schedule

RFQ release August 13, 2026 mailto:tara.walls@lakelandgov.net tel:(863)834-6780

RFQ questions deadline August 26, 2026, 5:00pm

RFQ proposal due date September 3, 2026, 2:00pm

3. SCOPE OF WORK

3.1. Planning, Urban Design, Economic Analysis and Implementation Services

Introduction

The City of Lakeland’s Community & Economic Development Department is requesting statements of qualifications from multidisciplinary planning, urban design, economic development, real estate advisory, architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, and related professional consulting firms to provide continuing professional services on an as-needed basis in accordance with the Florida Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act (CCNA), F.S. 287.055.

Professional services may include, but are not limited to:

• Comprehensive, neighborhood, corridor, and small area planning

• Economic development and redevelopment strategy

• Housing and demographic analysis

• Impact Fee Analysis and Reevaluation of Existing Fees

• Multimodal transportation and mobility planning

• Real estate market analysis and redevelopment feasibility studies

• Urban design, placemaking, and public realm concepts

• Redevelopment implementation and investment readiness strategies

• Development policy and land development regulation analysis

• Public-private partnership advisory services

• Historic preservation planning and adaptive reuse analysis

• Stakeholder engagement, visioning, and facilitation services

• GIS mapping, visualization, graphics, and communication tools

• Economic impact analysis and implementation-focused studies

The Community and Economic Development Department is interested in prequalifying individuals or firms that have expertise in any or all of the above listed areas to be put on three

(3) year open contracts for service with the City of Lakeland with two (2), one (1) year renewal options.

Qualified individuals or firms should have at least ten (10) years of professional experience, should be located in Central Florida or have staff members located in Central Florida, should have worked with other municipalities of similar size as Lakeland, and should have extensive experience working with community and neighborhood stakeholders.

Selection will be in accordance with the above-mentioned state statute, and the selection criteria included in Section 4 of Project Documents. Please feel free to respond to any or all of the above services.

Project Descriptions

Projects will be identified and developed by City of Lakeland staff and may include any of the following:

Housing & Community Development Services

• Housing needs assessments and housing market studies

• Workforce, attainable, and affordable housing strategies

• Housing policy analysis and implementation recommendations

• Analysis of housing supply, demand, and demographic trends

• Fair housing and community development support services

• Neighborhood stabilization and reinvestment strategies

• Missing middle and mixed-income housing analysis

• Development of housing incentive programs and implementation tools

• Residential infill and neighborhood compatibility studies

• Housing action plans and implementation strategies

• Development of Architectural Drawings and Specifications for affordable housing units

Transportation, Mobility & Corridor Planning Services

• Multimodal transportation planning and corridor studies

• Bicycle, pedestrian, trail, and connectivity planning

• Transit-supportive development and mobility analysis

• Integrated land use and transportation planning

• Context-sensitive roadway and streetscape concepts

• Corridor redevelopment and mobility enhancement strategies

• Traffic and access management analysis

• Parking utilization and parking management studies

• Vision Zero and transportation safety planning

• Mobility implementation strategies and funding coordination

• Coordination with regional transportation agencies and planning partners

• Complete streets and walkability analysis

• Mobility-supportive economic development and transit-oriented redevelopment analysis

• Parking utilization and access management strategies supporting commercial vitality

Urban and Community Design, Historic Preservation, Architectural Design and Landscape Architecture

• Preparation of alternative design concepts;

• Development or review of urban design standards such as traditional neighborhood development and mixed‐use guidelines;

• Preparation of open space (greenway) plans;

• Development of preliminary architectural programming and renderings; and

• Development of commercial façade architectural design standards

• Development of Architectural Drawings and Specifications for new and renovated municipal facilities

• Interior space analysis and furniture layout

• Preapplication consultation services for permits in accordance with Section 163.3169, Florida Statutes

• Periodic Review of Application and Review Fees

Impact Fee Analysis and Reevaluation of Existing Fees

• Development of impact fee studies for parks/recreation and libraries, fire, law enforcement and/or transportation, documenting methodologies, presenting findings and recommendations (may include phasing and or indexing of recommended fees);

• Review of independent fee studies; and utilization of multimodal and geographical variables in establishing transportation impact fees; advise on specific use issues.

Land Development Regulations and Codes

• Evaluation and/or updating sections of the City’s Land Development Regulations;

• Development of sustainable best management practices and regulations;

• Evaluation of private development proposals.

Economic Development, Redevelopment Strategy & Implementation Services

• Economic development strategy development for targeted growth areas, commercial corridors, redevelopment districts, and mixed-use activity centers

• Market positioning and competitive analysis for emerging economic and redevelopment opportunities

• Commercial corridor revitalization strategies focused on business growth, investment attraction, and long-term economic sustainability

• Redevelopment and investment readiness assessments for strategic districts and underutilized properties

• Business recruitment, retention, and expansion strategies

• Retail market analysis, tenant mix evaluation, and commercial activation strategies

• Real estate market studies and redevelopment feasibility analysis

• Fiscal impact analysis, tax base enhancement projections, and economic return evaluations

• Employment market analysis and target industry recruitment strategies

• Small business ecosystem analysis and entrepreneurship support strategies

• Tourism, hospitality, arts, entertainment, and cultural economy impact studies

• Public-private partnership advisory services and catalytic development implementation strategies

• Development incentive analysis and economic development policy recommendations

• Opportunity site identification and prioritization for economic redevelopment initiatives

• Adaptive reuse and redevelopment analysis for vacant, obsolete, or underutilized commercial properties

• Redevelopment financing analysis, including tax increment financing (TIF), grant leverage opportunities, and implementation tools

• Strategic property repositioning and land utilization analysis

• Downtown and mixed-use district activation strategies

• Consumer behavior, demographic, and economic trend analysis

• Economic resiliency and diversification strategies

• Catalyst project implementation support and redevelopment phasing analysis

• Economic benchmarking, redevelopment performance metrics, and implementation tracking systems

• Stakeholder engagement and investor/developer outreach support

• Preparation of economic development reports, implementation frameworks, graphics, maps, and presentation materials supporting redevelopment and investment initiatives

Selection Process

The Community and Economic Development Department recognizes that no single individual or firm will likely possess all of the skills as outlined in this Request for Qualifications. As a result, prospective respondents should indicate in their submittals their specific area(s) of expertise and provide the appropriate examples and evidence where possible.

Statements of Qualifications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee made up of City staff including, the department of Community and Economic Development as well as other City departments. A short list of individuals or firms will be identified by the Selection Committee and may be interviewed by a Selection Committee. The Committee may request additional information from individuals or firms on the short list prior to interviews. The recommendations of the Selection Committee will be subject to approval by the Mayor and the City Commission. Upon approval, the Community and Economic Development Department will seek to negotiate contracts with the selected individuals or firms.

4. SELECTION CRITERIA

It is the intent of the City of Lakeland to award the contract to a vendor based on:

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. Responses to the Requirements set forth in the Public Announcement

• All required documents included in the RFQ Proposal Pkg. – 0-5 points

Points Based 5 (5% of Total)

2. Capability and Adequacy of the Professional

Personnel

• Professional Engineers – 0-10 points

• Technical Staff – 0-10 points

• Proposed COL Project Team – 0-10 points

Points Based 30 (30% of Total)

3. Experience and Past Performance

• Similar projects – 0-10 points

• Similar projects performed by the project team – 0-10 points

• Experience w/ City, Federal, State

Grant/LAP projects – 0-10 points

Points Based 30 (30% of Total)

4. Willingness and Ability to Meet Time and

Budget Requirements

• How do they plan to stay on time? –

0-10 points

• How do they plan to stay on budget?

– 0-10 points

Points Based 20 (20% of Total)

5. Location

• LE Service Territory – 10 points

• Polk County Florida – 6 points

• Within 100 miles – 2 points

Score will be based on location information provided for company and/or dedicated staff member

Points Based 10 (10% of Total)

6. Minority Business Enterprise

• Yes – 5 points

• No – 0 points

Score will be based on prime and/or subconsultants - Certificate must be included

Points Based 5 (5% of Total)

5. INSURANCE AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

5.1. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The City of Lakeland (the “City”) from time to time enters into agreements, leases and other contracts with Other Parties (as hereinafter defined).

Such Agreements shall contain at a minimum risk management/insurance term to protect the City’s interests and to minimize its potential liabilities. Accordingly, the following minimum requirements shall apply:

5.2. CITY DEFINED

The term City (wherever it may appear) is defined to mean the City of Lakeland itself, its Commission, employees, volunteers, representatives and agents.

5.3. OTHER PARTY DEFINED

The term Other Party (wherever it may appear) is defined to mean the other person or entity which is the counter-party to the Agreement with the City and any of such Other Party’s subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, employees, volunteers, representatives, agents, contractors and subcontractors.

5.4. LOSS CONTROL/SAFETY

Precaution shall be exercised at all times by the Other Party for the protection of all persons, including employees, and property. The Other Party shall comply with all laws, rules, regulations or ordinances related to safety and health, and shall make special effort to anticipate and detect hazardous conditions and shall take such precautionary and prompt action where loss control/safety measures should reasonably be expected.

The City may order work to be stopped at any time, without liability, if conditions exist that present immediate danger to persons or property. The Other Party acknowledges that such stoppage, or failure to stop, will not shift responsibility for any damages from the Other Party to the City.

5.5. INSURANCE - BASIC COVERAGES REQUIRED

The Other Party shall procure and maintain the following described insurance, except for coverage specifically waived by the City of Lakeland, on policies and with insurers acceptable to the City, and insurers with AM Best ratings of no less than A.

These insurance requirements shall in no way limit the liability of the Other Party. The City does not represent these minimum insurance requirements to be sufficient or adequate to protect the Other

Party’s interests or liabilities, but are merely minimums.

"Except for workers’ compensation and professional liability, the Other Party's insurance policies shall be endorsed to name the City of Lakeland as additional insured. It is agreed that the Other Party's insurance shall be deemed primary and non-contributory with respect to any insurance or self-insurance carried by The City of Lakeland for liability arising out of the operations of this agreement."

Except for worker’s compensation, the Other Party waives its right of recovery against the City, to the extent permitted by its insurance policies.

The Other Party’s deductibles/self-insured retentions shall be disclosed to the City and may be disapproved by the City. They shall be reduced or eliminated at the option of the City. The Other Party is responsible for the amount of any deductible or self-insured retention.

Insurance required of the Other Party or any other insurance of the Other Party shall be considered primary, and insurance of the City shall be considered excess, as may be applicable to claims which arise out of the Hold Harmless, Payment on Behalf of the City of Lakeland, Insurance, Certificates of Insurance and any Additional Insurance provisions of this agreement, contract, or lease.

5.6. Commercial General Liability

This insurance shall be an “occurrence” type policy written in comprehensive form and shall protect the

Other Party and the additional insured against all claims arising from bodily injury, sickness, disease, or death of any person other than the Other Party’s employees or damage to property of the City or others arising out of any act or omission of the Other Party or its agents, employees, or Subcontractors and to be inclusive of property damage resulting from explosion, collapse or underground (xcu) exposures. This policy shall also include protection against claims insured by usual personal injury liability coverage, and to insure the contractual liability assumed by the Other Party under the article entitled

INDEMNIFICATION, and “Products and Completed Operations” coverage.

The Other Party is required to continue to purchase products and completed operations coverage for a minimum of three years beyond the City’s acceptance of renovation or construction properties.

Bodily Injury and Property Damage -

Single limit each occurrence shall not be less than:$1,000,000.00

5.7. Business Automobile Liability

Business Auto Liability coverage is to include bodily injury and property damage arising out of ownership, maintenance or use of any auto, including owned, non-owned and hired automobiles and employee non-ownership use.

Bodily Injury and Property Damage -

Single limit each occurrence shall not be less than:$1,000,000.00

5.8. Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ Compensation coverage to apply for all employees for statutory limits and shall include employer’s liability with a limit of $100,000 each accident, $500,000 disease policy limits, $100,000 disease limit each employee. (“All States” endorsement is required where applicable). If exempt from

Worker’s Compensation coverage, as defined in Florida Statue 440, the Other Party will provide a copy of State Workers’ Compensation exemption.

All subcontractors shall be required to maintain Worker’s Compensation.

The Other Party shall also purchase any other coverage required by law for the benefit of employees.

5.9. Professional Liability/Malpractice/Errors or Omissions Insurance

The Other Party shall carry professional malpractice insurance throughout the term of this Contract and shall maintain such coverage for an extended period of three (3) years after completion and acceptance of any work performed hereunder. At all times throughout the period of required coverage, said coverage shall insure all claims accruing from the first date of the Contract through the expiration date of the last policy period. In the event that Other Party shall fail to secure and maintain such coverage, Other Party shall be deemed the insurer of such professional malpractice and shall be responsible for all damages suffered by the City as a result thereof, including attorney’s fees and costs.

The liability limits shall not be less than: $1,000,000.00

5.10. EVIDENCE/CERTIFICATES OF INSURANCE

Required insurance shall be documented in Certificates of Insurance which provide that the City shall be notified at least 30 days in advance of cancellation, nonrenewable, or adverse change.

New Certificates of Insurance are to be provided to the City at least 15 days prior to coverage renewals.

If requested by the City, the Other Party shall furnish complete copies of the Other Party’s insurance policies, forms and endorsements.

For Commercial General Liability coverage, the Other Party shall, at the option of the City, provide an indication of the amounts of claims payments or reserves chargeable to the aggregate amount of liability coverage.

Receipt of certificates or other documentation of insurance or policies or copies of policies by the City, or by any of its representatives, which indicate less coverage than required does not constitute a waiver of the Other Party’s obligation to fulfill the insurance requirements herein.

5.11. Indemnification Agreement

See https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/lakelandgov/projects/291459/document?section=undefined

6. SPECIFICATION OF SAFETY AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

REQUIREMENTS

All City of Lakeland (City) project representatives who assume responsibility for contract management will be responsible for ensuring compliance with these safety requirements by all Contractors and

Subcontractors, as applicable.

6.1. General

A. All Contractors are responsible for providing their employees (including Subcontractors) with a safe and healthy working environment as required under the Occupational Health and Safety

(OSHA) Act of 1970 and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.

Therefore, the contractor and their employees are responsible for following all applicable OSHA standards, state regulations, and the City’s Safety Practices and Policies.

B. City management reserves the right to STOP work for any condition found to be Immediately

Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH). The Contractor is solely and exclusively responsible for compliance with all safety requirements and the safety of all their employees and property on the project site. Note: Nothing in this requirement is to be construed to as removing or shifting responsibility from the Contractor.

C. The parties hereto expressly agree that the obligation to comply with applicable safety provisions is a material provision of this Contract and a duty of the Contractor. The City reserves the right to request demonstration of compliance with the safety provisions of this Contract at the City’s discretion. The parties agree that such failure is deemed to be a material breach of this Contract. The Contractor agrees upon such breach that all work under the Contract shall terminate until compliance with the provisions of this Contract is demonstrated. In no event shall action or failure to act on the part of the City be construed as a duty of the City to enforce the safety provisions of this Contract, nor shall it be construed to create liability for the City for any act or failure to act in respect to the safety provisions of this Contract.

6.2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (OSHA 29CFR§1910 Subpart I)

It is the Contractor’s sole responsibility to provide adequate PPE for their employees. Additionally, the

Contractor is responsible for training their employees in the proper selection, maintenance, and use of

PPE. Minimal PPE requirements on City worksites, as applicable:

1. Foot protection must meet ASTM F2412 and ASTM F2413 standards and be worn on all City properties.

2. Head protection must meet ANSI Z89.1-1986 standards and be worn in all areas except office buildings and office trailers.

3. Eye and face protection must meet ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2020 standards and be worn in all areas except office buildings and office trailers.

4. Hand and Arm Protection must meet OSHA 29CFR§1910.138 requirements for proper selection, inspection, and care.

5. Hearing Protection must meet ANSI/ASA S12.6-2016, OSHA 29CFR§1910.95(j) and

29CFR§1910.95 Appendix: B requirements. Hearing protection must be worn in areas where the noise level is over 85 decibels.

6.3. Housekeeping

It is the Contractor’s sole responsibility to keep the project work site clean during and after working hours. Contractors shall supply waste receptacles for each site location. They shall be emptied not less frequently than once each working day, unless unused, and shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. At the completion of the Contract the Contractor will ensure that all excess materials are removed from the work site and that the worksite is left clean and safe. If the Contractor leaves a project work site unkept and in a hazardous condition; the City will have the area cleaned and charge the cost of the cleaning to the Contractor.

6.4. Smoking

All City property is non-smoking. Smoking is permitted only in designated areas. Receptacles must be used or waste removed in Contractor’s waste disposal container.

6.5. Safety Kick-offs and Safety Stand-Downs

A safety kick-off to disseminate safety expectations will be conducted by the Contractor before the project commences. Safety stand-downs will be conducted by the Contractor when major safety concerns, accidents, or near misses occur.

6.6. Training Documentation

OSHA requires documentation of all safety training provided to employees by their employers. Documentation of all required safety training required for work proposed for this Contract must be readily available upon request by the City of Lakeland.

6.7. Written Safety Programs or Plans

Contactors awarded contracts with the City must have all, written safety programs and/or plans readily available upon request by the City of Lakeland.

6.8. CONCLUSION

In summary, compliance with these safety specifications is crucial to ensuring a secure and productive work environment. By adhering to these policies, contractors actively protect their employees and demonstrate a commitment to preventing accidents and injuries. A robust safety culture, underpinned by regular training, and effective hazard management, is essential to the success of this project.

Ultimately, the contractor assumes full responsibility for maintaining these standards, promoting a safe workplace, and mitigating risks, with the shared goal of achieving zero incidents.

7. VENDOR QUESTIONNAIRE

It is the intent of the City to team with an outside vendor to procure a robust solution that meets the needs of the City as defined in this document.

7.1. Attest*

“I attest no City of Lakeland employee, their spouse, or child has an ownership stake in this organization.”

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

7.2. Exceptions/revisions to the Agreement*

A copy of the agreement to be entered into with the successful bidder in included with this bid as an

Attachment, should the City require such. Please include any exceptions/revisions to the agreement with your submittal for review during the evaluation period.

If there are no exceptions/revisions, type "N/A."

*Response required

7.3. Qualifications Submittal*

*Response required

7.4. Certificate of Insurance*

A certificate of existing insurance coverage should be submitted with the qualifications as proof of insurability. If the current coverage does not meet the RFQ requirements, then the Respondent should request an affidavit of insurability from the Respondent’s insurance agent that certifies the requirements can and will be met.

*Response required

7.5. Hold Harmless Indemnification Agreement*

*Response required

7.6. Human Trafficking Affidavit*

*Response required

7.7. Drug-free Workplace Certification*

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

7.8. Suspension and Debarment Certification*

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

7.9. Public Entity Crimes Certification*

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

7.10. Conflict of Interest/Statement of Non-Collusion*

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

7.11. E-Verify Certification*

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

7.12. Vendor/Contractor Certification Regarding Scrutinized Companies* ☐ Please confirm

*Response required

7.13. Qualifications Sheet*

THIS RFQ SHALL BE VALID FOR SIXTY (60) DAYS FROM DATE OF OPENING.

The following RFQ is in strict accordance with the City of Lakeland Request for Qualifications No. 2026-

RFQ-094, dated Thursday, August 13, 2026 and all attachments as referenced therein.

“I hereby certify that I understand and am aware that the City of Lakeland at its sole discretion reserves the right to waive technicalities or irregularities, to reject any or all qualifications, and/or to accept the qualifications which is in the best interest of the City. The award of this RFQ, if made, may be based on considerations other than total cost and may be awarded based on various considerations, including without limitation; Respondent’s experience and/or qualifications, past experience, administrative cost, standardization, technical evaluation and oral and/or written presentations as required. The City reserves the right to accept all or part, or to decline the whole, and to award this RFQ to one (1) or more

Respondents. There is no obligation to buy. The RFQ, if awarded, will be in the judgement of the City the most responsive to the City’s needs. The City of Lakeland encourages the use of minority and women owned businesses as subcontractors or in joint venture arrangements.”

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

7.14. W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification)* Upload a completed and signed IRS for W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and

Certification). The legal name and Taxpayer Identification Number provided on the W-9 must correspond with the Respondent’s information submitted to the City. The W-9 must be signed and dated by an authorized representative.

*Response required