PUR 7776 Single Source with FOWA.pdf

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DESCRIPTION OF INTENDED

SINGLE SOURCE PURCHASE

(PUR 7776)

AGENCY: Department of Environmental Protection

TITLE: Single Source with Florida Onsite Wastewater Association, Inc. (FOWA) Short description of the commodity or service desired: Procurement is for the credentialing and continuing education training needs of onsite wastewater contractors and county health department field staff. Accelerated Certification Training (ACT) and advanced training in Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS) as defined in section 381.0065, Florida Statues and Chapter 62-6, Florida Administrative Code. This includes a hands-on-training center (HTC) to be used to conduct all or portions of the trainings. Training services will be provided by Florida Onsite Wastewater Association (FOWA). The Division of Water Resource Management (DWRM), Onsite Sewage Program (OSP), coordinates the continuing educational training in the area of onsite sewage for those who are active certified environmental health professionals, registered septic tank contractors, and master septic tank contractors in Florida.

This training requires the Contractor to be located in Florida and to have an onsite sewage treatment training center. The Florida Onsite Wastewater Association's Training Center in Polk City, Florida is the only Contactor (Center) that can provide the services required, they are the only U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) authorized Training Center in Florida.

All training for septic tank contractors or Department of Health onsite sewage inspectors must be approved by the Department of Health per section 381.0101, F.S., and by the Department of Environmental Protection per section 381.0064, F.S.

Environmental Protection Agency authorized (23) list of Training Centers for Onsite Wastewater Treatment: https://www.epa.gov/septic/training-centers-onsite-wastewater-treatment Florida Onsite Wastewater Association, Inc. (FOWA): https://myfowa.com Division of Water Resource Management » Onsite Sewage Program » Training Center:

https://floridadep.gov/water/onsite-sewage/content/training-center

CONTACT

Name: Belinda Croft Address: 3800 Commonwealth Blvd., MS93, Tallahassee, Florida 32399 Telephone: 850.245.2467 Email: Belinda.Croft@FloridaDEP.gov

Internal tracking number, if any: 2024SS014 (SS-09023)

Date posted: May 13, 2024 Last day for receipt of information: June 4, 2024

This description of commodities or contractual services intended for purchase from a single source is posted in accordance with Sections 120.57(3) and 287.057(3), Florida Statutes (F.S.), and will remain posted for a period of at least 15 business days.

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Commodity or Contractual Service Required (commodity or United National Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC), manufacturer, model, and description, as appropriate):

86101508: Environmental Vocational Training Services

Quantity or Term (as appropriate):

July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025

Requestor (division, bureau, office, individual, as appropriate):

Division of Water Resource Management (DWRM), Onsite Sewage Program (OSP)

Performance and/or Design Requirements (e.g. intended use, function or application, compatibility, requirements; reference to policy, rule, statute or other act of the Legislature, etc., as appropriate):

The Scope of Work for the provision of Accelerated Certification Training (ACT) and advanced training in Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS) is defined in section 381.0065, Florida Statues and Chapter 62-6, Florida Administrative Code to include a hands-on-training center (HTC) to be used to conduct all or portions of the trainings for the Division of Water Resource Management Onsite Sewage Program. The Contractor will provide these services to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

The payment rate for the FY 2024/2025 training center is $25.00 per hour based on the total number of hours of training provided to the Department inspectors during the reported month.

Florida Onsite Wastewater Association, Inc. will provide:

Develop and maintain hands-on training center (HTC) as specified:

• Provide an HTC for use as a training site for DEP and Department of Health (DOH) staff. The HTC must include, at minimum, the following OSTDS demonstration stations:

OSTDS demonstration units of alternative drainfield systems and examples of aggregate used in conventional systems available onsite.

Cross-section units of septic tanks Examples of advanced (aerobic and performance-based) treatment systems Outlet filters used to filter effluent as it leaves the septic tank and before reaching the drainfield Pumps used to distribute effluent to a drainfield or other part of an OSTDS Distribution boxes and header pipes used to provide equal distribution of effluent to the drain lines

Conduct an evaluation of the HTC to ensure the demonstration centers are functional at least 20 business days before each ACT hands-on course start date. Submit a report to DEP’s Contract Manager documenting the condition of each OSTDS demonstration station at the HTC at least 10 business days prior to the scheduled ACT hands-on start date. Report must include at a minimum:

Descriptive name of each OSTDS demonstration station Operational condition as either excellent, good, maintenance required: functional, maintenance required: non-functional, replacement or major overhaul required Description of maintenance performed or planned.

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Name, signature, and date of report.

For each OSTDS demonstration station deemed either maintenance required: non-functional or replacement or major overhaul required by the evaluation, a Restoration or Replacement Action Plan (RRAP) must be submitted to DEP’s Contract Manager for review and approval. RRAP to include:

Detailed description of the identified deficiency or defect.

Method to correct the defect or deficiency.

Date the correction of the defect or deficiency will be completed.

Confirmation that all corrections of defects or deficiencies are completed timely per the

RRAP.

Support DEP’s and DOH’s Environmental Health OSTDS Accelerated Certification Training (ACT) virtual and two-day hands-on training course as specified:

• Contractor will continue to host existing online training presentations.

• In coordination with DEP, the Contractor must schedule throughout the contract period a minimum of five online training sessions each followed by a two-day hands-on training program at the HTC. The Contractor will coordinate training dates with DEP’s Contract Manager in writing.

The hands-on portions of the ACT training program normally occur in the months of August, October, February, April and June or as specified. The online portions of the ACT may be coordinated as a group of individuals taking the online portion at the same time or offered on-demand individually, as needed.

• In the event of an ACT cancelation, rescheduling must occur in coordination with DEP’s ACT training staff and upon written prior approval from DEP’s Contract Manager.

• Schedule additional ACT training courses, upon the request of DEP, at least 20 business days prior to the start date of the additional training course.

• For both the online and the two-day hands-on training ACT sessions, two-thirds of all seats must be reserved for DOH and DEP’s OSTDS staff. A maximum of 30 seats must be offered for each online ACT course and a maximum of 15 seats must be offered for each of the two-day hands-on training sessions. Any unfilled reserved seats for DOH and DEP’s staff must be held until 20 business days prior to the start of each ACT course. Seats not confirmed by DOH and DEP’s staff may be released 20 business days prior to the start date of the first session of ACT hands-on training session. The Contractor can, at their discretion, fill remaining seats, including DOH and DEP employees.

• Provide classroom facilities for each portion of the scheduled hands-on ACT training course with tables and chairs for a maximum of 15 students and four DEP instructors and the following equipment: digital projector, projection screen or surface, Wi-Fi or internet connection for instructor and hand-held calculators for 15 students.

• DEP will provide the Contractor with agendas and course materials for the ACT courses in Portable Document Format (PDF) format. The Contractor will electronically send course materials as hyperlinks to attendees for both the online and hands-on trainings. Provide printed copies of the two-day hands-on training course materials to all registered students. Any updates increasing the number of printed pages require mutual agreement between the Contractor and the Contract Manager.

• Provide access to all OSTDS demonstration stations. Provide access to DEP vetted field sites that will be used by students to practice correct soil evaluation methodology, soil identification

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techniques, soil boring practices, soil morphology determination and seasonal high-water table indicators identification.

• Submit completed course evaluation forms in the format agreed to during the kick-off meeting for both the online and hands-on training session components to DEP’s Contract Manager within 15 business days of ACT course end date.

• Submit a completion list for online training sessions and a daily attendance list for the hands-on training sessions to DEP’s Contract Manager within 15 business days of ACT course end date.

Online training completion list will follow the format agreed to in the kick-off meeting and must specify which of the following categories each student belongs to:

Licensed professional engineer in Florida.

Employee working under the direct responsible charge of a licensed professional engineer in Florida.

DEP and DOH personnel.

Registered septic tank contractor.

Master septic tank contractor.

Professional soil scientist certified and registered by the Florida Association of Environmental Soil Scientists.

Environmental health professionals certified under Section 381.0101, F.S.

Other

• The registration, training and exam process will occur as specified:

On the first Monday following the end of an ACT hands-on training week, the Contractor will open the next online training session to the next group of registered students. At a minimum, the Contractor must provide online training access to all registered students no less than 11 business days prior to the start of the two-day hands-on training session. The Contractor will notify registered students on how to access the online training and tell the students that the deadline for completion is by 5 p.m. Eastern Time the Friday before the following scheduled hands-on training session.

The Contractor will keep the online training portion accessible for each student to take the exams following the hands-on training session. Access remains open for students to rewatch the online trainings until the student has either passed the exam or has made two unsuccessful attempts.

New DEP or DOH student registration for the online training closes 12 business days prior to the start of the first hands-on training session. All other attendees are at the discretion of the Contractor.

Within five business days of ACT registration closing, the Contractor will provide all hands-on course trainers, the DOH Certified Environmental Health Professional (CEHP) Program Manager and the Contract Manager an electronic spreadsheet of all registered students.

The Contractor will submit to the course instructors a list of students attending the hands-on training session no later than 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time, the day of the first hands-on training session. If a student does not complete the online training courses prior to the hands-on training session, the Contractor must send an email notification to all parties (student, hands-on instructors, CEHP Program Manager and Contract Manager) indicating the student is not eligible for the hands-on portion of the training and why.

The Contractor will provide the attendance sheets to the course trainers in the morning the day after the completion of the hands-on training sessions. The ACT exams will be administered either through computer-based testing centers, online or in person by DEP or individuals

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authorized by the DEP. Students must take the exams after both online and hands-on ACT trainings have been completed. Exam results indicating pass or fail for each test taker must be provided by DEP to the Contractor. After two failed exam attempts, the student must reregister for the failed ACT course(s) and complete both the online and hands-on training to be eligible to sit for the exam another two times.

• Develop, schedule, and administer advanced OSTDS courses as specified:

Develop at least one course on a topic recommended by DEP. DEP will submit recommended course topics at the kickoff meeting described in 5.1.1.

Develop four new and unique advanced OSTDS courses within the timeframe of this agreement. Each course must have six hours of instruction and follow course approval requirements in accordance with 62-6.021(5), F.A.C. Develop the course format (seminar, workshop, online or virtual). Prepare all training schedules and materials. Provide a copy of the materials to attendees.

Provide documentation, prior to the date the course is first offered, from the DOH CEHP Program that the course is also approved for continuing education per section 381.0101, F.S.

Schedule each of the four advanced OSTDS courses three times during the contract period.

Upon agreement between both parties, schedule additional advanced OSTDS courses at least 20 business days prior to the start date of the additional training course.

Administer each scheduled advanced OSTDS course. Submit completed course evaluation forms and daily attendance lists in the format agreed to during the kick-off meeting for each in-person and online training to DEP’s Contract Manager within 10 business days of each advanced OSTDS course end date.

For advanced in-person or online OSTDS courses with limited seats, reserve two-thirds of available seats for DOH and DEP staff until 20 business days prior to the start of each advanced OSTDS course. Seats not confirmed by DOH and DEP staff 20 business days prior to the start date of each advanced OSTDS course, may be filled at the Contractor’s discretion.

Provide classroom facilities for each scheduled advanced training in-person course with tables and chairs for 30 students and instructors and the following audio-visual equipment: digital projector and projection screen or surface.

Intended Single Source:

Florida Onsite Wastewater Association, Inc. (FOWA)

Estimated Dollar Amount:

Estimated based on FY 23/24 Certifications $110,000.00

Justification for single source acquisition (what is necessary and unique about the product, service or source; steps taken to confirm unavailability of competition, as appropriate):

All training for septic tank contractors or Department of Health onsite sewage inspectors must be approved by the Department of Health per section 381.0101, F.S., and by the Department of Environmental Protection per section 381.0064, F.S.

This training requires the provider to be located in Florida and to have an onsite sewage treatment training center with demonstration stations that provide:

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• Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal System demonstration units of conventional aggregate and alternative drainfield systems.

• Cross-section units of septic tanks.

• Examples of advanced (aerobic and performance-based) treatment systems.

• Outlet filters used to filter effluent as it leaves the septic tank and before reaching the drainfield.

• Pumps used to distribute effluent to a drainfield or other part of an Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal System.

• Distribution boxes and header pipes used to provide equal distribution of effluent to the drainlines.

The Florida Onsite Wastewater Association's (FOWA) Training Center in Polk City, Florida is not the only Contactor (Center) that can provide the following services detailed below, however, they are the only facility in Florida on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (https://www.epa.gov/septic/training-centers-onsite-wastewater-treatment), authorized list of Training Centers for Onsite Wastewater Treatment. Training centers for onsite wastewater treatment offer classes, demonstration projects and research facilities for industry professionals.

Classes include wastewater management, new technologies, and pre-licensing.

Authorized (23) list of Training Centers for Onsite Wastewater Treatment:

Alaska Division of Water Training Programs Delaware Technical Community College (Owens Campus) Environmental Training Center Colorado Professionals in Onsite Wastewater Training Courses Florida Onsite Sewage Program Training Center Kentucky Onsite Wastewater Training Center Michigan Onsite Wastewater System Inspector Training Program Missouri Small Wastewater Flows Education and Research Center National Sanitation Foundation Water and Wastewater Training Programs New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission Environmental Training Center New England Onsite Wastewater Training Program New York Rural Water Association Wastewater Training Courses North Carolina Onsite Wastewater Professionals Northern Arizona University Cooperative Extension Water Quality Ohio State University Soil Environment Technology Learning Lab Onsite Wastewater Training Center of Iowa Tennessee Onsite Wastewater Training Center Texas A&M Onsite Training Center University of Minnesota Onsite Sewage Treatment Program University of West Alabama Onsite Wastewater Training Center University of Wisconsin Small Scale Waste Management Project University of Wisconsin, Department of Engineering Professional Development Utah On-Site Wastewater Treatment Training Center Washington On-Site Sewage Association Training Center

FOWA fulfills the credentialing and continuing education training needs of onsite wastewater contractors and county health department field staff, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection staff provide and support training at various locations across the state.

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Most of this training takes place at the Florida Onsite Wastewater Association's Training Center in Polk City, Florida. Local contractors and wastewater professionals played a key role in starting the training center by donating time and resources to the construction of the site, and the center continues to be funded in part through a portion of the repair permit fees.

The center promotes a hands-on approach to education and showcases both conventional systems and a variety of wastewater treatment alternatives. The center provides a number of hands-on workstations featuring low-pressure distribution, pumps and pump controls, mound systems and tank components.

There is an area set up to give field staff experience in inspecting onsite systems. Areas for performing soil borings on the property and the adjacent public lands are made available to provide first-hand experience in observing soil colors and textures in place in the ground. The goal of the center is to elevate the professional state of practice both for Florida Department of Health's county health department field staff, private site evaluators, onsite wastewater contractors, engineers, and engineering staff and a variety of basic and advanced courses are offered.

• Accelerated Certification Training (ACT).

• Septic Tank Contractor Training - List of approved courses for registered and master septic tank contractor registration renewal.

• Florida Soil-Certified Engineer's Staff - The Florida Onsite Wastewater Association (FOWA) maintains a listing of engineering staff who have taken and passed the "Master III - Basic Florida Soils" course.

Approved By (names & titles, as appropriate, e.g., requestor, requestor management, information systems, budget, purchasing):

Avery Lehmann, Operations Manager Elke Ursin, Environmental Manager John Coates, Director of Water Resource Management Belinda Croft, Purchasing Specialist Supervisor

Prospective vendors are requested to provide information regarding their ability to supply the commodities or contractual services described. If it is determined in writing by the agency, after reviewing any information received from prospective vendors, that the commodities or contractual services are available only from a single source, the agency shall provide notice of its intended decision to enter a single-source purchase contract in the manner specified in Rule 60A-1.045, Florida Administrative Code, and section 120.57(3), F.S.