QR 41311 Vision Insurance - FINAL 6-26-2025.pdf

June 26, 2025

Interested Firms

Re: Quote Request 41311, Vision Insurance for District Employees

The Governing Board of the St. Johns River Water Management District (the “District”) is requesting quotes from experienced and qualified firms, licensed to do business in the State of Florida, to provide a fully insured vision insurance plan for eligible District employees, retirees, and their families. The District’s goal is to attain the highest level of professional service, while providing access to a quality network of providers at an affordable cost. The District’s plan effective date is January 1, 2026.

The contract will be effective January 1, 2026 and continue through plan year 2027, ending December 31, 2027. Annual renewal options will be available with mutual written agreement. The awarded vendor shall give a minimum of 60 days written notice prior to any renewal date to the District stating specifically what, if any, rate change is proposed.

If you need assistance or have any questions about submitting your quote, please e-mail or call Christina Holloway-Williams at chollowa@sjrwmd.com or (386) 329-4843, respectively. Between the release of this quote request and the posting of the notice of intended decision, Respondents to this quote request or persons acting on their behalf may not contact any employee or officer of the District concerning any aspect of this solicitation, except the procurement employee listed above. Violation of this provision is grounds for rejecting a response.

The estimated annual premiums under this contract total approximately $42,000, based on current enrollment.

A copy of some of the Quote Request (QR) required documents are also available in Microsoft Word® form to assist you with your submittal.

Introduction

The St. Johns River Water Management District (District) is an environmental regulatory agency of the state of Florida whose work is focused on ensuring a long-term supply of drinking water, and to protect and restore the health of water bodies in the District’s 18 counties in northeast and east-central Florida.

The District offers a comprehensive benefits package to full and part-time employees (not less than 16 hours per week) in an authorized position. The District’s workforce is comprised of 510 professional, administrative, technical staff located at the District’s headquarters in Palatka and service centers in Jacksonville, Apopka and Palm Bay with field stations in Apopka, Green Cove Springs, Geneva, Seville, Hawthorne, and Umatilla.

Scope & Purpose

I. Intent

To provide District employees (benefit-eligible positions) and their dependents including eligible District retirees and their dependents with the opportunity to elect fully insured vision care coverage effective January 1, 2026, by entering into an agreement with a qualified Insurance Provider under a fixed rate plan for an initial two-year period.

mailto:chollowa@sjrwmd.com

Quote Request 41311

II. Project Timeline

Carrier Set Up Date* Provide Summary Plan Documents TBD Data Transfer to Carrier TBD Carrier Data Load TBD Bills Produced and Administrative Clean Up TBD Installation Review Meeting TBD New Plan Effective Date January 1, 2026

Establishment of the above dates will be coordinated with successful Respondent.

III. Additional Information:

• Employees, including part-time, working sixteen (16) hours or more weekly are eligible for coverage on the first day of the month following 30 days of employment (excluding temporary or seasonal employees). The District currently has 4 part-time employees.

• Pursuant to Section 112.0801, Fla. Stat., District retirees have the option of continuing coverage under the same terms and conditions as active employees, including the eligibility criteria for dependents.

IV. Current Vision Insurance Plan and Premium

The District currently maintains a fully insured group vision insurance plan, with 100% of the premiums paid by the employee or retiree. The current vision insurance carrier is EyeMed Vision Care utilizing the Insight Network. EyeMed Vision Care has been the District’s vision carrier since January 1, 2017. A summary of the vision claims experience is included as Exhibit 3, Utilization Report.

Enrollment and monthly premium shown below:

Vision Insurance Participant Information Participant Tier # of Participants Monthly Premium

Active Employees Employee Only 153 $5.40 Employee + 1 79 $10.26 Employee + Family 107 $15.06

Retirees Retiree Only 17 $5.40 Retiree + 1 9 $10.26 Retiree + Family 2 $15.06

V. Policy Requirements

1. Fully insured, vision insurance plan for St. Johns River Water Management District.

2. Assume the current plan designs (coverage with benefits equal to or greater than current plans).

Deviations from the plan design should be explicitly identified in the proposal.

Requested Deviations: In addition to the plan coverages described in Exhibit 1 the District is also requesting a second quote for plan benefits that include frames once every calendar year (instead of once every other calendar year). However, the District intends to select only one vision plan benefit.

VI. General Requirements and Information

1. A “toll-free number” to call for service reports.

2. Provide financial and utilization reports to the District upon request.

3. Provide member-communications program, including materials and assistance.

4. A complaint resolution process for employees and the District.

5. Description of the resources available for claim avoidance or mitigation.

6. Successful Respondent’s designated insurance agent may not be changed unless approved in writing by the District.

7. The enrolled participants will continue to pay 100% of the premiums through payroll deductions on a pre-tax basis for 24 pays per year for vision insurance through self-administration and enrollment of employees through self-directed uploads.

8. The provider insurance company or administrator will be responsible for providing the following:

a. Certificate of Insurance.

b. Summary of Benefits and Coverage no later than October 15, 2025.

c. On-site enrollment meetings will be held in late-October through November each year, as requested.

d. High-level plan summaries in plain language no later than October 15, 2025.

VII. Agent Commissions and Pricing Considerations

Currently, there is an Insurance Agent involved. Respondents may designate an insurance agent to service the District’s account. Respondents are to clearly identify the agent. Multiple responses submitted by the same Respondent or insurance carrier will be subject to disqualification.

Premiums: The District does not contribute to the vision insurance premium for employees or retirees.

Current participation information, along with 2025 monthly premiums, are provided in Section IV.

The maximum acceptable commission rate for all lines of coverage is 10%. Premiums quoted in this Quote Request must be inclusive of any commission paid to an agent.

Insurance Agent duties shall be as follows*:

1. Attend review meetings as requested but no more than twice per year with the District’s Project

Manager and the appropriate carrier representative, as requested.

2. Keep the District’s Project Manager informed as to industry trends that might affect benefit planning.

3. Intervene when requested by the District’s Project Manager on behalf of employees with personal claims problems.

4. Other – As directed by the District’s Project Manager.

*Should agent not successfully fulfill the duties listed, District reserves the right to require agent replacement.

RESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS

Respondent’s quotes must include all information requested below and be submitted in electronic format as described below. Respondents not adhering to these instructions may be determined as “non-responsive” and their quotes rejected.

1. Complete all of the questions in Attachment A and submit in an Excel file format (.xls or .xlsx).

2. Sample policies, reports, communication materials, organizational charts, and similar materials shall be included in pdf format.

3. In-network provider listing shall be included in Microsoft Word (doc or .docx), Excel (.xls or .xlsx), or pdf formats.

4. Respondent’s must submit its Response in electronic format (no paper copies) either by uploading to DemandStar directly at www.demandstar.com OR to Central Bidding directly at www.centralbidding.com (NOT BOTH); OR delivering all files on a single pin/thumb/jump drive either by mail or hand delivery in a sealed envelope labeled as follows:

SEALED SUBMITTAL – DO NOT OPEN

Respondent’s Name:

Quote Request: 41311 Opening Time: 2:00 p.m.

Opening Date: July 18, 2025

Christina Holloway-Williams, Procurement Specialist St. Johns River Water Management District District Headquarters 4049 Reid Street Palatka, FL 32177

Please note that the United States Postal Service does not deliver regular mail or express mail to the above address. The District’s experience is that Federal Express and United Parcel Service will.

DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR RESPONSE BY EMAIL — THIS WILL RESULT IN THE SUBMITTAL

BEING REJECTED AS NON-RESPONSIVE.

The District’s Evaluation Committee will meet at District Headquarters at 4049 Reid Street, Palatka, Florida 32177, to evaluate and rank responses as follows:

• 12:00 p.m., August 4, 2025: Review and discuss the responses, finalize the initial ranking, determine if oral presentations (by some or all of the Respondents) are necessary to assist in facilitating the evaluation process in determining a final recommendation, and discuss negotiation strategies. If no oral presentations are needed, the Evaluation Committee will also finalize the ranking of Respondents. One or more members of the Evaluation Committee may attend the meeting remotely through communication media technology

• August 11-13, 2025: Conduct oral presentations, if needed, immediately followed by an evaluation meeting to establish the final rankings. Respondents selected for oral presentations will be notified in advance. The Evaluation Committee may also discuss negotiation strategies. One or more members of the Evaluation Committee may attend the meeting remotely through communication media technology

5. Respondents shall use the following layout for content organization and file naming conventions:

Tab 1: Introductory Materials and Required Forms

a. A letter of transmittal — this letter should not exceed one page in length and must include the QR subject and number, the name of Proposer’s demographic information: firm, address, telephone, email address, name of contact person(s) and the date submitted. It should also include a brief history of the Respondent’s firm and be signed by an individual authorized to bind the proposing firm and authorized to make decisions

b. Certificate as to Entity’s Authority to Do Business in Florida (Attachment C)

c. A copy of all applicable licenses and certifications

d. Copy of A.M. Best Rating

e. Qualifications General Form (Attachment B)

Tab 2: Vision Insurance Questionnaire and Plan Proposal

a. Completed Vision Insurance Questionnaire and Plan Proposal spreadsheet (must be completed in Excel® file format) (Attachment A)

• Any documentation that the District will be required to sign. (Respondent-provided documentation) http://www.demandstar.com/ http://www.centralbidding.com/

b. Organizational chart and summary of proposed account management service team

c. Similar Projects

d. Client references

e. Agent experience

f. Any sample documentation/materials submitted in response to Questionnaire

g. Listing of in-network vision care providers

h. Electronic copies of plan materials, including summaries of benefits and coverages, summary plan descriptions

Tab 3: Minimum Qualifications

a. List of government entities that Respondent has current contracts with to provide the same type of services as described under this solicitation.

b. Proposed Implementation Schedule Tab 4: Cost Proposal

a. Proposed Premium Cost Sheet (Attachment F)

A. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Respondents must meet the minimum qualifications listed below to submit quotes to provide group vision insurance.

Minimum Respondent Qualification Requirements: Respondent must provide a complete response to each of the following questions or requests for information with their quote (failure to provide responses may result in the quote being considered non-responsive)

1. Respondent (Insurance Carrier) must have a minimum A.M. Best Rating of “A-” for financial strength.

Respondent (Insurance Carrier) shall furnish a copy of their A.M. Best Rating and A.M. Best Financial Size category documentation.

(Respondent-provided evaluative information, include under Tab 1)

2. Respondent’s designated Insurance Agent must meet all licensing requirements necessary to conduct business in the state of Florida regarding the services requested herein.

(Respondent-provided evaluative information — copies of licenses and certifications, include under Tab 1)

3. Respondent (Insurance Carrier) must have at least five (5) years of experience in writing group vision insurance policies.

(Respondent-provided evaluative information; include under Tab 2)

4. Respondent (Insurance Carrier) must have issued group vision insurance policies for a minimum of three entities located in Florida (public or private), of similar type and size of the District, with more than 300 full-time employees, within the last three (3) years. Similar projects will be used as references.

(Respondent-provided evaluative information; include under Tab 2)

5. Respondent must have an established network of vision-care providers that can provide services to the District’s employees.

(Respondent-provided evaluative information; include under Tab 2)

6. Respondent’s quotation must allow for participation by all individuals eligible under the District’s current vision insurance coverage, including District retirees.

(Respondent-provided evaluative information; include under Tab 2)

7. Respondent (Insurance Carrier) shall provide an established network of vision care providers that can provide services to the District’s employees.(Respondent-provided evaluative information; include under Tab 2)

8. Respondent must offer self-administration for electronic enrollment and payment of premiums.

(Respondent-provided evaluative information; include under Tab 2)

9. Respondent’s designated Insurance Agent must have at least three (3) years of experience of direct client contact handling similar size accounts.

(Respondent-provided evaluative information; include under Tab 2)

10. Respondent is required to include a Program Implementation Schedule with proposed dates that would provide the specified results and outcomes for the effective date of January 1, 2026, including open enrollment which is held in late-October through November.

(Respondent-provided evaluative information; include under Tab 3)

Irrespective of the minimum qualifications stated above, the District may make such investigations as it deems necessary to determine the ability of the Respondent to provide the proposed vision insurance. The District reserves the right to reject any quote if the evidence submitted by such Respondent and/or the District’s independent investigation of such Respondent fails to satisfy the District that such Respondent is properly qualified to carry out the obligations of the Agreement and complete the services in a manner acceptable to the District within the time period specified.

B. EVALUATION CRITERIA

The staff evaluation committee will evaluate the Quotations using the evaluation criteria on the subsequent page. Failure by Respondent to include the required information may result in the Quotation being considered non-responsive or may receive a correspondingly low score pursuant to the evaluation rating scale.

Responses shall include information or documentation regarding, and will be evaluated using, the evaluation criteria set forth below.

Key: Option 1 – Frames every other year Option 2 – Frames every year

Criteria Weight Rating Score - Option

Score- Option

Organization, Experience and Qualifications

10%

• Knowledge of Subject

• Ability to meet needs and perform work.

• List of all similarly sized plans currently active in Florida with references included from same.

• Financial Information

Customer Service and Technology Capabilities

15%

• Customer Service Center

• Accounts Installation Team Access

• Electronic Enrollment File

• Benefits Information Aids

• Claims and Administration Process

Plan Construction: Cost Containment and Management Strategies

25%

Option

Rating

• Plan Comparison and Design

• Sample Policies, Contracts for Services and Monthly Billing Statement

• Implementation Schedule Option

• Ease of Administration of Plan

• In-network Access

Cost Effectiveness of Premium

50%

Option

The responsive and responsible Respondent who submits the lowest proposed overall cost will receive a raw score of “5.”

All other responsive and responsible proposed costs will be scored proportionately.

Option

TOTAL 100%

The evaluation rating scale is as follows:

Evaluation Rating Scale: 1 – 5:

All responses received in accordance with this solicitation will be evaluated using the following scoring guidelines (multiplied by weights when applicable) unless other scoring is specifically identified in the category:

5 – Exceptional .................... Response exceeds requested criteria; exceptional resources, staff, materials, etc.;

excellent.

4 – Good .............................. Response was thorough and complete for subject criteria; acceptable.

3 – Average .......................... Included minimum information requested in subject criteria; acceptable.

2 – Fair ................................. Contained adequate information, but information is less than required of subject criteria; unacceptable.

1 – Poor................................ Indicated responses, but indecipherable or incomplete for subject criteria;

unacceptable.

0 – Non-Responsive ............ Included no information on subject criteria; blank; unacceptable.

Submitted responses will be reviewed, and evaluated by a Selection Committee based upon the criteria above, and as supported by the Respondent's documentation supporting the requirements within each tab. The final selection of an insurance provider by the District will be based on the response which best meets the needs of the District. The District reserves the right to reject any or all responses.

Thank you for your consideration.

ATTACHMENTS:

Attachment A - Vision Insurance Questionnaire and Plan Proposal (separate Excel® file) Attachment B – Qualifications - General Attachment C – Certificate as to Entity’s Authority to do Business in Florida Attachment D – Insurance Requirements Attachment E – Standard Terms and Conditions Attachment F – Premium Cost Sheet

EXHIBITS:

Exhibit 1 — Current Summary of Benefits – Eye Med Exhibit 2 — Vision Enrollments (separate Excel® file) Exhibit 3 — Utilization Report: As of April 30, 2025 Exhibit 4 — Vision Certificate of Insurance

ATTACHMENT A – VISION INSURANCE QUESTIONNAIRE AND PLAN PROPOSAL

(separate Excel® file)

ATTACHMENT B – QUALIFICATIONS – GENERAL

(This form to be included with quote response. Do not modify or alter this form. Add only the information requested.)

As part of the quote request, Respondent shall complete the following so that the District can determine Respondent’s ability, experience, and facilities for performing the Work.

Name of Respondent:

Year company was organized/formed:

Number of years Respondent has been engaged in business under the present firm or trade name:

Total number of years Respondent has experience in similar work described in Quote Request of the Instructions to Respondents:

Has Respondent previously been engaged in the same or similar business under another firm or trade name?

If so, please describe each such instance.

Has Respondent ever been adjudicated bankrupt, initiated bankruptcy, or been the subject of bankruptcy proceedings on behalf of the current entity submitting this bid or a prior entity that Respondent substantially operated or controlled? If yes, please describe the nature and result of those proceedings and the entity involved.

ATTACHMENT C – CERTIFICATE AS TO ENTITY’S AUTHORITY TO DO BUSINESS IN

FLORIDA

(This form to be included in quote response. Do not modify or alter this form. Add only the information requested.)

The below entity is organized under the laws of the State of ; is authorized by law to respond to this Quote Request and perform all work and furnish materials and equipment required under the Agreement, and is authorized to do business in the state of Florida.

Entity name:

Address:

Registration No.:

Registered Agent:

By:

(Official Title) (Affix corporate seal, if utilized by Respondent)

Attest:

The full names and business or residence addresses of persons or firms interested in the foregoing submittals as principals or officers of Respondent are as follows (specifically include the President, Secretary, and Treasurer or Manager and Member, and state the title held by all other individuals listed):

Identify any parent, subsidiary, or sister entity involving the same or substantially the same officers and directors that will or may be involved in performance of the Project, and provide the same information requested above on a photocopy of this form.

Attach a copy of Respondent’s active registration with the State of Florida Division of Corporations proving Respondent’s authority to do business in the state of Florida, or a copy of the application for same that has been accepted by the state of Florida.

ATTACHMENT D — INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Consultant shall acquire and maintain until completion of the Work the insurance coverage listed below, which constitutes primary coverage. Consultant shall not commence the Work until the District receives and approves Certificates of Insurance documenting required coverage. Consultant’s General Liability policy shall name the St. Johns River Water Management District (the “District”) as Additional Insured. All required policies shall include: (1) endorsement that waives any right of subrogation against the District for any policy of insurance provided under this requirement or under any state or federal worker’s compensation or employer’s liability act; (2) endorsement to give the District no less than 30 days notice in the event of cancellation or material change. Certificates of Insurance must be accompanied by copies of the requested endorsements.

Any deductibles or self-insured retentions above $100,000 must be declared to and approved by the District.

Approval will not be unreasonably withheld. Consultant is responsible for any deductible or self-insured retention. Insurance must be placed with insurers having an A.M. Best rating of A-V or greater. District receipt of insurance certificates providing less than the required coverage does not waive these insurance requirements.

(a) Workers’ Compensation Insurance. Workers’ compensation and employer’s liability coverage, including maritime workers compensation, if applicable, in not less than the minimum limits required by Florida law. If Contractor claims an exemption from workers’ compensation coverage, Contractor must provide a copy of the Certificate of Exemption from the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation for all officers or members of an LLC claiming exemption who will be participating in the Work. In addition, Contractor must provide a completed District “Affidavit (Non-Construction)” for non-construction contracts. Contractor is solely responsible for compliance with any Federal workers’ compensation laws such as Jones Act and USL&H Act, including any benefits available to any workers performing work on this project.

(b) General Liability. Commercial General Liability Insurance on an “Occurrence Basis,” with limits of liability not less than $500,000 for personal injury, bodily injury, and property damage. Coverage shall include: (1) contractual liability, (2) products and completed operations, (3) independent contractors, and

(4) property in the care, control, or custody of Contractor. Extensions shall be added or exclusions deleted to provide the necessary coverage.

(c) Automobile Liability. Minimum requirements per Florida law.

(d) Professional Liability. With limits of $500,000.

ATTACHMENT E — STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The District is a political subdivision of the state of Florida, whose boundaries cover all or portions of 18 counties and is tax exempt (Tax ID No. 85-8012643710C-3; expires March 31, 2028). Respondent shall provide an estimate of all applicable taxes and fees in its quote, including a list of taxes and fees that fall under the District’s exemption.

1. Opening of Quotes

a. The Florida Public Records Act, §119.071(1)(b), Fla. Stat., exempts sealed quotes from inspection and copying until such time as the District provides notice of an intended decision pursuant to §120.57(3)(a), Fla. Stat., or until 30 days after opening of quotes, whichever is earlier. This exemption is not waived by the public opening of quotes.

b. Unless otherwise exempt, Respondent’s quote is a public record that is subject to disclosure upon expiration of the above exemption. If any information submitted with the Quote is a trade secret as defined in §812.081, Fla. Stat., and exempt from disclosure pursuant to §815.04, Fla.

Stat., Respondent must clearly identify any such material as “CONFIDENTIAL TRADE SECRET” in its submittal and explain the basis for such exemption. The District reserves the right, in its sole judgment and discretion, to reject a submittal for excessive or unwarranted assertion of trade secret confidentiality and return the submittal to Respondent.

c. Respondents shall bear all costs associated with preparing and submitting responses to this Quote Request. The District will, in no way, be responsible for these costs, regardless of the conduct or outcome.

2. Inquiries and Addenda

a. District staff are not authorized to orally interpret the meaning of the Quote Request package, or correct any apparent ambiguity, inconsistency, or error therein. In order to be binding upon the District, the interpretation or correction must be given by the Procurement Specialist and must be in writing. The Procurement Specialist may orally explain the District’s procedures and assist respondents in referring to any applicable provision in the Quote Request documents, but the respondent is ultimately responsible for submitting the quote in the appropriate form and in accordance with written procedures.

b. Every request for a written interpretation or correction must be received at least nine days prior to opening of quotes in order to be considered. Requests must be submitted by email to chollowa@sjrwmd.com. Interpretations, corrections, and supplemental instructions will be communicated by written addenda to all prospective respondents (at the respective addresses furnished for such purposes) not later than five days prior to the date fixed for the Quote Request opening.

c. Submission of a quote constitutes acknowledgment of receipt of all addenda. Quotes will be construed as though all addenda had been received. Failure of the respondent to receive any addenda does not relieve the respondent from any and all obligations under the quote, as submitted. All addenda become part of the Agreement.

3. Evaluation and Award Procedures

a. The quotes will be evaluated by a staff Evaluation Committee based upon the criteria and weighting set forth in “Evaluation Criteria.” The committee members will meet at District headquarters or other location as appropriate to discuss the quotes and their individual evaluations. Each committee member completes an evaluation form, from which the overall ranking of quotes is compiled. Evaluation forms may be submitted at or subsequent to the Evaluation Committee meeting.

b. Section 286.0113, Fla. Stat., exempts from being open to the public, any portion of a meeting at which: (1) a negotiation with a respondent is conducted pursuant to a competitive solicitation; (2) a respondent makes an oral presentation as part of a competitive solicitation; (3) a respondent answers questions as part of a competitive solicitation; or (4) negotiation strategies are discussed.

mailto:chollowa@sjrwmd.com.

Also, recordings of, and any records presented at, the exempt meeting are exempt from §119.07(1), Fla. Stat., and §24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution (Public Records) until such time as the District provides notice of an intended decision or until 30 days after opening the Quotes or final replies, whichever occurs earlier. A complete recording shall be made of any portion of an exempt meeting.

No portion of the exempt meeting may be held off the record.

c. Pursuant to §286.0113, Fla. Stat., if the District rejects all quotes and concurrently provides notice of its intent to reissue the competitive solicitation, the recording and any records presented at any exempt meeting shall remain exempt from §119.07(1), Fla. Stat., and §24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution (Public Records) until such time as the District provides notice of an intended decision concerning the reissued competitive solicitation or until the District withdraws the reissued competitive solicitation. A recording and any records presented at an exempt meeting are not exempt for longer than 12 months after the initial District notice rejecting all quotes.

d. The District will examine the quotes to determine completeness. Obvious mismatches with regard to technical or commercial requirements will be rejected at this time.

e. The Committee will meet to evaluate and rank the quotes in the location(s), time(s) and date(s), stated at the beginning of this Quote Request package.

f. Following the evaluation process, contract negotiations will commence with the Respondent submitting the highest-ranked quote. If negotiations fail with the highest-ranked Respondent, negotiations will proceed with the next highest-ranked Respondent, and so forth.

g. The Agreement will be awarded to the Respondent having the highest ranked quote, which successfully concludes negotiations with the District (the “Successful Respondent” or “Provider”).

The Agreement may be modified based on the District’s acceptance of any alternatives listed in the quote that the District deems in its best interest.

h. If two or more quotes are equal in all respects, the Agreement will be awarded as follows: (1) to the respondent that certifies compliance with §287.087, Fla. Stat., via the Drug-Free Workplace Form; or

(2) by lot.

i. In the event the Successful Respondent(s) fail to enter into the Agreement or the Agreement with said Respondent is terminated within 90 days of the effective date, the District reserves the right to negotiate with the other respondents in ranked order, if available, and award an Agreement.

j. All respondents will be notified of the District's intent to award or decision to award the Agreement.

For the purpose of filing a protest under §120.57(3), Fla. Stat., the time period will commence as provided in “Notices and Services Thereof.”

4. Disqualification of Respondents

Any of the following causes will be considered as sufficient grounds for disqualification of a respondent and rejection of the Quote:

a. Contacting a District employee or officer other than the procurement specialist assigned to this solicitation action, about any aspect of this Quote Request before the notice of intended decision is posted.

b. Submission of more than one quote response for the same subject matter by an individual, firm, partnership, or corporation under the same or different names;

c. Evidence of collusion among respondents;

d. Submission of materially false information with the Quote;

e. Information gained through checking of references or other sources which indicates that

Respondent may not successfully perform the Work;

f. Respondent is failing to adequately perform on any existing contract with the District;

g. Respondent has defaulted on a previous contract with the District;

h. The evidence submitted by Respondent, or the District’s investigation of Respondent, fails to satisfy the District that Respondent is properly qualified to carry out the obligations of the Agreement in a manner acceptable to the District and within the time period specified;

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=%22open%20government%22&URL=0100-0199/0119/Sections/0119.07.html

i. Any other cause that is sufficient to raise doubt regarding the ability of a respondent to perform the Work in a manner that meets the District’s objectives for the Work.

5. Rejection of Quote

a. Quotes must be uploaded (preferred) or mailed to the specified location and received during the time specified on page 1 in order to be considered timely. Untimely quotes will not be considered. Quotes will be considered irregular and may be rejected if they show material omissions, alterations of form, additions not called for, conditions, limitations, unauthorized alternate quotes, or other material irregularities. The District may consider incomplete any quote not prepared and submitted in accordance with the provisions specified herein, and reserves the right to waive any minor deviations or irregularities in an otherwise valid Quote.

b. The District also reserves the right to reject any and all quotes when it determines, in its sole judgment and discretion that, it is not in its best interest to award the agreement.

6. Public Entity Crimes/Discriminatory Vendors

In accordance with §287.133, Fla. Stat., 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 bid, proposal, or reply on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity; may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work; may not submit bids, proposals, or replies 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 §287.017 for CATEGORY TWO ($35,000) for a period of 36 months following the date of being placed on the convicted vendor list. In accordance with §287.134, Fla. Stat., an entity or affiliate who has been placed on the discriminatory vendor list may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity; may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work; may not submit bids, proposals, or replies 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.

7. Notices and Services Thereof

a. The District will publish notice of specifications and criteria, including addenda, intended agency decisions, or other matters pertinent to this solicitation on the solicitation advertising portals identified on Page 1.

b. Notices will be posted for a minimum of 72 hours. The time period for filing a Notice of Protest pursuant to §120.57(3), Fla. Stat., and Rule 28-110.003, Fla. Admin. Code, commences at the time notices are posted.

c. As a courtesy to respondents, the District may send copies of the notices of intended agency decisions via email. These courtesy communications neither constitute official notice nor vary the times of receipt set forth above.

8. Protest Procedures

a. Pursuant to §120.57(3), Fla. Stat., and Rule 28-110.003, Fla. Admin. Code, any person adversely affected by the procurement methodology described herein, or the specifications or criteria, including addenda, must file a Notice of Protest within 72 hours after its posting.

b. Pursuant to §120.57(3), Fla. Stat., and Rule 28-110.003, Fla. Admin. Code, any person adversely affected by a District decision or intended decision to award a contract, or to reject all bids, proposals, or qualifications, must file a written Notice of Protest within 72 hours after posting of the decision or intended decision.

c. Pursuant to §120.57(3), Fla. Stat., and Rule 28-110.004, Fla. Admin. Code, the protester must also file with the District Clerk a Formal Written Protest within ten days after the date the Notice of Protest is filed with the District. The Formal Written Protest must state with particularity the facts and law upon which the protest is based. Pursuant to §287.042(2)(c), Fla.

Stat., any person who files an action protesting the decision or intended decision must post with the District Clerk at the time of filing the formal written protest a bond, cashier’s check, or money order made payable to the St. Johns River Water Management District in an amount equal to one percent (1%) of the District’s estimated contract amount.

d. No additional time will be added for mailing. All filings must comply with Rule 28-106.104, Fla. Admin. Code, and must be addressed to and received by the District Clerk at the District Headquarters in Palatka, Florida within the prescribed time periods. The District will not accept as filed any electronically transmitted facsimile pleadings, petitions, Notice of Protest or other documents.

e. The District’s acceptance of pleadings, petitions, Notice of Protest, Formal Written Protest, or other documents filed by email is subject to certain conditions set forth in the District’s Statement of Agency Organization and Operation (issued pursuant to Rule 28-101.001, Florida Administrative Code), which is available for viewing at sjrwmd.com. These conditions include, but are not limited to, the document being in the form of a PDF or TIFF file and being capable of being stored and printed by the District. Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in §120.57(3), Fla. Stat., or failure to post the bond or other security required by law within the time allowed for filing a bond will constitute a waiver of proceedings under chapter 120, Fla. Stat. Mediation under §120.573, Fla. Stat., is not available.

ATTACHMENT F – PROPOSED PREMIUM COST SHEET

Participant Tier

# of Participants

Current Monthly Premium

Proposed Monthly Premium with Frames Once Every Other

Calendar Year (Option 1)

Proposed Monthly Premium with Frames Once

Every Calendar Year

(Option 2) Active Employees

Employee Only 153 $5.40 $ $ Employee + 1 79 $10.26 $ $ Employee + Family

107 $15.06 $ $

Retirees Retiree Only 17 $5.40 $ $ Retiree + 1 9 $10.26 $ $ Retiree + Family 2 $15.06 $ $

Total Monthly Premium $ $

Respondent cost effectiveness score will be calculated as outlined in Section B Evaluation Criteria, 4. Cost Effectiveness of Premium. Quotes for both options are required; however, only one will be chosen.

EXHIBITS 1-4 (attached as separate files)