RFP 2027004.pdf

Request for Proposals (RFP)

For

Submerged Cultural Resources Remote Sensing Investigation.

RFP 2027004

Procurement Officer:

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

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

Email: Wanda.Norton@FloridaDEP.gov

Submerged Cultural Resources Remote Sensing Investigation.

Rev. 07/30/24

Table of Contents 1 Introduction

1.1 Solicitation Objective

1.2 Background and Program Information

1.3 Anticipated Contract Term & Renewals

1.4 Definitions

1.5 Draft Contract

1.6 Procurement Officer

1.7 Special Accommodations

1.8 Timeline of Events

1.9 List of Attachments and Forms

2 RFP Process

2.1 Vendor Responsibilities

2.2 Who May Respond

2.3 Overview of the RFP

2.4 Conformance to Requirements

2.5 Limitation on Vendor Contact with Agency During Solicitation Period

2.6 Addenda/Amendments to the RFP

2.7 Contract Formation

2.8 Disclosure of Response Contents

2.9 Withdrawal of Responses

2.10 Administrative Cure Process

2.11 Clarification Process

2.12 Information from Other Sources

2.13 Firm Response

2.14 Right to Reject

2.15 Cancellation, Non-Award, and Withdrawal

2.16 Misrepresentations

2.17 Licensure & Registration

2.18 Replacement and Alternate Responses

2.19 Exclusivity

2.20 Diversity

2.21 Bid Protests

3 Response Instructions

3.1 MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) Vendor Registration

3.2 Pre-Response Conferences and/or Site Visits

3.3 Submission of Responses

3.4 Response Content Requirements

3.5 Economy of Presentation

3.6 Confidential Response Materials and Redacted Submissions

4 Scope of Work

4.1 Scope of Work

4.2 Definitions

4.3 Contractor Responsibilities

4.4 Department’s Responsibilities

4.5 Enforcement

5 Evaluation Criteria

5.1 Evaluation of Volume I, Past Performance

5.2 Evaluation of Volume II, Technical Response

5.3 Evaluation of Volume III, Price Sheet

5.4 Available Points

5.5 Compilation of Evaluation Scores

6 Award

6.1 Basis of Award

6.2 Award Preferences for Equal Scores (Ties)

6.3 Recommendation of Award

6.4 Execution of Contract

6.5 Failure to Perform the Contract

1 Introduction The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (the Department or DEP) hereby issues this Request for Proposals (RFP) to contract for Submerged Cultural Resources Remote Sensing Investigation.The Solicitation will be administered through the Vendor Information Portal (VIP).

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

1.1 Solicitation Objective

The Department intends to enter into a contract using the Attachment 1, Draft Contract, for Submerged Cultural Resources Remote Sensing Investigation., hereby incorporated by reference. The Department intends to make a single award, however the Department reserves the right to award to one Respondent or multiple Respondents, or to make no award, as determined to be in the best interest of the State.

1.2 Background and Program Information

This project will take place within the Lignumvitae Key Submerged Land Managed Area and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

The Lignumvitae Key Submerged Land Managed Area (LKSLMA) encompasses approximately 10,000 acres surrounding the islands of Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, Indian Key Historic State Park, and Shell Key Preserve State Park. Managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks, LKSLMA includes two designated management zones: Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park and the Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve. The entire area also falls within the boundaries of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Of the total submerged habitat, 8,400 acres consist of seagrass beds, with the remaining 1,600 acres composed of hardbottom, composite, and unconsolidated substrates. Seagrass beds are ecologically critical in the Florida Keys and are recognized as one of the most valuable natural biotic communities.

Consequently, their protection, management, and restoration are top priorities for LKSLMA resource managers. Not only do the seagrass beds have ecological importance, but they also have the possibility to contain cultural sites. Within the 10,000 acres there are known Native American cultural sites and Euro-American shipwreck sites.

The primary threat to seagrass habitat and the potential cultural resources in the LKSLMA is physical damage from boating activities, including grounding, propeller scarring, and blowholes. Therefore, the Department maintains 344 channel markers, signs, and buoys to delineate the deeper water channels from the shallow seagrass flat to assist boaters in navigating the waters and prevent accidental boat groundings.

The coastal and seaward boundaries of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (JPCRSP) encompass approximately 75 square nautical miles of seagrass and coral communities that are subject to a variety of stress from both natural and human influences that include lobster trap damage due to impact and/or dragging, derelict trap debris, anchor damage due to impact and/or dragging, vessel impact in coral, propellers in seagrass, and pollution. To protect these valuable resources, specific coastal areas and large reef tracts have been identified for protection against the damages listed above. Original protection was implemented in 1993 under Statute number 68B-24.0065 and consisted of 38 corner markers designating 10 areas as “No Lobster Zones”. These areas included the sites of Turtle Rocks, Basin Hill North, Basin Hill East, Basin Hill South, Higdon’s Reef, Cannon Patch, Mosquito Bank North, Mosquito Bank Southeast, Three Sisters North and Three Sisters South. In August 2025 the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commissioners approved an update to the Coral Formation Protection Zones within the park. These updated coral formation protection zones area of Turtle Rocks, Basin Hill, Higdon’s Reef, Cannon Patch, Mosquito Banks North, Mosquito Banks Southeast, and Three Sisters.

In accordance with Chapter 258, Florida Statutes and Chapter 62D-2, Florida Administrative Code, the Division of Recreation and Parks (DRP) is charged with the responsibility of developing and operating Florida's recreation and parks system. The Department is requesting Marine Archeological Submerged Cultural Resources Remote Sensing Investigation, hereinafter referred to as Investigation, to identify submerged cultural resources within LKSLMA and JPCRSP. Once identified, the Department staff will use this information to better plan for the maintenance of existing signage and new sign/marker installations. In turn, this Investigation will better protect the cultural sites by pinpointing their locations, ensuring compliance with preservation laws, and guiding maintenance activities. It will allow safe installation of new markers while safeguarding cultural heritage. The Investigation demonstrates the Park's commitment to responsible management and ensures continued public safety and navigation without compromising environmental and cultural integrity.

1.3 Anticipated Contract Term & Renewals

The initial term of the Contract will be upon execution and continue until June 30, 2027, with up to three (3) renewal year(s). At the discretion of the Department, the Contract may be renewed subject to the terms and conditions specified in the Contract.

1.4 Definitions

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

https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/state _purchasing_pur_forms. The following definitions apply to this RFP:

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

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

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

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

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

State - The State of Florida.

1.5 Draft Contract

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

1.6 Procurement Officer

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

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

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

Questions will NOT be answered via telephone.

1.7 Special Accommodations

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

1.8 Timeline of Events

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

Event Date Time* Location/Method

RFP Advertised 11/3/26 N/A Vendor Information Portal

Questions Due 11/17/26 5:00 PM Email to Procurement Officer

Answers Posted (Anticipated)

On or about:

11/30/26 Vendor Information Portal

Responses Due 12/15/26 3:00 PM

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

Public Opening 12/16/2026 10:00 AM

Teleconference by calling +1 850-629-

Phone Conference ID: 863 229 337# The number will be active 5 minutes before the meeting.

References Contacted Between: Telephone and/or Email 1/4/27 1/13/27

Award Date (Anticipated) On or about:

1/25/27 Vendor Information Portal https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

*All times are Eastern Time Zone.

1.9 List of Attachments and Forms

The Attachments, Exhibits, and Forms below are incorporated by reference. Copies of these documents are available in the VIP advertisement that accompanies the RFP posting.

Attachment Title 1 Draft Contract 2 Past Performance Evaluation Form 3 Personnel Requirements

Form Title A Business Response Form B - Reserved- C Client Reference Form D Price Sheet E Award Preference Form F - Reserved- G Forced Labor Attestation Form (PUR 2024)

2 RFP Process

2.1 Vendor Responsibilities

Vendors should carefully read the entire RFP, all attachments, and any addenda before submitting a Response. Vendors interested in submitting a Response must comply with all instructions, terms, and conditions of this RFP to be considered for Award.

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

2.2 Who May Respond

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

2.3 Overview of the RFP

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

2.3.1.1 Question and Answer Period

Respondents may submit questions regarding the terms, conditions, and requirements of the RFP to the Procurement Officer via email by the deadline listed in the Timeline, Section 1.8 of the RFP. No question will be answered/considered after the deadline.

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

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

RFP Section RFP Page # Question

2.3.1.2 Submission of Responses

Once the Department posts the answers to the questions, Respondents may begin submitting Responses as indicated in Section 3.4; however, Respondents are encouraged to submit their Responses no earlier than five (5) days prior to the submission deadline. Responses must be submitted by the deadline listed in the Timeline above.

2.3.1.3 Public Opening

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

2.3.2 Minimum Mandatory Requirement Review Phase

2.3.2.1 Administrative Review

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

2.3.2.2 Responsibility Review

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

2.3.3 Evaluation Phase

2.3.3.1 Technical Response Evaluation

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

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

2.3.3.2 Past Performance

The Respondent’s references will be contacted by the Department by telephone during normal working hours (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) as indicated in the Timeline. The Department will make up to two (2) attempts to call before making one attempt to contact the references by email. If the contact person cannot be reached following the three (3) attempts, or if the Respondent fails to provide a reference, the Respondent will receive a score of zero (0) for that reference.

2.3.3.3 Price Sheet Evaluation

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

2.3.3.4 Compilation of Scores

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

2.4 Conformance to Requirements

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

2.5 Limitation on Vendor Contact with Agency During Solicitation Period This is a request for proposals. The proposal must not include any proposal to negotiate, or any proposed terms and conditions that supersede, conflict with, take exception to, supplement, or materially change, the terms and conditions set forth in this RFP or the documents that will comprise the Contract. Any questions regarding the terms, conditions, or requirements of this RFP or the Contract can be raised during the Question and Answer Period described in Section 2.3.1.2 of this RFP.

Respondents that fail to comply with the requirements of this paragraph may, at the sole discretion of the Department, be deemed to be Non-Responsive. Limitation on Vendor Contact with Agency During Solicitation Period

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

2.6 Addenda/Amendments to the RFP

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

2.7 Contract Formation

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

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

The Department objects to and shall not consider any additional terms or conditions submitted by a Respondent, including any appearing in documents attached as part of a Response, except those identified in the Contract. The Respondent shall bring any perceived inconsistencies among any of the provisions of the RFP and its attachments to the attention of the Department prior to the submission of its Response. At any time during the Solicitation, the Department may specifically identify and incorporate by reference any additional documents which are to be incorporated into the Contract. The Contract that results from this Solicitation will be posted on the Florida Accountability Contract Tracking System (FACTS) website in accordance with section 215.985, F.S., “Transparency Florida Act.”

2.8 Disclosure of Response Contents

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

2.9 Withdrawal of Responses

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

2.10 Administrative Cure Process

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

2.11 Clarification Process

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

2.12 Information from Other Sources

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

2.13 Firm Response

The Department may make an award within one hundred and eighty (180) days after the date of the opening, during which period responses shall remain firm and shall not be withdrawn. If award is not made within one hundred and eighty (180) days, the Response shall remain firm until either the

Department awards the Contract, or the Department receives from the Respondent written notice that the Response is withdrawn. Any response that expresses a shorter duration may, in the Department's sole discretion, be accepted or rejected.

2.14 Right to Reject

The Department may reject any Response not submitted in the manner specified by the Solicitation documents. Respondents whose past performance, current status, or Response does not reflect the capability, integrity, or reliability to fully, and in good faith, perform the requirements of Contract may be rejected as Non-Responsible and are not eligible for Award.

2.15 Cancellation, Non-Award, and Withdrawal

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

• Cancel this Solicitation.

• Make no Award and reject all responses.

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

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

• Re-procure services.

2.16 Misrepresentations

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

2.17 Licensure & Registration

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

2.18 Replacement and Alternate Responses

The Department will only consider one (1) Response per Respondent, unless otherwise indicated in Section 3. Respondents may submit revised Responses at any time prior to the Response Due Date as specified in the Timeline of Events. Revised Responses must include a statement, signed and dated by an Authorized Signatory, withdrawing all prior Responses from the Respondent. Alternate commodities and/or contractual services may be proposed only if permitted in accordance with the instructions contained in this Solicitation. The Department is under no obligation to consider alternate commodities and/or contractual services to those requested in this Solicitation if not specifically requested as part of a Response and may reject a Response making such offers as Non-Responsive.

2.19 Exclusivity

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

2.20 Diversity

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

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

2.21 Bid Protests

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

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

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

The Agency Clerk's address is:

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

3 Response Instructions This section contains the General Instructions and Special Instructions to Respondents. The “General Instructions to Respondents” Form PUR 1001 is incorporated by reference and can be accessed at https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/state _purchasing_pur_forms.

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

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

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

Section 14. Firm Response.

This paragraph is superseded by Section 2.13 of this Solicitation.

Section 15. Clarifications/Revisions.

This paragraph is superseded by Section 2.11 of this Solicitation.

Section 16. Minor Irregularities/Right to Reject.

This paragraph is superseded by sections 2.10, 2.14 and 6.1 of this Solicitation.

Section 17. Contract Formation.

This paragraph is superseded by Section 2.7 of this Solicitation.

Section 20. Protests.

This paragraph is superseded by Section 2.21 of this Solicitation.

3.1 MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) Vendor Registration

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

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

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

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

Code Title 81151705 Archaeological services 60103600 Multicultural activities and resources

3.2 Pre-Response Conferences and/or Site Visits

The Department will not hold a pre-response Conference or a Site Visit.

https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/state_purchasing_pur_forms https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/state_purchasing_pur_forms https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

3.3 Submission of Responses

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

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

Responses must be submitted by U.S. Mail, United Parcel Service (UPS), Federal Express (FedEx), private courier, or hand delivery. Electronic mail (e-mail) submission or facsimile transmission of responses are NOT authorized and will NOT be accepted.

3.4 Response Content Requirements

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

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

3.4.1 Volume I, Business Response

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

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

3.4.1.1 Tab A: Executive Summary

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

3.4.1.2 Tab B: Required Forms

Respondents must complete and submit Form A, Business Response Form.

Respondents must complete Form C, Client Reference Form, for three (3) Clients to whom Respondent has provided commodities and/or contractual services of similar scope and size as those identified in the

RFP. The three (3) completed Client Reference Forms shall be attached in this Tab. Respondents shall not list the Department as a reference. Current or former Contracts with the Department indicated in the Executive Summary will not count as one of the three references.

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

Respondent must complete Form G, Forced Labor Attestation Form (PUR 2024).

3.4.2 Volume II, Technical Response

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

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

3.4.2.1 Tab A: Introduction

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

3.4.2.2 Tab B: Background and Organizational Structure

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

3.4.2.3 Tab C: Qualifications and Experience

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

a) Each Team member’s experience and examples of qualifications to perform assigned tasks should be outlined. The resume or curriculum vitae for the proposed project manager and principal point of contact must be provided. The Respondent must demonstrate that the assigned staff possess relevant academic training and expertise in archaeology, geophysics, or related fields, as outlined in Attachment 3, Personnel Requirements. In addition, staff must show evidence of experience necessary to ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations and permitting requirements related to archaeological investigations.;

b) Respondent’s past experience in developing and conducting archaeological remote sensing investigations, including the use of the following equipment: Magnetometer, Sidescan Sonar, Subbottom Profiler, Depth Finder, and Global Positioning System (GPS). Respondents will provide a portfolio of completed projects that showcase successful identification and mapping of archaeological features using remote sensing;

c) Respondent’s experience with interpreting geophysical data in archaeological contexts; and

d) Respondent’s knowledge of and experience with coordinating with regulatory agencies and stakeholders as necessary.

3.4.3 Volume III, Price Sheet

The Respondent must complete and submit the Form D, Price Sheet, without alteration, using the instructions provided. The Price Sheet is to be organized as directed on the Form and must contain complete responses to all items. If a portion of any section is omitted, the Price Sheet may be deemed Non-Responsive at the sole discretion of the Department. The Respondent must not submit their own forms, including quote forms or other documents, in lieu of Form D.

3.5 Economy of Presentation

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

3.6 Confidential Response Materials and Redacted Submissions

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

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

3.6.1 Redacted Submissions

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

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

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

By submitting a Response, the Respondent agrees to protect, defend, and indemnify the Department for any and all claims arising from or relating to the Respondent’s determination that the redacted portions of its Response are Confidential Information or otherwise not subject to disclosure. If the Respondent fails to submit a Redacted Copy of its Response, the Department is authorized to produce the entire unredacted Response submitted to the Department in response to a public records request.

4 Scope of Work

4.1 Scope of Work

The Contractor shall provide Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, Indian Key Historic State Park and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Parks) with Submerged Cultural Resources Remote Sensing Investigation, hereinafter referred to as Investigation, on a portion of the submerged lands of Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, Indian Key State Park, and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to identify potential historical resources to avoid during maintenance and construction of park infrastructure, seagrass restoration, and coral protection zones. The Investigation will take place at specified locations provided by the Department, as indicated in Exhibit J: Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park Management Area (LKBSPMA) - Drawings of Survey Locations and Exhibit M: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (JPCRSP)- Map of Single Point Locations. The Department will also provide visual examples of survey lines for both the Channel Marker investigation, Single Marker investigation and Indian Key Investigation (Exhibit K:Suvey Line Example and Exhibit L: Indian Key Survey Locations). GIS Shape files of the NICM Zones, Marker Locations, Survey Boundary and Survey Line Examples, can be downloaded at the link below.

https://dep-file-portal.dep.state.fl.us/public/file/aywcbd0rv0ieltcyiw5hna/ShapefilesforArchContract%202026%20V2.zip

Password: 2027004

These shapefiles must be uploaded to an Esri compatible software.

The purpose of this project is to locate, identify and bound any cultural resources, prehistoric or historic, inside the investigation area boundaries. The findings of these Investigations will guide the Parks’ management decisions on the placement of channel markers, spar buoys and regulatory signs throughout the Parks.

4.2 Definitions

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

Depth Finder: (navigation), instrument measuring water depth using sound waves.

Draft (or draught): is the vertical distance from a boat’s waterline to the lowest point of its hull, typically the keel, indicating how deep the vessel sits in the water. Draft determines the minimum water depth required for a boat to float without grounding. In areas with shallow waters, such as coastal bays, rivers, or coral reefs, a shallow draft is advantageous. For example, flats boats used for fishing in shallow waters often have drafts under 1 foot, allowing access to areas inaccessible to deeper-draft vessels.

GPS: Global positioning system.

Magnetometer: instrument for measuring strength and sometimes the direction of magnetic fields, including those on or near the Earth and in space. Magnetometers are also used to calibrate electromagnets and permanent magnets and to determine the magnetization of materials.

https://dep-file-portal.dep.state.fl.us/public/file/aywcbd0rv0ieltcyiw5hna/ShapefilesforArchContract%202026%20V2.zip https://dep-file-portal.dep.state.fl.us/public/file/aywcbd0rv0ieltcyiw5hna/ShapefilesforArchContract%202026%20V2.zip

NAD 1983 (2011) Florida GDL: refers to a projected coordinate system used in Florida for state‑wide spatial data management, defined in the NAD83 (2011) datum and using the Albers Equal Area projection.

Sidescan Sonar: an underwater acoustic imaging system used to map the seabed and detect underwater objects. It produces high-resolution imagery by emitting sound waves and analyzing their reflections

Subbottom Profiler: an essential tool used by geophysicists, geologists, oceanographers, and hydrographers to study the seafloor. These devices use sound waves to penetrate the seafloor and generate high-resolution images of the subsurface layers.

Vessel Propulsion: Marine vessel propulsion is the mechanism or system used to generate thrust to move a watercraft through water. While paddles and sails are still used on some smaller boats, most modern ships are propelled by mechanical systems consisting of an electric motor or internal combustion engine driving a propeller, or less frequently, in pump-jets, an impeller.

4.3 Contractor Responsibilities

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

The Contractor shall conduct Marine Archeological Submerged Cultural Resources Remote Sensing Investigation, of the submerged lands outlined by the Investigation boundary in Exhibit J Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park Management Area and Exhibit M: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (JPCRSP)- Map of Single Point Locations. The Contractor will perform this work based on the following criteria.

Before commencing work, the Contractor will submit a Research Design Proposal. The Research Design Proposal is essentially the overall plan for assessing the project and conducting the Investigation and interpreting its results. The Research Design Proposal should identify the Area of Potential Effect (APE) and the basic types of cultural resources that may be present in the Investigation area and outline the methods, techniques and knowledge necessary to locate, identify and evaluate them. The Research Design proposal should also provide a description of the cultural resources present or expected in the Investigation area in terms of a broader, regional cultural resource patterning. The research design should reflect the guidelines set forth in The Cultural Resource Management Standards and Operation Manual (as revised) promulgated by the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources and Archaeological and Historical Report Standards and Guidelines (Rule 1A-46.001, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.)). See link below: https://files.floridados.gov/media/696954/dhr_report-compliance-requirements2016.pdf

The Contractor shall be responsible for receiving approval of the Research Design Proposal from the Florida Division of Historical Resources. Additionally, the Contractor will also need to successfully apply and receive a 1A-32 permit - Archaeological Research Permit for Work on State Lands in Florida.

https://dos.fl.gov/historical/archaeology/public-lands/research-permits/

The Contractor will follow all provisions of Florida Division of Historical Resources Module 3: Guidelines for Use by Historic Preservation Professionals (Module 3).

https://files.floridados.gov/media/711217/dhr-module-3.pdf Specifically, section 2.11.3 of Module 3.

https://files.floridados.gov/media/696954/dhr_report-compliance-requirements2016.pdf https://files.floridados.gov/media/696954/dhr_report-compliance-requirements2016.pdf https://dos.fl.gov/historical/archaeology/public-lands/research-permits/ https://files.floridados.gov/media/711217/dhr-module-3.pdf

The Contractor will conduct the Investigation using a Magnetometer, Sidescan Sonar, Subbottom Profiler, Depth Finder, and GPS in an integrated system in all Investigation areas.

Where differences of methodology arise between Module 3 and this document, this document is controlling.

The Investigation for the seagrass marker locations will be focused in Indian Key Channel, Wheel Ditch Channel, Plant Channel, Lignumvitae Key Channel, Race Channel, Shell Key Channel, Yellow Shark Channel and Teatable Key Channel encompassing approximately 225 acres. The Investigation for the coral protection zone boundary delineating spar buoys will be focused in Turtle Rocks, Basin Hill Shoals, Higdon’s Reef, Cannon Patch, Mosquito Banks, and Three Sisters coral patch reef areas. Contained within the Investigation area are locations for 405 existing and proposed signs, channel markers, and buoys. The purpose of the single marker and channel marker investigation is to identify any historical resources contained inside or adjacent to the channels. The findings of this Investigation will guide the Parks’ decisions on the placement of channel markers and regulatory signs.

• Single Markers– Conduct Investigation along three parallel survey lines, each 20 meters (m) long, spaced at 5 m intervals centered on the marker location. An additional survey line, 20 m long, shall be navigated perpendicularly to the three lines centered on the marker location. Water depth may limit the navigability of survey lines. The vessel shall not enter water less than 0.3 m below the vessel’s hull. (See Exhibit K: Survey Line Example)

• Channel Markers - To investigate marker locations along channel margins, three (3) survey lines shall be navigated such that the lines connect markers in sequence and result in data collection along the length of the channel. The center lines shall be centered on the marker locations. All three lines shall be spaced at 5 m intervals along the length of the channel. In addition, A single crossing survey line shall be navigated perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the other survey lines. The crossing line shall be at a minimum 20 m long centered at the marker location. Water depth may limit the navigability of survey lines. The survey vessel shall not enter water less than 0.3 m below the vessel’s hull. (See Exhibit K: Survey Line Example)

In addition, the Parks’ are seeking an Investigation focused around Indian Key. The purpose of Investigation is to delineate the boundary of the historical site at Indian Key. The requirements of this Investigation are listed below.

• Indian Key-focused Investigation encompassing approximately 74 acres- Area extends from the shoreline of Indian Key at low tide to at least 200 m from the shoreline. Parallel survey lines shall be spaced at 10 m intervals such that the farthest survey line is 200 m from the low tide line.

Lines shall be navigated from the deepest water to the shallowest water. Water depth will limit the navigability of survey lines. The Investigation vessel shall not enter water less than 0.3 m below the Investigation vessel’s hull. Survey lines shall be planned to maintain valid geographic positioning of towed sensor data and accurate data representation that may otherwise be compromised by survey lines that result in a sharply turning vessel. In addition, the Contractor shall navigate 20 survey lines spaced equidistantly from each other surrounding the island and perpendicular to the parallel survey lines.