RFP 25-001 Groundwater and Watershed Services.pdf

NWFWMD RFP No.25-001: Groundwater and Watershed Planning Continuing Services Page 1 of 29

NORTHWEST FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

Request for Proposals ("RFP") No.25-001 Continuing Services for (1) Groundwater Flow and Transport Modeling,

(2) Hydrogeological Data Collection and Evaluation, and/or (3) Watershed Planning, Assessment and Program Administration

The Northwest Florida Water Management District, 81 Water Management Drive, Havana, Florida 32333, is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) from qualified firms to provide contractual services in one or more of the following categories to support agency programs and projects during the next several years: (1) groundwater flow and transport modeling, (2) hydrogeological data collection and evaluation, and/or (3) watershed planning, assessment, and program administration.

The deadline for submission of sealed Proposals is 2:00 P.M. ET, October 28, 2024. The opening of the Proposals is open to the public and will be at District headquarters. Provisions will be made to accommodate those with a disability provided the District is given at least 72 hours advance notice. All Proposals must conform to the instructions in this RFP and comply with applicable Florida Statutes. Interested parties may obtain a copy of the complete RFP package from the District’s website at: (http://www.nwfwater.com), from the DemandStar website at:

(https://www.demandstar.com/app/login), or from the State of Florida’s Vendor Information Portal website at: (https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/).

http://www.nwfwater.com/ https://www.demandstar.com/app/login https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

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Table of Contents Part 1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Definitions

1.2 Introduction and Purpose

1.3 Scope of Work

1.4 Issuing Office, Date, and Location of Opening

1.5 Schedule

1.6 Delays

1.7 Submission and Withdrawal

1.8 Inquiries

1.9 Addenda

1.10 Equal Opportunity

1.11 Americans With Disabilities Act

1.12 Social, Political, and Ideological Interests

1.13 Insurance

1.14 Public Crimes/Discriminatory/Antitrust Violator Vendors

1.15 Inspectors General Cooperation

1.16 Prohibited Contact

1.17 Protest of RFP Provisions

1.18 Challenge of District’s Intent to Award Contract

1.19 Development Costs

1.20 Publicity

1.21 Waiver of Minor Irregularities

1.22 Use by Other Florida Government Entities

PART 2. RESPONDENT PROPOSALS

2.1 Proposal Requirements

2.2 District Forms and Rules

2.3 Conflict of Interest

2.4 Respondent Checklist

PART 3. EVALUATION AND CONTRACTING

3.1 Evaluation Criteria

3.2 Contract Awards

3.3 Contract Operations

PART 4. SUBMITTAL FORM

EXHIBIT A – AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACTUAL SERVICES

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PART 1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Definitions

For the purpose of this RFP, "respondent" means contractor, vendors, consultants, organizations, firms or other persons submitting a Proposal in response to this RFP.

1.2 Introduction and Purpose

The Northwest Florida Water Management District (District), 81 Water Management Drive, Havana, Florida 32333, is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) from qualified firms to provide continuing services in one or more of the following categories: (1) groundwater flow and transport modeling, (2) hydrogeological data collection and evaluation, and/or (3) watershed planning, assessment, and program administration.

The Selection Committees, composed of District staff, will evaluate and rank the respondents. It is the intent of the District to contract with one or more firms in each category to accomplish Work described in the scope of work for each category, as evaluated based on the specified criteria. The District shall select in order of preference one or more firms deemed to be the most highly qualified to perform the required services. The initial contract shall be for a period of up to five (5) years (the “Term”), with an option for a renewal of up to five (5) years (the “Renewal Term”) at the District’s discretion. A contract awarded pursuant to this RFP does not obligate the District to assign any work to a respondent nor does it obligate the District to pay a respondent the rates reflected in the respondent’s Schedule of Costs. The District retains the right to negotiate a lower Schedule of Costs after contract award if it is in the best interest of the District to do so.

1.3 Scope of Work

The District needs contracted services in the following areas of expertise to support agency programs and projects during the next five years: (1) groundwater flow and transport modeling,

(2) hydrogeologic data collection and evaluation, and (3) watershed planning, assessment, and program administration. Because future needs will vary among projects and are not fully known at this time, the development of specific scope(s) of work is not practicable. However, the general support tasks needed are described below as:

Groundwater Flow and Transport Modeling Work assigned through Task Orders may include, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) conceptualization of groundwater flow systems; (2) development and analysis of water budgets; (3) development, calibration, and application of groundwater flow and transport models including dual porosity, density-dependent, conduit flow, and unsaturated flow; (4) development and calibration of integrated groundwater-surface water models; (5) sensitivity and uncertainty analyses; (6) development of pre-/post-processing computer programs/scripts/processes to facilitate the development and calibration of groundwater models; (7) model application including, but not limited to, water supply planning, minimum flows and minimum water levels and recovery/prevention strategies, sea level rise and resiliency, groundwater quality investigations, groundwater withdrawal impact evaluations, and groundwater-surface water interactions;

(8) facilitation and participation in scientific peer review of groundwater flow and transport models; and (9) expert witness testimony regarding groundwater flow and transport modeling.

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Hydrogeologic Data Collection and Evaluation Work assigned through Task Orders may include, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) development of groundwater monitoring plans; (2) development of well construction and testing specifications; (3) well construction oversight; (4) planning, implementation, and analysis of aquifer performance tests; (5) hydrogeologic field investigations and data interpretation;

(6) hydrostratigraphic and geologic data interpretation and mapping; (7) borehole and surface geophysical surveys and data interpretation; (8) groundwater quality investigations including the collection of water quality samples; (9) evaluation of groundwater-surface water interactions;

(10) springs investigations including, but not limited to, dye trace studies, analyses of flow paths, and delineation of contribution areas; (11) planning and evaluation of water supply and water resource development projects including aquifer storage and recovery and managed aquifer recharge; (12) monitoring and assessment of sea level rise, compound flooding, and changes in rainfall on groundwater resources; (13) facilitation and participation in scientific peer review of hydrogeologic investigations and data collection; and (14) expert witness testimony related to hydrogeologic investigations.

Watershed Planning, Assessment, and Program Administration Work assigned through Task Orders may include, but is not limited to, the following:

(1) development or update of Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) plans or other watershed plans; (2) assisting the District with the design, development, administration, and management of watershed grant programs, projects, and interagency partnership initiatives;

(3) development of sub-watershed plans focused on addressing water resource issues within a specific sub-basin; (4) conceptualization, planning level design, feasibility analysis, and planning level cost estimation for local and regional projects that improve water quality and natural systems, enhance other aquatic or wetland habitat, reduce flooding, improve resiliency of water resources, or provide multiple watershed benefits; (5) assessments of changes in watershed conditions, including analysis of GIS-based and satellite-based landcover data, LiDAR data, and climate data;

(6) compilation and analysis of watershed data (to include water quality, aquatic and wetland habitat, land use and land cover, impact data, remotely sensed imagery, and other watershed and water resource data), as well as online and other public presentation and interpretation of such data; and (7) assisting the District with interagency coordination and meeting facilitation.

1.4 Issuing Office, Date, and Location of Opening

Northwest Florida Water Management District Attn: Agency Clerk 81 Water Management Drive Havana, FL 32333-4712

THE DISTRICT MUST RECEIVE ALL PROPOSALS BY

2:00 P.M. ET (EASTERN TIME), OCTOBER 28, 2024, THE DAY OF THE PUBLIC

OPENING.

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1.5 Schedule

Respondents shall adhere to the following schedule in all actions concerning this RFP.

Date/Time Action October 3, 2024 District issues Request for Proposals October 14, 2024; 5:00 PM Deadline for written inquiries October 28, 2024; 2:00 PM Deadline for submission of Proposals October 28, 2024; 2:00 PM* Opening of sealed Proposals December 12, 2024; 1:00 PM* Governing Board considers Selection

Committee’s recommendations

*Denotes a public meeting. All times denote Eastern Time (ET).

1.6 Delays

The District may delay scheduled due dates in the timetable above if it is to the advantage of the District to do so. The District will notify respondents of all changes in scheduled due dates by posting on the District’s website, DemandStar, and the State of Florida’s Vendor Information Portal website.

1.7 Submission and Withdrawal

Respondents must submit proposals electronically through DemandStar. All submissions will be accepted through DemandStar only.

1) Submittals are accepted through the District’s online bid system, DemandStar. Respondents must be registered with DemandStar in order to submit their responses on the DemandStar website. To register, please visit the DemandStar website at: www.demandstar.com/app/registration.

2) For instructions on how to complete a free registration with DemandStar, please consult the District’s DemandStar overview.

3) Instructions for submitting an online proposal are available on the District’s website at:

https://nwfwater.com/business-finance/district-procurement/.

Proposals not submitted through DemandStar do not constitute “delivery” and are not considered “received by” the District as required by this RFP. Submittal of proposals other than through DemandStar shall not be accepted. It is the respondent's responsibility to ensure his/her bid submission is delivered at the proper time. Proposals that are, for any reason, received after the established deadline will not be considered.

A respondent may withdraw a Proposal by notifying the District in writing at any time prior to the opening. Proposals, once opened, become the property of the District and will not be returned to the respondents.

Proposals received by the District in response to this RFP will become a public record (unless an exemption to Florida’s Public Records Law applies) when the District provides notice of its http://www.demandstar.com/app/registration https://nwfwater.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/DemandStar-overview.pdf https://nwfwater.com/business-finance/district-procurement/

NWFWMD RFP No.25-001: Groundwater and Watershed Planning Continuing Services Page 6 of 29 intended decision or 30 days after opening the Proposals, whichever is earlier. If the District rejects all Proposals and concurrently provides notice of its intent to reissue the RFP, the rejected Proposals remain exempt from Florida’s Public Records Law until such time as the District provides notice of an intended decision concerning the reissued RFP or until it withdraws the reissued RFP. A Proposal is not exempt for longer than 12 months after the initial notice rejecting all Proposals.

1.8 Inquiries

The Procurement Officer may orally explain the District’s procedures and assist respondents in referring to any applicable provision in the Request for Proposal documents. District staff are not authorized to orally interpret the meaning of the specifications or other contract documents, or correct any apparent ambiguity, inconsistency, or error therein. In order to be binding upon the District, the interpretation or correction must be in writing and given by the Procurement Officer.

All inquiries must be received in writing and emailed to the Procurement Officer, Toni Devencenzi at Toni.Devencenzi@nwfwater.com, no later than October 14, 2024, 5:00 P.M. ET. Inquiries shall reference the date of the RFP opening and RFP title and number. The District will provide answers to substantive questions in the form of a written addendum.

1.9 Addenda

If revisions become necessary, the District will post written addenda on the District’s website and on the State of Florida’s Vendor Information Portal website at least (10) calendar days before the opening of sealed Proposals. Respondents must satisfy themselves of the accuracy of their response in the Proposal by examination of the criteria and specifications, including addenda. After Proposals have been submitted, respondents shall not assert that there was a misunderstanding concerning the criteria and specifications, including addenda. Prospective respondents are responsible for determining whether addenda have been issued and are advised to check the websites or with the Procurement Officer prior to submitting their Proposal.

1.10 Equal Opportunity

The District recognizes fair and open competition as a basic tenet of public procurement.

Respondents doing business with the District are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, handicap, age, sex, or disability. It is the policy of the District to ensure that qualified respondents wishing to participate in the procurement process have the maximum opportunity to compete and perform on District contracts.

The District encourages participation by minority-, veteran-, and women-owned Certified Business Enterprises and requests that respondents submit evidence of such designation with their Proposal. For further information on designation as a certified business enterprise, visit www.dms.myflorida.com/agency_administration/office_of_supplier_diversity_osd/get_certified.

1.11 Americans With Disabilities Act

The District does not discriminate upon the basis of any individual’s disability status. This nondiscrimination policy involves every aspect of the District’s functions including one’s access to participation, employment, or treatment in its programs or activities. Anyone requiring mailto:Toni.Devencenzi@nwfwater.com http://www.dms.myflorida.com/agency_administration/office_of_supplier_diversity_osd/get_certified

NWFWMD RFP No.25-001: Groundwater and Watershed Planning Continuing Services Page 7 of 29 reasonable accommodation as provided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact Jack Furney, Division of Administrative Services, at (850) 539-5999.

1.12 Social, Political, and Ideological Interests

In accordance with s. 287.05701, F.S., the District shall not request documentation of or consider a respondent’s social, political, or ideological interests in determining if the respondent is a responsible vendor. The District shall not give preference to a respondent based on the respondent’s social, political, or ideological interests.

1.13 Insurance

The respondent, if awarded a contract, shall maintain adequate insurance in the amount and coverages reflected in the draft contract attached as Exhibit A. In the event the respondent is a self-insured organization, different insurance requirements may apply. Misrepresentation of any material fact, whether intentional or not, regarding the respondent's insurance coverage, policies or capabilities may be grounds for rejection of the Proposal and cancellation of any ensuing contract.

1.14 Public Crimes/Discriminatory/Antitrust Violator Vendors

In accordance with ss. 287.133, 287.134, and 287.137, F.S., a person or affiliate who has been placed on the convicted, discriminatory, or antitrust violator vendor lists 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 s. 287.017, F.S., for CATEGORY TWO, unless specified otherwise in these statutes. Questions regarding the lists may be directed to the Florida Department of Management Services, State Purchasing Division, at (850) 488-8440 or send email to purchasingcustomerservice@dms.fl.gov.

1.15 Inspectors General Cooperation

The respondent understands and shall comply with s. 20.055(5), F.S., which states: It is the duty of every state officer, employee, agency, special district, board, commission, contractor, and subcontractor to cooperate with the inspector general in any investigation, audit, inspection, review, or hearing pursuant to this section.

1.16 Prohibited Contact

Respondents to this solicitation or persons acting on their behalf shall not contact, between the release of the solicitation and the end of the 72-hour period following the District posting the notice of intended award, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays, any employee or officer of the District, 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 shall be grounds for rejecting a Proposal.

1.17 Protest of RFP Provisions

mailto:purchasingcustomerservice@dms.fl.gov

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If a potential respondent intends to protest any term, condition, or specification of this RFP, a notice of intent to protest shall be filed with the District in writing within 72 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays, after the posting of this RFP. The potential respondent shall file a formal written protest within ten (10) days after filing of notice of intent to protest.

Failure to file a notice of intent to protest or failure to file a formal written protest within the time prescribed in s. 120.57(3), F.S., shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Ch. 120, F.S., and of the right to contest a term, condition, or specification of the RFP in a protest of an intended award.

1.18 Challenge of District’s Intent to Award Contract

If a respondent intends to protest the District’s intent to award a contract(s), the notice of intent to protest shall be filed with the District in writing within 72 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays, after posting of a notice of intent to award a contract(s). The respondent shall file a formal written protest within ten (10) days after filing of notice of intent to protest. Any respondent who files a formal written protest pursuant to Chapter 28-110, Florida Administrative Code, and s. 120.57(3), F.S., shall post with the District at the time of filing the formal written protest a bond pursuant to s. 287.042(2)(c), F.S. Failure to file a notice of intent to protest or failure to file a formal written protest and bond within the time prescribed in Chapter 28-110, Florida Administrative Code, and ss. 120.57(3) and 287.042(2)(c), F.S., shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Ch. 120, F.S.

1.19 Development Costs

Neither the District nor its representatives shall be liable for any expenses incurred in connection with the preparation of a Proposal in response to this RFP. Respondents should prepare the Proposals simply and economically, to provide a straightforward and concise description of the respondent's ability to meet the requirements of the RFP.

1.20 Publicity

The respondent shall obtain prior approval of the District for all news releases or other publicity pertaining to this RFP or the service or any project to which it relates.

1.21 Waiver of Minor Irregularities

The District may waive minor irregularities in Proposals received where such is merely a matter of form and not substance. Minor irregularities are defined as any deviation from a mandatory requirement of the RFP that, if waived, will not have an adverse effect on the District's interest and will not give a respondent an advantage or benefit not enjoyed by the other respondents. The District is not required to waive a minor irregularity and has the sole discretion to determine whether a minor irregularity should be waived.

1.22 Use by Other Florida Government Entities

With the consent and agreement of the District and of the successful respondent(s), purchases may be made or services provided under this RFP by other governmental agencies or political subdivisions within the State of Florida pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Agreement if otherwise authorized by law. Such purchases or services will be governed by the same terms and conditions stated herein. These governmental entities include other water management districts, State of Florida agencies (including members of the state university system and state college

NWFWMD RFP No.25-001: Groundwater and Watershed Planning Continuing Services Page 9 of 29 system), counties, school boards, municipalities, special districts, and other local public agencies or authorities. This RFP and agreement in no way restricts or interferes with the right of any public entity to procure any or all these services independently. References to the Northwest Florida Water Management District in the Agreement will be replaced with the purchasing entity. The District will not be a party to any other governmental entity’s agreement to purchase pursuant to this RFP. Nor will the District be responsible for payment for any goods or services delivered or performed for any other governmental entity that utilizes a respondent pursuant to this paragraph.

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PART 2. RESPONDENT PROPOSALS

2.1 Proposal Requirements

Proposals submitted for RFP 25-001 to the Northwest Florida Water Management District are to, at a minimum, include the following information:

A. Respondent’s name and business address, and location of branch offices (if any). Firm name and business address of subcontractors (if any) who may be utilized to provide services to the District.

B. A description of the qualifications of the respondent and subcontractors (if any) in providing similar assignments, including brief project descriptions. A brief description of the respondent’s organization, size, range of activities, project team organizational chart, and any other appropriate information to describe the organization.

C. A description of the experience, expertise, and capabilities of the respondent, subcontractors (if any), and assigned staff. The Proposal should include descriptions of similar work and projects completed or ongoing.

D. A list of the key individuals available to perform work on assigned tasks, including subcontractors (if any), and a resumé for each listed individual detailing their qualifications, experience, and expertise in similar projects. This is to include the individual’s title and a description of his/her specific role(s) in the completion of the tasks.

E. The experience and expertise of the project manager and the project management approach.

F. A summary of the current and projected workload of the respondent and subcontractors (if any) as related to the capacity of the firm to complete projects between 2024 and 2029, and the delivery plan the respondent will use to ensure the District will receive all deliverables, including electronic data, in a timely manner.

G. Schedule of Costs for the Term and for the Renewal Term. Failure to provide a Schedule of Costs for the Term will be grounds for rejecting a Proposal as nonresponsive. Failure to provide a Schedule of Costs for the Renewal Term will result in the respondent being held to the Term rates for any Renewal Term. An example is provided in Attachment A of the draft agreement, which is included as Exhibit A. Direct costs for equipment rental or purchases and expenses may be included in specific Task Orders (see Section 3.3 Contract Operations), dependent on the scope of services, and where included will be billed without mark-up. No mark-up is allowed for labor, expenses, equipment, travel, or any other costs for subcontractors.

H. Three (3) separate client references including the client name, address, telephone number and contact, for whom the respondent has performed similar work in the past five years.

Client references cannot include employees or Governing Board members of the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

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I. Identification of known or potential conflict(s) of interest in performing the tasks requested herein. If there are no conflicts of interest, include a statement indicating that there are no conflicts of interest. See Section 2.3 Conflict of Interest below.

J. A summary of any pertinent litigation filed against the respondent and subcontractors (if any) during the last three years. If no litigation has been filed, include a statement indicating that no litigation has been filed.

2.2 District Forms and Rules

When included, all forms supplied by the Northwest Florida Water Management District shall be submitted with Proposals. All Proposals must comply with applicable Florida Statutes, laws, and rules.

2.3 Conflict of Interest

The award hereunder is subject to Ch. 112, F.S. All respondents shall disclose with their Proposal the name of any officer, director, board member, or agent who is also an employee of the State of Florida, or any of its agencies. Further, all respondents shall disclose the name of any state employee or any board member or employee of the District who owns directly or indirectly an interest of five percent (5%) or more in the respondent's firm, subsidiaries, or branches. If none, state none.

2.4 Respondent Checklist

Please review this checklist to ensure that you have properly followed the instructions. Many Proposals are rejected because the respondent simply failed to comply with the preparation and submission requirements.

Have you performed a final review of your Proposal to ensure you included all required documentation (see Section 2.1 A-J)? The omission of required items will result in rejection of the Proposal.

Have you signed and included the Submittal Form (see Part 4, page 16)? Omission of the signed Submittal Form will result in rejection of the Proposal.

Have you verified the submittal of your complete Proposal through DemandStar before the deadline? Proposals received after the date and time specified will not be considered.

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PART 3. EVALUATION AND CONTRACTING

Proposals will be evaluated by the District staff selection committee based upon the criteria listed under Section 3.1 Evaluation Criteria. Each committee member will complete a separate evaluation form for each Proposal. The scores of the selection committee members will be averaged and the respondents will be ranked based upon their average scores from highest to lowest. The Governing Board, in its sole discretion, will determine how many contracts to award and will award contracts based upon the ranking of the selection committee starting with the respondent(s) who received the highest average score.

3.1 Evaluation Criteria

Category 1: Groundwater Flow and Transport Modeling Criteria Maximum

Points

Expertise and experience of firm(s) and assigned personnel with the conceptualization of groundwater flow systems; the development and analysis of water budgets; the development, calibration, and application of groundwater flow and transport models including dual porosity, density-dependent, conduit flow, and unsaturated flow; the development and calibration of integrated groundwater-surface water models; and sensitivity and uncertainty analyses.

Expertise and experience of firm(s) and assigned personnel with the development of pre-/post-processing computer programs/scripts/processes to facilitate the development and calibration of groundwater models.

Expertise and experience of firm(s) and assigned personnel with model application including, but not limited to, water supply planning, minimum flows and minimum water levels and recovery/prevention strategies, sea level rise and resiliency, water quality investigations, groundwater withdrawal impact evaluations, and groundwater-surface water interactions.

Expertise and experience of firm(s) and assigned personnel with the facilitation and participation in scientific peer review of groundwater flow and transport models; and expert witness testimony regarding groundwater flow and transport modeling.

5 Price, as indicated by submitted hourly rate schedule. 20 6 The experience and expertise of the project manager. 15

Current and projected workload of the firm(s) and firm’s(s’) subcontractors, client references, and demonstrated ability to meet time and budget requirements.

TOTAL Points 100

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Category 2: Hydrogeologic Data Collection and Evaluation Criteria Maximum

Points

Firm(s)’ experience and expertise of assigned personnel with the development of groundwater monitoring plans; the development of well construction and testing specifications; well construction oversight; and the planning, implementation, and analysis of aquifer performance tests.

Firm(s)’ experience and expertise of assigned personnel with hydrogeologic field investigations and data interpretation; hydrostratigraphic and geologic data interpretation and mapping; borehole and surface geophysical surveys and data interpretation; groundwater quality investigations including the collection of water quality samples; and the evaluation of groundwater-surface water interactions.

Firm(s)’ experience and expertise of assigned personnel with springs investigations including, but not limited to, dye trace studies, analyses of flow paths and delineation of contribution areas; the planning and evaluation of water supply and water resource development projects including aquifer storage and recovery and managed aquifer recharge; and the monitoring and assessment of sea level rise, compound flooding, and changes in rainfall on groundwater resources.

Firm(s)’ experience and expertise of assigned personnel with the facilitation and participation in scientific peer review of hydrogeologic investigations and data collection; and expert witness testimony related to hydrogeologic investigations and data collection.

5 Expertise and experience of firm(s) and assigned personnel with hydrogeologic systems similar to those in northwest Florida. 10

6 Price, as indicated by submitted hourly rate schedule. 20 7 The experience and expertise of the project manager. 15

Current and projected workload of the firm(s) and firm’s(s’) subcontractors, client references, and demonstrated ability to meet time and budget requirements.

TOTAL Points 100

Category 3: Watershed Planning, Assessment, and Program Administration Criteria Maximum

Points

Expertise and experience of firm(s) and assigned personnel with the preparation of Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) or similar watershed plans.

Conceptualization, feasibility analysis, and planning level cost estimation for projects that improve water quality, enhance habitat, reduce flooding, improve resiliency of water resources, or provide multiple watershed benefits.

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Expertise and experience of firm(s) and assigned personnel with watershed program administration, grant administration, project management, interagency coordination, and meeting facilitation.

Expertise and experience of firm(s) and assigned personnel with the assessment of watershed conditions, including, but not limited to, compilation and evaluation of water quality, habitat, land use and land cover, stormwater, wastewater, and biological data; field assessments; evaluation of GIS data, LiDAR data, and satellite-based and other remote sensing data; and development and assessment of watershed metrics.

5 Price, as indicated by submitted hourly rate schedule. 15 6 The experience and expertise of the project manager. 15

Current and projected workload of the firm(s) and firm’s(s’) subcontractors, client references, and demonstrated ability to meet time and budget requirements.

TOTAL Points 100

3.2 Contract Awards

The District anticipates entering into contract(s) with respondents who submit the Proposals judged by the District to be most advantageous taking into consideration the evaluation criteria set forth in this RFP and the ranking of the selection committee.

The District may award contracts to more than one firm in each category. The initial contract shall be for a Term of five (5) years, with the option for a Renewal Term of up to five (5) years, at the District’s discretion.

The District reserves the right to reject any and all Proposals, to waive any minor irregularities, and to solicit and re-advertise for other Proposals. Mistakes clearly evident on the face of the Proposal documents, such as computation errors, may be corrected by the District.

The respondent understands that this RFP does not constitute an agreement or a contract with the District. An official contract or agreement is not binding until the contract or agreement is reviewed and accepted by appointed staff, approved by the appropriate level of authority within the District, and executed by both parties. A contract awarded pursuant to this RFP does not obligate the District to assign any work to a respondent.

All negotiated contracts will be subject to the approval of the Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board at a duly noticed Board meeting.

Notice of a contract award shall be posted on the District’s website (https://www.nwfwater.com/Business-Finance/District-Procurement) and on the State of Florida’s Vendor Information Portal website (https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/).

3.3 Contract Operations

The selected respondent(s) will enter into a contract with the District in the form set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto, which specifies the basis of compensation, invoicing, reporting, payment schedule requirements, financial consequences, and any other provisions required by the District.

https://www.nwfwater.com/Business-Finance/District-Procurement https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

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This solicitation does not provide any guarantees regarding the quantity or dollar amount of work that may be issued under this RFP. The successful award of a contract does not guarantee that any work will be given.

The contract will take precedence in the event of any conflict between language in the contract and this RFP.

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PART 4. SUBMITTAL FORM

The undersigned, as respondent, hereby declares and certifies that the only person(s) or entities interested in this Proposal as principal(s), or as persons or entities who are not principal(s) of the respondent but are substantially involved in performance of the work, is or are named herein, and that no person other than herein mentioned has any interest in this Proposal or in the agreement to be entered into; that this Proposal is made without connection with any other person, company, or parties submitting a Proposal; and that this Proposal is in all respects fair and in good faith without collusion or fraud.

Respondent represents to the District that, except as may be disclosed in an addendum hereto, no officer, employee, or agent of the District has any interest, either directly or indirectly, in the business of respondent to be conducted under the agreement, and that no such person shall have any such interest at any time during the term of the agreement, should it be awarded to respondent.

Respondent further declares that it has examined the agreement and informed itself fully regarding all conditions pertaining to this solicitation; it has examined the specifications for the work and any other agreement documents relative thereto; it has read all of the addenda furnished prior to the response opening; and has otherwise satisfied itself that it is fully informed relative to the work to be performed.

Respondent agrees that if its Proposal is accepted and an agreement negotiated with the District, respondent shall contract with the District in the form of the attached agreement and shall furnish everything necessary to complete the work in accordance with the time for completion specified in the agreement and shall furnish the required evidence of the specified insurance.

Authorized Signature Position or Title

Typed Name of Above Signature Agency or Company

Unsigned Proposals shall be rejected by the Agency Clerk of the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

Agency Clerk

Northwest Florida Water Management District

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EXHIBIT A – AGREEMENT FOR CONTRACTUAL SERVICES

Agreement for Continuing Services Between

Northwest Florida Water Management District And

[Contractor] (NWFWMD Contract Number 25-001)

This agreement (the “Agreement”) is by and between the Northwest Florida Water Management District (hereinafter, the District) and [Contractor Legal Name] (hereinafter, the Contractor). The District and the Contractor hereby agree as follows:

SECTION 1 – SCOPE OF SERVICES

A. The Contractor shall perform and render all services and deliverables hereunder (the “Work”) as an independent contractor of the District and not as an agent, representative, or employee of the District.

Work shall be provided in accordance with the Contractor’s proposal submitted in response to RFP 25- 001 entitled “Continuing Services for Groundwater Flow and Transport Modeling, Hydrogeologic Data Collection and Evaluation, and/or Watershed Planning, Assessment, and Program Administration” for the category(ies) of (Hydrogeologic and Groundwater Modeling Services, Hydrogeologic Data Collection and Evaluation, or Watershed Planning, Assessment, and Program Administration) incorporated herein by reference, and Task Orders when issued to the Contractor, at the discretion of the District.

B. New Task Orders issued by the District will include a new Task Order number and a statement of the

Work to be performed. Within fourteen (14) days of receipt of any Task Order Request (TOR) issued by the District, the Contractor may be requested to submit a detailed Scope of Work (SOW), detailed fee proposal, and schedule to the District based on the project description specified by the District or its authorized representative as “the Scope of Work” for the TOR. All work by the Contractor associated with preparation of SOWs, detailed fee proposals and schedules shall be solely at the expense of the Contractor.

C. Within seven (7) days of delivery of a SOW, schedule, and detailed fee proposal for any TOR, the

Contractor shall be available to meet and discuss the project as requested with District representatives to negotiate the final SOW and fee for the Task Order. At the discretion of the District, negotiations concerning a SOW and fees may be conducted by teleconference at a date and time specified by the District.

D. As part of this Agreement, the Contractor may be called upon to provide expert testimony by legal counsel representing the State of Florida and/or the District. Such requests would also be through a Task Order negotiated at a fair price for goods and services.

SECTION 2 – RESPONSIBILITIES OF CONTRACTOR

A. The Contractor is responsible for the timely completion, professional quality, and technical accuracy of all Work provided to the District under the terms of this Agreement. The Contractor shall, without additional compensation, correct or revise any errors, omissions or other deficiencies caused by the Contractor and identified by the District in reports, drawings, and in conjunction with all other Work provided for under this Agreement.

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B. The District’s approval of field activities, reports, drawings, other services, and incidental Work or materials furnished hereunder shall not in any way relieve the Contractor of responsibility for the technical adequacy of its Work. For the purposes of this Agreement, technical adequacy shall refer to the performance of all Work in accordance with the Quality Assurance requirements set forth in the Contractor’s proposal (where applicable) and with said Work performed in accordance with the generally accepted standards and professional practices. The District’s review, approval, acceptance, or payment for any of the Work shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights under this Agreement or of any cause of action arising out of the performance of this Agreement.

C. The Contractor shall be, and shall remain, liable in accordance with applicable law for all damages to the District caused by the Contractor’s negligent performance of any of the Work furnished under this Agreement.

D. As provided under s. 216.347, F.S., expenditure of District funds for purposes of lobbying, including of the Legislature, judicial branch, or any state agency, is prohibited.

E. The Contractor’s obligations under this Section are in addition to the Contractor’s other expressed or implied assurances under this Agreement or state law and in no way diminish any other rights that the District may have against the Contractor for deficiencies in Work.

F. The Contractor shall indemnify and hold harmless the District, and its officers and employees, from liabilities, damages, losses, and costs, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees, to the extent caused by the negligence, recklessness, or intentionally wrongful conduct of the Contractor and other persons employed or utilized by the Contractor in the performance of this Agreement.

G. The Contractor represents that it has not employed or retained any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working solely for the Contractor, to solicit or secure this Agreement and that the Contractor has not paid or agreed to pay any person, company, corporation, individual, or firm, other than a bona fide employee working solely for the Contractor, any fee, commission, percentage, gift, or other consideration contingent upon or resulting from the award or making of this Agreement.

H. The Contractor certifies that it and any of its affiliates are not on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott

Israel List or engaged in a boycott of Israel. Pursuant to s. 287.135, F.S., the District may immediately terminate this Agreement at its sole option if the Contractor is found to have submitted a false certification; or if the Contractor is placed on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List or is engaged in the boycott of Israel during the term of the Agreement. If this Agreement is for one million or more dollars, the Contractor certifies that it is also not on the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List, Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Energy Sector List or engaged with business operations in Cuba or Syria as identified in s. 287.135, F.S. Pursuant to s.

287.135, F.S., the District may immediately terminate this Agreement at its sole option if the Contractor is found to have submitted a false certification; or if the Contractor is placed on the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List, or Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Energy Sector List, or engaged with business operations in Cuba or Syria during the Term or Renewal Term, as defined herein. As provided in s. 287.135(8), F.S., if federal law ceases to authorize these contracting prohibitions then they shall become inoperative.

I. The Contractor covenants that it presently has no conflict of interest and shall not acquire any interest which would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance under this Agreement.

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SECTION 3 – TRUTH-IN-NEGOTIATIONS

The Contractor certifies that wage rates and other factual unit costs supporting the compensation are accurate, complete, and current at the time of contracting. The original contract price and any additions thereto will be adjusted to exclude any significant sums by which the District determines the contract price was increased due to inaccurate, incomplete, or non-current wage rates and other factual unit costs. All such contract adjustments must be made within one year following the end of this Agreement.

SECTION 4 – COMPENSATION

A. Maximum compensation under this contract shall be determined by the collective Task Orders issued under the terms of and during the Term or Renewal Term, as defined herein, and shall not exceed the availability of funds and current budget authorizations as approved by the District’s Governing Board.

Each Task Order shall stand apart from all other Task Orders and shall not extend a SOW or funding to or from another Task Order.

B. The Contractor shall submit invoices no more frequently than monthly per the requirements of each

Task Order. Each invoice submitted must be in detail sufficient for pre-audit and post-audit review. A final invoice must be submitted within thirty (30) days after the expiration date of the Task Order to assure the availability of funding for final payment.

C. Unless otherwise specified within a Task Order, the compensation amount will be determined on the basis of the hourly rates as set forth in Attachment A, Schedule of Costs, attached hereto and made a part hereof, or on the basis of a negotiated fixed fee. Compensation for all Task Orders and, if required, subtasks of each Task Order, will be pre-approved by the District and subject to negotiations as outlined in Section 1. Any subcontractor fees and other direct expenses required for completion of a Task Order will be billed at actual cost without mark-up and must be identified and pre-approved by the District in the Task Order. All travel shall be in accordance with s.112.061, F.S., and District policy which requires pre-approval by the District. In such instance, travel expenses must be submitted on District travel forms.

D. An original invoice, including appropriate backup documentation, shall be submitted to both the

District Project Manager, at the contact information included in Section 6.B., and the District’s Accounting Department at: AccountsPayable@nwfwater.com.

SECTION 5 – TIME OF PERFORMANCE

A. This Agreement is effective on the last date of execution by a party (the “Effective Date”) and shall remain in effect for five (5) years (60 months) from the Effective Date (the “Term”). The District’s performance and obligation to pay under this Agreement is contingent upon annual appropriation by the Florida Legislature and/or approval of the District’s annual budget.

B. By formal amendment in writing and agreed upon by both parties, the District may renew this

Agreement for a time period not to exceed five (5) years (the “Renewal Term”), subject to availability of appropriated funds in each fiscal year of the District.

C. Individual completion dates for Work to be performed shall be included in each Task Order and shall be completed within the Term or Renewal Term, if applicable.

mailto:AccountsPayable@nwfwater.com

NWFWMD RFP No.25-001: Groundwater and Watershed Planning Continuing Services Page 20 of 29

SECTION 6 – APPROVALS AND NOTICES

A. All notices and written communication between the parties shall be sent by electronic mail, U.S. Mail, a courier delivery service, or delivered in person addressed to the individuals listed in 6.B. If sent by electronic mail, notices shall be considered delivered at 5:00 PM on the day sent, or 9:00 AM the following day if sent after 5:00 PM. If sent via other means authorized by this paragraph, notices shall be considered delivered when reflected by a courier service delivery receipt, other mail service delivery receipt, or when receipt is acknowledged by recipient.

B. The District Project Manager for this Agreement is identified below:

[Project Manager Name], or successor Northwest Florida Water Management District 81 Water Management Drive Havana, FL 32333-4712 Telephone No.: (850) 539-9999 E-mail Address:

The Contractor Project Manager for this Agreement is identified below:

[Contractor’s Project Manager’s Name], or successor [Company Name] [Office or Program Name, if applicable] [Mailing Address] [City, State and Zip] Telephone No.: (XXX) XXX-XXXX E-mail Address:

C. No amendment to this Agreement shall be effective unless agreed in writing and executed by…