RFP 3000026720.FINAL General Real Estate Oyster Lease Appraisal.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

for

GENERAL REAL ESTATE AND

OYSTER LEASE APPRAISAL SERVICES

RFP #: 3000026720

Proposal Due Date/Time: October 23, 2026 @ 3 PM CST

State of Louisiana

COASTAL PROTECTION AND RESTORATION AUTHORITY

September 22, 2026

Table of Contents

PART 1: ADMINISTRATIVE AND GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Purpose

1.2 Background

1.3 Goals and Objectives

1.4 Term of Contract

1.5 Definitions

1.6 Schedule of Events

1.7 Proposal Submittal

1.8 Qualification for Proposer

1.8.1 Mandatory Qualifications:

1.8.2 Desirable Qualifications:

1.9 Volume I – Technical and Cost Proposal

1.9.1 Cover Letter

1.9.2 Table of Contents

1.9.3 Executive Summary

1.9.4 Company Background and Experience

1.9.5 Approach and Methodology

1.9.6 Proposed Staff Qualifications

1.9.7 Veteran and Hudson Initiative Programs Participation

1.9.8 Cost Proposal

1.9.9 Certification Statement

1.9.10 Outsourcing of Key Internal Controls

1.9.11 Subcontractors

1.9.12 Insurance

1.10 Volume II – Financial Information

1.11 Number of Copies of Proposals

1.12 Technical, Cost Proposals, and Financial Information

1.13 Legibility/Clarity

1.14 Confidential Information, Trade Secrets, and Proprietary Information

1.15 Proposal Clarifications Prior to Submittal

1.15.1 Pre-proposal Conference

1.15.2 Proposer Inquiries

1.15.3 Blackout Period

1.16 Error and Omissions in Proposal

1.17 Changes and Addenda

1.18 Withdrawal of Proposal

1.19 Waiver of Administrative Informalities

1.20 Proposal Rejection/RFP Cancellation

1.21 Ownership of Proposal

1.22 Cost of Offer Preparation

1.23 Taxes

1.24 Determination of Responsibility

1.25 Use of Subcontractors

1.26 Written or Oral Calrrification/Presentations

1.27 Acceptance of Proposal Content

1.28 Evaluation and Selection

1.29 Best and Final Offers (BAFO)

1.30 Contract Negotiations and Evaluations

1.31 Notice of Award

1.32 Right to Prohibit Award…………………………………………………………………

1.33 Insurance Requirements for Contractors

1.33.1 Contractor's Insurance

1.33.2 Minimum Scope and Limits of Insurance

1.34 Liability and Indemnification……………………………………………………………….… 27

1.34.1 Contractor Liability………………………………………………………………………..27

1.34.2 Force Majeure……………………………………………………………………………..27

1.34.3 Indemnification……………………………………………………………………………27

1.34.4 Intellectual Property Indemnification……………………………………………………..27

1.34.5 Limitations of Liability……………………………………………………………………28

1.34.6 Other Remedies……………………………………………………………………………28

1.35 Duty to Defend…………………………………………………………………………………28

1.36 Payment

1.37 Electronic Vendor Payment Solutions

1.38 Termination

1.38.1 Termination of the Contract for Cause

1.38.2 Termination of the Contract for Convenience

1.38.3 Termination for Non-Appropriation of Funds

1.39 Assignment

1.40 Right to Audit

1.41 Civil Rights Compliance

1.42 Record Ownership

1.43 Entire Agreement/ Order of Precedence

1.44 Contract Modifications

1.45 Substitution of Personnel

1.46 Governing Law

1.47 Claims or Controversies

1.48 Code of Ethics

1.49 Corporate Requirements

1.50 Prohibition of Discriminatory Boycotts of Israel

1.51 Prohibition of Companies that Discriminate Against Firearms and Ammunition Industries….33

1.52 Security………………………………………………………………………………….......….33

1.53 Cybersecurity Training…………………………………………………………………………34

PART 2: SCOPE OF WORK/SERVICES

PART 3: EVALUATION

3.1 Cost Evaluation

3.2 Veteran-Owned and Service-Connected Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Entrepreneurships

(Veteran Initiative) and Louisiana Initiative for Small Entrepreneurships (Hudson Initiative) Programs

Participation

PART 4: PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

4.1 Performance Requirements

4.2 Performance Measurement/Evaluation/Monitoring Plan

4.3 Veteran and Hudson Initiative Programs Reporting Requirements

ATTACHMENT I: CERTIFICATION STATEMENT

ATTACHMENT II: REQUIRED RATE SCHEDULE

ATTACHMENT III: SAMPLE CONTRACT

ATTACHMENT IV: ELECTRONIC VENDOR PAYMENT SOLUTION

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

FOR

GENERAL REAL ESTATE AND OYSTER LEASE APPRAISAL SERVICES

PART 1: ADMINISTRATIVE AND GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Purpose

The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to obtain competitive Proposals from qualified Proposers who have Certified Appraisers and are interested in providing appraisals of privately owned real property and oyster leases throughout the coastal parishes of Louisiana.

1.2 Background

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana (CPRA) requires professional

Certified Appraisers to supplement its staff’s capabilities relative to the coastal protection and restoration program. CPRA is seeking the services of Certified Appraiser(s) (Contractor(s)) to perform appraisals of privately owned real property and oyster leases throughout the coastal parishes of Louisiana. The Contractor(s) shall perform appraisal services on an as-needed, task order basis. The CPRA Contract Monitor will coordinate all efforts throughout the contract period, including task scopes and negotiations, and will assign tasks to the Contractor(s) as needed.

1.3 Goals and Objectives

This assignment involves the appraisal of lands and improvements, and/or of oyster leases and improvements, to be acquired in accordance with La. R.S. 56:432.1, the Oyster Lease

Acquisition and Compensation Program (OLACP) where coastal restoration projects approved for construction pursuant to the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act, PL

101-646 (CWPPRA) and other integrated coastal protection, conservation and restoration projects directly impact privately owned lands in such a way that compensation is required. All appraisals shall be reported as self-contained appraisal reports in narrative form and must conform to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and guidelines contained in La. R.S. 56:432.1.

1.4 Term of Contract

The term of any contract(s) resulting from this RFP shall begin on or about January 1, 2027 and is anticipated to end on December 31, 2029. The State shall have the right to contract for up to thirty-six (36) months with the concurrence of the Contractor and all appropriate approvals.

1.5 Definitions

Agency Any department, commission, council, board, office, bureau, committee, institution, agency, government, corporation, or other establishment of the executive branch of this State authorized to participate in any contract resulting from this solicitation.

Award The issuance of a “Notice of Award” to all Proposers.

Contractor Any person having a contract with a governmental body; the selected Proposer.

CWPPRA Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Program

CPRA Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority

Discussions For the purposes of this RFP, a formal, structured means of conducting written or oral communications/presentations with responsible Proposers who submit Proposals in response to this

RFP.

DOA Division of Administration

May and Can The terms “may” and “can” denote an advisory or permissible action.

OLACP Oyster Lease Acquisition and Compensation Program

OSP Office of State Procurement

Proposal Review

Committee

A committee who will review and score Proposals.

Proposer A firm or individual who responds to this RFP.

RFP Request for Proposal

Shall, Will and Must The terms “shall”, “will”, and “must” denote mandatory requirements.

Should The term “should” denotes a desirable action.

State The term “State” shall mean the State of Louisiana and its departments, agencies (including the Using Agency), boards, and commissions as well as their officers, agents, servants, employees, and volunteers.

SOS Scope of Services

USPAP Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice

Using Agency The term “Using Agency” shall mean the governmental body of the

State (including any authorized users) which is procuring any supplies, services, or major repairs, or any professional, personal, consulting, or social services under this Contract pursuant to the

Louisiana Procurement Code, La. R.S. 39:1551-1755.

1.6 Schedule of Events

The State of Louisiana reserves the right to revise this schedule. Revisions, if any, before the

Proposal Submission Deadline, will be formalized by the issuance of an addendum to the RFP.

Event Date

RFP advertised in newspapers and posted to LaPac

September 22, 2026

Pre-proposal conference (if applicable) September 29, 2026 @ 11 AM

CST

Deadline for receipt of written inquiries October 5, 2026 @ 3:00PM

Deadline to answer written inquiries October 14, 2026

Deadline for receipt of proposals October 23, 2026 @ 3:00PM

Contract Negotiations on or about November 16, 2026

Notice of Award announcement, and 14-day protest period begins, on or about

December 7, 2026

Contract execution, on or about January 1, 2027

1.7 Proposal Submittal

Firms or individuals who are interested in providing services requested in this RFP must submit a Proposal containing the mandatory information specified throughout the RFP. CPRA encourages Proposer to read through the RFP thoroughly to ensure that all requirements are met, such as, but not limited to the Attachment II: Required Rate Schedule, Certification Form, Financial Information, number of copies to be submitted, Hudson and Veteran, etc. The Proposal must be received in hard copy (printed) version by the RFP Coordinator on or before the date and time specified in the Schedule of Events or as adjusted by Addenda. FAX or e-mail submissions will not be accepted. Proposers mailing or delivering their Proposals should allow sufficient mail delivery time to ensure receipt of their Proposal by the time specified in the

Schedule of Events or as adjusted by Addenda.

The Proposal package must be delivered at the Proposer's expense to:

Gloria Tigner, RFP Coordinator

Coastal Protection & Restoration Authority

150 Terrace Avenue

Baton Rouge, LA 70802

225-342-5023

The responsibility solely lies with each Proposer to ensure their Proposal is delivered at the specified place and prior to the deadline for submission. Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered.

Proposers should be aware that this RFP may be different in regards to Scope, content, and requirements than any previously issued RFP.

Proposers should read the entirety of this RFP.

1.8 Qualification for Proposer

1.8.1 Mandatory Qualifications:

Proposers must meet the following qualifications prior to the deadline for receipt of

Proposals:

1. At least one (1) licensed and certified General Real Estate Appraiser with at least five (5) years experience (prior to the deadline for receipt of proposals) conducting real property appraisals in the State of Louisiana.

It shall be acceptable for one staff member to meet all the requirements.

Proposer should include a copy of the current certification(s) with the proposal.

Proof of licensure will be checked at http://www.reab.state.la.us/.

1.8.2 Desirable Qualifications:

It is desirable that Proposers should meet the following qualifications.

1. Has experience in the valuation of oyster leases for acquisition conforming to

La. R.S. 56:432.1, the Oyster Lease Acquisition and Compensation Program

(OLACP).

2. At least one (1) Oyster Lease Appraiser with at least five (5) years experience in the oyster fishing industry in the State of Louisiana.

3. At least one (1) employee with a college degree in biological science OR prior acceptance by a Louisiana federal or state court as an expert witness in the field of oyster biology or oyster ecology;

4. At least one (1) employee with experience in valuation of unique properties and unusual estates; experience in valuation of various land classes; expert knowledge in the field of real property appraisal;

http://www.reab.state.la.us/

1.9 Volume I – Technical and Cost Proposal

Proposals submitted for consideration should follow the format and order of presentation described below:

1.9.1 Cover Letter

A cover letter should be submitted on the Proposer's official business letterhead explaining the intent of the Proposer as well as their understanding of the Scope of

Services associated with this RFP.

1.9.2 Table of Contents

The Proposal should provide a Table of Contents and the Proposal should be organized in the order contained below.

1.9.3 Executive Summary

This section serves to introduce the scope of the Proposal. The Proposer should provide an Executive Summary with administrative information, including the Proposer’s

Official Contact Name/Authorized Representative and the Contract Manager’s name, phone number, mailing address, email address and the stipulation that the

Proposal is valid for a time period of at least one hundred twenty (120) calendar days from the date of submission. This section should also include a summary of the

Proposer's qualifications and ability to meet the State’s overall requirements in the timeframes set by the Agency.

The Executive Summary should include a positive statement of compliance with the contract terms, as provided in the Sample Contract, Attachment III. If the Proposer cannot comply with any of the contract terms, an explanation of each exception should be supplied. The Proposer should address the specific language in the Sample Contract, Attachment III and submit whatever exceptions or exact contract modifications that its firm may seek. While final wording will be resolved during contract negotiations, the intent of the provisions will not be substantially altered; nor is CPRA obligated to incorporate suggested contract revisions.

1.9.4 Company Background and Experience

The Proposer should respond to the following:

The Proposer should give a brief description of their company, including brief history, corporate or organization structure, and number of years in business.

The Proposer should provide a detailed discussion of their prior experience in working on projects or tasks similar in scope and function to the proposed Scope of

Services as described herein.

The Proposer should describe their experience in other states or in corporate and governmental entities of comparable size and diversity.

For each project or client cited, the Proposer should provide a client reference including name, title, company name, address, and telephone number.

Proposers should clearly describe their ability to meet or exceed the qualifications described in Section 1.8, Qualifications for Proposer.

CPRA reserves the right to pursue additional contacts for reference information regarding the projects and clients the Proposer cites.

1.9.5 Approach and Methodology

Proposals should include enough information to satisfy evaluators that the Proposer has the appropriate experience, knowledge and qualifications to perform the Scope of

Services as described herein. Proposers should respond to all requested areas.

Provide an understanding of the nature of the Scope of Services (Part 2) and how the

Proposer will best meet the needs of the State agency.

If Proposer has current OLACP experience, describe a functional approach to the

Scope of Services (Part 2) and responding to task requests to meet agency requirements.

If Proposer does not currently have OLACP experience, then the Proposer should describe their intention, ability, and the method to obtain experience during the term of the contract. Demonstrate expertise in the field of real property appraisals and how

Proposer’s experience would be applied to fulfill the services requested in Scope of

Services.

Demonstrate the ability to perform concurrent task orders while maintaining a high quality work product.

Demonstrate capacity to fulfill the services described in the Scope of Services (Part 2) and provide examples of relevant experience in each of the categories

Describe the approach to Project Management and Quality Assurance.

Provide a sample proposed Project Work Plan including timetables and staffing, that reflects the approach and methodology described and anticipated deliverables.

1.9.6 Proposed Staff Qualifications

The Proposer should provide detailed information about the relevant experience, qualifications, and prior performance of the Proposer's assigned personnel considered key to the successful completion of the items outlined in the Scope of

Services.

Proposer should submit a resume for each of the assigned personnel, and the resume should include education, training, technical experience, functional experience, specific dates and names of employers, relevant and related experience, past and present projects with dates and responsibilities, and any applicable certifications.

The Proposer should also specifically include the role and responsibilities of each person who may perform work outlined in the Scope of Services (Part 2), their planned level of effort, and their anticipated duration of involvement.

Proposers should clearly describe their ability to meet or exceed the qualifications described in Section 1.8-Qualification for Proposer and Part 2 Scope of Services.

1.9.7 Veteran and Hudson Initiative Programs Participation

The State of Louisiana Veteran and Hudson Initiatives are designed to provide additional opportunities for Louisiana-based small entrepreneurships (sometimes referred to as

LaVet’s and SE’s respectively) to participate in contracting and procurement with the

State. A certified Veteran-Owned and Service-Connected Disabled Veteran-Owned small entrepreneurship (LaVet) and a Louisiana Initiative for Small Entrepreneurships (Hudson

Initiative) small entrepreneurship are businesses that have been certified by the Louisiana

Department of Economic Development. All eligible vendors are encouraged to become certified. Qualification requirements and online certification are available at:

https://smallbiz.louisianaeconomicdevelopment.com

If a Proposer is not a certified small entrepreneurship as described herein but plans to use certified small entrepreneurship(s), Proposer shall include in their proposal the names of their certified Veteran Initiative or Hudson Initiative small entrepreneurship subcontractor(s), a description of the work each will perform, and the dollar value of each subcontract.

During the term of the contract and at expiration, the Contractor will also be required to report Veteran-Owned and Service-Connected Disabled Veteran-Owned and Hudson

Initiative small entrepreneurship subcontractor or distributor participation and the dollar amount of each.

https://smallbiz.louisianaeconomicdevelopment.com/

In RFP’s requiring the compliance of a good faith subcontracting plan, the State may require Proposers to submit information on their business relationships and arrangements with certified LaVet or Hudson Initiative subcontractors at the time of proposal review.

Agreements between a Proposer and a certified LaVet or Hudson Initiative subcontractor in which the certified LaVet or Hudson Initiative subcontractor promises not to provide subcontracting quotations to other Proposers shall be prohibited.

If performing its evaluation of proposals, the State reserves the right to require a non-certified Proposer to provide documentation and information supporting a good faith subcontracting plan. Such proof may include contracts between Proposer and certified

Veteran Initiative and/or Hudson Initiative subcontractor(s).

If a contract is awarded to a Proposer who proposed a good faith subcontracting plan, the using Agency, the Louisiana Department of Economic Development (LED), or the Office of State Procurement (OSP) may audit Contractor to determine whether Contractor has complied in good faith with its subcontracting plan. The Contractor must be able to provide supporting documentation (i.e., phone logs, fax transmittals, letter, e-mails) to demonstrate its good faith subcontracting plan was followed. If it is determined at any time by the Using Agency, LED, or the OSP Director that the Contractor did not in fact perform in good faith its subcontracting plan, the contract award or the existing contract may be terminated.

The statutes (La. R.S. 39:2171 et. seq.) concerning the Veteran Initiative may be viewed at:

http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=671504.

The statutes (La. R.S. 39:2001 et. seq.) concerning the Hudson Initiative may be viewed at:

http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=96265.

The rules for the Veteran Initiative (LAC 19:IX. Chapters 11 and 13) and for the Hudson

Initiative (LAC 19:VIII Chapters 11 and 13) may be viewed at:

http://www.doa.la.gov/pages/osp/se/secv.aspx.

A current list of certified Veteran-Owned and Service-Connected Disabled Veteran-

Owned and Hudson Initiative small entrepreneurships may be obtained from the

Louisiana Economic Development Certification System at:

https://smallbiz.louisianaeconomicdevelopment.com http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=671504 http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=96265 http://www.doa.la.gov/pages/osp/se/secv.aspx https://smallbiz.louisianaeconomicdevelopment.com/

Additionally, a list of Hudson and Veteran Initiative small entrepreneurships, which have been certified by the Louisiana Department of Economic Development and who have opted to register in the State of Louisiana LaGov Supplier Portal:

https://lagoverpvendor.doa.louisiana.gov/irj/portal/anonymous?guest_user=self_reg.

This may be accessed from the State of Louisiana Procurement and Contract (LaPAC)

Network:

https://wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana.gov/OSP/LaPAC/vendor/VndPubMain.cfm.

When using this site, determine the search criteria (i.e. alphabetized list of all certified vendors, by commodities, etc.) and select SmallE, VSE, or DVSE.

1.9.8 Cost Proposal

The Proposer shall provide an hourly rate (numerical value) for each of the staff classifications as it is listed in the “Required Rate Schedule” in Attachment II of this

RFP. The Prime Contractor and subcontractors will adhere to the “Required Rate

Schedule” for the full term of the contract. Proposers shall submit only one “Required

Rate Schedule.” The Proposer’s rates shall be inclusive of all costs associated with labor, overhead, administrative costs, software, account management, and any other costs associated with the provision of services, including, but not limited to, standard equipment, computers, field sampling supplies, office supplies, copies and postage generated within Contractor’s office (excluding printing from a Third Party, Certified-

Return Receipt and large mailings when requested by CPRA) cameras, personal protective equipment, and materials, as well as be inclusive of all travel related expenses, including but not limited to, lodging, rental vehicle, mileage and per diem.

Proposers shall not provide additional personnel classifications beyond those listed in the

“Required Rate Schedule.”

Expenses such as third party charges, equipment rentals, material purchases, lab services, etc., will be negotiated for each task as appropriate to complete the assigned work. Such expenses will be reimbursed at cost, and only with sufficient documentation supporting the charges. Such approval must be granted in writing by the Contract Monitor or his designee prior to the Contractor incurring these costs.

Compensation to the Contractor for services rendered in connection with each Task Order shall be based on negotiated work-hours using the negotiated rate schedule described in

Section 1.30 for the actual work performed on the Task Order.

https://lagoverpvendor.doa.louisiana.gov/irj/portal/anonymous?guest_user=self_reg.

https://wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana.gov/OSP/LaPAC/vendor/VndPubMain.cfm

1.9.9 Certification Statement

The Proposer must sign and submit the original Certification Statement shown in

Attachment I.

1.9.10 Outsourcing of Key Internal Controls

Not applicable to this RFP.

1.9.11 Subcontractors

Persons who are not full-time employees of the Proposer shall be considered subcontractors. All subcontractors necessary to conduct the work should be identified as specified in Section 1.25: Use of Subcontractors, including the projected percentage of the Scope of Services to be accomplished by each subcontractor. For each subcontractor, the Proposer should include letters of agreement to undertake their portion of the proposed work.

For each Subcontractor listed, the Proposer should provide the Subcontractor’s contact name, phone number, mailing address, and email address.

For this RFP, a Proposer shall not submit as a proposed subcontractor any vendor or company that provides equipment rentals, material purchases, lab services, etc.

Such vendors or companies shall be treated as a third party expenditure during task order negotiations.

1.9.12 Insurance

The Proposal should include a certificate of insurance as proof that the Proposer has in effect limits of insurance required by Section 1.33 Insurance Requirements for

Contractors. If selected as a Contractor, the Proposer shall provide certificates of insurance as proof of coverage at the time of contract negotiation.

1.10 Volume II – Financial Information

Proposers shall include one separate Volume II containing Financial Information as described below.

Demonstration of Financial Capability is required for acceptance of a Proposal. Financial information is used for determination of responsibility (See Section 1.24), and not as evaluation criteria. In Volume II, Proposals shall include evidence demonstrating the Proposer’s financial capability to carry out the services required in this RFP. Evidence shall include either #1, #2 below:

1. Financial Statements (preferably audited or reviewed by an independent CPA) for the past three (3) full twelve-month periods. Financial Statements are to include, at a minimum, the balance sheet and income statement for each of the past three (3) full twelve-month periods, compiled in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting

Principals (GAAP) OR a copy of the most recent three (3) years of complete Federal

Income Tax Returns.

2. If the past three (3) full twelve-month periods of Financial Statements (to include at a minimum the balance sheet and income statement) OR the most recent three (3) years of complete Federal Income Tax Returns are not available, Proposer shall state the specific reason the Financial Statements OR Federal Income Tax Returns are not available and shall provide a letter from the Proposer’s bank and/or other financial companies stating financial status/standing with the bank or financial company, such letter must be on bank/financial company letterhead.

*Proposals that do not contain Financial Statements, Federal Income Tax Returns, or Proposer does not provide a specific reason for Financial Statements and Federal

Income Tax Returns being unavailable, will not be accepted and will result in disqualification of the Proposer.

*Letters from Proposers declaring their own financial capability will not be accepted and will result in disqualification of the Proposer.

*Proposals that do not include the specified financial information detailed above will not be accepted and will result in disqualification of the Proposer.

*Subcontractors are NOT required to submit financial information. The prime Contractor assumes all financial responsibility for work performed by its subcontractors.

1.11 Number of Copies of Proposals

The following shall be submitted to the RFP Coordinator at the address specified.

Volume I – Technical and Cost Proposal

One (1) original, clearly marked “Original”, that includes original signatures of company officials or agents duly authorized to sign Proposals or contracts on behalf of the organization. A certified copy of a board resolution granting such authority should be submitted if Proposer is a corporation.

Three (3) hard copies

One (1) electronic format (i.e., CD, Flash drive)

Volume II – Financial Information

One (1) hard copy - Proposers should not submit any electronic copies of

Volume II.

The Original Proposal with original signatures will be retained for incorporation in any contract resulting from this RFP.

Volume I Volume II

Hard copy 1 original, 3 copies 1 copy

Electronic copy 1 (CD or flash drive) Proposers should not submit any electronic copies of

Volume II.

1.12 Technical, Cost Proposals, and Financial Information

Proposers shall respond to this RFP with Volume I, Technical and Cost Proposal as well as

Volume II, Financial Information.

Proposers are encouraged to submit Proposals in a concise, orderly fashion that includes complete, appropriate comment, documentation, and submittals to address the RFP requirements.

1.13 Legibility/Clarity

Responses to the requirements of this RFP in the formats requested are desirable with all questions answered in as much detail as practicable. The Proposer’s response should demonstrate an understanding of the requirements. Proposals prepared simply and economically, providing a thorough but straightforward, concise description of the Proposer’s ability to meet the requirements of the RFP are also desired. Each Proposer shall be solely responsible for the accuracy and completeness of its Proposal.

1.14 Confidential Information, Trade Secrets, and Proprietary Information

All financial, statistical, personal, technical and other data and information relating to the State's operation which are designated confidential by the State and made available to the Contractor in order to carry out the contract, or which become available to the Contractor in carrying out the contract, shall be protected by the Contractor from unauthorized use and disclosure through the observance of the same or more effective procedural requirements as are applicable to the State.

The identification of all such confidential data and information as well as the State's procedural requirements for protection of such data and information from unauthorized use and disclosure shall be provided by the State in writing to the Contractor. If the methods and procedures employed by the Contractor for the protection of the Contractor's data and information are deemed by the State to be adequate for the protection of the State's confidential information, such methods and procedures may be used, with the written consent of the State, to carry out the intent of this paragraph. The Contractor shall not be required under the provisions of the paragraph to keep confidential any data or information which is or becomes publicly available, is already rightfully in the Contractor's possession, is independently developed by the Contractor outside the scope of the contract, or is rightfully obtained from third parties.

Under no circumstance shall the Contractor discuss and/or release information to the media concerning this project without prior express written approval of the CPRA.

Only information which is in the nature of legitimate trade secrets or non-published financial data shall be deemed proprietary or confidential. Any material within a proposal identified as such must be clearly marked in the Proposal and will be handled in accordance with the

Louisiana Public Records Act, R.S. 44: 1-44 and applicable rules and regulations. Any Proposal marked as confidential or proprietary in its entirety may be rejected without further consideration or recourse.

1.15 Proposal Clarifications Prior to Submittal

1.15.1 Pre-proposal Conference

A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on September 29, 2026, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

CST The Pre-Proposal Conference is not mandatory, but prospective Proposers and

Subcontractors are strongly encouraged to attend. The CPRA intends to present general information, which may be helpful in the preparation of responses and to offer firms the opportunity to ask questions concerning this RFP.

The Pre-Proposal Conference will be held via TEAMS.

Proposers and Subcontractors must register in advance at the link below.

https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/68b1d3ee-a457-4729-b510-b98d0e72727c@89b0b16b-

677c-4e6f-a254-61311d5b4a86?source=copyLinkLegacyShareLinkDialog

Although impromptu questions will be permitted and spontaneous answers will be provided during the conference, the only official answer or position of the State will be stated in writing in response to written questions. Questions submitted in the TEAMS chat are

NOT the official written question and must still be submitted in writing per Section

1.15.2. Therefore, potential Proposers should submit all questions in writing, per Section

1.15.2 even if an answer has already been given to a question presented in the TEAMS Pre-

Proposal Conference.

1.15.2 Proposer Inquiries

Written questions regarding this RFP or Scope of Services must be submitted to the RFP

Coordinator and single point of contact for this procurement listed below.

Gloria Tigner, RFP Coordinator

Coastal Protection & Restoration Authority

Email: CPRAcontracts@LA.GOV https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/68b1d3ee-a457-4729-b510-b98d0e72727c@89b0b16b-677c-4e6f-a254-61311d5b4a86?source=copyLinkLegacyShareLinkDialog https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/68b1d3ee-a457-4729-b510-b98d0e72727c@89b0b16b-677c-4e6f-a254-61311d5b4a86?source=copyLinkLegacyShareLinkDialog mailto:CPRAcontracts@LA.GOV

The State will consider written inquiries and requests for clarification of the content of this RFP received from potential Proposers. Written inquiries must be received by the date and time specified in the Schedule of Events. The State shall reserve the right to modify the RFP should a change be identified that is in the best interest of the State.

Official responses to all questions submitted by potential Proposers will be posted by the date specified in the Schedule of Events at:

https://wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana.gov/osp/lapac/pubMain.cfm and http://coastal.la.gov/resources/rfps-rsiqs-contracts/contracts-and-grants/

Only the RFP Coordinator or her designee has the authority to officially respond to a

Proposer’s questions on behalf of the State. Any communications from any other individuals shall not be binding to the State.

Note: LaPAC is the State’s online electronic bid posting and notification system resident on the Office of State Procurement website http://www.doa.la.gov/Pages/osp/Index.aspx.

In that LaPAC provides an immediate e-mail notification to subscribing

Bidders/Proposers that a solicitation and any subsequent addenda have been let and posted, notice and receipt thereof is considered formally given as of their respective dates of posting. To receive the e-mail notification, Vendors/Proposers must register in the

LaGov portal. Registration is intuitive at the following link:

https://lagoverpvendor.doa.louisiana.gov/irj/portal/anonymous?guest_user=self_reg.

Help scripts are available on OSP website under vendor center at:

http://www.doa.la.gov/Pages/osp/vendorcenter/regnhelp/index.aspx.

1.15.3 Blackout Period

The blackout period is a specified period of time during a competitive sealed procurement process in which any Proposer, bidder, or its agent or representative, is prohibited from communicating with any state employee or contractor of the State involved in any step in the procurement process about the affected procurement. The blackout period applies not only to state employees, but also to any contractor of the

State. “Involvement” in the procurement process includes but may not be limited to project management, design, development, implementation, procurement management, development of specifications, and evaluation of proposals for a particular procurement.

All solicitations for competitive sealed procurements will identify a designated contact person, as per Proposer Inquiries section of this RFP. All communications to and from potential Proposers, bidders, vendors and/or their representatives during the blackout period must be in accordance with this solicitation’s defined method of communication with the designated contact person. The blackout period will begin upon posting of the solicitation. The blackout period will end when the contract is awarded.

In those instances in which a prospective Proposer is also an incumbent contractor, the

State and the incumbent contractor may contact each other with respect to the existing https://wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana.gov/osp/lapac/pubMain.cfm http://coastal.la.gov/resources/rfps-rsiqs-contracts/contracts-and-grants/ http://www.doa.la.gov/Pages/osp/Index.aspx https://lagoverpvendor.doa.louisiana.gov/irj/portal/anonymous?guest_user=self_reg http://www.doa.la.gov/Pages/osp/vendorcenter/regnhelp/index.aspx contract only. Under no circumstances may the State and the incumbent contractor and/or its representative(s) discuss the blacked-out procurement.

Any bidder, Proposer, or state contractor who violates the blackout period may be liable to the State in damages and/or subject to any other remedy allowed by law.

Any costs associated with cancellation or termination will be the responsibility of the

Proposer or bidder.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the blackout period shall not apply to:

A protest to a solicitation submitted pursuant to La. R.S. 39:1671;

Duly noticed site visits and/or conferences for bidders or Proposers;

Oral presentations during the evaluation process; and

Communications regarding a particular solicitation with the RFP

Coordinator listed in the RFP of the procuring agency provided the communication is limited strictly to matters of procedure. Procedural matters include deadlines for decisions or submission of proposals and the proper means of communicating regarding the procurement, but shall not include any substantive matter related to the particular procurement or requirements of the RFP.

Contract negotiation for this RFP with the selected responsible

Proposer(s).

1.16 Error and Omissions in Proposal

The State will not be liable for any errors in the Proposals. The State reserves the right to seek clarification of any Proposal for the purpose of identifying and eliminating minor irregularities or informalities.

1.17 Changes and Addenda

The State reserves the right to change the Schedule of Events or revise any part of the RFP by issuing an addendum to the RFP at any time prior to the Deadline for Receipt of Proposals.

Addenda, if any, will be posted at https://wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana.gov/osp/lapac/pubMain.cfm and http://coastal.la.gov/resources/rfps-rsiqs-contracts/contracts-and-grants/

It shall be the responsibility of the Proposer to check the website for addenda to the RFP.

1.18 Withdrawal of Proposal

A Proposer may withdraw a proposal that has been submitted at any time up to the date and time the proposal is due. To withdraw a proposal, a written request signed by the authorized representative of the Proposer must be submitted to the RFP coordinator identified in the RFP.

https://wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana.gov/osp/lapac/pubMain.cfm http://coastal.la.gov/resources/rfps-rsiqs-contracts/contracts-and-grants/

1.19 Waiver of Administrative Informalities

The State shall reserve the right, at its sole discretion, to waive minor administrative informalities contained in any Proposal.

1.20 Proposal Rejection/RFP Cancellation

Issuance of this RFP in no way shall constitute a commitment by the State to award a contract.

The State shall reserve the right to accept or reject, in whole or part, all Proposals submitted and/or cancel this RFP if it is determined to be in the State’s best interest.

1.21 Ownership of Proposal

All materials submitted in response to this RFP shall become the property of the State. Selection or rejection of a Proposal shall not affect this right.

1.22 Cost of Offer Preparation

The State shall not be liable for any costs incurred by Proposers prior to issuance of or entering into a contract. Costs associated with developing the Proposal, preparing for oral presentations, and any other expenses incurred by the Proposer in responding to this RFP shall be entirely the responsibility of the Proposer and shall not be reimbursed in any manner by the State.

1.23 Taxes

The Contractor shall be responsible for payment of all applicable taxes from the funds to be received under contract awarded from this RFP.

In accordance with R.S. 39:1624(A) (10), the Louisiana Department of Revenue must determine that the prospective contractor is current in the filing of all applicable tax returns and reports and in payment of all taxes, interest, penalties, and fees owed to the state and collected by the

Department of Revenue prior to the approval of the contract by the Office of State Procurement.

The prospective contractor shall attest to its current and/or prospective compliance by signing the

Attachment I: Certification Statement submitted with its proposal, and also agrees to provide its seven-digit LDR Account Number to the contracting agency so that the prospective contractor’s tax payment compliance status may be verified. The prospective contractor further acknowledges understanding that issuance of a tax clearance certificate by the Louisiana Department of

Revenue is a necessary precondition to the approval and effectiveness of the contract by the

Office of State Procurement. The contracting agency reserves the right to withdraw its consent to the contract without penalty and proceed with alternate arrangements should the vendor fail to resolve any identified apparent outstanding tax compliance discrepancies with the Louisiana

Department of Revenue within seven (7) days of such notification.

1.24 Determination of Responsibility

Determination of the Proposer’s responsibility relating to this RFP shall be made according to the standards set forth in Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 34, Part V. The State must find that the selected Proposer:

Has adequate financial resources for performance, or has the ability to obtain such resources as required during performance;

Has the necessary experience, organization, technical qualifications, skills, and facilities, or has the ability to obtain them;

Is able to comply with the proposed or required time of delivery or performance schedule;

Has a satisfactory record of integrity, judgment, and performance; and

Is otherwise qualified and eligible to receive an award under applicable laws and regulations.

Proposers should ensure that their Proposals contain the requested and required information for the State to make its determination by presenting acceptable evidence of the above to perform the contracted services.

1.25 Use of Subcontractors

The State shall have a single prime Contractor as the result of any Contract negotiation, and that prime Contractor shall be responsible for all deliverables specified in the RFP and Proposal. This general requirement notwithstanding, Proposers may enter into subcontractor arrangements, however, shall acknowledge in their Proposals total responsibility for the entire contract.

If the Proposer intends to subcontract for portions of the work, the Proposer shall identify in the

Proposal any subcontractor relationships and include specific designations of the tasks to be performed by the subcontractor. Information required of the Proposer under the terms of this

RFP shall also be required for each subcontractor, if requested by the State. The prime

Contractor shall be the single point of contact for all subcontract work.

Unless provided for in the contract with the State, the prime Contractor shall not contract with any other party for any of the services herein contracted without the express prior written approval of the State.

1.26 Written or Oral Clarifications/Presentations

The State, at its sole discretion, may require all Proposers reasonably susceptible of being selected for the award to provide an Oral Presentation of how they propose to meet CPRA’s objectives. If Oral Presentations are requested by CPRA, detailed information and requirements for presentations will be provided to the contact person for each of the invited Proposers. The

CPRA reserves the right to adjust the original scores based upon information received in the presentation, using the original evaluation criteria. Cost score remains the same. Commitments made by the Proposer at the Oral Presentation, if any, will be considered binding.

1.27 Acceptance of Proposal Content

All proposals will be reviewed to determine compliance with administrative and mandatory requirements as specified in the RFP. Proposals that are not in compliance will be rejected from further consideration.

1.28 Evaluation and Selection

The evaluation of Proposals will be accomplished by a Proposal Review Committee to be designated by the CPRA, which will determine the Proposal(s) most advantageous to the CPRA, taking into consideration price and the other evaluation factors set forth in the RFP. The

Proposal Review Committee may consult subject matter expert(s) to serve in an advisory capacity regarding any Proposer or Proposal. Such input may include, but not be limited to, analysis of Proposer financial statements, review of technical requirements, or preparation of cost score data.

The Proposal Review Committee shall compile the scores and make a recommendation to the head of the Agency on the basis of the responsive and responsible Proposer(s) with the highest score(s).

The State reserves the right to make multiple awards. If multiple contracts are awarded, CPRA reserves the right to choose among those contractors that are best suited to perform each specific task order. At no time will the task orders exceed the maximum contract amount.

1.29 Best and Final Offers (BAFO)

The State reserves the right to conduct a BAFO with one or more Proposers identified by the

Proposal Review Committee to be reasonably susceptible of being selected for an award. If conducted, the Proposer(s) selected will receive written notification of their selection, a list of specific items to address in the BAFO, and instructions for submittal. The BAFO negotiation may be used to assist the State in clarifying the Scope of Services or to obtain the most cost effective pricing available.

The written invitation to participate in BAFO will not obligate the State to a commitment to enter into a contract.

1.30 Contract Negotiations and Execution

Contract award and execution are contingent upon the selected Proposer and CPRA reaching an agreeable contract.

The State reserves the right to enter into a contract based on the initial offers received without further discussion of the Proposals submitted. The State reserves the right to contract for all or a partial list of services offered in the Proposals.

The RFP, including any addenda added, and the selected Proposal shall become part of the contract initiated by the State.

The selected Proposer(s) shall be expected to enter into a contract that is substantially the same as the Attachment III, Sample Contract. A Proposer shall not submit its own standard contract terms and conditions as a response to this RFP. The Proposer should submit in its Proposal any exceptions or contract deviations that its firm wishes to negotiate.

The State reserves the right to negotiate a reduction to the “Required Rate Schedule” hourly rates

(Attachment II) with any Proposer(s) selected by the Proposal Review Committee and approved by OSP for contract award. The Proposer(s) will receive written notification of the State’s intent to negotiate the contract and submitted rates. The final negotiated hourly rates on the Proposer’s

Required Rate Schedule will be considered the maximum amount allowed. The subcontractors will also adhere to the final negotiated hourly rates of the Proposer for the full term of the contract.

If for any reason, the selected Proposer(s) do not agree to a contract, that proposal shall be rejected and the State may negotiate with the next highest-ranked Proposer(s).

If the contract negotiation period exceeds 30 business days, or if the selected Proposer fails to sign the final contract within 30 business days of delivery, the State may elect to reject the proposal and negotiate the contract with the next-highest-ranked Proposer

OSP must approve the final negotiated Contract prior to the Notice of Award being issued.

1.31 Notice of Award

The “Notice of Award” is the notification of successful negotiations and award of the Contract.

The State will notify the successful and unsuccessful Proposer(s) in writing accordingly.

The Proposals received (except for that information appropriately designated as confidential in accordance with R.S. 44.1 et seq), scores of each Proposal considered along with a summary of scores, and a narrative justifying selection shall be made available, upon request, to all interested parties after the “Notice of Award” letter has been issued.

Any person aggrieved by the proposed award has the right to submit a protest in writing to the

Chief Procurement Officer within fourteen (14) calendar after the agency issues a Notice of

Award.

The award of a contract shall be subject to the approval of the Division of Administration, Office of State Procurement.

1.32 Right to Prohibit Award

In accordance with the provisions of R.S. 39:2192, any public entity shall be authorized to reject a Proposal from, or not award a contract to, a business in which any individual with an ownership interest of five percent or more, has been convicted of, or has entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any state felony or equivalent federal felony crime committed in the solicitation or execution of a contract or RFP awarded under the laws governing public contracts under the provisions of Chapter 10 of Title 38 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, and all contracts under Title 39, Chapter 17 of the Louisiana Procurement Code, including contracts for professional, personal, consulting, and social services.

1.33 Insurance Requirements for Contractors

Insurance shall be placed with insurers with an A.M. Best’s rating of no less than A-: VI.

This rating requirement shall be waived for Worker’s Compensation coverage only.

1.33.1 Contractor's Insurance

The Contractor shall not commence work under this Contract until he has obtained all insurance required herein. Certificates of Insurance, fully executed by officers of the

Insurance Company written or countersigned by an authorized Louisiana State agency, shall be filed with the State of Louisiana for approval. The Contractor shall not allow any Subcontractor to commence work on his subcontract until all similar insurance required for the Subcontractor has been obtained and approved by the Contractor. If so requested, the Contractor shall also submit copies of insurance policies with any proprietary information redacted for inspection and approval of the State of Louisiana before work is commenced.