The Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Request for Proposals (RFP)

Food Service Employee Training

RFP-DBPR-08-25/26

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

Any protest concerning this agency decision or intended decision must be timely filed with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation Agency Clerk. Protests may be filed by courier, hand delivery, or regular mail at: Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Office of the General Counsel, Attention: Agency Clerk, 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32399. Protests may be filed by email at agc.filing@myfloridalicense.com. It is the filing party's responsibility to meet all filing deadlines.

The Procurement Officer should be copied on such filings.

NOTICE PURSUANT TO SECTION 287.057(25), F.S. Respondents to this solicitation or persons acting on their behalf may not contact, between the release of the solicitation and the end of the 72-hour period following the agency posting the notice of intended award, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays, any employee or officer of the executive or legislative branch concerning any aspect of this solicitation, except in writing to the procurement officer or as provided in the solicitation documents. Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting a response.

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Solicitation Overview

The Department is issuing this RFP to establish a Contract for the Florida Food Service Employee Training Program to be administered by a private nonprofit provider in accordance with section 509.049, Florida Statutes, and Rule 61C-4.023, Florida Administrative Code.

The goal of the food safety training certificate program is to train food service employees in the minimum food safety protection standards for the storage, preparation, display, and serving of foods to the public in establishments regulated under Chapter 509, Florida Statutes. The awarded food service employee training program may be utilized by public food service establishment licensees and their food handlers to ensure proper training in compliance with Florida Law. The awarded Provider may deliver training directly or make the Department-approved curriculum available for administration by Certified Food Managers at licensed public food service establishments, consistent with section 509.049, F.S., and Rule 61C-4.023, F.A.C. The Provider remains responsible for maintaining curriculum standards, certification issuance, and required recordkeeping.

The Department intends to make a single award, or to make no award, as determined to be in the best interest of the State.

The contract is only available to a private nonprofit provider, in accordance with Chapter 509, Florida Statutes.

1.2 Term

The original contract term shall be for a period of four (4) years from the date of contract execution or issuance of the purchase order, unless terminated earlier by the Department under the terms provided herein, with the option to renew.

1.3 Renewals

The resulting contract may be renewed by mutual agreement in annual increments or for the remaining allowable renewable period for a period of up to four (4) years at the same terms and conditions at the prices provided within the contract.

Exercise of the renewal option is at the Department’s discretion and will be contingent upon satisfactory service, and subject to annual appropriation by the state Legislature (See, subsection 287.057(14), F.S.).

1.4 Definitions

The following definitions apply to this RFP, in addition to the definitions in the PUR 1000 and PUR 1001.

Additional definitions may be found in Attachment A – Scope of Work and Attachment E– Draft Contract. In the event of a conflict, the definitions listed in this section supersede the incorporated definitions for the purposes of this RFP document. All definitions apply in both their singular and plural sense.

1.4.1 Business Day – Monday through Friday, inclusive, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, except for those holidays specified in section 110.117, F.S.

1.4.2 Business Network – The Business Network (formerly known as Ariba Network) is an online marketplace that connects vendors and buyers for solicitations collaboration and purchasing transactions. A Business Network account is required to submit responses to electronic solicitations.

1.4.3 Commodity Code – The State’s numeric code for classifying commodities and contractual services which meet specific requirements, specifications, terms, and conditions herein. Florida has adopted the United Nations Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC) for classifying commodities and services.

1.4.4 Confidential Information – Information that is trade secret or otherwise confidential or exempt from disclosure under Florida or federal law.

1.4.5 Proposal – The document(s) submitted by a Respondent in response to this RFP.

1.4.6 Respondent – A Vendor who submits a Proposal.

1.4.7 Vendor Information Portal (VIP) – The State of Florida’s vendor registration, supplier development, and bidding system developed in accordance with section 287.042(3), F.S. The Vendor Information Portal is accessible at https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com.

1.5 Timeline of Events

The table below contains the Timeline of Events for this solicitation. The dates and times within the Timeline of Events are subject to change. It is the responsibility of the Respondent to check for any changes on the Vendor Information Portal (VIP).

Respondents shall not rely on the Business Network time clock. It is not the official submission date and time deadline. In the event of a technical malfunction or discrepancy in VIP, the Timeline of Events listed in the solicitation document shall prevail. The official solicitation dates and time deadlines are reflected in the Timeline of Events.

Timeline of Events

Event Time

(Eastern Time) Date

Solicitation posted on VIP March 16, Deadline to submit questions to Procurement Officer March 30, Anticipated date of posting Q&A on VIP April 2, 2026

Deadline to submit Proposal and all required documents Mailing Address:

Department of Business and Professional Regulation 2601 Blair Stone Road Tallahassee, FL 32399

5:00 PM April 16, 2026

Public meeting: Proposal Opening 1-213-458-8552 Conference Room Number 18839330# Department of Business and Professional Regulation 2601 Blair Stone Road Tallahassee, FL 32399

10:00 AM April 17, 2026

Anticipated period for evaluations April 20, 2026

– May 4, 2026

Anticipated date to post Notice of Intent to Award on VIP May 12, 2026

Anticipated Contract start date July 2026 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvendor.myfloridamarketplace.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7CNicole.Walker%40dms.fl.gov%7Cdb5a83cf86c24263ed2108dd61733b78%7Ced173fed38394a3ca952140e906fed8d%7C0%7C0%7C638773869718816111%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=ZuBvgWrQguSN22t8ccuaVYEOMxY2C89oaljURPelkeQ%3D&reserved=0

1.6 Special Accommodations

Any person requiring a special accommodation because of a disability should contact the Procurement Officer at least five (5) workdays prior to the solicitation opening. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Procurement Officer by using the Florida Relay Service at (800) 955-8771 (TDD).

1.7 Procurement Officer

In accordance with section 21 of the PUR 1001, incorporated by reference below, the Procurement Officer is the sole point of contact for this RFP. Violation of this may be grounds for rejecting a Proposal.

The contact information for the Procurement Officer is:

Ashley Strickland Contract Administrator, Bureau of Agency Services Department of Business and Professional Regulation 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0950 Email: Procurement@MyFloridaLicense.com

****ALL EMAILS TO THE PROCUREMENT OFFICER SHOULD CONTAIN THE SOLICITATION NUMBER

IN THE SUBJECT LINE OF THE EMAIL****

1.8 Order of Precedence for Solicitation

In the event of a conflict between the documents comprising this RFP, the conflict will be resolved in the following order of priority (highest to lowest):

a) Addenda to RFP, if issued (in reverse order of issuance)

b) The RFP

c) Attachment A - Scope of Work

d) Attachment B - Forms

e) Attachment C – Technical Proposal

f) Attachment D – Cost Proposal

g) Attachment E - Sample Contract

2 THE RFP PROCESS

2.1 Questions and Answers

The Department invites interested and registered Vendors to submit questions regarding the solicitation.

Questions must be submitted by email, to the Procurement Officer at Procurement@MyFloridaLicense.com, by the time and date reflected in the ‘Timeline of Events’ section. Respondents are strongly encouraged to ask any questions regarding this RFP prior to the deadline to submit questions. The Department requests that all questions have the RFP number in the subject line of the email.

Questions will not constitute a formal protest of the specifications of this RFP. Responses to all written inquiries, as well as all clarifications or addenda, if any, will be made through a posting on VIP.

2.2 Addenda to the Solicitation

The Department reserves the right to modify this RFP by an addendum posted on VIP. Addenda may modify any aspect of this solicitation. It is the Respondent’s responsibility to check the VIP for any changes throughout the procurement process and prior to submitting a Proposal.

2.3 Public Opening

Proposals will be opened, and the names of Respondents will be announced at a public meeting on the date and at the location indicated in the Timeline of Events section. Respondents are not required to attend. In accordance with section 119.071(1)(b), F.S., the Department will not provide other information regarding the received proposals at the public opening.

https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/state_purchasing_pur_forms mailto:Procurement@MyFloridaLicense.com mailto:Procurement@MyFloridaLicense.com

2.4 Technical Evaluation

The Department will select evaluators to independently review and score the Technical Proposal(s) received from responsive and responsible Respondents using the evaluation criteria described in Attachment C, Technical Proposal Instructions and Evaluation Criteria.

2.5 Mandatory Responsiveness Requirements

The Department will not review Proposals from Respondents who do not meet the mandatory responsive requirements listed in Attachment C.

Note: The Department will perform an initial responsiveness check. Proposals found to be non-responsive will not be considered for award. The Department reserves the right to act upon information discovered during and after the initial responsiveness check impacting the responsibility or responsiveness of the Proposal or Respondent.

2.6 Evaluation and Scoring Methodology

Responsive Proposals will be evaluated and scored as provided in the table below.

Proposal Available Points A. Technical Proposal 90 B. Cost Proposal 10 Total Points Available (A+B) 100

2.6.1 Technical Proposal- 90 Available Points

The appointed evaluation committee will utilize the point system set forth in Attachment C- Technical Proposal Instructions and Evaluation Criteria, to individually score responsive Proposals.

Respondent may be awarded up to 90 points for their Technical Proposal.

2.6.2 Cost Proposal- 10 Available Points

The Department will consider the Total Evaluated Price for each year of the Term Contract, including renewal years, as submitted by the Respondent. The Procurement Officer will calculate each Respondent’s Price Response Score as described below using the Respondent’s completed Attachment D – Cost Proposal.

The Respondent may be awarded up to 10 points for its Cost Proposal. The Respondent with the lowest Total Evaluated Price will receive 10 points. Other Respondents will receive points based on the following formula:

(X ÷ N) x 10= Z

Where: X = Lowest Total Evaluated Price (All Years) N = Respondent’s Total Evaluated Price (All Years) Z = Awarded Points

2.6.3 Technical Score Calculation

Each evaluator will independently score each Technical Proposal using the criteria set forth in Attachment C. After scoring is complete, the total technical score assigned by each evaluator will be combined and divided by the total number of evaluators to determine the Respondent’s final average Technical Score. The final average Technical Score will be used in calculating the Respondent’s Total Points Available.

2.7 Basis of Award

A Contract may be awarded to the responsible and responsive Respondent that the Department determines will provide the most advantageous offer to the State based on the highest scored points awarded. The Department intends to award one (1) Contract under this RFP but reserves the right to make no award at all.

In the event the selected Respondent is subsequently unwilling to execute a contract or is found not to be responsible or responsive, the Department, at its sole discretion, may proceed with the next highest-scored Respondent. An award from this advertisement does not constitute an official purchase order or contract, agreement, or commitment on behalf of the State.

2.8 Electronic Posting of Notice of Intent to Award

Department will electronically post a Notice of Intent to Award on VIP and in the Business Network in accordance with the Timeline of Events in this RFP. The Notice of Intent to Award will remain posted for a period of 72 hours, not including Saturdays and Sundays or state holidays as specified in section 110.117, F.S.

2.9 Contract Formation

The Department may issue a Notice of Intent to Award to award a Contract to a successful Respondent. The award does not imply execution of a Contract. No contract shall be formed between a Respondent and the Department until both parties sign the Contract. The Department shall not be liable for any work performed before the Contract is effective.

The Department intends to enter into a Contract with Respondent pursuant to the Basis for Award section of this solicitation. No additional documents submitted by a Respondent shall be incorporated in the Contract unless they are specifically identified, incorporated by reference, and approved by the Department. If any additional documents are submitted by the Respondent, the additional documents will not be considered for the basis for award.

The Contract will consist of Attachment E – Sample Contract, Attachment A – Scope of Work, the pricing submitted by the awarded Respondent on Attachment D – Cost Proposal, PUR 1000 - General Contract Conditions, and Contractor’s Technical Proposal submitted in response to Solicitation No: DBPR-RFP-08- 25/26

By submitting a Proposal, the Respondent acknowledges and understands its understanding and acceptance of all terms and conditions of the documents identified herein which will form the contract.

2.10 Other Requirements Following Award

2.10.1 Registration with the Florida Department of State

If awarded a Contract, and prior to execution of a Contract, the Respondent shall provide a PDF file of its current and active registration with the Florida Department of State or, if exempt from registration, the Respondent shall provide a statement to that effect noting the basis for the exemption. Respondents should note that foreign entities are required to obtain a Florida Certificate of Authorization pursuant to applicable Florida Statutes from the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, to transact business in the State of Florida. For additional information, please visit https://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/.

2.10.2 Florida Substitute Form W-9

It is the responsibility of the awarded Respondent to complete a Florida Substitute Form W-9 prior to execution of a Contract. The Internal Revenue Service receives and validates the information provided on the Florida Substitute Form W-9. For instructions on how to complete the Florida Substitute Form W-9, please visit https://flvendor.myfloridacfo.com/.

2.10.3 PUR 7801 Vendor Certification Form

It is the responsibility of the awarded Respondent to provide a completed PUR 7801 Vendor Certification Form prior to Contract execution and annually thereafter throughout the term of the Contract. A completed PUR 7801 Vendor Certification Form includes any required forms referenced therein.

2.11 Office of Supplier Development

The State of Florida supports its business community by creating opportunities for business enterprises to participate in procurements and contracts. The Department encourages supplier development through certain https://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz/ https://flvendor.myfloridacfo.com/ certifications and provides advocacy, outreach, and networking through regional business events. For additional information, please contact the Office of Supplier Development (OSD) at OSDhelp@dms.fl.gov.

3 RESPONDING TO THE RFP

3.1 General Instructions

The PUR 1001, General Instructions to Respondents (07/2024), is incorporated by reference and is accessible at State Purchasing (PUR) Forms / State Agency Resources / State Purchasing / Business Operations - Florida Department of Management Services

3.2 Special Instructions

The following special instructions modify the general instructions provided in the incorporated PUR 1001.

Sections 8, 10 13, 17, and 18 of the PUR 1001 are deleted in entirety.

Sections 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 14, 15, 19, and 20 of the PUR 1001 are inapplicable and are replaced as follows:

1. Submission of Proposals. All proposals shall be submitted in a SEALED ENVELOPE by mail, private courier service or hand delivered to:

2601 Blair Stone Road Tallahassee, Florida 32399 ATTN: Ashley Strickland, Agency Services

The envelope shall be plainly marked on the outside with:

• RFQ-DBPR-08-25/26 – Food Service Employee Training

• Date and Time of the Solicitation Opening

THE DEPARTMENT IS NOT RESPONSBILE FOR THE OPENING OF ANY ENVELOPES THAT ARE

NOT PROPERLY MARKED.

PLEASE NOTE: The Department’s official business hours of operation are 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ET, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and state holidays. Selecting delivery services, such as next day first delivery, may result in attempted delivery prior to opening or closing, and the Department will not be available to accept those deliveries. THE DEPARTMENT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LATE

SUBMISSIONS DUE TO COMPLICATIONS RELATED TO SELECTED DELIVERY SERVICES.

2. Terms and Conditions. All Proposals are subject to the terms of this solicitation, which, in case of conflict, will have the order of precedence listed in the ‘Order of Precedence for Solicitation’ section.

The Department will not accept any unrequested terms or conditions submitted by a Respondent, including any appearing in documents attached as part of a Respondent’s Proposal or hyperlinked therein. In submitting its Proposal, a Respondent agrees that any additional terms or conditions, whether submitted intentionally or inadvertently, shall have no force or effect.

3. Questions. Questions shall be submitted in accordance with the ‘Question Submission’ section of this solicitation.

4. Convicted Vendor, Discriminatory Vendor, Antitrust Violator, and Forced Labor Vendor Lists.

a. Convicted Vendor List.

Pursuant to section 287.133, F.S., a person or affiliate who has been placed on the Convicted Vendor List following a conviction for a public entity crime may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity; may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work; may not submit bids, proposals, or replies on leases of real property to a public entity; may not be awarded or perform work as a contractor, supplier, subcontractor, or consultant under a contract with any public entity; and may not transact business with any public entity in excess of the threshold amount mailto:OSDhelp@dms.fl.gov https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/state_purchasing_pur_forms https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/state_purchasing_pur_forms provided in section 287.017, F.S. for CATEGORY TWO for a period of 36 months following the date of being placed on the Convicted Vendor List.

b. Discriminatory Vendor List.

Pursuant to section 287.134, F.S., an entity or affiliate who has been placed on the Discriminatory Vendor List may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity; may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work; may not submit bids, proposals, or replies on leases of real property to a public entity; may not be awarded or perform work as a contractor, supplier, subcontractor, or consultant under a contract with any public entity; and may not transact business with any public entity.

c. Antitrust Violator Vendor List.

Pursuant to section 287.137, F.S., a person or an affiliate who has been placed on the Antitrust Violator Vendor List following a conviction or being held civilly liable for an antitrust violation may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply for any new contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity; may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply for a new contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work; may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply on new leases of real property to a public entity; may not be awarded or perform work as a contractor, supplier, subcontractor, or consultant under a new contract with a public entity; and may not transact new business with a public entity.

d. Forced Labor Vendor List.

Pursuant to section 287.1346, F.S., a company placed on the Forced Labor Vendor List may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply on a contract to provide commodities to an agency; be awarded a contract or perform work as a contractor, supplier, subcontractor, or consultant with an agency for the provision of commodities; or transact business for the provision of commodities with an agency.

Additionally, an agency may not accept a bid, proposal, or reply from; award a contract to; or transact business pertaining to the provision of commodities with a company on the forced labor vendor list, or an entity under the control of such company, for a period of 365 days after the date the company was placed on the list unless the company is removed from the list pursuant to section 287.1346(5)(d), F.S.

5. Respondent’s Representation and Authorization. In submitting a Proposal, the Respondent certifies that it understands, represents, and acknowledges the following:

a. The Respondent is not currently under suspension or debarment by the State or any other governmental authority.

b. The Respondent currently has no delinquent obligations to the State, including a claim by the State for liquidated damages under any other contract.

c. The submission is made in good faith and not pursuant to any agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any entity or person to submit a complementary or other noncompetitive Proposal.

d. The prices and amounts have been arrived at independently and without consultation, communication, or agreement with any other Respondent or potential Respondent; neither the prices nor amounts, actual or approximate, have been disclosed to any other Respondent or potential Respondent, and they will not be disclosed before the solicitation opening.

e. The Respondent has fully informed the Department in writing of all convictions of the Respondent, its affiliates (as defined in section 287.133(1)(a), F.S.), and all directors, officers, and employees of the Respondent and its affiliates for violation of any state or federal law involving a public entity crime (as defined in section 287.133(1)(g), F.S.). This includes disclosure of the names of current employees who were convicted of public entity crimes while in the employ of another company.

f. Neither the Respondent nor any person associated with it in the capacity of owner, partner, director, officer, principal, investigator, project director, manager, auditor, or in a position involving the administration of federal funds:

o Is presently indicted or, within the preceding three years, has been convicted or found guilty of, or found civilly liable for: commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a federal, state, or local government transaction or public contract; violation of federal or state antitrust statutes;

or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property; or o Has within a three-year period preceding this certification had one or more federal, state, or local government contracts terminated for cause or default.

g. The products and services offered by the Respondent conform to the specifications contained herein without exception.

h. The Respondent has read and understands the terms and conditions listed in the Draft Contract, and the submission is made in conformance with those terms and conditions.

i. If an award is made to the Respondent, the Respondent agrees that it will execute the Draft Contract.

j. The Respondent has made a diligent inquiry of its employees and agents responsible for preparing, approving, or submitting the Proposal, and has been advised by each of them that he or she has not participated in any communication, consultation, discussion, agreement, collusion, act, or other conduct inconsistent with any of the statements and representations made in the Proposal.

k. The Respondent shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Department, Customer, and their employees against any cost, damage, or expense which may be incurred or be caused by any error in the Respondent’s preparation of its Proposal.

l. All information provided by, and representations made by, the Respondent are material and important and will be relied upon by the Department in awarding the Contract. Any misstatement may be treated as fraudulent concealment from the Department and Customers of the true facts relating to submission of the Proposal. A misrepresentation may be punishable under law.

The Department reserves the right to deem the Respondent non-responsive or non-responsible based on any information provided in, or omitted from, the Respondent’s Proposal related to the certifications of this section.

6. Performance Qualifications. The Customer reserves the right to investigate or inspect at any time whether the product, qualifications, or facilities offered by the Vendor meet the Contract requirements.

Vendor shall at all times during the Contract term remain responsive and responsible. In determining a Vendor’s responsibility, DBPR shall consider all information or evidence which is gathered or comes to the attention of the agency which demonstrates the Vendor’s capability to fully satisfy the requirements of the solicitation and the Contract.

A Vendor must be prepared, if requested, to present evidence of experience, ability, and financial standing, as well as a statement as to plant, machinery, and capacity of the respondent for the production, distribution, and servicing of the product bid. If DBPR determines that the conditions of the solicitation documents are not complied with, or that the product proposed to be furnished does not meet the specified requirements, or that the qualifications, financial standing, or facilities are not satisfactory, or that performance is untimely, DBPR may reject the response or terminate the Contract. A Vendor may be disqualified from receiving awards if Vendor, or anyone in Vendor’s employment, has previously failed to perform satisfactorily in connection with public bidding or contracts. This paragraph shall not mean or imply that it is obligatory upon DBPR to make an investigation either before or after award of the Contract, but should DBPR elect to do so, a Vendor is not relieved from fulfilling all Contract requirements.

7. Firm Response. The Department intends to make an award within 180 days after the date of the opening, during which period Proposals shall remain firm and shall not be withdrawn. If an award is not made within 180 days, the Proposal shall remain firm until the Department enters into a Contract or the Department receives from the Respondent written notice that the Proposal is withdrawn.

8. Clarifying Information. The Department may request, and Respondent shall provide, clarifying information or documentation. Failure to supply the information or documentation as requested may result in the Proposal being deemed non-responsive.

9. Public Records. Article 1, section 24, Florida Constitution, guarantees every person access to all public records, and section 119.011, F.S., provides a broad definition of “public record.” As such, the entirety of the Proposals are public records and are subject to disclosure unless exempt from disclosure by law. If the Respondent considers any portion of its Proposal to be Confidential Information, the Respondent is to mark the document as “confidential” and simultaneously provide the Department with a separate, redacted copy of its Proposal. For each portion redacted, the Respondent is to briefly describe in writing the grounds for claiming exemption, including the specific statutory citation for such exemption. On the cover of the redacted copy, the Respondent is to provide its name and the Department’s solicitation name and number and clearly title it, “Redacted Copy.” Only portions of material that the Respondent claims are Confidential Information are to be redacted.

In accordance with section 119.071(1)(b), F.S., Proposals are exempt from production in response to public records requests until such time as the Department provides notice of an intended decision or until 30 days after opening the Proposals, whichever is earlier. After that time, the Department will provide the redacted copy, if any, in response to a public records request. If the Respondent fails to mark a record it claims contains Confidential Information as “confidential,” or fails to submit a redacted copy in accordance with this section of a record it claims contains Confidential Information, the Department shall have no liability for release of such record. The foregoing will apply to every instance in which the Respondent fails to both mark a record “confidential” and redact it in accordance with this section, regardless of whether the Respondent may have properly marked and redacted the same or similar Confidential Information in another instance or record submitted to the Department.

In the event of a request for public records pursuant to Chapter 119, F.S., the Florida Constitution, or other authority, to which documents that are marked as “confidential” are responsive, the Department will provide the redacted copy to the requestor. If the Respondent has marked a record as “confidential” but failed to provide a redacted copy to the Department, the Department may notify the Respondent of the request and the Respondent may have up to ten (10) Business Days from the date of the notice to provide a Respondent-redacted copy, or else the Department may release the unredacted record to the requestor without liability. If a requestor asserts a right to the redacted Confidential Information, the Department will notify the Respondent such an assertion has been made. The notice will provide that if the Respondent seeks to protect the Respondent-redacted Confidential Information from release it must, within thirty (30) days after the date of the notice and at its own expense, file a cause of action seeking a declaratory judgment that the information in question is exempt from section 119.07(1), F.S., or other applicable law and an order prohibiting the Department from publicly disclosing the information.

The Respondent shall provide written notice to the Department of any cause of action filed. If the Respondent fails to file a cause of action within thirty (30) days the Department may release the unredacted copy of the record to the requestor without liability.

If the Department becomes subject to a demand for discovery or disclosure of documents that are marked as “confidential” in a legal proceeding, (whether by oral questions, interrogatories, requests for information or documents, subpoena, or similar process), unless otherwise prohibited by law, the Department will give the Respondent notice of the demand or request prior to disclosing any Confidential Information to allow the Respondent to seek a protective order or other appropriate relief at the Respondent’s sole discretion and expense. If the Respondent fails to take appropriate and timely action to protect the materials it has designated as Confidential Information or fails to provide a redacted copy that may be disclosed, the Department will provide the unredacted materials to the requester.

By submitting a Proposal, the Respondent agrees to protect, defend, and indemnify the Department for all claims, costs, fines, settlement fees, and attorneys’ fees, at both the trial and appellate levels, arising from or relating to the Respondent’s determination its records contain Confidential Information. In the event of a third-party claim brought against the Department for failure to release the Respondent’s redacted Confidential Information, the Respondent shall assume, at its sole expense, the defense or settlement of such claim, including attorney’s fees and costs at both the trial and appellate levels. If the Respondent fails to continuously undertake the defense or settlement of such claim or if the Respondent and the Department mutually agree that the Department is best suited to undertake the defense or settlement, the Department will have the right, but not the obligation, to undertake the defense or settlement of such claim, at its discretion. The Respondent shall be bound by any defense or settlement the Department may make as to such claim, and the Respondent agrees to reimburse the Department for the expense, including reasonable attorney’s fees and costs at both the trial and appellate levels associated with any defense or settlement that the Department may undertake to defend Respondent’s Confidential Information. The Department will also be entitled to join the Respondent in any third-party claim for the purpose of enforcing any right of indemnity under this section.

If at any point the Department is reasonably advised by its counsel that disclosure of the Confidential Information is required by law, including but not limited to Florida’s public records laws, the Department may disclose such Confidential Information without liability hereunder.

10. Protests. Any protest concerning this solicitation should be made in accordance with sections 120.57(3) and 287.042(2), F.S., and Rule Chapter 28-110, F.A.C. Any communication not in accordance with these sections or the solicitation, including questions to the Procurement Officer, will not constitute formal notice of a protest.

3.3 MFMP Assistance

If you need assistance with using MFMP, please contact the MFMP Customer Service Desk at (866) 352-3776 or VendorHelp@myfloridamarketplace.com. Note that specific questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted in accordance with the Question Submission section.

3.4 Contents of Proposal

Respondents shall submit all items in each tab below or the Respondent may be deemed non-responsive.

The Respondent’s Proposal may not contain any conditions or exceptions to any aspect of the solicitation and any such conditions or exceptions will not be considered in evaluating the Respondent’s Proposal.

The only recognized changes to this RFP prior to the opening of Proposals will be via written addenda issued by the Department.

Each form and attachment shall be included as a standalone document in the applicable Tab stated below. Respondents shall submit provided documents in the file format they are received and shall not alter any portion of the documents except as necessary to provide the requested information. The following sections of the Proposal shall be submitted in accordance with Section 3.4, How to Submit a Proposal, of this RFP:

Tab 1 Cover letter with the following information:

Company name and physical address Contact information for primary point of contact, including telephone number and email address Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)

Tab 2 Completed Forms

The Respondent must complete, sign, and submit the forms in this Attachment B, Forms, by the deadline specified in section 1.1, Timeline of Events, of the RFP. All forms requiring signature may be completed by the Respondent using either electronic or wet-ink signature.

Contact Information Form Notice of No Conflict of Interest PUR7801 Vendor Certification PUR2024 Use of Coercion for Labor and Services PUR1355 Foreign County of Concern Attestation mailto:VendorHelp@myfloridamarketplace.com

Mandatory Non-Profit Certification Drug Free Workplace Certification Non-Collusion Affidavit Subcontracting Statement of No Involvement

Tab 3 Technical Response Respondent’s technical response comprising the information sought in Attachment C – Evaluation Criteria and Scoring of Proposals.

Tab 4 Cost Proposal Attachment D – Cost Proposal, completed in accordance with the instructions provided on the instructions tab on the attachment.

Tab 5 Confidential Information (Optional):

Should any portion of the Respondent’s Proposal contain confidential information, Respondent shall submit one (1) copy of the entire Proposal with confidential redacted. Respondents will not be penalized for failing to submit a redacted copy. However, the Department intends to respond to public records requests with redacted copies if requested.

3.5 Redacted Submissions

This section 3.4, Redacted Submission, supplements Section 19 of the PUR 1001 as modified in Section 3.2, Special Instructions, above. All materials submitted as part of this RFP will be a public record subject to the provisions of Chapter 119, F.S. A time-limited exemption from public inspection is provided for the contents of responses pursuant to subsection 119.071(1)(b), F.S. Selection or rejection of a response does not affect the public record status of the materials.

3.6 Subcontracting

Respondents shall submit the Subcontracting Form provided with this RFP to list any intended subcontractors they intend to utilize to perform the services under any resultant Contract. The Respondent acknowledges that, if awarded a Contract under this RFP, it will submit a new Subcontracting Form to the Department’s Contract Manager for approval if proposing an alternative subcontractor than originally submitted with its Proposal.

3.7 Additional Information

By submitting a Proposal, the Respondent certifies that it agrees to and satisfies all criteria specified in this solicitation. The Department may request, and the Respondent shall provide, supporting information or documentation. Failure to supply supporting information or documentation as required and requested may result in the Proposal being deemed non-responsive.

No conditions may be applied to any aspect of the RFP by the Respondent. Any conditions placed on any aspect of a Proposal by the Respondent may result in the Proposal being rejected as a nonresponsive conditional proposal. DO NOT WRITE IN CHANGES ON ANY RFP SHEET. The only recognized changes to the RFP prior to proposal opening will be a written Addenda issued by the Department.

3.8 Modification or Withdrawal of Proposal

Respondents are responsible for the content and accuracy of their Proposal. A Respondent may modify or withdraw its Proposal in the Business Network at any time prior to the Proposal due date and time set forth in the Timeline of Events, of this RFP.

3.9 Cost of Proposal Preparation

The costs related to the development and submission of a Proposal are the full responsibility of the Respondent and are not chargeable to the Department.

3.10 Independent Preparation

A Respondent shall not, directly, or indirectly, collude, consult, communicate, or agree with any other Respondent as to any matter related to the Proposal each is submitting. Additionally, a Respondent shall not induce any other Respondent to modify, withdraw, submit, or not submit a Proposal.

3.11 False or Erroneous Information

A Respondent who submits false or erroneous information may be deemed non-responsible, non-responsive or not awarded a Contract. If the Respondent’s Proposal is found to contain false or erroneous information after Contract award, the Contract may be terminated, and the Department may pursue any other legal action available.

ATTACHMENT A

SCOPE OF WORK

The original specifications and all addendums and responses to RFP-DBPR-08-25/26 and all representations, warranties and commitments in the response and related correspondence continue as contractual obligations under this Contract.

A. Background: Pursuant to s. 509.049, Florida Statutes (F.S.), the Department is charged with adopting by Rule (See Rule 61C-4.023, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C)) minimum food safety standards for the training of all food service employees who are responsible for the storage, preparation, display, or serving of foods to the public in establishments regulated under Chapter 509, F.S. The Department shall provide a food safety training certificate program administered by a private nonprofit provider.

B. Overview: Pursuant to s. 509.049, F.S., the Department shall issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) resulting in the award of a four (4) year contract to a private nonprofit provider based on consideration of factors including, but not limited to, experience and history of the provider in representing the food service industry, the provider’s demonstrated commitment to food safety, and its ability to provide a statewide program with industry support and participation.

C. Purpose: The Department issues this RFP for the purpose of contracting with a private non-profit provider to provide a food service training program which may be utilized by public food service establishment licensees and their food handlers to ensure proper training in compliance with s. 509.049, F.S., and Rule 61C-4.023(4), F.A.C.

D. Major Program Goals: The goal of the food safety training certificate program is to train food service employees in the minimum food safety protection standards for the storage, preparation, display, and serving of foods to the public in establishments regulated under Chapter 509, F.S.

E. Definitions In this Scope of Work:

1. “Department”: Department of Business and Professional Regulation

2. “Division”: Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants.

3. “Participant”: A food service employee as noted in Chapter 509, Florida Statutes, who is scheduled to participate in the food service training program.

4. “Provider”: The private non-profit provider awarded a contract as a result of the RFP.

F. Scope of Service: The Provider, in coordination with the Department, shall implement and provide an approved food safety training program that meets the requirements of s. 509.049, F.S., and Rule 61C- 4.023(4), F.A.C.

The Provider, in coordination with the Department, shall implement and provide an approved food safety training program that includes the following services:

Training Program Delivery

The Provider shall:

1. Establish, host and maintain an online training platform for the Florida Food Service employee Training program:

• Ensure training content address professional hygiene, foodborne disease prevention, personal cleanliness, cross-contamination prevention, time and temperature control for safety (TCS) foods, and safe food handling, preparation storage, and service practices in accordance with FDA Food Code.

• Ensure training content is appropriate to employees’ assigned duties.

2. Establish a printed food service curriculum program:

• Ensure training content address professional hygiene, foodborne disease prevention, personal cleanliness, cross-contamination prevention, time and temperature control for safety (TCS) foods, and safe food handling, preparation storage, and service practices in accordance with FDA Food Code.

• Ensure training content is appropriate to employees’ assigned duties.

Administration of Training

The Provider shall make the approved curriculum available for use by public food service establishments.

Training may be administered by a Certified Food Manager employed or contracted by the establishment, using the Provider’s approved curriculum, in accordance with section 509.049, F.S., and Rule 61C-4.023, F.A.C.

The Provider shall not be required to directly administer in-person training sessions at each establishment;

however, the Provider shall ensure that all curriculum materials, certification processes, and documentation requirements comply with applicable law.

The Provider remains responsible for maintaining curriculum standards, issuing training cards and certificates, and maintaining required training records.

Certification and Documentation

The Provider shall:

• Issue an original training card to each individual who successfully completes the training.

• Provide an original certificate to each food service establishment attesting to successful completion of training.

• Ensure certification are valid for a period of three(3) years from the date of training.

Training Records and Data

The Provider shall:

• Maintain a secure database that includes, at a minimum: trainee name, date of birth, address, telephone number, date of training and name of certified food manager who provided the training.

• Update training records no less than weekly.

• Make all training records available to the Division upon request at no additional cost.

• Respond to one hundred percent (100%) of Division data and information requests as a performance requirement.

Customer Access and Support

The Provider shall:

• Maintain a toll-free telephone number for training purchases and customer support, available at a minimum from 8:00am to 5:00pm Eastern time, Monday through Friday.

• Provide online purchase capability via an Internet website available twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week.

Performance Standards

The Provider shall:

• Ensure training platform availability and functionality sufficient to support statewide participation.

• Maintain accurate and complete training records suitable for audit and monitoring purposes.

• Respond to Division inquiries within timeframes established by the Department.

System Availability

The Provider shall ensure that the online training platform and related purchasing functionality are available to users at least 99.5% of the time on a monthly basis, excluding Scheduled Maintenance and Force Majeure events.

Compliance and Oversight

The Provider shall cooperate fully with an investigation, audit, inspection, review or hearing conducted by the Inspector General or the Department pursuant to s.20.055(5).

G. Deliverables:

Deliverable Required Documentation

Occurrence Financial Consequence

Establish and maintain a printed and online Florida Food Service Employee Training Program

Documentation demonstrating course availability, curriculum outline, and proof of Division approval upon request

Ongoing; As requested.

Failure to establish and provide the required training shall result in a financial consequence ($50 per business day) or cancellation of the contract, at the Department’s discretion.

Issue training certifications and cards

Sample certificates/ cards and verification of issuance records upon request

Ongoing; As requested.

Failure to issue valid certifications shall result in a financial consequence ($50 per business day).

Maintain training records database

Provider shall provide the latest report detailing trainee name, DOB, address, phone number, training date, and trainer certification.

Reports must be in a Division-approved format.

Update weekly;

Submitted as requested.

Failure to maintain or provide records timely shall result in financial consequence ($50 per business day) or cancellation of the contract, at the Department’s discretion.

Provide data access and reporting

Ad hoc and scheduled reports as requested by the Division at no additional cost.

Ongoing; As requested.

Failure to maintain or provide records timely shall result in financial consequence ($50 per business day) or cancellation of the contract, at the Department’s discretion.

Establish and maintain toll-free telephone support

Active toll-free number, staffing plan, and call support procedures

Ongoing Failure to maintain required support access shall result in a financial consequence ($50 per business day).

Provide online purchasing capability

Functional website demonstrating 24/7 access for course purchase and registration

Continuous Failure to maintain online access shall result in a financial consequence in the amount of $100 per calendar day for each day the website is unavailable or non-operational.

Department Responsibilities

The Department shall provide guidance to the Provider as needed.

ATTACHMENT B- FORMS

CONTACT FORM

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS and PROFESSIONAL REGULATION

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Solicitation Acknowledgement Form

Page of pages SUBMIT RESPONSE TO:

Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) 2601 Blair Stone Road Bureau of Agency Services, Contract/Procurement Administration Section Tallahassee, Florida 32399

AGENCY RELEASE DATE:

SOLICITATION TITLE: Food Service Employee Training SOLICITATION NO: RFP-DBPR-08-25/26

RESPONSES WILL BE

OPENED: April 17, 2026

10:00 AM EST

and may not be withdrawn within 180 days after such date and time.

I certify that…