RFP DOA 24 25 128-Final.pdf

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

Request for Proposals (RFP) No: RFP DOA 24 25 128

Title: Loan Underwriting, Closing, and Servicing for the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster

Recovery Loan Program

Stephanie Bergozza, Procurement Officer 407 S. Calhoun Street, SB-8 Mayo Building

Tallahassee, FL 32399-0800 Bids@FDACS.gov

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. Protests must be filed with the Agency Clerk, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, The Holland Building, 600 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399.

mailto:Bids@FDACS.gov

ADVERTISEMENT NUMBER: RFP DOA 24 25 128

SECTION 1 Introduction

1.1 Statement of Purpose

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS or Department) issues this Request for Proposals (RFP) for loan underwriting, closing, and servicing for its Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program (DRLP). The Department administers the DRLP in accordance with Section 570.822, Florida Statutes (F.S.), and Rule Chapter 5A-19, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.). Under the DRLP, loans are issued to agriculture and aquaculture producers that have experienced damage or destruction from a declared natural disaster. The specific services being sought under this RFP are set forth in Exhibit A, Scope of Work.

This RFP and all activities leading toward Contract issuance are conducted pursuant and subject to Chapter 287, F.S., and Rule Chapter 60A-1, F.A.C. The Department intends to award a Contract to the Respondent whose Proposal is determined in writing to be the most advantageous to the State. Alternatively, the Department reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to make no award at all.

1.2 Timeline

All required actions must be completed by the date and time indicated on the Timeline below. The Timeline will be strictly adhered to in all actions relative to this RFP unless modified by the Department by written addendum posted on the Vendor Information Portal (VIP) located at:

https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/. The VIP will be the single resource for all RFP public notices and information in accordance with Rule 60A-1.021, F.A.C.

EVENT DATE/TIME (ET) LOCATION

Release of RFP 2/27/2025 Vendor Information Portal

Last day for written inquiries to be received by the

Department. No questions will be accepted after this date.

3/18/2025 at 5:00 PM

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Email: Bids@FDACS.gov

**ALL EMAILS SHOULD CONTAIN THE

SOLICITATION NUMBER IN THE SUBJECT

LINE OF THE EMAIL**

Posting of Written Responses to Vendor Inquiries

(Anticipated) 3/24/2025 Vendor Information Portal

Sealed Proposals Due 4/15/2025 at 5:00 PM

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

407 S. Calhoun Street, SB-8 Mayo Building Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0800

Public Meeting for Opening of Proposals

4/16/2025 at 10:00 AM

Teleconference Number: (888) 585-9008 Conference Room Number: 407 639 217

Evaluation Phase (Anticipated)

4/17/2025 – 4/25/2025

Notice of Agency Decision/ Intent to Award

(Anticipated) 4/29/2025 Vendor Information Portal

1.3 Addenda to the RFP

The Department reserves the right to make changes to this RFP by posting addenda on the VIP.

Interested parties are responsible for monitoring the VIP for any posted addenda.

https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/ https://www.myflorida.com/apps/vbs/vbs_www.main_menu mailto:Bids@FDACS.gov https://www.myflorida.com/apps/vbs/vbs_www.main_menu

1.4 Definitions

The following definitions apply to this RFP document:

1) Business day: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday, inclusive, except for State holidays specified in Section 110.117, F.S., or State closures designated by the Department.

2) Confidential information: Any documents, data, or records that are confidential and not subject to disclosure pursuant to Florida or federal law.

3) Contract: An agreement between the Department and a Respondent that results from this

RFP.

4) Contractor: The Respondent that is awarded and executes a Contract with the Department.

5) Proposal: A formal submission provided to the Department in response to this RFP.

6) Respondent: A Vendor that submits a Proposal to the Department in response to this RFP.

7) State: State of Florida

8) Timeline: The Timeline provided in Section 1.2 of this RFP.

9) Vendor Information Portal (VIP): The self-service portal where Vendors can register, receive electronic purchase order information, and receive information on upcoming solicitations.

10) Vendor: A potential provider of commodities and/or contractual services, as those terms are defined in Section 287.012, F.S., to the Department.

1.5 Procurement Officer

The Procurement Officer for this RFP is:

Stephanie Bergozza, Procurement Officer Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Email: Bids@fdacs.gov

The Procurement Officer is the sole point of contact for questions and all other matters relating to this solicitation.

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

NUMBER IN THE SUBJECT LINE OF THE EMAIL. **

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.

mailto:Bids@fdacs.gov

1.6 Scope of Work

A Contractor awarded a Contract pursuant to this RFP will perform the services described in Exhibit A, Scope of Work.

1.7 Term

The initial term of the Contract awarded pursuant to this RFP will be five (5) years. Upon agreement of the Parties, the Contract may be renewed for an additional five (5) years in accordance with Section 287.057(14), F.S. Notwithstanding the term described herein, the Contract may be terminated in accordance with Article 7 of the Contract.

1.8 General Instructions and Special Instructions

Pursuant to Rule 60A-1.002, F.A.C., the General Instructions to Respondents, PUR 1001, are incorporated in this RFP by reference. There is no need to return this document with Proposals.

This RFP document constitutes the Special Instructions to Respondents. In the event of a conflict between the terms in PUR 1001 and this RFP document, the RFP document will take precedence over all terms in the PUR 1001 unless a conflicting term in the PUR 1001 is required by any section of the Florida Statutes, in which case, the term contained in the PUR 1001 shall take precedence. Specific references to MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) usage for this RFP as stated in paragraphs 3 and 5 of the PUR 1001 are not applicable.

1.9 Conflicts and Order(s) of Precedence

All Proposals are subject to the terms of the following provisions of this RFP, which in case of conflict shall have the following order of precedence:

A. Addenda, in reverse order of issuance;

B. Exhibit A, Scope of Work;

C. RFP, including attachments and exhibits (other than Exhibit A, Scope of Work);

D. PUR 1001, General Instructions to Respondents; and E. PUR 1000, General Contract Conditions.

1.10 Mandatory Requirements

The Department has established certain requirements with respect to submissions to be submitted by Respondents. The use of “shall”, “must” or “will” (except to indicate simple futurity) in this RFP indicates a requirement or conditions from which a material deviation may not be waived by the Department. A deviation is material if, in the Department’s sole discretion, the deficient Proposal is not in substantial accord with the RFP requirements, provides an advantage to one Respondent over other Respondents, or has a potentially significant effect on the quantity or quality of service. Material deviations cannot be waived. The words “should” or “may” in this RFP indicate desirable attributes or conditions but are permissive in nature. A deviation from, or omission of, such a desirable feature will not in itself cause rejection of a Proposal.

1.11 No Social, Political, or Ideological Interests Considered

In accordance with Section 287.05701, F.S., the Department will not request documentation of or consider a Vendor’s social, political, or ideological interests when determining if the Vendor is a responsible Vendor or give preference to a Vendor based on the Vendor’s social, political, or ideological interest.

SECTION 2 Solicitation of Proposals

2.1 MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) Registration

Each Vendor desiring to sell commodities or contractual services as defined in Section 287.012, F.S., to the State is prequalified to do so and shall register in the MFMP system, unless exempted https://dms-media.ccplatform.net/content/download/2934/file/PUR%201001%20General%20Instructions%20to%20Respondents.pdf https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/2934/11780/PUR_1001_General_Instructions_to_Respondents.pdf https://dms-media.ccplatform.net/content/download/2933/file/PUR%201000%20%28General%20Contract%20Conditions%29.pdf under Rule 60A-1.033(3), F.A.C. Information about the registration process is available and registration may be completed on the VIP website. Interested persons lacking internet access may request assistance from the MFMP Customer Service at (866) 352-3776.

Vendors should register for the following United Nations Standard Products and Services (UNSPSC) Class/Group Commodity Code(s) pertaining to this RFP:

• 80121704 – Contract Law Services

• 84101500 – Development Assistance

• 84101501 – Financial Assistance

• 93141901 – Agricultural Commercial Banking Services

• 93141904 – Agricultural or Rural Cooperative Services

2.2 Pre-Response Conference

This RFP will not include a pre-response conference.

2.3 Question-and-Answer Period

Vendors may submit written questions regarding the solicitation to the Procurement Officer by the deadline listed in the Timeline. Oral questions or questions submitted after the deadline may not be acknowledged.

Questions topics may include, but are not limited to, requests for clarification regarding the terms, conditions, or requirements of the RFP or its attachments, or any processes described in those documents. If terms included in the Contract are impractical or, for legal or operational reasons, impossible, Vendors are encouraged to submit questions drawing attention to those issues.

**PLACE THE SOLICITATION NUMBER IN THE SUBJECT LINE OF ALL EMAILS

CONTAINING QUESTIONS.**

The Department requests that Vendors submit questions in the following format:

Question # Vendor Name RFP Section RFP Page # Question

Questions do not constitute a formal protest of the specification or of the solicitation.

The Department will answer timely submitted questions though an addendum posted on the VIP.

SECTION 3 Proposal Submission

3.1 Proposal Format

To expedite the evaluation process, it is essential that Respondents follow the format and instructions contained herein.

The Department is requesting a combination of physical original and digital copies of Proposals for this RFP. Hard copies and electronic (USB) copies must be divided into volumes containing the information below. The Respondent’s Proposal should clearly identify each Volume and Tab, as listed below, with an index tab or other similar type of identification. All pages should be sequentially numbered. Each Proposal should be prepared simply and economically, providing a concise, straightforward delineation of the Respondent’s capabilities to satisfy the requirements of this RFP. Respondents are encouraged to focus on completeness and clarity in their Proposals.

Elaborate bindings, colored displays, and promotional material are discouraged.

Proposals should include all requested forms and information listed below. Failure to provide all of the requested information may result in disqualification of the Proposal or a zero-point score for the relevant evaluation criteria. See Section 4, Proposal Evaluation, for information regarding how the Department will evaluate Responses.

VOLUME I: GENERAL INFORMATION & PRICING

TAB A General Information

The Respondent must provide:

1. A completed and signed ATTACHMENT A – FDACS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM.

The signed original of this form must be included in the original hard copy of the Proposal package.

2. A completed and signed ATTACHMENT B – CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT. The signed original of this form must be included in the original hard copy of the Proposal package.

3. A completed, signed, and notarized ATTACHMENT C – NON-COERCION FOR LABOR OR SERVICES AFFIDAVIT. The signed and notarized original of this form must be included in the original hard copy of the Proposal package unless the Respondent is a governmental entity.

4. The Respondent’s Award Preference Documentation (if any). See Section 5.2, Award

Preferences, for more information. Failure to provide the documentation requested below will result in the applicable preference not being applied to the Respondent.

a. Certified Minority Business Enterprise

The Respondent must provide a copy of its certification to receive this preference.

b. Drug-Free Workplace Program The Respondent must provide a signed ATTACHMENT D – CERTIFICATION OF DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE PROGRAM to receive this preference. The signed original of this form must be included in the original hard copy of the Proposal package.

c. Certified Veteran Business Enterprise The Respondent must provide a copy of its certification pursuant to Section 295.187(5), F.S., to receive this preference.

5. A completed and signed ATTACHMENT E – FORM PUR 7801. The signed original of this form must be included in the original hard copy of the Proposal package. The Respondent must either certify (by checking in the blank next to “Yes”) or mark N/A (by checking in the blank next to “N/A”) for each certification, as applicable.

Note: If the Respondent’s answers indicate the “Common Carrier or Contracted Carrier Attestation Form” is due with its Proposal (because “Yes” is marked for the certification), the Respondent must include the applicable form with its Proposal. The Department reserves the right to, but is not required to, seek clarification from a Respondent to determine whether such form was required if it is not included with the Respondent’s Proposal even though the statement was certified (rather than marked “N/A”); if such form was not required, the Department may waive the Respondent’s failure to submit the form as a minor irregularity. If the form was required, no such waiver will be permitted, and the Respondent will be deemed non-responsive.

6. A completed and signed ATTACHMENT F – FOREIGN COUNTRY OF CONCERN ATTESTATION. The signed original of this form must be included in the original hard copy of the Proposal package.

TAB B Price Response The Respondent must provide a completed and signed EXHIBIT B – PRICE SHEET. The Respondent’s pricing shall encompass all services the Respondent is offering to provide in response to this RFP in the format provided by the Department.

VOLUME II: TECHNICAL RESPONSE

TAB A Statement of Qualifications The Respondent should provide:

1. A detailed narrative of the Respondent’s qualifications that explains its organization’s ability to carry out the required services. The narrative should include an explanation of the Respondent’s ability to (a) review qualifications for underwriting for the agriculture and aquaculture industries and securing appropriate collateral, (b) process and close approved loans, and (c) service approved loans provided in this program.

2. An organizational chart that identifies the Respondent’s personnel who will perform the services, their roles and responsibilities, and their relevant experience and qualifications. Include applicable information regarding trainings, certifications, and licenses held by the identified personnel or subcontractors.

3. A description of the percentage of time the personnel identified by the Respondent will be available to provide the services required under this RFP. Explain how the Respondent will balance its other workload/projects to ensure service will be provided to the Department as required.

4. (If applicable) For each subcontractor proposed, provide a brief narrative of the subcontractor’s proposed roles and responsibilities.

List the subcontractors the Respondent proposes to use on ATTACHMENT G – LIST OF SUBCONTRACTORS. Subcontractors not yet known do not need to be listed. If subcontractors are not yet known, identify how subcontractors will be utilized.

The Respondent must have determined, to its own complete satisfaction, that each subcontractor has been successfully engaged in this particular type of business for a reasonable length of time and is qualified both technically and financially to perform the phase of this work listed herein. The Department shall have the right to examine the qualifications of any subcontractor and to request additional documentation of a subcontractor’s technical and financial qualifications. The Department reserves the right to request proof of any licenses or certifications required of subcontractors. The Department, in its sole discretion, shall have the right to prohibit the use of any subcontractor that does not satisfactorily meet the business experience, technical, or financial qualifications necessary to perform the services sought in this RFP.

TAB B Relevant Experience / Past Performance

1. A narrative of the Respondent’s prior relevant experience with providing services similar to those sought in this RFP. The narrative should reflect the Respondent’s ability to perform the services sought in this RFP and provide relevant examples of performing similar services.

2. A narrative explaining the Respondent’s experience with (a) reviewing qualifications for underwriting for the agriculture and/or aquaculture industries and securing appropriate collateral, (b) processing and closing approved loans, and (c) servicing approved loans.

3. A narrative explaining the Respondent’s experience with verifying that operations meet and maintain compliance with legal requirements, such as those defined in Section 570.822, F.S. The narrative should include a description of the Respondent’s experience with verifying that structures or buildings comply with storm-hardening standards for nonresidential farm buildings as defined in Section 604.50(2), F.S., or providing similar services.

TAB C Approach and Methodology

1. A full description of the Respondent’s plan for carrying out the services sought in this

RFP. Include in this description how the Respondent’s plan will meet the legal requirements for the Program provided in Section 570.822, F.S., and Rule Chapter 5A-19, F.A.C.

2. A draft implementation plan that addresses the elements that would be required under the Contract. See Exhibit A, Scope of Work, for further information on these requirements.

3.2 Contract Terms and Conditions

A draft Contract is provided as ATTACHMENT I - CONTRACTUAL SERVICES AGREEMENT- DRAFT. By submission of a Proposal, the Respondent agrees to the State contract conditions set forth therein. In the case of conflict between the PUR 1000 General Contract Conditions and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Contractual Service Agreement, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Contractual Service Agreement shall prevail, unless the conflicting term in the PUR form is required by any section of the Florida Statutes, in which case the term contained in PUR 1000 shall take precedence.

This document does not need to be returned with your Proposal. Respondents must not submit additions, objections, or modifications to this draft Contract with their Proposals.

3.3 Respondent-Generated Terms

The Department objects to and shall not consider any different or additional terms or conditions submitted by a Respondent, including any appearing in documents attached as part of a Respondent’s Proposal. In submitting a Proposal, Respondent agrees that any additional or different terms or conditions, whether submitted by Respondent intentionally or inadvertently, shall have no force and effect and shall be grounds for rejecting a Proposal. Respondent’s failure to agree to comply with the Department’s terms and conditions, including those specifying information that must be submitted with a Proposal, shall be grounds for rejecting a Proposal.

The purchase order or contract issued by the Department as a result of this RFP shall incorporate all terms and conditions identified herein. No oral agreements or representations shall be valid or binding upon the Department or the Respondent unless expressly contained herein or by a written addendum to this RFP published on the VIP by the Department.

3.4 Cost of Preparation

Neither the Department nor the State is liable for any costs incurred by a Vendor in response to this RFP.

3.5 Instructions for Proposal Submission

The following submission instructions apply to all Proposals:

1) Respondents must submit:

Volume I, Tabs A and B

• 1 hardcopy original

• 1 digital copy on USB drive (individual files for Tab A and B)

Volume II, Tabs A, B, and C

• 1 hardcopy original

• 3 hardcopy copies

• 1 digital copy on USB drive (individual files for Tabs A, B, and C)

Volume III (if applicable)

• 1 digital copy on USB drive (individual file for Volume III)

Note: All digital copies may be submitted on the same USB drive.

2) All Proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope/package with the relevant RFP number clearly marked on the outside of the envelope/package. Department staff will not be held responsible for the inadvertent opening of a Proposal if it is not properly sealed, addressed, or identified.

3) Proposals must be delivered to the address listed below by the date and time listed in the Timeline.

407 S. Calhoun Street, SB-8 Mayo Building Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0800

Proposals may be delivered by United States Postal Service (USPS) mail, courier (FedEx/UPS), or hand delivered; however, Vendors are cautioned shipment via USPS may not be guaranteed to be received by the Department on the scheduled due date / time.

Electronic (email/fax) submission of Proposals will not be accepted for the RFP.

4) It is the Respondent’s responsibility to assure its Proposal is delivered to the proper place and time as stipulated in the Timeline.

5) Proposals received late (after the due date and time listed in the Timeline) will not be accepted, nor considered. A Proposal being postmarked or clocked in by FedEx, UPS or U.S. Postal Service does not constitute the Proposal being received in the Purchasing Office, and such evidence will not be accepted by the Department.

6) A Respondent will not be permitted to modify its Proposal after submission unless the

Department, at its sole discretion, has made a request for additional information.

3.6 Public Records

All documents submitted in response to this RFP shall be considered public record pursuant to Chapter 119, F.S.

3.7 Withdrawal of Proposal

A submitted Proposal may be withdrawn by submitting a written request for its withdrawal to the Department. The withdrawal request must be signed by an authorized representative of the vender and must be received within 72 hours after the submission date indicated in the Timeline.

Any submitted Proposals shall remain valid for 90 days from the submission date.

3.8 Disqualification of Respondents

More than one (1) Proposal from an individual, firm, partnership, corporation, or association, under the same or different names, will not be considered. Reasonable grounds for believing that a Respondent is interested in more than one Proposal for the same work will cause the rejection of all Proposals in which such Respondents are believed to be interested.

If there is reason to believe that collusion exists among the Respondents, any or all Proposals will be rejected. No participants in such collusion will be considered in future solicitations for the same work. Falsifications of any entry made on the Respondents’ offer will be deemed a material irregularity and will be grounds for rejection.

3.9 National Defense Authorization Act

By submission of a Proposal, the Respondent hereby represents and warrants that it shall comply with the Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.204-25, prohibition on contracting for certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment pursuant to the National Defense Authorization Act. Failure to comply or if the Respondent knowingly provides funds to any entity prohibited from receiving a contract or award pursuant to the Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.204-25, shall be cause for unilateral cancellation of the Department’s purchase order or contract. Subcontractors shall be verified through the General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Excluded Parties List at https://sam.gov/SAM/.

3.10 Cooperation with Inspector General

By submission of a Proposal, the Respondent understands its duty, pursuant to Section 20.055(5), F.S., to cooperate with the Inspector General in any investigation, audit, inspection, review, or hearing, in the event Respondent is awarded the Contract. The Respondent will comply with this duty and ensure that subcontracts issued under the Contract, if any, impose this requirement, in writing, on its subcontractors.

SECTION 4 Proposal Evaluation

4.1 Public Opening

The Public Opening for this RFP will be conducted at the date, time, and location (via teleconference) noted in the Timeline. During the Public Opening, Proposals will be physically opened, and the names of Respondents will be announced. Respondents are not required to attend.

4.2 Special Accommodations

Any person with a disability requiring special accommodations at the Public Meeting for Opening of Proposals shall contact the Procurement Officer at least five (5) working days prior to the event. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact this office by using the Florida Relay Services which can be reached at (800) 955-8771 (TDD) or visit https://www.ftri.org/relay for assistance.

https://sam.gov/SAM/ https://www.ftri.org/relay

4.3 Proposal Administrative Review

Each Respondent shall submit a Proposal that conforms to all mandatory requirements as outlined in this RFP solicitation. A Proposal that does not conform to the requirements, or contains material deviations from the specifications, will be rejected as non-responsive and not reviewed further. Material requirements of this RFP are those without which adequate analysis and comparison of Proposals is impossible, or those that affect the competitiveness of Proposals.

The Department seeks to maximize competition and reserves the right to seek clarification from Respondents to obtain non-material information to complete a responsiveness review. A Respondent’s failure to provide required information may cause the Respondent to be deemed non-responsive and therefore be disqualified from further consideration.

Non-responsive Proposals may include, but are not limited to, those which:

A. fail to utilize, complete, and/or submit the mandatory prescribed forms;

B. include terms and conditions contrary to the requirements of this solicitation;

C. do not contain authorized signatures; and D. are not in conformance with the requirements and instructions contained herein.

4.4 Evaluation Procedure

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

300 Points Available

Price Response (Scored by Procurement Officer) Price Response (Volume I, Tab B) Up to 10 Points Available

Technical Response (Scored by Evaluators) Statement of Qualifications (Volume II, Tab A) Up to 70 Points Available Relevant Experience / Past Performance (Volume II, Tab B) Up to 80 Points Available Approach and Methodology (Volume II, Tab C) Up to 140 Points Available

A. Price Response Score

The Procurement Officer will calculate each Respondent’s Price Response Score as described below using the Respondent’s completed EXHIBIT B – PRICE SHEET.

Initial Term Points + Renewal Term Points = Price Response Score

Initial Term Points (5 Points Possible) The Respondent with the lowest sum of percentages for the Initial Term will receive 5 Initial Term Points. Other Respondents’ Initial Term Scores will be calculated as follows:

(Lowest Respondent’s Initial Term %) / (Respondent’s Initial Term %) = Y

Y x 5 = Initial Term Points

Renewal Term Points (5 Points Possible) The Respondent with the lowest sum of percentages for the Renewal Term will receive 5 Renewal Term Points. Other Respondents’ Renewal Term Scores will be calculated as follows:

(Lowest Respondent’s Renewal Term %) / (Respondent’s Renewal Term %) = Z

Z x 5 = Renewal Term Points

B. Technical Response Score The appointed evaluation committee will utilize the point system set forth in Attachment H, Evaluator Score Sheet, to individually score responsive Proposals. For each responsive

Respondent, the Procurement Officer will average the Respondent’s scores from each evaluator to determine the Respondent’s Technical Response score.

C. Total Points

For each Respondent, the Procurement Officer will add the Respondent’s Price Response Score and Technical Response Score to determine that Respondent’s Total Points Awarded.

The Procurement Officer will rank Respondent’s Proposals based on the Total Points Awarded from the Respondent with the highest Total Points Awarded to the Respondent with the lowest number of Total Points Awarded.

SECTION 5 Award

5.1 Basis of Award

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

In the event the selected Respondents 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.

5.2 Award Preferences

If the total awarded points for two or more Respondents is equal, the Department shall determine the order of award in accordance with Sections 287.057(12), 287.087, and 295.187(4), F.S.

5.3 Rejection of Proposals

The Department reserves the right to reject any and all Proposals, when such rejection is in the interest of the State, and to reject the Proposal of a Respondent who the Department determines is not in a position to perform the contract.

Respondents whose Proposals, past performance, or current status do not reflect the capability, integrity, or reliability to fully and in good faith perform the requirements of the Contract may be rejected as not being responsible vendors as defined in Section 287.012, F.S. The Department may request additional information pertaining to the Respondent’s ability and qualifications to accomplish all services described in this RFP as deemed necessary during the RFP or after contract award.

5.4 Protest Procedures

Pursuant to Section 120.57(3), F.S., a Notice of Protest or Formal Written Protest must be filed with the Department’s Agency Clerk. Filings may be made physically at:

The Holland Building 600 South Calhoun Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399

Physical filings received after regular Business Hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., ET) will be filed the next Business Day. Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in Section 120.57(3), F.S., or failure to post the bond or other security required by law within the time allowed for filing a bond shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, F.S.

5.5 Modification after Contract Execution

During the term of the Contract, the Department may unilaterally require changes (altering, adding to, or deducting from the Specifications) provided such changes are within the general scope of this solicitation.

The Respondent may request an equitable adjustment in the price(s) or delivery date(s) if the change affects the cost or time of performance. Such equitable adjustments require the express written approval of the Department’s Contract Manager or designee and a written contract amendment.

5.6 MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) Transaction Fee

The State, through the Department of Management Services, has instituted MFMP, a statewide eProcurement system pursuant to Section 287.057(24), F.S. All payments issued by Agencies to registered Vendors for purchases of commodities or contractual services under Chapter 287, F.S., shall be assessed the Transaction Fee of one percent (1%) of the total amount of the payments received from the State or Eligible Users, as prescribed by Rule 60A-1.031, F.A.C., or as may otherwise be established by law.

Vendors shall pay the Transaction Fee and are subject to automatic deduction of the Transaction Fee when automatic deduction becomes available. Vendors shall submit any monthly reports required pursuant to Rule 60A-1.031, F.A.C. All such reports and payments are subject to audit.

The Department will have grounds for declaring the Vendor in default if the Vendor fails to comply with the payment of the Transaction Fee or reporting of payments, which may subject the Vendor to being suspended from business with the State.

5.7 Vendor Substitute W-9

The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) requires all vendors that conduct business with the State to electronically submit a Substitute W-9 Form to https://flvendor.myfloridacfo.com. Forms and answers to frequently asked questions are located on that website once a registration has been completed. DFS may assist vendors with questions and may be contacted at (850) 413-5519, or FLW9@myfloridacfo.com.

The awarded Respondent must have a valid W-9 on file with the DFS prior to issuance of a Contract. This may be completed by the Respondent post-award.

**Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank** https://flvendor.myfloridacfo.com/ mailto:%20FLW9@myfloridacfo.com

ATTACHMENT A

FDACS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

AND CONSUMER SERVICES

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Solicitation Number: RFP DOA 24 25 128

Solicitation Title: Loan Underwriting, Closing, and Servicing for the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program

AGENCY RELEASE DATE:

February 27, 2025 SUBMIT PROPOSAL TO:

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Procurement Office 407 S. Calhoun Street, SB-8 Mayo Building Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0800

PROPOSAL DUE:

April 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET

PROPOSAL OPENING DATE AND TIME:

April 16, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET

Respondent Name:

**If a fictitious name is used, include registered name (e.g., XYZ, Inc. DBA ABC):

Respondent Mailing Address: Phone Number:

Toll Free Number:

Email Address: Fax Number:

FEID Number: Type of Business Entity (Corporation, LLC, partnership, etc.):

Respondent Contacts: Provide the information requested below for the Respondent’s primary contact and, if available, secondary contact.

These individuals must be available to be contacted by telephone or attend meetings as may be appropriate regarding the solicitation.

PRIMARY CONTACT SECONDARY CONTACT

Contact Name and Title: Contact Name and Title:

Address: Address:

Phone Number: Phone Number:

Fax Number: Fax Number:

Email Address: Email Address:

By signing and submitting this Acknowledgement Form:

1. The Respondent verifies that it has read and complies with all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation and that the product and/or services offered by the Respondent will conform to the specifications of this solicitation without exception.

2. The Respondent certifies that the signature provided by the Respondent below is provided by an authorized representative who can legally bind the Respondent.

Authorized Signature:

Date of Signature:

Name of Authorized Signer:

Title of Authorized Signer:

ATTACHMENT B

CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

I, _______________________, as an authorized representative of ______________________________

(Respondent), pursuant to Section 287.057(19), Florida Statutes, certify that no member of the

Respondent’s organization, nor any person having interest in the Respondent’s organization, has done any of the following:

1) Participated in the drafting of this solicitation;

2) Received a contract that was not procured pursuant to Section 287.057(1)-(3), Florida Statutes, to perform a feasibility study concerning the scope of work contained in this solicitation; or

3) Developed a program for future implementation concerning the scope of work contained in this solicitation.

Signature of Authorized Representative Date

Printed Name

Title

Solicitation Number

WILTON SIMPSON

COMMISSIONER

I, _____________________________________________, having been duly sworn, hereby affirm:

1. Pursuant to section 787.06(13), F.S. when a contract is executed, renewed, or extended between a nongovernmental entity and a governmental entity, as defined in section 287.138(1), F.S., an officer or a representative of the nongovernmental entity must attest under penalty of perjury that the nongovernmental entity does not use coercion for labor or services as defined in section 787.06, F.S.

2. I am an officer or representative of ___________________________________ (nongovernmental entity), a legal entity organized under the laws of the State of ______________________, with its principal place of business located at _____________________________________________________________________.

3. Pursuant to section 787.06(13), F.S., I hereby attest, under penalty of perjury, that the nongovernmental entity does not use coercion for labor or services as defined in this section 787.06(2), F.S.

4. I understand that any false statement made in this affidavit may subject me and the nongovernmental entity to legal consequences.

5. I declare that the information provided herein is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Executed this ______ day of _______________, 20_______.

Signature

Printed Name

Title Position

Nongovernmental Entity Name

STATE OF _________________

COUNTY OF________________________

Sworn to or affirmed and signed before me by means of physical presence or online notarization this

________ day of _______________, 20_____ by ___________________________________________ who is personally known to me or who produced _________________________ as identification.

Notary Public

(Notarial Seal) Printed Name

ATTACHMENT C

NON-COERCION FOR LABOR OR SERVICES AFFIDAVIT WILTON SIMPSON

ATTACHMENT D

Bureau of General Services

CERTIFICATION OF DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE PROGRAM

Pursuant to Section 287.087, Florida Statutes, whenever two or more bids, proposals or replies that are equal with respect to price, quality and service are received by the state or by any political subdivision for the procurement of commodities or contractual services, a bid, proposal or reply received from a business that certifies that it has implemented a drug-free workplace program shall be given preference in the award process.

In order to have a drug-free workplace program, a business shall:

1) Publish a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violations of such prohibition.

2) Inform employees about the dangers of drug abuse in the workplace, the business's policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace, any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs, and the penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations.

3) Give each employee engaged in providing the commodities or contractual services that are under bid a copy of the statement specified in subsection (1).

4) In the statement specified in subsection (1), notify the employees that, as a condition of working on the commodities or contractual services that are under bid, the employee will abide by the terms of the statement and will notify the employer of any conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, any violation of chapter 893 or of any controlled substance law of the United States or any state, for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five (5) days after such conviction.

5) Impose a sanction on, or require the satisfactory participation in, a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program if such is available in the employee's community, by any employee who is so convicted.

6) Make a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace through implementation of this section.

As the person authorized to sign the statement, I certify that this firm complies fully with the above requirements.

VENDOR'S SIGNATURE

FDACS-01218 03/23

ATTACHMENT E

FORM PUR 7801

(08/2024, Rule 60A-1.002, F.A.C.)

Vendor Certification Form

I hereby certify the following on behalf of the vendor identified below:

Customer

Indicator

(Required, N/A, Determined by Vendor)

Vendor

Indicator

Does the

Vendor

Certify?

Certification

Required ___ YES

Regardless of the dollar value of the goods or services provided, in accordance with the requirements of section 287.135(5), F.S., the vendor is not participating in a boycott of Israel and is not on the State Board of Administration’s “Quarterly List of

Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel,” available at https://www.sbafla.com/governance/global-governance-mandates/

___ N/A

If the goods or services to be provided are $1 million or more, in accordance with the requirements of section 287.135, F.S., the vendor is not on the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List or the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran

Terrorism Sectors List (collectively, “Scrutinized List of Prohibited Companies”);

does not have business operations in Cuba or Syria; and is not on the State Board of

Administration’s “Scrutinized List of Prohibited Companies” available under the quarterly reports section at https://www.sbafla.com/reporting/

The vendor is not on the Suspended Vendor List; it and its suppliers, subcontractors, or consultants to be utilized under the contract are not on the Convicted Vendor, Discriminatory Vendor, or Antitrust Violator Vendor Lists; and there is no pending or threatened action, proceeding, or investigation, or any other legal or financial condition, that would in any way prohibit, restrain, or diminish the vendor’s ability to satisfy the contract obligations.

The vendor is hereby informed of the provisions of sections 287.133(2)(a), 287.134(2)(a), and 287.137(2)(a), F.S., that identify the impacts to the vendor's ability or its affiliates’ ability to respond to the competitive solicitations of a public entity; to be awarded or perform work as a contractor, supplier, subcontractor, or consultant under a contract with a public entity; or to transact business with a public entity if it, or its affiliates, are placed on the Convicted Vendor, Discriminatory Vendor, or

Antitrust Violator Vendor Lists of the Department of Management Services. The vendor is hereby further informed of the provisions of section 287.1351, F.S., that identify the impacts to the vendor’s ability to enter into or renew a contract with an agency, as defined in section 287.012, F.S., if it is placed on the Suspended Vendor

List of the Department of Management Services.

If the contract grants the vendor access to an individual’s personal identifying information, the vendor is not prohibited from entering into the contract pursuant to section 287.138, F.S., and has completed the Form PUR 1355, “Foreign Country of

Concern Attestation Form,” that is attached to this solicitation.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sbafla.com%2Fgovernance%2Fglobal-governance-mandates%2F&data=05%7C02%7CBrittany.Dambly%40dms.fl.gov%7C0adec150d13b4cc7ab2d08dcc60e9f98%7Ced173fed38394a3ca952140e906fed8d%7C0%7C0%7C638603013353010002%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=UT3gHJbzlUn95PDvOvb9ytmfLYPu%2Br6o%2FnBevfoq0MU%3D&reserved=0 https://www.sbafla.com/reporting/

If the vendor is a common carrier, as defined in section 908.111, F.S., or a contracted carrier, it is not prohibited from entering into the contract pursuant to section 908.111, F.S., and has completed the Form PUR 1808, “Common Carrier or Contracted Carrier

Attestation Form,” available at http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-14614, and attached it hereto.

The vendor is registered with, and uses, the E-Verify system for all newly hired employees in accordance with section 448.095, F.S.; and has not, within the last year, had a contract terminated under section 448.095(5)(c), F.S., by a public employer, contractor, or subcontractor, as defined by section 448.095(1), F.S.

The vendor is in compliance with all applicable disclosure requirements set forth in section 286.101, F.S., and has not been deemed ineligible for a grant or contract funded by a state agency pursuant to section 286.101(7), F.S.

If the contract is between a nongovernmental entity and a governmental entity, in accordance with section 787.06, F.S., the vendor has completed an affidavit signed by an officer or a representative of the vendor under penalty of perjury attesting that the vendor does not use coercion for labor or services as defined in section 787.06, F.S.

(The affidavit referenced herein is attached to this solicitation as

ATTACHMENT C – NON-COERCION FOR LABOR OR SERVICES

AFFIDAVIT.)

By signing below, I certify that I am authorized to complete and submit this Vendor Certification Form on behalf of the vendor.

Vendor Information Signatory

Name Signature Date

FEIN Typed or Printed Name

Title http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-14614

ATTACHMENT F

FOREIGN COUNTRY OF CONCERN ATTESTATION

(PUR 1355)

This form must be completed by an officer or representative of an entity submitting a bid, proposal, or reply to, or entering into, renewing, or extending, a contract with a Governmental Entity which would grant the entity access to an individual’s Personal Identifying Information. Capitalized terms used herein have the definitions ascribed in Rule 60A-1.020, F.A.C.

______________________________________________ is not owned by the government of a Foreign

Country of Concern, is not organized under the laws of nor has its Principal Place of Business in a

Foreign Country of Concern, and the government of a Foreign Country of Concern does not have a

Controlling Interest in the entity.

Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing statement and that the facts stated in it are true.

Printed Name: __________________________________

Title: _____________________________________

Signature: _____________________________________ Date: ______________

PUR 1355 (10/23) Rule 60A-1.020, F.A.C.

https://www.flrules.org/gateway/RuleNo.asp?title=GENERAL%20REGULATIONS&ID=60A-1.020

ATTACHMENT G

LIST OF SUBCONTRACTORS

Listed below are the names, addresses and telephone numbers of any/all subcontractors that will perform work related to the scope of work.

NAME:

MAILING ADDRESS:

CITY: , STATE: ZIP:

TELEPHONE NUMBER: ( )

FDACS-01221 09/12

ATTACHMENT H

Bureau of General Services

EVALUATOR SCORE SHEET

INSTRUCTIONS

Evaluators must score each Respondent being evaluated on a separate score sheet.

Criteria have been developed to score the Proposal and are presented on this Evaluator Score Sheet.

Except where otherwise indicated on the score sheet, a score should be assigned to each criterion as follows:

Assessment Maximum Points

10 20 30 35 40 50

Excellent 9-10 16-20 24-30 29-35 32-40 40-50

Good 7-8 12-15 18-23 22-28 24-31 30-39

Adequate 5-6 8-11 12-17 15-21 16-23 20-29

Poor 3-4 4-7 6-11 8-14 8-15 10-19

Unacceptable 0-2 0-3 0-5 0-7 0-7 0-9

Scoring should reflect the evaluator’s independent evaluation of the Respondent’s Proposal based on each criterion and should take into account the Respondent’s ability to meet each function, characteristic, performance level, or specification described in the solicitation.

A Respondent who exceeds the function, characteristic, performance level, or specification described in the solicitation should receive a higher score than a Respondent who merely meets the function, characteristic, performance level, or specification.

Once the evaluator has completed a score sheet for each Proposal, the evaluator should submit the completed score sheets to the Procurement Officer.

Respondent Name: __________________________________________________________________

Evaluator Name: ____________________________________________________________________

Evaluator Signature: _________________________________________________________________

Criteria for Evaluation Maximum Points Points

Received

Volume II, Tab A: Statement of Qualifications (70 Points Possible)

How do you rate the Respondent’s ability to carry out the required services?

How do you rate the Respondent’s ability to:

(a) review qualifications for underwriting for the agriculture and aquaculture industries and securing appropriate collateral, (b) process and close approved loans, and (c) service approved loans provided in this program?

How well does the Respondent’s proposed personnel, organizational chart, and proposed roles and responsibilities (including subcontractors) address the Department’s needs for the required services?

How do you rate the Respondent’s capacity to perform the required services?

Volume II, Tab B: Relevant Experience / Past Performance (80 Points Possible)

How well does the Respondent’s prior relevant experience address the services sought in this RFP?

How do you rate the Respondent’s experience with: (a) reviewing…