RFP FNW 23 24 118.pdf

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

Request for Proposal (RFP) No: RFP FNW 23 24 118

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Food, Nutrition, and Wellness

Management and Implementation of School Food Service Training

Channcen Bell, 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 FNW 23 24 118

SECTION 1.0 INTRODUCTORY SECTION

1.1. Statement of Purpose

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Food, Nutrition, and Wellness (Department) issues this Request for Proposal (RFP) to establish a contractual service agreement for the management and implementation of school food service-related training for School Food Authorities (SFA) in maintaining compliance with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) “School Nutrition Program Professional Standards” (7 CFR 210.30), which can be viewed at the following link: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2015/03/02/2015- 04234/professional-standards-for-state-and-local-school-nutrition-programs-personnel-as-required-by-the.

This RFP and all activities leading towards the anticipated issuance of contractual service agreement are conducted pursuant and subject to Chapter 287, Florida Statutes (F.S.), and Rule 60A-1.021, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.).

This solicitation will be administered through the Vendor Information Portal (VIP). Prospective vendors/respondents interested in submitting a proposal must comply with all terms and conditions described in this solicitation.

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

1.2. Timeline

The table below contains the timeline of events for this solicitation. The dates and times within the Timeline are subject to change. Modifications by the Department will be issued by written addenda. It is the responsibility of the vendor to check for any changes on the VIP. All required actions must be completed by the date and time indicated on the Timeline. All times listed are Eastern Time (ET).

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https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2015/03/02/2015-04234/professional-standards-for-state-and-local-school-nutrition-programs-personnel-as-required-by-the https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2015/03/02/2015-04234/professional-standards-for-state-and-local-school-nutrition-programs-personnel-as-required-by-the https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2015/03/02/2015-04234/professional-standards-for-state-and-local-school-nutrition-programs-personnel-as-required-by-the

EVENT DATE/TIME LOCATION

Release of RFP May 08, 2024 Vendor Information Portal https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com

Last day for written Inquiries to be received by the Department. No questions will be accepted after this date.

May 21, 2024

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**

Anticipated Posting of Written Responses to

Vendor Inquiries May 24, 2024 Vendor Information Portal https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com

Sealed Proposals Due June 05, 2024

5:00PM ET

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

June 06, 2024

11:00AM ET

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

Evaluation Phase (Anticipated) June 17 – June 21

Notice of Agency Decision/Intent to Award

(Anticipated) June 24, 2024 Vendor Information Portal https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com

The Department shall utilize the State of Florida, VIP as the single resource for all RFP Public Notice information in accordance with Rule 60A-1.021, F.A.C.

1.3. Public Opening

The Public Opening for this solicitation will be available via teleconference.

DIAL – IN TELECONFERENCE NUMBER: (888) 585 – 9008

CONFERENCE ROOM NUMBER: 407 639 217, then # and follow prompts.

1.4. Special Accommodations

Any person with a disability requiring special accommodations at the proposal opening shall contact purchasing at the phone number above 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.

1.5. Mandatory Requirements

The Department has established certain requirements with respect to vendor submissions. 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.

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

A deviation is material if, in the Department’s sole discretion, the deficient response is not substantial accord with the RFP requirements, provides an advantage to one vendor over other vendors, or has 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. Deviation from, or omission of, such a desirable feature, will not in itself cause rejection of a proposal.

1.6. 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:

1) Addenda, in reverse order of issuance,

2) RFP, including attachments,

3) PUR 1000, General Contract Conditions, and

4) PUR 1001, General Instructions to Respondents.

SECTION 2.0 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

2.1. Background

The Department administers most of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Child Nutrition Programs (CNP) within the State of Florida. These programs include the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Special Milk Program, Afterschool Snack Program, Summer Food Service Program, Seamless Summer Option Program, and Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. ATTACHMENT A, TERMS AND DEFINITIONS, provides definitions to the terms in this RFP.

In Florida, the NSLP is operated in 426 SFA at 4,071 individual site locations across the state. Of the 426 Florida SFA, 67 are county school districts, and the remaining 359 SFA are a mixture of Private Non-Profits (PNP), Charter Schools, and Residential Child Care Institutions (RCCI).

Providing training to Florida’s SFA requires program development and implementation, including the development of course materials, providing and maintaining a catalog of available courses, providing on-site instructor-led training for SFA statewide, paying instructors, collecting instructor and course evaluations, and reporting. The Department seeks a highly qualified vendor to provide a comprehensive on-site school food service training program on behalf of the Division of Food, Nutrition and Wellness to assist SFA maintain compliance with USDA’s Professional Standards for School Nutrition Professionals (7 CFR 210.30). All training will be scheduled on an as-needed basis. The SFA will request and coordinate training with the vendor.

https://dms-media.ccplatform.net/content/download/2933/11777/PUR_1000_General_Contract_Conditions.pdf https://dms-media.ccplatform.net/content/download/2934/11780/PUR_1001_General_Instructions_to_Respondents.pdf

Previously, SFA received on-site instructor-led training at the locations in the table below:

Collier County Public Schools 5775 Osceola Trail

Naples, Florida 34109

Leon County School Board 2757 W. Pensacola Street Tallahassee, Florida 32304

School District of Escambia County

75 North Pace Boulevard Pensacola, Florida 32505

Columbia County School Board 372 W. Duval Street

Lake City, Florida 32055

Levy County School Board 480 Marshburn Drive

Bronson, Florida 32621

School District of Lee County 2855 Colonial Boulevard

Fort Myers, Florida

Department of Juvenile Justice – Miami

275 N.W. 2nd Street, 2nd Floor Miami, Florida 33128

Madison County School Board 210 N.E. Duval Avenue Madison, Florida 32340

St Johns County School Board

40 Orange Street St. Augustine, Florida 32084

Department of Juvenile Justice-Tampa

3012 N. US Highway 301 Tampa, Florida 33619

Monroe County School Board 241 Trumbo Road

Key West, Florida 33040

Suwannee County School Board

1740 Ohio Avenue S.

Live Oak, Florida 32064

Dixie District Schools 981 SE 351 Highway

Cross City, Florida 32628

Nassau County School Board 1201 Atlantic Avenue

Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034

Taylor County School Board 318 North Clark Street Perry, Florida 32347

Hernando County School Board 8050 Mobley Road

Brooksville, Florida 34601

Orange County Public Schools 445 W. Amelia Street

Orlando, Florida 32801

Union County School Board 55 S.W. 6th Street

Lake Butler, Florida 32054

Lake County School Board 201 W. Burleigh Boulevard

Tavares, Florida 32778

Pasco County School Board 7227 Land O' Lakes Boulevard Land O' Lakes, Florida 34638

Volusia County School Board 200 N. Clara Avenue

DeLand, Florida 32724

* This list is only an example of potential training locations.

2.2. Scope of work

The scope of work includes the administration of the training program, development of course material, delivering training on-site and completing reports for the department.

2.2.1. Administration of Training Program

The vendor shall receive, process, schedule, and confirm SFA training requests via email, web contact, or telephone. The contactor shall collect the following information from the

SFA:

1) School district or county.

2) Contact person’s name, phone number, and email address.

3) Course name, training date, and time.

4) Number of attendees, training location, and shipping address.

The vendor shall coordinate scheduling between SFA and instructors.

2.2.2. Course Material Development

A. The vendor shall develop and provide a course catalog approved by the Department that meets all USDA learning objectives outlined in ATTACHMENT B, USDA

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS LEARING OBJECTIVES.

B. The vendor shall develop comprehensive courses, including instructional materials, handouts, pre and post-tests, and instructor evaluations approved by the Department that meets USDA learning objectives as provided in ATTACHMENT B, USDA

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS LEARNING OBJECTIVES.

C. ATTACHMENT C, TRAINING COURSE OFFERINGS is the current course catalog for the Department as an example of acceptable training. The vendor shall provide all training materials for the SFA for all courses, either hardcopy or electronic, as the training course requires by July 31.

D. The vendor shall provide the Department with sign in sheets, for all courses, monthly.

2.2.3. On-site Training Requirements

A. The vendor shall provide instructors experienced in school food service and the topics covered in the USDA Professional Standards for School Nutrition Professionals to conduct the trainings in accordance with ATTACHMENT D, TRAINING COURSES

AND DESCRIPTIONS FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR.

B. The vendor must ensure all instructors pass a Level II background screening to be allowed access to school grounds in accordance with Section 1012.467, F.S.

C. The vendor shall adhere to the minimum attendee guidelines listed below for all courses:

1) Certified food safety courses, a minimum of five (5) participants is required.

2) Other training courses:

i. If student enrollment for SFA is 2,499 or less, a minimum of 10 participants is required.

ii. If student enrollment for SFA is 2,500-9,999, a minimum of 20 participants is required.

iii. If student enrollment for SFA is 10,000 or more, a minimum of 30 participants is required.

If a SFA cannot meet the minimum number of participants, the vendor shall work with the SFA to identify other scheduled trainings located in the same or adjacent county as the SFA participants.

D. The vendor shall adhere to the maximum attendee guidelines listed below for all courses:

1) The vendor may set attendance maximums but must allow at least 40 participants per course. The vendor may allow more than 40 participants per course and shall identify the maximum number of participants in the course catalog.

2) As scheduled, the vendor shall offer courses based on demand with up to and exceeding 100 participants.

3) The vendor shall provide instructors to conduct trainings and provide materials in American English, Spanish, and/or Creole, upon request by the SFA.

4) The vendor shall not be responsible for providing meeting spaces for any training.

The training locations and accommodations shall be provided by the SFA on an as needed basis.

5) The vendor shall be responsible for developing and administering an instructor evaluation and pre and post-tests at the end of each training for all participants.

E. The vendor shall conduct trainings that are no less than two (2) hours per course.

2.2.4. Reporting

A. The vendor shall provide monthly reports to the Department by the 20th day of the month following service delivery. Reports shall include a written description summarizing results of pre- and post-tests and instructors’ evaluations for each course in Microsoft Excel format. All sign-in sheets, participant’s pre- and post-tests shall be submitted as scanned Microsoft Word or PDF documents. Participant’s pre- and post-tests, instructor evaluations, and sign-in sheets shall be submitted with the monthly report in accordance with ATTACHMENT E, REQUIRED MONTHLY REPORTS.

B. If any instructor’s evaluation is below a 75% satisfaction rate in two (2) or more consecutive offerings of a training course, the vendor will notify the Department within seven (7) calendar days of the name of the instructor and the affected course(s). The vendor shall submit recommendations for corrective action to the Department for approval for each instructor and affected training course(s) within 14 calendar days.

The Department will review and approve recommendations within seven (7) calendar days of submission. Any approved recommendations must be implemented within 30 calendar days from receipt of approval by the Department.

C. If a complaint is received regarding an instructor, the vendor will notify the Department within one (1) business day of the complaint. The Department will review and provide feedback within five (5) days. The Department reserves the right to deny the subcontracting of any instructor to this contract if a complaint is found to be egregious or in which the instructor has displayed behavior unbecoming of a representative of the Department.

2.3 Initial Term/Renewal

The anticipated term of the contract shall be effective on or about July 1, 2024, and shall expire on June 30, 2027, unless cancelled earlier in accordance with the terms of the contract.

This contract may be renewed by mutual agreement on a yearly basis for a period of up to three

(3) years after the initial contract or for a period no longer than the original contract, whichever period is longer, at the same prices, terms, and conditions.

SECTION 3.0 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS

3.1 Advertisement

To locate the RFP or other related information on the VIP, enter Agency “Department of Agriculture” and click on “Advertisement Search” at the bottom of the web page. If unable to download the document(s), contact the Department’s Procurement Officer.

3.2 General Instructions to Respondents (PUR 1001)

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

Any terms and conditions set forth within this RFP shall supersede all conflicting terms and conditions set forth within the PUR 1001, unless the conflicting term/condition is required by any section of the Florida Statutes, in which case the term/condition required by Florida Statutes shall take precedence. Specific references to MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) usage for this RFP stated in paragraphs 3 and 5 of the PUR 1001, General Instructions to Respondents are not applicable.

3.3 Vendor Inquiries

The Procurement Officer, acting on behalf of the Department, is the sole point of contact of official meetings, questions, and all procurement related matters relating to this RFP from the date of the release of the solicitation until the Department advertises the Notice of Agency Decision on the

VIP.

Questions related to this RFP must be received in writing, via email, by the Procurement Officer listed below, within the time indicated in the Timeline. Oral inquiries, or those submitted after the period specified in the Timeline, will not be acknowledged.

Responses to written questions will be posted on the VIP on or about the date referenced in the Timeline.

Procurement Officer:

Channcen Bell Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 407 S. Calhoun Street, SB-8 Mayo Building Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0800 Email: Bids@fdacs.gov

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

NUMBER IN THE SUBJECT LINE OF THE EMAIL**

https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/2934/11780/PUR_1001_General_Instructions_to_Respondents.pdf mailto:Bids@fdacs.gov

Between the release of the solicitation, and the end of the 72-hour period following posting of notice of intention to award (72-hour period excludes Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays or other closures), vendors responding to this solicitation, or persons acting on their behalf, may not contact any employee or officer of the executive or legislative branches of government, concerning any aspect of this solicitation, except in writing to the procurement officer as provided in this solicitation. Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting a response, as per Section 287.057(25), F.S.

No negotiations, decisions, or actions shall be initiated or executed by the vendor as a result of any discussions with any purchaser or departmental employee. Only those communications, which are in writing from the Department's purchasing office, may be considered as a duly authorized expression on behalf of the purchaser. Also, only communications from the vendors, which are in writing and signed, will be recognized by the purchaser as duly authorized expressions on behalf of the vendor.

Any questions, correspondence, or contact with the Department initiated by the vendor after the RFP opening date and prior to posting of intended award must be directed to the purchasing office, attention Procurement Officer. Department personnel will not discuss proposals or proposed contract activities with the vendor during the RFP evaluation period. The Department will not accept any revisions or additions to any RFP after the proposal opening date.

3.4 Addenda

If the Department deems it necessary to supplement, modify, or interpret any portion of the solicitation documents or exhibits, addenda, and materials relative to this RFP during the bidding period, information will be posted on the VIP as a written addendum. Any addenda issued in relation to this RFP shall thereby become part of the final bid specifications and requirements.

Interested parties are responsible for monitoring the VIP for new, changing, or clarifying information relative to this RFP.

3.5 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 under subsection 60A-1.033(3) F.A.C. Information about the registration process is available, and registration may be completed, at the MFMP website: https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com.

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 Procurement:

• 85151504 – Food preparation counseling or control services

• 85151505 – Food research services

• 85151604 – Nutrition project evaluation

• 85151705 – Evaluation of food aid nutritional impact

• 86101500 – Agriculture and forestry and other natural resources training services

• 86101504 – Agriculture vocational training services https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

3.6 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 be reached by contacting (850) 413-5519, or FLW9@myfloridacfo.com.

The awarded vendor must have a valid W-9 on file with the DFS prior to issuance of a contract.

This may be completed by the vendor post-award and is not something which the Department will consider in determining the responsiveness of a proposal.

3.7 Cost of Preparation

Neither the Department, nor the State of Florida, is liable for any costs incurred by a vendor in response to this RFP.

3.8 Instructions for Proposal Submittal

Each proposal shall be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise delineation of the vendor’s capabilities to satisfy the requirements of this RFP. Elaborate bindings, colored displays and promotional material are discouraged. Emphasis in each proposal must be on completeness and clarity of content. In order to expedite the review, it is essential that the vendor follows the format and instructions.

A. Proposals may be sent by U.S. mail, courier, overnight or hand delivered to the location listed below. Electronic (email/fax) submission of proposals will not be accepted for this RFP.

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

B. All proposals must be submitted in a sealed envelope/package with the RFP number clearly marked on the outside of the envelope/package.

C. It is the vendor’s responsibility to assure its proposal submittal is delivered to the proper place and time as stipulated in the Timeline.

D. It is mandatory the Vendor complete, sign, and submit ATTCHMENT F – PRICE SHEET.

The completed ATTCHMENT F – PRICE SHEET must be sealed in a separate envelope but may be included in the package with the proposal.

E. Late proposals will not be accepted. Submissions may be delivered by United States Postal Service (USPS) mail, courier (FedEx/UPS), or hand delivered to the Mayo Building;

however, vendors are cautioned shipment via USPS may not be guaranteed to be received by the Department on the scheduled due date / time. SUBMISSIONS MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE PURCHASING OFFICE BY the designated date and time listed. Postmarked or clocked in by FedEx, UPS, or U.S. Postal Service is not acceptable for being received in the purchasing office.

https://flvendor.myfloridacfo.com/ mailto:FLW9@myfloridacfo.com

3.9 Vendor Generated Terms

The Department objects to and shall not consider any different or additional terms or conditions submitted by a vendor, including any appearing in documents attached as part of a vendor’s proposal. In submitting a proposal, the vendor agrees that any additional or different terms or conditions, whether submitted by vendor intentionally or inadvertently, shall have no force and effect, and shall be grounds for rejecting the proposal. Vendor’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 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 vendor unless expressly contained herein or by a written addendum issued by the Department to this RFP.

SECTION 4.0 REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PROCESS

4.1 Proposal Format

The Department is accepting a combination of a physical original and digital copies in searchable format of vendors’ proposals to this RFP. Proposals must be submitted in sealed package/hard copy format and electronic copies divided into volumes containing the information below.

Sealed Package Volume Section Name Copies

Volume I

• Administrative Forms

• Price Sheet

• Redacted Technical and Relevant

Experience (if applicable)

One (1) Original Hard Copy and One (1) Digital USB Flash Drive

Volume II • Redacted Technical Response

• Relevant Experience (if applicable) One (1) Digital USB Flash Drives

Respondents must submit one (1) hardcopy (i.e., a physical hardcopy) of the proposal with all attachments and a completed ATTACHMENT F, PRICE SHEET sealed separately, and electronic duplicate copies of the proposal with all attachments on one (1) separate USB flash drive. Proposals shall be delivered to the Department’s purchasing office before the specified due date in a sealed package labeled with the vendor’s name and address, and this RFP number. Sequentially number all pages and organize as indicated below. Emphasis of each proposal must be on completeness and clarity of content. In order to expedite the evaluation process, it is essential that vendors follow the format and instructions contained herein.

This RFP response package must include all requested forms and information. Each section should be segregated by index TAB(s), or folders labeled as such, which will include either mandatory response forms or material for weighted criteria to be scored by the appointed evaluation team. Failure to provide all of the requested information may result in disqualification of the vendor’s response, or a zero-point score for that section. The vendor’s package should clearly identify each area, as listed below, with an index tab or other type of identification.

VOLUME I: FORMS AND PRICE PROPOSAL

TAB A Vendor Acknowledgement (No Points will be awarded for Tab A)

By submission of a signature on the Department’s Acknowledgment Form, the vendor certifies that they have read and comply with all terms and conditions contained herein. The proposal must contain the original signature of an authorized representative who can legally bind the vendor. The product/services offered by the vendor will conform to the specifications of this RFP without exception.

Vendors must include ATTACHMENT G, ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM with their response.

TAB B Florida Preference Certifications (No Points will be awarded for Tab B)

When evaluating vendor proposals to this RFP where the total awarded points from two (2) or more vendors is equal, the Department shall determine the order of award in accordance with Sections 287.057(12), 287.082, 287.087, 287.092, and 295.187(4), F.S.

1) CERTIFIED MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE

Pursuant to Section 287.057(12), F.S., if two equal proposals are received and one proposal is from a certified minority business enterprise, the Department must contract with the certified minority business enterprise. Vendors must provide a copy of this certification in their proposal to receive this preference.

2) COMMODITIES MANUFACTURED, GROWN OR PRODUCED IN STATE

GIVEN PREFERENCE

Pursuant to Section 287.082, F.S., whenever two or more competitive sealed bids are received, one or more of which relates to commodities manufactured, grown, or produced within this state, and whenever all things stated in such received bids are equal with respect to price, quality and service, the commodities manufactured, grown or produced within this state shall be given preference. Bidders must provide proof in their bid response to receive this preference.

3) CERTIFICATION OF DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE PROGRAM

Pursuant to Section 287.087, F.S., 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. To be considered for the drug-free workplace program preference, Respondents must provide FDACS-01218, ATTACHMENT H, CERTIFICATION OF DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

PROGRAM, that it has implemented a drug-free workplace program.

4) PREFERENCE TO CERTAIN FOREIGN MANUFACTURERS

Pursuant to 287.092, F.S., any foreign manufacturing company with a factory in the state and employing over 200 employees working in the state shall have preference over any other foreign company when price, quality and service are the same, regardless of where the product is manufactured. Vendors must provide proof in their response to receive this preference.

5) FLORIDA VETERAN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITY ACT

PREFERENCE

Pursuant to Section 295.187(4), F.S., a state agency, when considering two or more bids, proposals or replies for the procurement of commodities or contractual services, at least one of which is from a certified veteran business enterprise, which are equal with respect to all relevant considerations, including price, quality, and service, shall award such procurement or contract to the certified veteran business enterprise. Proof of certification pursuant to Section 295.187(5), F.S., shall accompany the proposal. Failure to submit proof of certification will result in non-application of the preference.

TAB C Mandatory Certifications (No Points will be awarded for Tab C)

1) No Prior Involvement and Conflict of Interest

Pursuant to Section 287.135, F.S., a company is ineligible to, and may not, bid on, submit a proposal for, or enter into or renew a contract with an agency or local governmental entity for goods or services of any amount if, at the time of bidding on, submitting a proposal for, or entering into or renewing such contract, the company is on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List, created pursuant to Section 215.4725, F.S., or is engaged in a boycott of Israel.

When goods or services to be provided are $1 million or more, Section 287.135, F.S., requires the Contractor to certify that it is not 1) on the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List; 2) on the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Terrorism Sectors List, created pursuant to Section 215.473, F.S., or 3) engaging in business operations in Cuba or Syria.

In order for your proposal to be considered responsive, ATTACHMENT I, CERTIFICATION REGARDING SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES FORM must be completed and included in your proposal package. The list of Scrutinized Companies may be found at https://www.sbafla.com/fsb/FundsWeManage/FRSPensionPlan/GlobalGoverna nceMandates.aspx .The Department may immediately terminate any contract, as a result of this proposal, for cause if the contractor is found to have submitted a false certification.

2) Certification Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters for Expenditure of Federal Funds Tie Bids

Any person submitting a response to this request for proposal MUST execute https://www.sbafla.com/fsb/FundsWeManage/FRSPensionPlan/GlobalGovernanceMandates.aspx https://www.sbafla.com/fsb/FundsWeManage/FRSPensionPlan/GlobalGovernanceMandates.aspx the enclosed ATTACHMENT J, CERTIFICATION REGADRING LOBBYING;

DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS

FOR EXPENDITURE OF FEDERAL FUNDS form FDACS-01522, and enclose it with his/her bid or proposal. The Certification for Lobbying is required for expenditures $100,000 and above. The Certification for Debarment and Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters is required for expenditures $25,000 and above.

TAB D Pricing (25 points maximum)

The vendor must complete and submit the ATTACHMENT F, PRICE SHEET, using the instructions provided. The Price Sheet is to be organized as described on the form and must contain complete responses to all items. If a portion of any section is omitted, the Price Sheet may be deemed non-responsive at the sole discretion of the Department. All prices shall encompass all services as it relates to the Scope of Work outlined in this RFP and the vendor’s proposal.

TAB E Vendor’s Duty to Assert Exemption from Disclosure as a Public Record (No Points will be awarded for Tab E)

The Department takes its public records responsibilities under Chapter 119, F.S., and Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution, very seriously. If a vendor considers any portion of the documents, data or record submitted in response to this solicitation to be exempted by law from disclosure as a public record, the vendor must also provide Department with a separate “Redacted Copy” of its Reply on a USB flash drive, at the time of Reply submission.

Any Reply content submitted to Department which is asserted to be exempted by law from disclosure as a public record shall be clearly marked “exempt,” “confidential,” or “trade secret” (as applicable), with the statutory basis for such claim of exemption specifically identified in writing on each and every such page. Failure to segregate and so clearly identify any such content shall constitute a waiver of any claimed exemption as applied to the portion of the Reply or other document in which the content is set forth.

IF A VENDOR FAILS TO SUBMIT A REDACTED COPY WITH ITS REPLY AS

DESCRIBED HEREIN, THE FDACS IS AUTHORIZED TO PRODUCE THE ENTIRE

DOCUMENT(S), DATA, OR RECORDS SUBMITTED BY THE VENDOR IN

ANSWER TO A PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST. THE STATE OF FLORIDA DOES

NOT CONSIDER PRICE TO BE CONFIDENTIAL.

VOLUME II: TECHNICAL RESPONSE / RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

TAB A Statement of Qualifications (40 points maximum)

1) The vendor shall provide a detailed narrative of their qualifications and prior relevant experience within the past five (5) years that documents, demonstrates, and represents their organization’s ability to manage, implement, and provide the services as specified herein. The qualifications should be relevant to implementation, execution, and management of onsite school food service training utilizing the USDA School Nutrition Program Professional Standards

(7 CFR 210.30).

2) Personnel - Provide the background, experience, relevant credentials, and resumes of the personnel to confirm qualifications to present on set topics, that will be assigned to this contract, include their roles and responsibilities. Provide the roles and responsibilities of any subcontractors that will be assigned to the resulting contract in accordance with ATTACHMENT D, TRAINING COURSES

AND DESCRIPTIONS FOR 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR.

3) Provide a summary of similar projects administered by the vendor as described in this RFP, including project scope and outcomes.

TAB B Relevant Experience/ Past Performance (25 points maximum)

The Respondent shall provide a detailed narrative of prior relevant experience conducting similar research projects and production of final report(s), which includes best management practices and program recommendations. This narrative must include at a minimum, three (3) projects performed of a similar size and scope completed within the last five (5) years.

The Respondent shall provide names, addresses, phone numbers, and email contacts of the three (3) customers for whom the Respondents have identified in this narrative on the ATTACHMENT K, REFERENCES/PAST PERFORMANCE form.

Respondents who do not provide at least 3 references shall be deemed as non-responsive, and their Proposal shall be rejected as such. The Department reserves the right to contact each customer reference to verify the information provided and validate the performance of the Respondent.

References must be current or former clients of the Respondent. The Department will not accept subcontractor/proposed personnel or personal references of a member of the Respondent as a substitute for customer references. Past performance with the Department will constitute a reference, whether listed or not, and will be used by the Department to determine the Respondent's ability to perform services similar to those described in this RFP in a satisfactory manner.

Unsatisfactory past performance with the Department will result in rejection of the

RFP.

TAB C Sub-Contractors (No Points will be awarded for Tab C)

1) In order to warrant that only qualified and competent subcontractors will be employed on the project, the vendor shall submit to the Department a list of subcontractors who will perform work. The vendor must have determined, to its own complete satisfaction, that a listed 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 reserves the right to request proof of any licenses or certifications required of subcontractors.

2) Any subcontractor(s) not listed and approved by the Department will not be allowed to proceed with any work related to this project. The Department shall have the right to examine the technical qualifications of any subcontractor and to request additional documentation of a subcontractor’s technical and financial qualifications. Any subcontractor(s) proposed after the start of this project must be submitted in writing to the Department for approval. Work by the proposed subcontractor must not commence until the Department has given approval. The Department shall have the right to prohibit the use of any subcontractor that in its own discretion does not satisfactorily meet the business experience, technical or financial qualifications necessary to perform this work. If applicable, ATTACHMENT L, LIST OF SUBCONTRACTORS FORM must be completed and included in the vendor’s proposal.

TAB D Approach and Methodology or Plans and Procedures (100 points maximum)

The vendor shall provide a comprehensive and detailed plan which shall include how all the elements within the Scope of Work will be addressed that at a minimum includes:

1) The vendor shall provide a project management plan that details contract implementation from the contract start date to actual training implementation.

(20 points)

2) The vendor shall provide the process for recruiting, selecting, verifying, and hiring professional instructors experienced in school food service-related training. (20 points)

3) The vendor shall provide a sample course catalog that meets USDA Professional Standards and approved by the Department in accordance with

ATTACHMENT B, USDA PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS LEARNING

OBJECTIVES and ATTACHMENT C, TRAINING COURSE OFFERINGS.

(25 points)

4) The vendor shall provide the process for receiving training requests from SFA, including the process for scheduling instructors to fulfill requests. (20 points).

5) The vendor shall provide a communication plan that outlines the correspondence procedures between the Department and the vendor. (5 points)

4.2 Proposal Administrative Review and Evaluation

Each vendor shall submit a proposal that conforms to all mandatory requirements as outlined in this RFP. Submissions that do not conform to the requirements, or contain material deviations from the specifications, will be rejected as non-responsive and not further reviewed.

An appointed evaluation committee will utilize a point system to score each responsive proposal submitted. Once the evaluation committee has concluded scoring all responsive proposals, a list of responses will be tabulated in ranked order. Available points for each of the evaluation criteria are specified herein.

As the best interest of the state shall require, the Department reserves the right to reject any and all responses or waive any minor irregularity or technicality in proposals received. Vendors are cautioned to make no assumptions unless their proposal has been evaluated as being responsive. Any further clarification, if necessary, will be by written addenda. The Department reserves the right to award, or not award, contract(s) based on the availability of funds.

4.3 Evaluation Considerations

The evaluation committee members shall perform the evaluation in accordance with the evaluation criteria listed in Evaluation Procedure below.

4.4 Evaluation Procedure

1) Written Technical and Relevant Experience

The evaluation committee shall utilize a point system to rank proposals based on their written technical and price point score. Available points for each of the written technical and price point score evaluation criteria are:

Technical Response 0 - 25 Relevant Experience 0 - 165

MAXIMUM AVAILABLE POINTS 190

2) Evaluation of Price Sheet

The vendor shall provide a detailed pricing structure for GRAND TOTAL on ATTACHMENT F, PRICE SHEET. Prices shall encompass all services as it relates to the work outlined in this RFP and the vendor’s proposal. The price sheet must be signed by a legally authorized representative of the company and completed as part of this tab. In addition to the price sheet the vendor shall provide a detailed cost proposal under which the vendor plans to operate the resulting contract and attach it to the completed ATTACHMENT F. Cost proposals shall include all travel, materials, and any other incidental costs that result in the vendor’s price to the Department. The vendor shall provide a cancelation policy that outlines any fees associated with cancelations.

ATTACHMENT F will be converted into a CALCULATED PRICE POINT. The CALCULATED PRICE POINTS will be added together for the Original Contract Term and Renewal Contract Term to equal the CALCULATED PRICE POINT TOTAL. The vendor with the lowest CALCULATED PRICE POINT TOTAL will be scored the maximum points available (25 points).

Vendors above the lowest CALCULATED PRICE POINT TOTAL will be scored in accordance with the following formula:

(M x L) / A = P M = Maximum Points Available for the Price Proposal L = Lowest Responsive Price Proposal A = Actual Vendor Price Proposal P = Points Awarded

Vendors will be ranked in order from highest to lowest based on the total calculation of Written Technical, Relevant Experience, and Fixed Price points.

4.5 Proposal Opening

Proposals are due, and will be publicly opened, at the time, date, and location specified in the Timeline. Proposals received late (after the due date and time) will not be accepted, nor considered, and modification by the vendor of submitted proposals will not be allowed, unless the Department has made a request for additional information. Department staff will not be held responsible for the inadvertent opening of a proposal if it is not properly sealed, addressed, or identified.

4.6 Less Than Two Responsive Replies

In the event that the Department receives less than two (2) responsive proposals, the Department reserves the right to negotiate the best terms and conditions pursuant to section 287.057(6), F.S.

4.7 Basis of Award

This RFP shall be awarded in accordance with 287.057(1)(b), F.S.

An award shall be made to the responsive and responsible vendor with the highest aggregate total of technical and price scores. An award from this advertisement does not constitute an official purchase order or contract, agreement, or commitment on behalf of the state.

In event the vendor with the highest aggregate total of price and technical scores is found non-responsive, the Department may proceed to the next responsive vendor with the highest aggregate total of price and technical scores and continue the award process.

4.8 Contract Award

The Department intends to award a contractual services agreement to the responsive and responsible vendor with the highest cumulative total points as specified above.

4.9 Rules for Withdrawal

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 vendor 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.

4.10 Disqualification of Respondents

More than one 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 vendor is interested in more than one proposal for the same work will cause the rejection of all proposals in which such vendors are believed to be interested.

If there is reason to believe that collusion exists among vendors, 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 vendors’ offer will be deemed a material irregularity and will be grounds for rejection.

4.11 Rejection of Proposals

The Department reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, when such rejection is in the interest of the State of Florida, and to reject the proposal of a vendor who the Department determines is not in a position to perform the contract.

4.12 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. Filings received after regular Business Hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) 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.

SECTION 5.0 SPECIAL CONDITIONS

5.1 Contract Terms and Conditions

A draft contract is provided as ATTACHMENT MCONTRACTUAL SERVICES AGREEMENT- DRAFT. By submission of a proposal, vendors agree to the State of Florida 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. Vendors must not submit additions, objections, or modifications with their proposal submission.

5.2 Renewal

The resulting contract may be renewed by mutual agreement on a yearly basis (i.e., 1-year terms) for a total period of up to three (3) years after the initial term as specified above.

5.3 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.

5.4 Compliance with Laws

The vendor shall comply with all laws, rules, codes, ordinances, and licensing requirements that are applicable to the conduct of its business, including those of federal, state, and local agencies having jurisdiction and authority. By way of non-exhaustive example, Chapter 287, F.S. and Chapter 60A-1, F.A.C. govern this agreement. By way of further non-exhaustive example, the vendor shall comply with section 247A(e) of the Immigration and Nationalization Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act, the

Americans with Disabilities Act, and all prohibitions against discrimination on the basis of race, religion, sex, creed, national origin, handicap, marital status, or veteran's status. Violation of such laws shall be grounds for termination.

5.5 Foreign County of Concern Attestation

In the event that the vendor obtains or has access to an individual’s Personal Identifying Information, the firm responding to this solicitation must complete and return the attached Foreign County of Concern Attestation (Attachment N).

5.6 Independent Capacity of Contractor

The vendor, its officers, agents, and employees, in performance of the contract, shall act in the capacity of an independent contractor and not as an officer, employee or agent of the state.

5.7 Vendor Ombudsman

Vendors providing goods or services to an agency should be aware of the following time frames.

Upon receipt, an agency has five (5) working days to inspect and approve the goods or service, unless the bid specifications, purchase order or contract specifies otherwise. An agency has 20 days to deliver a request for payment (voucher) to the DFS. The 20 days are measured from the latter of the date the invoice is received or the goods or services are received, inspected, and approved.

If a payment is made within 40 days, a separate interest rate shall apply in accordance with Section 55.03, F.S.

A Vendor Ombudsman has been established within the DFS. The duties of this individual include acting as an advocate for vendors who may be experiencing problems in obtaining timely payments(s) from a state agency. The Vendor Ombudsman may be contacted at (850) 413-5516.

ATTACHMENT A

STATE OF FLORIDA

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER…