RFP_No._2026009.pdf

P 386-362-2226 F 386-364-5008

Physical: 11340 100th St., Live Oak, FL 32060

Mailing: PO Box 160, Live Oak, FL 32064

Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc.

RFP No. 2026-009, Disaster Fiber Restoration

Request for Proposals: Disaster Fiber Restoration

Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc. (“SVEC”) is a non-profit electric cooperative that provides electric service to approximately 30,000 meters in Florida’s Columbia, Hamilton, Lafayette, and Suwannee counties.

SVEC maintains approximately 2,500 miles of fiber optic lines and its subsidiary company serves nearly 9,000 customers with fiber broadband service within an area of about 2,000 square miles.

SVEC is seeking proposals to establish one or more contracts with qualified and experienced contractors to provide Disaster Fiber Restoration (the “Services”) in response to future disasters, as needed. A complete scope of services is attached as Exhibit A and incorporated into this Request for Proposals (“RFP”). The selected contractor(s) shall provide personnel, equipment, plans, procedures, and other materials and capabilities to perform the Services in accordance with Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) Public Assistance requirements.

Successful Respondent(s) will be awarded the counter-signed contract, executed by SVEC. SVEC may activate the contractor via Task Release for the Services. SVEC may seek FEMA reimbursement of incurred costs. Thus, all work must be completed in compliance with FEMA’s rules and guidance, as well as Federal laws, regulations, executive orders, and the federal cost principles at 2 C.F.R. Part 200.

Proposals must be submitted via VendorLink or emailed, with the subject line referencing the RFP name and number, to Kimbridge Wilkison at kimbridgew@svec-coop.com, by 5:00 p.m. ET on August 5, 2026. THE

SUBJECT LINE OF THE SUBMITTAL CORRESPONDENCE MUST STATE “RFP #2026-009 SUBMITTAL.” Further instructions for proposal submission are contained in this RFP. Interested persons or entities may obtain a copy of the RFP from VendorLink or by emailing Kimbridge Wilkison at kimbridgew@svec-coop.com.

Table of Contents

Request for Proposals: Disaster Fiber Restoration

General Information

I. Instructions to Respondents

A. Proposal Submission

B. Timeliness

C. Pre-Proposal Conference

II. Changes; Questions; Interpretations; Site Visits

III. Property of SVEC

IV. RFP Timetable

V. Ethics Requirement

VI. Disclosure and Disclaimer

VII. Contract Agreement / Compensation

VIII. Insurance Requirements; Safety Precautions; and Limitation of Liability

IX. Documentation Management & Support

X. Bonding

XI. Evaluation and Award

A. Evaluation Criteria

XII. Proposal Format

A. Table of Contents

B. Section 1: Cover Letter / Acknowledgement of Addenda (2 Page Limit)

C. Section 2: Respondent’s Qualifications and Responsibility (5 Page Limit + Exhibit D)

D. Section 3: Cost of Services (Exhibit C)

E. Section 4: Similar Projects and References (Exhibit E)

F. Section 5: Proof of Licenses (unlimited pages)

G. Appendix – Other Relevant and Supporting Documentation

XIII. Representations by Submittal of Proposals

XIV. Protests

XV. Exhibits

Exhibit A: Scope of Services

Exhibit B: Authorized Signatories/Negotiators

Exhibit C: Cost Proposal Instructions

Exhibit D: Qualification Questionnaire

Exhibit E: References

Exhibit F: Conflict/Non-Conflict of Interest Statement

Litigation Statement

Exhibit G: Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension And Other Responsibility Matters

Exhibit H: Certification Regarding Lobbying For Contracts, Grants, Loans, And Cooperative Agreements

Exhibit I: Indemnification Agreement

General Information

I. Instructions to Respondents

Respondents are expected to submit proposals that conform to the requirements of this RFP.

A. Proposal Submission

Respondents shall submit proposals electronically via VendorLink or emailed (in one PDF), with the subject line referencing the RFP name and number, to Kimbridge Wilkison at kimbridgew@svec-coop.com, by 5:00 p.m. ET on August 5, 2026. Incomplete proposals or proposals submitted by other means or received beyond the deadline may not be considered. Costs incurred to respond to this RFP are the sole responsibility of the

Respondent.

All proposals must be typed and signed by an officer with authority to bind the Respondent. Signatures

(electronic signatures are permitted) are required where indicated; failure to do so may be cause for rejection of a proposal.

B. Timeliness

Respondent(s) may submit their proposal any time prior to the submission deadline. If more than one proposal is provided by the same Respondent, the latest received proposal prior to the deadline will be considered the

Respondent’s final proposal. Respondents are responsible for ensuring their Proposal was received timely. Late proposals or proposals submitted in any other form than identified above may be rejected.

C. Pre-Proposal Conference

If SVEC determines a Pre-Proposal Conference is warranted, it will notify Respondents by issuing an addendum to this RFP indicating the time, date, location, and telephone conference information. Attendance at the Pre-

Proposal Conference, if any, is not mandatory but is recommended (by phone or in person).

II. Changes; Questions; Interpretations; Site Visits

SVEC reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel or change this RFP at any time. Any changes will be made by addendum made available on VendorLink. All questions or concerns regarding this RFP must be received in writing via VendorLink or by e-mail referencing the RFP number and name to Kimbridge Wilkison at kimbridgew@svec-coop.com no later than 5:00 p.m. ET on July 22, 2026. Any responses to questions or concerns will be addressed, if at all, by addenda. Failure to comply with this instruction may result in disqualification. No oral interpretation of this RFP shall be considered binding.

III. Property of SVEC

All materials submitted in response to this RFP become the property of SVEC, except to the extent a Respondent provides and identifies confidential information in its proposal. In accordance with Chapter 119 of the Florida

Statutes (Public Records Law), and except as may be provided by other applicable State or Federal law, all

Respondents should be aware that this RFP and any communications with respect to it, including but not limited to submitted proposals, may be considered within the public domain by virtue of SVEC intent to submit the resulting costs to various Federal and/or State agencies for reimbursement. Respondents should specifically identify any information contained in their proposal which they consider confidential and/or proprietary and which they believe to be exempt from disclosure, citing the applicable exempting law.

IV. RFP Timetable

The anticipated schedule for this RFP and MSA approval is as follows:

Questions from Potential Respondents Due July 22, 5:00 p.m.

Issue Addenda (if necessary) July 291

Proposal Due Date and Time August 5, 5:00 p.m.

Proposal Evaluation TBD

Contract Negotiations/Approval TBD

All times are listed in the Eastern Time Zone.

SVEC reserves the right to amend the anticipated schedule as it deems necessary.

V. Ethics Requirement

This RFP is subject to SVEC’s policy governing conflicts of interest in procurement and contract administration.

Respondents shall submit a signed statement regarding conflicts of interest with their proposal on the form provided herein as Exhibit F.

VI. Disclosure and Disclaimer

This RFP is provided by SVEC without any warranty or representation, express or implied, as to its content, accuracy, or completeness, and no Respondent or other party shall have recourse against SVEC if any information herein contained is inaccurate or incomplete. SVEC makes no representation or warranty that any proposal submitted in response to this RFP will be selected for consideration, negotiation, or approval.

In its sole discretion and in SVEC’s best interest, SVEC may withdraw this RFP either before or after receiving proposals, may accept or reject proposals, and may accept proposals which deviate from the non-material provisions of this RFP. SVEC may independently determine the qualifications, experience, and acceptability of any Respondent. By submitting a proposal, each Respondent agrees to promptly provide any additional information, documentation, or assurances requested by SVEC, including financial, disclosure, or background information relating to the Respondent and its affiliates, officers, directors, partners, shareholders, or employees. Any action taken related to this RFP by SVEC shall be without any expense, liability, or obligation on the part of SVEC or their advisors.

1 SVEC will endeavor to issue any addenda on or before this date but reserves the right to issue addenda at any time prior to the proposal due date and time.

All respondents to this RFP fully acknowledge the provisions of this Disclosure and Disclaimer and agree to be bound by the terms hereof. Any proposal submitted pursuant to this RFP is at the sole risk and responsibility of the party submitting such proposal.

VII. Contract Agreement / Compensation

SVEC may enter into an MSA with the selected Respondent(s) as a result of this RFP. The MSA will contain the general terms and conditions applicable to the Services. SVEC will not accept proposed changes to the MSA.

Work will be authorized by a SVEC via a Task Release that will describe the specific scope of Services to be performed, specify the rates to be charged, and specify the time period for performance, among other things.

The Task Release will constitute a part of the MSA as it relates to the contractor and SVEC.

The MSA will include the contract provisions required by 2 C.F.R. § 200.327 and applicable FEMA guidance, with additional terms and provisions potentially included in a Task Release should the Federal Government issue new applicable requirements not contemplated by the MSA. For more information on FEMA-required provisions, visit https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_contract-provisions-guide_fy24.pdf.

The MSA fee structure will be based on the Respondent’s separately attached cost proposal referenced in

Exhibit C. Any contract with a time and materials rate structure must contain a price ceiling that the contractor exceeds at its own risk. This not-to-exceed amount will be indicated in the Task Release. Under no circumstances will the MSA or Task Release include a cost-plus-percentage-of-cost fee structure and

Respondents should not include any cost-plus-percentage-of-cost markups in their cost proposals.

VIII. Insurance Requirements; Safety Precautions; and Limitation of Liability

A Respondent selected to perform work under this RFP must maintain, at its own expense, the following insurance requirements:

A. Contractor shall take out and maintain, and shall require any subcontractor to take out and maintain, throughout the period of the MSA, insurance of the following minimum types and amounts to protect the Contractor and SVEC:

i. As soon as possible, but no less than 48 hours after issuance of a Task Release, Contractor shall furnish SVEC a Certificate of Insurance issued to SVEC for “Any and all work performed.” Certificate should indicate the SVEC as an Additional Insured with Waiver of Subrogation on the General Liability and Auto policies and a Waiver of Subrogation on the Workers Comp. Certificate must state the name of insurer, policy number, expiration date, limits of liability and provide at least 30 days’ written notice of cancellation. Insurance shall be primary and noncontributory over any other insurance available. All policies should be written by an insurance company with an AM Best rating of A-VIII. Policy number shall be referenced on all endorsements. Blanket Endorsements accepted.

ii. Commercial General Liability Insurance, including Contractual Liability, Completed/Products, Broad Form Property Damage, and Contractors Protective Liability, if subcontractors are used. Minimum limits Bodily Injury, including Death and Property Damage, $1,000,000 each occurrence and $1,000,000 General Aggregate and Products/Comp Aggregate. As soon as possible, but no less than 48 hours after issuance of a Task Release, SVEC shall be provided an ADDITIONAL INSURED ENDORSEMENT per CG 20 10, or equivalent, and per CG 20 37, or equivalent, and a WAIVER OF SUBROGATION ENDORSEMENT in favor of SVEC. Blanket Endorsements accepted.

iii. Automotive Liability including Owned, Non-owned and Hired Vehicles: Minimum Limits-Bodily Injury $1,000,000 each person, $1,000,000 each occurrence, and property damage $1,000,000 each occurrence. As soon as possible, but no less than 48 hours after issuance of a Task Release, the SVEC shall be given an endorsement naming the SVEC as an ADDITIONAL INSURED per form CA 20 48, or equivalent, and a WAIVER OF SUBROGATION ENDORSEMENT in favor of SVEC. Blanket Endorsements accepted.

iv. Worker’s Compensation Statutory Limits, $1,000,000 each accident, $1,000,000 disease-each employee, and $1,000,000 disease-policy limits. Please indicate on the certificate the areas in which the policy covers. As soon as possible, but no less than 48 hours after issuance of a Task Release, the SVEC shall be provided a WAIVER OF SUBROGATION ENDORSEMENT per WC 00 03 13, or equivalent, in favor of SVEC. Blanket Endorsements accepted.

SVEC reserves the right to require insurance limits greater than those described above, including professional services insurance coverage. In such event, the additional insurance premium or premiums payable solely as the result of such additional insurance shall be added to the Task Release price. All insurance required by this Section shall be primary over any other insurance coverage available to SVEC.

IX. Documentation Management & Support

The Contractor shall maintain adequate records to justify all charges, expenses, and costs for the completion of the Service under any Task Release. The contractor shall have a system for clearly tracking and documenting all costs associated with the Services, identifying expenditures, and maintaining documentation. SVEC may inspect, reproduce, or audit all records, documents, and information collected and/or maintained by the contractor related to the Services at the Contractor’s local place of business. If records are unavailable locally, the contractor shall ensure that all required records are provided to SVEC at the contractor’s expense.

Task Releases may require Contractor to submit to SVEC periodic written reports showing progress of the Services. The frequency and format of the reports is in the sole discretion of SVEC.

X. Bonding

Respondents must provide a bid guarantee, in the form of a bid bond, certified check, or other negotiable instrument, equivalent to five percent of $350,000.00. Additionally, SVEC reserves the right to require performance and payment bonds equal to 100% of the estimated costs in any Task Release.

XI. Evaluation and Award

Proposals shall include all information, using the forms provided, with all items completed and properly executed. Any alterations of the Cost Proposal Form must be explained or noted in the proposal over the

Respondent’s signature. Incomplete or noncompliant proposals may be disqualified.

Each proposal will be evaluated individually and in the context of all other proposals submitted for the same scope of work. As part of the evaluation process, SVEC may conduct an investigation of references, including but not limited to, a record check of consumer affairs complaints. Submission of a proposal in response to this RFP constitutes acknowledgment and consent of the investigation process.

SVEC will notify the selected Respondent(s) in writing with an intent to award letter. MSAs will be drafted, as applicable, as determined by the proposal and evaluation, and delivered to the Successful Respondent(s). SVEC reserves the right to award a contract to other than the lowest priced offeror. SVEC is not obligated to award a contract as a result of this RFP. SVEC may elect to award MSAs to more than one Respondent. SVEC also reserves the right to award contracts for the same or similar scope outside of this procurement.

A. Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation of the proposals will be conducted in accordance with the following provisions. Scoring is based on a 100-point scale. The following guidelines will be used for the evaluations (with associated weighting).

Evaluation Criteria Points Awarded

Completeness and Comprehensiveness of Proposal

1. Cover Letter / Executive Summary;

2. Completeness of proposal;

3. Comprehensiveness of proposal.

0 – 5 points

Firm Qualifications and Responsibility

1. History, organizational structure;

2. Capability and capacity relative to the RFP requirements;

3. Contents and completeness of Qualifications Questionnaire.

0 – 15 points

Cost Effectiveness

1. Cost proposal 0 – 40 points

Similar Projects and References

1. Prior experience with three similar projects;

2. Experience in disaster emergency/FEMA-reimbursed services;

3. Lead time for response;

4. Quality of references.

0 – 40 points

Total 100 points

XII. Proposal Format

Each proposal shall contain all the information required herein to be considered for award. Any other information thought to be relevant, but not applicable to the enumerated sections, should be provided as an appendix.

A. Table of Contents

B. Section 1: Cover Letter / Acknowledgement of Addenda (2 Page Limit)

Cover letter, signed by an authorized representative, indicating the strategy and commitment to provide the Services. Letter should include company information, i.e., company name (including the name of any parent company), contact information (including email) of both the company and authorized representatives. Submission of a signed proposal is Respondent’s certification that the

Respondent will accept any awards made as a result of this RFP.

Statement acknowledging receipt of each addendum issued by SVEC.

C. Section 2: Respondent’s Qualifications and Responsibility (5 Page Limit + Exhibit D)

Qualifications Questionnaire attached hereto as Exhibit D (this form is not included in the page limitation).

Overview of the Respondent’s history, capability, and business ability relative to the RFP requirements.

Qualifications in providing disaster emergency services and specifically FEMA-reimbursed services.

Including maintenance of documentation to substantiate disaster-related costs and work. Include any special expertise which your firm has in working with FEMA and the Florida Division of

Emergency Management (“FDEM”).

Primary contact and workload of representative who will be actively engaged in servicing the account.

The number of employees who would be available during normal business times versus during time of emergency or disaster. Describe if your employees are full-time employees or contracted employees.

Employee training on FEMA grant rules and guidelines, State pass-through grant rules for reimbursement, or related training.

Description of assets (e.g., equipment, tools, specialized software, etc.) you intend to use to perform the Services and whether they are owned or leased.

D. Section 3: Cost of Services (Exhibit C)

Instructions for completing the separately attached Cost Proposal Form are provided in Exhibit C.

Cost-plus-a-percentage-of-cost contracts are not permitted under Federal regulations (e.g., cost +

20%) and thus will not be accepted.

E. Section 4: Similar Projects and References (Exhibit E)

Submission of three references whose projects are of a similar nature and under similar conditions as those described herein. The references must be provided using the form attached as Exhibit E.

F. Section 5: Proof of Licenses (unlimited pages)

Proof of all applicable licenses for goods and/or services to be rendered;

Statement or proof of required insurance;

Proof of Respondent’s Business Tax Receipt (as applicable); and

Other proof of specific qualifications, as applicable.

G. Appendix – Other Relevant and Supporting Documentation.

Authorized Signatories/Negotiators (Exhibit C)

Conflict/Non-Conflict of Interest Statement (Exhibit F)

Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters (Exhibit G)

Certification Regarding Lobbying for Contracts, Grants, Loans and Cooperative Agreements (Exhibit H)

Additional information the Respondent considers relevant to the evaluation of its proposal (optional).

NOTE: Proposal should be submitted as a single pdf file. Cost proposals may be submitted as separate documents. Please do not include unnecessary pages of the RFP in your proposal.

XIII. Representations by Submittal of Proposals

By submitting a proposal, the Respondent warrants, represents, and declares that it understands and agrees to the RFP and MSA requirements. Any submitted proposal is made without connection, coordination, or cooperation with any other respondent submitting a proposal, and that the proposal submitted is, in all respects, fair and in good faith without collusion or fraud.

If any agent, officer, or employee of SVEC, or any relative thereof, will realize a financial gain, directly or indirectly, from an MSA, it shall be subject to termination consistent with its policies for review of such matters.

Respondent recognizes and agrees that SVEC will not be responsible or liable in any way for any losses that the

Respondent may suffer from the disclosure or submittal of proposal information to third parties.

XIV. Protests

All decisions of SVEC with respect to this RFP and the resulting contract award(s) will be final and not subject to challenge or protest.

XV. Exhibits

This RFP consists of the following exhibits (which are incorporated herein by reference):

Exhibit A Scope of Service

Exhibit B Authorized Signatories/Negotiators

Exhibit C Cost Proposal Instructions

Exhibit D Qualifications Questionnaire

Exhibit E References Form

Exhibit F Conflict/Non-Conflict of Interest Statement

Exhibit G Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension and Other

Responsibility Matters

Exhibit H Certification Regarding Lobbying for Contracts, Grants, Loans, and

Cooperative Agreements

Exhibit I Indemnification Agreement

END OF RFP – RFP EXHIBITS FOLLOW

EXHIBIT A: SCOPE OF SERVICES

The scope of services to be provided pursuant to this RFP includes the restoration of disaster generated fiber circuit damage throughout SVEC’s service territory in Columbia, Hamilton, Lafayette, and Suwannee Counties, Florida.

The general work to be undertaken includes the following:

Emergency Fiber Restoration

The Services may include, as applicable, facility restoration activities including, but not limited to, the following types of tasks:

Damage Assessment of fiber circuits including structures, cable, strand, guying, splice enclosures and associated hardware.

Restoration of damaged fiber facilities. Duties will include but are not limited to transportation of material to the work site, installation of structures, cable, strand, guying, splice enclosures, splicing and associated hardware.

Clean up of restoration sites as directed by SVEC. Disposal of damaged material (structures, cable, strand, guying, splice enclosures, and associated hardware) as directed by SVEC.

The contractor will provide services in response to a disaster event that threatens to or has resulted in damage to fiber infrastructure. SVEC will provide authorization for the contractor to proceed with the terms negotiated in the awarded contract through a Task Order(s).

Respondents are advised to propose based on the entire scope of services as defined herein, however SVEC reserves the right to select which specific services the Respondent will provide and to add or delete services within this scope throughout the term of any resulting agreement with mutual consent.

In performing the services under the contract, the contractor is expected to use staff with qualifications commensurate with the nature of the work to be performed. Use of staff that are more highly qualified than necessary for the associated work is not permitted and may jeopardize FEMA reimbursement.

As FEMA financial assistance may be used to fund the contract, the contractor shall perform all work in compliance with all applicable federal law, regulations, executive orders, FEMA policies, procedures, and directives in order to maximize recovery of reimbursable expenses. This task shall include the provision of audit quality documentation as required by and acceptable to FEMA for all work accomplished.

Specific work authorizations by SVEC will be through written Task Orders. Task Orders will define the job to be accomplished, location of job, time-frame for completion, rates to be used, etc. SVEC reserves the right to extend operations on a weekly basis. Task Orders will be executed bilaterally. Performance will be by the metrics established in the Task Order(s). After 1/3 and again after 2/3 of the stipulated number of days of work in the Task Order have elapsed, the contractor shall provide written progress report to SVEC for review and acceptance. SVEC shall have the right to correct for contractor’s default or underperformance by any means it deems in its best interest.

The contractor is authorized to repair fiber damage during daylight hours, seven days per week. Any deviations from this schedule will require SVEC approval.

The quantity of work required to complete the Agreement resulted from this RFP is estimated. The actual effort required may be more or less than the estimated amount described in this RFP. Payment will be made on a time and materials basis at the rates proposed or, if specifically requested by SVEC in a Task Order, on a unit rate basis at the rates proposed.

Contractor shall be responsible for correcting any notices of violations issued as a result of the contractor’s or any subcontractor’s actions or operations during the performance of the contract. Corrections for any such violations shall be at no additional cost to SVEC.

Contractor shall provide contact information for all key personnel to SVEC that shall include name, phone number, cellular phone number and email address. Contractor and its agents shall respond in a timely manner to all SVEC inquiries at all times.

Contractor shall provide equipment, operators, and laborers for fiber repair. Contractor shall provide all labor and materials necessary to fully operate and maintain (including fuel, oil, grease, and repairs) all equipment. All rates are to include the cost of protective clothing (to include hardhats and steel-toed boots), fringe benefits, hand tools, supervision, transportation, lodging and all other costs.

Documentation Management & Support

Contractor shall provide data management and support to SVEC during the emergency recovery effort including but not limited to the following:

A. If required, Contractor shall supply certification placards meeting FEMA requirements and place such placards on its vehicles.

B. Contractor shall have a system for clearly tracking and documenting all costs associated with work conducted pursuant to this RFP and resulting Agreement, identifying expenditures and maintaining documentation of the recovery process.

Contractor must maintain all records pertaining to work performed consistent with the requirements set forth in the Agreement.

Equipment

All trucks and equipment must be in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local rules and regulations.

Trucks or equipment designated for use under contractor’s contract with SVEC shall not be used for any other work during working hours. Contractor shall not solicit work from private citizens or others to be performed in the designated collection service area during the period of the contract.

Equipment Signage

Prior to commencing operations, SVEC or its designee shall affix to each piece of equipment, signs or markings indicating the Owner Operator's name and a unique equipment identification number.

Other Considerations

Contractor shall assign and provide an Operations Manager (OM) to serve as the principal liaison between SVEC or its designee and contractor’s forces. The assigned OM must be knowledgeable of all facets of contractor’s operations and have authority in writing to commit contractor. The OM shall be on call 24 hours per day, seven days per week and shall have electronic linkage capability for transmitting and receiving relevant contractual information and make arrangements for onsite accommodations. This linkage shall provide immediate contact via cell phone, fax machine, and have Internet capabilities. The OM will participate in daily meetings, functioning as a source to provide essential elements of information. The OM will report to SVEC or its designee. This position will not require constant presence;

rather the OM will be required to be physically capable of responding to SVEC within 30 minutes of notification.

Contractor shall be responsible for control of pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the work area. At a minimum, one flag person should be posted at each approach to the work area.

Contractor shall supervise and direct the work, using skilled labor and proper equipment for all tasks. Safety of contractor’s personnel and equipment is the responsibility of contractor. Additionally, contractor shall pay for all materials, personnel, taxes, and fees necessary to perform under the terms of this contract.

Reporting

Contractor shall submit a report to SVEC or its designee by close of business each day of the term of the contract or Task Order. Each report shall contain, at a minimum, the following information:

Contractor’s Name

Contract Number

Daily and cumulative hours for each piece of equipment, if appropriate

Daily and cumulative hours for personnel, by position, if appropriate

Location of Completed Work

A description of areas where work was done, and a general overview of the work completed (including a breakdown of value by unit or time/materials/equipment, as applicable);

Other operational and complaint tracking information as requested by SVEC.

Failure to provide audit quality information by 5:00 p.m. of the following day of operation will subject contractor to non-payment in each instance at the sole discretion of SVEC.

Other Considerations

Contractor shall supervise and direct the work, using skilled labor and proper equipment for all tasks. Safety of contractor's personnel and equipment is the responsibility of contractor. Additionally, contractor shall pay for all materials, personnel, taxes, and fees necessary to perform under the terms of the contract.

Contractor shall be responsible for control of pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the work area.

SVEC or its designee shall forward all claims of damage to the contractor daily. Contractor shall provide all contact information, including name, phone number, cellular phone number, fax number and email address, for personnel responsible for resolving all claims of damage. Contractor must respond to all claims of damage within 24 hours and resolve within ten calendar days. Contractor is responsible for all damage caused by his crew and/or subcontractors in the performance of fiber restoration.

EXHIBIT B: AUTHORIZED SIGNATORIES/NEGOTIATORS

The Respondent represents that the following persons are authorized to sign and/or negotiate contracts and related documents to which the Respondent will be duly bound:

Name Title Telephone Number

Company Name

Authorized Signature

Name (Print or Type)

Title

The Respondent shall complete and submit the following information with the proposal:

Type of Organization

Sole Proprietorship

Partnership

Joint Venture Corporation

Other (Explain: )

State of Incorporation:

Federal I.D.:

E-mail Address:

EXHIBIT C: COST PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

An authorized representative of the Respondent must submit a cost proposal using the Cost Proposal Form provided in a separate attachment. Unless otherwise indicated, all services performed under the MSA shall be paid in accordance with the Cost Proposal.

[COST PROPOSAL FORM PROVIDED IN SEPARATE ATTACHMENT ON VENDORLINK PAGE]

Prices proposed shall not be subject to withdrawal or escalation by Respondent. SVEC reserves the right to hold proposals for a period not to exceed 90 days after the RFP submission deadline before awarding the contract. Any estimate of quantities of work to be done and materials to be furnished under the specifications as shown on the Cost Proposal (or elsewhere in this RFP) is approximate only and not guaranteed. Federal procurement regulations prohibit cost-plus-percentage-of-cost contracting.

MOBILIZATION AND DEMOBILIZATION

SVEC will pay the following for mobilization and demobilization:

Hourly Equipment Rates for equipment in operation while in transit, portal to portal, e.g., road vehicles.

Hourly Labor Rates for personnel in transit, portal to portal.

Documented fuel charges.

All other costs for mobilization and demobilization will be billed at cost, as expenses are incurred, subject to audit. These expenses include but are not limited to:

o Travel costs for personnel portal to portal (e.g., lodging, meals, incidentals). Contractor will be reimbursed for meals during mobilization and demobilization at cost, with adequate supporting documentation, not to exceed the rates set by the General Services Administration for the area in which the work is performed (or the closest geographical listing by GSA). There will be no markups, overhead, or profit charges added to costs invoiced for lodging, meals, or other expenses.

o No other expenses will be paid unless approved in writing before the cost is incurred.

Daily travel time should not exceed 16 hours in a day, unless requested and approved by SVEC. Contractor and subcontractors must take the shortest route possible during mobilization and demobilization unless otherwise approved in writing by SVEC.

Straight Time, Overtime, Double Time, and Standby Time

For non-union contractors, straight time pay will be paid for the first eight hours of work on SVEC’s system based on the submitted rates. For union contractors, emergency storm restoration will be paid consistent with the terms of the union agreement and the submitted rates.

Overtime pay based on submitted rates will be paid for any hours worked on SVEC’s system in excess of eight hours in a day, hours worked on Saturday and Sunday, and any hours worked over 40 hours in one week (Sunday through Saturday) on SVEC’s system.

Hourly work performed on SVEC-recognized holidays will be paid double the regular hourly rate.

Due to safety concerns, work crews may only work a maximum of 16-hour periods followed by an 8-hour rest period. Contractor may request permission to work beyond the 16-hour period by detailing the circumstances that require (or otherwise justifying) work beyond the 16-hour period. If approved by SVEC in writing, personnel performing restoration services beyond the 16-hour period (without a rest period) will be paid the rate listed in the submitted rates.

Contractor acknowledges that FEMA does not reimburse SVEC for the cost of standby time.

Accordingly, all standby time should be minimized to the greatest extent possible. Any standby pay will be based on a 16-hour workday no (i.e., no standby time may be invoiced which would cause the total hours billed in a day for any person to exceed 16 hours). Standby time will be paid for up to eight hours straight time and eight hours overtime per day based on the submitted hourly labor rates. SVEC will pay equipment standby time up to 16 hours per day. SVEC will not pay for personnel or equipment standby time after the storm passes and crews can safely perform restoration activities.

Daily work schedules will be from the time contractor personnel leaves their lodging until their return at the end of the day, excluding the standby time.

Per Diem

If SVEC provide meals or base camps or otherwise arrange for lodging for Contractor’s personnel, Contractor will not be reimbursed for meals or lodging, outside of mobilization and demobilization. If meals/lodging are not provided, meals or lodging for double occupancy rooms may be reimbursed at cost, not to exceed the GSA rates for the area, subject to pre-approval in writing. No other expenses will be paid unless approved in writing before the cost is incurred.

Time and Materials or Time and Equipment Contracts

If Contractor is to be paid on a time and materials (T&M) or time and equipment (T&E) basis, SVEC shall pay Contractor consistent with submitted hourly rates and the actual costs of materials without an overhead and profit component.

Note that it is SVEC’s intent to furnish all materials for storm restoration. All storm contractors must return all unused materials before leaving SVEC’s system.

No work may commence under a T&M or T&E rate schedule until a not-to exceed price ceiling has been established and agreed to in writing by the Parties, as evidenced in the signed Authorization.

Contractor exceeds any such price ceiling at its own risk.

SVEC may perform any oversight deemed necessary for work performed on a T&M or T&E basis, including but not limited to, requiring certification by a foreman of sign in sheets and using a SVEC monitor to check in on crews.

EXHIBIT D: QUALIFICATION QUESTIONNAIRE

All questions on this questionnaire must be answered; do not leave blanks—where appropriate, state “None” or “Not Applicable” (N/A). If additional space is required to fully respond to any questions, please add sheets to this questionnaire and reference the questions/answers appropriately. SVEC reserve the right to inquire further with respect to any matter in this questionnaire or otherwise to determine the suitability of a contractor to receive an award of a contract.

Identity of Contractor

A. Contractor’s full legal name:

B. Tax ID Number (“TIN”) or Employer Identification Number (“EIN”) as applicable:

C. Contractor’s form of legal entity (corporation, joint venture, sole proprietorship, etc.):

If the Contractor is a Joint Venture or Partnership, please list all partner firms and/or parties to the Joint Venture below. All partners and/or parties listed are also required to individually complete a separate Qualification Questionnaire.

(1) Partner/Party Name:

TIN or EIN:

DUNS #:

Percentage of Ownership:

(2) Partner/Party Name:

TIN or EIN:

DUNS #:

Percentage of Ownership:

D. State or country under whose laws the Contractor is organized and year organized:

E. Number of Employees: Company-wide Local office

F. Does the Contractor now use or, in the past ten years has it used, TIN, EIN, doing business as or “DBA”, name, trade name or abbreviation other than the Contractor’s name or TIN or EIN listed in Part B, above? If so, provide the prior identifying information.

G. Contractor’s mailing address:

H. Contractor’s street address (complete only if different than Part G):

I. Has the Contractor changed in address in the past five years and, if so, what was the firm’s prior address(es)?

J. Contractor’s telephone number: Fax number:

E-mail address:

K. List each person or legal entity which has a 10% or more ownership or control interest in Contractor.

L. List the name and title of each director and principal officer of Contractor:

Identity of Person Completing this Questionnaire

A. Name:

B. Employer/Title:

C. Telephone number: Fax number:

D. E-mail address: Mobile number:

Contractor Representations

If for any reason a representation on this questionnaire is not accurate and complete as of the time the

Contractor signs this form, the Contractor must identify the provision and explain the reason in detail on a separate sheet. Absent such an explanation, the Contractor represents that the following statements are complete and accurate.

The following questions apply to (i) Contractor, Contractor’s parent, subsidiaries, and affiliates (if any); (ii) any joint venture (including its individual members) and any other form of partnership (including its individual members) which includes Contractor or Contractor’s parent, subsidiaries, or affiliates; (iii) Contractor’s directors, officers, principals, managerial employees, and any person or entity with a 10% or more interest in

Contractor; (iv) any legal entity, controlled, or 10% or more of which is owned, by Contractor, or by any director, officer, principal, managerial employee of Contractor, or by any person or entity with a 10% or more interest in Contractor. (If the answer to any question is “YES,” Contractor must provide all relevant information on a separate sheet attached hereto.)

Please check this box if a separate sheet is attached:

(1) Within the past five years, has Contractor been declared not responsible to receive a public or private contract?

No Yes

(2) Has Contractor been debarred, suspended, or otherwise disqualified from bidding, proposing, or contracting?

No Yes

(3) Is there a proceeding pending relating to Contractor’s responsibility, debarment, suspension, or qualification to receive a public or private contract?

(4) Within the past five years, has Contractor defaulted on a contract or been terminated for cause on a public or private contract?

(5) Has a public or private entity requested or required enforcement of any of its rights under a surety agreement on the basis of Contractor’s default or in lieu of declaring Contractor in default?

(6) Within the past five years, has the Contractor been required to engage the services of an Integrity Monitor in connection with the award of or in order to complete any public or private contract?

(7) Within the past five years, have Contractor’s safety practices/procedures ben evaluated and ruled as less than satisfactory by a public or private entity?

(8) Has Contractor’s Workers’ Compensation Experience Rating (also known as the Experience Modification Rate or EMR) been 1.2 or greater at any time in the last five years? If yes, please explain.

(9) Within the past five years, has the Contractor been accused of violating equal opportunity or nondiscrimination laws?

(10) Within the past five years, has the Contractor been accused of violating prevailing wage laws, regulations, or executive orders?

Questions Which Must Be Answered by “Yes” or “No”

To the best of your knowledge after diligent inquiry, in connection with the business of Contractor or any other firm which is related to Contractor by any degree of common ownership, control, or otherwise, do any of the following statements apply to: (i) Contractor, Contractor’s parent, subsidiaries, and affiliates (if any); (ii) any joint venture (including its individual members) and any other form of partnership (including its individual members) which includes Contractor or Contractor’s parent, subsidiaries, or affiliates; (iii) Contractor’s directors, officers, principals, managerial employees, and any person or entity with a 10% or more interest in

Contractor; (iv) any legal entity, controlled, or 10% or more of which is owned, by Contractor, or by any director, officer, principal, managerial employee of Contractor, or by any person or entity with a 10% or more interest in Contractor? (If the answer to any question is “YES,” Contractor must provide all relevant information on a separate sheet attached hereto.)

(1) Within the past ten years has been convicted of or pleaded nolo contendere to (i) any felony or (ii) a misdemeanor related to truthfulness in connection with business conduct.

(2) Is currently disqualified from selling or submitting bids/proposals to or receiving awards from or entering into any contract with any federal, state, or local government agency, any public authority or any other public entity.

(3) Has within a ten year period preceding the date of this Questionnaire been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against it for or in relation to:

(i) commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (federal, state, or local) transaction or contract under a public transaction; (ii) collusion with another person or entity in connection with the submission of bids/proposals; (iii) violation of federal or state antitrust statutes or False Claims Acts; or (iv) commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property.

(4) In the past ten years, has Contractor entered into a consent decree, deferred prosecution agreement or a non-prosecution agreement?

(5) In the past seven years, have any bankruptcy proceedings been initiated by or against the Contractor (whether or not closed) or is any bankruptcy proceeding pending by or against the Contractor regardless of the date of filing?

(6) In the past five years, have there been any judgments or tax liens of

$100,000 or more, including but not limited to judgments based on taxes owed, fines and penalties assessed by a government agency against

Contractor at any time?

(7) During the past five years, has the Contractor failed to file any applicable federal, state, or local tax return?

Licenses

List any licenses your company holds. Attach a separate sheet if necessary.

Insurance Information

A. Worker’s Compensation Carrier:

Policy Expiration Date:

B. CGL Carrier:

Policy Expiration Date:

Address:

Telephone: Contact Name:

C. Other Carrier:

Coverages:

Policy Expiration Date:

Address:

Telephone: Contact Name:

Affidavit and Acknowledgement

STATE OF )

COUNTY OF )

On the day of 20 , before me personally came and appeared by me known to be said person, who swore under oath as follows:

1. I am (print name), (print title) of

(print name of firm).

2. I am duly authorized to sign this Qualification Questionnaire on behalf of said firm and duly signed this document pursuant to said authorization.

3. The answers to the questions set forth in the Qualification Questionnaire and the representations set forth in this questionnaire, including any attachments, are true, accurate, and complete. I authorize SVEC to verify any such information and to conduct any background checks it deems appropriate.

4. I acknowledge and understand that the Qualification Questionnaire includes provisions which are deemed included in the contract if awarded to the firm.

Signature

Sworn to and subscribed to before me this day of , 20

(Notary Public)

Notary Public County

My commissions expires:

EXHIBIT E: REFERENCES

List three references for whom you have successfully completed projects similar in nature and under similar weather-related conditions within the past five years. Attach additional sheets if necessary.

Completed Project #1

Agency/company:

Current contact person at agency/company:

Telephone: Fax: E-mail:

Address of agency/company:

Name of project:

Description:

Project value: Start date: Completion date:

(month/year) (month/year)

Did the project meet the intended schedule? Explain:

Did the project meet, exceed, or come under budget? Explain:

Name(s) of assigned personnel:

Project manager:

Others:

Completed Project #2

Agency/company:

Current contact person at agency/company:

Telephone: Fax: E-mail:

Address of agency/company:

Completed Project #3

Agency/company:

Current contact person at agency/company:

Telephone: Fax: E-mail:

Address of agency/company:

EXHIBIT F: CONFLICT/NON-CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

CHECK ONE

[ ] To the best of our knowledge, the undersigned firm has no potential conflict of interest due to any other clients, contracts, or property interest for this project.

OR

[ ] The undersigned firm, by attachment to this form, submits information which may be a potential conflict of interest due to other clients, contracts, or property interest for this project.

Litigation Statement

CHECK ONE

[ ] The undersigned firm has had no litigation and/or judgments entered against it by any local, state, or federal entity and has had no litigation and/or judgments entered against such entities during the past ten (10) years.

[ ] The undersigned firm, by attachment to this form, submits a summary and disposition of individual cases of litigation and/or judgments entered by or against any local, state or federal entity, by any state or federal court, during the past ten (10) years.

Failure to check the appropriate boxes above may result in disqualification of your proposal. Likewise, failure to provide documentation of a possible conflict of interest, or a summary of past litigation and/or judgments, may result in disqualification of your proposal.

Signed, as to both statements:

Company Name Authorized Signature

Name (Print or Type) Title

EXHIBIT G: CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT,

SUSPENSION AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS

“Non-federal entities and contractors are subject to the non-procurement debarment and suspension regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, 2 CFR 180. These regulations restrict awards, subawards, and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities.” (2 CFR 200.212)

This certification is required by regulations implementing Executive Order 12549, Debarment and Suspension, for all lower-tier transactions meeting the threshold and tier requirements. (2 CFR 180.300)

Terms Defined

Nonprocurement Transaction: A transaction under federal non-procurement programs, which can be either a primary covered transaction or a lower-tier covered transaction. (2 CFR 180.970)

Lower-Tier Covered Transaction: (1) Any transaction between a participant and a person other than a procurement contract for goods or services, regardless of type, under a primary covered transaction; (2) any procurement contract for goods or services between a participant and a person, regardless of type, expected to equal or exceed $25,000; (3) any procurement contract for goods or services between a participant and a person under a covered transaction, regardless of amount

Participant: Any person who submits a proposal for or who enters into a covered transaction, including an agent or representative of a participant. (2 CFR 180.980)

Principal: An officer, director, owner, partner, principal investigator, or other person within a participant with management…