RFP_No._2026009A.pdf

Kimbridge J. Wilkison Procurement Specialist

P 386-330-5679 Kimbridgew@svec-coop.com

Mailing: PO Box 160, Live Oak, FL 32064

Request for Proposals (RFP)

Disaster Fiber Restoration

No. 2026-009A

Issued: October 13, 2026

Proposals Due: November 16, 2026

Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Disaster Fiber Restoration (No. 2026-009A)

Introduction

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 services in response to a disaster event that threatens to or has resulted in damage to fiber infrastructure. 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, work order, service ticket, or other written authorization 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 November 16, 2026. THE SUBJECT LINE OF THE SUBMITTAL CORRESPONDENCE MUST STATE “RFP #2026-009A 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

Introduction

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: Qualifications and Responsibility (5 Page Limit + Exhibit D)

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

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

F. Section 5: Proof of Licenses and Insurance (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: COST PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

EXHIBIT C: AUTHORIZED SIGNATORIES/NEGOTIATORS

EXHIBIT D: QUALIFICATION QUESTIONNAIRE

EXHIBIT E: SIMILAR PROJECTS & REFERENCES

EXHIBIT F: CONFLICT OF INTEREST & 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 November 16, 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 October 20, 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 public records under applicable law.

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: October 20, 2026, 5:00 p.m.

Issue Addenda (if necessary): October 27, 20261 Proposal Due Date and Time: November 16, 2026, 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.

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

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 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.

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 SVEC via a Task Release, work order, service ticket, or other written authorization 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. Each work authorization 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 B. 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 applicable Task Release or other written authorization.

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 work order, or other written authorization, Contractor shall furnish SVEC a Certificate of Insurance issued to SVEC for “Any and all work performed.”

Certificate should indicate 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 work order or other written authorization, 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 Work Order, SVEC shall be given an endorsement naming 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 work order or other written authorization, 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 Work Order 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 work order. 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.

Work orders 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 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 any bidder 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 Cover Letter / Executive Summary;

Completeness of proposal;

Comprehensiveness of proposal.

0 – 10 points

Respondent’s Qualifications and Responsibility History, organizational structure;

Capability and capacity relative to the RFP requirements;

Contents and completeness of Qualifications Questionnaire.

0 – 30 points

Cost Effectiveness

1. Cost proposal 0 – 30 points

Similar Projects and References Prior experience with similar projects;

Lead time for response;

Quality of references.

0 – 30 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 and Commitment. Provide a cover letter signed by an authorized representative that explains the Respondent’s strategy and commitment to perform the Services. By submitting a signed proposal, the

Respondent certifies that it will accept any award resulting from this RFP. The letter must include:

• The Respondent’s company name and the name of any parent company;

• The company’s location and the locations of any yards in Florida or the Southeast; and

• Contact information, including email addresses, for the company and its authorized representatives.

Acknowledgment of Addenda. Include a statement acknowledging receipt of each addendum issued by SVEC.

C. Section 2: 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 B)

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

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 and Insurance (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)

Contractor responsibility certification or other supporting documentation requested by SVEC (as applicable).

Certification or disclosure regarding lobbying, if required by SVEC or applicable law (as applicable).

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. Do not include unnecessary pages of this 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 Cost Proposal Instructions

• Exhibit C Authorized Signatories/Negotiators

• Exhibit D Qualifications Questionnaire

• Exhibit E Similar Projects & References

• Exhibit F Conflict/Non-Conflict of Interest Statement

• Exhibit G Contractor Responsibility Certification

• Exhibit H Lobbying Disclosure Certification, if applicable

• 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 emergency restoration of fiber circuit damage throughout SVEC’s service territory in Columbia, Hamilton, Lafayette, and Suwannee Counties, Florida.

The general work to be undertaken is Emergency Fiber Restoration, which includes the following:

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

Restoration (mainline and drops) of damaged fiber facilities, to include transportation of material to the work site, installation and/or repair of structures, cable, strand, guying, splice enclosures, etc.

Troubleshooting and locating low-light, no-light, and related service-affecting fiber diagnostics.

Splicing of damaged drops and mainline fiber, including testing and restoration of acceptable light levels.

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

SVEC will authorize the Contractor to proceed through a Task Release, work order, service ticket, or other written authorization. Each authorization may identify the location, service issue, requested completion timeframe, materials coordination requirements, documentation expectations, and any customer or access instructions applicable to the work.

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 by written authorization.

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.

The contractor shall perform all work in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws; SVEC safety and operating requirements; applicable utility and fiber construction standards; and any work-specific instructions issued by SVEC.

Documentation requirements are set forth under Documentation Management and Support and Reporting below.

Contractor shall perform authorized restoration work during the hours specified by SVEC in the applicable Task Release, work order, service ticket, or other written authorization.

Work may be required during daylight or nighttime hours, seven days per week, subject to applicable safety requirements, crew-rest limitations, and SVEC direction.

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 includes name, preferred 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 all labor, tools, test equipment, safety equipment, transportation, supervision, and other resources necessary to complete assigned work. Unless otherwise stated in the applicable written authorization, SVEC intends to furnish restoration materials. Contractor shall provide any materials expressly assigned to it in the written authorization and shall coordinate receipt, use, tracking, and return of SVEC-furnished materials.

Documentation Management & Support

Contractor shall provide documentation 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 comply with all applicable federal, state, and local rules and regulations.

Equipment Signage

Prior to commencing operations, Contractor shall affix to each piece of equipment, signs or markings indicating the Owner Operator's name and a unique equipment identification number. SVEC may mandate that any vehicle or equipment used to fulfill the contracted services display signage identifying them as a Contractor for SVEC or identifying their company name.

Reporting

Contractor shall submit completed work orders, service ticket, or task release in the format required by SVEC.

Documentation shall include, as applicable, 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 in a manner proscribed by SVEC 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 compliant tracking information as requested by SVEC.

Failure to provide adequate documentation may delay payment for the applicable work until SVEC receives sufficient information to verify the work performed and charges submitted.

The Contractor may be required to use equipment, software, databases, systems, platforms, forms, or other reporting and documentation tools prescribed by SVEC. The Contractor shall ensure that its personnel are capable of using such resources and shall enter, maintain, and submit information in the manner, format, and timeframe required by SVEC. Unless otherwise authorized by SVEC in writing, any costs associated with complying with these requirements shall be included in the Contractor’s accepted rates and shall not be separately reimbursable.

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 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. 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. Unless Contractors has 50 or more personnel at SVEC, 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. For Contractors with 50 or more personnel at SVEC, the OM will need to be physically present at SVEC’s headquarters during operational hours.

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

The Contractor is responsible for damage caused by its crews or subcontractors in the performance of assigned work. The Contractor shall provide contact information for personnel responsible for resolving such claims and SVEC or its designee will forward complaints to the appropriate personnel. If the Contractor does not resolve a claim of damage and the claim is raised with SVEC, SVEC shall determine, in its sole discretion, whether the damage was caused by the Contractor or its crews or subcontractors. If SVEC determines that the Contractor is responsible, SVEC shall provide the Contractor one opportunity to remedy the damage within the timeframe specified by SVEC. If the Contractor fails to timely and satisfactorily remedy the damage, SVEC may perform or arrange for the necessary corrective work and charge the Contractor for all costs incurred by SVEC in connection with such remedy.

EXHIBIT B: 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 IN SEPARATE ATTACHMENT ON VENDORLINK PAGE]

Prices proposed shall not be subject to withdrawal or escalation by Respondent during the proposal validity period. 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) are approximate only and are not guaranteed. Federal procurement regulations prohibit cost-plus-percentage-of-cost contracting.

Labor

Description/Positions. Please provide a list of all positions required to provide the services outlined in the scope of work (damage assessment, restoration (mainline fiber and drops), troubleshooting, splicing, and clean up). Briefly state what services each position is qualified to perform. Indicate if you are unable to provide any of these services.

Cost/Rate. Include the cost/rate for each position. If applicable, provide hourly rate of pay for straight time, overtime, and double time. If unit-based pricing, provide all rates.

Position Services ST OT DT Fiber Technician Repair and install drops $ $ $ Fiber Splicer Splice and troubleshoot light $ $ $ 2-man Aerial Crew Repair and install mainline fiber $ $ $ Laborer Assists with restoration $ $ $

Equipment

Description. Please provide a list of all equipment, including vehicles, required to render the services outlined in the scope of work (damage assessment, restoration (mainline fiber and drops), troubleshooting, splicing, and clean up).

Cost/Rate. Include the cost/rate per hour for each piece of equipment and/or vehicle.

Equipment Description (if needed) ST OT DT Bucket Truck $ $ $ Pickup Truck 2WD / 4WD $ $ $ Material Trailer $ $ $ Splicing Trailer $ $ $ Cable Trailer $ $ $

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.

The following pages are the only pages that should be included in your proposal.

EXHIBIT C: AUTHORIZED SIGNATORIES/NEGOTIATORS

The Respondent represents that the following person(s) 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

Type of Organization

_____ Sole Proprietorship _____ Partnership _____ Corporation

_____ Joint Venture _____ Other (Explain): __________________

State of Incorporation:

Federal I.D.:

E-mail Address:

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. Headquarters location:

Nearest Satellite/Local Office:

D. Number of Employees:

Does Contractor act as an aggregator? Please circle: Yes or No

E. 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?

Please circle: Yes No If yes, provide the prior identifying information.

F. Contractor’s mailing address:

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

H. Contractor’s telephone number:

E-mail address:

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

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

Identity of Person Completing this Questionnaire

Name:

Employer/Title:

Preferred phone number:

E-mail address:

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 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 been 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?

(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?

Licenses

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

Insurance Information

Worker’s Compensation Carrier:

Policy Expiration Date:

CGL Carrier:

Policy Expiration Date:

Address:

Telephone: Contact Name:

Other Carrier:

Coverages:

Policy Expiration Date:

Address:

Telephone: Contact Name:

Affidavit and Acknowledgement

STATE OF )

COUNTY OF )

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

2. I am duly authorized to sign this Qualification Questionnaire on behalf of said entity 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 entity.

Signature

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

(Notary Public)

Notary Public County

My commission expires:

EXHIBIT E: SIMILAR PROJECTS & REFERENCES

List three references for whom you have successfully completed projects similar in nature to the routine fiber splicing maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, ONT replacement, service extension, or add-on services described in this RFP within the past five years. Please be specific and complete regarding each project. Attach additional sheets if necessary. Be as complete and thorough as possible.

Completed Project #1

Agency/company:

Location of project:

Current contact person at agency/company:

Telephone: E-mail:

Address of agency/company:

Description of Project (please be specific):

Project value: Start date: Completion date:

Did the project meet the intended schedule? Explain:

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

Project manager:

Completed Project #2

Agency/company:

Location of project:

Current contact person at agency/company:

Telephone: E-mail:

Completed Project #3

Agency/company:

Location of project:

Current contact person at agency/company:

Telephone: E-mail:

EXHIBIT F: CONFLICT OF INTEREST & LITIGATION STATEMENT

CHECK ONE

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

OR

[ ] The undersigned ent i ty , 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.

CHECK ONE

[ ] The undersigned entity has had no litigation or judgments entered against it during the past ten (10) years

OR

[ ] The undersigned entity, by attachment to this form, submits a summary and disposition of any material litigation, claims, or judgments involving the entity or its affiliates during the past ten (10) years that may be relevant to the entities ability to perform the services contemplated by this solicitation. This must include any litigation or judgments entered by or against any local, state, or federal court.

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 or supervisory responsibilities related to a covered transaction; or a consultant or other person, whether or not employed by the participant or paid with federal funds, who (1) is in a position to handle federal funds;

(2) is in a position to influence or control the use of those funds; or (3) occupies a technical or professional position capable of substantially influencing the development or outcome of an activity required to perform the covered transaction.

(2 CFR 180.995)

System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions: The list maintained and disseminated by the General Services Administration (GSA) containing names and other information about persons who are ineligible. (2 CFR 180.945).

Debarment: Action taken by a debarring official to exclude a person from participating in covered transactions and transactions covered under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 1). A person so excluded is debarred. (2 CFR 180.925)

Suspension: Action taken by a suspending official that immediately prohibits a person from participating in covered transactions and transactions covered under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 1) for a temporary period, pending completion of an agency investigation and any judicial or administrative proceedings that may ensue. A person so excluded is suspended. (2 CFR 180.1015)

Ineligible or Ineligibility: A person or commodity is prohibited from covered transactions because of an exclusion or disqualification. (2 CFR 180.960)

Person: Any individual, corporation, partnership, association, unit of government, or legal entity, however organized. (2 CFR 180.985)

Proposal: A solicited or unsolicited bid, application, request, invitation to consider, or similar communication by or on behalf of a person seeking to participate or to receive a benefit, directly or indirectly, in or under a covered transaction.

Voluntary Exclusion: A person's agreement to be excluded under the terms of a settlement between the person and one or more agencies. Voluntary exclusion must have governmentwide effect. (2 CFR 180.1020)

Voluntarily Excluded: The status of a person who has agreed to a voluntary exclusion.

(2 CFR 180.1020)

Instructions for Certification

1. By signing and submitting this proposal or agreement, the prospective lower-tier participant is providing the certification set out below.

2. The certification in this clause is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was entered into. If it is later determined that the prospective lower-tier participant knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the federal government, the department or agency with which this transaction originated may pursue available remedies, including suspension and/or debarment.

3. The prospective lower-tier participant shall provide immediate written notice to…