RFP RFLPP 23 54 51.pdf

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

Request for Proposal (RFP) No: RFP RFLPP 23 24 51

Significant Natural Area Mapping and Combination Phase I Environment Site Assessment /

Baseline Documentation Report Services

Michelle Faircloth, Procurement Officer

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

Bids@FDACS.gov

Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in section 120.57(3), Florida Statutes, or failure to post the bond or other security required by law within the time allowed for filing a bond shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes. Protests must be filed with the Agency Clerk, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, The Holland Building, 600 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399.

mailto:Bids@FDACS.gov

ADVERTISEMENT NUMBER: RFP RLFPP 23 24 51

SECTION 1.0 INTRODUCTORY SECTION

1.1 Statement of Purpose

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Rural Land and Family Protection Program (FDACS, RLFPP, or Department) issues this Request for Proposal (RFP) for Significant Natural Area Mapping and Combination Phase I Environment Site Assessment/Baseline Documentation Reports, as specified herein. This RFP and all activities leading toward the anticipated issuance of the Term Agreement are conducted pursuant and subject to Chapter 287 Florida Statutes (F.S.) and Rule 60A-1 Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.).

This solicitation will be administered through the Vendor Information Portal (VIP).

Vendors/Contractors interested in submitting a proposal must comply with all terms and conditions described in this solicitation.

The Department intends to make multiple awards as a result of this RFP; however, the Department reserves the right to award in whole or in part, or to make no award, as determined to be in the best interest of the state. As used in this RFP, the term “award” or “awarded” means an award of a Term Agreement as described in Section 5 below.

1.2 Timeline of Events

The following timeline will be strictly adhered to in all actions relative to this Request for Proposal unless modified by the Department by written addendum. All required actions must be completed by the date and time indicated on the timeline.

EVENT DATE/TIME (ET) LOCATION

Release of RFP Vendor Information Portal

Last day for written Inquiries to be received by the

Department.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Email: Bids@FDACS.gov

Anticipated Posting of Written Responses to

Vendor Inquiries Vendor Information Portal

Sealed Proposals Due

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

Public Meeting for Opening of Proposals

Teleconference Number: 1 (888) 585 – 9008 Conference Room Number: 407 639 217

Evaluation Phase (Anticipated)

Anticipated Posting of Recommended Award Vendor Information Portal

The Department shall utilize the State of Florida, Vendor Information Portal as the single resource for all ITB, Public Notice information in accordance with Rule 28-102.001, F.A.C.

January 29, 2024

February 9, 2024

5:00 PM ET

February 15, 2024

March 04, 2024

5:00 PM ET

March 05, 2024

10:00 AM ET

March 06 - March 20

March 26, 2024 https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/ mailto:Bids@FDACS.gov https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

1.3 Public Opening

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

DIAL – IN TELECONFERENCE NUMBER: 1 (888) 585 – 9008

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

Residents in the State of Florida who are hearing, sight or speech impaired, please contact Florida Relay at 1 (800) 955 – 8771 or visit https://www.ftri.org/relay for assistance.

1.4 Mandatory Requirements

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

1.5 Conflicts and Order(s) of Precedence

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

a. Addenda, in reverse order of issuance

b. RFP, including attachments

c. PUR 1000, General Contract Conditions

d. PUR 1001, General Instructions to Respondents

SECTION 2.0 STATEMENT OF WORK

2.1 Statutory Authority

The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP) is an agricultural land preservation program designed to protect important agricultural lands through the acquisition of perpetual agricultural land conservation easements. The program is written into Section 570.70, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 5I-7, F.A.C.

2.2 Scope of Work

The Contractor awarded the RFP (“Contractor” or “Awarded Contractor”) shall be notified by the Department when a new project is assigned. Each project will be issued on a Task Assignment Notification Form. Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, equipment, transportation, personnel, and supervision required to complete each Department issued Task Assignment in accordance with the specifications listed herein.

https://www.ftri.org/relay https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/2933/11777/PUR_1000_General_Contract_Conditions.pdf https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/2934/11780/PUR_1001_General_Instructions_to_Respondents.pdf

2.2.1 SIGNIFICANT NATURAL AREA MAPPING

The Contractor shall prepare a map of the Significant Natural Areas (SNA) of the property pursuant to Rule 5I-7 F.A.C. and as defined in the terms of the easement. The Contractor shall complete the following minimum performance measures to complete each project as issued on the SNA Task Assignment Notification Form (“Exhibit I”):

1. Meet with the landowner and/or their representative to discuss the concept of SNA and the additional protections these areas receive under the terms of the Deed of Easement.

The Contractor will work with the landowner and/or their representative to determine and identify the area(s) to be designated as SNAs.

2. Visit and photograph each SNA. At least one geo-referenced photo of each community type in every SNA (>/= 5 ac.) should be taken and labeled by SNA and community type

(ex. ABC Ranch SNA 1 Mesic Flatwoods). Additional photos should be taken as needed.

3. Develop an SNA map using an aerial imagery base layer. SNAs must be identified on the map with symbology specific to these areas. Delineation of SNAs should include identification of all natural community types present. Some small (< 2 ac.) natural communities may be mapped as the larger community type in which they are embedded.

Unique features, such as, but not limited to, large sinkholes, seepage streams, shell mounds, and listed species den/nest sites, etc. should also be identified on the map.

Natural communities will be identified using the classifications presented in the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) Guide to the Natural Communities of Florida (2010) or most recent published version.

4. The SNA map must be of a quality acceptable for use as an exhibit to the Deed of Easement and submitted in PDF format. The PDF map file should be georeferenced.

5. Provide a polygon shapefile of the SNAs that includes the FNAI natural community type and acreage associated with each polygon in the attribute table. The shapefile shall be submitted on a CD, flash drive, or electronically.

2.2.2 COMBINATION PHASE I ENVIRONMENT SITE ASSESSMENT/BASELINE

DOCUMENTATION REPORTS (ESA/BDR)

The Contractor shall complete the following minimum performance measures to complete each project as issued on the ESA/BDR Task Assignment Notification Form (“Exhibit II”):

The Contractor(s) shall, for less-than-fee-simple land acquisitions made on behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund (“Board”), perform an ESA/ BDR. The results should be provided in two (2) separate reports by the Contractor(s). The first report must satisfy the requirements of the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act as set forth in 42 U.S.C., Section 9601 (CERCLA) regarding environmental assessments (ESA Report). The second report is to satisfy the Department requirements regarding documentation of conditions, at the time of acquisition, of properties over which a conservation easement or other less-than-fee-simple real estate interest is acquired (BDR).

The purposes of two reports are to perform the required services of an environmental assessment as described below, including summarizing recommendations and conclusions, remediation activities where needed, consultation on assessment implications and remediation, and expert witness activities as required. In addition, the reports will identify natural resources on site, land use activities present at the time of the report, threatened or endangered species present, and describe the property adequately to establish baseline conditions from which future monitoring may occur and management recommendations be made.

The Contractor shall complete the following minimum performance measures to complete each ESA/BDR Task Assignment:

1. Search the recorded chain of title documents regarding the Property, including, but not limited to, all deeds, easements, leases for oil, gas, mineral, lumber, timber, turpentine rights and agricultural purposes, and other uses, restrictions, reverters, and covenants, and rights-of-way for roads, railroads and utilities. The chain of title shall be of a sufficient length of time to account for previous ownership and uses of the property and uses of the Property that are likely to have an adverse environmental impact on the Property but in no event for a period of less than 50 years. The history shall be summarized in chronological order from the earliest instrument to the latest instrument listing all parties in the instrument, type of instrument and official record book and page number for each instrument.

2. Conduct interviews with the landowner and his/her employees or other pertinent individuals who may have knowledge of the on-site presence of listed species, unique features, and historical or archaeological sites. Obtain any information available on fire history, grazing history and timbering history. Interview prior owners and neighbors as necessary.

3. Determine the past and present uses of the Property.

4. Review current and historical aerial photographs of the Property and surrounding area for an evaluation of prior and current use. Include National Wetland Inventory maps, information from the Water Management District, and Florida Department of Transportation of local counties for the purpose of conducting community mapping activities.

5. Interpret the aerial photography and soil maps of the site to prepare an initial natural communities map based on the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) Natural Communities Descriptions. Review surveys and ground-truth to finalize the maps and include ground water characteristics and general topography.

6. Review pertinent, readily available literature and databases (including, but not limited to:

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission publications, Conservation and Recreational Lands (CARL) or Florida Forever project assessment documents, FNAI, Florida Breeding Bird Atlas) for known on-site species occurrences and to identify listed species that are known to occur in the region.

7. Prepare a list of FNAI listed animals and plants that potentially inhabit the project site based on current or previous sightings.

8. Determine the existence of any federal, state and local environmental cleanup liens or enforcement actions against the Property.

9. Review reasonably obtainable federal, state and local records of existing and potentially contaminated sites, including site investigation reports for such contaminated sites;

reasonably obtainable federal, state and local environmental records of activities on nearby properties that are likely to have an adverse environmental impact on the subject

Property (including records of environmental problem sites, landfill and other disposal site records, underground storage tank records and known hazardous waste handler and generator records); and such other reasonably obtainable federal, state and local environmental records which report incidents of sources of contamination on the subject Property.

The following agency records shall be reviewed: Federal National Priorities List (NPL) site list; Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Information System (CERCLIS) list; Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Treatment, Storage, and Disposal (TSD) facilities list; Federal RCRA generators list; Federal ERNS list; State list of hazardous waste identified for investigation or remediation; State landfill and/or solid waste disposal site lists; state leaking Underground Storage Tanks lists; state registered UST lists. The minimum search distance for these lists shall be as follows and shall be measured from the nearest property boundary:

a. Federal NPL site list - 1.0 mile

b. Federal CERCLlS list - 0.5 mile

c. Federal RCRA TSD facilities list - 1.0 mile

d. Federal RCRA generators list - property and adjoining properties

e. Federal ERNS list property only

f. State lists of hazardous waste sites -1.0 mile

g. State leaking UST lists -0.5 list

h. State registered UST lists - property and adjoining properties

i. State landfill and /or solid waste disposal site lists - 0.5 mile

10. Comply with the following Property investigation requirements:

a. A visual site inspection of the Property and all facilities and improvements on the Property, and a visual inspection of properties immediately adjacent to the Property, to determine or discover the obviousness of the of the presence or likely presence of contaminants on the Property (including chemical use, storage, treatment, and disposal practices, past and present). This inspection shall be conducted in such a manner that ensures uniform coverage so that all the Property is viewed. The Property may be inspected by use of a helicopter, plane, or drone; however, all items of concern noted during the aerial inspection shall be ground verified. Additionally, all roadways and trails leading into the Property and all roads abutting the Property shall be inspected on the ground.

b. A field survey shall be conducted concurrently with the site inspection for the purposes of determining the likelihood of presence or absence of animal or plant species and verifying the boundaries and the condition of existing upland and wetland communities. Field surveys will be carried out at the appropriate times (early morning and late evening) and will include representative coverage of all habitat types with the potential for supporting listed plant and animal species. The field surveys should be of adequate depth to maximize the chances of identifying listed species present on the Property. FNAI listed plant species will be surveyed concurrently with the habitat surveys. When FNAI listed species are observed on the Property, provide a qualitative estimate of abundance (e.g., common, rare, etc.).

c. Man-made improvements such as residences, farm buildings, storage tanks, signs, dikes/dams, canals/ditches, roads, bridges, etc., shall be photographed.

d. Any debris, mounds, trash piles; stressed vegetation or similar features or deposits that may indicate old dump sites shall be inspected. Other areas that demand careful examination are sinkholes, ravines, rights-of-way, edges of fields and watercourses.

e. Organic vapor analyses of any conditions that would warrant this type of testing where there appears to be the presence of potentially hazardous materials should be performed.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Written reports shall contain a summary of the assessment/documentation. The reports shall be submitted no later than the date specified in the Task Assignment Notification form.

• One (1) certified digital PDF copy of the Environmental Site Assessment Report shall be delivered to RFLPP.

• One (1) digital PDF copy of the Baseline Documentation Report shall be delivered to

RFLPP. A digital copy of each report including maps shall be provided to RFLPP on a compact disk (CD), USB drive, etc.

The ESA and BDR shall include the following on the reports as indicated:

1. A description of the Property, including a general location map, specific location, size, legal description and owner information. (BDR, ESA)

2. A map delineating the community types (per FNAI or both Florida Land Use Cover Classification System (FLUCCS) and FNAI) present on the site, along with the estimated acreage of each habitat tract. Habitat acreages will be computed and provided either on the map or on a separate table that is included in the report. Habitat types will be recorded in the report text according to their dominant species by stratum (overstory, midstory, groundcover) and the quality of the habitat. Unique features found, such as springs, caves, sinkholes, artesian wells, rookeries, eagle nests, etc., will be noted and mapped on aerial photographs or referenced on the natural communities/ habitat map. A description of the general condition and health of waterways, wetlands, and natural communities will be included. The natural communities/ habitat map and description will also include a summary of the type, location and aerial extent of nuisance or exotic plant species. The map should also indicate any agricultural, wetland, upland or other areas specifically referenced in the baseline documentation/environmental site assessment report. (BDR)

3. A map and/or aerial photograph marked with any items or locales of concern, numbered, and described. The degree of concern regarding hazardous materials at these locations should be addressed. (ESA)

4. A map and/or aerial photograph marked with the locations of any man-made improvements such as residences, farm buildings, storage tanks, signs, dikes/dams, canals/ditches, roads, bridges, etc., and marked with the locations of any historical or archaeological sites known or suspected. (BDR)

5. Color photographs of the current site conditions oriented to specific locations on the

Property. All trash sites on or impacting the Property shall be photographed, with enough photographs to document the overall condition of the Property. (ESA, BDR)

6. Color photographs of all man-made improvements such as residences, farm buildings, storage tanks, signs, dikes/dams, canals/ditches, roads, bridges, etc. (BDR)

7. Indexed photographs representative of each habitat type and, if practicable, of listed species identified on site. Include photographs and descriptions of all agricultural uses (include intensity of use, such as grazing intensity or crop types). (BDR)

8. A discussion of all findings and specific conclusions regarding the site contamination probability. (ESA)

9. Recommendations for further action based on the results of the inspection and estimated costs if further assessment is deemed necessary. (ESA)

10. A table summarizing the FNAI listed wildlife and plant species (common and scientific name) found during the assessment, along with their designated state and federal status.

(BDR)

11. A discussion of the type and location of listed plant and animal species found, including a discussion of the probability of on-site occurrences not observed. (BDR)

12. Recommendations, if any, regarding appropriate management practices suggested to be employed on the Property consistent with the purposes and conditions of the easement.

These recommendations should be included as an appendix and clearly marked as non-binding unless specifically required by the terms of the easement.

13. The report shall be approved and certified by either a professional engineer or professional geologist licensed by the State of Florida or ASTM Certified Environmental Professional. (ESA)

14. Contractor shall consider 50-year chain of title when providing conclusions and recommendations. (ESA)

15. All updates of the original report must include a field inspection of the site and surrounding vicinity and recertification. If the field inspection reveals any changes in the Property that may have adverse environmental impacts, the update report shall be expanded to address those issues. (ESA)

16. Any requests for deviation from the above requirements must be approved in advance, in writing, by FDACS. (ESA, BDR)

2.2.3 CERTIFICATION / RECERTIFICATION

In the event that the contract for the property cannot be closed within 180 days of the date of the ESA report, the Contractor will be tasked with recertifying the report at the price established in the RFP Price Sheet (“ATTACHMENT A”).

The Contractor (s) shall provide certification of the ESA/BDR to the Board of Trustees and any parties requested by FDACS. If the report is not certified to the Board of Trustees and other requested parties, no review of the reports will be performed. The certification shall state the following

• The date the original report was completed and the date of any update that is required;

• The Environmental Site Assessment and Baseline Documentation Report meet the requirements of the Department;

• The accuracy, correctness, and completeness of the environmental assessment portion of the report is provided with the knowledge of the CERCLA requirements as set forth in 42 U.S.C. Section 9601, as amended; and

• The Board is entitled to rely on the information set forth in the environmental assessment/documentation report.

2.2.4 ADDITIONAL SERVICES

The Contractor(s) may be requested to provide additional services related to an ESA or remediation services, as deemed necessary by the Department. In the event that such additional services are needed, and based on the availability of funding, the Contractor shall be compensated at rates mutually acceptable by the Department and the Contractor, as evidenced by an executed Task Assignment Notification Form and Department Purchase Order.

2.3 Contractor Deliverables/ Responsibilities

Contractor will conduct Significant Natural Areas Mapping and Combination Phase I Environmental Site Assessments as directed by the Department and deliver, throughout the term of the Contract, Combination Environmental Site Assessment and Baseline Documentation Reports (ESA/BDR) for Phase I ESA for Forestland or Rural Property - American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) 2247, Phase I ESA - ASTM 1527, Phase I Updated ESA, and BDR. Contractor shall be responsible for submittal of ESA and BDR reports prior to or on the due date established in the Task Assignment Notification Form and Department Purchase Order. Any changes to the Task Assignment Notification Form must be approved in writing by the Department via approved Purchase Order Change Request.

The Contractor shall submit an invoice upon the completion of each Task in accordance with the directions on the respective Purchase Order. The final invoice shall be submitted within sixty (60) days of completion of the assignment.

Completion criteria and date will be determined on a case-by-case basis and listed within each individual Task Assignment Notification Form

2.4 Department Responsibilities

The Department shall be responsible for issuance of a Task Assignment Notification Form to the Contractor selected for a specific work assignment.

• The Department shall identify a Task Manager per Task Assignment.

• The Department shall coordinate the Task scheduling with the Contractor.

• The Department shall inspect the completed work ensuring all requirements are met prior to final payments.

2.5 Initial Term

The initial term of the Contract(s) will be five (5) year(s). At the discretion of the Department, the Contract(s) may be renewed on a yearly basis for no more than three years, subject to the terms and conditions specified in the Contract.

2.6 Licensing

Contractor shall maintain valid certifications, licenses, and permits required for the services prescribed above.

2.7 Financial Consequence

If a Contractor is unable to complete the work within the time frame set forth in the applicable Purchase Order, they shall immediately notify FDACS of the delay and provide an estimated time to completion. In addition, failure to provide the services within the time frame set forth in the Purchase Order will result in a one-hundred dollar ($100) per day financial consequence.

SECTION 3.0 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS

3.1 Advertisement

This RFP is hereby advertised on the State of Florida, Vendor Information Portal. To find the RFP or other related information, enter Agency “Department of Agriculture” and click on “Advertisement Search” at the bottom of the web page. If unable to download the document(s), contact the FDACS Procurement Officer.

3.2 General Instructions to Respondents (PUR 1001)

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

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

3.3 Vendor Inquiries

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

Questions related to this RFP must be received in writing, via email, by the Procurement Officer listed below, within the time indicated in the Timeline. Oral inquiries, or those submitted after the period specified in the Timeline, will not be acknowledged. Responses to written questions will be posted on the VIP on or about the date referenced in the Timeline. The VIP is located at:

https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/.

The Procurement Officer for this RFP is:

Michelle O. Faircloth, Procurement Officer Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 407 S. Calhoun Street, SB-8 Mayo Building Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0800 Email: Bids@fdacs.gov

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

NUMBER IN THE SUBJECT LINE OF THE EMAIL**

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

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

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

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

3.4 Addenda

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

Interested parties are responsible for monitoring this site for new, changing, or clarifying information relative to this solicitation.

3.5 MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) Registration

Each Vendor desiring to sell commodities or contractual services as defined in Section 287.012, F.S., to the State is prequalified to do so and shall register in the MFMP system, unless exempted under subsection 60A-1.033(3) F.A.C. Information about the registration process is available, and registration may be completed, at the MFMP website: Vendor Information Portal. Interested persons lacking internet access may request assistance from the MFMP Customer Service at

(866) 352-3776.

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

• 77101502 Environmental standards

• 77101503 Environmental indicators analysis

• 77101505 Environmental monitoring

3.6 Vendor Substitute W-9

The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) requires all Vendors that conduct business https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/vms-web/spring/login?execution=e1s1 https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/vms-web/spring/login?execution=e1s1 with the state to electronically submit a Substitute W-9 Form to https://flvendor.myfloridacfo.com. Forms and answers to frequently asked questions are located on that website once a registration has been completed. DFS may assist Vendors with questions and be reached by contacting (850) 413-5519, or FLW9@myfloridacfo.com.

Awarded Vendor(s) must have a valid W-9 on file with the DFS prior to issuance of a contract.

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

3.7 Cost of Preparation

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

3.8 Instructions for Proposal Submittal

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

1. Proposals should be addressed directly to the Procurement Officer.

2. Proposals may be sent by U.S. mail, courier, overnight or hand delivered to the location indicated in the Timeline. Electronic (email/fax) submission of replies will not be accepted for the RFP.

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

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

5. Late proposals will not be accepted.

Submissions may be delivered by United States Postal Service (USPS) mail, courier (FedEx/UPS), or hand delivered to the Mayo Building; however, Vendors are cautioned shipment via USPS may not be guaranteed to be received by the Department on the scheduled due date / time. SUBMISSIONS MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE PURCHASING OFFICE BY the designated date and time listed. Postmarked or clocked in by FedEx, UPS or U.S. Postal Service is not acceptable for being received in the Purchasing Office.

3.9 Vendor Generated Terms

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

The Term Agreement and Purchase Order issued by the FDACS as a result of this RFP shall incorporate all terms and conditions identified herein. No oral agreements or representations shall be valid or binding upon FDACS or the Vendor unless expressly contained herein or by a written addendum submitted by FDACS to this RFP.

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

SECTION 4.0 REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PROCESS

4.1 Proposal Format

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

Sealed Package Volume Section Name Copies Volume I • Administrative Forms

• Price Sheet

• Redacted Technical and Relevant

Experience (If Applicable)

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

Volume II • Technical Response

• Relevant Experience

Six (6) Digital USB Flash Drives

Respondents must submit one (1) hardcopy (i.e., a physical hardcopy) of the Administrative Forms and Price Sheet, as well as six (6) copies of the Technical and Relevant Experience Proposal response on six (6) separate USB flash drives. Proposals shall be delivered to the Department’s purchasing office before the specified due date in a sealed package labeled with the proposer’s name and address and the RFP number. Sequentially number all pages and organize as indicated below. Emphasis of each proposal must be on completeness and clarity of content. In order to expedite the evaluation process, it is essential that proposers follow the format and instructions contained herein.

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

VOLUME I: FORMS AND PRICE PROPOSAL

A. ADMINISTRATIVE FORMS (No Points will be awarded for Administrative Forms)

1. Vendor Acknowledgement

By submission of a signature on the FDACS Acknowledgment Form, the Vendor certifies that they have read and comply with all terms and conditions contained herein.

The proposal must contain the original signature of an authorized representative who can legally bind the Vendor. The product/ services offered by the Vendor will conform to the specifications of this RFP without exception.

Vendors must include ATTACHMENT B - FDACS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM with their response.

2. Florida Preference Certifications

When evaluating Vendor responses to solicitations where the total awarded points from two or more Vendors is equal, the Department shall determine the order of award in accordance with Sections 287.057(12), 287.082, 287.087, 287.092 and 295.187(4), F.S.

a. CERTIFIED MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE

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

b. CERTIFICATION OF DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE PROGRAM

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

FDACS-01218 (ATTACHMENT C CERTIFICATION OF DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

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

c. FLORIDA VETERAN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITY ACT

PREFERENCE

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

3. Mandatory Certifications

a. No Prior Involvement and Conflict of Interest

Section 287.057(19)(c), F.S., provides, “A person who receives a contract that has not been procured pursuant to Subsections (1)-(3) to perform a feasibility study of the potential implementation of a subsequent contract, who participates in the drafting of a solicitation or who develops a program for future implementation, is not eligible to contract with the agency for any other contracts dealing with that specific subject matter, and any firm in which such person has any interest is not eligible to receive such contract.

However, this prohibition does not prevent a bidder who responds to a request for information from being eligible to contract with an agency.”

The Vendor shall have no interest, and shall not acquire any interest, that conflicts in any manner, or degree, with the performance of the services required under this RFP.

In order for your proposal to be considered responsive, Vendors must complete the FDACS-01342, (ATTACHMENT D, CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT) and included in your proposal package.

b. Scrutinized Companies and Prohibited Business Activities

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

In order for your proposal to be considered responsive, Vendors must complete the

FDACS-01691 (ATTACHMENT E, CERTIFICATION REGARDING SCRUTINIZED

COMPANIES) and included in your proposal package. The Department may immediately terminate any contract, as a result of this proposal, for cause if the contractor is found to have submitted a false certification.

B. Price Proposal (25 points maximum)

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

C. Vendor’s Duty to Assert Exemption from Disclosure as a Public Record

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

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

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

HEREIN, THE FDACS IS AUTHORIZED TO PRODUCE THE ENTIRE DOCUMENT(S), DATA

OR RECORDS SUBMITTED BY THE VENDOR IN ANSWER TO A PUBLIC RECORDS

REQUEST. THE STATE OF FLORIDA DOES NOT CONSIDER PRICE TO BE CONFIDENTIAL.

VOLUME II: TECHNICAL RESPONSE / RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

A. TECHNICAL RESPONSE (160 points maximum)

a. Respondents must provide a general description of how the Respondent will accomplish the overall goal of this solicitation. (10 points)

b. Provide the background and organization structure. This should include years in operation and years involved in work related to this solicitation. (10 points)

c. The Respondent shall provide a detailed narrative of their qualifications that documents, demonstrates and represents their organization’s ability to carry out the required services.

Identify key personnel and subcontractors that will be assigned to this contract, include their roles and responsibilities. The resume or curriculum vitae for the proposed project manager, principal point of contact, and other key personnel must be provided. Office locations for key personnel must also be identified (40 points)

d. Respondent’s approach to planning, performing, and completing combination ESA/BDR.

This section shall explain the Respondent’s approach, capabilities, and methods to be used in accomplishing the tasks; the resources, facilities, and equipment available to the Respondent, areas of Florida in which the Respondent can provide requested products and/or services; proposed timeframes for furnishing products and/or services; and any innovative concepts or techniques proposed for completing tasks and delivery of the products and/or services. (40 points)

e. Respondent’s experience with establishing a Quality Control Plan. This section shall explain the proposed review/quality control process to be implemented to ensure that quality work products and services can be delivered in a timely manner. The selected Contractor may work on several projects simultaneously and therefore, should indicate how work overloads will be managed to prevent project delays. (20 points)

f. Respondent’s knowledge of and experience with conducting Combination Phase I Environmental Site Assessments per American Society of Testing and Materials standards 1527 and 2247 https://www.astm.org/, and Baseline Documentation Reports.

This section shall also explain the Respondent’s experience conducting Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, including but not limited to, soil/groundwater sampling, assessment, source removals, lead based paint, radon, mold, and asbestos surveys. This section shall also explain the Respondent’s experience identifying Florida flora and fauna, threatened and endangered species, exotic/invasive species, and natural community types. This section shall also explain how the Respondent procures and manages any subcontractors needed for these additional services. (40 points)

B. Relevant Experience (45 points maximum)

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

The Respondent shall provide names, addresses, phone numbers and email contacts of the three (3) customers for whom the Respondents have identified in this narrative on the FDACS-01222 (ATTACHMENT F - REFERENCES/PAST PERFORMANCE). The Department reserves the right to contact each customer reference to verify the information provided and validate the performance of the Respondent.

References must be current or former clients of the Respondent. The Department will not accept subcontractor/proposed personnel or personal references of a member of the Respondent as a substitute for customer references.

https://www.astm.org/

b. Sub-Contractors

In order to warrant that only qualified and competent subcontractors will be employed on the project, the Contractor shall submit to the Department a list of subcontractors who will perform work. The Contractor must have determined, to his own complete satisfaction, that a listed subcontractor has been successfully engaged in this particular type of business for a reasonable length of time and is qualified both technically and financially to perform the phase of this work listed herein.

Any subcontractor(s) not listed and approved by RFLPP will not be allowed to proceed with any work related to this project. The Department shall have the right to examine the technical qualifications of any subcontractor and to request additional documentation of a subcontractor’s technical and financial qualifications. Any subcontractor(s) proposed after the start of this project must be submitted in writing to the Department for approval. Work by the proposed subcontractor must not commence until the Department has given approval. The Department shall have the right to prohibit the use of any subcontractor that in its own discretion does not satisfactorily meet the business experience, technical or financial qualifications necessary to perform this work. If applicable, Respondents must complete FDACS-01221 (ATTACHMENT G- LIST OF SUBCONTRACTORS) and included in the Vendor’s response.

4.2 Proposal Administrative Review and Evaluation

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

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

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

4.3 Evaluation Considerations

The evaluation committee members shall perform the evaluation in accordance with the evaluation criteria listed in EVALUATION PROCEDURE.

4.4 Evaluation Procedure

A. Written Technical and Relevant Experience

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

Technical Response 0-160 points Relevant Experience 0-45 points

B. Evaluation of Price Sheet

The Vendor price proposed for each Total Acres Per Project Range on ATTACHMENT A - PRICE SHEET will be converted into a CALCULATED PRICE POINT. The CALCULATED PRICE POINTS will be added together for the Original Contract Term and Renewal Contract Term to equal the CALCULATED PRICE POINT TOTAL. The Respondent with the lowest CALCULATED PRICE POINT TOTAL will be scored the maximum points available (25).

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

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

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

4.5 Basis of Award

The Department intends to award up to five (5) contracts to the top ranked Vendors whose proposals are determined to be the most advantageous to the state, taking into consideration the price and other criteria set forth in this RFP.