BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, WALTON

COUNTY, FLORIDA REQUEST FOR

QUALIFICATIONS

FOR

STATE LOBBYING SERVICES

RFQ No: 021-039

The Board of County Commissioners, “the County” and the Walton County Tourist Development

Council, “the TDC” are seeking the Professional Services of a State Lobbyist for the County and TDC, with regard to any matters in which the County may need such services before the Florida Legislature, state and administrative agencies, the Florida Governor and Cabinet in whichever legal role said entities may be performing. Submittals to act, as State Lobbyist, for the County shall be designed to portray how to complete the range of services available through the firm that may best assist the County. The firm/individual chosen by the County and the TDC as its State Lobbyist agrees to be available at all times upon reasonable request to meet with the County and TDC, Commissioners, the County’s staff, and other consultants in order to perform the responsibilities of State Lobbyist.

RFQ DEADLINE: November 18, 2021, no later than 10:00 AM and will open immediately thereafter.

BIDDER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DELIVERY OF ITS SUBMITTAL. SUBMITTALS RECEIVED AFTER THE SPECIFIED

DAY AND TIME WILL NOT BE OPENED. THE PURCHASING DEPARTMENT IS CLOSED ON ALL FRIDAYS AND WILL BE

CLOSED ON NOVEMBER 11, 2021 IN OBSERVANCE OF MEMORIAL DAY.

LATE SUBMITTALS RECEIVED AFTER THE AFOREMENTIONED DEADLINE DATE, EITHER BY MAIL OR

OTHERWISE, WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED AND WILL BE RETURNED UNOPENED. THE TIME OF RECEIPT

WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE TIME THE SUBMITTAL IS RECEIVED IN THE PURCHASING AGENT'S

OFFICE. IT IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE FIRM FOR ASSURING THAT THE RFQ IS RECEIVED IN

THE PURCHASING OFFICE BY THE DESIGNATED DATE AND TIME. NO FAXED, ELECTRONIC, OR ORAL

RFQ WILL BE ACCEPTED.

To be considered, Firm/Team must submit original on a thumb drive along with one hard copy of Statement of Qualifications in a sealed envelope or package, clearly marked with the

Firm/Team's or individual's name and address, and the words "STATE LOBBYING

SERVICES" addressed to:

Office of Central Purchasing

176 Montgomery Circle

DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435

850-892-8176

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 –INTRODUCTION…………………………………………… 4

1.1 Purpose………………………………………………………. 4

SECTION 2 -SCOPE OF Work ……………………………………………….. 4

2.1 Responsibilities……………………………………………………. 4

2.2 Revisions………………………………………………………. 4

2.3 Requirements Included but Not Limited to…………………… 5

2.4 Qualifications…………………………………………………... 6

2.5 Technical Approach…………………………………………… 7

SECTION 3 – PROCUREMENT RULES AND INFORMATION.…………. 7

3.1 Contact Person……..…………………………………………….. 7

3.2 Calendar of Events………………………………………………. 8

3.3 RFQ Opening……………………………………………………. 8

3.4 Cost of Preparing RFQ…………………………………………… 8

3.5 Disposals of RFQ…………………………………………….. 8

3.6 Rules of Withdrawal…………………………………………… 9

3.7 Rejection of RFQ……………………………..…………………… 9

3.8 Verbal Instructions……………………………………………. 9

3.9 Indemnifications……………………………………………… 9

3.10 Notices……………………………………………………….. 10

3.11 Public Entity Crime………..………………………………………… 10

3.12 Drug Free Workplace…………………………………………. 10

3.13 Insurance Requirements…………………………………………. 11

3.14 Protest…………………………………………………………. 12

3.15 Blackout Period………………………………………………… 12

3.16 Sales and Use Tax……………………………………………… 13

3.17 Addendums……………………………………………………….. 13

3.18 Representation……………………………………………………. 14

3.19 Public Access…………………………………………………. 14

3.20 E-Verify……………………………………………………….. 15

3.21 Lobbying Prohibition……………………………………………… 15

3.22 Unauthorized Aliens…………………………………………… 15

SECTION 4 - CONTENTS OF RFQ…………………………………………… 15

4.1 Contact for Contract Administration…………………………… 15

4.2 Forms.…………………………………………….………………… 15

SECTION 5 - EVALUATION OF STATEMENTS……………………………. 16

5.1 Evaluation Criteria…………………………………………..……… 16

SECTION 6 – TERMS AND CONDITIONS………………………………… 16

6.1 Termination of Agreement……………………………………. 16

6.2 Term of Contract………………………………………………. 16

Attachment: Information Sheet………………………..……………………… 17

Attachment: Contact for Contract Administration…………………………… 18

Attachment: Public Entity Crimes……………………………………………. 19

Attachment: Drug Free WorkPlace Certification ……………………………. 23

Attachment: Unauthorized Alien…………………………………………….. 24

Attachment: Addendum Acknowledgement Form…………………………………..

SECTION 1- INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose:

The Consultant will represent the Walton County Board of County Commissioners and the Tourist

Development Council before the Florida State Legislature, including their committees, and agencies. The goal of such representation will be to secure legislation and state funding for programs and projects that have been identified by the County as priorities.

SECTION 2 - SCOPE OF WORK

2.1 Responsibilities:

• The Consultant will communicate and provide a monthly progress report to the

County Administrator or designated staff, who will be available to communicate to the Board of County Commissioner’s and Tourist Development Council’s priorities and provide background information and data to assist the Consultant in advancing the County’s efforts.

• Alert the County and TDC at the earliest time of pending legislation or action that will adversely impact the county and its funding posture.

• To the highest degree possible, the Consultant will represent the County’s and the

TDC's interests in securing state assistance for various funding aspects – including technical assistance, planning and design, infrastructure, and services in numerous areas.

• Assist in establishing meetings with State Legislators and assist to facilitate information exchange or soliciting their aid and advice on matters impacting this county and the TDC.

• The Consultant shall advocate positions before the State Legislature, its committees, and agencies that are beneficial to Walton County and the TDC as well as oppose harmful measures; in particular the following:

1. Any State Legislation which passes additional cost burdens on to the county.

a. Medicaid

b. Criminal Justice

c. Environmental issues

2. Sunsetting of Department of Community Affairs

a. Need for more local control in areas dealing with land use and growth management

3. Sunsetting of Department of Environmental Protection

a. Need for more local control

b. Need to remove layers of duplicative effort

c. Need to provide the agencies with enforcement capabilities

4. Transportation Funding Alternatives

5. Economic Development Incentives

6. Transit

7. Health Insurance

2.2 Revisions:

The County/TDC may suggest revisions to this Scope of Service, highlighting or de-emphasizing certain facets or activities, as the County’s/TDC’s priorities emerge and new information becomes available.

2.3 Requirements included but not limited to:

• Attend state agency meetings, when necessary, to monitor rule-making proceedings.

• Require attendance and notification, if possible, of meetings (including, but not limited to legislative committee meetings and sessions) where legislative issues of importance to Walton

County and the TDC are being discussed.

• Provide the County with a weekly update on issues of importance to the County, including the

TDC, during sessions including calendars of hearings and meetings discussing County issues, and providing the County with an after-session report.

• Provide the County with a monthly summary of legislative activities on behalf of the County in non-session months.

• Pursue major funding opportunities and investigate other opportunities. Research and provide information to the County/TDC on existing and emerging legislation, availability of funding, distribution of funding, techniques to be used by the County/TDC to capitalize on opportunities, and examples of successful local government applications.

• Monitor legislation and forward pertinent information to appropriate staff on a weekly basis.

• Explore rollover funding in all programs through the end of the current fiscal year. Even in cases where there are no funds identified or obligated for a particular project or program, the Consultant may recommend submitting a project for review and following the project through the appropriations process to identify potential funding.

• Demonstrate a keen understanding of the County/TDC priorities, policy objectives, project merits, and supporting data.

• Research and gather socioeconomic and other information to support the County’s/TDC’s issues, to heighten the state government’s awareness that the County has significant and demonstrated needs and, in general, that the County/TDC has not historically received its “fair share” of legislative attention.

• The Consultant’s goal shall be to secure funding for priority projects identified by the

County/TDC, with the support and assistance of County staff and the Board of County

Commissioners, and facilitated by Consultant’s vital connections with appropriate state agencies, elected officials, and staff.

• Serve as the liaison to the congressional delegation, as well as facilitate meetings with key

Members of Congress and their staff, and federal agency officials and staff.

2.4 Qualifications:

The firm selected will be an established, experienced organization with a strong history of representing large County governments to the State of Florida agencies to secure state funding and influence the enactment of beneficial legislation on the behalf of its clients. The firm selected, however, shall not currently represent entities that may compete with the County/TDC for state and grant seeking or legislative initiatives, nor shall the firm selected engage in representing those competing entities during the duration of the resulting contract.

Provide a statement of the firm’s qualifications. Explain how the firm is organized and how its resources will be utilized on the County/TDC’s behalf. Include, as a minimum:

A. Staff – Names, resumes, professional credentials, experience, and a list of local, state, and elected officials with which those who will actually perform the services for this account have direct access relative to this RFQ. This information shall also be submitted for any sub-consultants.

B. Firm – Include a summary of work and professional experience relative to the Scope of

Services, and document some relative experience.

C. List of all current Florida Public Entity clients and contract amounts. Include entity’s contact person, telephone number, and e-mail address

D. The firm’s local availability and degree of accessibility to DeFuniak Springs, Florida, and to Tallahassee, Florida.

E. Permission to contact represented entities to discuss firm’s performance.

F. Any other qualifications and experience which you consider to be significant, innovative, or otherwise relevant to the County/TDC’s consideration of the firm in regards to this Request for Qualifications, including activities and positions held in state and national professional organizations.

2.5 Technical Approach:

A. Provide specific examples of successes with State and Federal agencies to include but not be limited to the following: attracting and highlighting new funding sources, special projects, and identifying opportunities to increase client’s exposure.

B. Provide a brief description of the firm’s approach to the project.

C. Based on the following example of a representative task the County/TDC may ask its state lobbyist to accomplish in Tallahassee and within the appropriation agency in its behalf, describe in detail the specific actions the firm would take to accomplish the objective, including all actions up to enactment of legislation. This shall include the persons the lobbyist would contact, meetings to be attended, and all other actions the lobbyist would take.

Example: Identify the process and tools you will use to monitor critical issues and how you communicate with your client and implement a strategy to be aggressive for each and all issues, projects, and request.

SECTION 3 - PROCUREMENT RULES AND INFORMATION:

3.1 Contact Person:

Kim Jones

Assistant Purchasing Agent

176 Montgomery Circle

DeFuniak Springs, FL

32435 850-892-8176 email:jonkim@co.walton.fl.us

All questions regarding this Request should be directed in writing; preferably by email to the Assistant Purchasing Agent. Questions shall be submitted no later than 12:00 Noon local time on November 10, 2021 Questions submitted after that date and time will not be mailto:johglyndol@co.walton.fl.us answered. DIRECTING QUESTIONS TO ANY OTHER COUNTY STAFF, OR ANY

OTHER PERSON IS PROHIBITED AND WILL RESULT IN SUBMITTAL BEING

DISQUALIFIED. The Purchasing agent and County S t a f f will review and answer. If applicable, answers citing the question asked but not identifying the questioner will be distributed to all known prospective vendors. Failure to submit requests in writing by the specified time shall not be grounds for a protest. Note: Written requirements in the Request or its amendments are binding, but any oral communications between you and us are not.

3.2 Calendar of Events :

Listed below are the important actions and dates/times by which the actions must be taken or completed. If the County finds it necessary to change any of these dates/times, it will be accomplished by addendum. All listed times are local time in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.

DATE/TIME ACTION

November 10, 2021, 12:00 Noon local time Last Date for Receipt of Written

Questions

November 18, 2021, no later than 10:00 AM Close Date local time and will open immediately thereafter

December 6, 2021 (tentative) Review Team Meeting

3.3 RFQ Opening:

Statement of Qualifications is due at the time and date specified in the paragraph entitled

“Calendar of Events”. The name of all firms submitting their qualifications shall be posted in the RFQ package at the Office of Central Purchasing. Statements received late, shall be not considered.

3.4 Cost of Preparing RFQ:

The County is not liable for any costs incurred by a firm in responding to this RFQ, including those for oral presentations.

3.5 Disposals of RFQ:

All RFQ’s become the property of the County and will be a matter of record.

3.6 Rules for Withdrawal:

Statements may be modified or withdrawn by an appropriate document duly executed

(in the manner that a RFQ must be executed) and delivered to the place where

Statements are to be submitted at any time prior to the opening of RFQ.

Any submitted Statement shall remain open and subject to acceptance for a period of sixty

(60) calendar days after the date of the opening, but the County at its sole discretion may release any RFQ.

3.7 Rejection of RFQ:

The County reserves the right to accept or reject any statement of qualification as may be deemed necessary by the County to be in its best interest. The County further reserves the right to waive any and all formalities, and reserves the right to reject all nonconforming, unresponsive statements of qualifications. The County reserves the right to reject the statement of qualifications of any firm or individual if the

County believes that it would not be in the best interest of the County to make an award to that firm or individual because the statement of qualification is not responsive or responsible, or the firm or individual is unqualified or of doubtful financial ability, or fails to meet any other pertinent standard or criteria established by the County.

3.8 Verbal Instructions:

No negotiations, decisions, or actions shall be initiated or executed by the firm as a result of any discussions with any county employee. Only those communications from firms, which are signed, and in writing will be recognized by the County as duly, authorized expressions on behalf of the firm. Any and all communication with County

Commissioners or county staff other than the Office of Central Purchasing is prohibited during the time of the RFQ advertising.

3.9 Indemnification:

Firm shall indemnify and save harmless the County, i t s officers, agents, and employees, from all claims, suits or actions at law or equity, damages, losses, and expenses, whether direct or indirect, or consequential, including but not limited to charges of engineers, attorneys, and other professionals and costs of both defense and appeal, in a court of law or other tribunal, for any reason whatsoever, including but not limited to bodily injury, sickness, disease or death of any person, including employees of Firm or any subcontractor, or injury to or destruction of property, including loss of use, which claims are arising out of, related to, connected with, or caused by (a) Firm, or any subcontractor or supplier of Firm, negligent performance or non-performance of the Project. The provisions of this indemnification agreement shall include all accidents, injuries, and claims made, whether or not caused in part, by any act or omission of the County, their respective officers, agents, or employees, provided Firm shall not be required to indemnify the County for the County’s own negligence.

The foregoing indemnification shall not constitute a waiver of sovereign immunity beyond the limits set forth in Florida Statutes, Section 768.28

3.10 Notices:

Any notices to be given under a Contract shall be given by United States Mail, addressed to Firm at is address stated therein, and to the County at its address stated therein. Additional notice may also be given by facsimile/email in which case it shall be deemed that notice was provided on the date said facsimile/email was received. The party providing notice by facsimile/email shall confirm that the facsimile/email was received by the other party.

3.11 Public Entity Crime:

The firm must sign and complete a Public Entity Crime Sworn Statement as defined under

Section 287.133(3) (a), F.S. A person or affiliate who has been placed on the convicted vendor list following a conviction of a public entity crime may not submit a proposal on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity, may not submit a proposal on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work, may not submit proposals on leases of real property to a public entity, may not be awarded or perform work as a consultant, supplier, or subcontractor, under a contract with any public entity, and may not transact business with any public entity in excess of the threshold amount provided in Section 287.017, for Category Two for a period of 36 months from the date of being placed on the convicted vendor list.

3.12 Drug Free Workplace:

The firm must complete the County’s Drug Free Workplace Certification form, attached and made a part of the RFQ. According to Walton County policy, preference shall be given to businesses with drug-free workplace programs. Whenever two or more proposals, which 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 proposal received from a business that certified that it has implemented a drug-free workplace program shall be given preference in the award process. Established procedures for processing tie proposals will be followed if none of the tied vendors have a drug-free workplace program.

3.13 Insurance Requirements:

Firm shall purchase and maintain through the Contract period workers compensation, comprehensive general liability (occurrence form), comprehensive automobile liability, professional liability, including errors and omissions coverage if applicable, builder’s risk, and other insurance as is appropriate for the Project being performed hereunder by firm, its employees, subcontractors or agents. The amounts and types of workers compensation, comprehensive general liability (occurrence form), and comprehensive automobile liability insurance shall conform to the following minimum requirements:

1. Worker's Compensation Coverage must apply for all employees and statutory limits in compliance with the applicable state and federal laws unless

Contractor provides a current Florida Workers Compensation exemption certificate. In addition, the policy must include the following:

a. Employer's Liability with a minimum limit per accident in accordance with statutory requirements.

b. Notice of Cancellation and/or Restriction. The endorsed to provide the County with thirty (30) days’ written notice of cancellation and/or restriction.

2. Comprehensive General Liability Coverage must include:

a. $1,000,000 combined limit per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage. If contract is less than

$100,000.00, then general liability insurance requirement is

$300,000.00.

b. Contractual coverage applicable to this specific contract, including any hold harmless and/or indemnification agreement.

c. County is to be specifically included as an additional insured.

d. Notice of Cancellation and/or Restriction. The policy must be endorsed to provide the County with thirty (30) days’ written notice of cancellation and/or restriction.

3. Comprehensive Automobile Liability Coverage must be afforded on a form no more restricted than the latest edition of the Comprehensive Automobile

Liability Policy filed by the Insurance Services Office and must include:

a. $300,000 combined single limit per accident for bodily injury and property damage.

b. Owned Vehicles.

c. Hired and Non-Owned Vehicles.

d. Employee Non-Ownership.

e. County is to be specifically included as an additional insured.

f. Notice of Cancellation and/or Restriction. The policy must be endorsed to provide the County with thirty (30) days’ written notice of cancellation and/or restriction.

4. Professional Liability Coverage must include:

a. Minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence and in the aggregate for claims of malpractice, negligence, error, and omissions.

b. Notice of Cancellation and/or Restriction. The Policy must be endorsed to provide County with thirty (30) days’ prior notice of cancellation and/or restriction of coverage by changed exclusion.

Certificates of Insurance evidencing the insurance coverage specified in this Article shall be submitted to the County with the executed Contract. The Certificates of Insurance shall be filed with the County before this Contract is deemed approved by the county. The required Certificates of Insurance not only shall name types of policies provided, but also shall refer specifically to this Contract. All the policies of insurance so required of

Consultant shall be endorsed to include as additional insured the County, its officers, employees, and agents, except for Worker's Compensation. If the initial insurance policy expires prior to completion of the Project, renewal Certificates of Insurance shall be furnished thirty (30) days prior to the date of the policy expiration.

The purchase of any of the above-referenced insurance policies shall not release the

Consultant or any Surety created by this Contract from any obligation, warranty, or guarantee provided in this Contract.

The Insurance Company(ies) shall be authorized to conduct business in the State.

Any risk of loss of completed work on the Project, or work in progress on the Project, equipment, and material stored on or off the Project Site, or in transit, shall be borne by the Firm through the date of final completion for the Project.

3.14 Protest:

Any person or entity whose proposal is rejected, in whole or in part, or who submits a proposal but is not awarded the contract, may protest such decision. `Written notice of intent to file a protest must be submitted with the Purchasing Agent or Finance Director within twenty –four (24) hours after the Board’s declaration of its intention with regard to an award. Written protest must be submitted to the Purchasing Agent or Finance Director within ten calendar days after filing written notice of intent.

Each written protest must be accompanied by a protest bond in the form of a certified check, cashier’s check, or money order made payable to the Board of County Commissioners, in an amount equal to 1% of the protestor’s proposal received by the County, but in no case less than $500.00.

3.15 Blackout Period:

The period between the end of the advertisement for the Invitations to Bid, Request for

Proposal, and Request for Qualifications, or any other competitive solicitation and the contract award, or any resulting bid protest is resolved, or the solicitation is otherwise canceled is referred to as the Blackout Period. During the blackout period, any communication regarding The aforementioned solicitations are prohibited between the bidder (or its agents or representatives) or other entity with the potential for a financial interest in the award (of their respective agents or representatives) regarding such competitive solicitation, and any County Commissioner or County employee selection committee member or other persons authorized to act on behalf of the Board including the

County’s Architect-Engineer or their sub consultants, or anyone designated to provide a recommendation to award a particular contract, other than Purchasing Division staff. Each competitive solicitation shall provide notice of the blackout period.

exception to the Blackout Period

The blackout period shall not apply to:

a. Communications at any public proceeding or meeting, including pre-bid conferences, selection committee presentations, or pre-award meetings,

b. Communications during contract negotiations between designated County employees and the intended contract awardee.

c. Communication with a vendor by a Purchasing Division employee following the bid opening to clarify the vendor’s bid or intended scope of services.

d. Communication following the filing of a protest between the protesting party and the Purchasing Division, County

Administrator’s Office, and County Attorney’s Office, during the dispute resolution process.

e. Purchases exempt from competitive selection, sole source procurements, and single sources, procurements, and emergency procurements, as defined in Walton County

Board of County Commissioners Purchasing Policy and

Procedure manual.

f. Communications with existing vendors in the performance of existing contract.

3.16 Sales And Use Tax

The Proposer agrees that any and all applicable federal, state, and local sales and use taxes that are incurred by the Proposer are included in the stated bid price for the Project. The County is tax-exempt from federal excise and state sales tax.

3.17 Addendums

The County may issue Addendums to modify the proposal as deemed appropriate.

Addendums and clarification to this RFP along with an Addendum Acknowledgement Form will be mailed to all vendors receiving this RFP. The Addendum Acknowledgement Form, which is included with each mail out, shall be signed by an authorized company representative, dated, and returned with proposal..

3.18 Representation

The Proposer represents to the County that:

A. The Proposer is properly certified and licensed; is solvent financially; is experienced in and competent to provide the services.

B. The Proposer is familiar with all Federal, State, Local, or other regulatory laws, ordinances, and regulations, which in any manner whatsoever, may affect the provision of services.

3.19 Public Access

A. A request to inspect or copy public records relating to this Contract must be made directly to the County. If the County does not possess the requested records, it shall immediately notify the Consultant of the request, and the Consultant must provide the records to the County or allow the records to be inspected or copied within a reasonable time (§119.0701(3). If Consultant fails to provide the public records within a reasonable time, Consultant may be subject to penalties under

§119.10, F.S.

B. Consultant shall comply with the requirements of Florida’s Public Records law n accordance with Section 119.0701, Florida Statutes, the Consultant shall (1) Keep and maintain public records required by the public agency to perform the service; (2) Upon request from the public agency’s custodian of public records, provide the public agency with a copy of the requested records or allow the records to be inspected or copied within a reasonable time at a cost that does not exceed the cost provided under

Florida’s Public Records law or as otherwise provided by law; (3) Ensure that public records that are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements are not disclosed except as authorized by law for the duration of the contract term and following completion of this contract if the Consultant does not transfer the records to the public agency; and (4) Upon completion of the contract, transfer, at no cost, to the public agency all public records in possession of the

Consultant or keep and maintain public records required by the public agency to perform the service. If the Consultant transfers all public records to the public agency upon completion of the contract, the consultant shall destroy any duplicate public records that are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements. If the Consultant keeps and maintains public records upon completion of this contract, the Consultant shall meet all applicable requirements for retaining public records. All records stored electronically must be provided to the public agency, upon request from public agency’s custodian of public records, in a format that is compatible with the information technology system of the public agency.

C. IF CONSULTANT HAS QUESTIONS REGARDING THE

APPLICATION OF CHAPTER 119, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO

CONSULTANT’S DUTY TO PROVIDE PUBLIC RECORDS

RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, CONSULTANT SHALL

CONTACT THE CUSTODIAN OF PUBLIC RECORDS AT:

Genara Roop, Records Management Liaison Officer 161 E. Sloss Avenue

DeFuniak Springs, Florida

32433 850-892-8110 publicrecords@co.walton.fl.us

3.20 E-Verify

Consultant utilizes the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system to verify the employment eligibility of; (a) all persons employed by the Consultant during the term of the Agreement to perform employment duties within Florida and ; (b) all persons (including subcontractors) assigned by the Consultant to perform work pursuant to the Agreement.

3.22 Unauthorized Aliens

The County shall consider the employment by any contractor of unauthorized aliens a violation of Section 274A€ of the Immigration and Nationality Act. If the consultant knowingly employs unauthorized aliens, such violation will be cause for unilateral cancellation of this

Agreement.

SECTION 4 – CONTENTS OF RFQ

This section contains instructions regarding the format of the RFQ that are to be submitted.

4.1 Contact for Contract Administration:

Firms shall return the Contact for Contract Administration Form. This shall be the company representative for the day-to-day activities of the contract.

4.2 Forms:

It is MANDATORY that vendor’s return the Request for Qualification cover sheet with their proposal. A representative who is authorized to contractually bind the vendor shall sign the attached forms.

It is MANDATORY that vendors return the Drug-Free Workplace Certification Form, Questionnaire Form, Unauthorized Aliens Form, along with the Public Entity Crime Form.

mailto:publicrecords@co.walton.fl.us

SECTION 5 – EVALUATION OF STATEMENTS:

5.1 Evaluation Criteria:

The selection process will be initiated through the County’s Review Committee. This

Committee will be chosen by the County Administrator’s Office.

Ranking and negotiations will be conducted with the three best qualified firms by the Review

Team; the Board of County Commissioners and TDC. The contract will not be binding on the County until approval by the Board of County Commissioners and execution of a contract for Lobbyist Services by the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners on behalf of the Board and the TDC, The Board may at their discretion, choose to interview the top three firms.

SECTION 6 – TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

6.1 Termination of Agreement:

The County may terminate this Agreement at any time with or without cause, or with or without prior notice.

6.2 Term of Agreement:

The Contract the Lobbyist Services will be for a period of 36 months commencing on the date signed by the Chairman. Commencement of the contract is contingent on the County’s Board of

Commissioners approving funds for services to be performed under the contract. The contract may be extended for additional terms, on such terms and conditions as might be negotiated in the last sixty

(60) days of the original contract.

Categories/Criteria

Maximum

Points

Qualifications 50

Experience 30

Technical Approach 20

TOTAL POINTS 100

Information Sheet

For Transactions and Conveyances

Corporate Identification

The following information will be provided to the Walton County Legal Services for incorporation in legal documents. It is, therefore, vital all information is accurate and complete. Please be certain all spelling, capitalization, etc. is exactly as registered with the state of federal government, (Please circle one)

Is this a Florida Corporation: Yes or No

If not a Florida Corporation, In what state was it created?

Name as spelled in that State:

What Kind of corporation is it: “For Pr of it” or “N ot f or Pr of it”

Is it in good standing: Yes or No

Authorized to transact business

In Florida: Yes or No

State of Florida Department of State of Certificate of Authority Document No:

Does it use a registered fictitious name: Yes or No

Name of Officers:

President: Secretary: Vice President:

Treasurer: Director:

Director: Other:

Other:

Name of Corporation (As used in Florida):

(spelled exactly as it is registered with the state or federal government)

Corporate Address:

Post Office Box:

City, State, Zip

Street Address:

City, State, Zip:

(Please provide post office box and street address for mail and/or express delivery; also for recorded instruments involving land)

Federal Identification Number:

(For all instruments to be recorded, taxpayer’s identification is needed)

Name of individual who will sign the instrument on behalf of the company:

(Upon Certification of Award, the President or Vice-President shall sign Contract. Any other officer shall have permission to sign via a resolution approved by the Board of Directors on behalf of the company. Awarded contractor shall submit a copy of the resolution together with the executed contract to the Office of Purchasing)

(Spelled exactly as it would appear on the instrument)

Title of the individual named above who will sign on behalf of the company:

CONTACT FOR CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

Designate one person authorized to conduct contract administration.

NAME:______________________________________________

TITLE:_______________________________________________

COMPANY NAME:____________________________________

ADDRESS:___________________________________________

TELEPHONE NO:_____________________________________

FAX NO:_____________________________________________

EMAIL:_______________________________________________

PUBLIC ENTITY CRIMES

Sworn Statement Under Section 287.133(3)(a), Florida Statutes, on Public Entity Crimes

This form must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public or other officer authorized to administer oaths:

This sworn statement is submitted to The Board of County Commissioners, Walton County, Florida by ______________________________________________

(print individual’s name and title) for____________________________________________________________________

(print name of entity submitting sworn statement)

Whose business address is________________________________________________ and (if applicable) its Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) is

_________________; (if the entity has no FEIN, include the Social Security Number of individual signing this sworn statement:__________________________________).

I understand that a “public entity crime” as defined in Paragraph

287.133(l((g), Florida Statutes, means a violation of any state or federal law by a person with respect to an directly related to the transaction of business with any public entity or with an agency or political; subdivision of any other state or of the United States, including, but not limited to, any bid or contract for good or services to be provided to any public entity or an agency or political subdivision of any other state or of the United States and involving antitrust, fraud, theft, bribery, collusion, racketeering, conspiracy, or material misrepresentation.

I understand that “convicted” or “conviction” as defined in

Paragraph 287.133(l) (b), Florida Statutes, means a finding of guilt or a conviction of a public entity crime, with or without adjudication of guilt, in any federal or state trial court of record relating to charges brought by indictment or information after July 1, 1989, as a result of a jury verdict, non-jury trial, or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contenders.

I understand that an “affiliate” as defined in Paragraph 287.133(l) (a)

Florida Statutes means:

A predecessor or successor of a person convicted of a public crime;

or; an entity under the control of any natural person who is active in the management of the entity and who has been convicted of a public entity crime. The term “affiliate” includes those officers, directors, executives, partners, shareholders, employees, members, and agents who are active in the management of an affiliate. The ownership by one person of shares constituting a controlling interest in another person, or a pooling of equipment or income among persons when not for fair market value under an arm’s length agreement, shall be a prima facie case that one person controls another person. A person who knowingly enters into a joint venture with a person who has been convicted of a public entity crime in Florida during the preceding 36 months shall be considered an affiliate.

I understand that “person” as defined in Paragraph 287.133(l) (e), Florida Statutes, means any natural person or entity organized under the laws of any state or of the United Sates with the legal power to enter into a binding contract and which bids or applies to bid on contracts for the provision of goods or services let by a public entity, or which otherwise transacts or applies to transact business with a public entity. The term

“person” includes those officers, directors, executives, partners,\ shareholders, employees, members, and agents who are active in manage-ment of an entity.

Based on information and belief, the statement which I have marked below is true in relation to the entity submitting this sworn statement. [Indicate which statement applies.]

________Neither the entity submitting this sworn statement, nor any of its officers, directors, executives, partners, shareholders, employees, members, or agents who are active in the management of the entity, nor any affiliate of the entity has been charged with and convicted of a public entity crime subsequent to July 1, 1989.

________The entity submitting this sworn statement, or one or more of its or agents who are active in the management of the entity, or an affiliate of the entity has been charged with and convicted of a public entity crime subsequent to July 1, 1989.

________The entity submitting this sworn statement, or one or more of its or agents who are active in the management of the entity or an affiliate of the entity has been charged with and convicted of a public entity crime subsequent to July 1, 1989. However, there has been a subsequent proceeding before a Hearing Officer of the State of Florida, Division of

Administration Hearings and the Final Order entered by the Hearing

Officer determined that it was not in the public interest to place the entity

Submitting this sworn statement on the convicted vendor list. [Attach a copy of the final order.]

I understand that the submission of this form to the contracting officer for the Public Entity identified in Paragraph ONE (#1) above is for that Public Entity only, and that this form is valid through December 31 of the calendar year in which it is filed. I also understand that I am required to inform the Public Entity prior to entering into a contract in excess of the threshold amount provided in Section 287.017, Florida Statutes, for category two of any change in the information contained in this form.

Name of Bidder

By: _____________________________

Title: ___________________________

STATE OF ________________

COUNTY OF ______________

Sworn to and subscribed before me by means of physical presence or online notarization this ___day of __________, 20__,by ______________________, who is personally known to me___, or has produced the following identification as proof of identity.________________________________________________________.

My Commission Expires: __________________________

Notary Public

Printed Notary Name

Commission Expires: _______

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE CERTIFICATION

(This form must be completed and attached to statement)

Identical tie bids: preference shall be given to businesses with drug-free work place programs. Whenever two or more bids which are equal with respect price, quality, and service are received by the state or by any political subdivision for the procurement of commodities or contractual services, a bid received from a business that certified that it has implemented a drug-free work place program shall be given preference in the award process. Established procedures for processing tie bids will be followed in none of the tied vendors have a drug-free work place program. In order to have a drug-free work place program, a business shall:

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

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

3. Give each employee engaged in providing the commodities of contractual services that are under bid a copy of the statement specified in paragraph #1.

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

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

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

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

Company Name Authorized Signature

Federal I.D. Number or SSN Printed Name

Board of County Commissioners

Walton County, Florida

UNAUTHORIZED ALIENS

Inasmuch as the employment of unauthorized aliens is prohibited by §448.09, Florida Statutes, the County prohibits contracting with firms that knowingly utilize services of unauthorized aliens in the performance of contracts for goods or services with the

County. Additionally, such firms may not knowingly contract with sub-contractors who utilize the services of unauthorized aliens.

By signing below the bidder swears or affirms that:

His/her company does not knowingly utilize the services of unauthorized aliens in the performance of contracts. The company agrees that the County may conduct random checks of personnel records as they pertain to this issue. Violation of this requirement may result in immediate termination of the contract. Additionally, violation of this requirement may result in the company being prohibited from submitting bids/proposals for Cunty contracts for a period of five years. (See procedure PP-022, Walton County Purchasing Policies Manual.)

Signature

Printed Name

Title

Date

STATE OF FLORIDA;

COUNTY OF__ _;

Subscribed and sworn to before me by means of physical presence or online notarization this _ _day of

, 2021.

Notary Public [SEAL]

My commission expires _

[ ] Personally known

[ ] Produced Identification

Type of Identification:__