RFQ 031 - Qualification Documents.DOC

Sumter County Board of County Commissioners –Sumter County Continuing Contract for Construction Engineering Inspection (CEI) Services for FDOT Local Agency Program (LAP) Projects in Sumter County

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

FOR

SUMTER COUNTY

COMPENSATION & CLASSIFICATION REVIEW SERVICES

RFQ 031-0-2025/JV

Sumter County Board of County Commissioners

Purchasing Division 7375 Powell Road Wildwood, FL 34785

Phone (352) 689-4400 Fax (352) 689-4401 Date of Issue: September 8, 2025

CALENDAR OF EVENTS / REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) TIMELINE

Listed below are the important dates and times by which the actions noted must be completed. All dates are subject to change by the Sumter County Board of County Commissioners (Sumter County BOCC). If the Sumter County BOCC finds it necessary to change any of these dates or times prior to the RFQ due date, the change will be accomplished by addendum.

ACTION

COMPLETION DATE

Issue RFQ

September 8, 2025

Last Day for Questions

September 22, 2025 @ 5:00 p.m.

Qualification Packages Due

October 6, 2025 @ 1:30 p.m. Public Works Training Room** 319 E. Anderson Avenue

Bushnell, FL 33513

Qualification Packages Opened

October 6, 2025 @ 1:35 p.m. Public Works Training Room** 319 E. Anderson Avenue

Bushnell, FL 33513

Selection Committee Meeting

October 8, 2025 @ 11:30 a.m. Public Works Training Room** 319 E. Anderson Avenue

Bushnell, FL 33513

Vendor Presentations and Selection Committee Meeting (if necessary)

October 10, 2025 @ 9:00 a.m.

Public Works Training Room**

319 E. Anderson Avenue

Bushnell, FL 33513

Sumter County BOCC Award Contract Negotiations

October 28, 2025

PART 1

INTENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Sealed Qualification packages will be received by the Sumter County Board of County Commissioners at Purchasing Division, 319 E. Anderson Avenue, Bushnell, Florida 33513, October 6, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. EST. Proposers shall take careful notice of the following conditions of this Request for Qualifications:

· Submissions by FAX or other electronic media will not be accepted under any circumstances. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.

· Submitters may withdraw and/or replace RFQs at any time until the deadline for submission of Qualifications.

· Do not attempt to contact any Selection Committee Member, staff member or person other than Ms. Becky Segrest (Purchasing Division, 319 E. Anderson Avenue, Bushnell, Florida 33513, 352-689-4400) for questions relating to this project. Anyone attempting to lobby Sumter County BOCC representatives may be disqualified. The Selection Committee members shall be Stephen Kennedy, Assistant County Administrator, Nick Mellington, Employee Services Manager, and Rob Hanson, Fire Chief.

OPEN RECORDS

The Sumter County BOCC is governed by Florida’s public record laws, Chapter 119 and Section 255.0518 of the Florida Statutes. Formal solicitations and documentation are open for public inspection thirty (30) days after the solicitation opening or when Sumter County BOCC provides notice of a decision or intended decision, whichever is earlier. In addition, notwithstanding F.S. 119.01(1) (b), the county shall announce proposer and price submitted in the RFQ pursuant to a competitive solicitation for construction or repairs on a public building or public work. Certain proprietary and financial information from Consultants may be excluded from release under very strict circumstances. This includes proprietary information or intellectual property as defined in F.S. 119.071 (1) (f).

FEDERAL BROOKS ACT

The Brooks Act (40 U.S.C. 1101 et. seq.) requires agencies to promote open competition by advertising, ranking, selecting, and negotiating contracts based on demonstrated competence and qualifications for the type of engineering and design services being procured, and at a fair and reasonable price. To comply with the Brooks Act, the Sumter County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) will select engineering and architecture Consultants based upon their competency, qualifications and experience rather than by price.

CONSULTANTS’ COMPETITIVE NEGOTIATIONS ACT (CCNA)

The Consultants’ Competitive Negotiations Act, Section 287.055, F. S., sets forth requirements for the procurement of professional architectural, engineering, landscape architectural or land surveying services by government agencies. To comply with the CCNA, Sumter County BOCC will award a contract to the most qualified consultant(s), not necessarily the lowest proposer.

CONSULTANT RESPONSIBILITY

Submitters are fully and completely responsible for the labeling, identification and delivery of their RFQ. Sumter County BOCC will not be responsible for any mislabeled or misdirected submissions, nor those handled by delivery persons, couriers, or the U. S. Postal Service.

· Submissions shipped by express delivery, or in overnight or courier envelopes, boxes, or packages must be prominently marked on the outside of such envelopes, boxes, or packages with the sealed Request for Qualifications name.

· Any envelopes, boxes, or packages that are not properly labeled, identified, and prominently marked with the sealed Request for Qualifications name.

· Invitation by the Sumter County BOCC to Consultants is based on the recipient’s specific request.

· Consultants or individuals submit their responses on a voluntary basis, and therefore are not entitled to compensation of any kind for submissions. No proposer will be reimbursed for any cost incurred as a result of preparing or submitting their Qualifications Package. Additionally, no travel expenses incurred as a result in participating in the RFQ process will be reimbursed.

· RFQs that are incomplete, unbalanced, conditional, obscure, or which contain additions not called for, alterations, or irregularities of any kind, or which do not comply with these documents may be rejected at the option of the Sumter County BOCC.

STANDARD INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

The consultant shall maintain, on a primary basis and at its sole expense, at all times while performing work for the Sumter County BOCC, the “Standard Insurance Requirements” described herein. Consultants responding to a Request for Qualifications shall provide with their submittal, a Certificate of Insurance (COI) or a letter from the insurance company stating required coverage is obtainable. Prior to commencement of any work being done for Sumter County, a COI will be required. Work is defined as any service provided to Sumter County by a consultant who must access County property in order to provide the service(s). The requirements contained herein, as well as the County’s review or acknowledgement, is not intended to and shall not in any manner limit or qualify the liabilities and obligations assumed by the consultant under this contract.

Financial Rating of Insurance Companies All insurance companies must have financial rating of A- or higher by A.M. Best Company, Inc. with the exception of self-insured insurance companies.

Commercial General Liability Insurance The consultant shall maintain Commercial General Liability Insurance at a limit of liability not less than $1,000,000 each occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate. Due to the nature of the work involved, Consultants performing program and / or contract management services are required to maintain $1,000,000 each occurrence and $1,000,000 annual aggregate. The coverage shall not contain any endorsement(s) excluding nor limiting Product/Completed Operations, Independent Consultants, Broad Form Property Damage, X-C-U Coverage, Contractual Liability or Cross Liability. The self-insured retention or deductible shall not exceed $25,000.

Business Automobile Liability Insurance The consultant shall maintain Business Automobile Liability Insurance at a limit of liability not less than $1,000,000 each occurrence. Coverage shall include liability for owned, non-owned & hired automobiles. In the event the consultant does not own automobiles, the consultant shall maintain coverage for hired & non-owned auto liability, which may be satisfied by way of endorsement to the Commercial General Liability policy or separate Business Auto Liability policy.

Worker’s Compensation Insurance & Employers Liability Insurance The consultant shall maintain its own Worker’s Compensation Insurance & Employers Liability in accordance with Florida Statute Chapter 440. (NOTE: Elective exemptions or coverage through an employee leasing arrangement will be on a case by case basis).

Umbrella or Excess Liability Insurance (needed for large contracts as determined by the SUMTER COUNTY PURCHASING DIVISION) The consultant shall maintain either a Commercial Umbrella or Excess Liability Insurance at a limit of liability not less than $2,000,000 each occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. The consultant shall endorse the BOCC as an “Additional Insured” on the Umbrella or Excess Liability Insurance, unless the Commercial Umbrella/Excess Liability Insurance provides coverage on a pure “True Follow-Form” basis, or the BOCC is automatically defined as an additional protected person. Any self-insured retention or deductible shall not exceed $25,000.

Professional or Errors & Omissions Liability Insurance (required for LAP projects) The consultant shall maintain a Professional Liability or Errors & Omissions policy at a limit of liability no less than $2,000,000. The consultant shall endorse the BOCC as an “Additional Insured” on the Professional and/or Errors & Omissions Liability Insurance.

Additional Insured The consultant shall endorse the BOCC as an Additional Insured on the Commercial General Liability Insurance with a CG 2010 Additional Insured – Owners, Lessees, or Consultants, or CG2026 Additional Insured – Owners, Lessees, or Consultants – Scheduled Person or Organization endorsement, or similar endorsement providing equal or broader Additional Insured coverage.

In addition, the consultant shall endorse the BOCC as an Additional Insured under the consultant’s Commercial Umbrella/Excess Liability as required herein.

Indemnification The consultant shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the BOCC, its offices, agents and employees from and against any and all claims, losses or liability, or any portion thereof, including attorney’s fees and costs, arising from injury or death to persons, including injuries, sickness, disease or death to consultant’s own employees or damage to property occasioned by a negligent act, omission or failure of the consultant.

Deductibles, Coinsurance Penalties, & Self-Insured Retention The consultant shall be fully and solely responsible for any costs or expenses as a result of a coverage deductible, coinsurance penalty, or self-insured retention; including any loss not covered because of the operation of such deductible, coinsurance penalty, self-insured retention, or coverage exclusion or limitation. For deductible amounts that exceed the amounts stated herein that are acceptable to the BOCC, the consultant shall, when requested by the BOCC, maintain a Commercial Surety Bond in an amount equal to said deductible amount.

Waiver of Subrogation The consultant shall provide a Waiver of Subrogation in favor of the BOCC, consultant, sub-consultant, architects, or engineers for each required policy providing coverage during the life of this contract. When required by the insurer, or should a policy condition not permit the consultant to enter into a pre-loss agreement to waive subrogation without an endorsement, then the consultant shall notify the insurer and request the policy be endorsed with a Waiver of Transfer of Rights of Recovery Against Others, or an equivalent endorsement. This Waiver of Subrogation requirement shall not apply to any policy which includes a condition specifically prohibiting such an endorsement, or voids coverage should the consultant enter into such an agreement on a pre-loss basis.

Right to Revise or Reject The BOCC reserves the right, but not the obligation, to review and revise any insurance requirement, not limited to limits, coverages and endorsements based on insurance market conditions affecting the availability or affordability of coverage; or changes in the scope of work/specifications affecting the applicability of coverage. Additionally, the BOCC reserves the right, but not the obligation, to review and reject any insurance policies failing to meet the criteria stated herein, or any insurer(s) providing coverage due to its poor financial condition or failure to operate legally. In such events, the BOCC shall provide the consultant written notice of such revisions or rejections.

No Representation of Coverage Adequacy The coverages, limits or endorsements required herein protect the primary interests of the BOCC, and these coverages, limits or endorsements shall in no way be required to be relied upon when assessing the extent or determining appropriate types and limits of coverage to protect the consultant against any loss exposures, whether as a result of the Project or otherwise.

Certificate(s) of Insurance The consultant shall provide the PURCHASING DIVISION with a COI clearly evidencing that all coverage, limits and endorsements required herein are maintained and in full force and effect. All insurance policies shall be written on companies authorized to do business in the State of Florida and satisfactory to the Sumter County BOCC. Prior to commencing services pursuant to the award of this RFQ, the consultant shall furnish to the Sumter County BOCC certificates of insurance showing the required coverage has been procured and paid for in advance. Within thirty (30) days prior to expiration, the consultant shall provide the Sumter County BOCC with proof that required coverage has been extended. In the event the BOCC is notified that a required insurance coverage will cancel or expire during the period of this contract, the Consultant agrees to furnish the BOCC prior to the expiration of such insurance, a new Certificate of Insurance evidencing replacement coverage. When notified by the BOCC, the Consultant agrees not to continue work pursuant to this contract, unless all required insurance remains in effect.

All insurance policies shall be written on companies authorized to do business in the State of Florida and satisfactory to the Sumter County BOCC. Prior to commencing services pursuant to the award of this RFQ, the Consultant shall furnish to the Sumter County BOCC certificates of insurance showing the required coverage has been procured and paid for in advance. Within thirty (30) days prior to expiration, the Consultant shall provide the Sumter County BOCC with proof that required coverage has been extended.

The BOCC shall have the right, but not the obligation, of prohibiting the Consultant from entering the project site until a new COI is provided to the County evidencing the replacement coverage. The consultant agrees the BOCC reserves the right to withhold payment to the consultant until evidence of reinstated or replacement coverage is provided to the BOCC. If the consultant fails to maintain the insurance as set forth herein, the consultant agrees the BOCC shall have the right, but not the obligation, to purchase replacement insurance and the consultant agrees to reimburse any premiums or expenses incurred by the BOCC.

The Consultant agrees the Certificate(s) of Insurance shall:

1. Clearly indicate the BOCC has been endorsed on the Commercial General Liability Insurance with a CG 2010 Additional Insured – Owners, Lessees, or Consultants, or CG 2026 Additional Insured – Owners, Lessees, or Consultants – Scheduled Person or Organization endorsement, or similar endorsement providing equal or greater Additional Insured coverage.

2. Clearly indicate the BOCC is endorsed as an Additional Insured, or Loss Payee, on the Builder’s Risk Insurance, and when applicable, Additional Insured on the Commercial Umbrella/Excess Liability Insurance as required herein.

3. Clearly identify each policy’s limits, flat & percentage deductibles, sub limits, or self-insured retentions, which exceed the amounts or percentages set forth herein.

4. Clearly indicate a minimum thirty (30) day endeavor to notify requirement in the event of cancellation or non-renewal of coverage.

5. Forward original to and clearly indicate Certificate Holder and Additional Insured as follows:

Sumter County Board of County Commissioners

Attention: Purchasing Division 7375 Powell Road, Suite 200 Wildwood, FL 34785

EXAMINATION OF QUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS

· Each consultant shall carefully examine the Scope of Work and other applicable documents, and inform himself/herself thoroughly regarding any and all conditions and requirements that may in any manner affect cost, progress or performance of the work to be performed under the Contract. Ignorance on the part of the CONSULTANT will in no way relieve him/her of the obligations and responsibilities assumed under the Contract.

· Should a consultant find discrepancies or ambiguities in, or omissions from the Scope of Work, or should he/she be in doubt as to their meaning, he/she shall at once notify the Sumter County BOCC in writing.

INTERPRETATIONS, CLARIFICATIONS AND ADDENDA

· No oral interpretations will be made to any consultant as to the meaning of the RFQs/Contract Documents. Any questions or request for interpretation received IN WRITING by the Sumter County BOCC.

· In the case of unit price items, the quantities of work to be done and materials to be furnished under this RFQ/Contract are to be considered as approximate only and are to be used solely for the comparison of Qualifications received. The Sumter County BOCC and/or CONSULTANTS do not expressly or by implication represent that the actual quantities involved will correspond exactly therewith; nor shall the consultant plead misunderstanding or deception because of such estimate or quantities of work performed or material furnished in accordance with the Specifications and/or Drawings and other Qualification documents, and it is understood that the quantities may be increased or diminished as provided herein without in any way invalidating any of the unit or lump sum prices.

GOVERNING LAWS AND REGULATIONS

The consultant is required to be familiar with, and shall be, responsible for complying with all federal, state and local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations that in any manner affect the work.

SUMTER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

The Sumter County Board of County Commissioners is a unit of local government and as such reserves the right to award contracts in the best interest of the Sumter County BOCC.

FISCAL YEAR FUNDING APPROPRIATION

Unless otherwise provided by law, a contract for supplies or services may be entered into for any period of time deemed to be in the best interest of the Sumter County BOCC, provided the term of the contract and conditions of renewal or extension, if any, are included in the solicitation and funds are available for the fiscal period at the time of the contract renewal or extension. Payment and performance obligations for succeeding fiscal periods shall be subject to appropriation by the Sumter County BOCC of funds thereafter.

TAX EXEMPT STATUS

The Sumter County Board of County Commissioners is a governmental agency under Florida law and exempt from Florida sales tax. The tax exempt number will be provided upon request. This exemption does not apply to goods and services purchased separately by a Consultant in connection with its contract obligations. The Consultant shall be responsible for paying any taxes, fees, or similar payments that are required to be paid in connection with the contract work.

E- VERIFY: Florida Governor’s Executive Order 11-116

The CONSULTANT shall utilize the U.S. Department of Transportation Homeland Security’s E-Verify system to verify the employment eligibility of all new employees hired by the CONSULTANT during the term of the Contract and shall expressly require any subconsultants performing work or providing services pursuant to the Contract to likewise utilize the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system to verify the employment eligibility of all new employees hired by the subconsultant during the Contract term.

RIGHT TO AUDIT RECORDS

The Sumter County Board of County Commissioners shall be entitled to audit the books and records of the Consultant or any sub-Consultant to the extent that such books and records relate to the performance of the Agreement or any sub-contract to the Agreement. Such books and records shall be maintained by the Consultant for a period of five (5) years from the date of final payment under the Agreement and by the sub-Consultant for a period of five (5) years from the date of final payment under the sub-contract unless a shorter period is otherwise authorized in writing.

PROMPT PAYMENT

Monthly actual payment reporting requirements for prime consultants and consultants are based on prompt payment rules and laws. The same holds true for return of retainage after the sub-consultant has completed its work, not when the overall project is finished. Florida Law requires timely payment for both construction and non-construction services. Generally, invoices for construction contracts must be paid within 25 days of receipt. Invoices for consultant contracts are payable per the contract terms, but shall not exceed federal regulations in 49 CFR 26.29 that requires payment of all subconsultants for satisfactory performance within thirty (30) days of payment to the Prime.

METHOD OF COMPENSATION

The Consultant shall be compensated as predetermined and addressed prior to the completion of the negotiation process. The payment method shall apply to each phase of the work as outlined in the Scope of Services.

CONTRACT TERMS

The term of this Agreement shall commence on the date established through contract negotiations. By accepting the award of this Contract the Consultant which shall include its directors, officers, and employees, represents that it presently has no interest in and shall acquire no interest in any business or activity which would conflict in any manner with the performance of services required hereunder, including as described in the Consultant’s professional, ethical requirements. An interest in a business or activity which shall be deemed a conflict includes but is not limited to direct financial interest in any of the material and equipment manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, or contractors who will be eligible to supply material and equipment for a project for which the Consultant is furnishing its services required hereunder. If in the sole discretion of the County Administrator or designee, a conflict in the representation of County’s interest is deemed to exist or arise during the term of the Contract with another of Consultant’s clients, the County Administrator or designee may terminate this Contract, effective upon the date so stated in the Written Notice of Cancellation, without penalty to the County.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

The performance of the consultant shall be evaluated by all parties working on the project at the end of the contract period. This evaluation shall be public record.

COLLUSIVE RESPONSES

The respondent certifies, by submission of a response, that their response is made without any previous understanding, agreement or connection with any person, firm or corporation making a response for the same service with prior knowledge of competitive prices, and is in all respects fair, without outside control, collusion, fraud or otherwise illegal action. Any evidence of collusion among respondents and prospective respondents acting to illegally restrain freedom of competition by agreement to offer a fixed price, or otherwise, will render the responses of such responders void.

PART 2

EVALUATION AND AWARD

RFQ EVALUATION

This Request for Qualification includes following all the procedures in this document and sending the sealed RFQ information to the Sumter County BOCC by the due date and time. Once RFQ’s are received, the Selection Committee members will independently review each submittal and score each RFQ based on the evaluation criteria. All RFQ’s received in accordance with this Request for Qualification will be evaluated using the following criteria.

Scoring for all RFQ’s

1. Capability of the Firm to perform required services.

.10

2. Qualifications and experience of key personnel assigned to this project

.25

3. Relevant experience with similar size jurisdictions and project types.

.35

4. Ability to meet schedules, stay within budget, and produce quality deliverables.

.25

5. Quality and completeness of the submittal, including references

.05

TOTAL

SCORE:

0 = Non-Responsive; 1 = Poor; 2 = Fair; 3 = Average; 4 = Good; 5 = Excellent

Once the Selection Committee has independently scored all RFQ submissions using the scoring criteria listed above, scores will be tallied to determine if Consultant presentations are necessary. Consultant presentations are usually held if the scores are tied or very close. This determination is solely up to the Selection Committee. If presentations are not necessary, the Consultant that receives the highest number of points collectively from all Selection Committee members will be selected for nomination to the BOCC for the contract award.

If Consultant presentations are deemed necessary, the Consultants will be contacted to schedule their presentations. Presentations will be a total of 45 minutes. Each consultant will have up to 30 minutes for their presentation and 15 minutes for questions and answers with the Selection Committee. Presentations will be timed and terminated if they extend beyond 30 minutes. Consultant presentations meetings will not be open to the public per F.S. 119.071 relating to House Bill 7223.

Sumter County will provide a projector and a projector screen. All other equipment or hand-outs must be provided by the presenting Consultant. If a Consultant does bring handouts a total of four (4) copies are required.

The scoring criteria listed below will be used by the Selection Committee to score consultant presentations and are as follows:

Consultant Presentations Evaluation Scoring Criteria

1. Thoroughness and relevance of content presented.

.45

2. Organization and timing of presentation.

.15

3. Communication skill of the presenter(s).

.15

4. Responsiveness to Selection Committee questions.

.25

Total

SCORE:

0 = Non-Responsive; 1 = Poor; 2 = Fair; 3 = Average; 4 = Good; 5 = Excellent

Once the Selection Committee has scored the individual/consultant(s) presentations, the score sheets will be tallied and the highest ranking consultant will be recommended for award to the Sumter County Board of County Commissioners and to enter into contract negotiations. This ranking is solely based on the scores from the presentations, and previous evaluation scores are not included.

Anyone attempting to lobby the Sumter County BOCC representatives on the selection committee may be disqualified.

QUALIFICATION AWARD

Recommendation of award will be provided on Demand Star once award is made at www.demandstar.com. The award will be based on the firm(s) determined by to Sumter County to be the most highly qualified. All Selection Committee recommendations are subject to BOCC approval.

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PART 3

QUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST OF ITEMS REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED

The following documents and forms in the following arrangement must accompany each RFQ or alternate RFQ submitted:

Documents that are mandatory and MUST accompany the submittal of the qualification package in order for the submission to be considered:

· One (1) original qualification package, clearly labeled “Original”

· RFQ Cover Page. This is to be used as the first page of the RFQ. This form must be fully completed and signed by an authorized officer of the vendor.

· Proposer Certification / Addenda Acknowledgement Form

· Statement of General Terms and Conditions

· A sworn, notarized Statement of Contractor’s Experience and Personnel

· A sworn, notarized Drug Free Work Place Certificate must accompany each qualification submittal or alternate submittal.

· A sworn, notarized Statement of Public Entity Crimes

· A separate sheet or sheets, clearly identified and numbered, of Exceptions or Deviations from the minimum specifications (if applicable).

· Anti-Collusion Statement

· Hold Harmless Agreement Documents that are required as part of the submittal but will be considered minor discrepancies if turned in within 24 business hours (Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) after opening of the RFQ package and are found to be in compliance with the purchasing standards of Sumter County:

· Three (3) printed copies of the qualification package in its entirety; and one (1) electronic single PDF version not password protected of the original submitted qualification package in its entirety.

· E-Verify Certification Form

· Electronic signature page of the E-Verify Memorandum of Understanding from the Department of Homeland Security. This must be dated prior to the RFQ due date.

· Qualification Document Checklist of Items Required to be Submitted

· W-9

· A Certificate of Insurability, acceptable to the County, shall accompany each submittal or alternate submittal, in the amounts as prescribed by State and Sumter County BOCC .

· All insurance policies shall be written on companies authorized to do business in the State of Florida and satisfactory to the Sumter County BOCC. Prior to commencing services pursuant to the award of this bid, the Contractor shall furnish to the Sumter County BOCC certificates of insurance showing the required coverage has been procured and paid for in advance. Within thirty (30) days prior to expiration, the Vendor shall provide the Sumter County BOCC with proof that required coverage has been extended.

Date: _______________

I, ____________________ (name), an authorized officer of ____________________ (company/vendor), confirm that the above listed documents are provided in our company’s bid being submitted to Sumter County and confirm I have read and understand the qualification document in its entirety.

This document must be completed and returned with your Submittal.

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PREPARATION OF QUALIFICATIONS

Signature of the Consultant: The consultant must sign the RFQ forms in the space provided for the signature. If the consultant is an individual, the words “Doing Business As ______________,” must appear beneath such signature. In the case of a partnership, the signature of at least one of the partners must follow the consultant name and the words, “Member of the Consultant” should be written beneath such signature. If the consultant is a corporation, the title of the officer signing the RFQ on behalf of the corporation must be stated and evidence of his authority to sign the RFQ must be submitted.

Date: _______________

I, ____________________ (name), an authorized officer of ____________________ (company/consultant), consultant confirm that the above listed documents are provided in our company’s RFQ being submitted to Sumter County and as consultant I have read and understand the RFQ document in its entirety.

INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

This document must be completed and returned with your Submittal.

QUALIFICATION PACKAGE SUBMITTAL

One original (1) and three (3) copies for a total of four (4), plus one electronic single PDF file, not password protected, must be submitted with the forms in their original format. Each RFQ or alternate RFQ shall be submitted in a sealed envelope, prominently marked on the outside with the words, “RFQ 031-0-2025/JV Sumter County Compensation & Classification Review Services” with the consultant name and return address. Qualifications submitted in express, overnight or courier envelopes, boxes or packages must be prominently marked on the outside with the words, “RFQ 031-0-2025/JV Sumter County Compensation & Classification Review Services” and the contents sealed as required.

· Deadline for Submissions in response to this Request for Qualifications: Qualifications must be received no later than October 6, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. to Purchasing Division, 319 E. Anderson Avenue, Bushnell, Florida 33513. Qualifications submitted by FAX or other electronic media will not be accepted under any circumstances. Late RFQ’s will not be accepted, and will be returned unopened, to the proposer, at the proposer’s expense.

· Any person or affiliate who has been placed on the Florida Department of Management Services Convicted Vendor List following a conviction for a public entity crime, may not submit a RFQ on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity, may not submit a RFQ on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of any public building or public work, may not submit a RFQ on leases of real property to a public entity crime, may not be awarded or perform work as a Consultant, supplier, sub, or Consultant under a contract with any public entity, and may not transact business with any public entity in excess of ten thousand dollars, ($10,000.00) for a period of thirty-six (36) months from the date of being placed on the Florida Department of Management Services Convicted Vendor List, pursuant to paragraph 2a of Section 287.133, Florida Statutes.

· The Sumter County BOCC is a unit of local government and as such reserves the right to award contracts in the best interest of the Sumter County BOCC.

PAGE SPECIFICATIONS

· Page Limit – None.

· Page Size – 8 ½ x 11; oversized or pullout pages must be folded to accommodate this size.

· Binding – Shall be neat, professional and appropriate for the document’s thickness.

· Professional Cover Page – Not required but acceptable. If used, the cover page shall indicate the name and number of the solicitation. It shall NOT be used as a replacement for the RFQ’s Cover Page listed herein.

· Original Document – Shall have original signatures and be clearly noted ORIGINAL on the cover.

PART 4

QUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS

RFQ COVER PAGE

Name of Consultant, Entity or Organization:

Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN):

State of Florida License Number (If Applicable):

Name of Contact Person:

Title:

E-Mail Address:

Mailing Address:

Street Address (if different):

City, State, Zip:

Telephone: Fax:

Organizational Structure – Please Check One:

Corporation FORMCHECKBOX Partnership FORMCHECKBOX Proprietorship FORMCHECKBOX Joint Venture FORMCHECKBOX Other FORMCHECKBOX

If Corporation:

Date of Incorporation: State of Incorporation:

States Registered in as Foreign Corporation:

Authorized Signature:

Print Name: ______________________________________________________

Signature: _______________________________________________________ Title: ____________________________________________________________

Phone: __________________________________________________________

This document must be completed and returned with your Submittal.

PROPOSER’S CERTIFICATION

Submit To: Sumter County Board of County Commissioners 319 E. Anderson Avenue Bushnell, Florida, 33513 Phone 352-689-4400 Fax 352-689-4401

SUMTER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATION (RFQ) CERTIFICATION

AND ADDENDA ACKNOWLEDGMENT

TITLE: Sumter County Compensation & Classification Review Services

“I, the undersigned, certify that I have reviewed the addenda listed below (list all addenda received to date). I understand that timely commencement will be considered in award of this RFQ and that cancellation of award will be considered if commencement time is not met, and that untimely commencement may be cause for termination of contract. I further certify that the services will meet or exceed the RFQ requirements. I, the undersigned, declare that I have carefully examined the RFQ, specifications, terms and conditions as applicable for this Request, and that I am thoroughly familiar with all provisions and the quality and type of coverage and services specified. I further declare that I have not divulged, discussed, or compared this RFQ with any other Offeror and have not colluded with any Offerors or parties to an RFQ whatsoever for any fraudulent purpose.”

Addendum # Addendum # Addendum # Addendum # Addendum #

“I certify that this quote is made without prior understanding, agreement, or connection with any corporation, consultant, or person submitting an RFQ for the same material, supplies, equipment or services and is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud. I agree to abide by all conditions of this RFQ and certify that I am authorized to sign this response and that the offer is in compliance with all requirements of the RFQ, including but not limited to certification requirements. In conducting offers with an agency for the Sumter County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), respondent agrees that if this RFQ is accepted, the respondent will convey, sell, assign, or transfer to the Sumter County BOCC all rights, title and interest in and to all causes of action it may now or hereafter acquire under the anti-trust laws of the United States for price fixing relating to the particular commodities or services purchased or acquired by the COUNTY. At the Sumter County BOCC discretion, such assignment shall be made and become effective at the time the purchasing agency renders final payment to the respondent.”

Authorized Agent Name, Title (Print) Authorized Signature Date

This form must be completed and returned with your Submittal

PUBLIC ENTITY CRIME: A person or affiliate who has been placed on the Florida Department of Management Services Convicted Vendor List following a conviction for a public entity crime may not submit an RFQ on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity, for the construction or repair of a public building or public work, may not submit RFQ on leases of real property to a public entity, may not be awarded or perform work as a consultant, supplier, subconsultant, or consultant 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 consultant list.

INDEMNIFICATION : The Consultant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Sumter County Board of County Commissioners, and its officers and employees, from liabilities, damages, losses, and costs, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees, to the extent caused by negligence, recklessness, or intentionally wrongful conduct of the professional and other persons employed or utilized by the professional in the performance of the contract.

PROHIBITION OF LOBBYING: During the blackout period which is, the period between the time the submittals for Request for Qualifications, the requests for information, as applicable, are received at Purchasing Division as per page 4 of this document and until the time the Board awards the contract, no proposer, no lobbyist, principal, or other person may lobby, on behalf of a competing party in a particular procurement matter, any member of the Board, or any Board employee other than the Purchasing Division Manager. Violation of this provision may result in disqualification of violating party. All questions regarding this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) must be submitted in writing to the contact listed under Part 1 Intent and General Information (page 4) of this document.

ANTI TRUST LAWS: By submission of a signed RFQ, the successful Consultant acknowledges compliance with all antitrust laws of the United States and the State of Florida, in order to protect the public from restraint of trade, which illegally increases prices.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST: The award of the contract hereunder is subject to the provisions of Chapter 112 of the Florida Statutes. Consultants shall disclose the name of any Officer, Director, Partner, Associate, or Agent who is also an Officer, Appointee, or Employee of any of the Boards at the time of the RFQ, or at the time of occurrence of the Conflict of Interest thereafter.

INTERPRETATION, CLARIFICATIONS AND ADDENDA: No oral interpretations will be made to any consultant as to the meaning of the RFQ documents. Any inquiry or request for interpretation received by the Purchasing Division before the date listed herein will be given consideration. All such changes or interpretations will be made in writing in the form of an addendum and, if issued, will be distributed after the Pre-Qualification meeting, on Demand Star at http://www.demandstar.com/ prior to the established RFQ opening date. Each consultant shall acknowledge receipt of such addenda in the space provided. In case any Proposer fails to acknowledge receipt of such addenda or addendum, the offer will nevertheless be construed as though it had been received and acknowledged and the submission of the qualifications will constitute acknowledgment of the receipt of same. All addenda are a part of the RFQ FORMS and each Proposer will be bound by such addenda, whether or not received by them. It is the responsibility of each proposer to verify that they have received all addenda issued before RFQs are opened. In the case of unit price items, the quantities of work to be done and materials to be furnished under this RFQ contract are to be considered as approximate only and are to be used solely for the comparison of RFQs received. The Board and/or its CONSULTANT do not expressly or by implication represent that the actual quantities involved will correspond exactly therewith; nor shall the consultant plead misunderstanding or deception because of such estimate or quantities of work performed or material furnished in accordance with the Specifications and/or Drawings and other RFQ documents, and it is understood that the quantities may be increased or diminished as provided herein without in any way invalidating any of the unit or lump sum prices.

GOVERNING LAWS AND REGULATIONS: The consultant is required to be familiar with and shall be responsible for complying with all federal, state and local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations that in any manner affect the work.

PROPRIETARY/CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION: Consultants are hereby notified that all information submitted as part of, or in support of RFQs, will be available for public inspection ten days after opening of the RFQs or until a short list is recommended whichever comes first, in compliance with Chapter 119, and 287 of the Florida Statutes. Any person wishing to view the RFQs must make an appointment by calling the Purchasing Division at (352) 689-4435. All RFQs submitted in response to this solicitation become the property of the Board. Unless information submitted is proprietary, copy written, trademarked, or patented, the Board reserves the right to utilize any or all information, ideas, conceptions, or portions of any RFQ, in its best interest.

TAXES: The Sumter County Board of County Commissioners is exempt from any taxes imposed by the State and/or Federal Government. Exemption certificates will be provided upon request.

NON-COLLUSION DECLARATION: By signing this RFQ, all Consultants shall not collude, conspire, connive or agree, directly or indirectly, with any other proposer, consultant, or person to submit a collusive or sham RFQ in connection with the work for which their RFQ has been submitted; or to refrain from bidding in connection with such work; or have in any manner, directly or indirectly, sought by person to fix the price or prices in the RFQ or of any other proposer, or to fix any overhead, profit, or cost elements of the RFQ price or the RFQ price of any other proposer, or to secure through any collusion, conspiracy, connivance, or unlawful agreement any advantage against any other proposer, or any person interested in the proposed work.

PROPOSER RESPONSIBILITY: Requests by the Board to Consultants is based on the recipient’s specific request and application to DemandStar by Onvia at www.DemandStar.com [(800) 711-1712] or as the result of response by the public to the legal advertisements required by State law. Consultants or individuals submit their responses on a voluntary basis, and therefore are not entitled to compensation of any kind.

OWNERSHIP OF SUBMITTALS: All responses, inquiries or correspondence relating to or in reference to this RFQ, and all other reports, charts, displays, schedules, exhibits and other documentation submitted by the Consultants will become the property of the Board. Reference to literature submitted with a previous RFQ will not relieve the proposer from including any required documents with this RFQ.

EXAMINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS DOCUMENTS: Each submitter shall carefully examine the RFQ document to ensure all pages have been received, all drawings and/or specifications and other applicable documents are included, and shall inform themselves thoroughly regarding any and all conditions and requirements that may in any manner affect cost, progress or performance of the work to be performed under the contract. Ignorance on the part of the CONSULTANT will in no way relieve them of the obligations and responsibilities assumed under the contract.

CONSULTANT RESPONSIBILITY: Consultants are fully and completely responsible for the labeling, identification and delivery of their submittals. The Purchasing Division Manager will not be responsible for any mislabeled or misdirected submissions, nor those handled by delivery persons, couriers, or the US Postal Service.

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE: All proposers shall submit the enclosed, duly signed and notarized form entitled “Drug Free Workplace Certificate”. The Drug Free Workplace Consultant shall have the burden of demonstrating that his program complies with Section 287.087 of the Florida Statutes, and any other applicable state law.

THE SUMTER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, The Sumter County Board of County Commissioners is a unit of local government and as such reserves the right to award contracts in the best interest of the Sumter County BOCC.

PUBLIC RECORDS LAW: Correspondence, materials, and documents received pursuant to this RFQ become public records subject to the provisions of Chapter 119, Florida Statutes.

VERIFICATION OF TIME: Verizon time is hereby established as the Official Time of the Board.

PREPARATION OF RFQS:

Signature of the Consultant: The Consultant must sign the RFQ forms in the space provided for the signature. If the proposer/Consultant is an individual, the words “doing business as ,” must appear beneath such signature. In the case of a partnership, the signature of at least one of the partners must follow the consultant name and the words, “Member of the Consultant” should be written beneath such signature. If the proposer/Consultant is a corporation, the title of the officer signing the RFQ on behalf of the corporation must be stated and evidence of their authority to sign the RFQ must be submitted.

TABULATION: Official tabulation of the results of the opening of this RFQ will be posted on Demand Star at http://www.demandstar.com/ Tabulation requested by telephone, fax or electronic media will not be accepted.

OBLIGATION OF WINNING CONSULTANT: The contents of the RFQ of the successful proposer/Consultant will become contractual obligations if acquisition action ensues. Failure of the successful proposer/Consultant to accept these obligations in a contract may result in cancellation of the award and such consultant may be removed from future participation.

AWARD: It is the Board’s intent to select a consultant within sixty (60) calendar days of the deadline for receipt of RFQs. However, RFQs must be current and valid for award for at least ninety (90) calendar days after the deadline of receipt of the RFQ.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: The Consultants shall furnish such additional information as the Board may reasonably require. This includes information which indicates financial resources as well as ability to provide the services. The Board reserves the right to make investigations of the qualifications of the consultant as it deems appropriate.

PREPARATION COSTS: The Board shall not be obligated or be liable for any costs incurred by proposers/Consultants prior to issuance of a contract. All costs to prepare and submit a response to this RFQ shall be borne by the proposer/Consultant.

TIMELINESS: All work will commence upon authorization from the Board’s representative. All work will proceed in a timely manner without delays. The consultant shall commence the work UPON RECEIPT OF NOTICE TO PROCEED and/or ORDER PLACED (PURCHASE ORDER PRESENTED), and shall deliver in accordance to the terms and conditions outlined and agreed upon herein.

DELIVERY: All prices shall be FOB Destination, Sumter County, Florida, inside delivery unless otherwise specified.

PLANS, FORMS & SPECIFICATIONS: Qualification packages are available at Demand Star http://www.demandstar.com/ or from the Purchasing Division. These packages are available for pickup. Proposers/Consultants are required to use the official RFQ forms, and all attachments itemized herein, are to be submitted as a single document. Any variation from the minimum specifications must be clearly stated on the RFQ form and/or Exceptions/Deviations Sheet(s). Only one set of plans, forms, and specifications will be furnished each company or corporation interested in submitting a RFQ. RFQ form documents for this project are free of charge and are available on-line and are downloadable (consultant must pay any Demand Star fees or any shipping).

QUANTITIES: The quantities as specified in this RFQ are estimates only and are not to be construed as guaranteed minimums.

DOCUMENT RE-CREATION: Consultants may choose to re-create any document(s) required for this solicitation, but must do so at his own risk.