RFQ_2025-04_Geotechnical_and_Testing_Services_Continuing_Services.pdf

RFQ 2025-04 Geotechnical and Testing Services, Continuing Services Page 1 of 18

Competitive Solicitation

Acknowledgement Form

Submit Response Electronically via VendorLink at:

https://www.myvendorlink.com/common/default.aspx

(For submittal details see Section 3.0, page 11)

Solicitation Number:

RFQ 2025-04

Solicitation Title: Geotechnical and Testing Services, Continuing Services

RFQ Broadcast Date:

September 17, Inquiry Deadline:

September 30, 10:00 am (ET)

Electronic Proposal Due Date & Time:

October 17, 2024

2:00 pm (ET)

Review & Evaluation of Proposals:

October 24, 2024

10:00 am (ET)

Estimated Award Date:

December

DESCRIPTION: The District Board of Trustees of Valencia College is accepting Statement of Qualifications from Geotechnical Engineering ("Consultant") for various Valencia College projects via a continuing service contract. The College may award multiple contracts. The size, scope and complexity of projects under this contract will be determined based upon specific requirements of each project as determined by Valencia College but in no case shall they exceed $4,000,000 in value and when the fee for professional services does not exceed $500,000, per Florida Statute 287.055 (2)(g).

Contractor selection will consist of two (2) phases. Phase I: Submittal review, Phase II Interviews. All work shall be completed in accordance with the terms and specifications provided in this RFQ, continuing service contract in accordance with Florida Statute 287.055(g) and all amendments resulting from this competitive solicitation process.

Procurement Department Official & Point of Contact

Name: Regina Peeples Phone: 407-582-3325 Email: rpeeples2@valenciacollege.edu

TO BE FILLED OUT BY THE FIRM SUBMITTING THE PROPOSAL

Company Name: Federal Employer ID No.:

Mailing Address:

Telephone No.: Email Address:

Posting of Competitive Solicitation Notices Solicitation and proposal notices of intended decisions will be posted for review by interested parties in VendorLink.

Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in Valencia College Protest and Contract Dispute Procedures https://valenciacollege.edu/employees/procurement/procurement-procedures.php or (if applicable) failure to post the bond or other security as required, shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under that regulation.

I certify that this offer is made without prior understanding, agreement, or connection with any corporation, firm or persons submitting an offer for the same materials, supplies, or equipment and is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud.

I agree to abide by all conditions of this offer and certify that I am authorized to sign this offer for the responder and that the responder is in compliance with all requirements of the Competitive Solicitation, including but not limited to, certification requirements. In submitting an offer to Valencia College, the responder offers and agrees that if the offer is accepted, the responder will convey, sell, assign or transfer to Valencia College all rights, title and interest in and to all causes of action it may now 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 Valencia College. At the College’s discretion, such assignment shall be made and become effective at the time the purchasing agency provides final payment to the responder.

https://www.myvendorlink.com/common/default.aspx mailto:rpeeples2@valenciacollege.edu https://valenciacollege.edu/employees/procurement/procurement-procedures.php

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1.0 OVERVIEW

1.1 BACKGROUND AND STATISTICAL INFORMATION

1.2 SCOPE OF WORK

1.3 TERM OF CONTRACT

1.4 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES NEGOTIATIONS & FEES

1.5 TENTATIVE TIMELINE

1.6 PUBLIC MEETING ONLINE ACCESS INFORMATION

SECTION 2.0 PROCESS AND GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1 PROPOSER REGISTRATION

2.2 ACCESSIBILITY FOR DISABLED PERSONS

2.3 PROPOSER COMMUNICATION AND/OR INQUIRIES

2.4 RESTRICTED PROPOSER COMMUNICATIONS

2.5 CONE OF SILENCE

2.6 ORAL INTERPRETATION AND ADDENDA

2.7 SILENCE OF SPECIFICATIONS

2.8 CONFORMANCE TO SOLICITATION

2.9 COSTS OF DEVELOPING AND DISCLOSURE OF REPLY CONTENTS

2.10 RESERVED RIGHTS

2.11 ACCURACY OF INFORMATION

2.12 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

2.13 PROPOSAL WITHDRAWAL

2.14 PROTESTS

2.15 ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

SECTION 3.0 INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING PROPOSAL

3.1 PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL FORMAT

3.2 PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL LAYOUT

SECTION 4.0 PROPOSAL EVALUATION COMMITTEE AND EVALUATION PROCESS

4.1 INITIAL REVIEW OF PROPOSALS

4.2 EVALUATION METHOD

4.3 PHASE I, EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS

4.4 PHASE I, EVALUATIION CRITERIA

4.5 PHASE II, INTERVIEWS (If applicable)

4.6 PHASE II, INTERVIEW EVALUATION CRITERIA (if applicable)

4.7 AUTHORITY TO AWARD

4.8 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

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SECTION 1.0 OVERVIEW

1.1 BACKGROUND AND STATISTICAL INFORMATION

Valencia College was founded in 1967 and has become an innovative leader in education with a national reputation for student success. Valencia is also one of the largest State colleges in Florida with more than 65,000 students enrolled annually. Valencia College currently has ten (10) campus locations in Orange and Osceola Counties.

1.2 SCOPE OF WORK

The District Board of Trustees of Valencia College is accepting Statement of Qualifications from Geotechnical Engineering ("Consultant") for various Valencia College projects via a continuing service contract. The College may award multiple contracts. The size, scope and complexity of projects under this contract will be determined based upon specific requirements of each project as determined by Valencia College but in no case shall they exceed $4,000,000 in value and when the fee for professional services does not exceed $500,000, per Florida Statute 287.055 (2)(g).

The purpose for this request is to qualify geotechnical engineering firms with the ability to provide Geotechnical Engineering and Laboratory Testing Services for various college projects. Work to be accomplished under this contract will include, but not limited to, various, but not as yet identified, Geotechnical Engineering projects:

1. Testing services for selected construction projects, which pertain to the Geotechnical portion of the project. (i.e. if soil borings indicate design changes are needed, Consultant will provide recommendations for possible corrections.)

2. Review and comment on educational specifications, design submittals, and construction documents prepared by other Consultants.

3. Review, inspect, and report on specific areas of construction as requested.

4. Provide support with site analysis, educational specification preparation, construction project budgeting, etc. (i.e. if changes are needed to the original design, the Consultant shall provide cost comparisons for the various recommendations they offered on how to correct the situation).

5. The Consultant will be required to investigate, identify, analyze, and make recommendations with costs for specific problems or needs assigned on selected project(s).

6. Consultant will be required to provide technical support by the use of other Consultants when specialized areas of expertise are needed.

A. MATERIALS SAMPLING, TESTING AND REPORTING

The Consultant shall provide the College with personnel that are qualified, trained and thoroughly familiar with the “College’s” rules, policies, and procedures in inspection, sampling, testing and reporting in the following areas:

a. Air quality and Environmental Testing

b. Environmental, Asbestos Testing and Treatment

c. Bituminous Construction Materials

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d. Sand, Coarse Aggregate, Limerock

e. Base, Sub-grade and Embankment Materials

f. Pavement Marking Materials

g. Portland Cement Concrete

h. Precast Concrete Products

i. Pre-stressed Concrete Products

j. Drilled Shaft Inspection

k. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

l. Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) Data Entry

m. Pavement Coring Reporting (PCR) Data Entry

n. Construction Materials Investigations, Special Studies & Projects

o. GIS Data Input

p. CWI Welding Inspection

q. Asphalt Concrete Inspection/Evaluation

B. QUALIFIED & EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS:

The Consultant shall provide (when required) qualified and experienced technicians in the following technical areas:

a. Aggregate Field Testing

b. Concrete Field Technician Level II

c. Field Density Testing

d. Aggregate Laboratory Testing

e. Concrete Laboratory Technician

f. Qualified Sampler

g. LBR Technician

h. Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI)

i. Aggregate Chemical Analyst

j. Asphalt Paving technicians

k. Asphalt Plant technicians

l. CTCI -Concrete Transportation Construction Inspections

m. ATSSA Certified Pavement Marking

n. Pre-stress Inspector Technician

o. Drilled Shaft Inspector

p. Pile Driving Inspector

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C. LABORATORY SERVICES

The Consultant shall have a capable materials laboratory. The Consultant laboratory shall have a Quality Control Program that includes provisions for checking test equipment and lab personnel proficiency. The laboratory must keep records of calibration checks.

1.3 TERM OF CONTRACT

The College reserves the right to enter into one contract with a single firm for all services, or award multiple contracts to multiple firms, whichever is in the best interest of the College and based on the criteria listed in this RFQ. The continuing services contract does not guarantee that any number or any particular type of project will be assigned to the awarded firm. The Owner reserves the right in its sole discretion to select the projects, if any, to be assigned.

In accordance with Florida Statute 287.055(g), the College intends to award a Continuing Contract for professional services for a three (3) year term to begin upon approval by the District Board of Trustees. The Contract may, by mutual assent of the parties, be extended for an additional two (2) one (1) year periods.

The negotiated contract resulting from this Request for Qualifications process will be governed by the terms and conditions contained in the RFQ and as negotiated prior to contract execution. The appropriate AIA Documents may be utilized to supplement the agreement on an as needed basis, at the discretion of the College.

1.4 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES NEGOTIATIONS & FEES

The College anticipates negotiating scope and fee for multiple projects with firms utilizing the College’s Continuing Professional Services Contract. Projects shall not exceed $4,000,000 in value or fees for professional services for each individual does not exceed $500,000, per Florida Statute 287.055 (2)(g). Project award and fees/method of payment will be made as follows:

A. The College will generate a preliminary scope of work on an individual project basis. At such time as an awarded firm is being considered for an individual Project Assignment, firms will be invited to discuss their qualifications either in person or by telephone

B. The College will contact the firm under the continuing professional services contract for the specific discipline to obtain a proposal and the College will negotiate compensation for professional services that is fair, competitive and reasonable.

C. If the negotiations are not acceptable to the College, the College will issue a separate formal solicitation and follow the selection and negotiation process in accordance with F.S. 287.055.

D. For projects that exceed the estimated construction cost or the individual study activity fee identified F.S. 287.055 (2)(g), a Continuing Contract cannot be used and a separate formal solicitation for the specific project or study will be specifically issued by the College.

E. Award of an agreement does not guarantee that any number or any particular type of project will be assigned to the awarded firm. The Owner reserves the right in its sole discretion to select the projects, if any, to be assigned.

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1.5 TENTATIVE TIMELINE

The following is the scheduled calendar of events with important dates and times. The College, at its sole discretion, may delay the scheduled dates if it is in the best interest of the College to do so.

If the College determines that it is necessary to change these dates and/or times before the Proposal due date, the change will be announced via an addendum.

All Proposers are hereby notified that the meetings noted with an asterisk above (*) are public meetings open to the public. Although the public is invited, no comments or questions will be taken from the Proposer or other members of the public.

**All times indicated are Eastern Time (ET)

1.6 PUBLIC MEETING ONLINE ACCESS INFORMATION

Meeting Login information is available on Attachment 3, “Public Meeting Online Access”.

Action: Date & Time**:

RFQ Broadcast September 17, 2024

Question Deadline: All questions must be submitted to the Procurement Department via VendorLink

September 30, 2024 @ 10:00 AM

Electronic Proposal Due Date and Time:

Proposals must be submitted to the Procurement Department via VendorLink

October 17, 2024 @ 2:00PM

Phase I: Proposal Review & Evaluation Meeting* October 24, 2024 @ 10:00 AM

Phase II: Oral Presentations/Interviews, (If applicable) (Phase I Short listed Firms only) (Non-public)

October 31, 2024 @ 10:00 AM

Phase II: Oral Presentations/Interviews, Evaluations Committee Meeting*

October 31, 2024 @ 10:00 AM

Notice of Intent to Award November 2024 TBA

Final Award – District Board of Trustees Meeting* December 5, 2024

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SECTION 2.0 PROCESS AND GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1 PROPOSER REGISTRATION

Valencia College’s supplier registration and bid notification service, VendorLink, can be accessed at https://valenciacollege.edu/employees/procurement/solicitations.php

Registration is a requirement to receive notifications of future addenda and notices of intended action. Firms who obtain documents from other sources, other than Valencia College Procurement Website, should not rely upon the accuracy of information. The College shall not be responsible for the correctness and completeness of documentation obtained from other sources.

Automatic notifications provided by VendorLink does not relieve Contractors from periodically checking VendorLink for updates, documents, or addenda.

2.2 ACCESSIBILITY FOR DISABLED PERSONS

If a special accommodation is needed, please advise the Procurement Department no later than five (5) working days prior to the scheduled event. Contact the Authorized Procurement Representative as provided herein.

2.3 PROPOSER COMMUNICATION AND/OR INQUIRIES

Proposer shall review this qualification request in its entirety to determine whether College’s objective, scope of service, conditions and requirements are clearly stated. If a Firm/Consultant/Contractor has any questions regarding this solicitation, proposer must submit such inquiries and requests for clarification through VendorLink prior to the Question Cutoff Date and Time. The proposer’s inquiries or requests for clarification must provide the questions along with the relevant Section(s), Subsection(s), Paragraph(s), and page number(s) of the solicitation being questioned. Valencia will consider only those communications and/or inquiries submitted through VendorLink on or before the Question Deadline Date. Unless the Authorized Procurement Representative specifically requests Proposers to provide additional communications, Valencia will not accept or consider any of Firm/Consultant/Contractor written or other communications and/or inquiries received after the Questions Cutoff Date & Time. Valencia will consider the proposer’s failure to communicate inquiries, or request clarifications by the Questions Cutoff Date & Time to constitute the Proposer’s acceptance of all of the conditions and requirements as stated in the qualification documents.

2.4 RESTRICTED PROPOSER COMMUNICATIONS

From the date of issuance of this competitive solicitation until Valencia takes final agency action, Proposers must not communicate with any Valencia employees, Evaluation Committee members or Valencia representatives regarding this competitive solicitation or Proposer’s solicitation response except as provided herein or as expressly requested by the Authorized Procurement Representative. Unauthorized communication or violations of this restriction will be grounds for immediate disqualification and rejection of the Proposer’s solicitation response. All questions and requests for clarification related to process must be directed in writing to the authorized procurement representative (Issuing Agent). Reminder that questions directly related to Qualification Application must be submitted via VendorLink prior to the Question Cutoff Date and Time.

Regina Peeples|Assistant Director, Procurement Email: rpeeples2@valenciacollege.edu Department Email: valenciaprocurement@valenciacollege.edu https://valenciacollege.edu/employees/procurement/solicitations.php mailto:rpeeples2@valenciacollege.edu mailto:valenciaprocurement@valenciacollege.edu

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2.5 CONE OF SILENCE

With the exception of the Procurement Department, Evaluation Review Committee members, other College employees, and members of the Board of Trustees are not to be contacted regarding the RFQ during the solicitation and selection process. Violation of this prohibition shall result in disqualification of the Proposer. All questions relating to this solicitation must be submitted through VendorLink.

2.6 ORAL INTERPRETATION AND ADDENDA

All interpretations and clarifications related to this solicitation, or supplemental instructions will be in the form of a written addendum from the Procurement Department. No oral interpretations or clarifications from College staff or by other means will be considered binding unless issued in writing, The Procurement Department will post any Addenda relating to this competitive solicitation along with Addenda Acknowledgment Forms on VendorLink. The Proposers authorized representative must sign and date the Addenda Acknowledgment Form acknowledging having received, read and understood all posted Addenda.

2.7 SILENCE OF SPECIFICATIONS

Any perceived silence in the solicitation specifications or scope of work shall not be interpreted as any intended limitation upon the objective and purpose of the procurement as defined in this solicitation.

2.8 CONFORMANCE TO SOLICITATION

All Proposals submitted shall meet and conform to all material, mandatory requirements set forth in this Solicitation, provided that nothing herein shall be deemed to limit the College’s ability to waive minor irregularities without notice or the need to issue a written addendum.

If a Proposer desires to submit a Proposal which, if selected by the College, would require the College to waive, alter or omit a material, mandatory requirement set forth in this Solicitation, the Proposer must first submit a request in writing to the College asking the College to amend the requirement(s) of this Solicitation in the same manner provided for the submission of written questions by Proposers provided in the section of this Solicitation entitled “Questions Regarding Solicitation Process.” If the College, in its discretion, agrees to amend, alter, or waive the requirement, the College will issue a notice to all prospective Proposers of the change in the form of a written addendum.

Please note, the College is not asking the Proposers to send in their Proposals before the submission date, but merely to request a waiver or amendment to a mandatory requirement necessary to allow submission of the intended Proposal.

2.9 COSTS OF DEVELOPING AND DISCLOSURE OF REPLY CONTENTS

The College will not be liable for any costs incurred by a Proposer in preparing and submitting a response. All documentation produced as part of this solicitation shall become the exclusive property of the College upon receipt and may not be removed by the Proposer or its agents. All Proposal shall become the property of the College and will not be returned to the Proposer. The College shall have the right to use any and all ideas or adaptations of ideas contained in any

RFQ 2025-04 Geotechnical and Testing Services, Continuing Services Page 9 of 18 response received in response to this solicitation. Selection or rejection of the response will not affect this right.

2.10 RESERVED RIGHTS

The College, at its sole and absolute discretion, reserves the right to reject any and all, or parts of any and all Proposal, to re-advertise this solicitation, postpone or cancel, at any time, the solicitation process, or to waive minor irregularities and informalities in this Solicitation or in the Proposal received as a result of this Solicitation. The College does not guarantee the award of any contract as a result of this solicitation process. The College reserves the right to make the award to the Proposer who, in the opinion of the College, will be in the best interest of and/or the most advantageous to the College.

The College also reserves the right to reject the Reply of any supplier who has previously failed in the proper performance of an award or to deliver on time contracts, or who, in the College’s opinion, is not in a position to perform properly under this award. The College reserves the right to inspect all facilities of Proposers in order to make a determination as to the foregoing.

2.11 ACCURACY OF INFORMATION

Any Proposer which submits in its proposal to the College any information which is determined to be substantially inaccurate, misleading, exaggerated, incomplete, false, or incorrect, may be disqualified from consideration and may be disqualified from applying for other work for a period of up to three (3) years.

2.12 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

In accordance with Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes (Public Records Law) and except as may be provided by other applicable State and Federal Law, all Proposers should be aware the Solicitation and the responses thereto are in the public domain. The Proposer must include any materials it asserts to be exempt from public disclosure under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, in a separate bound document labeled Attachment to Solicitation, Valencia College "Title" and include SOLICITATION number - Confidential Material.

Proposers must identify specifically any information contained in their Proposals which they consider confidential and/or proprietary and which they believe to be exempt from disclosure, citing specifically the applicable exempting law.

A generic notation that information is “confidential” is not sufficient. Failure to provide the Procurement Department Office with a detailed explanation and justification including statutory cites and specific reference to your Proposal detailing what provisions, if any, you believe are exempt from disclosure, may result in your entire Proposal being subject to disclosure in accordance with Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes.

All Proposals received from Proposers in response to this Solicitation will become the property of the College and will not be returned to the Proposers. In the event of Contract award, all documentation produced as part of the Contract will become the exclusive property of the College.

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2.13 PROPOSAL WITHDRAWAL

Proposers may withdraw their proposals by notifying the College in writing at any time prior to the time set for the proposal deadline. Proposers may withdraw their proposal in person or through an authorized representative. Proposers must disclose their identity (company business card and driver’s license) and provide a signed receipt for the proposal. Once opened, proposals become the property of the College and will not be returned to the Proposers.

2.14 PROTESTS

Any Notice of Protest by a bidder or Proposer or other party involving the specifications, terms and conditions or any other aspect of the solicitation must be filed in writing within seventy-two (72) hours after the posting of the notice of decision or intended decision noting the basis of the protest. Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in “Procedure for Protest of Competitive Solicitations Decisions/Intended Decisions (Protest Procedures) or failure to post the bond or other security required by law within the time allowed for filing a bond shall constitute a waiver of proceedings.

Please visit the Procurement Website to view a complete copy of the Protest Procedures at:

https://valenciacollege.edu/employees/procurement/documents/procedure-for-protests-of-competitive-solicitation-decisions-intended-decisions.pdf

2.15 ERRORS AND OMISSIONS

The proposer is expected to comply with the true intent of this RFQ taken as a whole and shall not avail itself of any errors or omissions to the detriment of the services. Should the firm suspect any error, omission, or discrepancy in the specifications or instructions, the firm shall immediately notify the College, in writing, and the College shall issue and post a written amendment. The firm is responsible for the contents of its qualification and for satisfying the requirements set forth in the

RFQ.

https://valenciacollege.edu/employees/procurement/documents/procedure-for-protests-of-competitive-solicitation-decisions-intended-decisions.pdf https://valenciacollege.edu/employees/procurement/documents/procedure-for-protests-of-competitive-solicitation-decisions-intended-decisions.pdf

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SECTION 3.0 INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING PROPOSAL

3.1 PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL FORMAT

Proposals shall be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise delineation of the Proposer’s capabilities to satisfy the requirements of this Solicitation. In order to ensure a uniform review process and to obtain the maximum degree of comparability, Proposal should be organized by section with tabs that reference the evaluation criteria as outlined in the sections below.

Do not alter the Request for Qualification document in any way. Do not take it apart to use it in sections of your proposal. The entire RFQ document will become part of the final agreement between the College and the awarded Firm.

3.1.1 General Information

a. The cover page must identify the Solicitation Number, Name, Date of submission, and the Name of the Proposer.

b. The Solicitation Number and Name must be included in the footer of each page of the Proposal and all attached documents at the time of submittal.

c. Number each page consecutively, including exhibits, attachments, resumes, and any other related supplemental information.

d. Separate and identify each section of the Proposal response by use of a divider/separation page.

e. It is the sole responsibility of the Proposer to ensure that electronic proposal submittals are submitted in VendorLink by the due date and time.

f. The College shall not be responsible for delays caused by any occurrence.

3.1.2 Electronic Submittal

a. Electronic Submittals will only be accepted via VendorLink.

b. Digital copy must be one single file, not larger than one (1) gigabyte (GB).

c. Only files in the following formats will be accepted: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF)

d. Files submitted must be formatted and enabled for printing.

e. Bidders may withdraw, alter, and resubmit their Proposals through VendorLink at any time before the proposal due date and time. Proposals may not be withdrawn, altered, or resubmitted after the Proposal due date and time.

f. VendorLink system will not accept any document submission after the due date and time.

g. In the event of technical difficulties in the submitting proposals, Proposers should contact VendorLink support at support@evendorlink.com.

h. Valencia College may request clarifications and additional information after proposal submission mailto:support@evendorlink.com

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3.2 PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL LAYOUT

To ensure that all qualification packets are fairly evaluated, scored, and ranked, it is very important that the requested information be prepared and submitted in the order listed in Tabs A-G: Include a Table of Contents with clear identification of the material by section and by page number.

TAB A: TITLE PAGE, TABLE OF CONTENTS, & REQUIRED EXHIBITS AND MANDATORY

REQUIREMENTS

1. Include completed Competitive Solicitation Acknowledgement Form (Page 1 of this document).

2. Letter of Intent: A cover letter on the Proposer’s letterhead that summarizes in a brief, concise manner, an understanding of the Scope of Work, and a positive commitment to perform the services promptly. The letter must be signed by an official authorized to make such commitments and enter into a contract with the College. The letter must indicate the official’s title or authority and contact information. The letter should not exceed two (2) pages in length.

3. Proposers shall certify and/or include evidence that they meet the mandatory qualifications.

a) Include copy of certifications and licenses. Firms must be registered in the State of Florida to provide professional Geotechnical and Testing Services.

b) Include copy of State of Florida Corporate Registration.

c) The Firm/Consultant/Contractor shall have been in business under the present company name for a minimum of five (5) years and shall not have been declared in default on any construction contract within that time.

d) May not be disqualified by Florida Statute 287.133 (2) (a), which states as follows:

“A person or affiliate who has been placed on the convicted vendor list following a conviction for a public entity crime may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity; may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work; may not submit bids, proposals, or replies on leases of real property to a public entity; may not be awarded or perform work as a contractor, supplier, subcontractor, 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 s. 287.017 for CATEGORY TWO for a period of 36 months following the date of being placed on the convicted vendor list.

For non-Florida businesses, submit documentation from the state in which the business was formed and documentation from the State of Florida providing authorization to perform business in the state of Florida. Proposers submitting as joint ventures shall submit a copy of their joint venture agreement. If a joint venture or prime/subcontractor arrangement of two firms, indicate how the work will be distributed between the partners.

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4. Please include all Exhibits listed below. Exhibits can be found in a separate document in VendorLink labeled, EXHIBITS A-L (Fillable).

a) Include EXHIBIT A: Proposal Certification

b) Include EXHIBIT B: Proposer Information and Signature

c) Include EXHIBIT C: Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Statement

d) Include EXHIBIT D: Sworn Statement on Public Entity Crimes

e) Include EXHIBIT E: References (minimum of 3)

f) Include EXHIBIT F: Addendum Receipt Verification

g) Include EXHIBIT G: Drug-Free Work Place

h) Include EXHIBIT H: Minority Business Enterprise/Woman Business Enterprise

Certificate

i) Include EXHIBIT J: Disputes Disclosure Form Summary of Litigation

j) EXHIBIT K: Surety Bonding (construction) NOT APPLICABLE

k) Include EXHIBIT L: BYRD Anti Lobbying Certification

TAB B: BUSINESS STRUCTURE

1. Time in Business - Length of time the Firm has been in business under same name.

2. Capabilities - Size, resources, and capabilities of responding entity:

a) Organizational structure of business entity for this program (partners, associates, consultants, sub-contractors, other participation).

b) Indicate the depth of geotechnical firm’s staff, exhibiting their capabilities from within the organization which can be drawn upon as needed, to include management, professional, technical, and support staff.

3. If you are proposing a joint venture, the Proposer must indicate how the work shall be distributed between the associated firms. Describe how the organizational structure will ensure orderly communications, distribution of information, effective coordination of activities and accountability.

TAB C: TEAM’S EXPERIENCE/PROJECT EXAMPLES

List contracts for which your Firm has provided geotechnical and material testing services during the past five (5) years.

List the contracts with the most related contract first. For each of the listed contracts, provide the following information:

1. Owner’s representative name, address, and phone number.

2. Nature of your firm’s responsibility on this contract.

3. Contract term- include start and end date.

4. Identify your firm’s task manager and other key professionals assigned to the contract.

TAB D: PROPOSED TEAM EXPERIENCE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

List all proposed team members and their responsibilities for this project. Include resumes (if not already included in Tab B) and note the number of years of professional experience as well as the years of experience with their current firm. List relevant projects for each team member on which they have worked. Projects noted as personal experience can be listed that were done with other firms, however must be noted as such.

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TAB E: BUSINESS PROXIMITY / LOCATION

Many of the projects completed via continuing service contract require immediate attention.

Please include a Google Map that shows your office location and the distance to Orlando International Airport 1 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827. This category will be scored as follows:

0-35 miles 10 points

36-70 miles 7 points

71-100 miles 4 points

Over 100 miles 1 point

TAB F: COMPLETENESS & RESPONSIVENESS, OF SUBMITTAL

This criterion includes, and is not limited to, the degree of Solicitation submittal completeness and ability to follow Solicitation instructions to include certification forms, documentation, and other related information.

Exhibits may appear to be out of order, but they are structured to follow the format of the application. All sections must be completed, and all exhibits included with their respective section, in order to be responsive. When applicable, indicate “Not Applicable” (NA) instead of leaving question/section blank.

TAB G: CONFIDENTIAL MATERIALS AND FINANCIAL STRENGTH

Confidential materials shall be submitted in this section - Any materials that qualify as “trade secrets” as defined by Section 812.081(1)(c), Florida Statutes, or financial statements required by the College for projects as defined in 119.071(1)(c), Florida Statutes shall be segregated, clearly labeled.

1. Include Exhibit I- Financial Attestation Form

2. Disclose any material changes in the business operations of the Firm, including without limitation any pending bankruptcy proceedings, bankruptcies, receiverships, mergers, acquisitions, stock acquisitions or spin-offs which have occurred within the last three (3) years and any material pending or threatened litigation. If appropriate, discuss the impact of these changes on the Firm’s financial or managerial ability to perform the noted tasks under this Contract. Provide the name, title, address, and phone number of the financial officer of the Firm responsible for providing this information.

3. Firms that have owner/operators that have filed a "Notice of Election to be Exempt" shall submit a copy with the proposal. Incorporated and unincorporated Firms that qualify for an exemption under the Florida Worker’s Compensation law in Chapter 440 Florida Statutes shall submit an executed waiver relieving the Valencia College of liability in the event they are injured while providing goods and/or services to the College.

4. Litigation - identify all litigation in which your Firm has been a party to legal action (including arbitration, administrative proceedings, etc.) or lawsuits during the last five (5) years involving a client for claims in excess of $100,000.00. Include a brief description of the dispute and its current status. Where the action or lawsuit has involved a guaranteed maximum price contract, please describe the particular circumstances giving rise to the dispute and the actions which your Firm took to attempt to settle the matter prior to and after suit being filed.

5. Describe in detail any projects within the last five (5) years where liquidated damages, penalties, liens, defaults, cancellations of contract or termination of contract were imposed, RFQ 2025-04 Geotechnical and Testing Services, Continuing Services Page 15 of 18 sought to be imposed, threatened, or filed against your organization.

6. Insurance and Other Required Forms:

Attach evidence of required insurance coverage or proof of insurability in the amounts indicated. A properly completed ACORD Form is preferred. Upon final award, Certificates of Insurance Forms must contain the correct solicitation and/or project number and Valencia College contact person. Certificate(s) of Insurance must confirm professional liability/errors and omissions insurance (one (1) million dollar minimum), current workers compensation, public liability, and property damage insurance.

RFQ 2025-04 Geotechnical and Testing Services, Continuing Services Page 16 of 18

SECTION 4.0 PROPOSAL EVALUATION COMMITTEE AND

EVALUATION PROCESS

The selection of Geotechnical and Testing Services will be a two-part process in accordance with the Consultant Competitive Negotiation Act (CCNA), Florida Statute 287.055. The appointed evaluation committee will participate in evaluating the firms throughout both parts.

4.1 INITIAL REVIEW OF PROPOSALS

Proposers will submit the RFQ package as outlined in Section 3, Instructions for Preparing Proposal. The College will appoint an Evaluation Committee (hereinafter referred to as “the Committee”) comprised of at least three (3) members for the purpose of scoring the RFQ responses.

The Procurement Department will perform an initial review of all Proposal submittals for preliminary qualification and documentation compliance.

4.2 EVALUATION METHOD

The established Evaluation Committee will review and rate each responsive Proposer’s submittal using an adjectival scoring system. Submittals deemed reasonably acceptable will be evaluated using the evaluation criteria and weighted value below.

A score of 0 is the least favorable, and a score of 10 is the most favorable in all sections.

The Proposer’s response will be scored by Committee members in accordance with the following scale:

Score of 9 or 10 = EXCELLENT: Very comprehensive, in depth, clear and appropriate response/submittals related to the criteria, uniformly outstanding in quality. Consistently high-quality performance can be expected.

Score of 7 or 8 = GOOD: A clear, understandable response/submittals related to the criteria from which a consistently high-quality performance can be expected.

Score of 5 or 6 = SATISFACTORY: The responder meets all minimum requirements, generally is of highly acceptable quality; problem areas are confined to deficiencies which can be corrected during discussions.

Score of 4, 3, or 2 = MARGINAL: Deficiencies with the quality of the response/submittals or omissions from the response/submittals. Quality performance cannot reasonably be expected.

Score of 0 or 1 = UNSATISFACTORY: Fails to comply with basic instructions regarding presentation of qualifications and/or; Weak or lacking in clarity/substance, with only vague indications that required capability may be present. Responder cannot be expected to meet the minimum requirements for the project.

NOTE: The Committee member’s score multiplied by the “weighted value” assigned to the different sections listed here, equals the total score for that section.

RFQ 2025-04 Geotechnical and Testing Services, Continuing Services Page 17 of 18

4.3 PHASE I, EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS

The Evaluation Committee will be established to review, discuss, evaluate, score, and rank all responsive and responsible Proposals submitted in response to this Request for Qualification (RFQ). The Committee will conduct a preliminary evaluation of all Proposals on the basis of the information provided and evaluation criteria as set forth in this Request for Qualification. The Committee may utilize subject matter experts or consultants to advise and assist the Committee in its review of the Proposals.

During the evaluation of proposals Phase I, the Committee may require additional written information, relating to Proposer’s capabilities, and/or any other information deemed helpful to more fully evaluate the Proposer.

Using the evaluation criteria specified in this RFQ, the Committee may evaluate and rank responsive Proposals and, at the Committee’s sole discretion, proceed to go straight into Phase III, Contract Negotiations.

Proposers will be ranked accordingly, and if Committee chooses to move forward with Phase II, Interviews, a minimum of the top three (3) firms may continue to Phase II.

4.4 PHASE I, EVALUATION CRITERIA

CATEGORY WEIGHTED VALUE

TAB B: Business Structure

TAB C: Team’s Experience/ Project Examples 35

TAB D: Proposed Team Experience and Responsibilities

TAB E: Business Proximity/Location 10

TAB F: Completeness & Responsiveness, of Submittal 5

TOTAL: 100%

4.5 PHASE II, INTERVIEWS (IF APPLICABLE)

In the best interest of the College, the highest ranked firms, as determined in Phase I, may be invited to Phase II Interviews with the Evaluation committee. The focus of Phase II will be on selecting the firm that provides the best value for the College.

Each Proposer may earn up to one hundred (100) points for interviews. This score will not be combined with Phase I. The Committee will determine the presentation time period and style. The Proposer’s presentation should summarize its abilities to perform the scope of services as outlined in this RFQ. Shortlisted Firms may be expected to address specific questions by the Evaluation Committee during the Interviews.

Proposed project staff should be present for Interviews.

Interviews will not be open to the public, but will be recorded by the College. In addition to Interviews, the College may request feedback from outside consultants or subject matter experts, RFQ 2025-04 Geotechnical and Testing Services, Continuing Services Page 18 of 18 or discussions relating to Proposer’s capabilities and business plan, and/or any other information deemed helpful in making a sound business decision.

The College will not be liable for any costs incurred by the Proposer in connection with such interviews, or presentations (i.e., travel, accommodations, etc.).

Listed below are the main discussion topics and associated weighted value. This is not an exhaustive list of topics and is provided as a minimum set of discussion points. The intent for the interviews is to have an organic, free-flowing informal discussion to gain insight as it relates to the proposed team’s ability to provide the technical and functional requirements of this contract.

Due to the informal style of the interviews, digital presentations are discouraged. Only the bare minimum of presentation boards and graphics are recommended. Drawing or sketching spontaneous ideas is allowed.

4.6 PHASE II, INTERVIEW EVALUATION CRITERIA ( IF APPLICABLE)

1. Criterion 1: Team Communication, Delivery Methods and Individual Responsibilities.

Weight = 40%

Discuss the individual roles of the proposed team (field verifications/site work vs office personnel, etc.), and your team’s understanding of projects relevant to the College and your delivery method, in-house communication and with the College.

2. Criterion 2: Challenges and Solutions. Weight = 40%

Discuss challenges that you have encountered with continuing service projects and explain how you resolved them. This category is not used to judge why the challenge existed, but rather, how your team resolved it and the impact on schedule and budget.

3. Criterion 3: Continuing Service Contracts. Weight = 20%

Discuss specific experiences with continuing service contracts and the expectations that the College should have with your team under this contract.

4.7 AUTHORITY TO AWARD

Contracts will be awarded in accordance with the provisions of Valencia College policies and procedures. Award of contracts in excess of the threshold of Category Five as specified in Section 287.017, Florida Statutes, will be subject to the District Board of Trustee’s approval.

4.8 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

The following documents have been provided in VendorLink posting for this RFQ.

1. EXHIBITS A – L_(Fillable)

2. ATTACHMENT 1, General Terms and Conditions

3. ATTACHMENT 2, Insurance Requirements

4. ATTACHMENT 3, Public Meeting Online Access