RFQ-26-104 DB for Walker Annex Remodel.pdf

PURCHASING DEPARTMENT

207 SAN MARCO AVENUE

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL 32084

PHONE (904) 827-2364

WWW.FSDBK12.ORG

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

Competitive Solicitation, Request for Qualifications (RFQ) [§287.055 (CCNA) F.S.]

Design Build for Walker Annex Remodel

RFQ-26-104

Commodity Code #:

72121406 School Building Construction Service 81100000 Professional Engineering Services 81101513 Building Construction Management

May 15, 2026

Table of Contents

SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS SECTION

SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction to the Procurement

1.2 Statement of Purpose

1.3 Contact Person: Procurement Manager & Procurement Officer

1.4 Small, Minority, and Florida Certified Veterans Business Participation

1.5 Special Accommodations

1.6 Definitions

SECTION 2 – PROCESS

2.1 General Overview of the Process

2.2 Official Notices and Public Records

2.3 Protests and Disputes

2.4 Limitations on Contacting FSDB Personnel and Others

2.5 Schedule of Events and Deadlines

2.6 Mandatory Pre-Response Meeting

2.7 Written Questions

2.8 Receipt of Replies

2.9 Oral Presentations

2.10 Request to Withdraw Reply

2.11 Cost of Preparation of Reply

2.12 Terms and Conditions

2.13 Conflict of Interest

2.14 Convicted Vendors

2.15 Discriminatory Vendors

2.16 Respondent’s Representation and Authorization

2.17 Brand/Manufacturer’s Names, Standards of Quality, and Approved Equivalents

2.18 Performance Qualifications

2.19 Public Opening & Postponements

2.20 Notifications and Advertisements

2.21 Firm Response

2.22 Contract Formation

2.23 Contract Overlap

2.24 Truth-In-Negotiation

2.25 No Discrimination

2.26 FSDB’s Reserved Rights

SECTION 3 – THE SELECTION METHODOLOGY

3.1 Selection Procedures & Mandatory Requirements

3.2 Evaluation Methodology for Ranking and Shortlisting

3.3 Final Selection and Notice of Intent to Award Contract

Rating & Evaluation Sheet

SECTION 4 – INSTRUCTIONS FOR RESPONDING

4.1 How to Submit a Reply

4.2 Reply Format

4.3 Public Records and Trade Secrets

4.4 Content and Structure of the Reply

APPENDIX A – Receipt of Addendum Form APPENDIX B – Identical Tie Bids Statement APPENDIX C – Public Entity Crimes Sworn Statement APPENDIX D – Affidavit of Compliance with Minority and Veteran’s Business Enterprise Participation APPENDIX E – Use of Coercion of Labor for Commodities or Services Statement APPENDIX F – Notice to Contractors APPENDIX G – Professional Qualifications Supplement APPENDIX H – Experience & Financials Questionnaire APPENDIX I – Vendor Certification Form (PUR 7801)** Reply Submission Label

SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS SECTION

SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction to the Procurement

NOTE: FSDB will only respond directly to access or procedural questions received in writing (by e-mail). Such questions should only be submitted after reading the entire Solicitation Document (Respondents are responsible for being aware of the contents of this solicitation) as the answer to the question is likely in the document. All other questions will be collected without being answered; answers will be published in writing on or before the date and time specified in the Schedule of Events and Deadlines by amendment pursuant to §287.057(2), Florida Statute (F.S.) through electronic posting.

Established in 1885 and authorized by §1002.36, F.S., Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB), is a fully accredited state public school and outreach center available tuition-free to eligible Pre-K and K-12 deaf/hard of hearing or blind/visually impaired students, including meals, boarding, transportation and other services. Comprehensive educational services at FSDB are individualized, specific to the unique communication and accessibility needs of each student to develop independence and lifelong success.

Florida’s competitive procurement process is aimed at the protection of the public against collusive contracts, fraud, bias, and favoritism. Among other things, it is designed to secure fair competition on equal terms to all bidders, to secure the best values at the lowest possible expense, to provide an opportunity for an exact comparison of bids, and to assure that the most responsive bid is accepted.

Pursuant to §287.017, F.S. (purchasing threshold categories), §287.055 (Consultants Competitive Negotiation Act (CCNA)) F.S., §287.057, F.S., and §255, F.S. when a state agency wishes to contract for commodities or contractual services, Professional Services, or Construction services that cost in excess of established thresholds, the Agency must use one of several types of competitive procurement methods, i.e. Invitation to Bid (ITB), Request for Proposal (RFP), or Invitation to Negotiate (ITN).

An RFQ based upon the Consultant’s Competitive Negotiation Act (CCNA) as adopted by the Florida Legislature in 1973, Florida and codified in §287.055, F.S., requires state government agencies, municipalities or political subdivisions, school boards and school districts, to select a consulting firm (engineering, architectural, landscape architecture, and surveying and mapping services) based on qualifications rather than on a “lowest bid” basis. This solicitation will be conducted using a six-step process for choosing a consultant:

1. Public announcement of the contract. A public notice of requirements for professional services is advertised, including a description of the project and application process information (this document and corresponding advertisements).

2. Qualification and certification of firms. Consulting firms submit qualifications indicating their interest in the contract. The Agency certifies qualified firms.

3. Selection of certified qualified firms. The Agency rates and compares the qualifications of the certified firms. The Agency then selects and ranks no less than three firms in order of preference, based on those qualifications.

4. Release of the Design Criteria Package. The Agency will release the Design Criteria Package for the project to the top ranked qualified firms at a mandatory site visit. The Request for Proposal package will also be released at the site visit.

5. Proposal Presentations. Firms will be invited to present their proposal for the project to the Evaluation committee.

6. Selection of Firm for Negotiations. The Agency begins negotiations for a contract with the firm ranked as the most qualified, at a compensation which the Agency deems fair, competitive, and reasonable. Should the parties fail to agree upon the level of compensation, the Agency ends negotiations with the first firm and begins negotiations with the second-ranked firm. If again unsuccessful, the Agency repeats the process with the next highest-ranked firm.

FSDB is promulgating this solicitation for specified services to result in Contractual Agreement and intends to adhere to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations to ensure an open and fair process. Specifically, IAW §287.055(4), F.S., (Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act), FSDB utilizes the Competitive Solicitation process for the competitive procurement of professional design-build services as specified herein.

This solicitation is designed to obtain a qualified vendor who demonstrates an ability to provide the goods or services stipulated in this solicitation in an equitable and economical manner. Any entity, organization, company, or person interested in submitting a reply must comply with any and all of the terms and conditions described in this Competitive Solicitation. Potential respondents to the solicitation are encouraged to carefully review all the materials contained herein and prepare responses according to the instructions. Respondents are responsible for being aware of the contents of this solicitation and the existence of updates, amendments, clarifications, modifications, and changes published to FSDB’s Solicitation web page located at: https://www.fsdbk12.org/page/purchasing.

1.2 Statement of Purpose

Pursuant to requirements of §287.055, F.S. (CCNA), FSDB is issuing this Request for Qualifications (RFQ), as the first phase of a two‐ phase selection process, described in Section 3 – The Selection Methodology, to obtain statements of qualifications from Design-Build firms interested in being considered for the renovation of an existing multi-use building pursuant to Design Criteria Package specifications.

The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) seeks qualified Design-Build teams for the comprehensive renovation of the Walker Annex (Building #7), including the removal and replacement of the existing Library addition, to modernize the facility and support evolving program needs. The project consists of a full interior remodel; reconfiguration of administrative, educational, media, and library spaces;

replacement and upgrade of HVAC, lighting, fire protection, and technology systems; and new finishes throughout, along with targeted exterior improvements including roof and window replacement, accessibility upgrades, and building envelope repairs. The Design-Build team will validate and refine the building program in coordination with stakeholders and advance the project from bridging/criteria documents to a complete design and construction solution. Work will occur on an active campus, requiring careful phasing, safety, and security coordination.

1.3 Contact Person: Procurement Manager & Procurement Officer This solicitation is issued by the State of Florida, Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind. The sole contact point for all communication regarding this solicitation is the Procurement Officer, then the Procurement Manager:

1. Christine Skaggs, Purchasing Analyst & Procurement Officer, skaggsc@fsdbk12.org

2. Kim Whitwam, Director of Purchasing & Procurement Manager, whitwamk@fsdbk12.org

Mailing Address:

Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind Attention: Procurement Officer Purchasing Center, Building #28 207 San Marco Avenue St. Augustine, FL 32084

All contact with the Procurement Officer or Procurement Manager shall be in writing via electronic mail, U.S. Mail, or other common courier. No facsimiles or telephone calls will be accepted for any reason.

1.4 Small, Minority, and Florida Certified Veterans Business Participation

Small Businesses, Certified Minority Business Enterprises, and Florida Certified Veterans Business Enterprises are encouraged to submit proposals in response to this solicitation and to participate in any conferences, proceedings, and pre-solicitation or pre-proposal meetings which are scheduled. All Vendors shall be accorded fair and equal treatment.

1.5 Special Accommodations

Any person with a qualified disability requiring special accommodation at the pre-submission conference and/or response opening shall contact the Director of Purchasing at (904) 827-2356 at least ten (10) working days prior to the event. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact this office by e-mail at whitwamk@fsdbk12.org or by using the Florida Relay Services which can be reached at 1-800-955-8771 (TDD).

For a prompt and timely response to the request for special accommodation, e-mail the Director of Purchasing at whitwamk@fsdbk12.org.

1.6 Definitions

The definitions from the following sources, as applicable, are assembled here:

60A-1.001, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), 60D-5.002, F.A.C.

60D-13.002 F.A.C.

§255.072, Florida Statutes (F.S.)

§287.012, F.S.

§287.055, F.S.

PUR 1000 General Contract Conditions

Unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms have the following meanings and shall apply to this RFQ:

1. “Agreement” means the legally enforceable Contract signed by FSDB and the Contractor, to which General Conditions for Contracts, together with all annexes referred to therein, may be attached and would be enforceable (AGREEMENT and CONTRACT may be used interchangeably).

2. “AGENCY” means the entity that has released the RFQ. The “AGENCY” may also be “FSDB”.

3. “Americans with Disabilities Act” means contractors should identify any products that may be used or adapted for use by visually, hearing, or other physically impaired individuals.

4. “Applicable Law” means the laws and any other instruments having the force of law governing this Contract.

5. “Authorized Representative” means the person(s) authorized to represent a Party in the execution of the Contract.

6. “Best value” means the highest overall value to the state based on factors that include, but are not limited to, price, quality, design, and workmanship.

7. “Certified minority business enterprise” means a business which has been certified by the certifying organization or jurisdiction in accordance with F.S. 287.0943(1) and (2).

8. “Confidential Information” means any and all information regarding each Party's affairs or business or method of carrying out business, and any other materials or information created or developed by either Party in connection with this Contract or otherwise, may be subject to public disclosure per F.S. 119.

9. “Construction services” means all labor, services, and materials provided in connection with the construction, alteration, repair, demolition, reconstruction, or any other improvements to real property.

10. “CONSULTANTS’ COMPETITIVE NEGOTIATION ACT (CCNA)” Refers to §287.055, Florida Statute for the acquisition of professional architectural, engineering, landscape architectural, or surveying and mapping services.

11. “Contract” means a mutually binding legal relationship evidenced by a written agreement obligating a Contractor to furnish commodities or contractual services to the Department, an Agency, an eligible user, or another state. A Contract requires signatures of all parties.

12. “Contract Manager” means the authorized designee who shall manage assigned contracts in accordance with all applicable provisions of Federal and Florida State Statutes, Rules, and Regulations. Contract Manager will have authority to reject all work and materials which do not conform to the contract, and to recommend solutions to questions which arise in the execution of the work as well as the authority to stop work whenever such stoppage may be necessary to insure the proper execution of the contract.

13. “Design-Build” (DB) means providing one single administrative entity (a “firm” as defined herein) responsible for design and construction under one contract where services within the scope of practice of architecture, or professional engineering as defined by the laws of the State of Florida are performed by a registered architect or professional engineer and where those services within the scope of construction contracting as defined by the laws of the State of Florida for construction are performed by a certified or registered contractor as applicable according to Florida Statutes.

14. “Design-build contract” means a single contract with a design-build firm for the design and construction of a public construction project.

15. “Design-build firm” means a partnership, corporation, or other legal entity that:

(a) Is certified under F.S. 489.119 to engage in contracting through a certified or registered general contractor or a certified or registered building contractor as the qualifying agent; or

(b) Is qualified under F.S. 471.023 to practice or to offer to practice engineering; qualified under F.S. 481.219 to practice or to offer to practice architecture; or qualified under F.S. 481.319 to practice or to offer to practice landscape architecture.

16. “Design Criteria Package” means concise, performance-oriented drawings or specifications of the construction project which will include the legal description of the site, survey information, interior space requirements, material quality standards schematic layouts and conceptual design criteria of the project, cost and budget estimates, design and construction schedules, site development requirements, provisions for utilities, stormwater retention and disposal and parking requirements.

17. “Design Professional” means the architect, engineer or other consultant under contract with the Agency for professional services.

18. “Drawings” means those portions of the Contract Documents prepared by the Design Criteria Professional and approved by AGENCY consisting of drawings, diagrams, illustrations, schedules and other data which show the scope, extent, and character of the work.

19. “Effective Date of the Agreement” means the date indicated in the Agreement on which it becomes effective, but if no such date is indicated it means the date on which the Agreement is signed and delivered by the last of the two parties to sign and deliver.

20. “Firm” or “Contractor” means any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, or other legal entity permitted by law to construct projects, or portions of projects, in the State of Florida. May be used interchangably with “Qualified Respondent.”

21. “Force Majeure” means any event beyond the reasonable control of the Parties, which by the exercise of due diligence neither Party is able to overcome, and which makes a Party's performance of its obligations hereunder impossible or as impracticable as reasonably to be considered impossible under the circumstances.

22. “FSDB” means “Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind.”

23. “GTC” means the General Conditions for Contracts

24. “Gender Neutral” wherever used herein, a pronoun in the masculine gender shall be considered as including the feminine gender and a pronoun in the feminine gender shall be considered as including the masculine gender, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

25. “Invoice or Bill” means the form which is to be used by Design Criteria Professional in requesting progress or final payments and which is to be accompanied by such supporting documentation as is required by the Contract Documents.

26. “Laws and Regulations; Law or Regulation” means any and all applicable laws rules, regulations, ordinances, codes and orders of any and all governmental bodies, agencies, authorities and courts having jurisdiction.

27. “Mandatory Requirements” means all documentation is submitted completely as requested, all signatures are original and notarized where indicated, answers to questions are complete and accurate, all communications are conducted as instructed and responsibility for compliance with all timelines and submission dates has been met.

28. “OWNER” means the public body, or authority, individual or entity with whom Design Criteria Professional has entered into the Agreement and for whom the Work is to be provided as indicated in the Agreement.

29. “OWNER’s Consultant” means an individual or entity having a contract with OWNER to furnish services as OWNER’s consultant with respect to the Project.

30. “OWNER’s Representative” means a person designated to act as OWNER’s representative with respect to Design Criteria Professional’s performance of the Work. Such person shall have complete authority to transmit instructions, receive information, interpret and define OWNER’s policies, and make decisions with respect to performance of the Work.

31. “Party” means FSDB or the Contractor, as the case may be, and "Parties" means both of them.

32. “Payment Request” means a request for payment for services which conforms with all statutory requirements and with all requirements specified by the public entity to which the payment request is submitted.

33. “Person” means any individual, partnership, society, association, joint stock company, corporation, estate, receiver, trustee, assignee, referee or capacity, whether appointed by a court or others and any combination of individuals.

34. “Procurement Officer” means the contracting personnel identified in the Introductory Materials.

35. “Professional services” means those services within the scope of the practice of architecture, professional engineering, landscape architecture, or registered surveying and mapping, as defined by the laws of the state, or those performed by any architect, professional engineer, landscape architect, or registered surveyor and mapper in connection with his or her professional employment or practice.

36. “Project” means any facility, building, portion of building, utility, park, parking lot, structure or other improvement to real property required to be constructed, renovated, repaired, modified or demolished by an Agency.

37. “Project Manager” means the authorized designee who shall manage assigned projects in accordance with all applicable provisions of Federal and Florida State Statutes, Rules, and Regulations. Project Manager may make on-site inspections at any time and will have authority to reject all work and materials which do not conform to the contract, and to recommend solutions to questions which arise in the execution of the work, as well as the authority to stop work whenever such stoppage may be necessary to insure the proper execution of the contract.

38. “Qualified Respondent” means a firm with the capability in all respects to perform fully the contract requirements and the integrity and reliability to assure good faith performance.

39. “Risk of Loss” means matters of inspection and acceptance are addressed in s. 215.422, F.S. Until acceptance, risk of loss or damage shall remain with the Contractor. The Contractor shall be responsible for filing, processing, and collecting all damage claims. To assist the Contractor with damage claims, the Customer shall: record any evidence of visible damage on all copies of the delivering carrier’s Bill of Lading; report damages to the carrier and the Contractor; and provide the Contractor with a copy of the carrier’s Bill of Lading and damage inspection report. When a Customer rejects a product, Contractor shall remove it from the premises within ten days after notification or rejection. Upon rejection notification, the risk of loss of rejected or non-conforming product shall remain with the Contractor. Rejected product not removed by the Contractor within ten days shall be deemed abandoned by the Contractor, and the Customer shall have the right to dispose of it as its own property. Contractor shall reimburse the Customer for costs and expenses incurred in storing or effecting removal or disposition of rejected product.

40. “Renewal” means contracting with the same contractor for an additional contract period after the initial contract period, only if pursuant to contract terms specifically providing for such renewal.

41. “Request for proposals” means a written or electronically posted request for competitive sealed proposals.

42. “Request for a quote” means an oral, electronic, or written request for written pricing or services information from a state term contract vendor for commodities or contractual services available on a state term contract from that vendor.

43. “Responsive proposal” or “responsive reply” means a proposal or reply submitted by a Respondent which conforms in all material respects to the RFQ.

44. “Responsive Proposal” means a firm who has submitted a bid or proposal which conforms in all material respects to the request for proposals.

45. “RFQ” means Request for Qualifications.

46. “Specifications” means those portions of the Contract Documents consisting of written technical descriptions of materials, equipment, construction systems, standards and workmanship as applied to the design and certain administrative details applicable thereto.

47. “Subcontractor” means any entity to which the Contractor entrusts the performance of any part of the Services in accordance with the provisions of this Contract, but not including one who merely furnishes material.

48. “Submittal” means a written or graphic document prepared by the Design Criteria Professional which is required by the Contract

Documents to be submitted to OWNER by the Design Criteria Professional. Submittals may include, but are not necessarily limited to Drawings, Specifications, Progress Schedules, Shop Drawings, Samples, Cash Flow Projections, and Schedules of Values. Submittals other than Drawings and Specifications are not Contract Documents.

49. “Timeline” means the list of critical dates and actions included in the Introductory Materials.

50. “Work” means any and all of the labor or materials or both, equipment, transportation, or other facilities, documents, and deliverables of any kind produced in whatever format as part and result of the Services necessary to complete the contract.

51. “Written Notice” means that a notification shall be deemed to have been duly served if delivered in person to the individual, to a member of the firm or to an office of the corporation for whom it is intended; or if delivered at or sent by mail, to the business address shown in the bid or contract, or if delivered electronically in accordance with F.A.C. 61B-23.0029, the Uniform Electronic Transaction Act (UETA) codified in F.S. 668.50, and the Electronic Signature Act of 1996 (ESA) codified in F.S. 668.001-006.

SECTION 2 – PROCESS

2.1 General Overview of the Process

Replies that meet the Mandatory Requirements of this RFQ and are otherwise responsive will be eligible for evaluation. Responsive Vendors will be evaluated and ranked, and a Shortlist of Vendors who have been pre-qualified for the next step will be posted to the FSDB website and/or Vendor Information Portal (VIP). Oral presentations by Vendors will be required as part of the final selection process. FSDB will post a notice of intended contract award after completing the evaluation process, thus identifying the Vendor selected for negotiations to enter into contract to become the Design-Builder for the FSDB Walker Annex Remodel Project.

2.2 Official Notices and Public Records

2.2.1 Notices Regarding the solicitation

All notices, decisions, intended decisions, addenda and other matters relating to this procurement will be electronically posted on FSDB’s website and/or VIP.

VIP website located at: MyFloridaMarket Place Vendor Information Portal. In order to find postings:

1. Click on Search Advertisements.

2. Under “Organization” select “Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB)”.

3. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and click on “Search.”

FSDB’s Solicitation website located at: Purchasing | Florida School for the Deaf & the Blind. In order to find postings:

1. Click on “View Active Competitive Solicitations”.

2. Navigate to individual Solicitation folders.

3. Download the Solicitation Document(s).

It is the responsibility of prospective Vendors to check FSDB’s website and/or VIP for addenda, notices of decisions, and other information or clarifications to this solicitation.

2.2.2 Public Records

Article 1, section 24, Florida Constitution, guarantees every person access to all public records, and §119.011, F.S., provides a broad definition of a public record. As such, all responses to a competitive solicitation are public records unless exempt by law. Any respondent claiming that its response contains information that is exempt from the public records law shall clearly segregate and mark that information and provide the specific statutory citation for such exemption. If awarded a contract, the Contractor shall comply with the public records laws of the State of Florida, Rule 1B-24.003(1)(a), F.A.C. and the most recently published General Records Schedule GS1-SL for State and Local Government Agencies.

2.3 Protests and Disputes

Florida’s Administrative Procedure Act found in §120.57(3), F.S., and Rules found in Chapter 28-110, F.A.C., generally govern state agency competitive bidding disputes including notice requirements, the time frames for protests, and hearing procedures. Respondents should be aware of the distinction between challenges to the published bid specifications versus challenges to the ultimate award of the solicitation. This section serves as notice explaining the protest rights to all parties who submitted a response.

2.3.1 Standing to Protest

Section 120.57(3), F.S., provides that any person who is “adversely affected” by the Agency action may file a protest. Generally, only bidders that submitted a bid, subcontractors, or others that can show substantial economic interest in the bid award and who are aggrieved, are eligible to protest. After bid opening, protests are limited to issues related to bid opening, evaluation of bids, and intention to award decisions, and are further limited to those items that were not known or could not have been reasonably known prior to bid opening. An example of “adversely affected” is a second ranked low bidder having standing to challenge an award to the low bidder based on non-responsiveness (and other factors), a third or lower ranked bidder generally does not have standing, since even if successful in the protest of the award to the low bidder, the award would then go to the second ranked low bidder (nevertheless, the third or even lower ranked bidders can sometimes have standing, seek legal advice to determine issues of standing prior to filing).

Absent special and extraordinary circumstances, non-bidders do not have standing.

2.3.2 Protest Stays the Bid Process

Filing of a timely formal protest stops the bid process and no final award of a contract may be made before entry of a final order after resolution of the protest, unless the Agency head sets forth in writing particular circumstances which require the continuance of the process in order to avoid an immediate and serious danger to the public health, safety, or welfare (§120.57(3)(c), F.S.).

2.3.3 Time Limits for Filing Protests

Any person who has standing shall file with FSDB a notice of protest in writing within 72 hours (Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays excluded) after the posting of the specifications, notice, decision, or intended decision. A formal written protest which states with particularity, the facts and law upon which the protest is based and containing applicable supporting arguments, authorities, and evidentiary exhibits shall be filed within 10 days after the date the notice of protest is filed (Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays excluded). Failure to timely file the 72-hour notice of protest or the 10-day formal written protest will constitute a waiver of the right to protest.

2.3.4 Protests of Terms, Conditions and Specifications

A protest of the terms, conditions, and specifications contained in this solicitation, including any provisions governing the methods for ranking bids, awarding contracts, reserving rights for further negotiation, or modifying or amending any contract. The notice of protest must be filed within 72 hours after posting of the solicitation as specified in Section 2.3.3 herein.

2.3.5 Protests of Decision or Intended Decision

A protest of a decision or intended decision must be filed within 72 hours after the notice of decision has been posted as specified in Section

2.3.3 herein.

2.3.6 Protest Bond Requirement

Protestors must file a bond payable to the Agency as required by §287.042(2)(c), F.S. and §28-110.005 F.A.C., in an amount equal to one percent (1%) of the estimated contract amount, based upon the contract price submitted by the protestor. If no contract price was submitted, FSDB shall provide the estimated contract amount to the protestor within 72 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays) after the notice of protest has been filed. The estimated contract amount is not subject to protest pursuant to §120.57(3), F.S. The bond shall be conditioned upon the payment of all costs and charges that are adjudged against the protestor in the administrative hearing in which action is brought and in any subsequent appellate court proceeding.

FAILURE TO FILE THE PROPER BOND AT THE TIME OF FILING THE FORMAL PROTEST WILL RESULT IN A REJECTION OF THE PROTEST. In lieu of a bond, FSDB may accept a cashier’s check, official bank check, or money order in the amount of the bond.

2.3.7 Filing a Protest

A notice of protest, formal protest, and bond are “filed”, when received by the contact person listed herein. Filing may be achieved by hand-delivery, courier, U.S. Mail or facsimile transfer. Filing by email will not be accepted. All methods of delivery or transmittal to FSDB’s contact person shall remain the responsibility of the protestor and the risk of non-receipt or delayed receipt shall be upon the protestor. FAILURE TO FILE A PROTEST WITHIN THE TIME PRESCRIBED IN §120.57(3), F.S., OR FAILURE TO POST THE BOND OR OTHER SECURITY REQUIRED BY LAW WITHIN THE TIME ALLOWED FOR FILING A BOND SHALL CONSTITUTE

A WAIVER OF PROCEEDINGS UNDER §120, F.S.

2.4 Limitations on Contacting FSDB Personnel and Others

2.4.1 General Limitation

Prospective Vendors or persons acting on their behalf may not contact, between the release of this solicitation and the end of the 72-hour period (Saturdays, Sundays and state holidays excluded), following FSDB's posting of the notice of intended award, FSDB personnel or any employee or officer of the executive or legislative branch concerning any aspect of this solicitation, except in writing to the contact person identified herein or as provided in this solicitation. Any such contact by an affiliate, a person with a relevant business relationship with a prospective Vendor, or an existing or prospective subcontractor to a prospective Vendor is assumed to be on behalf of a prospective Vendor unless otherwise shown. As part of a response to an FSDB request for additional or clarifying information pursuant to matters regarding potential conflicts of interest, or inspection, or an FSDB investigation, Vendor representatives may communicate directly with other FSDB personnel or consultants identified by the Procurement Manager or Procurement Officer for such purposes. Violation of the provisions of this section may be grounds for rejecting a reply, if determined by FSDB to be material in nature.

2.5 Schedule of Events and Deadlines

All times promulgated in the Schedule of Events and Deadlines herein are local times for the Eastern Time zone. Although FSDB may choose to use additional means of publicizing the results of this solicitation, posting on VIP is the only official notice recognized for the purpose of determining timeliness in the event of protest. All promulgated times shall be considered prompt and shall be recorded at the FSDB Campus Police Center Checkpoint on Genoply Street. Reply delivery and arrival for mandatory meetings shall be deemed timely only if such an incident occurs on or before the time promulgated in the Schedule of Events and Deadlines as determined by the time of arrival at the FSDB Campus Police Center Checkpoint on Genoply Street. Delivering a response or arriving for a mandatory meeting AFTER the time promulgated in the Schedule of Events and Deadlines shall preclude the respondent from participation in the solicitation. If FSDB misses a Solicitation Event due to unforeseen circumstances, it shall be considered cancelled, and a new schedule will be promulgated as soon as it is possible.

2.6 Mandatory Pre-Response Meeting

This Solicitation will require a Mandatory Pre-Response Meeting for the Shortlisted Vendors only. The purpose of the Mandatory Pre- Response Meeting is to review the solicitation with interested Vendors so that areas of misunderstanding or ambiguity are clarified and if necessary to visit the work site. If required, respondents wishing to submit a response shall attend a mandatory pre-response conference on the date and time specified in the Schedule of Events and Deadlines. Failure to attend, or arriving late to, a specified mandatory conference will preclude respondent from submitting a response. Subcontractors are welcome to attend, but their attendance is not mandatory.

Respondents MUST check in prior to the start of the meeting at the FSDB Campus Police Center Checkpoint on Genoply Street where directions to the actual meeting location will be provided. For all questions or disputes regarding arrival for the Mandatory Meeting, the respondents’ time of arrival for meeting attendance shall be determined by the time of check-in at the FSDB Campus Police Center Checkpoint on Genoply Street. Respondents with an arrival time after the indicated start time will not be able to participate in this solicitation – there will be no exceptions.

2.7 Written Questions

Prospective Vendor questions will only be accepted if submitted in writing to the Procurement Officer via electronic mail, U.S. M ail, or other delivery service, and received on or before the date and time specified in the Schedule of Events and Deadlines. No questions will be accepted by facsimile or telephone or after the specified deadline.

FSDB will only respond to procedural questions directly and as received. Such questions should only be submitted after reading the entire Solicitation Document as Respondents are responsible for being aware of the contents of this solicitation and the answer to the question may be in the document. All other questions will be collected, and answers will be published in writing on or before the date and time specified in the Schedule of Events and Deadlines by addenda pursuant to §287.057(2), F.S. and through electronic posting on FSDB’s website and/or VIP.

TIME

(EASTERN)

Solicitation Promulgated (Adv ertisement) 5/15/2026 https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

Question (Procedural) Submission Deadline 5/28/2026 3:00 PM skaggsc@fsdbk12.org

Answ ers (Procedural) Issued as Addendum 6/1/2026 https://www.fsdbk12.org/page/purchasing

Adv ertisement Period Close 6/29/2026

Request for Qualifications (RFQ) Submission Deadline 6/29/2026 1:45PM 207 San Marco Ave. Attn: Purchasing, St. Augustine, FL 32084

Qualification Opening & Review* 6/29/2026 2:00PM 207 San Marco Ave. St. Augustine, FL 32084

RFQ Committee Evaluations Due 7/2/2026 12:00PM

Shortlist of top 3--5 Qualified DB teams posted 7/2/2026

Inv itation to Mandatory Site Visit Meeting 7/16/2026

RFP Posted for Shortlisted DB Teams 7/23/2026

DCP Released to Shortlisted DB Teams 8/3/2026

Mandatory Site Visit/Electronic DCP Distributed* 8/7/2026

10:00AM

SHARP

Respondents MUST check in prior to the start of the meeting at the

FSDB Campus Police Center Checkpoint on Genoply Street w here direction as to the actual meeting. location w ill be prov ided.

Questions (non-procedural) Submission Deadline 8/14/2026 3:00 PM skaggsc@fsdbk12.org

Answ ers (non-procedural) Issued as Addendum 8/18/2026 https://www.fsdbk12.org/page/purchasing

DB Team Proposal Submission Deadline 8/28/2026 2:00 PM 207 San Marco Ave. Attn: Purchasing, St. Augustine, FL 32084

Interview/Presentations 9/1/2026 TBA 207 San Marco Ave. St. Augustine, FL 32084

RFP Committee Evaluations Due* 9/2/2026 3:00PM

Results Notification** 9/3/2026 https://www.fsdbk12.org/page/purchasing

Intent to Aw ard Adv ertisement Open 9/3/2026 https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

Intent to Aw ard Adv ertisement Close 9/9/2026

* Committee Attendance Required ; **Committee must remain available until results are published; ***Or date of execution, whichever is later

Schedule of Events and Deadlines: DB for Walker Annex Remodel

ACTIVITY DATE ADDRESS

Potential respondents shall not contact any other employee of FSDB or the State for information with respect to this solicitation. Each respondent is responsible for monitoring FSDB’s website and/or VIP for new or changing information. FSDB shall not be bound by any verbal information or by any written information that is not contained within the solicitation documents or formally noticed and issued by FSDB’s Procurement Officer or Procurement Manager. Questions submitted to FSDB shall not constitute formal protest of the specifications or of the solicitation.

2.8 Receipt of Replies

2.8.1 Reply Deadline

Replies must be received by FSDB no later than the date and time and at the address provided in the Schedule of Events and Deadlines. Time of arrival for hand delivered responses shall be determined by the time of arrival at the FSDB Campus Police Center Checkpoint on Genoply Street. Time of arrival for responses delivered by mail or courier shall be determined by the time of receipt by the FSDB Campus Mail Room. All methods of delivery or transmittal to FSDB’s contact person remain the responsibility of the prospective Vendor and the risk of non-receipt or delayed receipt shall be exclusively the risk of the prospective Vendor.

2.8.2 Binding Replies

By submitting a reply, each Vendor agrees that its reply shall remain a valid offer for at least 60 days after the reply opening date and that, in the event the contract award is delayed by appeal or protest, such 60-day period is extended until entry of a final order in response to such appeal or protest. Any response that expresses a shorter duration may, in FSDB's sole discretion, be accepted or rejected.

2.8.3 Bid Bond

A bid bond or equivalent security is not required in order to submit a reply to this RFQ solicitation.

2.8.4 Payment and Performance Bond

A payment and performance bond is not required for this contract and submission of evidence of the Vendor’s ability to do so is not required in order to submit a reply to this RFQ solicitation. A Payment and Performance Bond WILL be required as part of the contract execution process with the Awarded Respondent. Details as to the submission of requirements and timetable for submission will be part of the contract negotiation process.

2.8.5 Changes to Replies After Submission Prohibited

Once the reply opening deadline has passed, no changes, modifications, or additions to the reply submitted will be accepted by or be binding upon FSDB unless and until FSDB initiates negotiations or requests supplemental replies. FSDB reserves the right to identify and correct minor irregularities as provided herein but is under no obligation to do so.

2.8.6 Receipt Statement

Replies that are not received at the specified address, by the specified date and time, or not marked as instructed will be rejected and will not be opened or returned by FSDB but will be retained for use in the event of a dispute.

2.9 Oral Presentations

FSDB reserves the right to schedule oral presentations by finalists submitting proposals as part of the second phase of the evaluation process. Oral presentations by Respondents are not open to the public pursuant to the exemption provided by §286.0113, F.S.

2.10 Request to Withdraw Reply

A written request to withdraw a reply, signed by the Vendor, may be considered if received by FSDB within 72 hours after the reply opening date and time as specified in the Schedule of Events and Deadlines above. A request received in accordance with this provision may be granted by FSDB upon proof of the impossibility of performing based upon an obvious Vendor error.

2.11 Cost of Preparation of Reply

By submitting a reply, a Vendor agrees that FSDB is not liable for any costs incurred by the Vendor in responding to this solicitation.

2.12 Terms and Conditions

FSDB objects to and shall not consider any additional terms or conditions submitted by a respondent, including any appearing in documents attached as part of a respondent’s response. In submitting its response, a respondent agrees that any additional terms or conditions, whether submitted intentionally or inadvertently, shall have no force or effect. Failure to comply with terms and conditions, including those specifying information that must be submitted with a response, may be grounds for rejecting a response.

2.13 Conflict of Interest

This solicitation is subject to §112, F.S. Respondents shall disclose with their response the name of any officer, director, employee or other agent who is also an employee of the State. Respondents shall also disclose the name of any State employee who owns, directly or indirectly, an interest of five percent (5%) or more in the respondent or its affiliates.

2.14 Convicted Vendors

A person or affiliate placed on the convicted vendor list following a conviction for a public entity crime is prohibited from doing any of the following for a period of 36 months from the date of being placed on the convicted vendor list:

• Submitting a bid/proposal on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity;

• Submitting a bid/proposal on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work;

• Submitting bids on leases of real property to a public entity;

• Awarded or performing work as a contractor, supplier, subcontractor, or consultant under a contract with any public entity; and

• Transacting business with any public entity in excess of the CATEGORY TWO threshold amount ($35,000) provided in §287.017, F.S.

2.15 Discriminatory Vendors

An entity or affiliate placed on the discriminatory vendor list pursuant to §287.134, F.S. may not:

• Submit a bid/proposal on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity;

• Submit a bid/proposal on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work;

• Submit a bid/proposal on leases of real property to a public entity;

• Be awarded or perform work as a contractor, supplier, sub-contractor, or consultant under a contract with any public entity; or

• Transact business with any public entity.

2.16 Respondent’s Representation and Authorization

In submitting a response, each respondent understands, represents, and acknowledges the following (if the respondent cannot so certify to any of following, the respondent shall submit a written explanation).

• The respondent is not currently under suspension or debarment by the State or any other governmental authority.

• To the best of the knowledge of the person signing the response, the respondent, its affiliates, subsidiaries, directors, officers, and employees are not currently under investigation by any governmental authority and have not in the last ten (10) years been convicted or found liable for any act prohibited by law in any jurisdiction, involving conspiracy or collusion with respect to bidding on any public contract.

• Respondent currently has no delinquent obligations to the State, including a claim by the State for liquidated damages under any other contract.

• The submission is made in good faith and not pursuant to any agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any firm or person to submit a complementary or other noncompetitive response.

• The prices and amounts have been arrived at independently and without consultation, communication, or agreement with any other respondent or potential respondent; neither the prices nor amounts, actual or approximate, have been disclosed to any respondent or potential respondent, and they will not be disclosed before the solicitation opening.

• The respondent has fully informed FSDB in writing of all convictions of the firm, its affiliates (as defined in §287.133(1)(a), F.S.), and all directors, officers, and employees of the firm and its affiliates for violation of state or federal antitrust laws with respect to a public contract for violation of any state or federal law involving fraud, bribery, collusion, conspiracy or material misrepresentation with respect to a public contract. This includes disclosure of the names of current employees who were convicted of contract crimes while in the employ of another company.

• Neither the respondent nor any person associated with it in the capacity of owner, partner, director, officer, principal, investigator, project director, manager, auditor, or position involving the administration of federal funds:

o Has within the preceding three years been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them or is presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged for: commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a federal, state, or local government transaction or public contract; violation of federal or state antitrust statutes; or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property; or o Has within a three-year period preceding this certification had one or more federal, state, or local government contracts terminated for cause or default.

• The product offered by the respondent will conform to the specifications without exception.

• The respondent has read and understands the Contract terms and conditions, and the submission is made in conformance with those terms and conditions.

• If an award is made to the respondent, the respondent agrees that it intends to be legally bound to the Contract that is formed with FSDB.

• The respondent has made a diligent inquiry of its employees and agents responsible for preparing, approving, or submitting the response, and has been advised by each of them that he or she has not participated in any communication, consultation, discussion, agreement, collusion, act or other conduct inconsistent with any of the statements and representations made in the response.

• The respondent shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless FSDB and its employees against any cost, damage, or expense which may be incurred or be caused by any error in the respondent’s preparation of its response.

• All information provided by, and representations made by, the respondent are material and important and will be relied upon by FSDB in awarding the Contract. Any misstatement shall be treated as fraudulent concealment from FSDB of the true facts relating to submission of the response. A misrepresentation shall be punishable under law, including, but not limited to, §817, F.S.

2.17 Brand/Manufacturer’s Names, Standards of Quality, and Approved Equivalents Unless otherwise specified, any manufacturers’ names, trade names, brand names, descriptions, information or catalog numbers listed in these specifications are descriptive, not restrictive and are to acquaint bidders with the types of goods and services desired and will be used as a standard by which goods and services offered as equivalent will be evaluated and the Contractor may provide any product that meets or exceeds the applicable specifications.

When a specification uses "brand name or equivalent," the listed brand name shall serve as a reference or point of comparison for the…