RFQ_26-11._North_Putnam_Utilities_Feasibility_Study.pdf

Putnam County Board of County Commissioners RFQ No: 26-11 RFQ Name: North Putnam Utilities Feasibility Study

SPECIFICATIONS

FOR

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

PUTNAM COUNTY, FLORIDA

RFQ No: RFQ 26-11

RFQ Due: Friday, May 22, 2026 at 2:00PM

The selection process shall meet the requirements of the Consultants Competitive Negotiation Act “CCNA” Florida Statutes Chapter 287 most recent supplements.

Table of Contents

Request for Qualifications

1.0 General Terms and Conditions

RFQ DUE DATE AND TIME

2.0 Contract Term

The intent of Putnam County is to select a firm through the evaluation process and to award a contract(s) upon successful negotiations with the firm

3.0 Schedule

Tentative Dates Scheduled

4.0 RFQ Instructions

5.0 Scope of Work Specifications

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND

SCOPE OF SERVICES

6.0 Required Forms

NON-DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT FORM

ADDENDA ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

PUBLIC ENTITY CRIMES FORM

CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS

PRIMARY COVERED TRANSACTIONS

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE CERTIFICATION

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

REFERENCES

LEGAL ISSUSE

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR SERVICES

Request for Qualifications Putnam County Board of County Commissioners is requesting responses from qualified firms companies with demonstrated experience in regional water and sewer planning and design. The County desires to develop a feasibility study using a regional approach to determine the most efficient and cost-effective manner to provide water and sewer services and to identify the water and sewer system improvements and strategies needed to serve the growth projected to occur in the North Putnam area.

RFQ Documents are available online at: https://www.putnam-fl.gov/departments/general-services/procurement/

All submittals of qualifications shall be for principal consultant and may include all sub-consultants. The selection process shall meet the requirements of the Consultants Competitive Negotiation Act “CCNA” Florida Statutes Chapter 287 most recent supplements.

Deadline for receipt of sealed bids has been set for 2:00 p.m., 05/22/2026. To be considered responsive, bidders shall deliver before 2:00 p.m. EST. on 05/22/2026 one (1) original hard copy, four (4) duplicate copies and one (1) USB drive that contains “all” of your documentation included in the original RFQ in a pdf format.

Sealed RFQs may be delivered in person or by courier mail to Putnam County Procurement Department c/o Leigh Doran, 2509 Crill Avenue, Suite 200, Palatka, Florida, 32177. Only sealed RFQs received on or before the aforestated time and date will be considered. Vendor must indicate the bid number and description on the outside envelope.

There will be a mandatory pre-submittal meeting held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 29, 2026 located at 2509 Crill Avenue, Suite 200, Palatka, Florida 32177. All firms interested in submitting a Qualifications package are invited to attend this meeting.

Questions concerning the specifications may also be emailed to Leigh Doran, Procurement Supervisor, at Leigh.Doran@putnam-fl.gov . Answers to questions received will be posted online with the RFQ documents.

Questions must be received by 2:00 PM on Thursday, May 14, 2026.

The Putnam County Board of County Commissioners reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids and to waive any informalities. Putnam County complies with all federal statutes relating to non-discrimination.

Putnam County is an equal opportunity employer. Failure to follow the Bid Protest procedures prescribed by the Putnam County Purchasing Ordinance shall constitute a waiver of your protest and any resulting claims.

PUBLISH: April 22, 2026 RFQ No. 26-11 https://www.putnam-fl.gov/departments/general-services/procurement/ mailto:Leigh.Doran@putnam-fl.gov

1.0 General Terms and Conditions

All Companies submitting a response to this RFQ understand and agree that the affirmative act of submitting a response constitutes acceptance and agreement to the General Terms and Conditions. Proposers are responsible for adhering to the General Terms and Conditions. Lack of knowledge by the Proposer will in no way be cause for relief from responsibility.

Intent of RFQ: Pursuant to Florida Statute 287.055 (Consultant’s Competitive Negotiation Act - CCNA) and in accordance with 40 USC 1101-1104 (Brooks Act), Putnam County, hereinafter referred to as the “COUNTY”, is soliciting responses from qualified firms to perform Engineering Design and Permitting for the East Putnam Regional Wastewater Facility Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion.

Addenda Any and all changes to this RFQ shall be provided through a County issued Addendum, posted on http://bids.putnam-fl.com/bids It is the respondent’s responsibility to check the web page for any issued addenda prior to submitting the qualifications package. The County shall make every possible, good faith effort to issue any and all addenda no later than five (5) working days prior to the due date for Qualifications. Any addenda issued after this date, shall be for material, necessary clarifications to the Request for Qualification

RFQ DUE DATE AND TIME

All Proposals must be delivered to the Procurement Department, located at 2509 Crill Ave, Suite 200, Palatka FL 32177 on or before the due date as listed below. Please boldly indicate the RFQ number on the outside of your sealed proposal envelope to assist the County internally in identifying your bid.

To be responsive your RFQ shall be signed by an authorized employee/officer with the authority to bind a contract.

To be considered responsive, proposers shall deliver before 2:00 p.m. EST. on 05/22/2026 one (1) original hard copy, four (4) duplicate copies and one (1) USB drive that contains “all” of your documentation included in the original bid in a pdf format.

Note: Original proposal must be marked ORIGINAL and must have original signatures. Please label the USB drive with RFQ number, and your company’s name. (i.e. “Copy” Acme Bid, RFQ 26-11). It is the bidder’s responsibility to guarantee the USB drive is 100% identical to your original hard copy bid. In the event of a discrepancy, your original hard copy will prevail.

PLACE FOR RECEIVING PROPOSALS

Proposals may be mailed or hand delivered to:

Putnam County Board of County Commissioners c/o Leigh Doran 2509 Crill Ave, Suite 200 Palatka, Florida 32177

All proposals must arrive and be received by a Purchasing Department representative prior to the specified bid due date/time. Bids received after that time will not be accepted. Bids cannot be faxed or emailed. The County will not be responsible for Postal or other delivery service delays.

http://bids.putnam-fl.com/bids

PUBLIC BID OPENING

Putnam County Board of County Commissioners will conduct a public bid/proposal opening immediately following the solicitation due date/time on May 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM in the conference room located at 2509 Crill Avenue, Suite 200, Palatka Florida 32177.

Sealed bids, proposals, or replies received by the County pursuant to this solicitation will remain confidential and are exempt from Florida’s Public Records Act (Ch. 119, Florida Statutes) until such time as the County provides notice of an intended decision or until 30 days after opening the bids, proposals, or final replies, whichever is earlier. Thereafter, by submitting a response to this solicitation, the proposer acknowledges that all documents and information submitted to the County, including pricing information, is considered a public record under Florida’s Public Records Act and may be disclosed to third parties upon request notwithstanding any confidentiality clauses or labels contained in such documents. Please direct any inquires to the County’s contact listed below.

RFQ PACKAGE

Interested proposers may obtain a RFQ Package from Leigh Doran, Procurement Supervisor for Putnam County Board of County Commissioners by any of the following methods.

By email: Leigh.Doran@putnam-fl.gov

By download, available at: http://bids.putnam-fl.com/bids

By USPS: Request sent certified mail to:

Putnam County Board of County Commissioners c/o Leigh Doran

Walk-in Pick Up:

c/o Leigh Doran

BID/PROPOSAL/RFQ AWARD PROCESS

After the initial independent review and evaluation of proposals by the selection committee members, firms will be notified of the time and date for a Public Meeting of the Selection Committee, if needed, to discuss each member’s independent short list ranking. Also, if needed, public presentations of the highest ranked firms will be scheduled. If needed, a minimum of three firms, assuming three or more firms apply, will be selected for oral presentations. If a Public Meeting is needed following the independent review of the proposals by the selection committee members, they will be publicly noticed and minutes will be taken.

In accordance with Florida Statutes Chapter 287 most recent supplement, recommendations shall be made to the Board of County Commissioners by County Staff to enter into negotiations with the top ranked firm or firms with the intention of coming to agreement over terms, and conditions in order to award a Contract for the services described herein.

Ranking and initial selection for submission to the BOCC is based on responses to the RFQ criteria and subsequent reviews by the County selection committee.

The County shall determine the order of award in accordance with Section 295.187(4), Florida Statues and Rule 60A-1.011 Florida Administrative Code.

POSTING OF INTENT TO RECOMMEND RANK ORDER: The County’s recommendation of rank order will be posted to http://bids.putnam-fl.com/bids

PROTEST OF INTENDED DECISION

A Notice of Intended Decision to recommend or reject proposals will be posted to http://bids.putnam-fl.com/bids. In the event an unsuccessful firm desires to protest the County’s notice of intended decision to award or reject a proposal, that Firm shall be required to comply with Putnam County’s Protest Procedure, a copy of which is available from the Deputy County Administrator. Failure to follow the Bid Protest procedures prescribed by the Putnam County Purchasing Ordinance shall constitute a waiver of your protest and any resulting claims.

APPLICABLE LAW

The bidder shall comply with all federal, state, County and local laws, rules, ordinances and regulations (“Laws”) applicable to the Bidder’s response to the solicitation, the contract executed in connection with the solicitation, and the provision of services under the solicitation and the contract. The term “Laws” as used in this provision shall be deemed to include all laws which are specifically applicable to the County. This RFQ and the contract to be executed in connection with the award of this solicitation must be modified in accordance with any statutory requirement of the State of Florida. Lack of knowledge by the Bidder will in no way be cause for relief from responsibility.

Venue The contract, when entered into and any disputes hereunder, shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida and enforced in the courts of the State of Florida. County and firm hereby agree that venue shall be in Putnam County, FL.

ASSIGNMENT

If awarded, neither the resulting contract nor any of the Contractor’s rights, duties, or obligations under the contract may be assigned or subcontracted by the Contractor without the written consent of Putnam County BOCC. Any transfer of this Contract by merger, consolidation or liquidation, or (unless the stock of the Contractor is traded on a national stock exchange or in a generally recognized over the counter securities market) any change in ownership of or power to vote on the majority of the outstanding voting stock of the Contractor after the date hereof shall constitute an assignment of this Contract for purposes of this Section, and then in its discretion, Putnam County BOCC shall have the right to terminate the contract and shall specify the termination date in its written notice of termination. Any purchase order issued pursuant to this solicitation and any monies which may become due there under are not assignable except with the prior written approval of the County.

AWARD

As the best interest of the County may require, the right is reserved to reject any and all proposals, or any portion of the RFQ, to waive any informality in proposals received, or to accept any item or group of items unless qualified by the Proposer. The County reserves the right to reject any portion or all proposals, to resolicit http://bids.putnam-fl.com/bids proposals or not and to waive informalities as deemed in the best interest of the County. The County reserves the right to issue to proposers Request for Information (RFI’s), to solicit best and final offers from all finalist firms and or to negotiate a satisfactory award of any portion(s) of this RFQ with the top ranked firm. If this proposal requests prices for multiple items, the County reserves the right to award the proposal, by item, to the Bidder(s) which, in the sole discretion of the County, is the most responsive and responsible Bidder(s), price, qualifications, and other factors considered for that item. The issuance of a purchase order constitutes a binding contract.

COMPLIANCE WITH SPECIFICATIONS

When formal specifications are referenced in the solicitation, insertion of brand names or makes and model numbers by the Proposer will be understood to mean that the product offered fully complies with such specifications unless the Proposer specifically states otherwise.

CONDITIONS AND PACKAGING

It is understood and agreed that any item offered or shipped as a result of this solicitation shall be new (current production model) at the time of the solicitation unless otherwise stipulated in the solicitation. All containers shall be suitable for storage or shipment. Proposal prices shall include standard commercial packaging, unless otherwise stipulated in the solicitation.

CONE OF SILENCE

From the time the public advertisement of this (ITN, RFQ, RFP, ITB, or other) takes place until the (ITN, RFQ, RFP, ITB, or other) is awarded and approved by the Board of Commissioners, a vendor shall not contact any other County personnel or members of the County’s Board of Commissioners, or Administrative staff either directly or indirectly, to discuss the selection process or in an attempt to further their interest in being selected.

Failure to abide by the Cone of Silence policy is grounds for disqualification from this (ITN, RFQ, RFP, ITB, or other) process and vendor will not receive further consideration in reference to this (ITN, RFQ, RFP, ITB, or other).

It is expected that personnel and team members from firms that have applied for this selection refrain from posting opinions, providing commentary or engaging is any discussion regarding the selection by the use of social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and the like. Violation of these guidelines may result in disqualification of the applicant. The latter applies to employees of the Proposer, retained consultants or any other representative or individual promoting on behalf of the Proposer. Violation of these guidelines may constitute grounds for disqualification.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Any award hereunder is subject to Chapter 112 Florida Statutes concerning conflict of interest. All Proposers must disclose the name of any officer, director, or agent who is also an employee of Putnam County BOCC. All Proposers must disclose the name of any County employee or Commissioner who owns, directly or indirectly, any interest in the Proposer's firm or any of its branches or dealerships.

DEFINITIONS

County or Putnam County BOCC refers to The Putnam County Board of County Commissioners.

Firm, vendor, business, proposer, contractor or bidder in this document refers to respondents to this request for proposal.

EXCEPTIONS TO THE CONTRACT

Not all items cataloged by the successful Proposer will be purchased under the ensuing contract. Some office supply, equipment or furniture purchases will be made from other sources as required by law or regulation, for example, purchases from state contract vendors, Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (RESPECT) or Florida Prison Industries (PRIDE). For more detailed information on state contracts, or items marketed by RESPECT or PRIDE, contact the purchasing office of this solicitation.

Proposer is advised that exceptions to any terms and conditions contained in this RFQ or the Services Agreement must be stated with specificity in its response to the RFQ as provided herein. Proposer is deemed to have accepted and to be bound by the RFQ and Services Agreement terms and conditions that Proposer does not take exception to in its response. The County reserves the right to modify or add terms and conditions based upon the exceptions stated by the Proposer, or to declare any terms and conditions non-negotiable, as determined by the County in its sole discretion.

PAYMENT

Payment will be made by the County after the services have been received, and found to comply with the specifications, and have been properly invoiced. Discounts will be taken if payment is made within the discount period. If contract is awarded, payment to contractor for services will be monthly for the rendition of the preceding month’s service during the term thereof and subject to a 5% retainage.

All invoices must reference the bid number, FPN number, the current purchase order number (if any) and specify the work performed.

PERSONNEL

Consultant agrees each of its employees will be properly qualified and will use reasonable care in the performance of services. The County reserves the right to have personnel removed upon the County’s written notice. Consultant’s employees are expected to adhere to all County policies and procedures.

In submitting a response to this RFQ the respondent is representing that each person listed or referenced in their response package shall be available to perform the services described for the County, barring illness, accident, or other unforeseeable events of a similar nature in which case the respondent must be able to promptly provide a qualified replacement. In the event the respondent wishes to substitute personnel, the respondent shall propose a person with equal or higher qualifications and each replacement person is subject to prior written County approval. In the event the requested substitute person is not satisfactory to the County and the matter cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the County, the County reserves the right to cancel the contract for cause.

E-Verify For projects utilizing state or federal funds, the Bidder (A) shall utilize the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system to verify the employment eligibility of all new employees hired during the term of the contract; and (B) shall expressly require any subcontractors performing work or providing services pursuant to the contract to likewise utilize the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system to verify the employment eligibility of all new employees hired by the subcontractor during the contract term.

PROTEST OF RFQ DOCUMENT

All firms are required to thoroughly review the RFQ document within a reasonable time after receipt. Any concerns or comments relating to the RFQ documents shall be brought to the attention of the County’s Procurement Supervisor, Leigh Doran, in writing, promptly after receipt. However, if the Firm desires to protest the RFQ document, or any of the specifications, requirements, or procedures thereof, the Firms will be required to comply with the County’s Protest Procedures within seventy-two (72) hours after receipt of the proposal document. Failure to comply with this procedure will constitute a waiver by the Firms of any right to later protest on the basis of the form, content and substance, including without limitation, the specifications, requirements or procedures, of the RFQ documents.

Any prospective respondent who disputes the reasonableness or appropriateness of any item within this RFQ document, any addendum to this RFQ document, notice of award or notice of rejection shall file with the County’s Procurement Supervisor a written notice of intent to file a protest not later than 4:00 p.m. on the third business day after the issuance of the RFQ document or addenda, or notice of award or rejection. The notice of intent shall set forth the specific reason and facts concerning the dispute, and shall be sent via certified mail or delivered in person to the County’s Procurement Supervisor. The notice of intent shall state all grounds claimed for the protest and clearly indicate it as the notice of intent to file a protest. Failure to list a ground for protest in this notice shall constitute a waiver with respect to that ground. However, respondents are advised that any protest based exclusively on disagreement with the technical judgement of evaluators is subject to rejection unless there is clear evidence of arbitrary or capricious action in that regard.

Failure to follow the bid protest procedures prescribed by Putnam County Purchasing Ordinance #2019-15 shall constitute a waiver of protest rights and any resulting claims.

CANCELLATION

The County Administrator or Designee shall have the right to unilaterally cancel, terminate, or suspend the contract, in whole or part, by providing the firm thirty (30) calendar day’s written notice by certified email.

LIABILITY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Consultant shall purchase and maintain a policy or policies of commercial general liability insurance satisfactory in all respects to County. All policies shall be occurrence form policies and shall name County as an additional insured for liability resulting from the conduct of the CONSULTANT and others employed or utilized by the CONSULTANT in the performance of the services, with a right to defense, with the premiums thereon fully paid by Consultant on or before their due date.

The liability insurance policy shall afford minimum protection of $1,000,000 combined single limit coverage for bodily injury, property damage or combination thereof. Consultant shall purchase and maintain a policy or policies of professional liability insurance.

The liability insurance policy shall afford minimum protection of $1,000,000 per claim and aggregate.

Required insurance shall be documented in Certificates of Insurance which provide that County shall be notified at least 30 days in advance of cancellation, non-renewal or adverse change. New Certificates of Insurance are to be provided to County at least 15 days prior to coverage renewals.

If requested by County, Consultant shall furnish complete copies of its insurance policies, forms and endorsements in the event a claim is filed.

For commercial general liability coverage, Consultant shall, at the option of County, provide an indication of the amount of claims, payments or reserves chargeable to the aggregate amount of liability coverage. Receipt of certificates or other documentation of insurance or policies or copies of policies by County, or by any of its representatives, which indicate less coverage than required does not constitute a waiver of Consultant's obligation to fulfill the insurance requirements herein.

Consultant shall also purchase and maintain workers compensation insurance for all obligations imposed by law, with employers liability limits of at least $100,000 each accident and $100,000 each employee/$500,000 policy limit for disease. Consultant shall also purchase any other coverage required by law. Consultant's maintenance of the insurance policies required hereunder shall not limit or otherwise affect its liability hereunder.

If checked below, the County requires the following additional types of insurance:

_____ Builders Risk. The Consultant shall provide Builders Risk insurance to cover the property for all risks of loss. The policy shall be for the full value of the improvements and include the County as an additional insured as its interest may appear.

__ __ Business Auto Liability. Proof of Business Auto Liability shall be provided with minimum protection of $1,000,000 combined single limit coverage for bodily injury, property damage or combination thereof.

Coverage shall include hired and non-owned auto liability also.

LICENSES, PERMITS & FEES

The Consultant shall be responsible for obtaining and holding any and all necessary licenses, permits, certifications required to perform the work described herein throughout the duration of the Contract. Payment of any fees or fines resulting in the lack of permits, licenses or certifications shall be the sole responsibility of the Consultant.

GOVERNING LAWS & REGULATIONS

It shall be the responsibility of the Consultant to be familiar and comply with any and all federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations relevant to the services to be performed under this Contract. The Contract Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Florida and the County both as to interpretation and performance.

RECORDS RETENTION

Pursuant to Section 119.0701, Florida Statutes, the awarded contractor shall comply with the Florida Public Records’ laws, and shall:

1. Keep and maintain public records required by the County to perform the services identified herein.

2. Upon request from the County’s custodian of public records, provide the County with a copy of the requested records or allow the records to be inspected or copied within a reasonable time at a cost that does not exceed the cost provided for by law.

3. Ensure that public records that are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements are not disclosed except as authorized by law for the duration of the contract term and following completion of the contract if the Consultant does not transfer the records to the public County.

4. Upon completion of the contract, transfer, at no cost, to the County all public records in possession of the Consultant or keep and maintain public records required by the County to perform the service. If the Consultant transfers all public records to the County upon completion of the contract, the Consultant shall destroy any duplicate public records that are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements. If the Consultant keeps and maintains public records upon completion of the contract, the Consultant shall meet all applicable requirements for’ retaining public records. All records stored electronically must be provided to the County, upon request from the County’s custodian of public records in a format that is compatible with the information technology systems of the County. Failure to comply with this section shall be deemed a breach of the contact and enforceable as set forth in Section 119.0701, Florida Statutes.

5. If Consultant does not comply with a public records request, County shall enforce the Contract provisions in accordance with the Contract.

6. If Consultant fails to provide the public records to County within a reasonable time, Consultant may be subject to penalties under Section 119.10, Florida Statutes.

7. If a civil action is filed against Consultant to compel production of public records relating to County’s contract for services, the court shall assess and awards against Consultant the reasonable cost of enforcements, including attorney fees in accordance with Section 119.0701, Florida Statutes.

ACCESS TO RECORDS

Access by grantee, the sub-grantee, the FHWA, the USDOT Inspector General, the Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives to any books, documents, papers and records of the consultant.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

a) The Proposer represents that it presently has no interest and shall acquire no interest, either direct or indirect, which would conflict in any manner with the performance of services required hereunder. The Proposer further represents that no person having any such interest shall be employed by Proposer during the agreement term and any extensions. In addition, the Proposer shall not offer gifts or gratuities to County Employees as County Employees are not permitted to accept gifts or gratuities. By signing this proposal document, the Proposer acknowledges that no gifts or gratuities have been offered to County Employees or anyone else involved in this competitive proposal process.

b) The Proposer shall promptly notify the County’s representative, in writing, by certified mail, of all potential conflicts of interest for any prospective business association, interest, or other circumstance, which may influence or appear to influence the Contractor’s judgment or quality of services being provided hereunder. Such written notification shall identify the prospective business association, interest or circumstance, the nature of work that the Proposer may undertake and request an opinion of the County as to whether the association, interest or circumstance would, in the opinion of the County, constitute a conflict of interest if entered into by the Proposer. The County agrees to notify the Proposer of its opinion, by certified mail, within thirty days of receipt of notification from the Proposer.

E- VERIFY LANGUAGE FOR ALL CONTRACTS:

By Executive Order 11-116, Regarding Federal and/or State Requirements - This purchase action is being supported in whole or in paid by Federal and/or State funding. Therefore, this solicitation and any resulting contract include provisions related to various specific federal and/or state requirements. All such clauses shall be considered and treated as “Blow- down” clauses that shall be considered applicable to any prime contract and any subcontract associated with performance under the contract(s) resulting from this solicitation. Detailed review of all terms and conditions included in this solicitation is strongly encouraged to ensure that full compliance with all contractual requirements is considered during the solicitation response process, and throughout performance under the contract, at prime contractor and subcontractor levels. Upon award of a contract resulting from this solicitation:

• The vendor shall utilize the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system to verify the employment eligibility of all new employees hired by Vendor during the term of the contract; and

• Shall expressly require any contractor and subcontractor’s performing work or providing services pursuant to the state contract to likewise utilize the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system to verity the employment eligibility of all new employees hired by the subcontractor during the contract term.

CONVICTED VENDORS:

In accordance with Florida Statues Sec. 287.133(2)(a): 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.

PUBLIC OFFICIALS:

Interest of Public Officials: No member, officer, or employee of the public body or of a local public body during his tenure or for one year thereafter shall have any interest, direct or indirect, in this contract or the proceeds thereof. For purposes of this provision, public body shall include municipalities and other political subdivisions of States; and public corporations, boards, and commissions established under the laws of any State.

Any County employee, Board member or member of his or her immediate family seeking to contract with the County shall seek a conflict of interest opinion from the County Attorney or his designated representative prior to submittal of a response or application of any type to contract with the County. The affected employee or Board member shall disclose his or her assigned function within the County and interest or the interest of his or her immediate family in the proposed Contract and the nature of the intended Contract.

Florida Statutes 112.313(12) Standards Of Conduct For Public Officers, Employees Of Agencies, And Local Government Attorneys controls contracting with County employees or board members, and provides directions accordingly.

INSPECTOR GENERAL:

The Vendor/Contractor agrees to comply with Section 20.055(5), Florida Statutes, and to incorporate in all subcontracts the obligation to comply with Section 20.055(5), Florida Statute

DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS

Whenever the following terms or pronouns are used in this solicitation, they shall have the meaning given below:

• Addendum - A modification, revision, or clarification.

• Board of County Commissioner’s (BCC) - The governing board for Putnam County, Florida

• CCNA – Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act, Florida Statute 287.055.

• Consultant - The Professional Engineer or Engineering Firm registered in the State of Florida who performs Professional Engineering Services for the County, other than County personnel. The awarded respondent.

• FDEP – Florida Department of Environmental Protection

• FDOT - Florida Department of Transportation

• SJRWMD – St Johns River Water Management District

• Response - The information package submitted by qualified firms.

• Respondent, Consultant, Firm, You, and Your - The consultant, person, firm, or corporation who submits a response.

• Shall, Must, or Will - In this solicitation they indicate a mandatory requirement or condition, the material deviation from which shall not be waived by the County.

• Should or May - In this solicitation are permissive in nature. Deviation from such a condition or requirement will not by itself cause automatic rejection of a qualifications package, but may be a factor considered in the overall evaluation process.

PUBLIC RECORDS

To the extent that CONTRACTOR meets the definition of “contractor” under Section 119.0701, Florida Statutes, in addition to other contract requirements provided by law, CONTRACTOR must comply with public records laws, including the following provisions of Section 119.0701, Florida Statutes:

(a) Keep and maintain public records required by COUNTY to perform the service.

(b) Upon request from COUNTY's custodian of public records, provide COUNTY with a copy of the requested records or allow the records to be inspected or copied within a reasonable time at a cost that does not exceed the cost provided in chapter 119, F.S., or as otherwise provided by law.

(c) Ensure that public records that are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements are not disclosed except as authorized by law for the duration of the contract term and following completion of the contract if the CONTRACTOR does not transfer the records to COUNTY.

(d) Upon completion of the contract, transfer, at no cost, to COUNTY all public records in possession of the CONTRACTOR or keep and maintain public records required by COUNTY to perform the service.

If the CONTRACTOR transfers all public records to COUNTY upon completion of the contract, the CONTRACTOR shall destroy any duplicate public records that are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements. If the CONTRACTOR keeps and maintains public records upon completion of the contract, the CONTRACTOR shall meet all applicable requirements for retaining public records. All records stored electronically must be provided to COUNTY, upon request from COUNTY's custodian of public records, in a format that is compatible with the information technology systems of COUNTY.

(e) IF THE CONTRACTOR HAS QUESTIONS REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF CHAPTER

119, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO THE CONTRACTOR'S DUTY TO PROVIDE PUBLIC RECORDS

RELATING TO THIS CONTRACT, CONTACT THE CUSTODIAN OF PUBLIC RECORDS AT

PUTNAM COUNTY ATTORNEY

2509 CRILL AVENUE

PALATKA, FL 32177

PR-REQUESTS@PUTNAM-FL.COM

(386)329-1903

(f) THE CONTRACTOR ACKNOWLEDGES THAT PUTNAM COUNTY BOCC CANNOT AND

WILL NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE OR BUSINESS ADVICE TO CONTRACTOR WITH

RESPECT TO ITS OBLIGATIONS PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION RELATED TO PUBLIC

RECORDS. THE CONTRACTOR FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT WILL NOT RELY ON

PUTNAM COUNTY BOCC OR ITS COUNSEL TO PROVIDE SUCH BUSINESS OR LEGAL

ADVICE, AND THAT CONTRACTOR HAS BEEN ADVISED TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL

ADVICE WITH REGARD TO PUBLIC RECORDS MATTERS ADDRESSED BY THIS

AGREEMENT. THE CONTRACTOR ACKNOWLEDGES THAT ITS FAILURE TO COMPLY

WITH FLORIDA LAW AND THIS AGREEMENT WITH RESPECT TO PUBLIC RECORDS

SHALL CONSTITUTE A MATERIAL BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT AND GROUNDS FOR

TERMINATION.

PUBLIC ENTITY CRIME

Contractor selection will be in accordance with the Public Entity Crimes statute, Section 287.133, Florida Statutes which states that 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/RFP/RFQ on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work, may not submit bids 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 Section 287.017, Florida Statutes for Category Two ($35,000) for a period of 36 months from the date of being placed on the convicted vendor list. A completed Public Entity Crime Form must be returned in the BID response.

Additionally, a conviction of a public entity crime may form the basis for the rejection of a bid, offer, or proposal by the COUNTY, or for termination of a contract with the COUNTY. The COUNTY may make inquiries regarding alleged convictions of public entity crimes at any time. The unreasonable failure of a bidder, offeror, or proposer to promptly supply information in connection with any such inquiry shall be adequate grounds for rejection of a bid, offer, or proposal, or for termination of a contract.

RESPONSE MATERIALS

Any material submitted in response to this invitation to respond becomes the property of the County upon delivery to the Procurement Supervisor and may be appended to any formal document which would further define or expand the contractual relationship between the County and the successful proposer. Additionally, any material or documentation submitted in response to this solicitation will be a public document pursuant to Section 119.07, Florida Statutes. This includes material which the responding bidder or proposer might consider to be confidential or a trade secret. Any claim of confidentiality is waived upon submission effective after public opening pursuant to Section 119.07, Florida Statutes.

The County shall not be liable for any expense incurred in connection with preparation of a response to this Request for Qualifications. Proposers should prepare a straightforward and concise description of the Proposer’s ability to meet the requirements of the RFQ.

SAFETY STANDARDS

mailto:PR-REQUESTS@PUTNAM-FL.COM

All manufactured items and fabricated assemblies shall comply with applicable requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), Federal EPA, Florida DEP and any standards otherwise stipulated in the solicitation.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor by submitting a proposal response agrees that it shall be solely responsible for supervising its employees, that it shall comply with all rules, regulations, orders, standards and interpretations promulgated pursuant to Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, including but not limited to training, recordkeeping, providing personal protective equipment, lockout/tag out procedures, Material Safety Data Sheets and labeling as required by the right to know standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200.

SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY

The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that Putnam County is a political subdivision of the State of Florida.

As such, the County is entitled to sovereign immunity except to the extent of the waiver set forth in Section 768.28, Florida Statutes, the County's performance under any resulting agreement and any amendments thereto or attachments connected there with, shall at all times be subject to any and all state laws, state regulations and County Ordinances which are applicable to the County's operations, commitments and/or activities in furtherance of any terms specified herein.

TAXES

The County does not pay federal, excise or state sales taxes. The applicable tax exemption numbers are:

Florida Sales Tax: 85-8013889128C-1 Federal Identification Number: 59-6000816 Any and all taxes and licenses imposed by Federal, State and local governments on the services to be provided by the Contractor under the terms of the agreement are the sole responsibility of the Contractor.

SUPPLEMENTARY INSTRUCTIONS

The County is exempt from payment of Florida State Sales and Use Taxes. The County will sign an exemption certificate submitted by the Consultant. The Consultant shall not be exempted from paying sales tax to their suppliers for materials used to fulfill contractual obligations with the County, nor is the Consultant authorized to use the County's Tax Exemption Number in securing such materials.

The Consultant shall be responsible for payment of his/her own FICA, Workers Compensation, Unemployment Taxes, Liability Insurance, any other overhead expenses and Social Security benefits with respect to this contract.

The Consultant shall not commence work under the Agreement until he/she has obtained all insurance required and it has been approved by the County.

WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSAL

Proposal may be withdrawn by written or telegraphic notice prior to solicitation public opening. Withdrawals received after the time set for opening of solicitation will not be considered.

2.0 Contract Term

The intent of Putnam County is to select a firm through the evaluation process and to award a contract(s) upon successful negotiations with the firm.

If awarded, the successful bidder will enter into a contract with the County based on the solicitation specifications and the results.

Length of Contractor services: The contractor services are estimated to be needed for 1 (one) year. The contractor services shall begin only upon the receipt of a written Notice to Proceed (NTP) from the County.

Tentative Contract Term: July 28, 2026 – July 27, 2027

3.0 Schedule

The following schedule is a general guideline for issuance and recommendation of award of this RFQ and issuance of the contract. The County may change the dates of any events of this RFQ and the issuance of the Contract. Any changes to this schedule will be posted on the webpage dedicated to this RFQ.

Tentative Dates Scheduled Issue RFQ Wednesday, April 22, 2026 Mandatory Pre Proposal Meeting Wednesday, April 29, 2026 Written questions due by 2:00 pm Thursday, May 14, 2026

* submit via email Leigh.Doran@putnam-fl.gov Proposals Due by 2:00 pm Friday, May 22, 2026 Public Opening of Proposals Friday, May 22, 2026 Evaluation Meeting Tuesday, June 9, 2026 @ 2:00pm Presentations Thursday, June 25, 2026 @ 9:00am Final Evaluation Meeting Thursday, June 25, 2026 Send Rank Order Recommendation to BOCC Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Contract to BOCC for Award Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 If special accommodations are required in order to attend any Public Meeting, Pre-Proposal Conference, Tour of Grounds, etc., contact Leigh Doran, Procurement Supervisor, at Leigh.Doran@putnam-fl.gov or at 386-329-0376.

MANDATORY PRE-SUBMITTAL MEETING

There will be a mandatory pre-submittal meeting held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 29, 2026 located at 2509 Crill Avenue, Suite 200, Palatka, Florida 32177. All firms interested in submitting a Qualifications package are invited to attend this meeting.

PUBLIC BID OPENING

The County will conduct a Public bid/proposal opening on Friday, May 22, 2026. The meeting will be held at the Government Complex located at 2509 Crill Avenue, Suite 200, Palatka, FL 32177 immediately following the bid close at 2:00pm EST. The meeting is open to the public, bidders are welcome to attend but will not have the opportunity to speak.

EVALUATION COMMITTEE REVIEW

If needed or desired, the County reserves the right to conduct an evaluation committee meeting on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. The purpose of this meeting is to create a ‘short – list’ of proposers which will be invited to participate in the interview and or demonstration process OR to create a rank order list to recommend for award. The meeting will be held beginning at 2:00 PM EST. The meeting will be held at the Government Complex located at 2509 Crill Avenue, Suite 200, Palatka, FL 32177. The Evaluation Committee Meeting is open to the public; bidders are welcome to attend but will not have the opportunity to speak.

PLEASE NOTE: THE COUNTY HAS AN OPTION TO RECOMMEND AN AWARD(S) BASED ON

THE INITIAL EVALUATION COMMITTEE MEEETING SCORING AND NOT CONDUCT

INTERVIEWS/FINAL EVALUATIONS.

PRESENTATIONS

If needed or desired, The County will conduct presentations with short-listed firms on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Presentations will be held in the conference room located at 2509 Crill Avenue, Suite 200, Palatka, FL 32177 beginning at 9:00AM EST. The meeting is open to the public; bidders are welcome to attend but will not have the opportunity to speak. IF presentations are desired a schedule of the assigned presentations will be posted to the webpage dedicated for this RFQ.

EVALUATION COMMITTEE FINAL REVIEW

The County will conduct a final evaluation committee meeting in an effort to identify the rank order in which the committee intends to award the contract to on Thursday, June 25, 2026. The meeting will be held in the conference room located at 2509 Crill Avenue, Suite 200, Palatka, FL 32177 and will begin immediately following presentations. The meeting is open to the public; bidders are welcome to attend but will not have the opportunity to speak.

INQUIRIES

The County will not respond to oral inquiries. Proposers may submit written, emailed inquiries regarding this RFQ to Leigh Doran, Procurement Supervisor, at Leigh.Doran@putnam-fl.gov . The County will respond to inquiries received at least seven (7) working days prior to the RFQ due date. The last day for inquiries is Thursday, May 14, 2026.

The County will record its responses to inquiries and any supplemental instructions in the form of Q and A and written addenda. Both will be issued through Putnam County website at http://bids.putnam-fl.com/bids. It shall be the responsibility of the Proposer, prior to submitting their proposal, to visit the website to determine if Q and A or addenda were issued; acknowledging, and incorporating them into their proposal.

MODIFICATIONS, RESUBMITTAL, AND WITHDRAWAL OF RESPONSES

Proposal may be modified or withdrawn by an appropriate document, duly executed, (in the manner that a Proposal must be executed) and delivered to the place where Proposals are to be submitted at any time prior to the opening of Proposals. Upon receipt and acceptance of such a request, the entire proposal will be returned to the proposer and not considered unless resubmitted by the due date and time. Proposer may also send a change in a sealed envelope to be opened at the same time as the proposal. No proposer may modify a proposal after the appointed proposal opening time.

All questions about the meaning or intent of the Request for Qualifications shall be emailed to Leigh Doran, Procurement Supervisor at Leigh.Doran@putnam-fl.gov . Replies will be posted on the website.

Questions received less than seven (7) working days prior to the date for opening of proposals will not be answered. Oral and other interpretations or clarifications will be without legal effect.

mailto:Leigh.Doran@putnam-fl.gov http://bids.putnam-fl.com/bids mailto:Leigh.Doran@putnam-fl.gov

RESPONSE SUBMISSION AND WITHDRAWL: The County will receive sealed responses or requests for withdrawal at the following address clearly marked on the outside:

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ 26-11): North Putnam Utilities Feasibility Study

Putnam County

Procurement Supervisor Leigh Doran

2509 Crill Avenue, Ste 200 Palatka, Florida, 32177

Proposals received after the established deadline will not be opened. Proposal documents are exempt from public record for a period of thirty days or a Notice of Intent to Award is issued whichever comes sooner per Chapter 119, as amended, of the Florida Statues.

4.0 RFQ Instructions

ERRORS AND OMMISSIONS

Proposers are expected to comply with the true intent of these bid specifications taken as a whole and shall not avail themselves of any errors or omissions to the detriment of the services. Should any proposers suspect any error, omission, or discrepancy in the specifications or instructions, the proposers shall immediately notify the Procurement & Budget Supervisor in writing who will issue written instructions to be followed. Proposers are responsible for the contents of their proposal and for satisfying the requirements set forth in the bid specifications.

Proposers must satisfy themselves of the accuracy of the estimated quantities in the Proposal Schedule by examination of the site and a review of the drawings and specifications including addenda. After Proposals have been submitted, the proposers shall not assert that there was a misunderstanding concerning the quantities of work or of the nature of the work to be done.

EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS/LABOR

IT WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SUCCESSFUL PROPOSER TO SUPPLY ALL

MATERIALS, TOOLS, NECESSARY LABOR, ETC. FOR THE WORK TO BE PERFORMED AS

SPECIFIED.

MANDATORY…