RFQ_40714_2025 IRL Seagrass Mapping.pdf

RFQ #40714

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THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE

ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

2025 INDIAN RIVER LAGOON SEAGRASS MAPPING

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS 40714

The Governing Board of the St. Johns River Water Management District (the “District”) requests that interested parties respond to the solicitation below by 2:00 p.m., January 8, 2025. Further information is available through DemandStar at Demandstar.com, Vendor Registry at Vendorregistry.com, the state of Florida’s MyFloridaMarketPlace at myfloridamarketplace.com, Central Bidding at centralbidding.com, or the District’s website at sjrwmd.com. Solicitation packages may be obtained from DemandStar, Vendor Registry, MyFloridaMarketPlace, Central Bidding, or the District by emailing Breanna Pierce, Procurement Specialist, at bpierce@sjrwmd.com. Responses will be opened in Conference Room 147, Administration Building, Palatka Headquarters, 4049 Reid Street, Palatka, Florida 32177-2571.

Project Description

The overall objectives of the 2025 Indian River Lagoon Seagrass Mapping (the “Project”) are for Consultant to: a) be responsible for all flight planning and mission management and acquire aerial imagery of the entire Indian River Lagoon (“IRL”) in digital format at an appropriate time in 2025; b) use the imagery to produce a complete map of seagrass that meets the specifications required by the District and supports valid comparisons with existing map products; c) use the imagery to produce a separate complete map of Caulerpa spp. that meets the specifications required by the District and supports valid comparisons with existing map products; d) deliver the maps, processed 2025 aerial imagery, and all files used in establishing orthorectification; and e) perform other key processes described in the Statement of Work (Attachment A).

Appropriate Geographic Information Systems (“GIS”) and photogrammetric software shall be used to ensure that all maps will be fully compatible with the data presently in the District's ArcGIS library.

The District will conduct the Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”) process as follows:

Date Description 2:00 pm, January 8, 2025 Submittals due 10:00 am, January 22, 2025 Evaluation Committee meets to review the Submittals and will select not less than three Respondents deemed most highly qualified (District HQ, 4049 Reid St., Palatka, FL 32177, Conf. Rm. 147, Admin. Bldg.) One or more members of the Committee may participate via communications media technology through phone or web conferencing.

January 24, 2025 District Issues Notice of Intended Decision (NOID) notifying Respondents of rankings

February 11, 2025 District Governing Board consideration to approve a ranking of designated firms and competitive negotiations be instituted

February 12, 2025 District enters into negotiations with the highest-ranked Respondent.

Additional negotiations, if any, shall take place with the other Respondents in ranked order.

Negotiate final details and costs with the top-ranked Respondent — after negotiations have been completed, all Respondents will be notified in writing of the staff’s intended recommendation to the Governing Board.

Negotiate professional fees and project costs with the top-ranked Respondent as authorized by the District’s Governing Board at its February 11, 2025, meeting.

RFQ # 40714

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Any submitted response (Submittal) received after the dates and times stated will not be considered and will be returned to Respondent unopened. The District reserves the right to waive any minor deviations in an otherwise valid Submittal to the solicitation process and to reject any or all Submittals to this Request For Qualifications.

This solicitation is issued subject to the legal requirements established under Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act, §287.055, Fla. Stat.

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)

The District does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its services, programs, or activities. Special accommodations for disabilities may be requested through Breanna Pierce, or by calling (800) 955-8771 (TTY), at least five business days before the date needed.

Submittal Checklist

This Submittal Checklist is provided for convenience of Respondent and shall not be relied upon in lieu of the instructions or requirements of this solicitation. To ensure that the Submittal is complete and to maximize the number of points Respondent may receive, please review the following items to confirm that they have been addressed and are included in the Submittal. Do not return this checklist with your Submittal.

Has Respondent met the submission deadline established in the solicitation?

Does the Submittal contain all required documentation to meet the requirements stated in the solicitation documents?

Is Respondent in good standing with the Florida Secretary of State (corporations and partnerships)?

Has Respondent prepared, organized, and completed the Submittal correctly?

Tab 1 — Respondents’ and subconsultants’ overall capabilities to conduct work as presented in the Statement of Work.

Tab 2 — Respondents’ accessibility to necessary equipment to perform the Work (defined herein).

Tab 3 — Respondents’ qualifications, abilities and expertise (past and present experience on relevant projects (seagrass and macroalgae mapping)) of key personnel, including willingness, and capacity to dedicate qualified staff to the project.

Tab 4 — Location of Respondents’ Management Office/Project Manager to the project area.

Tab 5 — Volume of District work previously awarded to Respondent.

RFQ #40714

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS ................................................................................................... - 4 -

1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ - 4 -

2. DEFINITIONS ................................................................................................................................. - 4 -

3. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION ................................................................................................. - 4 -

4. WHERE TO DELIVER SUBMITTAL ............................................................................................ - 4 -

5. OPENING OF SUBMITTALS ........................................................................................................ - 5 -

6. ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF QUALIFICATIONS ................................................................ - 5 -

7. PREPARATION AND ORGANIZATION OF THE SUBMITTAL ................................................ - 6 -

8. INQUIRIES AND ADDENDA ........................................................................................................ - 8 -

9. BUDGET ESTIMATE ..................................................................................................................... - 8 -

10. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS ..................................................................................................... - 8 -

11. SIGNATURE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS ........................................................... - 9 -

12. DISQUALIFICATION OF RESPONDENTS ................................................................................. - 9 -

13. REJECTION OF SUBMITTAL ..................................................................................................... - 10 -

14. DIVERSITY OPPORTUNITY ...................................................................................................... - 10 -

15. EXAMINATION OF AGREEMENT DOCUMENTS AND WORK AREA ................................ - 10 -

16. PROHIBITION AGAINST CONSIDERING SOCIAL, POLITICAL OR IDEOLOGICAL

INTERESTS IN GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING - §287.05701, FLA. STAT. ....................... - 11 -

17. PUBLIC ENTITY CRIMES/DISCRIMINATORY VENDORS ................................................... - 11 -

18. FLORIDA SALES TAX ................................................................................................................ - 11 -

19. EVALUATION CRITERIA ........................................................................................................... - 12 -

20. EVALUATION AND AWARD PROCEDURES ......................................................................... - 13 -

21. WITHDRAWAL OF SUBMITTAL .............................................................................................. - 14 -

22. EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT .................................................................................................. - 14 -

23. NOTICES AND SERVICES THEREOF ....................................................................................... - 15 -

24. PROTEST PROCEDURES ............................................................................................................ - 15 -

FORMS ....................................................................................................................................................... - 16 - SUBMITTAL FORM ........................................................................................................................... - 16 - PROPOSED SUBCONSULTANTS ..................................................................................................... - 17 - CERTIFICATE AS TO CORPORATION ........................................................................................... - 18 -

AFFIDAVIT AS TO NON-COLLUSION AND CERTIFICATION OF MATERIAL CONFORMANCE

WITH SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................. - 19 - QUALIFICATIONS — GENERAL ..................................................................................................... - 20 - QUALIFICATIONS — SIMILAR PROJECTS ................................................................................... - 21 - QUALIFICATIONS — CLIENT REFERENCE ................................................................................. - 23 - DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE FORM .................................................................................................. - 25 - NO RESPONSE FORM ........................................................................................................................ - 26 - DRAFT AGREEMENT ...................................................................................................................... - 27 - ATTACHMENT A — STATEMENT OF WORK .............................................................................. - 48 -

ATTACHMENT B — CONTRACT PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR STATE-FUNDED COST

REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACTS ............................................................................................. - 63 - ATTACHMENT C — INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS ................................................................... - 64 - ATTACHMENT D — DISTRICT’S SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTIONS (sample) ....................... - 65 - ATTACHMENT E — FDEP GRANT AGREEMENT ........................................................................ - 65 - ATTACHMENT F — SFWMD PURCHASE ORDER ....................................................................... - 65 - ATTACHMENT G — HUMAN TRAFFICKING ATTESTATION ................................................... - 68 -

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INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS

1. INTRODUCTION

This RFQ invites responses (the words, “Response” and “Submittal” have the same meaning in these documents) according to the requirements set forth in this Solicitation, Through this RFQ, the District is seeking to procure a qualified and experienced professional, as contemplated in §287.055, Fla. Stat., and Rules 40C-1.709 – 40C-1.718, F.A.C.

Respondents understand and agree that any expenditure they make in preparation and delivery of their Submittals or in the performance of any services requested by the District in connection with the Submittals or in response to this RFQ, are exclusively at the expense of the Respondents. In addition, the District shall not pay or reimburse any expenditure or other expense incurred by any Respondent for the following:

(a) Anticipation of an award of a contract;

(b) Maintaining the approved status of the Successful Respondent if a contract is awarded; or

(c) Administrative or judicial proceedings resulting from the solicitation process.

2. DEFINITIONS

The definitions of capitalized terms used in this solicitation that are not otherwise defined herein can be found in the sample contract document (the “Agreement”) that is at the end of these instructions. The Agreement includes these Instructions to Respondents, any addenda published by the District, and all required certifications and affidavits.

3. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

All inquiries related to this solicitation may only be directed to the Procurement Specialist:

Breanna Pierce, Procurement Specialist Phone: (386) 329-4592 Email: bpierce@sjrwmd.com

Between the release of this solicitation and the posting of the notice of intended decision, Respondents to this solicitation or persons acting on their behalf may not contact any employee or officer of the District concerning any aspect of this solicitation, except the procurement employee listed above. Violation of this provision is grounds for rejecting a Submittal.

4. WHERE TO DELIVER SUBMITTAL

Respondent must submit its Submittal either by uploading to DemandStar or Central Bidding or in “digital format”. Instructions for submitting are provided below.

Submittals can be uploaded directly to www.demandstar.com OR to www.centralbidding.com, NOT

BOTH; OR

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Digital Submittals can be printed and mailed or hand-delivered in a sealed envelope. For mailed or hand-delivered Submittals, Respondents must clearly label the Submittal envelope with large bold, and/or colored lettering (place label on inner envelope if double sealed) as follows:

SEALED SUBMITTAL — DO NOT OPEN

Respondent’s Name: _______________________________ Request for Qualifications: 40714 Opening Time: 2:00 P.M.

Opening Date: January 8, 2025

Breanna Pierce, Procurement Specialist Attn: Office of Financial Services St. Johns River Water Management District 4049 Reid St.

Palatka, FL 32177-2571

DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR SUBMITTAL BY EMAIL — THIS WILL RESULT IN THE SUBMITTAL

BEING REJECTED AS NONRESPONSIVE.

5. OPENING OF SUBMITTALS

Respondents or their authorized agents are invited to attend the opening of the Submittals at the following dates, times, and place:

January 8, 2025, 2:00 P.M.

St. Johns River Water Management District Headquarters 4049 Reid Street, Palatka, Florida 32177-2571

The Florida Public Records Act, §119.071(1)(b), Fla. Stat., exempts sealed submittals from inspection and copying until such time as the District provides notice of an intended decision pursuant to §120.57(3)(a), Fla. Stat., or until 30 days after opening of bids, proposals, submittals, or final replies, whichever is earlier. This exemption is not waived by the public opening of the submittals.

Unless otherwise exempt, Respondent’s Submittal is a public record subject to disclosure upon expiration of the above exemption period. If any information submitted with the Submittal is a trade secret as defined in §812.081, Fla. Stat., and exempt from disclosure pursuant to §815.04, Fla. Stat., Respondent must clearly identify any such material as “CONFIDENTIAL TRADE SECRET” in its Submittal AND explain the basis for such exemption. The District reserves the right, in its sole judgment and discretion, to reject a Submittal for excessive or unwarranted assertion of trade secret confidentiality and return the Submittal to Respondent.

6. ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF QUALIFICATIONS

1. Respondents must submit all required, fully completed forms as indicated below (reproduced copies are acceptable).

2. Respondent is encouraged to include as much pertinent data and information under each section as necessary to ensure proper evaluation of its qualifications. Each section shall be evaluated separately on its own merit.

3. Unless directed otherwise, all information required by the solicitation, including the forms and questionnaires listed below must be completed (typed or handwritten) and included in the submission in electronic format (forms must be completed and converted/scanned to PDF format (Adobe).

4. All of the forms and questionnaires in the Request for Qualifications package are available upon request in Microsoft® Word to aid the Respondent in providing its Submittal in electronic format.

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5. The file-naming conventions for the Submittal shall include:

Submittal: RFQ # Respondent’s name (abbreviated) Due Date

(Example: RFQ _____ ABC Company 11-11-15)

6. The Submittal must include a separator page between each “Tabbed” section.

7. Please do NOT password protect your files. The District recommends that Respondents confirm their Submittal will open correctly on a non-company owned computer. Any electronic submittal received by the District that does not open on a District-owned computer is subject to rejection as a defective response.

A RESPONDENT’S SUBMITTAL MAY BE REJECTED AS NON-RESPONSIVE FOR (1)

FAILING TO COMPLETE ALL FORMS AND QUESTIONNAIRES; (2) FAILING TO

PROVIDE ALL REQUIRED MATERIALS; OR (3) OTHERWISE FAILING TO COMPLY

WITH INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARATION AND ORGANIZATION OF SUBMITTAL

7. PREPARATION AND ORGANIZATION OF THE SUBMITTAL

It is Respondent’s responsibility to include information in its Response to present all relevant qualification and other materials. The Response, however, should not contain standard marketing or other general materials. The requirements step forth below represent the minimum content for the Response. Respondent shall provide and complete the following forms, and include them in their Submittal under the tabs identified below:

Tab 1 — Respondents’ and subconsultants’ capabilities to conduct work as presented in the Statement of Work (Respondent must complete all District-provided forms shown below.)

(a) Submittal Form

(b) Proposed Subconsultants Form

(c) Certificate as to Corporation

(d) Affidavit as to Non-Collusion and Certification of Material Conformance with Specifications

(e) Qualifications (General, Similar Projects, Client References)

(f) Drug-Free Workplace Form (not required unless there is a tie submittal)

(g) Provide documentation demonstrating related experience in aerial imagery for seagrass mapping and the means for acquiring imagery within designated time limits including any subconsultant availability. (Respondent provided documentation)

(h) Organization profile (Respondent provided documentation)

(i) Provide documentation of experience conducting ground-truthing for seagrasses and macroalgae with the aid of GPS. (Respondent provided documentation)

(j) Experience in Aaerotriangulation & orthorectification of digital aerial photographs.

(Respondent provided documentation)

(k) Record of obtaining, processing & delivering end products from aerial digital mapping cameras (either frame based or line scanners). (Respondent provided documentation)

(l) Experience of staff in seagrass and macroalgae photo-interpretation and change detection using manual methods. (Respondent provided documentation)

(m) Experience compiling maps in GIS. (Respondent provided documentation)

(n) Experience (of firm and key personnel) in conducting positional accuracy assessment.

(Respondent provided documentation)

(o) Provide a written synopsis on (1) problems encountered, (2) solutions employed to resolve problems, and (3) lessons learned and how to avoid these issues in the future. (Respondent provided documentation)

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(p) Indicate if Respondent is a certified minority business as defined by the Florida Small and Minority Business Act of 1985 (if yes, provide certification).

Tab 2 — Respondents’ accessibility to necessary equipment to perform the Work (defined herein).

(Respondent provided documentation.)

(a) Provide a list and description of each piece of equipment deemed necessary to complete the project as described in the Statement of Work.

(b) Provide a list of software to perform the Work (Appropriate GIS and photogrammetric software shall be used to ensure that all maps will be fully compatible with the data presently in the District's ArcGIS library.)

Tab 3 — Respondent’s qualifications, abilities and expertise (past and present experience on relevant projects (seagrass and macroalgae mapping)) of key personnel, including willingness, and capacity to dedicate qualified staff to the project. (Respondent provided documentation.)

(a) Provide a description of Respondent and their overall qualifications, capabilities, and past experience on seagrass and macroalgae mapping projects.

(b) Provide a description of all Subconsultants and their overall qualifications, capabilities and past experience on seagrass and macroalgae mapping projects.

(c) Identify Respondent’s Project Team specific to this project and key personnel (i.e., project manager, engineering design manager, engineer of record, and quality control manager).

Include the following information:

1. Organizational chart of the project team, identifying names and titles of key personnel and subconsultants

2. Valid state of Florida Professional Surveyor’s licenses for key personnel and other individuals taking part in the work and other applicable professional licenses.

Failure to provide copies of such licenses may result in Respondent being deemed non-responsive.

3. Functions and availability of Project Team and key personnel

4. Resumes and contact information for the Project Team and key personnel

5. Description of roles, responsibilities, and experience in past similar projects.

(d) Provide details of personnel’s experiences and capabilities where they have successfully provided project planning, risk mitigation; ensured project quality; and met schedule and budget goals.

(e) Demonstrate willingness/ability of Respondent to meet time and budget requirements.

Include recent, current, and projected workloads.

Tab 4 — Location of Respondent’s Management Office/Project Manager to the Palm Bay Service Center.

Provide the location of Respondent’s Management office or Project Manager relative to the entrance to the Palm Bay Service Center (27.98675, -80.62766). The District shall utilize maps.google.com and the shortest driving route to confirm mileage. Points will be awarded as follows:

(a) Within 0-100 miles of the project area = 10 points

(b) > 100 but ≤ 200 miles from of the project area = 7 points

(c) > 200 but ≤ 300 miles from of the project area = 4 points

(d) > 300 miles from of the project area = 0 points

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Tab 5 — Volume of District work previously awarded to Respondent. (Respondent provided documentation.)

Respondent shall submit documentation as to the volume of work (in dollars) awarded by the District to the firm in the past three years, including contracts, work orders and purchase orders.

8. INQUIRIES AND ADDENDA

District staff are not authorized to orally interpret the meaning of the specifications or other Agreement documents, or correct any apparent ambiguity, inconsistency, or error therein. In order to be binding upon the District, the interpretation or correction must be given by the Procurement Specialist and must be in writing. The Procurement Specialist may orally explain the District’s procedures and assist Respondents in referring to any applicable provision in the solicitation documents, but the Respondent is ultimately responsible for submitting the Submittal in the appropriate form and in accordance with written procedures.

Every request for a written interpretation or correction must be received at least nine days prior to the opening of the Submittal to be considered. Requests should be submitted by email at bpierce@sjrwmd.com. Interpretations, corrections, and supplemental instructions will be communicated by written addenda to this solicitation posted by the solicitation advertising portals identified on Page 1 to all prospective Respondents (at the respective addresses furnished for such purposes) no later than five days before the opening of the Submittal.

Submission of a Submittal constitutes acknowledgment of receipt of all addenda and construed as though all addenda have been received. Failure of the Respondent to receive any addenda does not relieve Respondent from any and all obligations under the Submittal as it was submitted. All addenda become part of the Agreement.

9. BUDGET ESTIMATE

The District’s budget estimate for the Project is $360,000.

This amount is an estimate only and does not limit the District in awarding the Agreement. Respondents are cautioned to not make any assumptions from the estimate about the total funds available for the Work. The District retains the right to adjust the budget estimate in awarding the Agreement. The District also reserves the right to reject all Submittals that are over the budget estimate. In addition, the District reserves the right to increase, decrease, or delete any class, item, or part of the Work to reduce costs for any reason. The District may discuss alternatives for reducing the cost of the Work with Respondents and make such modifications as it determines to be in its best interest.

10. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Respondent must use and complete the “Qualification” forms (General, Similar Projects, and Client References) provided in these documents toward documenting its minimum qualifications. If Respondent fails to include these forms and the documentation requested below, Respondent’s Submittal may be considered non-responsive. The following items shall constitute the minimum requirements:

(a) Respondent must employ a professional licensed surveyor and mapper (“PSM”) currently licensed in the state of Florida through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs — provide copy of license(s) Respondent-provided documentation under (Tab 3).

(b) Respondent (or a combination of the firm, individual, or project manager assigned to the Work) must have successfully completed three (3) similar projects (mapping seagrass and macroalgae through aerial photography and photogrammetry) within the five (5) years immediately preceding the date set for receipt of the Submittal, January 8, 2025. (Respondent must use form Qualifications

– Similar Projects provided under the section “FORMS”; include under Tab 1)

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(c) Respondent must provide three (3) separate client references who can provide a satisfactory client reference and verify Respondent’s qualifications and past performance record:

(1) Each client reference must be a different client and at least two of the three client references must also be listed in the Similar Projects identified in response to QUALIFICATIONS – SIMILAR PROJECTS. If using a similar project as a client reference, simply state “Similar Project No.___” on the QUALIFICATIONS – CLIENT REFERENCE form.

(2) No more than two (2) of the client references may be from (a) one similar project listed in response to Section 10. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, sub-paragraph (b).

(3) No more than one client reference may be from completed District projects. If a District project is cited, do not request a letter from District staff.

(Respondent must use form Qualifications – Client References provided under the section “FORMS”; include under Tab 1).

(c) Respondent must have no less than five (5) years of experience in mapping seagrass through aerial photography and photogrammetry. (Respondent must use form Qualifications – General provided under the section “FORMS”; include under Tab 1).

(d) Respondent must be licensed to do business in the state of Florida. (Respondent provided documentation must be included with its Submittal include under Tab 1).

(Respondent-provided documentation outside of minimum requirements above; label and include under Tab 5)

Irrespective of the minimum qualifications stated above, the District may make such investigations as it deems necessary to determine the ability of the Respondent to perform the Work. The District reserves the right to reject any Response if the evidence submitted by such Respondent and/or the District’s independent investigation of such Respondent fails to satisfy the District that such Respondent is properly qualified to carry out the obligations of the Agreement and complete the Work in a manner acceptable to the District within the time period specified.

11. SIGNATURE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

An individual submitting a Submittal must sign his/her name therein and state his/her address and the name and address of every other person interested in the submission as principal. If a firm or partnership provides the submission, state the name and address of each member of the firm or partnership. If a corporation provides the submission, an authorized officer or agent must sign the submission subscribing the name of the corporation with his or her own name and affixing the corporate seal. Such officer or agent must also provide the name of the state under which the corporation is chartered, and the names and business addresses of the President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Corporations chartered in states other than Florida must submit evidence of registration with the Florida Secretary of State for doing business in the state of Florida. Respondent must certify that all persons or entities having an interest as principal in the submission or in substantial performance of the Work have been identified.

12. DISQUALIFICATION OF RESPONDENTS

Any of the following causes will be considered as sufficient grounds for disqualification of a Respondent and rejection of the Submittal:

(a) Contacting a District employee or officer other than the procurement employee named in this solicitation about any aspect of this solicitation before the notice of intended decision is posted.

(b) Submission of more than one Submittal for the same subject matter by an individual, firm, partnership, or corporation under the same or different names.

(c) Evidence of collusion among Respondents.

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(d) Submission of materially false information with the Submittal.

(e) Information gained through checking of references or other sources which indicates that Respondent may not successfully perform the Work.

(f) Incomplete contractual commitment(s) to other persons or entities, which, in the sole judgment of the District, may hinder or prevent the prompt completion of the Work if awarded to Respondent.

(g) Respondent has failed or is failing to adequately perform on any contract with the District (regardless of whether or not such performance failure has been cured), including without limitation: (1) a material breach thereof; (2) a failure to complete work in a timely manner or within the contract price when such failure is attributable to the actions or inactions of Respondent or Respondent’s subconsultants or suppliers, which may or may not result in the District issuing a cure notice;

(3) substandard quality of work, which may or may not result in a violation of a law, regulation, or building code; (4) any failure to cooperate with the District during performance of the contract; or

(5) evidence of financial instability or irresponsibility, as may be indicated through notice of non-payment of claims or liens filed against Respondent’s bond or the District by Respondent’s subconsultants or suppliers.

(h) Respondent has defaulted on a previous contract with the District or other public entity, which may be evidenced by a successful claim on Respondent’s performance or payment bond due to the default.

(i) The evidence submitted by Respondent, or the District’s investigation of Respondent, fails to satisfy the District that Respondent is properly qualified to carry out the obligations of the Agreement in a manner acceptable to the District and within the time period specified.

(j) Any other cause that is sufficient to raise doubt regarding the ability of a Respondent to perform the Work in a manner that meets the District’s objectives for the Work.

13. REJECTION OF SUBMITTAL

Submittals must be delivered to the specified location and received before the applicable opening dates and times in order to be considered. Untimely submissions will be returned to the Respondent unopened.

Submittals will be considered irregular and may be rejected if they show material omissions, alterations of forms, additions not called for, conditions, limitations, or other material irregularities. The District reserves the right to waive any minor deviations or irregularities in an otherwise valid submission.

The District reserves the right to reject any and all submissions and cancel this solicitation when it determines, in its sole judgment and discretion, that it is not in its best interest to award the Agreement.

In addition, the District reserves the right to increase, decrease, or delete any class, item, or part of the Work in order to reduce costs for any reason. The District may discuss alternatives for reducing the cost of the Work with Respondents and make such modifications as it determines to be in its best interest.

14. DIVERSITY OPPORTUNITY

The District is committed to the opportunity for diversity in its procurement activities and encourages its vendors (consultants and suppliers) to make a good faith effort to ensure that women and minority-owned business enterprises (W/MBE) are given the opportunity for maximum participation as subconsultants. The District will assist the Successful Respondent by sharing information on W/MBEs.

15. EXAMINATION OF AGREEMENT DOCUMENTS AND WORK AREA

Respondent is solely responsible for being fully informed of the conditions under which the Work is to be performed in relation to existing conditions. Respondent is responsible for carefully examining the general area of the Work, the requirements of the drawings, and other contract documents related to the Work, the time in which the Work must be completed, and any other details of the Work. Respondent

- 11 -must satisfy itself from its own personal knowledge and experience or professional advice as to the character of the Work, the conditions, and materials to be encountered, the character, quality, and quantities of the Work, and any other conditions affecting the Work, including surrounding land.

Failure to satisfy the obligations of this paragraph will not relieve a Successful Respondent of its obligation to furnish all material, equipment, and labor necessary to perform the Agreement and to complete the Work for the consideration set forth in its Proposal. Any such failure will not be sufficient cause to submit a claim for additional compensation.

No verbal agreement or conversation with any District officer, agent, or employee, either before or after the execution of the Agreement, will affect or modify any of its terms.

16. PROHIBITION AGAINST CONSIDERING SOCIAL, POLITICAL OR IDEOLOGICAL

INTERESTS IN GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING - §287.05701, FLA. STAT.

Notice is hereby provided that pursuant to Section 287.05701, Fla. Stat., the District (1) will not request documentation of or consider a Respondent’s social, political, or ideological interests when determining if the Bidder is a responsible Bidder and (2) may not give preference to a Bidder based on the Bidder’s social, political, or ideological interests.

17. PUBLIC ENTITY CRIMES/DISCRIMINATORY VENDORS

In accordance with §287.133 and §287.134, Fla. Stat., a person or affiliate who has been placed on the convicted or discriminatory vendor lists following a conviction for a public entity crime or placement on the discriminatory vendor list 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 consultant, contractor, supplier or subconsultant under a contract with any public entity; and may not transact business with any public entity in excess of the threshold amount provided in §287.017, Fla. Stat., for CATEGORY TWO ($35,000) for a period of 36 months following the date of being placed on the convicted or discriminatory vendor lists.

18. FLORIDA SALES TAX

The District is exempt from payment of state of Florida sales tax pursuant to §212.08(6), Fla. Stat. Any tangible personal property that is the subject of this RFQ is intended to remain tangible personal property and not become part of a public work owned by the District.

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19. EVALUATION CRITERIA

Responses will be evaluated using the evaluation criteria below. The evaluation rating scale for the Submittal are as follows:

More than adequate ......................................... 8 – 10 Less than adequate .................................................. 1 – 4 Adequate .......................................................... 5 – 7 Not covered in Submittal

Criteria Written Submittal

Weight

Written Submittal

Raw Score

Written Submittal Weighted

Total

1 Respondent’s and subconsultants’ capabilities to conduct work as presented in the Statement of Work

Refer to Paragraph 7 - PREPARATION AND ORGANIZATION OF THE SUBMITTAL, Tab 1, section (g).

15%

Refer to Paragraph 7 - PREPARATION AND ORGANIZATION OF THE SUBMITTAL, Tab 1, section (h) through (p).

40%

2 Respondents’ accessibility of necessary equipment to perform the work.

Refer to Paragraph 7 - PREPARATION AND ORGANIZATION OF THE SUBMITTAL, Tab 2.

10%

3 Respondents’ qualifications, abilities and expertise (past and present experience on relevant projects (seagrass and macroalgae mapping)) of key personnel, including willingness, and capacity to dedicate qualified staff to the project.

Refer to Paragraph 7 - PREPARATION AND ORGANIZATION OF THE SUBMITTAL, Tab 3.

20%

4 Location of Respondent’s Management Office/Project Manager to the entrance of the Palm Bay Service Center (see explanation).

Location of managing firm/project manager relative to the project area

— higher consideration will be given to firms whose managing firm/project manager is located nearest to the entrance of the Palm Bay Service Center (27.98675, -80.62766). The website maps.google.com (using the “Shortest” driving route) should be utilized to determine mileage. The District will award points as follows:

Within 0-100 miles of the project area = 10 points > 100 but ≤ 200 miles from of the project area = 7 points > 200 but ≤ 300 miles from of the project area = 4 points > 300 miles from of the project area = 0 points

5%

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5 Volume of District work previously awarded to Respondent The District will use its financial records to determine the volume of work (in dollars) awarded by the District using the total amount paid to Respondent during the three years immediately preceding the date set for receipt of Submittals, including contracts, work orders, and purchase orders. Points will be allocated from 0 to 10 for Respondents with higher previous paid amount totals during the 36-month period immediately preceding the Submittal date of this RFQ, receiving fewer award points.

Respondents with no previous payments may receive the highest allocation of points (10), while the Respondent with the highest previous paid amount will receive zero points. Checks issued by the District on or prior to the date submittals (January 8, 2025) are received shall be included in this total even if Respondent has not yet received the payment. The formula for allocation of previous work award points will be calculated as follows: The Respondent with the highest total of previous work awarded represents the Allocation Basis Total (ABT);

then, the ABT less the Previous Work Awarded divided by the ABT will be multiplied by 10 (the highest number of points awarded); the result will be rounded to tenths of a point.

10%

SUBTOTAL: Written Submittal 100%

20. EVALUATION AND AWARD PROCEDURES

(a) Submittals will be evaluated by an Evaluation Committee (Committee) based upon the criteria and weighting set forth in “EVALUATION CRITERIA.” The Committee will meet at District headquarters or another location as appropriate to discuss the Submittals and their evaluations. Each Committee member will complete an evaluation form for each Respondent, from which the overall ranking of Submittals will be complied. Evaluation forms may be submitted at or subsequent to the Committee meeting.

(b) Section 286.0113, Fla. Stat., exempts from being open to the public, any portion of a meeting at which: (1) a negotiation with a Respondent is conducted pursuant to a competitive solicitation; (2) a Respondent makes an oral presentation as part of a competitive solicitation; (3) a Respondent answers questions as part of a competitive solicitation; or (4) negotiation strategies are discussed.

Also, recordings of, and any records presented at, the exempt meeting are exempt from §119.07(1) Fla. Stat. and §24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution (Public Records) until such time as the District provides notice of an intended decision or until 30 days after opening the bids, proposals, submittals, or final replies, whichever occurs earlier. A complete recording shall be made of any portion of an exempt meeting. No portion of the exempt meeting may be held off the record.

(c) Pursuant to §286.0113 Fla. Stat., if the District rejects all Submittals and concurrently provides notice of its intent to reissue the competitive solicitation, any recordings or records presented at any exempt meeting relating to the solicitation shall remain exempt from §119.07(1) Fla. Stat. and §24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution (Public Records) until such time as the District provides notice of an intended decision concerning the reissued competitive solicitation or until the District withdraws the reissued competitive solicitation. A recording and any records presented at an exempt meeting are not exempt for longer than 12 months after the initial District notice rejecting all Submittals.

(d) Following the evaluation process, the District will submit the final ranking to the Governing Board for approval and that competitive negotiations be instituted, except for those instances in which the authority to negotiate, approve, and execute the Agreement has been delegated by the Governing

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Board to the Executive Director, or designee. All Respondents will be notified in writing of the Evaluation Committee’s final ranking.

(e) Contract negotiations will then commence with the highest-ranked Respondents. If negotiations fail with the highest-ranked Respondent, negotiations will proceed with the other Respondents in ranked order.

(f) If two or more submissions are equal in all respects, the Agreement will be awarded as follows:

(1) to the Respondent that certifies compliance with §287.087, Fla. Stat., via the Drug-Free Workplace Form; (2) to a Respondent whose Proposal contains commodities manufactured, grown, or produced within the state of Florida pursuant to §287.082 Fla. Stat.; or (3) by lot.

(g) The Agreement will be awarded to the highest-ranked Respondent, which successfully concludes negotiations with the District (the “Successful Respondent”). The Agreement may be modified based on the District’s acceptance of any alternatives listed in this solicitation that the District deems in its best interest.

(h) The District reserves the right to award the Agreement to the next highest-ranked Respondent in the event the Successful Respondent fails to enter into the Agreement, or the Agreement with said Respondent is terminated within 90 days of the effective date.

(i) All Respondents will be notified of the District’s intent to award or decision to award the Agreement.

For the purpose of filing a proposal protest under §120.57(3), Fla. Stat., the time period will commence as provided in “NOTICES AND SERVICES THEREOF.”

21. WITHDRAWAL OF SUBMITTAL

Respondent may withdraw its Submittal, if it submits such a written request to the District prior to the designated date and hour of opening of Submittal. Respondent may be permitted to withdraw its Technical Proposal no later than 72 hours after the Submittal opening for good cause, as determined by the District in its sole judgment and discretion.

22. EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT

The submission of a Submittal binds the Successful Respondent to perform the Work upon acceptance and execution of the Agreement by the District.

Unless all Responses are rejected, a contract substantially in the form included in these documents will be provided to the Successful Respondent, who must execute and return the Agreement to the District within ten days of the date of receipt, along with the following:

(a) A completed Internal Revenue Service Form W-9;

(b) Satisfactory evidence of all required insurance coverage;

(c) Proof satisfactory to the District of the authority of the person or persons executing the Agreement on behalf of Respondent; and

(d) All other information and documentation required by the Agreement.

The District will not execute the Agreement until the above documents have been executed and delivered to the District. The Agreement will not be binding until executed by the District. A copy of the fully executed Agreement will be delivered to the Successful Respondent. The District reserves the right to cancel award of the Agreement without liability at any time before the Agreement has been fully executed by all parties and delivered to the Successful Respondent.

Failure upon the part of the Successful Respondent to execute the Agreement or timely submit the required evidence of insurance coverage, or any other matter required by the Agreement, will be just cause, if the District so elects, for the recommended award to be annulled.

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23. NOTICES AND SERVICES THEREOF

The District will publish notice of specifications and criteria, including addenda, intended agency decisions, or other matters pertinent to this solicitation on the solicitation advertising portals identified on Page 1 and same may also be accessed through the District’s website at sjrwmd.com.

Notices will be posted for a minimum of 72 hours. The time period for filing a Notice of Protest pursuant to §120.57(3), Fla. Stat., and Rule 28-110.003, Fla. Admin. Code, commences at the time notices are posted.

As a courtesy to Respondents, the District may send copies of the notices of intended agency decisions via email to Respondent. These courtesy communications neither constitute official notice nor vary the times of receipt set forth above.

24. PROTEST PROCEDURES

Pursuant to §120.57(3), Fla. Stat., and Rule 28-110.003, Fla. Admin. Code, any person adversely affected by the terms, conditions, or specifications contained in a solicitation, including addenda, must file a Notice of Protest within 72 hours after its posting.

Pursuant to §120.57(3), Fla. Stat., and Rule 28-110.003, Fla. Admin. Code, any person adversely affected by a District decision or intended decision to award a contract, or to reject all bids, proposals, or qualifications, must file a written Notice of Protest within 72 hours after posting of the decision or intended decision.

Pursuant to §120.57(3), Fla. Stat., and Rule 28-110.004, Fla. Admin. Code, the protester must also file with the District Clerk a Formal Written Protest within ten days after the date the Notice of Protest is filed with the District. The Formal Written Protest must state with particularity the facts and law upon which the protest is based. Pursuant to §287.042(2)(c), Fla. Stat., any person who files an action protesting the decision or intended decision must post with the District Clerk at the time of filing the formal written protest a bond, cashier’s check, or money order made payable to the St. Johns River Water Management District in an amount equal to one percent (1%) of the District’s estimated contract amount.

No additional time will be added for mailing. All filings must comply with Rule 28-106.104, Fla. Admin.

Code, and must be addressed to and received by the District Clerk at the District Headquarters in Palatka, Florida within the prescribed time periods. The District will not accept as filed any electronically transmitted facsimile pleadings, petitions, Notice of Protest or other documents.

The District’s acceptance of pleadings, petitions, Notice of Protest, Formal Written Protest, or other documents filed by email is subject to certain conditions set forth in the District’s Statement of Agency Organization and Operation (issued pursuant to Rule 28-101.001, Florida Administrative Code), which is available for viewing at sjrwmd.com. These conditions include, but are not limited to, the document being in the form of a PDF or TIFF file and being capable of being stored and printed by the District.

Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in §120.57(3), Fla. Stat., or failure to post the bond or other security required by law within the time allowed for filing a bond will constitute a waiver of proceedings under chapter 120, Fla. Stat. Mediation under §120.573, Fla. Stat., is not available.

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FORMS

SUBMITTAL FORM

Include this form in the Submittal under Tab 1

RESPONDENT:

Respondent, a nongovernmental entity seeking to enter into a contract with the District, declares that it does not use coercion for labor or services as prohibited under Sec. 787.06, Fla. Stat.

The undersigned, as Respondent, hereby declares and certifies that the only person(s) or entities interested in this Submittal as principal(s), or as persons or entities who are not principal(s) of the Respondent but are substantially involved in performance of the Work, is or are named herein, and that no person other than herein mentioned has any interest in this submittal or in the Agreement to be entered into; that this Submittal is made without connection with any other person, company, or parties making a submittal; and that this Submittal is in all respects fair and in good faith without collusion or fraud.

Respondent represents to the District that, except as may be disclosed in an addendum hereto, no officer, employee or agent of the District has any interest, either directly or…