RFQ 41212 Apopka Lock and Dam 052825 Final.pdf

THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE

ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

DESIGN, PERMITTING, AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR THE

APOPKA-BEAUCLAIR LOCK AND DAM EXPANSION AND REHABILITATION PROJECT

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS 41212

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., July 3, 2025. Further information is available through DemandStar at demandstar.com, Central Bidding at centralauctionhouse.com, Vendor Registry at vendorregistry.com, MyFloridaMarketPlace at myfloridamarketplace.com or the District’s website at sjrwmd.com. Solicitation packages may be obtained from DemandStar, MyFloridaMarketPlace, Vendor Registry, Central Bidding, or the District by calling or emailing Kendall Siemiatkoski, Contracts Manager, at (386) 312-2324 or ksiemiatkoski@sjrwmd.com. Responses will be opened in Conference Room 147, Administration Building, Palatka Headquarters, 4049 Reid Street, Palatka, Florida 32177-2571.

Description of Services The objective of this solicitation is to engage the professional services of an engineering firm to provide the design, permitting, and related services during bidding and construction for the Apopka-Beauclair Lock and Dam Expansion and Rehabilitation Project located in Lake County, Florida. The project includes preliminary data collection, alternatives analysis, design, permitting and services during bidding and construction for the Apopka-Beauclair Lock and Dam Expansion and Rehabilitation. The project will require multi-disciplinary expertise, including but not limited to: (1) geotechnical analyses and subsurface investigations, (2) land surveys and/or legal descriptions, (3) ecological surveys, (4) environmental evaluations (5) mitigation plans and reports, (6) operational planning, (7) engineering, (8) design, (9) federal, state, and local permitting,

(10) bidding, and (11) construction management and/or inspection services. Information regarding the project can be found in Attachment A — Statement of Work included with this solicitation.

The contract issued pursuant to this solicitation will expire on December 31, 2028. The budget for this Agreement is estimated to be $1,400,000, with the option to renew for one two-year term. All work will be accomplished through the issuance of Work Orders. Respondent(s) should not have any expectation or promise as to the volume of work that may be accomplished pursuant to this solicitation.

Solicitation Exhibits This solicitation includes the following exhibits, which are available from the District upon request.

Respondents, and any subconsultant requiring access, must complete and submit a Non-Disclosure Confidentiality Agreement (included at the end of the solicitations) with their request. The request may be submitted in hard copy or via email to Kendall Siemiatkoski at ksiemiatkoski@sjrwmd.com.

Exhibit 1 — 1955 Lock & Dam Plans Exhibit 2 — 2004 Rehabilitation Plans Exhibit 3 — 2005 Steel Dewatering Bulkhead Plans Exhibit 4 — 2023 Manatee Protection Screens Exhibit 5 — 1965 Lock Tender Building Plans Exhibit 6 — 2021 Exhibit showing Ownership of Lock Roadway Exhibit 7 — 2025 Existing Conditions Map

Non-Mandatory On-Site Pre-Submittal Conference

A NON-MANDATORY ON-SITE PRE-SUBMITTAL CONFERENCE IS SCHEDULED FOR 11:00 A.M.,

JUNE 16, 2025, at the project site located at 16400 County Road 48, Mount Dora, Florida 32757. The purpose of the pre-submittal conference is to review requirements of this solicitation and answer Respondent questions.

RFQ 41212

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Request for Qualifications The RFQ process includes the submission of a Qualifications Submittal that includes a letter of interest with information pertaining to Respondent’s qualifications. The information in the Qualifications Submittal shall include, but is not limited to: (1) evidence of current professional status; availability; capabilities; adequacy of personnel; experience; recent, current, and projected workloads; willingness to meet time and budget requirements; and whether the firm is a minority-owned business enterprise certified by the state of Florida Office of Supplier Diversity; (2) approach to the project; (3) ability to furnish the required professional services; (4) past contractual record and related experience; (5) location; and (6) volume of work previously awarded to the firm by the District. Refer to PREPARATION AND ORGANIZATION OF THE QUALIFICATIONS SUBMITTAL for additional instructions regarding the contents of the Qualifications Submittal.

A District Evaluation Committee (Committee) will review and evaluate Respondents’ qualifications. After evaluations are complete, the Committee will select in order of preference no fewer than three firms deemed to be the most highly qualified and forward its recommendation to the District’s Governing Board and request that its rankings be approved, and negotiations commence with the highest-ranked Respondent. If negotiations fail with the highest-ranked Respondent, negotiations will proceed with the other Respondents in ranked order. Respondents selected as most qualified will be notified by email. This Solicitation is issued subject to the legal requirements established under Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act, §287.055, Fla.

Stat.

The District will conduct the RFQ process as follows:

Date Description June 16, 2025, 11:00 a.m. Non-Mandatory Pre-Submittal Conference – 16400 County

Road 48, Mount Dora, Florida 32757 July 3, 2025, 2:00 p.m. Qualifications Submittals due July 11, 2025, 2:00 p.m. Committee meets to complete its review of the Submittals and to select no fewer than three firms of the most highly qualified respondents (District HQ, 4049 Reid St, Palatka, FL 32177, Conference Room 147, Admin. Bldg.). One or more members of the Committee may participate through communications media technology, via phone or web conferencing.

July 14, 2025 (approx.) District Issues Notice of Intended Decision notifying Respondents of rankings.

August 12, 2025 District Governing Board consideration to approve a ranking of designated firms and competitive negotiations be instituted.

August 13, 2025 (approx.) District enters negotiations with Respondents in ranked order

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

The remainder of this page left blank intentionally.

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RESPONSE CHECKLIST

This Response Checklist is provided for the 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 Response. Do not return this checklist with your Submittal.

QUALIFICATIONS SUBMITTALS

Has Respondent met the Qualifications submission deadline established in the solicitation?

Does the electronic file 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 Qualifications Submittal correctly?

Transmittal Letter/Letter of Interest

(1) Tab 1 — Forms and Professional Licenses (Complete all District-provided Administrative Forms and include professional licenses of Respondent and Subconsultant)

(2) Tab 2 — Respondent’s and subconsultants’ overall qualifications, adequacy of personnel, capabilities, experience, and availability to conduct work as presented in the Statement of Work (SOW)

(3) Tab 3 — Respondent’s approach and ability to provide the required professional services as presented in the SOW – emphasis on projects successfully completed within the last 10 years and/or are ongoing.

(4) Tab 4 — Location of Respondent

(5) Tab 5 — Volume of Work Previously Awarded to Respondent by the District

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS ........................................................................................................................ - 5 -

1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ - 5 -

2. DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................................................. - 5 -

3. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION ............................................................................................................. - 5 -

4. WHERE TO DELIVER QUALIFICATIONS SUBMITTAL ...................................................................... - 6 -

5. OPENING OF QUALIFICATIONS SUBMITTALS .................................................................................. - 6 -

6. ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF QUALIFICATIONS ............................................................................ - 7 -

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

8. INQUIRIES AND ADDENDA .................................................................................................................. - 10 -

9. ESTIMATED BUDGET ............................................................................................................................ - 10 -

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

11. DISQUALIFICATION OF RESPONDENTS ............................................................................................ - 12 -

12. REJECTION OF QUALIFICATIONS SUBMITTAL ............................................................................... - 13 -

13. SIGNATURE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... - 13 -

14. REQUIREMENT TO KEEP PROJECT TEAM INTACT ......................................................................... - 13 -

15. NO ASSIGNMENT .................................................................................................................................... - 14 -

16. EVALUATION CRITERIA — WRITTEN QUALIFICATIONS SUBMITTALS ................................... - 14 -

17. FLORIDA SALES TAX ............................................................................................................................ - 15 -

18. INELIGIBILITY OF RESPONDENT ........................................................................................................ - 15 -

19. SUBCONTRACTS ..................................................................................................................................... - 15 -

20. EVALUATION AND AWARD PROCEDURES ...................................................................................... - 15 -

21. WITHDRAWAL OF QUALIFICATIONS SUBMITTAL ........................................................................ - 16 -

22. EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT .............................................................................................................. - 16 -

23. PROHIBITION AGAINST CONSIDERING SOCIAL, POLITICAL, OR IDEOLOGICAL

INTERESTS IN GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING - §287.05701, FLA. STAT. ................................... - 17 -

24. EXAMINATION OF AGREEMENT DOCUMENTS AND WORK AREA ............................................ - 17 -

25. NOTICES AND SERVICES THEREOF ................................................................................................... - 17 -

26. PROTEST PROCEDURES ........................................................................................................................ - 18 -

FORMS ........................................................................................................................................................................ - 19 - QUALIFICATIONS SUBMITTAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM ................................................................- 19 - PROPOSED SUBCONSULTANTS .......................................................................................................................- 20 - CERTIFICATE AS TO ENTITY’S AUTHORITY TO DO BUSINESS IN FLORIDA ........................................- 21 -

AFFIDAVIT AS TO NON-COLLUSION AND CERTIFICATION OF MATERIAL CONFORMANCE

WITH SPECIFICATIONS .........................................................................................................................- 22 - QUALIFICATIONS — GENERAL .......................................................................................................................- 23 -

QUALIFICATIONS — SIMILAR PROJECT/REFERENCE 1: DESIGN/REHABILITATION AND

PERMITTING OF A NAVIGATIONAL LOCK AND/OR CONCRETE DAM PROJECT .....................- 24 -

QUALIFICATIONS — SIMILAR PROJECT/REFERENCE 2: DESIGN AND PERMITTING OF A

SIMILAR MAJOR WATER RESOURCE PROJECT ...............................................................................- 25 - QUALIFICATIONS — ARCHAEOLOGIST OR ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSULTANT .................................- 26 - DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE FORM ....................................................................................................................- 27 - NO RESPONSE FORM ..........................................................................................................................................- 30 -

DRAFT AGREEMENT ............................................................................................................................................... - 31 - ATTACHMENT A — STATEMENT OF WORK.................................................................................................- 54 - ATTACHMENT B — SAMPLE WORK ORDER ................................................................................................- 60 - ATTACHMENT C — CONTRACT PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................- 61 - ATTACHMENT D — INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS .....................................................................................- 62 - ATTACHMENT E — DISTRICT SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTIONS (SAMPLE) .........................................- 64 -

ATTACHMENT F — DISTRICT’S SUPPLEMENTAL WORK ALLOWANCE AUTHORIZATION

(sample) ......................................................................................................................................................- 65 - ATTACHMENT G — COMMON CARRIER OR CONTRACTED CARRIER ..................................................- 66 - ATTESTATION .....................................................................................................................................................- 66 - ATTACHMENT H — HUMAN TRAFFICKING ATTESTATION .....................................................................- 67 - ATTACHMENT I — NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT .................................................................................- 68 -

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INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS

1. INTRODUCTION

This Request for Qualifications (“Solicitation”) to provide Design, Permitting, Bidding and Construction Management Services for the Apopka-Beauclair Lock and Dam Expansion and Rehabilitation Project (“Services”) invites Responses according to the requirements set forth in this Solicitation, including the format and content guidelines in Paragraph 7 – PREPARATION AND ORGANIZATION OF THE

QUALIFICATIONS SUBMITTAL.

The Apopka-Beauclair Lock and Dam Expansion and Rehabilitation Project is a complex water resource development project involving the design of a new lock and dam and/or modifications to the existing lock and dam to meet the objectives listed in the Statement of Work. In this Solicitation, the words, “Response,” “Qualifications Submittal,” and “Submittal” have the same meaning in these documents.

Written Responses will be reviewed and evaluated using the qualifications-based selection process described in Paragraph 16 – EVALUATION CRITERIA — WRITTEN QUALIFICATIONS

SUBMITTALS.

Respondents understand and agree that any expenditure they make in preparation and submittal of Responses or in the performance of any services requested by the District in connection with the Qualifications 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) Maintenance of licensure and qualifications, 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:

Kendall Siemiatkoski, Contracts Manager Phone: (386) 312-2324 Email: ksiemiatkoski@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 response.

mailto:kmatott@sjrwmd.com

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4. WHERE TO DELIVER QUALIFICATIONS SUBMITTAL

All documents: Qualifications Submittal must be submitted in electronic format (no paper copies) on a single pin/thumb/jump drive in a sealed envelope to Kendall Siemiatkoski as noted below (see 6 below for additional information regarding the pin/thumb/jump drive):

Kendall Siemiatkoski, Contracts Manager Attn: Office of Financial Services St. Johns River Water Management District 4049 Reid St, Palatka, FL 32177-2571

Respondents must clearly label the Qualifications Submittal envelopes with large bold, and/or colored lettering (place label on inner envelope if double sealed) as follows:

SEALED QUALIFICATIONS SUBMITTAL — DO NOT OPEN

Respondent’s Name: _______________________________ Request for Qualifications: 41212 Opening Time: 2:00 P.M.

Opening Date: July 3, 2025

Kendall Siemiatkoski, Contracts Manager Attn: Office of Financial Services St. Johns River Water Management District 4049 Rid Street Palatka, Florida 3217-2571

Please note that the United States Postal Service does not deliver regular mail or express mail to the above address. The District’s experience is that Federal Express and United Parcel Service will.

5. OPENING OF QUALIFICATIONS SUBMITTALS

Respondents or their authorized agents are invited to attend the opening of the Qualifications Submittals at the following date, time, and place:

July 3, 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 and proposals 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 or proposals.

Unless otherwise exempt, Respondent’s Qualifications Submittal are public records subject to disclosure upon expiration of the above exemption period. If any information submitted with the Qualifications 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 Qualifications Submittal AND explain the basis for such exemption. The District reserves the right, in its sole judgment and discretion, to reject a Qualifications Submittal for excessive or unwarranted assertion of trade secret confidentiality and return the Qualifications Submittal to Respondent.

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6. ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF QUALIFICATIONS

Respondent must submit its Qualifications Submittal in “electronic” format. The District recommends that Respondents confirm the files on the pin/flash/thumb drive 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. Instructions for submitting are below.

All electronically submitted files shall be saved to a pin/flash/thumb drive. The pin/flash/thumb drives MUST be placed in separate sealed envelopes pursuant to the instructions under “WHERE TO DELIVER QUALIFICATIONS” for sealed responses — DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR RESPONSE BY

EMAIL — THIS WILL RESULT IN THE QUALIFICATIONS SUBMITTAL BEING

REJECTED AS NON-RESPONSIVE.

(a) All blank spaces on the District-provided forms and documents must be typewritten or legibly printed in ink.

(b) In the event you decline to submit a Qualifications Submittal, the District would appreciate submittal of the “No Response Form” provided at the end of the “FORMS” section to describe the reason for not submitting a Qualifications Submittal.

All of the forms and questionnaires in the RFQ solicitation package are available upon request in Microsoft® Word to aid the Respondent in submitting its Qualifications Submittal.

Do NOT password protect the pin/flash/thumb drive or your files. Use a naming convention similar to those show below for each pin/flash/thumb drive.

RFQ Qualifications Submittal: RFQ # Respondent’s name (abbreviated) Due Date Example: “RFQ 41212 ABC Venture LLC. 07-03-25”

7. PREPARATION AND ORGANIZATION OF THE QUALIFICATIONS SUBMITTAL

It is Respondent’s responsibility to include information in its Response to present all relevant qualifications and other materials. The Response, however, should not contain standard marketing or other general materials. The requirements set forth below represent the minimum content for the Response. It is Respondent’s responsibility to modify such standard marketing or general materials so that only directly relevant information is included in the Response.

(a) Responses must be no more than 40 one-sided pages for all requested information described herein with the following exceptions, which do not count toward the 40-page count:

(1) Front and back cover;

(2) Transmittal letter;

(3) Required administrative and qualification forms (Tab 1);

(4) Copies of professional licenses (Tab 1);

(5) Section dividers;

(6) Documentation providing Respondent’s management office or Project Manager location details compared to the entrance to the project site (Tab 4);

(7) Documentation providing volume of work previously awarded to Respondent by the District

(Tab 5); and

(8) Resumes.

(b) All pages, except the covers and section dividers, shall be standardized 8½” x 11” in size, margins not less than 0.9”, standard black text and minimum 11-point font size. Use of color and/or larger font sizes for graphics or to differentiate headings is acceptable. Text within graphics must be a minimum of 10-point font. One 11 x 17-inch page may be used for depiction of Respondent’s proposed organizational chart of the project team (see Tab 2 below).

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Transmittal Letter/Letter of Interest

Respondents must submit a transmittal letter on Respondent’s letterhead. It must be signed by a representative of Respondent who is authorized to sign such material and to commit Respondent to the obligations contained in the Response. The transmittal letter must include the name, address, phone number and email address for Respondent contact, and must specify the authorized individual who will execute the Agreement. If Respondent is a general partnership, joint venture, or consortium, all partners/members of the general partnership, joint venture, or consortium shall sign the letter. If Respondent is a corporation or a limited liability company, an authorized officer shall sign his/her name and indicate his/her title beneath the full corporate name. The transmittal letter may include any information deemed relevant by Respondent. If Respondent is a general partnership, joint venture or consortium, state that each partner/member of the general partnership, joint venture or consortium will have joint and several liabilities if awarded the Agreement.

Tab 1 — Forms and Professional Licenses (Complete all District-provided administrative forms and include professional licenses of Respondent and Subconsultants)

NOTE: Do not alter or review any of the District’s forms other than to add the information requested.

(a) Qualifications Submittal Acknowledgement Form

(b) Proposed Subconsultants Form (subconsultants may participate on project teams of multiple respondents)

(c) Certificate as to Entity’s Authority to do Business in Florida Form

(d) Valid state of Florida Professional Engineer’s licenses (P.E. licenses) for key personnel, subconsultants, and other individuals taking part in the work and other applicable professional licenses (i.e., surveyors and mappers [PSM]). Florida P.E. and P.S.M.

licenses must be active on the due date for submittals. Failure to provide copies of such licenses may result in Respondent being deemed non-responsive.

(e) Affidavit as to Non-Collusion and Certification of Materials Conformance with Specifications

(f) Qualifications Forms — General

(g) Qualifications Forms — Similar Project 1, Similar Project 2. Note, the Similar Projects forms provided will serve as Client References on behalf of the Respondent.

(h) Qualifications Forms — Archaeologist or Archaeological Consultant

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

(j) Sworn Statement Pursuant to §287.133(3)(a), Fla. Stat.

(k) If Respondent is a minority-owned business enterprise certified by the state of Florida

Office of Supplier Diversity, provide certification (per §287.055(4)(b), Fla. Stat.)

All required forms must be completed. Respondents may not modify or alter the forms.

Respondents may attach additional sheets to the forms, but any attachments will count against the 40-page limit described above.

Tab 2 — Respondent’s and subconsultants’ overall qualifications, adequacy of personnel, capabilities, experience, and availability to conduct work as presented in the Statement of Work (SOW)

(a) Provide a description of Respondent and its overall qualifications, capabilities, and past experience on large scale/complex water resource development projects including navigational locks and/or concrete dams. Similar navigational lock and/or concrete dam projects in Florida that have been constructed in the last 10 years may be given greater consideration.

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(b) Provide a description of all subconsultants (surveyor, geotechnical engineer, environmental scientist, archaeologist, structural engineer, civil engineer, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, hydrology and hydraulics, and any other specialty the Respondent deems necessary) and their overall qualifications, capabilities and past experience on similar types of projects. Include a “Letter of Commitment” from a principal of each subconsultant stating that subconsultant is committed to be a part of Respondent’s Project Team.

(c) Identify Respondent’s Project Team specific to this project and key personnel (i.e., Project Manager, engineering design manager, engineer of record, QC manager, construction services manager, discipline leads, production staff, and supporting disciplines). Include the following information:

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

(2) Functions and availability of Project Team and key personnel.

(3) Resumes and contact information for the Project Team and key personnel (two-page limit per person).

(4) Description of roles, responsibilities, and experience in past similar projects.

(5) 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.

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

Include recent, current, and projected workloads.

Tab 3 — Respondent’s approach and ability to provide the required professional services as presented in the SOW — emphasis on current projects recently completed or ongoing relative to the approach proposed; and application of lessons learned that will benefit this project.

(a) Explain Respondent’s approach and ability to execute and complete the project scope including design, permitting, preparation of construction bid documents, and performing construction management and/ or inspection services. Demonstrate the efficient use of the Respondent’s resources, and/or existing data, as deemed appropriate.

(b) Describe project management approach and other management methods. Include discussion on QA/QC process and communication and coordination strategies. Include discussion on any recently completed or ongoing projects that have similar approaches, including lessons learned that will benefit this project and achieve a successful result.

(c) Provide estimated hours committed to the project.

(d) Include a proposed project design schedule. Describe any potential time constraints.

Tab 4 — Location of Respondent

Provide the location of Respondent’s management office or Project Manager relative to the entrance to the project site (28.724047, -81.685470). Include location address and number of miles from the entrance to the project site.

Tab 5 — Volume of District work previously awarded to Respondent by the District

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

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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 RFQ documents, but the Respondent is ultimately responsible for submitting the Qualifications 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 Qualifications Submittal to be considered. Requests should be submitted by email at ksiemiatkoski@sjrwmd.com. Interpretations, corrections, and supplemental instructions will be communicated by written addenda to this solicitation posted by DemandStar, Vendor Registry, MyFloridaMarketPlace and Central Bidding to all prospective Respondents (at the respective addresses furnished for such purposes) no later than five days before the opening of Qualifications Submittal.

Submission of Qualifications 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 Qualifications Submittal as submitted. All addenda become part of the Agreement.

9. ESTIMATED BUDGET

The budget for the Agreement is estimated to be $1,400,000. This amount includes a Supplemental Work Allowance (SWA) to cover the Successful Respondent’s activities that are not included in the Agreement or a Work Order issued thereunder (i.e., unforeseen site conditions or other unforeseen changes to the Work). Refer to paragraph 14(c) of the Agreement for additional information regarding the SWA.

All work will be accomplished through the issuance of Work Orders. Respondent(s) should not have any expectation or promise as to the volume of work that may be accomplished pursuant to this solicitation.

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 estimate in awarding the Agreement. The District also reserves the right to reject all Submittals if subsequent negotiations with qualified Respondents result in costs over this estimated budget amount. 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 and Similar Projects/Client References) provided in these documents toward documenting its minimum qualifications. If Respondent fails to include the documentation and the completed forms requested below under Step One of the RFQ process, Respondent’s Qualifications Submittal may be considered non-responsive. The Similar Projects provided will serve as Client References on behalf of the Respondent.

(a) Engineering Licenses [submit under Tab 1]: Respondent’s Project Manager and engineering staff, especially key personnel proposed for this project, must have an active Florida professional engineering license at the time of this Qualifications Submittal as issued by the Florida Board of Professional Engineers. A copy of the professional engineering license(s) and other appropriate

- 11 -licenses must be included with the Qualifications Submittal. (Respondent-provided documentation – license)

(b) Engineering Experience [submit under Tab 2]: The qualifying licensed professional(s) employed by Respondent for the engineering work (Engineer of Record) must have at least 10 years of experience as a licensed professional engineer working on projects of a similar nature to those identified under paragraphs 10(f)(1) or (f)(2) below prior to the date set for receipt of Qualifications Submittals. (Respondent-provided documentation to substantiate experience)

(c) Surveying Licenses [submit under Tab 1]: Surveyor or Surveying consultant must be a Florida licensed surveyor – license must be active and in good standing on the due date for submittals.

Surveyor must have at least five years of experience as a licensed professional surveyor and mapper prior to the date set for receipt of Qualifications Submittals (Respondent-provided documentation – license)

(d) Surveying Experience [submit under Tab 2]: Surveyor or Surveying consultant must have at least five years of experience as a licensed professional surveyor and mapper prior to the date set for receipt of Qualifications Submittals (Respondent-provided documentation to substantiate experience)

(e) Archaeologist [submit under Tab 2]: Respondent must employ either a qualified archaeologist or subcontract with a qualified archeological consultant. The archeologist/archeological consultant must (Use the District-provided Archaeologist or Archaeological Consultant form):

(1) have a graduate degree in archeology;

(2) have at least one year of full-time professional experience prior to the date for receipt of Qualifications Submittals;

(3) meet the Secretary of the Interior’s “Professional Qualification Standards” for Archaeologists;

(4) have experience on one project that includes a 1A-32 Archeological Research Permit issued by the Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research; and one project that replaced a comparable structure (i.e., a lock, a dam with gates, a pump station). Note: One project may be used to satisfy both project requirements; and

(5) experience with structures deemed potentially significant under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) in Florida.

(f) Environmental Permitting Experience [submit under Tab 2]: Respondent (or a combination of the firm, individual, named subconsultant(s), or Project Manager assigned to the work) must have at least three years’ environmental permitting experience working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and/or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) on manatee coordination. (Respondent-provided documentation to substantiate experience)

(g) Similar Projects [submit under Tab 1] — Respondent (or a combination of the firm, individual, named subconsultant(s), or Project Manager assigned to the work) must have successfully completed the engineering designs and permitting for at least two projects, each of a similar nature described in “10(f)(1) and (2)” below. Respondent must use the District-provided Similar Project forms to submit their two Similar Projects (Complete the District-provided forms):

(1) Design/Rehabilitation and Permitting of a Navigational Lock and/or Concrete Dam Project:

a. Was the engineering firm responsible for the design/rehabilitation and permitting of a navigational lock and/or concrete dam. Respondent will receive additional consideration if one of its engineers, that is still employed by Respondent, was also the Engineer of Record on the project cited.

b. A construction value of at least $7,500,000

c. Completed within the 10 years immediately preceding the due date for submittals.

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(2) Design and Permitting of a Major Water Resource Project:

a. Was the engineering firm responsible for the design and permitting of a similar water resource project. Respondent will receive additional consideration if one of its engineers, that is still employed by Respondent, was also the Engineer of Record on the project cited.

b. This project may include a navigational lock and/or concrete dam project but may NOT be the same project identified in 10(f)(1) above.

c. A construction value of at least $10,000,000

d. Completed within the 10 years immediately preceding the due date for submittals.

For the qualifying similar projects, Respondent must provide all the information requested on the form. Respondent is cautioned to ensure that the contact information (names, email addresses, and phone numbers) is correct, and that the proposed contact is amenable to speak with District representatives and/or respond to a written inquiry. The District will contact the individuals named to verify the similar project information as it relates to this RFQ.

Respondent’s Qualifications Submittal may be considered non-responsive if: (1) the information provided by Respondent is not of a similar nature or cannot be verified by the District; (2) the proposed contact fails to provide a satisfactory client reference; or (3) the proposed contact person fails to respond to the District’s inquiry or otherwise fails to provide evidence of Respondent’s successful completion of the similar project.

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 Qualifications Submittal, 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. DISQUALIFICATION OF RESPONDENTS

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

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

(e) Information gained through checking of similar projects/client 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;

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(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.

12. REJECTION OF QUALIFICATIONS SUBMITTAL

Qualifications Submittals must be delivered to the specified location and received before the applicable opening date and time in order to be considered. Untimely submissions will be returned to the Respondent unopened. Qualifications 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 RFQ 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.

13. SIGNATURE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

In the form “Certificate as to Entity’s Authority to do Business in Florida,” an individual submitting a Qualifications 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 in the form “Certificate as to Entity’s Authority to do Business in Florida.”

If a corporation provides the submission, an authorized officer or agent must sign the form “Certificate as to Entity’s Authority to do Business in Florida” subscribing the name of the corporation with his or her own name and affixing the corporate seal, if said seal is used by the corporation. 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.

In the form “Certificate as to Entity’s Authority to do Business in 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.

14. REQUIREMENT TO KEEP PROJECT TEAM INTACT

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The Project Team proposed by Respondent, including but not limited to consultants, subconsultants, designers, project manager(s), key team members, key personnel, other firms, and individuals identified in Respondent’s submission, shall remain on the Project Team for the duration of the procurement process, and if Respondent is awarded the contract, the duration of the contract. If extraordinary circumstances require a proposed change, it must be submitted in writing to the District’s Project Manager, who, at his sole discretion, will determine whether to authorize a change. Absent separation of employment, unauthorized changes to Respondent’s Project Team at any time during the procurement process may result in the elimination of Respondent from further consideration.

15. NO ASSIGNMENT

Respondents may not transfer or assign its Response to a third-party following submission of a Response to the District.

16. EVALUATION CRITERIA — WRITTEN QUALIFICATIONS SUBMITTALS

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

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

CRITERIA — WRITTEN QUALIFICATIONS SUBMITTAL SCORE WEIGHT TOTAL

1 Tab 1 — Forms and Professional Licenses

Refer to Paragraph 7 – PREPARATION AND ORGANIZATION OF THE

QUALIFICATIONS SUBMITTAL

25%

2 Tab 2 — Respondent’s and subconsultants’ overall qualifications, adequacy of personnel, capabilities, experience, and availability to conduct work as presented in the

SOW.

30%

3 Tab 3 — Respondent’s approach and ability to provide the required professional services as presented in the SOW — emphasis on current projects recently completed or ongoing relative to the approach proposed; and application of lessons learned that will benefit this project.

40%

4 Tab 4 — Location of Respondent Include location of Respondent’s Management office or Project Manager relative to the entrance to the project site (28.724047, -81.685470) The District shall utilize maps.google.com and the shortest driving route to confirm mileage. Points will be awarded as follows:

(a) Within 0 – 75.0 miles of project site entrance = 10 points

(b) Greater than 75 miles and up to 150 miles from project site entrance = 5 points

(c) Greater than 150 miles from project site entrance = 0 points

3%

5 Tab 5 — Volume of work previously awarded to Respondent by the District Submit documentation as to the volume of work (in dollars) awarded by the District to Respondent in the past five years, including contracts, work orders, and purchase orders. Points will be allocated from 0 to 10; Respondents with higher awarded contract totals in the last five years based on the solicitation response date of this RFQ shall receive fewer award points. Respondents with no previous work awards may receive the highest allocation of points (10). Respondent with the highest volume of work will receive zero points. The District shall rely on its official financial records to resolve any discrepancies. Contracts, work orders, and purchase orders issued by the District in the last five years shall be included in this total even if Respondent has not yet received payment.

The District shall calculate scores as follows: The amount awarded to Respondent with the highest volume of work in the last five years shall represent the Allocation Basis Total (ABT). The ABT less a Respondent’s total volume of work awarded shall be divided by the ABT and then multiplied by 10; the result rounded to the tenths shall represent Respondent’s score for this criterion.

2%

WRITTEN QUALIFICATIONS SUBMITTAL SCORE TOTAL:

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17. 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.

18. INELIGIBILITY OF RESPONDENT

In accordance with §287.133, §287.134, and §287.135, Fla. Stat., a person or affiliate who has been (a) placed on the Scrutinized Companies (sec. 287.135, Fla. Stat.), Discriminatory (sec. 287.134, Fla. Stat.), or Convicted (sec. 287.133, Fla. Stat.) lists, (b) engaged in a Boycott of Israel (sec. 287.135, Fla. Stat.), or (c) engaged in business operations in Cuba or Syria (sec. 287.135, Fla. Stat.) has limitations on its eligibility to participate in the solicitation process with a public entity, including, but not limited to, being ineligible to submit a bid, proposal, or reply on a contract to provide any goods or services, or for the construction or repair of a public building or public work, or for leases of real property to a public entity.