RFQ for PES 2026-0012 - OST_Griggs Area Drainage and Paving Improvements.pdf

PART 1 - REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

SOLICITATION TITLE: OST/Griggs Area Drainage and Paving Improvements

SOLICITATION NO. : PES-2026-0012

Date Issued: October 30, 2026

Pre-Submission Conference November 10, 2026 @ 9:00 am (CT) Microsoft Teams Meeting Join on your computer or mobile app via:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/298512088906449 ?p=esnJ9dwW8AoB1jVex5 Meeting ID: 298 512 088 906 449 Passcode: pT9M7tv6 Or call in (audio only) Conference Number: +1 936-755-1521 Conference ID: : 529 593 607# (Please mute your phone for the duration of the call)

Pre-Submission Questions Deadline:

November 18, 2026@ 4:00 pm (CT)

Solicitation Due Date:

December 3, 2026@ 4:00 pm (CT)

Solicitation Contact Person:

Meldy Armendariz Sr. Contract Administrator Meldy.Armendariz@houstontxgov 832.395.3646

Project Summary:

The City of Houston (“City”) is currently seeking Requests for Qualifications from experienced and qualified firms (“Respondents”) to provide Professional Engineering Services for the OST/Griggs Area Drainage and Paving Improvements. This project involves Professional Engineering Services for drainage, paving, water, and wastewater improvements, including hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, surveying, geotechnical engineering, environmental services, traffic engineering, utility coordination, landscaping, and tree mitigation.

NIGP Code: 925-36, 925-00, 925-17, 925-97, 925-28

WSBE Goal: 15% (4% WBE; 11% SBE)

Important Notice About the City’s Early Payment Discount Program: The City’s standard payment term is to pay 30 days after the receipt of invoice or receipt of goods or services, whichever is later, according to the requirements of the Texas Prompt Payment Act (Tx. Gov’t Code, Ch. 2251). However, the City may pay in less than 30 days, at its option, in return for an early payment discount from the vendor.

Jedediah Greenfield, Chief Procurement Officer

Date

Docusign Envelope ID: 840EAD76-6237-8566-8287-89E1B069E294

10/23/2026 https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/298512088906449?p=esnJ9dwW8AoB1jVex5 https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/298512088906449?p=esnJ9dwW8AoB1jVex5 mailto:Meldy.Armendariz@houstontxgov

PART 2 – GENERAL INFORMATION

1.0 General Information

The City of Houston (“City”) is currently seeking submissions from qualified firms, with their team, to provide Professional Engineering Services for the project listed in this RFQ. The work to be performed by the engineer is under the City of Houston Professional Engineering Services Contract.

2.0 City of Houston Background

The City is the fourth largest City in the United States and is composed of 23 departments with multiple physical locations throughout the geographical boundaries of the City. The City has approximately 23,000 employees with approximately 500 employees involved in the procurement and/or contracting process. Contracts where the City must pay in excess of $100,000 are routed to City Council for approval. The annual volume of contracts and purchase orders issued by the City in the last five years has ranged from 19,000 to 23,000.

3.0 Texas Public Information Act

All information submitted to the City is subject to the provisions of the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), located in Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code. Respondents may mark any information submitted, including their financial information, as confidential, trade secret, proprietary, or any other designation of choice. The City will notify any respondent should their information be requested under the TPIA and respondents will have an opportunity to assert their own arguments to the Texas Attorney General as to why their information should be excepted from public disclosure.

4.0 Solicitation Schedule

Listed below are the important dates for this RFQ.

EVENT DATE

RFQ Issuance October 30, 2026 Pre-Submission Conference November 10, 2026 Deadline for Questions November 18, 2026 Solicitation Due Date December 3, 2026 Notification of Intent to Award (estimated) January 2027 Council Agenda Date (estimated) February 2027 Contract Start Date (estimated) February 2027

PART 3 – SCOPE OF WORK

1.0 PURPOSE

Houston Public Works is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the City’s streets and drainage, production and distribution of water, collection and treatment of wastewater, and permitting and regulation of public and private construction. This RFQ aims to secure services that will directly support the Department’s mission by addressing infrastructure challenges, system improvements, or regulatory compliance, and helping advance long-term, sustainable solutions that enhance public safety, service reliability, and quality of life.

2.0 BACKGROUND

The City is seeking a response to this RFQ for qualified consulting firms, with their team to provide Professional Engineering Services for the project listed in this RFQ. The work to be performed by the engineer is under the City of Houston Professional Engineering Services Contract.

No of Selections Project Name Project Detail

OST/Griggs Area Drainage and Paving Improvements

• Generally bounded by Scott Street to the West, Brays Bayou to the North, Martin Luther King Blvd to the East, and Yellowstone Blvd to the South. Located within the City of Houston limits, Council District D (See Exhibit B: OST/ Griggs Vicinity Map)

• See Exhibit C: OST/ Griggs Area Project Information

3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

To find solutions to the drainage problems within the study area, develop solutions for drainage, paving, water and wastewater improvements in conformance with the design criteria of the jurisdictional authorities. Consultant to develop the detailed scope of work including but not being limited to Hydrology and Hydraulics, Impact mitigation, Survey, Geotechnical, Environmental, Landscaping, Traffic control, SWPPP, Tree protection and mitigation, Paving, Water, Wastewater, Streetlights, Traffic signals, mobility improvements, and private and public Utility conflict resolutions in all three phase services.

Phase I The preliminary design phase shall include but not be limited to private and public agency coordination, review of the Design Conceptual Report (DCR), evaluation and confirmation of the DCR recommendations, and completion of Preliminary Engineering Report in conformance with City of Houston Master Plan modeled in InfoWorks ICM software.

Phase II The final design phase shall include, but not be limited to public agency coordination, design progress meetings, Bid ready plans with specifications, coordination of agency review and approval, and bidding. The project may include support for one or more stakeholder public meetings during this Phase.

Phase III Provide Construction Phase Services; The construction phase shall include but not be limited to pre-bid and preconstruction action items, monthly construction progress meetings and action items, review and respond to submittals, requests for information, change orders, construction inspections, and record drawings submittal. The project may include support for one or more stakeholder public meetings.

4.0 MEETING

To support project coordination and informed decision-making, the Consultant shall attend pre-construction and periodic progress meetings, as requested by Houston Public Works. The Consultant shall make qualified project management and technical staff available to participate in construction-related meetings to provide coordination support and ensure alignment with project requirements.

Professional Engineer participation shall be provided as appropriate to the nature of the work and meeting purpose.

PART 4 – EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

1.0 EVALUATION COMMITTEE

An evaluation committee shall evaluate respondents’ submissions in accordance with the evaluation criteria listed in Section 5.5 below. Upon completion of the evaluation, the committee may develop a short list of Respondent(s) meeting the technical competence requirements. Shortlisted Respondents will be evaluated to determine whether each is responsible, as defined below. The shortlisted Respondent(s) may be scheduled for a structured oral presentation, demonstration, and interview.

Following these City-to-respondent(s) meetings, the evaluation committee will summarize their findings and recalculate their scores, if needed. However, the evaluation committee reserves the right to issue letter(s) of clarification when deemed necessary to any or all Respondent(s). The oral presentations, demonstrations, and/or interviews may be recorded and/or videotaped.

2.0 INTERVIEWS/ORAL PRESENTATIONS/DEMONSTRATIONS

The City reserves the right to request that Respondent(s) provide a final presentation handout of its Submission at their scheduled meeting. No Respondent may attend presentations of any other Respondent. If necessary, Respondents may be scheduled for more than one presentation, demonstration, or interview.

3.0 SELECTION PROCESS

The City intends to select a submission(s) that best meets the needs of the City and that provides the best overall value. The City reserves the right to check references on any projects performed by Respondents, whether provided by respondents or known by the City. Upon review of all information provided by respondents, the evaluation committee will make a recommendation for selection to City officials. Upon approval of the selected respondent(s), the City will enter into negotiations with the selected Respondent(s). Pending successful contract negotiations with the selected Respondent(s), a contract(s) shall be executed by the appropriate City officials.

4.0 BEST AND FINAL OFFER (“BAFO”)

The City reserves the right to request a BAFO(s) from one or more finalist.

5.0 EVALUATION CRITERIA

5.1 RESPONSIVE (PASS/FAIL)

A Respondent that responds to all material requirements of any solicitation will be deemed responsive.

The submission shall be responsive to all material requirements that will enable the evaluation committee to evaluate it in accordance with the evaluation criteria and make a recommendation to City officials.

Full SOQ Submittal Format Requirements

• All Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) must be submitted electronically through Beacon only. Hard copies will not be accepted.

• Format: PDF

• Orientation: Landscape

• Page Limit: Submittals are limited to a maximum of eight (8) single-sided pages on 8.5" x 11" paper. Minimum font size is 11-pt Arial with 1.5-line spacing. The following do not count toward the page limit: front cover, cover letter, section dividers/tabs, back cover, and all required forms/documents.

• All graphics and images must be contained within the eight-page limit. Graphics and images are not required to meet the minimum font requirement but must be clearly legible

5.2 RESPONSIBLE (PASS/FAIL)

A business entity or individual who has the integrity and reliability as well as the financial and technical capacity to perform the requirements of the solicitation and subsequent contract will be deemed responsible. This assessment will include a review of all references on any projects performed by a business entity or individual, whether provided by the business entity or individual or known by the City.

5.3 FINANCIAL STABILITY (PASS/FAIL)

If Respondent is an entity that is required to prepare audited financial statements, respondent shall submit an annual report that includes:

5.3.1 Last two years of audited accrual-basis financial statements, including an income statement, cash flow statement, and balance sheet.

5.3.2 If applicable, last two years of consolidated statements for any holding companies or affiliates;

5.3.3 An audited or un-audited accrual-basis financial statement of the most recent quarter of operation; and

5.3.4 A full disclosure of any events, liabilities, or contingent liabilities that could affect Respondent’s financial ability to perform this contract.

If Respondent is a privately-owned entity or sole proprietorship for which audited financial statements are not required, respondent shall submit an annual report that includes:

5.3.5 Last two years of un-audited accrual-basis financial statements, including an income statement, cash flow statement, and balance sheet;

5.3.6 An audited or un-audited accrual-basis financial statement of the most recent quarter of operation; and

5.3.7 A full disclosure of any events, liabilities, or contingent liabilities that could affect Respondent’s financial ability to perform this contract;

5.3.8 Other financial information sufficient for the City, in its sole judgment, to determine if Respondent is financially solvent or adequately capitalized.

5.4 W/SBE PARTICIPATION (PASS/FAIL)

Quality of proposed W/SBE participation aligned with the project scope.

5.5 TECHNICAL COMPETENCE REQUIREMENTS (100 POINTS)

5.5.1 Expertise/Experience/Qualifications of Key Personnel (25 points) Demonstrate the firms experience and ability to successfully complete the tasks listed in the Scope of Work for this project. Provide qualifications for all key personnel, including subconsultants.

5.5.2 Project Approach (25 points)

Demonstrate the approach and control appropriate for accomplishing the Scope of Work.Detailed proposed plan of action, including but not limited to strategy, understanding of scope,technical requirements, and quality assurance control measures. Specifically describe: (a) control of scope to meet the project deliverables;

(b) manage work processes to meet the project schedule; (c) manage risks; and, (d) manage the budget.

5.5.3 Technical Competence and Previous Project Delivery (20 points) Demonstrate technical abilities to perform the tasks listed in the Scope of Work. Provide demonstrated performance and experience on previous or current projects of similar type, complexity, challenges, and functionality. Information must relate to the Team’s overall abilities to accomplish the project scope (preferably within the last five years).

5.5.4 Schedule Plan (15 points)

Demonstrate that the Team can meet the project schedule and has efficient and effective means in place to manage the progress of the Project. Provide a plan and strategy for meeting the project schedule. Describe any innovative or alternative ideas for opportunities to reduce the design phase schedule, and alternative ideas that could result in a reduced design budget, consistent with a reduced design schedule.

5.5.5 QA/QC Program and Plan (15 points)

Demonstrate the Team’s ability to implement and manage QA/QC. Describe the approach to implementing and managing quality assurance and quality control throughout the Project. Providing a narrative, tables, and/or illustrations that address the QA/QC Process, including resources/tools and coordination of quality, testing, and corrective action process and procedures.

5.6 EVALUATION MATRIX

Evaluation Criteria Max Points

5.1 Responsive Pass/Fail

5.2 Responsible Pass/Fail

5.3 Financial Stability Pass/Fail

5.4 W/SBE Participation Pass/Fail

5.5 Technical Competence Requirements 100

TOTAL AVAILABLE POINTS 100 POINTS

6.0 ADDITIONAL RELATED SERVICES

In submitting its submission, Respondent(s) shall indicate a willingness to negotiate future potential additional services deemed appropriate for the scope of work, as provided herein, or deemed necessary and/or desirable by the City.

7.0 INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT

Under the same terms and conditions, the resulting contract may be expanded to other government entities through inter-local agreements between the City and the respective government entity that encompasses all or part of the products/services provided under this contract. Separate contracts will be drawn to reflect the needs of each participating entity.

PART 5 – INSTRUCTIONS AND SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1.0 INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMISSION

All documentation shall be submitted in accordance with the specifications below.

1.1 W/SBE and Financial Stability Documents. In the appropriate section within the Submission Requirements attach the Financial Stability documents. No printed copies are required to be submitted within the submission.

The City shall bear no responsibility for submitting responses on behalf of any respondent.

Respondent(s) may submit their submissions any time prior to the stated deadline.

1.2 Time for Submission. Submissions shall be submitted no later than the date and time indicated for submission in this RFQ. Late submittals will not be considered.

1.3 Format. Material shall be organized following the order of the submission requirements outlined in Section 2.0.

1.4 Complete Submission. Respondents are advised to carefully review all the requirements and submit all documents and information as indicated in this RFQ. Incomplete submissions may lead to a respondent being deemed non-responsive. Non-responsive submissions will not be considered.

1.5 Respondent’s Responsible for Timely Submission. Respondent remains responsible for ensuring that its submission is received by the time and date specified. The City assumes no responsibility for any submission not received, regardless of whether the delay is caused by some other act or circumstance.

2.0 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

This section details the requirements for submitting all required information to the City. Adherence to these submission requirements will provide a degree of uniformity in submissions. Therefore, please tab sections accordingly and follow the format below. All documents must be organized as follows.

Tab 1 - Cover Letter: The cover letter shall be signed by the respondent’s authorized representative.

The letter should indicate the respondent’s commitment to provide the services proposed.

Tab 2 - Executive Summary: The executive summary should include a brief overview of the proposed plan to achieve the City’s objective, the overall strategy for implementing the plan, and the key personnel who will be responsible for seeing the project through completion.

Tab 3 - General Company Information: Provide the name of respondent’s company (including the name of any parent company), business address, e-mail address, Federal Tax ID number, and telephone number.

Tab 4 - Expertise/Experience/Qualifications of Key Personnel: Respondent’s statement to requirements as described in 5.0 Evaluation Criteria, 5.4.5 Technical Competence, 5.4.1.

Tab 5 – Project Approach: Respondent’s statement to requirements as described in 5.0 Evaluation Criteria, 5.4.5 Technical Competence, 5.4.2.

Tab 6 – Technical Competence and Previous Project Delivery: Respondent’s statement to requirements as described in 5.0 Evaluation Criteria, 5.4.5 Technical Competence, 5.4.3.

Tab 7 – Schedule Plan: Respondent’s statement to requirements as described in 5.0 Evaluation Criteria, 5.4.5 Technical Competence, 5.4.4.

Tab 8 – QA/QC Program and Plan: Respondent’s statement to requirements as described in 5.0 Evaluation Criteria, 5.4.5 Technical Competence, 5.4.5.

Tab 9 - Forms and Certifications: Complete and return all forms and certifications provided in PART

9 – REQUIRED FORMS TO BE SUBMITTED.

Tab 10 – W/SBE and Financial Stability: Complete and return the required W/SBE and Financial Stability documents.

Part 6– EXCEPTIONS TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS

All exceptions to the Sample Contract shall be submitted in a clearly identified separate section of the submission in which the respondent clearly cites the specific paragraphs within the Sample Contract where the exceptions occur. Any exceptions not included in such a section shall be without force and effect in any resulting contract unless such exception is specifically approved by the Chief Procurement Officer or designee, City Attorney, Director(s) or designee in a written statement. The Respondent’s preprinted or standard terms will not be considered by the City as a part of any resulting contract.

Please review and include any exceptions to the terms and conditions contained in the Sample Contract for Professional Engineering Services.

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Part 7 – SPECIAL CONDITIONS

1.0 NO CONTACT PERIOD

Neither Respondent(s) nor any person acting on respondent(s)’s behalf shall attempt to influence the outcome of the award by the offer, presentation or promise of gratuities, favors, or anything of value to any appointed or elected official or employee of the City, their families or staff members. All inquiries regarding the solicitation are to be directed to the designated City Representative identified on the first page of the solicitation.

With the exception of Respondent’s formal response to the solicitation and written requests for clarification during the period officially designated for such purpose by the City Representative, neither respondent(s) nor persons acting on their behalf shall communicate with any appointed or elected official or employee of the City, their families, or staff through written or oral means in an attempt to persuade or attempt to persuade or influence the outcome of the award or to obtain or deliver information intended to or which could reasonably result in an advantage to any respondent from the time of issuance of the solicitation through the pre-award phase and up to the date the City Secretary publicly posts notice of any City Council agenda containing the applicable award. However, nothing in this paragraph shall prevent a Respondent from making public statements to the City Council convened for a regularly scheduled session after the official selection has been made and placed on the City Council agenda for action, or to a City Council committee convened to discuss a recommendation regarding the solicitation.

Contractor shall maintain records of subcontracts and supply agreements with certified WSBEs, containing language required herein. In addition, Contractor shall submit all disputes that may arise with WSBE subcontractors/supplies to mediation provided by OBO if other attempts do not result in a resolution.

2.0 WOMEN AND SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISES (“WSBE”)

It is the City of Houston’s policy to ensure that Women and Small Business Enterprises (WSBE) have a full opportunity to compete for and participate in City Contracts. Contractor shall comply with the City’s WSBE Program as set forth in Chapter 15, Article V of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances, as well as the Policies and Procedures of the Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) found on OBO’s website at https://www.houstontx.gov/obo/policies-procedures.html. Contractor shall make good faith efforts to award subcontracts and supply agreements in at least 4% WBE and 11% SBE of the value of the Agreement to certified WSBEs. If the Contractor is a certified SBE or WBE, Contractor may count its self-performance to meet a portion of the overall goal. Contractor acknowledges that they have reviewed the requirements for good faith efforts on file with the OBO, available at https://www.houstontx.gov/obo/docsandforms/goodfaithefforts.pdf, and will comply with the set forth requirements.

Contractor shall maintain records of subcontracts and supply agreements with certified WSBEs, containing language required herein. In addition, Contractor shall submit all disputes that may arise with WSBE subcontractors/supplies to mediation provided by OBO if other attempts do not result in a resolution.

3.0 PROTESTS

Protests shall be filed in accordance with the City of Houston Administrative Policy No. 5-12 http://www.houstontx.gov/adminpolicies/5-12.pdf.

4.0 CANCELLATION

https://www.houstontx.gov/obo/policies-procedures.html https://www.houstontx.gov/obo/docsandforms/goodfaithefforts.pdf http://www.houstontx.gov/adminpolicies/5-12.pdf

The City has sole discretion and reserves the right to cancel this RFQ or to reject any or all submissions received prior to contract award.

5.0 EXECUTIVE ORDER 1-56 ZERO TOLERANCE FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN CITY SERVICE

CONTRACTS AND PURCHASING

The City has a zero tolerance for human trafficking and, per Executive Order 1-56, City funds shall not be used to promote human trafficking. City vendors are expected to comply with this Executive Order and notify the City’s Chief Procurement Officer of any information regarding possible violation by the vendor or its subcontractors providing services or goods to the City. The Executive Order is available on the City’s website: http://www.houstontx.gov/execorders/1-56.pdf.

6.0 PRESERVATION OF CONTRACTING INFORMATION

The requirements of Subchapter J, Chapter 552, Texas Government Code, may apply to this solicitation and the contractor or vendor agrees that the contract can be terminated if the contractor or vendor knowingly or intentionally fails to comply with a requirement of that subchapter.

7.0 COMPLIANCE WITH CERTAIN STATE LAW REQUIREMENTS

Anti-Boycott of Israel. Vendor certifies that vendor is not currently engaged in, and agrees for the duration of this Agreement not to engage in, the boycott of Israel as defined by Section 808.001 of the Texas Government Code.

Anti-Boycott of Energy Companies. Vendor certifies that Vendor is not currently engaged in and agrees for the duration of this Agreement not to engage in, the boycott of energy companies as defined by Section 809.001 of the Texas Government Code.

Anti-Boycott of Firearm Entities or Firearm Trade Associations. Vendor certifies that vendor does not have a practice, policy, guidance, or directive that discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade association, or will not discriminate against a firearm entity or firearm trade association for the duration of this Agreement, as defined by Section 2274.001 of the Texas Government Code.

Certification of No Business with Foreign Terrorist Organizations. For purposes of Section 2252.152 of the Code, Vendor certifies that, at the time of this Agreement neither vendor nor any wholly owned subsidiary, majority-owned subsidiary, parent company or affiliate of vendor, is a company listed by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts under Sections 2252.153 or 2270.0201 of the Code as a company known to have contracts with or provide supplies or to a foreign terrorist organization.

8.0 LAWS, CODES & SAFETY GUIDELINES

Federally Funded Contract, if applicable. The successful Respondent will be required to execute a three-phase Professional Engineering Services contract. Respondents should be advised that once a project is awarded, the contract will be subject to a Basic Services Fee for Phase I, based on a time-and-materials basis with an agreed-upon not-to-exceed amount. The Basic Services Fees for Phases II and III will be established as negotiated lump sum amounts.

The selected Respondent must comply with all applicable governing local, state, and federal laws, executive orders, regulations, requirements, and guidelines, including but not limited to FR-6066-N- 01, FR-6109-N-01, 24 C.F.R. part 570, and 2 C.F.R. part 200 and other Federal requirements. The selected Respondent shall comply with all laws, codes and safety guidelines applicable to the work being performed. For all laws, codes and safety guidelines cited here or elsewhere in specifications, the revision or edition in effect at the time of performance of the work shall apply. The laws, codes, and safety guidelines to be followed shall include, but are not limited to the following:

http://www.houstontx.gov/execorders/1-56.pdf

Compliance with Environmental Laws. Selected Respondent shall comply with all laws relating to environmental matters including, without limitation, those relating to fines, orders, injunctions, penalties, damages, contribution, cost recovery compensation, losses or injuries resulting from the release or threatened release of hazardous materials, special wastes or other contaminants into environment and to generation, use, storage, transportation, or illegal disposal of solid wastes, hazardous materials, special wastes or other contaminants including, without limitation, the Comprehensive Environmental Response and Compensation and Liability Act (42 US.C § 9602 et seq.), the Hazardous Material Transportation Act (49 U.SC. § 1801 et seq.), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976(42 USC. § 6901 et seq.), the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq.), the Clean Air Act (42 U.SC. § 7401 et seq.) The Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (15 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq.), the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. § 300f), the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C §& 651 et seq.), the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-know Act (42 U.S.C § 11001 et seq.), Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) (415 ILCS 5/1 through 5/56.6) and the Municipal Code of the City of Houston, each as amended or supplemented, and any analogous future or present local, state or Federal statutes, rules and regulation promulgated thereunder or pursuant thereto, and any other present or future law, ordinance, rule regulation, permit or permit condition, order or directive regulating, relating to or imposing liability or standards of conduct concerning any hazardous materials or by Federal government, any state or any political subdivision thereof, or any agency, court or body of the Federal government, any state or any political subdivision thereof, exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions (collectively, “Environmental Laws”).

Compliance with Civil Rights Laws. Contractor shall not deny benefits or services, or otherwise discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency), disability, age, or sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), in accordance with the following authorities: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) Public Law 88-352, 42 U.S.C. 2000d-1 et seq., and the Department's implementing regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 22; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Public Law 93-112, as amended by Public Law 93-516, 29 U.S.C. 794; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), 20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq., and the Department's implementing regulations, 31 C.F.R. part 28; Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Public Law 94-135, 42 U.S.C. 6101 et seq., and the Department implementing regulations at 31 C.F.R. part 23.

Contractor is deemed to have read and understands the requirements of each of the following, if applicable to the project under this Agreement:

• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, (42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq.); 24 C.F.R. Part l, “Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of Housing and Urban Development - Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964”;

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 (42 U.S.C. § 2000e, et seq.);

• Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, “The Fair Housing Act of 1968” (42 U.S.C. § 3601, et seq.), as amended;

• Executive Order 11063, as amended by Executive Order 12259, and 24 C.F.R. Part 107, “Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity in Housing under Executive Order 11063”; The failure or refusal of Contractor to comply with the requirements of Executive Order 11063 or 24 C.F.R.

Part 107 shall be a proper basis for the imposition of sanctions specified in 24 C.F.R. 107.60;

• The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C. § 6101, et seq.); and

• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 794.) and

• “Nondiscrimination Based on Handicap in Federally-Assisted Programs and Activities of the Department of Housing and Urban Development”, 24 C.F.R. Part 8.

• The Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. §12131; 47 U.S.C. §§155, 201, 218, and 225);

• Contractor understands and agrees that the activities funded shall be performed in accordance with 24 C.F.R. Part 8; and the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. § 4151, et seq.), including the use of a telecommunications device for deaf persons (TDDs) or equally effective communication system.

SAM Registration and other Certifications. Respondent(s) must be eligible to procure this opportunity and subsequently contract with the City. Respondent(s) must provide proof of registration and active status with the System for Award Management (SAM https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM/#1) and the United States Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Specially Designated National (SDN) list. Respondent(s) must meet all of the following conditions and certify that 1) the responding entity and its principals are eligible to participate in this transaction and have not been subjected to suspension, debarment, or similar ineligibility determined by any federal, state, or local governmental entity; 2) the Respondent is in compliance with the State of Texas statutes and rules relating to procurement; and 3) the Respondent is not listed on the federal government’s terrorism watch list as described in Executive Order 13224 (blocking property and prohibiting transactions with persons who commit, threaten to commit, or support terrorism as amended). Upon contract award, this provision shall apply and be included in its entirety in Respondent’s contracts.

Suspension and Debarment. Federal regulations restrict the City from contracting with parties that are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs and activities, where the contract is funded in whole or in part with Federal funds. Accordingly, a contract or subcontract must not be made with any parties listed on the SAM Exclusions list. SAM Exclusions is the list maintained by the General Services Administration that contains the name of parties debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded by agencies, as well as parties declared ineligible under certain statutory or regulatory authority. The Respondent can verify its status and the status of its principals, affiliates, and subcontractors at www.SAM.gov.

The resulting Contract is a covered transaction for purposes of 2 C.F.R. pt. 180 and 2 C.F.R. pt. 3000.

As such, Respondent is required to verify that neither it, its principals (defined at 2 C.F.R. § 180.995), nor its affiliates (defined at 2 C.F.R. § 180.905) are excluded (defined at 2 C.F.R.§ 180.940) or disqualified (defined at 2 C.F.R. § 180.935).

Respondent has and shall comply with 2 C.F.R. pt. 180, subpart C and 2 C.F.R. pt. 3000, subpart C and must include a requirement to comply with these regulations in any lower tier covered transaction it enters into.

A signed certification regarding debarment, suspension, and other responsibility matters as set out in Exhibit VI. This certification is a material representation of fact relied upon by the City. If it is later determined that the Respondent did not comply with 2 C.F.R. pt. 180, subpart C and 2 C.F.R. pt. 3000, subpart C, in addition to remedies available to the Texas Department of Emergency Management and the City, the Federal Government may pursue available remedies, including but not limited to suspension and/or debarment.

Respondent has and shall comply with the requirements of 2 C.F.R. pt. 180, subpart C and 2 C.F.R. pt.

3000, subpart C while the resulting Contract is valid and throughout the term of the resulting Contract.

Respondent further agrees to include a provision requiring such compliance in its lower tier covered transactions.

Additionally, Respondent warrants and represents by execution of the resulting Contract that it is not debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in any Federal programs, including but not limited to the following: Department of Health and Human Work (DHHS), Office of Inspector General (OIG) - List of Excluded Individuals & Entities (LEIE); U.S. General Work Administration (GSA) – Excluded Parties List System (EPLS); All States (50) Health & Human Work Commission Medicaid OIG Sanction List; Government Terrorist Watch List (OFAC / Patriot Act);

Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, Denied Persons List; and Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Most Wanted.

Docusign Envelope ID: 840EAD76-6237-8566-8287-89E1B069E294 https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM/#1 http://www.sam.gov/

Compliance with Byrd Anti-Lobbying Amendment. Respondents who apply or bid for an award of $100,000 or more shall file the required certification set out in Exhibit VII. Respondent has and shall comply with 31 U.S.C. § 1352 and include a requirement to comply with these regulations in any subcontractor or lower tier covered transaction it enters into. Each tier certifies to the tier above that it will not and has not used Federal appropriated funds to pay any person or organization for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a member of Congress, officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a member of Congress in connection with obtaining any Federal contract, grant, or any other award covered by 31 U.S.C. § 1352. Each tier shall also disclose any lobbying with non-Federal funds that takes place in connection with obtaining any Federal award.

Such disclosures are forwarded from tier to tier up to the recipient who in turn will forward the certification to the awarding agency.

9.0 DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE COMPLIANCE

Respondent shall maintain a drug-free workplace and ensure that its employees, agents, and subcontractors engaged in the performance of work on this award are free from the unlawful use, possession, distribution, or manufacture of controlled substances and alcohol while on duty or on City premises. The requirements and terms of City of Houston Executive Order 1-31, as revised from time to time, relating to drug-abuse deterrence for City contractors, are incorporated into this award for all purposes. Respondent agrees it has reviewed Executive Order No. 1-31, as revised, and will comply with it.

PART 8 – INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS

1.0 PRE-SUBMISSION CONFERENCE

A Pre-Submission Conference will be held at the date, time, and location indicated on the first page of the RFQ document. Interested Respondent(s) are encouraged to attend. It will be assumed that potential Respondent(s) attending this meeting have reviewed the RFQ in detail and are prepared to bring up any substantive questions not already addressed by the City.

2.0 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND SPECIFICATION CHANGES

Requests for additional information and questions shall be addressed to the Finance Department, Strategic Procurement Division, Meldy Armendariz, preferably by e-mail to meldy.armendariz@houstontx.gov or by telephone at (832) 395-3646 no later than the date and time shown on page one of this document. The City shall provide written responses to all questions received by Respondents prior to the RFQ submittal deadline. Questions received from all Respondent(s) shall be answered by the City and made available to respondent(s) who are listed as having obtained the RFQ. Respondent(s) shall be notified in writing of any changes in the specifications contained within this RFQ.

3.0 LETTER(S) OF CLARIFICATION

3.1 All Letters of Clarification and interpretations to this Solicitation shall be in writing. Any Letter of Clarification(s) or interpretation that is not in writing shall not legally bind the City. Only information supplied by the City in writing or in this RFQ shall be used in preparing submission responses.

3.2 The City does not assume responsibility for the receipt of any Letters of Clarification sent to Respondent(s).

3.3 Proposers may submit no more than 25 questions relating to this solicitation. Should more than 25 questions be received from a single Proposer, the City will only respond to the first 25 questions received.

4.0 EXAMINATION OF DOCUMENTS AND REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Each Respondent shall carefully examine all RFQ documents and familiarize themselves with all requirements prior to submitting a submission to ensure that the submission meets the intent of this

RFQ.

4.2 Before submitting a submission, each Respondent shall be responsible for making all investigations and examinations that are necessary to ascertain conditions and affecting the requirements of this RFQ. Failure to make such investigations and examinations shall not relieve the Respondent from obligation to comply, in every detail, with all provisions and requirements of the RFQ.

5.0 POST-SUBMISSION DISCUSSIONS WITH RESPONDENT(S)

It is the City’s intent to commence final negotiation with the Respondent(s) deemed most qualified in accordance with the criteria provided herein in, at the City’s sole discretion. The City reserves the right to conduct post-submission discussions and/or interviews with any Respondents.

mailto:meldy.armendariz@houstontx.gov

PART 9 – REQUIRED FORMS TO BE SUBMITTED WITH SUBMISSION

1.0 Offer and Submittal, List of References, and List of Proposed Subcontractors (Exhibit I)

2.0 Signed W/SBE Forms (Exhibit II - Attachment “A” ) W/SBE Participation Plan/Good Faith Efforts;

3.0 City of Houston Ownership Information Form (Exhibit III)

4.0 Anti-Collusion Statement (Exhibit IV)

5.0 Conflict of Interest Questionnaire (Exhibit V)

6.0 Equal Opportunity Clause (Exhibit VI)

7.0 Certification for Debarment and Suspension (Exhibit VI)

8.0 Anti-Lobbying Certification (Exhibit VII)

PART 10 – REQUIRED FORMS TO BE SUBMITTED BY RECOMMENDED VENDOR ONLY

Required forms shall be supplied to the Contractor after the award recommendation:

1.0 Insurance Requirements and Insurance Certificate

2.0 Signed W/SBE Forms (Exhibit II): Attachment “B” Letter of Intent; Attachment “C” Certified W/SBE

Subcontracting Agreement Terms.

3.0 City Contractors’ Pay or Play Acknowledgment Form (POP-1) pop1.pdf (houstontx.gov), Certification of Compliance with Pay or Play Program (POP-2) pop2.pdf (houstontx.gov), and List of Participating Subcontractors (POP-3) pop3.pdf (houstontx.gov).

4.0 Requested information outlined in the scope of work and other additional relevant/supporting information, or an alternate submission.

5.0 Texas Ethics Commission, Certificate of Interested Parties (Form 1295). Create a certificate at https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/filinginfo/1295/.

http://www.houstontx.gov/obo/payorplay/pop1.pdf http://www.houstontx.gov/obo/payorplay/pop2.pdf http://www.houstontx.gov/obo/payorplay/pop3.pdf https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/filinginfo/1295/