RFSOQ 2025005 - PPMS - 11-14-24 .pdf

Request for Statements of Qualifications

(RFSOQ)

for

Professional Project Management Services

RFSOQ 2025005

Procurement Officer:

Sabina Flanagan

Purchasing Analyst, Department of Environmental Protection

Bureau of Procurement & Contracting Services 3800 Commonwealth Blvd., MS #93

Tallahassee, FL 32399-3000 Email: Sabina.Flanagan@FloridaDEP.gov

Professional Project Management Services

Rev. 7/30/2024

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

1.1. Solicitation Objective

1.2. Background and Program Information

1.3. Qualification of Firms

1.4. Anticipated Contract Term & Renewals

1.5. Definitions

1.6. Draft Contract

1.7. Procurement Officer

1.8. Special Accommodations

1.9. Timeline of Events

1.10. List of Attachments and Forms

2. RFSOQ Process

2.1. Firm Responsibilities

2.2. Who May Respond

2.3. Overview of the RFSOQ

2.3.1. Solicitation Phase

2.3.1.1. Question and Answer Period

2.3.1.2. Submission of Responses

2.3.1.3. Public Opening

2.3.2. Minimum Mandatory Requirement Review Phase

2.3.2.1. Administrative Review

2.3.2.2. Responsibility Review

2.3.3. Competitive Selection Phase

2.3.3.1. Determination of Qualification

2.3.3.2. Past Performance Evaluation

2.3.3.3. Technical Response Evaluation

2.3.3.4. Evaluation Discussions

2.3.4. Negotiation of Rates Phase

2.4. Conformance to Requirements

2.5. Limitation on Vendor Contact with Agency During Solicitation Period

Rev. 7/30/2024

2.6. Addenda/Amendments to the RFSOQ

2.7. Contract Formation

2.8. Disclosure of Response Contents

2.9. Withdrawal of Responses

2.10. Administrative Cure Process

2.11. Clarification Process

2.12. Information from Other Sources

2.13. Firm Response

2.14. Right to Reject

2.15. Cancellation, Non-Award, and Withdrawal

2.16. Misrepresentations

2.17. Licensure & Registration

2.18. Replacement and Alternate Responses

2.19. Exclusivity

2.20. Diversity

2.21. Bid Protests

2.22. Execution of Contract

2.23. Failure to Perform the Contract

3. Response Instructions

3.1. MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) Vendor Registration

3.2. Submission of Responses

3.3. Response Content Requirements

3.3.1. Volume I, Business Response

3.3.1.1. Tab A: Executive Summary

3.3.1.2. Tab B: Required Forms

3.3.2. Volume II, Technical Response

3.3.3. Tab A: Introduction

3.3.4. Tab B: Company Background and Organizational Structure

3.3.5. Tab C: Qualifications, Knowledge, and Experience

3.3.6. Tab D: Project Management

3.3.7. Tab E: Personnel Assigned - Standard Form 330 Part I (Sections A through E only) and Part II .. 20

3.3.8. Tab F: Licenses

3.3.9. Tab G: Documentation Supporting Subcontractor Arrangements

Rev. 7/30/2024

3.3.10. Tab H: Sample Work Product

3.4. Economy of Presentation

3.5. Confidential Response Materials and Redacted Submissions

3.5.1. Redacted Submissions

4. Scope of Work

4.1. Scope of Work

4.2. Work Assignment Process

4.3. Contractor Responsibilities

4.4. Department’s Responsibilities

4.5. Enforcement

4.6. Invoicing

5. Evaluation Criteria

5.1. Evaluation of Volume I, Past Performance

5.2. Evaluation of Volume II, Technical Response

5.3. Available Points

5.4. Compilation of Evaluation Scores

5.5. Tie Scores

Rev. 7/30/2024

1. Introduction The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (the Department or DEP) hereby issues this Request for Statement of Qualifications (RFSOQ) pursuant to section 287.055, Florida Statutes (Fla. Stat.) for Professional Project Management Services.

The Solicitation will be administered through the Vendor Information Portal (VIP). Respondents interested in submitting a Response must comply with the terms and conditions described in this RFSOQ.

1.1. Solicitation Objective

The Department intends to enter into a contract using the Attachment 1, Draft Contract, for Professional Project Management Services, hereby incorporated by reference. The Department intends to make multiple awards, however the Department reserves the right to award to one Respondent or multiple Respondents, or to make no award, as determined to be in the best interest of the State.

1.2. Background and Program Information

The Office of Resilient and Coastal Protection was created to combine multiple resilience and coastal and aquatic managed area programs into one centralized office which includes programs related to resilient coastlines, beaches, clean vessels and clean marinas, coral protection and restoration, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and the three National Estuarine Research Reserves. The Resilient Florida Program was established during the 2021 Legislative Session with the passage of SB1954/HB7019 and the creation of section 380.093, Florida Statutes. This legislation will ensure that communities have the resources they need for resilience planning and project implementation as well as creating a framework for a cohesive, coordinated approach to address the impacts of sea level rise, effects of intensified storms and localized flooding.

The Resilient Florida Program is seeking professional contractual services on an as needed basis to assist with program implementation. Services will be for consultation, project management, and financial management. The program is seeking Firms with subject matter expertise on inland and coastal flood hazards, experience with planning exercises such as desktop modeling for vulnerability assessments, familiarity with the design and permitting of flood reducing projects, construction management, and knowledge of other state programs related to flooding and sea level rise mitigation efforts.

1.3. Qualification of Firms

To be eligible to enter a Contract with the Department, Firms must, at a minimum:

a. Meet all certification and license requirements imposed by applicable Federal, State, and local law.

b. The firm must be a legally recognized entity authorized to provide professional engineering services in the State of Florida.

c. The firm must be registered with the Florida Board of Professional Engineers and hold a valid Certificate of Authorization.

d. The firm must have been in continuous operation for at least five (5) years, providing engineering services within Florida.

e. The firm must employ licensed Professional Engineers (PE) registered in the State of Florida for the relevant disciplines required by the Scope of Work.

1.4. Anticipated Contract Term & Renewals

The initial term of the Contract(s) will be five (5) year(s) with up to five (5) renewal year(s). At the discretion of the Department, the Contract(s) may be renewed subject to the terms and conditions specified in the Contract(s).

1.5. Definitions

The “General Contract Conditions” Form PUR 1000 (PUR 1000) and “General Instructions to Respondents” Form PUR 1001 (PUR 1001), found in Rule 60A-1.002, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), are hereby incorporated by reference and can be accessed at:

https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/state _purchasing_pur_forms

In addition to the definitions in the PUR 1000 and 1001, the following definitions apply to this RFSOQ:

• Business Days - Monday through Friday, inclusive, except for State government holidays.

• Firm - means any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, association, or other legal entity permitted by law to practice architecture, engineering, or surveying and mapping in the state.

May be used interchangeably in this document with Respondent.

• Confidential Information - Any documents, data, or records that are confidential and not subject to disclosure pursuant to chapter 119, Florida Statutes (Fla. Stat.), the Florida Constitution, or any other authority.

• Continuing Contract – as defined in section 287.055, Fla. Stat., a contract for professional services entered between an agency and a firm whereby the firm provides professional services to the agency for projects in which the estimated construction cost of each individual project under the contract does not exceed $4 million, for study activity if the fee for professional services for each individual study under the contract does not exceed $500,000, or for work of a specified nature as outlined in the contract required by the agency, with the contract being for a fixed term or with no time limitation except that the contract must provide a termination clause.

• Contract or Contracts - The agreements that result from this competitive procurement, if any, between the Department and the Contractor.

• Contractor(s) - The Respondent(s) that will be awarded a Contract pursuant to this Solicitation.

• Department or DEP - The Department of Environmental Protection.

• Design-Build Contract - As defined in section 287.055, Fla. Stat., means a single contract with a design-build firm for the design and construction of a public construction project.

• Oral Evaluation Committee means Department employees selected by the Department head or designee to evaluate the discussions portion of the RFSOQ.

• Subcontractor means a subcontractor(s) which the Respondent intends to use for the term of the

Contract.

• Professional Services means, pursuant to section 287.055, Fla. Stat., those services within the scope of the practice of architecture, professional engineering, landscape architecture or registered surveying and mapping, as defined by the laws of the State of Florida, or those performed by any architect, professional engineer, landscape architect, or registered surveyor and mapper in connection with his or her professional employment or practice.

• Technical Evaluation Committee means Department employees selected by the Department head or designee to evaluate the technical presentation portion during the RFSOQ.

https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/state_purchasing_pur_forms https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/state_purchasing_pur_forms

Rev. 7/30/2024

• Respondent – an entity that submits a Response to this RFSOQ. May be used interchangeably in this document with Firm.

• State - The State of Florida.

1.6. Draft Contract

Awarded Respondent(s) must provide the professional services sought by this RFSOQ in accordance with the terms, conditions, and Scope of Work detailed in the Draft Contract. All Respondents should carefully review the Draft Contract prior to submission of a Response. Any questions related to the Draft Contract should be submitted as a formal question in accordance with the instructions contained in this RFSOQ.

1.7. Procurement Officer

The Procurement Officer is the Department’s sole point of contact for information regarding this RFSOQ from the date of release until an Agency Decision is posted on the VIP. Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting a Response.

Refer ALL inquiries in writing to the Procurement Officer by email. Responses to timely questions posed to the Procurement Officer will be posted on the VIP, at https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/ in accordance with Section 2.3.1.1 below.

The Department will not talk to any Respondents or their agents regarding a pending solicitation.

Questions will NOT be answered via telephone.

1.8. Special Accommodations

Any person requiring a special accommodation due to a disability should contact the Department’s Procurement Officer. Requests for accommodation for meetings must be made at least five (5) Business Days prior to the meeting.

1.9. Timeline of Events

The following schedule will be strictly adhered to in all actions relative to this Solicitation. The Department reserves the right to modify this schedule and will notify participants in the Solicitation by posting an addendum to this Solicitation on VIP. It is the responsibility of the Respondent to check VIP on a regular basis for such updates.

Event Date Time* Location/Method

RFSOQ Advertised 11/18/24 N/A Vendor Information Portal

Questions Due 12/6/24 5:00 PM Email to Procurement Officer

Answers Posted (Anticipated) On or about:

12/16/24 Vendor Information Portal

Responses Due 1/13/25 3:00 PM

Department of Environmental Protection DEP Procurement Section, Room 215 3800 Commonwealth Blvd, MS93 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000

Public Opening 1/14/25 10:00 AM

Teleconference by calling +1 850-629-7330

Phone Conference ID: 893 383 709# The number will be active 5 minutes https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

Rev. 7/30/2024 before the meeting.

References Contacted Between:

Telephone and/or Email 1/27/25 2/11/25

Publish List of Highest- Ranking Firms Qualified to Participate in Discussions (Short List) and Discussion Information (Anticipated)

On or about:

TBD Vendor Information Portal

Discussions (Anticipated) Between: Location and / or Meeting Format To Be

Determined TBD TBD

Publish List of Firms Selected to Proceed with Negotiation of Rates (Short List) (Anticipated)

Between:

Vendor Information Portal

TBD TBD

Negotiation of Rates (Anticipated)

Between: Location and / or Meeting Format To Be Determined TBD TBD

Award Date (Anticipated) On or about:

TBD Vendor Information Portal

*All times are Eastern Time Zone.

1.10. List of Attachments and Forms

The Attachments, Exhibits, and Forms below are incorporated by reference. Copies of these documents are available in the VIP advertisement that accompanies the RFSOQ posting. If a Form requires electronic completion or filling in, such as a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, an electronic copy can be obtained by contacting the Procurement Officer.

Attachment Title 1 Draft Contract 2 Past Performance Evaluation Form

Form Title A Business Response Form

B -RESERVED-

C Client Reference Form

D -RESERVED-

E Award Preference Form F Foreign Country of Concern Attestation Form G Forced Labor Attestation Form

2. RFSOQ Process

2.1. Firm Responsibilities

Firms should carefully read the entire RFSOQ, all attachments, and any addenda before submitting a Response. Firms interested in submitting a Response must comply with all instructions, terms, and conditions of this RFSOQ to be considered for Award.

Firms are responsible for understanding all terms and conditions of this RFSOQ, its attachments, addenda, and the proposed resulting Contract. If a Firm does not understand these requirements, Firms should submit formal questions to the Department in accordance with Section 2.3.1.1.

2.2. Who May Respond

Firms who possess the minimum qualifications, experience, and personnel resources described in this RFSOQ are invited to submit Responses. Firms on the Convicted, Suspended, Discriminatory Vendor List(s), the Scrutinized List(s) of Prohibited Companies, and/or the Antitrust Violation Vendor List may not submit a Response.

2.3. Overview of the RFSOQ

The RFSOQ is a method of competitively soliciting professional services under chapter 287.055, Fla. Stat.

for a project. The process involves 4 phases: Solicitation, Minimum Mandatory Requirement Review, Competitive Selection, and Negotiation of Rates.

2.3.1. Solicitation Phase

2.3.1.1. Question and Answer Period

Respondents may submit questions regarding the terms, conditions, and requirements of the RFSOQ to the Procurement Officer via email by the deadline listed in the Timeline, Section 1.9 of the RFSOQ.

Questions will not constitute a formal protest of the specifications or of the Solicitation. Answers to questions will be posted on the VIP.

All emails shall have the Solicitation number in the subject line. The Department recommends that questions be submitted in the following format:

RFSOQ

Section

RFSOQ Page

Question

2.3.1.2. Submission of Responses

Once the Department posts the answers to the questions, Respondents may begin submitting Responses as indicated in Section 3.3; however, Respondents are encouraged to submit their Responses no earlier than five (5) days prior to the submission deadline. Responses must be submitted by the deadline listed in the Timeline above.

2.3.1.3. Public Opening

The Department will open the Responses at the date, time, and location noted in the Timeline, Section

1.9. The Procurement Officer will review the entire Response to ensure that all required volumes were timely submitted.

2.3.2. Minimum Mandatory Requirement Review Phase

2.3.2.1. Administrative Review

All responses will be reviewed by the Procurement Officer to ensure that Responses contain all mandatory Forms and are complete.

2.3.2.2. Responsibility Review

The Department will review the Responsibility section of the Respondent’s Business Response Form, Form A, for affirmative responses and attached documentation, if any. Answers in the affirmative are not, in themselves, grounds for declaring a vendor as unqualified; the Department may seek additional clarification and decide whether the circumstances of the case warrant declaring a Respondent unqualified. Respondents deemed unqualified are not eligible for Contract Award.

2.3.3. Competitive Selection Phase

2.3.3.1. Determination of Qualification

The Department shall review all the information submitted pursuant to Section 1.3, Qualification of Firms, and determine if a Firm is fully qualified to provide the required service. The Department shall consider the capabilities, adequacy of personnel, past record, and experience, whether the firm is a certified minority business enterprise (CMBE) as defined by the Florida Small and Minority Business Assistance Act, and the other factors listed in Section 1.3.

2.3.3.2. Past Performance Evaluation

The Respondent’s references will be contacted by the Department by telephone during normal working hours (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) as indicated in the Timeline. The Department will make up to two (2) attempts to call before making one attempt to contact the references by email. If the contact person cannot be reached following the three (3) attempts, or if the Respondent fails to provide a reference, the Respondent will receive a score of zero (0) for that reference.

2.3.3.3. Technical Response Evaluation

The Department will evaluate Responses from qualified Respondents.

A Technical Evaluation Committee shall determine the relative ability (i.e., capabilities, adequacy of personnel, and experience) and the CMBE status of each Respondent to perform the services required under the Scope of Work using the evaluation criteria in Section 5.

Each technical evaluation team member will work independently to review and score the Response. Upon completion of the Technical Response evaluation, the technical evaluators will submit their scores to the Procurement Officer for tabulation. The Procurement Officer will give each Firm its relative score and ranking.

A Respondent’s Technical Response is the only material which will be considered by the technical evaluators. No oral or written representations, prior conversations, meetings, projects, or outside information, other than what is specifically requested to be in a Response, will be considered by the technical evaluators.

The Department will publish on the Vendor Information Portal the list identifying the highest-ranking Firms selected by the Technical Evaluation Committee to participate in discussions as well as the discussion topic(s), discussion scoring guidelines and discussion date in an Addendum to the RFSOQ.

2.3.3.4. Evaluation Discussions

Respondents will participate in discussions with the Oral Evaluation Committee. The Oral Evaluation Committee will evaluate all discussions based on their qualifications, approach to the project, and ability to furnish the required services and shall select a Respondent deemed to be the most qualified to perform the required services. The Oral Evaluation Committee shall consider factors such as the ability of professional personnel, whether a firm is a certified minority business enterprise, past performance, willingness to meet time and budget requirements, location, recent, current, and projected workloads of the firms, and the volume of work previously awarded to each firm by the Department. The Oral Evaluation Committee will submit their recommendation to the Secretary of the Department or designee for approval.

2.3.4. Negotiation of Rates Phase

The Department will negotiate contract(s) with no more than the ten (10) highest-ranking firms. Failure of a Firm to negotiate a contract rate that is fair, competitive, and reasonable, shall result in that Firm no longer being eligible for a Contract. The Department will then select the next highest-ranking Firm from the oral presentations to negotiate a contract. The Department will use this method to award up to ten

(10) Contract(s).

2.4. Conformance to Requirements

To be considered for Award, Responses submitted to the Department must conform in all material aspects to the requirements included in this RFSOQ. Responses failing to conform in all material aspects to the requirements included in this RFSOQ are non-Responsive and are not eligible for Award, at the sole discretion of the Department.

2.5. Limitation on Vendor Contact with Agency During Solicitation Period Respondents to this Solicitation or persons acting on their behalf may not contact, between the release of the Solicitation and the end of the 72-hour period following the agency posting the notice of intended award, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays, any employee or officer of the executive or legislative branch concerning any aspect of this Solicitation, except in writing to the Procurement Officer or as provided in the Solicitation documents. Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting a Response.

2.6. Addenda/Amendments to the RFSOQ

The Department reserves the right to modify this RFSOQ by issuing addenda and/or amendments. All changes to the RFSOQ will be made through addenda or amendments posted on the VIP. It is the responsibility of the Respondent to check for any changes on the VIP. Issuance of written Addenda and/or amendments is the only method by which a solicitation may be modified.

2.7. Contract Formation

The Department will issue a notice of award, if any, to the successful Respondent(s) after a successful negotiation following the process outlined in section 2.3.4 above. No contract shall be formed between the Department and the awarded Respondent until both parties sign the Contract. The Department will not be liable for any costs incurred by a Respondent in preparing or producing its Response or for any work performed before the Contract is effective.

The Contract will consist of the Draft Contract as attached, which will incorporate the Scope of Work, below in Section 4, relevant portions of the Response submitted by the awarded Respondent (if any), and the negotiated Price Sheet, accepted by the Department. If there is any discrepancy between the Scope of Work and the incorporated relevant portions of the Response, the terms most favorable to the Department shall prevail.

The Contractor must execute a Truth-in-Negotiation certificate, attached as Exhibit F to the Draft Contract, stating that wage rates and other factual unit costs supporting the compensation are accurate, complete, and current at the time of contracting.

The Respondent shall bring any perceived inconsistencies among any of the provisions of the RFSOQ and its attachments to the attention of the Department prior to the submission of its Response. At any time during the Solicitation, the Department may specifically identify and incorporate by reference any additional documents which are to be incorporated into the Contract. The Contract that results from this Solicitation will be posted on the Florida Accountability Contract Tracking System (FACTS) website in accordance with section 215.985, Fla. Stat., “Transparency Florida Act.”

2.8. Disclosure of Response Contents

All documentation produced as part of the RFSOQ will become the exclusive property of the Department and will not be returned to the Respondent unless it is withdrawn prior to the Response opening in accordance with Section 2.9. Once the Procurement Officer opens the Response, the Response may be disclosed pursuant to a public records request, subject to any confidentiality claims and the timeframes identified in section 119.071(1)(b), Fla. Stat.

2.9. Withdrawal of Responses

The Respondent may withdraw or modify a Response at any time prior to the due date by submitting a request to the Procurement Officer.

2.10. Administrative Cure Process

In the interest of maximizing competition, the Response qualification and cure process seeks to minimize, if not eliminate, Respondent disqualifications resulting from nonmaterial, curable deficiencies in the Response that are identified in the Minimum Mandatory Review Phase. Therefore, the Department may, in its sole discretion, notify Respondents whose qualifying information or documentation does not meet the requirements of the RFSOQ and allow for the correction of errors and omissions prior to making a final determination of responsiveness. Timely cures made pursuant to this section will be accepted by the Department.

2.11. Clarification Process

The Department may request clarification from the Respondent for the purpose of resolving ambiguities or questioning information presented in the Response. Clarifications may be requested throughout the Solicitation process. The Respondent’s answers to requested clarifications must be in writing and must address only the information requested. Respondent’s answers to requested clarifications must be submitted to the Department within the time specified by the Department in the requested clarification.

2.12. Information from Other Sources

The Department reserves the right to seek information from outside sources regarding the Respondent, the Respondent’s offerings, capabilities, references, and the Respondent’s performance, if the Department determines that such information is pertinent to the RFSOQ. The Department may consider such information throughout the Solicitation process including, but not limited to, determining whether the award is ultimately in the best interest of the State. This may include, but is not limited to, the Department engaging consultants, subject matter experts, and others to ensure that the Department has a complete understanding of the information provided pursuant to the Solicitation.

2.13. Firm Response

The Department may make an award within one hundred and eighty (180) days after the date of the opening, during which period Responses shall remain firm and shall not be withdrawn. If award is not made within one hundred and eighty (180) days, the Response shall remain firm until either the Department awards the Contract, or the Department receives from the Respondent written notice that the Response is withdrawn. Any Response that expresses a shorter duration may, in the Department's sole discretion, be accepted or rejected.

2.14. Right to Reject

The Department may reject any Response not submitted in the manner specified by the Solicitation documents. Respondents whose past performance, current status, or Response does not reflect the capability, integrity, or reliability to fully, and in good faith, perform the requirements of the Contract may be rejected as non-Responsible and are not eligible for Award.

2.15. Cancellation, Non-Award, and Withdrawal

When the Department determines that is it in the best interest of the State, it reserves the right to:

• Cancel this Solicitation.

• Make no Award and reject all Responses.

• Withdraw the Solicitation at any time, including after an award is made.

• Withdraw or amend its Notice of Award at any time prior to execution of a contract, including, but not limited to, situations in which the Contractor(s) fails to execute the contract.

• Re-procure services.

2.16. Misrepresentations

All information submitted, and all representations made, by the Respondent in a Response may be relied upon by the Department in determining Responsibility of a Respondent for Award. Any misstatement or omission, whether intentional or not, may be treated by the Department as a fraudulent concealment of the true facts relating to the Response. Such misrepresentation will be a basis for the Department to disqualify the Respondent as non-Responsible, and bar the Respondent from participation in any re-solicitation pertaining to this subject matter (regardless of whether the re-solicitation resulted from Respondent’s misrepresentation) and may be punishable under law, including, but not limited to, chapter 817, Fla. Stat.

2.17. Licensure & Registration

Prior to the execution of a Contract, the selected Respondent must be properly licensed to do business within the State, and all entities must be appropriately registered with the Florida Department of State, if required by federal or state law.

2.18. Replacement and Alternate Responses

The Department will only consider one (1) Response per Respondent, unless otherwise indicated in Section 3. Respondents may submit revised Responses at any time prior to the Response Due Date as specified in the Timeline of Events. Revised Responses must include a statement, signed and dated, by an Authorized Signatory, withdrawing all prior Responses from the Respondent. Alternate commodities and/or contractual services may be proposed only if permitted in accordance with the instructions contained in this Solicitation. The Department is under no obligation to consider alternate commodities and/or contractual services to those requested in this Solicitation if not specifically requested as part of a Response and may reject a Response making such offers as non-Responsive.

2.19. Exclusivity

This Solicitation will not result in an exclusive license to provide the commodities and/or contractual services described in this Solicitation or the resulting Contract. The Department may, in compliance with applicable laws, contract with other vendors to provide the same or similar commodities and/or contractual services if the Department determines that doing so will serve the State’s best interests.

2.20. Diversity

The State is dedicated to fostering the continued development and economic growth of minority-owned, veteran-owned, and woman-owned businesses. Participation of a diverse group of Respondents doing business with the Department is central to the State’s effort.

The Office of Supplier Development (OSD) has been established within the Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) to certify qualifying minority-owned, veteran-owned, and woman-owned business enterprises (CBEs). CBEs are encouraged to participate in the State’s procurement process as both prime Respondents and subcontractors. Non-CBE Respondents are encouraged to partner with CBEs for Contract performance.

2.21. Bid Protests

Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in section 120.57(3), Fla. Stat., or failure to post the bond or other security required by law within the time allowed for filing a bond shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under chapter 120, Fla. Stat.

Documents received after normal working hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time) will be filed the following business day.

All filings must be made with the Agency Clerk ONLY and are only considered "filed" when stamped, physically or digitally, by the Agency Clerk. It is the responsibility of the filing party to meet all filing deadlines.

The Agency Clerk's address is:

Agency Clerk, Office of General Counsel Department of Environmental Protection 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, Douglas Building, MS#35 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000 Email: Agency_clerk@floridadep.gov mailto:Agency_clerk@floridadep.gov

2.22. Execution of Contract

The awarded Respondent(s) shall sign the Contract within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of the Contract for execution, unless there is an automatic stay triggered by the filing of a formal protest. If a formal protest is timely filed, the time to sign the Contract shall be tolled. The Department reserves the right to withdraw its Notice of Intent to Award if the Contract is not timely signed, if it determines in its sole discretion that it is in the best interest of the State to do so. The Department also reserves the right to award to the Respondent ranked second if the Department does not receive a timely signed Contract from the awarded Respondent.

2.23. Failure to Perform the Contract

If the Contractor is unable or unwilling to meet the requirements of the Contract within 60 days of execution, the Department may terminate its Contract with Contractor and award to the next most qualified Respondent(s).

REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

Rev. 2/15/23

3. Response Instructions This section contains the General Instructions and Special Instructions to Respondents. The “General Instructions to Respondents” Form PUR 1001 is incorporated by reference and can be accessed at https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/state _purchasing_pur_forms.

The terms of the PUR 1001 are controlling for this RFSOQ, except for the following sections, which are inapplicable:

Section 3. Electronic Submission of Responses Responses shall be submitted in accordance with Section 3.3 of this Solicitation.

Section 5. Questions Questions shall be submitted in accordance with Section 2.3.1.1 of this Solicitation.

Section 14. Firm Response.

This paragraph is superseded by Section 2.13 of this Solicitation.

Section 15. Clarifications/Revisions.

This paragraph is superseded by Section 2.11 of this Solicitation.

Section 17. Contract Formation.

This paragraph is superseded by Section 2.7 of this Solicitation.

Section 20. Protests.

This paragraph is superseded by Section 2.21 of this Solicitation.

3.1. MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) Vendor Registration

Prior to execution of the Contract by the Department, the Contractor must be registered with MFMP.

Information about the registration process is available on, and registration may be completed at https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/.

Prospective vendors who do not have internet access may request assistance from MFMP Customer Service within DMS.

The following United Nations Standard Products and Services Code(s) (UNSPSC) are provided to assist potential Respondents in their registration efforts:

Code Title 80101600 Project Management 81102101 Coastal Engineering 81101500 Civil Engineering 81101528 Stormwater Engineering 81101513 Building Construction Management https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/state_purchasing_pur_forms https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/state_purchasing_pur_forms https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

3.2. Submission of Responses

Respondents shall deliver Responses to the Department’s office designated in the Timeline of Events before the date and time specified. Any Response that is received after the exact time specified in the Timeline of Events is late. Late Responses, as well as Responses submitted through email or by facsimile, are non-Responsive and will not be evaluated. All Response materials must be packaged so that each box shipped to the Department does not exceed 25 pounds.

Response packages must be marked to show the Respondent's name and address, the Solicitation number, and the date and time Responses are due. If multiple packages are shipped, package sequences (i.e. 1 of 3, 2 of 4, etc.) must also be indicated on the outside of the package.

3.3. Response Content Requirements

Respondent’s Responses must be submitted in hard and electronic copies divided into volumes containing the information specified below as provided in the timeline specified in Section 1.9.:

Volume Name Copies Volume I Business Response One (1) Original Volume II Technical Response One (1) Original CD/DVD/USB Electronic Copy of Response One (1) copy of each Volume CD/DVD/USB Redacted Electronic Copy of Response (if applicable) One (1) Redacted copy of each Volume

3.3.1. Volume I, Business Response

Respondents must prepare a Business Response volume in the order outlined below.

Volume I Business Response Page Limit Tab A Executive Summary One(1) Tab B Required Forms None

3.3.1.1. Tab A: Executive Summary

Respondents must prepare and include an Executive Summary that summarizes the key points from the Respondent’s Business and Technical volumes. The Executive Summary must begin with company/division’s street address; and size of business, CBEs status, and a summary of the key points from the Respondent’s Response. If the Respondent is a current or former Contractor to the Department, the Respondent will notify the Department of the contract number and the Department’s contract manager in its Executive Summary.

3.3.1.2. Tab B: Required Forms

Respondents must complete and submit Form A, Business Response Form.

Respondents must complete Form C, Client Reference Form, for three (3) Clients to whom Respondent has provided commodities and/or contractual services of similar scope and size as those identified in the RFSOQ. The three (3) completed Client Reference Forms shall be attached in this Tab. Respondents shall not list the Department as a reference. Current or former Contracts with the Department indicated in the Executive Summary will not count as one of the three references.

Respondent gives Department permission to contact client references and obtain their opinion of the Respondent’s past performance using the questions listed on Attachment 2. The Respondent acknowledges that Department will record the client’s opinion on Attachment 2, and that the completed form will become a public record.

Respondents that will be receiving access to an individual’s personal identifying information from the Department must complete Form F, Foreign Country of Concern Attestation.

3.3.2. Volume II, Technical Response

The Respondent must prepare and submit a Technical Response volume detailing their qualifications, capabilities, and a description of the commodities and/or contractual services that they will provide to the Department. The Technical Response must contain complete Responses to all items. If a portion of any section is omitted, the Response may be deemed non-Responsive at the sole discretion of the Department.

Volume II Technical Response Tab A Introduction Tab B Company Background and Organizational Structure Tab C Qualifications, Knowledge, and Experience Tab D Project Management Tab E Personnel Assigned Tab F Licenses Tab G Documentation Supporting Subcontract Arrangements Tab H Sample Work Product

3.3.3. Tab A: Introduction

This section should provide a general description of how the Respondent will accomplish the overall goal of this project. It should include identification of key elements needed for development of the project; what members of the project team will perform which elements of the project; and identify the key personnel who will control each element of the project.

3.3.4. Tab B: Company Background and Organizational Structure This section shall provide information on the historical background of the Respondent and on the Respondent’s organizational structure. This should include years in operation and years involved in work related to this project.

a) CMBE Certification: Include Firm’s CMBE Status and provide proof of certification, if applicable.

Additional information regarding the certification process can be viewed at the following link:

https://www.dms.myflorida.com/agency_administration/office_of_supplier_diversity_osd

3.3.5. Tab C: Qualifications, Knowledge, and Experience

This section shall demonstrate the Respondent’s knowledge of each of the areas listed below. The proposals shall be limited to the Respondent’s office (branch office) that will be directly managing the project. Projects that other branch offices have completed will not be considered in the evaluation of the proposal. The Department will consider the experience and capabilities of the presenting office staff https://www.dms.myflorida.com/agency_administration/office_of_supplier_diversity_osd who will be directly managing the project identified in this RFSOQ. Use of employees from other branch offices who will be providing labor on the project shall be noted along with their accomplishments and/or experience separately. Their experience will be represented in this section for multi-discipline availability of staff and within the Standard Form 330s, which is discussed in more detail below in section 3.3.7.

This project will require a special discipline approach. The Respondent shall demonstrate that it has, through current employees, the technical expertise necessary to perform the services described herein.

Respondent’s demonstration shall be based on work performed on projects of similar type and complexity, and their knowledge and experience with similar projects. The Respondent shall provide the necessary information to demonstrate the following:

a) Floodplain Management

b) Coastal Engineering

c) Civil Engineering

d) Environmental Modeling & Analysis

e) Stormwater Management System Engineering

f) Construction Management and Inspection

g) Geospatial Analysis

3.3.6. Tab D: Project Management

a) The Respondent shall describe in-house project organization and management methods which are most appropriate to perform the type of services described in the Scope of Work. Contract managers and key personnel must be identified. Office locations for key personnel, including personnel from other branch offices and sub-consultants, must be identified.

b) The Respondent shall describe their office management process for tracking and maintaining the various types of documents that will be associated with the project and how those documents will be transmitted to the various project participants.

c) The Respondent shall discuss schedule monitoring and controls and demonstrate how they will meet the schedule described in Section 4, Scope of Work. The Department is interested in how schedules will be tracked and reported, and how they will be maintained as it relates to the consultant. The section shall also address how this will be represented as part of your invoices.

d) This section shall describe work plan/report modifications and corrective action procedures:

i. How are goals, objectives, and activities developed and organized within the defined work scope?

ii. What are the internal review procedures for quality control to create error free documents?

iii. How is the project data managed and/or maintained?

iv. What are your corrective action procedures when schedules are not maintained, costs are not maintained, or errors are discovered in the design of the project or while the project is under construction?

The availability of the Respondent’s personnel assigned to this project is important. The Department expects personnel identified in the Response package to be available to work on the project identified in this RFSOQ without interference from other contractual obligations which the Respondent may have. The selected consultant may be performing work under several contracts simultaneously, and therefore should indicate how work overloads will be managed to prevent project delays. An adequate number of personnel to complete the work in a timely manner shall be limited to those included in the proposal, not the number of personnel with the branch office or within the total organization.

3.3.7. Tab E: Personnel Assigned - Standard Form 330 Part I (Sections A through E only) and Part II

The Respondent shall complete Part I (Sections A through E only) and Part II of the United States Department of General Services Standard Form 330 in accordance with the instructions provided therein.

Part I (Sections A through E only) and Part II of the Standard Form 330 must be completed and submitted with the proposal package. Key personnel identified in Section E shall be those personnel directly responsible for daily project management to be assigned to the contract resulting from this RFSOQ.

Specific project positions shall coincide with the personnel identified in the Project Management section of the proposal package (see Section B.4 above). An electronic version of the form may be obtained at the website https://www.gsa.gov/forms-library/architect-engineer-qualifications under the Standard-Std Contracting & Procurement section. Projects listed on the Standard Form 330 must be relevant to the project requested in this RFSOQ and those that do not pertain to the types identified for this RFSOQ will not be considered.

3.3.8. Tab F: Licenses

The Respondent shall submit documentation to show that the Respondent (not subcontractors) is an architecture, engineering, or surveying and mapping Firm registered in the State of Florida in accordance with section 471.023, Fla. Stat. Documentation for an architecture, engineering, or surveying and mapping Firm shall include a screenshot from the Florida’s Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) website showing the license information for the Professional who is the qualifying agent for the architecture, engineering, or surveying and mapping firm and the related license information for the Firm.

3.3.9. Tab G: Documentation Supporting Subcontractor Arrangements All Respondents shall supply written proof of Primary Subcontractor arrangements for this solicitation.

Documentation shall be supplied for each Primary Subcontractor which the Respondent intends to utilize and for whom the Respondent has identified qualifications and experience in their proposal. The written documentation shall be a one (1) page letter supplied by the subcontractor on its letterhead stationery, clearly identifying the DEP Solicitation Number (RFSOQ #), the project title, and the primary contractor with whom the Firms intend to subcontract. Failure to submit a letter of commitment from an intended subcontractor identified in the Response shall result in the disallowance of the qualifications and experience of that subcontractor from consideration in the evaluation process.

Note: Do not use this section to provide additional information about any proposed subcontractors.

Any additional information provided with these letters will not be reviewed.

https://www.gsa.gov/forms-library/architect-engineer-qualifications

3.3.10. Tab H: Sample Work Product

All Respondents shall submit a sample work product that demonstrates their expertise and capability in addressing one or more of the required areas of expertise listed in Tab C. This sample should be a completed project similar in complexity to the services requested in this solicitation. The sample should highlight the firm’s technical approach, problem-solving abilities, and quality of deliverables. In addition to the sample work product, the submission must include:

Project Overview:

a) Provide a brief summary of the project, including location and overall objectives.

b) Explain how the project is relevant to the scope of services outlined in this solicitation.

Technical Approach:

a) Describe the methodologies, tools, and technologies used in the project.

b) Highlight any innovative solutions or unique challenges that were addressed.

Key Deliverables:

a) Include key deliverables such as reports, maps, and designs

Outcomes

a) Detail the results of the project, including any measurable outcomes or long-term impacts.

b) Including any relevant performance metrics or data that demonstrate the success of the project.

Confidentiality

a) Ensure that all proprietary or Confidential Information is redacted from the sample work product. The sample should be suitable for sharing with evaluators and public records requests, if applicable.

3.4. Economy of Presentation

Responses must be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise delineation of the Respondent’s capabilities to satisfy the requirements of this Solicitation without the use of marketing materials, white papers, fancy or flashy graphics, case studies, or other promotional materials.

The emphasis of each Response should be on completeness and clarity of content.

3.5. Confidential Response Materials and Redacted Submissions In addition to the public records requirements of the PUR 1001, Section 19, if the Respondent considers any portion of its Response to be Confidential Information or exempt under chapter 119, Fla. Stat., or other authority (Public Records Law), then the Respondent must simultaneously provide the Department with an unredacted version of the materials and a separate redacted copy of the materials the Respondent claims as Confidential Information or exempt and in an index, as described in Section 3.5.1.

The Respondent shall mark the unredacted version of the document as “Unredacted version – contains Confidential Information” and place such information in an encrypted electronic form or a sealed separate envelope.

3.5.1. Redacted Submissions

If submitting a redacted version of its Response, the Respondent shall mark the cover of the redacted copy with the Respondent’s name, Department’s solicitation name and number, and the words “Redacted Copy.” The Redacted Copy should only redact those portions of material that the Respondent claims are Confidential Information or exempt from Public Records Law. An entire Response should not be redacted.

An entire page or paragraph which contains Confidential Information or exempt material should not be redacted unless the entire page or paragraph is wholly Confidential Information or exempt from Public Records Law. In the Redacted Copy, the Respondent shall redact and maintain in confidence any materials the Department provides or seeks regarding security of a proposed technology system or information subject to sections 119.011(14), 119.071(1)(f), and 119.071(3), Fla. Stat.

In addition, the Respondent should submit a separate index listing the Confidential Information or exempt portions of its Response. The index should briefly describe in writing the grounds for claiming exemption from the Public Records Law, including the specific statutory citation for such exemption.

The Redacted Copy will be used to fulfill public records and other disclosure requests and will be posted on the FACTS website. In addition, the Department will follow the procedures described in Attachment 4, Public Records Requirements, of the Draft Contract.

By submitting a Response, the Respondent agrees to protect, defend, and indemnify the Department for any and all claims…