Solid_Waste_Consulting,_Engineering,_and_Related_Services_for_the_Closure_of_the_Leon_County_Landfill_(Addendum_#2_Revision).pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

FOR

SOLID WASTE CONSULTING, ENGINEERING, AND RELATED

SERVICES FOR THE CLOSURE OF THE LEON COUNTY LANDFILL

Proposal Number BC-10-28-21-37

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

LEON COUNTY, FLORIDA

RELEASE DATE: September 27, 2021

RFP Title: Request for Proposals for SOLID WASTE CONSULTING, ENGINEERING, AND RELATED SERVICES FOR THE

CLOSURE OF THE LEON COUNTY LANDFILL

Opening Date: November 1, 2021, 2:00 pm

Solid Waste Consulting, Engineering, and Related Services for the

Closure of the Leon County Landfill

1. Introduction

2. General Instructions

3. Scope of Services

4. Solicitation Instructions

5. Required Certifications

6. Selection Process

7. Evaluation Criteria

8. Minority, Women, Small Business (MWSBE) Enterprise

9. Insurance Requirements

10. Terms and Conditions

11. Ethical Business Practices

12. Submittals

Attachments:

A - Proposal Response Cover Sheet B - Consultant Qualification Form C - MWBE Forms D - Forms for Solicitations E - Draft Agreement

RFP Title: SOLID WASTE CONSULTING, ENGINEERING, AND RELATED SERVICES FOR THE CLOSURE OF THE LEON COUNTY

LANDFILL

Leon County Florida P a g e | 2

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Summary

Leon County Government “County” is accepting proposals from qualified firms/teams interested in providing value engineering of the existing closure plans, environmental services engineering services, solid waste management consulting and construction qualified control/quality assurance services to Leon County . The resulting agreement from this RFP shall provide for the issuance of individual task orders based on specific scopes of work. Task Orders will be individually negotiated based on a fee Schedule and any additional negotiated services required within the scope of work. The Firm will serve as the “Engineer of Record” for all permits and reports primary to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. However, there may be other requirements of other agencies not specifically listed that may require documentation during the term of the agreement that the successful vendor shall be responsible to complete.

Applicants will be deemed ineligible if the applicant has any pending civil or administrative action against the applicant brought by any federal or state governmental entity, as defined in 18 USC § 2711 (4) and by Florida Statutes, including but not limited to any county, municipality, special district, school district, utility authority or other authority; or if the applicant is currently engaged in any dispute or controversy related to or arising out of the allegation that the applicant is in breach of any contract with any governmental entity as described above. This requirement also applies to all subcontractors. It is the responsibility of the prime contractor to ensure that all subcontractors utilized are in compliance with this requirement.

All professional services to be provided under this agreement shall be performed by Professionals licensed to practice in the State of Florida. All works completed for this project shall comply with Chapter 471, F.S., Chapter 455, F.S. and Chapter 61G15. F.A.C. All signed and sealed engineering documents shall be certified by Florida professional engineers.

All Work to be performed under this solicitation shall be completed in a reasonably timely manner in accordance with the Firm's proposed task schedules, with no undue delays.

Leon County reserves the right to negotiate with the successful vendor for any related items not specifically listed in the bid document.

1.2. Background

The Leon County Division of Solid Waste Management operates the Apalachee Solid Waste Management Facility, four rural waste drop-off centers (Rural Waste Service Centers); and a solid waste transfer station. The division also manages an exclusive agreement for single-family residential and commercial waste collection in the unincorporated area.

The Apalachee Solid Waste Management Facility (SWMF) is comprised of a single set of truck scales with an attended scale house; An inactive Class I and Class III cells; waste tire management; oils recycling; electronics recycling; yard trash mulching operation; Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Center; Administrative office; a fueling station; and a heavy equipment service bay. Leachate is collected and delivered to a central wastewater treatment facility via force main.

Landfill gas is also collected and incinerated. A typical groundwater monitoring plan is in place.

The transfer station accepts only Class I waste from commercial and municipal haulers. Waste is removed from the tipping floor by a front loader and loaded over a push wall into open top transfer trailers. The waste is disposed of in a regional landfill located in Jackson County, approximately 85 miles from the facility. The transfer station is operated by Leon County

RFP Title: SOLID WASTE CONSULTING, ENGINEERING, AND RELATED SERVICES FOR THE CLOSURE OF THE LEON COUNTY

P a g e | 3 staff. Hauling and disposal are by long term agreement with Waste Management, Inc. Waste Management sub-contracts with Pritchett Trucking for the hauling.

The Rural Waste Service Centers (RWSC) accept residential Class I waste, Class III waste, recyclables, tires, yard trash, and limited types of HHW.

1.3. Contact Information

Shelly Kelley Purchasing Director 1800-3 Blair Stone Road Purchasing Division Tallahassee, FL 32308 Email: kelleys@leoncountyfl.gov Phone: (850) 606-1600 Department:

Procurement

Department Head:

Shelly Kelley Director of Purchasing

1.4. Timeline

Below is the current schedule of the events that will take place as part of this solicitation. The County reserves the right to make changes or alterations to the schedule as the County determines is in the best interest of the public. If any changes to the Schedule of Events are made, Leon County will post the changes on the Leon County procurement website either as a public meeting notice, or as an addendum, as applicable. It is the responsibility of the firm to register as a vendor in the County's eProcurement Portal located at https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/leoncounty and to click the "Follow" button on your interested projects in order to receive email notifications of changes. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the firm and other interested persons and parties to review the Purchasing Division’s website to stay informed of the Schedule of Events, addenda to the RFP, and public meetings. The main procurement website address is:

https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/leoncounty.

Release Project Date September 27, 2021 mailto:kelleys@leoncountyfl.gov tel:(850)606-1600 https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/leoncounty

RFP Title: SOLID WASTE CONSULTING, ENGINEERING, AND RELATED SERVICES FOR THE CLOSURE OF THE LEON COUNTY

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Pre-Proposal Meeting (Mandatory) October 6, 2021, 10:00am

IN PERSON:

1800-3 North Blair Stone Road Tallahassee, FL 32308

VIRTUALLY:

To to https://zoom.us/j/9625341094 from your browser

-OR-

One tap mobile:

+19292056099,,9625341094# US (New York) +13126266799,,9625341094# US (Chicago)

Meeting ID: 962 534 1094

Dial by your location:

+1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abtKzzawlE

Join by SIP:

9625341094@zoomcrc.com

Question/Inquiries Deadline October 8, 2021, 5:00pm

Opening Date November 1, 2021, 2:00pm https://zoom.us/j/9625341094 https://zoom.us/u/abtKzzawlE mailto:9625341094@zoomcrc.com

RFP Title: SOLID WASTE CONSULTING, ENGINEERING, AND RELATED SERVICES FOR THE CLOSURE OF THE LEON COUNTY

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2. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Proposers are expected to examine the proposal documents carefully, including specifications, delivery schedule, freight requirements, prices and extensions and all general and special conditions of the solicitation prior to submission. In case of error in price extension, the unit price will govern. The County's preferred method of submission is to respond electronically via ProcureNow, however, bids may be submitted in person, by mail or other carrier.

2.1. Special Accommodations

Any person requiring a special accommodation at a Pre-Proposal Conference or Bid/RFP opening because of a disability should call the Division of Purchasing at (850) 606-1600 at least five (5) workdays prior to the Pre-Proposal Conference or Bid/RFP opening. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Purchasing Division by calling the County Administrator's Office using the Florida Relay Service which can be reached at 1(800) 955-8771 (TDD).

2.2. Prohibited Communications

Any Form of communication, except for written correspondence with the Purchasing Division requesting clarification or asking questions, shall be prohibited regarding a particular request for proposal, request for qualification, bid, or any other competitive solicitation between:

A. Any person or person’s representative seeking an award from such competitive solicitation; and

B. Any County Commissioner or Commissioner’s staff, or any county employee authorized to act on behalf of the Commission to award a particular contract.

For the purpose of this section, a person’s representative shall include, but not be limited to, the person’s employee, partner, officer, director, consultant, lobbyist, lawyer, relative, or any actual or potential subcontractor or consultant of the person.

The prohibited communication shall be in effect as of the release of the competitive solicitation and terminate at the time the Board, or a County department authorized to act on behalf of the Board, awards or approves a contract, rejects all bids or responses, or otherwise takes action which ends the solicitation process.

The provisions of this section shall not apply to oral communications at any public proceeding, including pre-bid conferences, oral presentations before selection committees, contract negotiations during any public meetings, presentations made to the Board, and protest hearings. Further, the provisions of this section shall not apply to contract negotiations between any employee and the intended awardee, any dispute resolution process following the filing of a protest between the person filing the protest and any employee, communications with the County Attorney or communications with the Purchasing Director.

Violation of this section may result in disqualification from this solicitation and shall be grounds for suspension from doing business with the County.

2.3. Proposal Media Format (Electronic or Paper)

Proposals may be submitted either by paper or electronically. Electronic is the preferred method.

Paper proposals are to be submitted bound by binder clips only. No manner of plastic, comb or wire bindings, three ring binders, or staples are acceptable. All copies of proposals are to be printed double-sided, on paper with no less than 30%

RFP Title: SOLID WASTE CONSULTING, ENGINEERING, AND RELATED SERVICES FOR THE CLOSURE OF THE LEON COUNTY

P a g e | 6 post-consumer recycled content. As a part of our sustainability program, Leon County is reducing the excess packaging, binders, and waste associated with submittals.

Electronic proposals are to be submitted through the Leon County e-Bidding site located at https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/leoncounty.

2.4. Response Address

If submitting a paper response, the response to the proposal should be submitted in a sealed envelope/package addressed in the following manner:

BC-10-28-21-37

Purchasing Division 1800-3 N. Blair Stone Road Tallahassee, FL 32308

2.5. Proposal Paper Copies

If submitting a paper response, One ORIGINAL and one electronic copy of the Response (“Proposal”) must be furnished on or before the deadline. Responses will be retained as property of the County. The ORIGINAL of your reply must be clearly marked “Original” on its face and must contain an original, non-electronic signature of an authorized representative of the responding firm or individual. The contents of the proposal of the successful Proposer will become part of the contractual obligations.

2.6. Proposer Registration

Proposers who obtain solicitation documents from sources other than the County Purchasing Division MUST officially register with the County Purchasing Division in order to be placed on the planholders list for the solicitation. This list is used for communications from the County to prospective Proposers. Also, Proposers should be aware that solicitation documents obtained from sources other than those listed above may be drafts, incomplete, or in some other fashion different from the official solicitation document(s). Failure to register as a prospective Proposer through the Purchasing Division (https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/leoncounty) may cause your submittal to be rejected as non-responsive.

To Register, complete the online vendor registration process, find the opportunity of interest, and click "Follow" or "Draft Response".

2.7. Registered Planholders List

As a convenience to vendors, Leon County has made available via the internet lists of all registered planholders for each bid or request for proposals. The information is available on-line at https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/leoncounty by simply clicking the Followers tab for each respective solicitation. A listing of the registered vendors with their contact information is designed to assist vendors in preparation of their responses.

https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/leoncounty

RFP Title: SOLID WASTE CONSULTING, ENGINEERING, AND RELATED SERVICES FOR THE CLOSURE OF THE LEON COUNTY

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2.8. Errors and Omissions

The County and its representatives shall not be responsible for any errors or omission in the RFP. Due care and diligence has been exercised in the preparation of this RFP, and all information contained herein is believed to be substantially correct.

Information is subject to review by the successful proposer.

2.9. Acceptance of County Terms

Leon County objects to and shall not consider any additional terms or conditions submitted by a respondent, including any appearing in documents attached as part of a respondent’s response. In submitting its response, a respondent agrees that any additional terms or conditions, whether submitted intentionally or inadvertently, shall have no force or effect. Failure to comply with terms and conditions, including those specifying information that must be submitted with a response, shall be grounds for rejecting a response or placing a respondent in default.

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3. SCOPE OF SERVICES

3.1. General

Leon County is seeking the services of professional consultants to provide comprehensive environmental services, value engineering, civil engineering services, solid waste management consulting, and construction quality control/quality assurance services . Professional consultants are to provide the following engineering services but not limited to: evaluation of the existing landfill closure redesign, development of alternatives to use different types of shaping materials in reduction of the overall closure cost, environmental permitting, cost estimates, construction bid development, construction engineering inspection, post-closure design services including but not limited to pay request review and recommendation for approval.

The first phase of the landfill closure services is to conduct a viability study through the evaluation and validation of the current design and develop alternatives for the closure operation using different types of the shaping materials or contours.

Based on the viability study, a preferred alternative will be selected for final implementation of the landfill closure. It is anticipated to complete the Landfill Closure Viability Study within three months after the contract is executed.

All necessary revisions to the current design will be made based on preferred alternative. New permits may be required dependent upon the revisions and type of the shaping materials.

Also, the project may involve providing services for all aspects of environmental monitoring, groundwater, surface water, remediation, landfill gas capture, control and beneficial use, engineering design, operations assistance, annual updates.

The firm must demonstrate qualification and specific experience in the areas identified in the sections below.

3.2. Minimum Qualification Requirements

The Vendor must demonstrate that it has successfully completed a minimum of two landfill closure projects of similar size and complexity within the last ten years preceding the solicitation submittal date. At least one of the projects must be for the closure of a municipal solid waste landfill.

3.3. Environmental Evaluation and Support Services

Work in this category shall consist of the provision technical and scientific testing, analysis or other investigation in support of environmental issues as may be encountered by the County. Services may include but are not limited to, groundwater and surface water monitoring, water quality monitoring, environmental assessments, remedial action plans, archeological assessments, hazardous materials issues, and landfill gas monitoring, and capture. The consultant may be requested to collect samples, complete field testing, and evaluate data for submission of semi-annual, annual, and bi-annual water quality and leachate monitoring reports as required by Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These services shall be performed with the oversight of a Professional Engineer registered in the State of Florida.

3.4. Solid Waste Landfill Closure Redesign, Permit Modification, and Construction Management

Work includes value engineering of the existing closure plans, engineering redesign of the existing closure plans when necessary, engineering calculations, operational plans, long term care plans, and monitoring plans in accordance with all

RFP Title: SOLID WASTE CONSULTING, ENGINEERING, AND RELATED SERVICES FOR THE CLOSURE OF THE LEON COUNTY

P a g e | 9 federal, state and local regulations for class I and Class III landfills. The professional services related to transfer stations, public drop-off facilities, and recycling facilities may be needed. This engineering redesign will require no excavation of waste.

This service may include design modification to leachate management systems, landfill gas management system, exposed geomembrane covers, buffer enhancements, operational plans, and other services related to the landfill infrastructure. The respondent should demonstrate expertise and experience in retro-fitting existing and ancillary systems to meet changes or projected changes in operating conditions or regulatory requirements

Dependent upon the conclusion of the viability study and selected preferred alternative, the scale house relocation on the County property and a new access road and entrance for solid waste management operations may be required before the landfill closure operation.

Experience with innovative technologies including leachate reduction systems, alternative energy systems, waste reduction programs, and landfill construction techniques will be required. Significant and innovative solid waste research and development projects completed by the respondent should be specifically listed in the responses.

3.5. Closure Lining System Services

Work includes the design, permitting, and construction management of geomembrane, geosynthetic, clay material, and composite lining system together with the ancillary leachate collection and leak detection systems. There are existing liner materials stockpiled at the landfill site from a previous design. These materials will need to be evaluated for suitability in the redesign or revised design. The respondent should demonstrate expertise and experience with lining systems used to contain solid waste and the leachate and landfill gas emitted from solid waste landfills. Expertise in estimating and comparing total installation and operating costs for innovative design projects is required.

3.6. Solid Waste Accounting Services

This may include closure financial assurance, generation studies, composition studies , full cost accounting, assessment studies, and rate studies.

3.7. Leachate Collection and Disposal

Work may conclude the design, permitting, and construction management of leachate collection, pumping, holding, and disposal systems. The respondent should demonstrate experience with leachate management in order to compare the potential alternative method for collection, treatment, and disposal. Experience with on-site pre-treatment and reduction are beneficial.

3.8. Lining System Services

This work will include the design, permitting, and construction management of geomembrane, geosynthetic, clay, and composite lining systems together with the ancillary leachate collection and leak detection systems for the existing cells.

The respondent should demonstrate expertise and experience with lining systems used to contain solid waste and the leachate and landfill gas emitted from solid waste landfills. Expertise in estimating and comparing total installation and operating costs for innovative design projects is required.

The successful firm or firms will have an engineer of record on staff for signed and sealed documents submitted by the Leon County Division of Solid Waste Management to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The engineering firm

RFP Title: SOLID WASTE CONSULTING, ENGINEERING, AND RELATED SERVICES FOR THE CLOSURE OF THE LEON COUNTY

P a g e | 10 or firms will be responsible for conducting all of the Leon County Solid Waste Management Division’s environmental monitoring, environmental assessment and remediation, including groundwater, air and soil. Demonstration of expertise associated with the hydro-geological conditions found in Leon County, Florida will be required. The engineering firm may be required to provide community relations support for all phases of work, which may include presentations to the Leon County Board of County Commissioners, public interest groups and public, town-hall type meetings

3.9. Construction Bid Document

Work shall consist of developing construction plans and specifications for bidding, construction cost estimates, and constructability review.

3.10. Construction Engineering and Inspection Services

Work in this category shall consist of services associated with projects which are in construction or are nearing a construction phase. Services may consist of, but are not limited to, inspection, testing, testing coordination, project management in accordance with FDEP procedures and permit requirements, Leon County Supplemental Specifications to the FDOT Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, and other related services. If a Federal Grant is involved, a resident compliance specialist is required to ensure full compliance with the federal aid requirements.

3.11. Surveying

Work in this category shall consist of surveying services performed by surveyors licensed to practice in the State of Florida.

Services may consist of, but are not limited to, design surveys.

3.12. Geotechnical Services

Work in this category shall consist of the field sampling and testing, laboratory testing and the engineering evaluation of such information as is available to render opinions and reports related to geotechnical issues by a Registered Professional Engineer as requested. The services may also include design of road base and subgrade improvements, embankment stabilization, erosion control, and sediment removal from a natural water body or a constructed stormwater management facility.

3.13. Roadway Design Services

Dependent upon the conclusion of the viability study and selected preferred alternative, a new entrance into the landfill site on the north side of Apalachee Parkway may be required as part of this project. This new entrance may need a new median opening on Apalachee Park for eastbound traffic left turning movements. The experience in roadway design and permit application for the FDOT’s approval is required.

3.14. Post-Design Services

Work will include response to Requests for Information, construction observation, continuing engineering support, review of shop drawings and preparation of close-out documents, including certification of record drawings. All aforementioned services may be needed within ten years of initial permit approval.

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The successful firm or firms will have an engineer of record on staff for signed and sealed engineering documents submitted to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

The engineering firm or firms will be responsible for conducting all of the environmental monitoring, environmental assessment, and remediation, including groundwater, air and soil. Demonstration of experience associated with the hydro-geological conditions found in Leon County, Florida will be required.

The engineering firm may be required to provide community relations support for all phases of work, which may include presentations to the Leon County Board of County Commissioners, public interest groups and the public in a town-hall type meeting.

All Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) work must be conducted and completed with AutoCAD Civil 3D software to ensure usability and compatibility with Leon County’s system.

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4. SOLICITATION INSTRUCTIONS

4.1. Pre-Proposal Meeting

A Mandatory Pre-Proposal Meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 10:00 am. The Location is as follows: IN PERSON: 1800-3 North Blair Stone Road Tallahassee, FL 32308 VIRTUALLY: To to https://zoom.us/j/9625341094 from your browser -OR- One tap mobile: +19292056099,,9625341094# US (New York) +13126266799,,9625341094# US (Chicago) Meeting ID: 962 534 1094 Dial by your location: +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abtKzzawlE Join by SIP: 9625341094@zoomcrc.com.

The Pre-Proposal Meeting will be a public meeting that the public is invited to attend either physically in person or an audio conference at the County's discretion. Instructions for conferencing in will be provided as part of the public meeting notice, which will be posted on the website listed above for public meetings no less than 72 hours in advance of the Pre-Proposal Meeting. All questions of Respondents to be discussed at the Pre-Proposal meeting must be submitted in writing by the deadline identified in the Schedule of Events as the Deadline for Pre-Proposal Meeting Questions. The Respondents will be instructed to submit all questions after the meeting to the Leon County e-Procurement website.

The purpose of the Pre-Proposal Meeting is to provide a forum to answer questions concerning the RFP, instructions for submitting Proposals, and other relevant issues. In the event that any discussions or questions at the Pre-Proposal Meeting require, in the Leon County's opinion, official additions, deletions, or clarifications of the RFP, Leon County will issue a written summary of questions and answers or an addendum to this RFP as the Leon County determines is appropriate. No oral representations or discussions, which take place at the Pre-Proposal Meeting, will be binding on Leon County. The Respondents will be instructed to direct all questions after the meeting to Leon County e-Procurement website.

During and after the Pre-Proposal Meeting, it is the responsibility of the Purchasing Division to ensure that Registered Planholders develop their Proposal with the same information. If a Registered Planholder receives information from Leon County relating to the RFP prior to the information cutoff date, Leon County will ensure that all Registered Planholders receive the same information in a timely fashion.

4.2. Submitting Questions

Questions may be submitted directly through the County's e-Procurement Portal located at https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/leoncounty/. Alternatively, if using email, questions pertaining to bid procedures or regarding the specifications should be addressed to both Shelly Kelley and Will Grissom, telephone (850) 606-1600; E-mail:

kelleys@leoncountyfl.gov and grissomw@leoncountyfl.gov.

If using email, bidders are requested to send such requests to both representatives of the Purchasing Division. Electronic inquiries are preferred over phone.

Each Bidder shall examine the solicitation documents carefully; and, no later than the last day for questions listed in schedule of events, he shall make a written request to the County for interpretations or corrections of any ambiguity, inconsistency or error which he may discover. All interpretations or corrections will be issued as addenda. The County will not be responsible for oral clarifications. No negotiations, decisions or actions shall be initiated or executed by the proposer as a result of any discussions with any County employee prior to the opening of proposals. Only those communications which are in writing from the County may be considered as a duly authorized expression on the behalf of the Board. Also, only communications from firms which are in writing and signed will be recognized by the Board as duly authorized expressions on behalf of proposers.

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4.3. Addenda To Specifications

If any addenda are issued after the initial specifications are released, the County will post the addenda on the Leon County website at https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/leoncounty. For those projects with separate plans, blueprints, or other materials that cannot be accessed through the internet, the Purchasing Division will make a good faith effort to ensure that all registered bidders (those vendors who have been registered as receiving a bid package) receive the documents. It is the responsibility of the vendor prior to submission of any proposal to check the above website or contact the Leon County Purchasing Division at (850) 606-1600 to verify any addenda issued. The receipt of all addenda must be acknowledged on the response sheet.

4.4. Proposal Deadline (Electronic or Paper)

Your Proposal prepared in response to this RFP must be received by the Purchasing Division either at the above listed address or via the County e-Procurement portal (https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/leoncounty), depending on the format instructions, no later than the Opening Date (Monday, November 1, 2021 at 2:00 pm), as identified in the Schedule of Events, to be considered.

4.5. Receipt and Opening of Vendor Responses

Whether receiving paper responses or electronic submissions, vendor responses will be opened publicly at the date and time identified in the Schedule of Events as the Opening Date. A tabulation sheet of timely received Proposals will be made public and will be posted on the Purchasing Division website at: https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/leoncounty.

Responses to the RFP received prior to the time of opening will be secured unopened. The Purchasing Agent, whose duty it is to open the responses, will decide when the specified time has arrived and no proposals received thereafter will be considered. For paper responses, the Purchasing Agent will not be responsible for the premature opening of a proposal not properly addressed and identified by Proposal number on the outside of the envelope/package. For electronic responses, proposers will receive a timestamp for your records showing when the response was received electronically.

Sealed bids, proposals, or replies received by the County pursuant to a competitive solicitation are exempt from public records disclosure until such time as the County posts an intended decision or until 30 days after opening of the documents, whichever is earlier.

4.6. Timely Delivery

It is the Proposers responsibility to assure that the proposal is delivered at the proper time and location. For paper proposals, responses received after the scheduled receipt time will be marked "TOO LATE". Late proposals may be returned unopened to the vendor. Electronic submissions will not be allowed through the County's e-Procurement portal once the deadline has passed.

4.7. Preparation Costs

The County is not liable for any costs incurred by Respondents prior to the issuance of an executed contract.

https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/leoncounty

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4.8. Interviews

Firms responding to this RFP must be available for interviews by County staff and/or the Board of County Commissioners at a time and date specified by the County.

4.9. Preparation and Changes

Paper proposal submissions, if applicable, must be typed or printed in ink. All corrections made by the Proposer prior to the opening must be initialed and dated by the Proposer. Electronic proposal submissions may be edited electronically by the Proposer prior to the opening date and time. No changes or corrections will be allowed after proposals are opened.

4.10. Reservation of Rights

The County reserves the right to reject any and/or all proposals, in whole or in part, when such rejection is in the best interest of the County. Further, the County reserves the right to withdraw this solicitation at any time prior to final award of contract.

4.11. Award of RFP and Protest

The proposal will be awarded as soon as possible to the responsive, responsible respondent(s) who rank highest in the evaluation process, unless otherwise stated elsewhere in this document. The County reserves the right to waive any informality in proposals and to award a proposal in whole or in part when either or both conditions are in the best interest of Leon County.

Notice of the Intended Decision will be posted on the Leon County website at https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/leoncounty for a period of seventy-two (72) consecutive hours, which does not include weekends or County observed holidays. Any Bidder/Respondent who desires to protest the Intended Decision must file a notice of intent to protest in writing within seventy-two (72) hours after the posting of the Notice of Intended Decision. Any bid award recommendation may be protested on the grounds of irregularities in the specifications, bid procedure, or the evaluation of the bid. Such notice of intent of bid protest shall be made in writing to the Purchasing Director, 1800-3 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32308.

Protestor shall file a formal written bid protest within 10 days after the date in which the notice of intent of bid protest has been submitted. Failure to file a notice of intent of bid protest or failure to file a formal written bid protest shall constitute a waiver of all rights granted under this section. The vendor shall be responsible for inquiring as to any and all award recommendation/postings.

Should concerns or discrepancies arise during the bid process, vendors are encouraged to contact the Purchasing Division prior to the scheduled bid opening. Such matters will be addressed and/or remedied prior to a bid opening or award whenever practically possible. Vendors are not to contact departments or divisions regarding the vendor complaint.

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5. REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

5.1. Licenses and Certifications

The contractor shall be responsible for obtaining and maintaining throughout the contract period any licenses required pursuant to the laws of Leon County, the City of Tallahassee, or the State of Florida.

If the contractor is operating under a fictitious name as defined in Section 865.09, Florida Statutes, proof of current registration with the Florida Secretary of State shall be submitted with the bid. A business formed by an attorney actively licensed to practice law in this state, by a person actively licensed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation or the Department of Health for the purpose of practicing his or her licensed profession, or by any corporation, partnership, or other commercial entity that is actively organized or registered with the Department of State shall submit a copy of the current licensing from the appropriate agency and/or proof of current active status with the Division of Corporations of the State of Florida or such other state as applicable.

Failure to provide the above required documentation may result in the proposal being determined as non-responsive.

5.2. Public Entity Crimes Statement

A person or affiliate who has been placed on the convicted vendor list following a conviction for a public entity crime may not submit a bid on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity, may not submit a bid on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work, may not submit bids on leases of real property to a public entity, may not be awarded or perform work as a contractor, subcontractor, or consultant under a contract with any public entity, and may not transact business with any public entity in excess of the threshold amount provided in Section 287.017, for CATEGORY TWO for a period of 36 months from the date of being placed on the convicted vendor list. By submission of a proposal in response to this solicitation, the proposer certifies compliance with the above requirements as stated in Section 287.133, Florida Statutes.

5.3. Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters

The prospective primary participant must certify to the best of its knowledge and belief, that it and its principals are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any Federal department or agency and meet all other such responsibility matters as contained on the attached certification form.

5.4. Unauthorized Alien(s)

The Contractor agrees that unauthorized aliens shall not be employed nor utilized in the performance of the requirements of this solicitation or any work authorized thereunder. The County shall consider the employment or utilization of unauthorized aliens a violation of Section 274A(e) of the Immigration and Naturalization Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a). Such violation shall be cause for unilateral termination of this Agreement by the County. As part of the response to this solicitation, please complete and submit the attached form “AFFIDAVIT CERTIFICATION IMMIGRATION LAWS.”

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5.5. Employment Eligibility Verification

A. Contractor agrees that it will enroll and participate in the federal E-Verify Program for Employment Verification under the terms provided in the “Memorandum of Understanding” governing the program. Contractor further agrees to provide to the County, within thirty days of the effective date of this contract/amendment/extension, documentation of such enrollment in the form of a copy of the E-Verify “‘Edit Company Profile’ screen”, which contains proof of enrollment in the E-Verify Program (this page can be accessed from the “Edit Company Profile” link on the left navigation menu of the E-Verify employer’s homepage).

B. Contractor further agrees that it will require each subcontractor that performs work under this contract to enroll and participate in the E-Verify Program within sixty days of the effective date of this contract/amendment/extension or within sixty days of the effective date of the contract between the Contractor and the subcontractor, whichever is later. The Contractor shall obtain from the subcontractor(s) a copy of the “Edit Company Profile” screen indicating enrollment in the E-Verify Program and make such record(s) available to the Agency upon request.

C. Contractor will utilize the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system to verify the employment eligibility of: (a) all persons employed during the term of the Agreement by Contractor to perform employment duties within Florida; and (b) all persons (including subcontractors) assigned by Contractor to perform work pursuant to the Agreement.

1. Contractor must use E-Verify to initiate verification of employment eligibility for all persons employed during the term of the Agreement by Contractor to perform employment duties within Florida within 3 business days after the date of hire.

2. Contractor must initiate verification of each person (including subcontractors) assigned by Contractor to perform work pursuant to the Agreement within 60 calendar days after the date of execution of this contract or within 30 days after assignment to perform work pursuant to the Agreement, whichever is later.

D. Contractor further agrees to maintain records of its participation and compliance with the provisions of the E- Verify program, including participation by its subcontractors as provided above, and to make such records available to the County or other authorized state entity consistent with the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding.

E. Compliance with the terms of this Employment Eligibility Verification provision is made an express condition of this contract and the County may treat a failure to comply as a material breach of the contract.

5.6. Local Preference in Purchasing and Contracting

A. Preference in requests for proposals. In purchasing of, or letting of contracts for procurement of, personal property, materials, contractual services, and construction of improvements to real property or existing structures for which a request for proposals is developed with evaluation criteria, a local preference of the total score may be assigned for a local preference, as follows:

1. Individuals or firms which have a home office located within Leon, Gadsden, Wakulla, or Jefferson County, and which meet all of the criteria for a local business as set forth below, shall be given a preference in the amount of five percent.

2. Individuals or firms which do not have a home office located within Leon, Gadsden, Wakulla, or Jefferson County, and which meet all of the criteria for a local business as set forth below, shall be given a preference in the amount of three percent.

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3. For the purposes of this section, "home office" shall mean a business's principal office or headquarters constituting the center for administration and policymaking.

B. Local business definition. For purposes of this section, "local business" shall mean a business which:

1. Has had a fixed office or distribution point located in and having a street address within Leon, Gadsden, Wakulla, or Jefferson County for at least six (6) months immediately prior to the issuance of the request for competitive bids or request for proposals by the County; and

2. Holds any business license required by Leon County, and, if applicable, the City of Tallahassee; and

3. Is the principal offeror who is a single offeror; a business which is the prime contractor and not a subcontractor; or a partner or joint venturer submitting an offer in conjunction with other businesses.

C. Certification. Any vendor claiming to be a local business as defined herein, shall so certify in writing to the Purchasing Division. The certification shall provide all necessary information to meet the requirements set forth above. The Local Vendor Certification Form is enclosed. The purchasing agent shall not be required to verify the accuracy of any such certifications, and shall have the sole discretion to determine if a vendor meets the definition of a "local business."

5.7. Drug Free Workplace Requirements

All vendors in accordance with Florida Statute 287.087 must certify the following actions:

A. Publish a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violations of such prohibition.

B. Inform employees about the dangers of drug abuse in the workplace, the business’s policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace, any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs, and the penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations.

C. Give each employee engaged in providing the commodities or contractual services that are under response/bid a copy of the statement specified in subsection (1).

D. In the statement specified in subsection (1), notify the employees that, as a condition of working on the commodities or contractual services that are under response/bid, the employee will abide by the terms of the statement and will notify the employer of any conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, any violation of Chapter 893 (Florida Statutes) or of any controlled substance law of the United States or any state, for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five (5) days after such conviction.

E. Impose a sanction on, or require the satisfactory participation in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program if such is available in the employee’s community, or any employee who is so convicted.

F. Make a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace through implementation of this section.

Vendor must confirm compliance with this requirement in the Required Submittals section of your response.

5.8. No Pending Litigation

The Contractor does not have any pending civil or administrative action against the Contractor brought by Leon County, and is not currently engaged in any dispute or controversy related to or arising out of the allegation that the Contractor is in https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/leoncounty/projects/11108?section=70779

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P a g e | 18 breach of any contract with Leon County. The Contractor has consulted with all subcontractors anticipated to be utilized in this project to determine if they are in compliance with the above requirements.

Vendor must confirm compliance with this requirement in the Required Submittals section of your response.

5.9. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Requirements

The contractors and all subcontractors shall agree to a commitment to the principles and practices of equal opportunity in employment and to comply with the letter and spirit of federal, state, and local laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, national region, sex, age, handicap, marital status, and political affiliation or belief.

For federally funded projects, in addition to the above, the contractor shall agree to comply with Executive Order 11246, as amended, and to comply with specific affirmative action obligations contained therein.

In addition to completing the Equal Opportunity Statement, the Respondent shall include a copy of any affirmative action or equal opportunity policies in effect at the time of submission.

5.10. Human Trafficked Labor

The Contractor shall not utilize human trafficked labor in compliance with Section 787.06, Florida Statutes.

Vendor must confirm compliance with the requirement in the Required Submittals section of your response.

5.11. Letter of Bondability

The Contractor must provide proof of bondability by providing an affidavit from a bonding company that certifies that the Vendor has the financial means and capacity to bond 100% payment and performance for the amount of this project. This affidavit must be on the Surety company's letterhead.

The Vendor must upload this documentation in the specified section of the Required Submittals section of your response.

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6. SELECTION PROCESS

6.1. Evaluation Committee

The County Administrator shall appoint an Evaluation Committee composed of three to five members who will review and evaluate all proposals received on time. The Committee may, select one or more firms for interview based on the evaluation of the responses of each proposer.

Meetings of Evaluation Committees subsequent to the opening of the solicitation shall be public meetings except for any portion of a meeting at which a negotiation with a vendor is conducted pursuant to a competitive solicitation, at which a vendor makes an oral presentation as a part of the competitive solicitation, or at which a vendor answers questions as a part of a competitive solicitation. Also, any portion of a meeting at which negotiation strategies are discussed are exempt from being a public session.

Notice of all meetings shall be posted on the Purchasing Division website at:

https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/leoncounty and in the Purchasing Division Offices no less than 72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays).

6.2. Minimum Qualifications Requirements

Vendors must meet the Minimum Qualifications Requirements to be deemed qualified and scored by the Evaluation Committee. The County will review the vendors' submissions to determine if the Minimum Qualifications are met. A Pass/Fail score will be assigned to each proposal. Vendors determined to have met or exceeded the minimum qualification criteria above shall be awarded a Score of Pass. Vendors with a Score of Pass will have their proposals sent to the evaluation committee for further evaluation. Vendors which fail to meet the minimum qualification criteria above shall be awarded a Score of Fail. Vendors with a Score of Fail will have their proposals deemed non-responsive and will not be further evaluated.

6.3. Initial and Final Ranking

The initial ranking of proposals is based…