Greenhouse gas inventories and climate action plan

Sarasota County is seeking a qualified consulting firm to provide professional services for developing comprehensive greenhouse gas inventories and climate action plans through a Request for Proposals (RFP #232508VLJ). The primary objectives include creating a Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) due in March 2024 and a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) due in November 2025, funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program. Key deliverables will encompass detailed emissions inventories, reduction strategies, interactive dashboards, webinars, and comprehensive reports analyzing greenhouse gas emissions, workforce implications, and community benefits. The project requires extensive stakeholder engagement, data collection, partner coordination, and community involvement with a focus on benefits for low-income and disadvantaged communities. Proposers must demonstrate significant experience in federal grant management for environmental projects and provide extensive documentation including vendor questionnaires and government-wide debarment forms. Evaluation criteria will assess proposers based on qualifications, experience, project approach, and compensation, with potential presentations required for short-listed candidates. The proposal is due on November 3, 2023, with the contract anticipated to terminate upon project completion.

The procurement includes specific provisions for disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) participation, indicating a preference for diverse contractor representation. While no incumbent vendors are explicitly mentioned, the contract requires comprehensive insurance coverage, including workers' compensation, commercial general liability, and professional liability insurance with specified minimum coverage amounts. Contractors must adhere to strict federal guidelines covering scientific integrity, clean air and water standards, cybersecurity protocols, and domestic procurement preferences. The project appears to have robust compliance requirements, including mandatory record-keeping, reporting obligations, and potential early termination clauses. While a specific award value is not disclosed, the comprehensive nature of the project and its EPA funding suggest a significant budget allocation. The contract provisions indicate a multi-year engagement with specific focus on environmental research, development, and community impact, requiring sophisticated technical and project management capabilities from potential respondents.