Non-ad Valorem Assessment Funding Advice and Services

The City of Kissimmee, Florida issued Request for Proposal (RFP2025-002) seeking professional services for Non-ad Valorem Assessment Funding Advice and Services, specifically targeting funding strategies for fire department and emergency services. The procurement aims to secure a consultant who can provide immediate analysis, strategic advice, and potential implementation of funding mechanisms for city officials, with a primary focus on generating alternative funding sources through non-ad valorem assessments. Evaluation criteria for proposals included multiple components: proposer's experience and resources (30 points), legal compliance and risk mitigation approach (25 points), proposed costs (15 points), proposal responsiveness (15 points), and overall service value (15 points). The RFP was released on January 3, 2025, with proposals due on January 24, 2025, at 2:30 PM. Proposers were required to demonstrate capabilities in developing comprehensive funding strategies, provide references, and show potential to implement assessment strategies within 3-4 months, with the ultimate goal of enabling the city to collectively bill assessable property owners to fund up to $5 million of an upcoming fiscal year budget.

The RFP did not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Two vendors submitted proposals: Stantec from Tampa, FL, and Mark Lawson, P.A. from Tallahassee, FL, with bid prices ranging from $1.00 to $4,995, with Stantec noting a potential full study cost of $35,000. The initial professional services budget was set at $5,000 plus reasonable expenses, with a contract term of three years and options to renew for two additional twelve-month periods. The Notice of Intended Action, dated February 5, 2025, recommended awarding the contract to Mark A. Lawson P.A. after a comprehensive evaluation process. The procurement allowed for potential participation by other local governments in utilizing the resulting contract, though with explicit disclaimers about the City of Kissimmee's liability. The contract's scope was designed to be flexible, potentially accommodating expanded work orders and addressing the complex landscape of non-ad valorem assessments in Florida.