OCCC Sustainability Initiatives

Orange County, Florida is seeking a consultant for the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) Sustainability Initiatives through a Request for Proposals (RFP #Y24-178-KS). The procurement aims to secure a three-year contract with two potential one-year renewals for comprehensive sustainability services across the OCCC's North/South, West, and Remote Operations/Warehouse Buildings. Key services include LEED consulting, maintaining ISO 14001 certification, performing technical sustainability reviews, and supporting ongoing environmental management initiatives. Proposers must provide hourly rates for a Sustainability Specialist, Project Manager, and LEED Green Associate, with an additional $2,000 annual allowance for unforeseen expenses. Evaluation criteria will assess staff and firm qualifications, technical approach, M/WBE utilization, location, and fee proposal. The solicitation timeline includes a non-mandatory virtual pre-proposal conference on March 18, 2024, at 2:00 PM, with questions due by March 22, 2024, at 5:00 PM. Formal proposals must be submitted electronically through the OpenGov e-Procurement Platform by April 18, 2024, at 4:00 PM EST.

The RFP includes potential bonus points for hiring dislocated workers and utilizing Service-Disabled Veteran (SDV) businesses, indicating a preference for diverse and inclusive contracting. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly stated, the emphasis on M/WBE (Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprise) utilization suggests a commitment to supporting diverse business participation. The current solicitation follows an existing environmental management framework, as evidenced by the attached ISO 14001:2022 internal audit report, which demonstrates the OCCC's ongoing commitment to sustainability. The audit revealed no environmental management system nonconformances and highlighted achievements like LEED Gold Recertification and a solar project. Though a specific budget range is not disclosed, the contract includes defined hourly rates for professional services, with the sustainability specialist rate being a key component of the fee structure. Interested vendors must create a free account on the OpenGov Platform and submit all documents in standard file formats, with technical support available during business hours.