In accordance with the provisions of Section 287.055, Florida Statutes for Consultants Competitive Negotiation Act (CCNA), the City of Palm Bay solicited and accepted qualification submittals from individuals and firms who desired consideration to provide continuing consulting services for water and wastewater engineering services for the Utilities Department. No specific projects were specified in the solicitation; however, these disciplines may be used for any future City projects and needs within the provisions of Florida Statutes as listed below.
In accordance with Section 287.055, Florida Statutes, continuing contracts for professional services may be used when 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 outlined in the contract. Note that these figures represent an increase in accordance with House Bill 441, which was presented to the Governor for signature on June 17, 2020 and, if approved, becomes effective July 1, 2020.
A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Utilities (Water & Wastewater) Engineering Continuing Consultant Services was advertised and a total of seven (7) firms responded. An evaluation committee consisting of representatives from Utilities and the Public Works departments reviewed all submittals received. Criteria included evaluation of the firm’s project team, experience and demonstrated capabilities, and project management and project approach.
Three firms were “short-listed” and subsequently brought in for discussions with the committee and given a final ranking. Following oral discussions, the Evaluation Team recommended award of the top two shortlisted firms for a continuing contract and placed on a rotation list for future projects. They are, in ranking order: 1) Wade Trim, Inc., Palm Bay, FL; and 2) Infrastructure Solution Services, LLC, Melbourne, FL.
Because this is a solicitation for professional engineering services, Florida Statutes §287.055 requires a qualification-based selection; cost cannot be one of those factors. In addition, the two awarded firms cannot compete on cost for Task Order award.
Master Agreements which established hourly rates per discipline will be negotiated with each firm for this continuing consultant agreement for a one-year term with the option to renew for up to an additional four-annual terms. Individual Task Orders with defined scopes of work will be negotiated and issued throughout the term. Task Orders with dollar values that require Council approval will be brought forward for consideration.
REQUESTING DEPARTMENT:
Utilities, Procurement