Agenda Item: 15(e)
Prepared By: Jeffrey E Poteet, General Manager
Business: City Council Item
Department: Water & Sewer
Subject:
Title
Discussion - Request for Qualifications (RFQ), Engineering Services for the Reclaimed Water Production Facility Upgrade to the Meet Grizzle-Figg Statute - Jeffrey E. Poteet, General Manager, Water & Sewer Department
Body
BACKGROUND:
This discussion item is divided into two sections:
1. RFQ/RFP Process
2. Proposed Scope of Work
RFP vs. RFQ Process
At the July 7, 2025, City Council meeting, Council directed the City Manager to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to retain a consulting firm specializing in wastewater treatment and nutrient removal. However, under Florida law, engineering services must be procured through a qualifications-based process rather than by price. This is governed by the Consultants' Competitive Negotiation Act (CCNA), outlined in Florida Statutes Chapter 287.055, which mandates that public agencies use a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) rather than an RFP when procuring engineering services.
The City utilizes two RFQ approaches:
Project-Specific RFQ
* A tailored RFQ is issued for a defined project.
* Submitting firms are ranked based on qualifications.
* The top-ranked firm is invited to submit a proposal, and contract negotiations begin.
* There are no financial limits on this process.
* However, it can take 2 to 5 months to complete the procurement and execute a contract.
Continuing Services Library (CSL) RFQ
* An RFQ is issued to create a pre-qualified pool of firms.
* Firms that meet the City's minimum qualifications in specific categories (e.g., wastewater treatment) are added to the Continuing Services Library (CSL).
* The City may request a proposal from any qualified firm within the CSL.
* If the proposal is deemed fair and reasonable by staff, procurement may proceed.
CCNA fiscal limitations for using CSL firms are:
* Construction cost must not exceed $4 millio...
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