Rate Study, Financial Feasibility and Grant Compliance

The City of St. Petersburg has issued a solicitation (RFP-26-259) for professional services related to State Revolving Fund Monitoring and Compliance, specifically focusing on rate studies, financial feasibility analyses, and grant compliance projects. These projects may be funded by a combination of sources, including Grant Agencies, City funds, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). All work must adhere to the regulatory and procedural requirements imposed by the funding entities, ensuring compliance with relevant federal and state mandates, such as the Davis-Bacon Act, Buy America provisions, and Florida statutes. Proposals must be comprehensive, including a transmittal letter, resumes of key personnel, organizational charts, fee proposals, and detailed project examples demonstrating prior experience. Evaluation criteria emphasize experience and qualifications of the firm and personnel (40%), approach to the project (30%), cost reasonableness (20%), and business enterprise outreach, specifically targeting Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Minority/Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) participation (10%). The award process is based on a trade-off evaluation prioritizing technical merit and proven capability over cost alone. Submission is exclusively electronic via the City's OpenGov portal by July 9, 2026, with strict formatting and page limits. The contract includes strict administrative and legal provisions, including mandatory licensing under Florida law, indemnification clauses favoring the City, insurance requirements, and non-negotiable terms such as prohibition of arbitration and waiver of jury trials. Subcontractor changes require prior approval, and contractors bear responsibility for securing necessary permits without additional cost. While the contract references high-level standards and compliance obligations, no detailed FAR clauses or packaging/marking requirements apply. The place of performance is within Florida, with administrative oversight centralized in St. Petersburg. Contractor invoicing and payment procedures are governed by the City, though specific payment system details are absent. Overall, the solicitation demands a highly qualified firm capable of navigating complex regulatory environments, demonstrating financial and technical expertise while fostering inclusive subcontracting and meeting stringent City and funding agency requirements.