contractor guide

CONTRACTORGU IDE

OFFICE OF F INANCIALM A N A G E M E N T

CONTRACTOR GUIDE TO DOING BUSINESS WITH SARASOTA COUNTY


CONTRACTORGU IDE

www.scgov.net/Procurement 1

941-861-5000www.scgov.net/Procurement



Introduction About this guideWhat is “procurement?”

Sarasota County procurement and the law State statutes and local policy Ethical standards

The procurement process Monetary thresholds Finding competitive bid opportunitiesTypical solicitation process Solicitation types Insurance

Contract executionContract approval process Monitoring of contract performance and deliverables Payment

Contract amendments and renewals Amendments Renewals

Quality assuranceContractors’ code of conduct Contract disputes or claims Contract termination Suspension or debarment of contractors

Causes Process

Contacts and resources

2 941.861.5000


I N T R O D U C T I O N

About this guideThis guide has been developed to explain how Sarasota County does business with contractors. It is designed to encourage potential suppliers to form profitable, long-term partnerships with Sarasota County. For existing contractors, this guide should also help to explain why Sarasota County operates the way it does.

What is “procurement?”Procurement is simply the buying of products and services necessary to keep Sarasota County operating. It is the process that Sarasota County uses to try to get the best value when spending public money, in a way that is fair and transparent for everyone.

Sarasota County must follow certain rules set down by the state of Florida when procuring goods and services, and also must follow rules (ordinances and resolutions) that its own commission has adopted.

There is a good chance that your business offers eligible services.Typical purchases include, but are not limited to:• Professional services.• Construction Services.• Maintenance services (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, carpentry,

landscaping, etc.). • Vehicles.• Information technology products and services.• Garments.• Fuel.

QUESTION: What does it mean to be a contractor for Sarasota County?

ANSWER: A contractor is simply a business that supplies products or services to Sarasota County Government. There are several different methods used to select a contractor. The process to become a contractor varies depending on the type of purchase or service.



S A R A S O T A C O U N T Y P R O C U R E M E N TA N D T H E L A W

State statutes and local policyChapter 125 of the Florida Statutes (1) establishes the rules of county government in Florida. In accordance with Chapter 125, the Sarasota County Commission established policy for the procurement of goods and services for Sarasota County, under the County Code, Article VI, Chapter 2 (Procurement Code) (2). The purpose of the Procurement Code is to maximize the prudent use of funds, to provide safeguards for maintaining a procurement system of quality and integrity, and to foster effective competition that is fair and open. A resolution establishes the signature authority for agreements and contracts as well as procurement method thresholds. The Sarasota County Procurement Manual (3) further establishes the procedures to be used in the procurement of goods and services in the county.

Links to all documents are available on the Procurement page of www.scgov.net (keyword procurement).

A checklist has been developed to help contractors determine if they meet the local business requirements. Visit www.scgov.net (keywords local preference checklist).

Details on these and other purchasing methods can be found in Sarasota County’s Procurement Manual, available at www.scgov.net (keywords procurement manual).

QUESTION: Is being a local contractor an advantage?

ANSWER: In an effort to foster the growth of local businesses, Sarasota County maintains a local contractor preference policy that applies to most bids and requests for proposals.

4 941.861.5000


Ethical StandardsMembers of the public rightly expect the highest levels of ethical standards from all levels of government. As a result, the Sarasota County Commission takes any suggestion of anti-competitive, collusive, dishonest or corrupt behavior very seriously. All suppliers are expected to maintain the highest standards of behavior and avoid all conduct that does not promote fair competition and dealings. Anything that may be construed as an attempt to gain preferential treatment is strictly prohibited.

Sarasota County requires each contractor who seeks to do business with Sarasota County to comply with the following ethical standards:

a. No contractor shall discuss or consult with other contractors intending to compete for the same or similar contract for the purpose of bidrigging, collusion or other activities that are illegal, unethical or limiting competition.

b. No contractor shall submit false information or intentionally submit misleading information to Sarasota County.

c. After the issuance of any solicitation or during renegotiation of an existing contract, no prospective contractor or any person acting on their behalf shall contact, communicate with or discuss any matter relating to the solicitation or renegotiations with any Sarasota County employee or elected or appointed official, other than the Procurement Official or his/her designees. This prohibition ends upon execution of the final contract or when the solicitation has been canceled or the renegotiation is terminated. Renegotiation will be deemed to have terminated upon vote of the Sarasota County Commissioners or written notice from the Procurement Official. Any firm that lobbies any Sarasota County employee or elected or appointed official while a solicitation is in process, up to the execution of either a contract or purchase order, will be subject to suspension and debarment outlined in Section 2-222 of the Procurement Code(2).

Contractors who fail to comply with county ethical requirements may be subject to suspension and debarment as provided in Sarasota County Procurement Code (2).



No person or business entity shall be awarded a contract by Sarasota County, for the provision of goods or services, if that person or business entity has been convicted of a public entity crime as set forth in Section 287.133 of the Florida Statutes (FS) (4). A person, business entity, or officer or employee of a business entity, having been convicted of one or more of the crimes included in Section 287.133, FS (4) shall be ineligible for the awarding of a contract by Sarasota County for a period as set forth in the statute. Any person or entity who claims that this ordinance is inapplicable because a conviction or judgment has been reversed by a court of competent jurisdiction shall prove the same with documentation satisfactory to the procurement official. Upon presentation of such satisfactory proof, the person or entity shall be allowed to contract with Sarasota County. Before entering into a contract with Sarasota County, contractors are required to execute and file with the Procurement Office an affidavit, verifying that neither the entity nor any person affiliated with the entity has been convicted of any public entity crime described in Section 287.133, FS (4).

QUICK TIP: Be careful when approaching commissioners regarding procurement. Commissioners have strict conflict of interest rules governing their involvement in commercial dealings. Individual county departments are responsible for purchasing and tendering operations.

6 941.861.5000


T H E P R O C U R E M E N T P R O C E S S

Monetary thresholdsSarasota County uses a variety of competitive and non-competitive methods to select suppliers. Chapter 7 of the Sarasota County Procurement Manual (3) details all of the methods and types of solicitations used. In general, the following rules apply:• Purchases up to $5,000 are non-competitive and require one

informal quote.• Purchases greater than $5,000, up to $25,000, require informal quotes.• Purchases greater than $25,000, up to $100,000, require formal quotes.• Purchases exceeding $100,000 require a formal competitive solicitation.

Finding competitive bid opportunitiesSarasota County uses web-based bidding services to make it easier for suppliers to immediately receive and respond to bidding opportunities. To participate in the competitive bid process, suppliers must register with BidSync. There is no cost to register. Once registered, contractors receive automatic notifications of opportunities to do business with Sarasota County.

To register, visit www.bidsync.com and select “Get Started.”

For technical assistance, contact BidSync Support at 800-990-9339, option 1, or email [email protected].

To view bids posted prior to April 2, 2014, visit www.eprocure.scgov.net.



Typical solicitation process

County develops a solicitation based on a need.

The solicitation is advertised publicly.

Solicitation is accessed by interested contractors.

Solicitation response forms are filled in by interested contractors.

Response forms are submitted to the county by the contractor.

County evaluates all responses received, based on the same criteria.

County ranks suppliers and awards the solicitation to the top-ranked contractor(s).

County’s Role Contractor’s Role


8 941.861.5000

Solicitation typesThe types of solicitations used by Sarasota County include:• Invitation for Bid (IFB) — used for many procurements exceeding

$100,000. Sealed bids are submitted in response to a formal invitation for bids and pricing is revealed only at the time and date set for the bid opening.

• Invitation for Quotes (IFQ) — used for procurements between $25,000 and $100,000.

• Quick Quote/RFIQ — used to solicit small dollar purchases under $25,000.

• Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) — a competitive negotiation process that is used when the procurement authority deems it is in their best interest to negotiate with offers to achieve “best value.” A form of source selection that is similar to the Request for Proposal process. A short list of acceptable proposers may be created.

• Request for Proposals (RFP) — used for soliciting proposals from potential providers of goods and services when price is not a primary evaluation factor.

• Request for Information (RFI) — used to gather information from potential providers of a product or service.

• Request for Professional Services (RPS) — used to solicit professional engineering, architectural, landscape architectural and survey and mapping services in accordance with 287.055 Florida Statutes (5).

• Professional Services Library — a group of firms selected to provide professional engineering, architectural, landscape architectural and mapping and surveying services on an on-going basis through continuing service contracts.

QUESTION: What is a solicitation?

ANSWER: Solicitation is the process of seeking information, proposals and quotations from suppliers. The solicitation process varies depending on the type of purchase or service.



InsuranceContractors are required to have insurance to perform work on county property. Each solicitation and contract will list the minimum insurance coverage levels required. The amount of insurance the contractor is required to maintain is determined by the risk involved in the work being performed. A copy of a current insurance certificate showing proof of coverage must be received prior to commencement of any work. Contractors are also required to maintain the minimum insurance coverage levels and provide updated insurance certificates throughout the term of the contract. For larger projects, bonds, including payment and performance bonds and bid bonds, may be required.

C O N T R A C T E X E C U T I O N

Contract approval processOnce a contractor has been selected through the solicitation process, a contract is prepared for execution and approval by the contractor and a representative of the county. With few exceptions, the contractor will be required to execute the document before it is routed for approval by the appropriate county representatives.

The county has established the use of an electronic contract routing approval system. The electronic routing system ensures that the proposed contract is reviewed by all county departments impacted by the contract.

Following approval, the contractor will be mailed an original approved document. However, no compensable work may begin until the contractor receives an approved purchase order for the work. Construction contracts may further require that the contractor not begin work until receipt of a Notice to Proceed.


10 941.861.5000

Monitoring of contract performance and deliverablesMonitoring of contract performance is a key function of efficient contract management. It is essential to ensuring that the county receives the goods and services specified in the contract. Unless otherwise delegated, the county’s administrative agent or contract manager named in the contract is charged with ensuring that contract requirements (deliverables) are being provided.

During the life of the contract, the administrative agent, contract manager or project manager will communicate regularly with the contractor to ensure that the goods and services are being provided in accordance with the specifications of the contract, and will work to resolve any issues promptly. For any contract-related issue, the first point of contact is the administrative agent or contract manager named in the contract.

QUESTION: Why do some procurement approvals take longer than others?

ANSWER: Sarasota County is dedicated to ensuring fiscal sustainability and stewardship of public tax dollars. A decision to award a quote or place a direct order for low-value items can be very quick. Approvals where significant sums of money are involved tend to take longer. As an example, most solicitations remain open for at least 21 days. Depending on the number of suppliers and the nature of the procurement, evaluations and contract drafting may require additional time by staff who are responsible for other county functions as well. Some contract recommendations must be formally accepted by the Sarasota County Commission, which usually meets bi-monthly.



PaymentFollowing the completion of work in accordance with the contract requirements and issued purchase order, invoices should be mailed to:

Finance DepartmentClerk of the Circuit CourtP.O. Box 8Sarasota, FL 34230941-861-5867

The purchase order number must appear on ALL invoices, packing lists, packages and correspondence. Each shipment must have a separate invoice. All payment inquiries should be directed to the address and phone number above.

C O N T R A C T A M E N D M E N T S A N D R E N E W A L S

Amendments A contract amendment is used to make modifications to the agreement between the county and the contractor. All contract amendments must be in writing and approved by all appropriate parties using the county’s electronic contract approval routing system described in the Contract Approval Process section above. The following are examples of permitted contract amendments:• Increase or decrease in quantity of a product beyond the contract

amount (unless permitted within the contract by an Interim Field Change Agreement).

• Increase or decrease in frequency of a service.• Increase or decrease in locations to be serviced.• Increase or decrease in price (in accordance with the provisions

outlined in the solicitation documents).

An amendment is requested by the county’s administrative agent and reviewed by the procurement team before being drafted and forwardedto the contractor for approval. Amendments shall be approved in accordance with the contract approval process section.


12 941.861.5000

RenewalsContract renewals are only permitted as authorized in the original agreement. When renewals are permitted within the contract, prior to renewal, the county’s administrative agent will evaluate the goods and services to ensure that they still represent the best value for the county. All contract renewals must be in writing and approved by all appropriate parties using the county’s electronic contract approval routing system described in the contract approval process section. If a contract amendment is also required at the time of renewal, procedures outlined in the contract amendment process section shall be followed. Renewals shall be approved in accordance with the contract approval process section.

Q U A L I T Y A S S U R A N C E

Contractors’ code of conductIn addition to the requirements stated in the ethical standards section of this booklet, contractors doing business with Sarasota County are expected to communicate with county employees and members of the public in a civil manner. All aspects of a contractor’s performance, including complaints received from county employees or members of the public, may impact the county’s decision to renew or terminate the contract in accordance with the provisions contained therein.

The following 12 standards are expected to become a part of the county/contractor relationship. A successful contractor provides:1. Customer service Provides excellent customer service to both the county staff and the public.2. Contract deliverables Supplies the goods and services outlined in the agreement.3. Delivery schedule Maintains the agreed upon schedule and avoids delays.



4. Quality Provides the highest level of quality goods and services.5. Billing and invoicing Submits detailed and accurate invoices matching the work performed.6. Project management Consistently demonstrates the ability to stay on top of the process.7. Subcontractor management Maintains a professional relationship with subcontractors.8. Equipment and resources Provides the best available equipment to perform the work.9. Materials management Demonstrates “best practice” in handling and storage.10. Cost control Holds and manages costs to avoid exceeding budget projections.11. Maintaining technical requirements Monitors quality control of the products and process.12. Safety standards Ensures staff is trained and properly equipped to perform the work safely.

Sarasota County reserves the right to suspend or debar contractors from consideration for award of future contracts in accordance with Section 2-222 of the Procurement Code (2) if the contractor does not abide by these standards.


14 941.861.5000

Contract disputes or claimsThe following five steps describe the county’s contract dispute or claim process.

Step 1When a contract dispute occurs, or the contractor fails to meet the performance required of the contract, the parties should first seek to resolve the matter informally by direct discussion.

Step 2If the dispute is not resolved by direct discussion, the county’s administrative agent or contract manager may schedule a meeting with the contractor’s representative(s). Meeting participants for the county should include the administrative agent or contract manager and project manager(s). Participants for the contractor should include the contract manager (individual who signed the contract) and any project manager(s). The purpose of the meeting should be specifically to discuss the contract dispute and resolution. During the meeting, participants should:• Review contract specifications.• Review any prior corrective action report(s).• Identify the proposed corrective action/resolution.• Complete a corrective action report and ask the contractor’s contract

manager to sign it.• Provide a copy of the corrective action report to the contractor’s

contract manager.

If the issue is not resolved by the established date, contact the county’s contract administrator to advance to Step 3 or Step 4 (Construction Contracts).

Step 3If the issue is not resolved by the established date, the county’s administrative agent or contract manager may request a “Cure Development” meeting to discuss contract termination provisions and necessary steps to cure the contract default. The department director and a representative from the county’s contract administration team will attend the meeting along with the parties described in Step 2. The purpose of the meeting should be specifically to discuss the contract dispute and resolution. During the meeting, participants should:• Review contract specifications.• Review prior corrective action report(s).• Review contract termination provisions.



• Identify the proposed cure action/resolution.• Inform the contractor that a formal letter will be mailed outlining the

required corrective action and contract termination steps.• Complete a corrective action report and ask the contractor’s contract

manager to sign it.• Provide a copy of the corrective action report to the contractor’s

contract manager.

Step 4If Steps 1-3 are unsuccessful, the county’s administrative agent or contract manager may move to terminate the contract in accordance with the provisions contained therein, or the parties may agree to enter into mediation in Sarasota County, Fla. (as specified in standard county contracts) with the parties sharing equally in the cost of such mediation. In the event mediation is unsuccessful in resolving a dispute, the parties may proceed to litigation.

Step 5If all of the above steps are unsuccessful at resolving the issue and mediation is not requested, the county’s administrative agent or contract manager may move to terminate the contract in accordance with the provisions contained therein. The county may also move to suspend or debar the contractor as permitted in accordance with Section 2-222 of the Procurement Code (2).

Contract terminationCounty contracts include specific provisions for contract termination that describe under what circumstances a contract may be terminated. A “Termination for Convenience” may occur if the county’s administrative agent or contract manager determines that the goods and services procured by the contract are no longer required. The county’s administrative agent or contract manager will notify the contractor’s contract manager in writing to advise that the county is seeking to terminate the contract for convenience.

A “Termination for Cause” occurs if the contractor has failed to deliver the goods and services in accordance with the contract, and the dispute resolutions referenced in the preceding section have failed to resolve the issue. A formal letter of termination will be prepared and reviewed by the Office of the County Attorney prior to being mailed to the contractor. When warranted, the county may move to suspend or debar the contractor as permitted in accordance with the Section 2-222 of the Procurement Code (2).


16 941.861.5000

Suspension or debarment of contractorsAfter consultation with a Sarasota County Government attorney, the county administrator is authorized to suspend or debar a person or entity from consideration for award of contracts if the county administrator has adequate documented evidence to demonstrate that the person or entity has engaged in any activity that is grounds for suspension or debarment.

Causes for suspension or debarmentThe causes for suspension or debarment include: 1. Conviction for commission of a criminal offense as an incident

to obtaining or attempting to obtain a public or private contract or subcontract.

2. Conviction under state or federal statutes of embezzlement; theft; forgery; bribery; falsification or destruction of records; receiving stolen property; or any other offense indicating a lack of business integrity or business honesty which currently, seriously and directly affects responsibility as a Sarasota County contractor.

3. Conviction under state or federal antitrust statutes arising out of the submission of bids or proposals.

4. Persistent and repetitive violation of contract provisions.5. Failure without good cause to perform in accordance with the

specifications and/or budget or within the time limit provided in the contract.

6. A record of unsatisfactory performance in accordance with the terms of one or more contracts.

7. A documented history of significant deviation from contract specifications, engineering standards, design or material requirements or safety regulations.

8. Debarment by another governmental entity for any cause listed above or provided for in general law.

9. For violation of applicable ethics standards, including the ethical standards set forth in Chapter 112, Florida Statutes (6) and this section.



Process for suspension or debarment1. After consultation with a Sarasota County Government attorney, the Sarasota County administrator is authorized to suspend a person or entity from consideration for award of contracts if the Sarasota County administrator has adequate documented evidence to demonstrate that the person or entity has engaged in any activity which is grounds for suspension or debarment. The suspension shall be for a period not to exceed 12 months from the date of the Sarasota County administrator’s discovery of the most recent incident giving rise to the suspension. Suspension may be as to all contracting opportunities, or may be only as to certain types or sizes of projects or contracts, or it may be directed only to one or more distinct operating divisions or units of the suspended person or entity depending on the cause and severity of the reason for suspension.

2. After reasonable notice to the person or entity involved and reasonable opportunity for that person or entity to be heard by the Sarasota County administrator, the Sarasota County administrator, after consulting with a Sarasota County Government attorney, is authorized to debar a person or entity for cause from consideration for award of contracts. The debarment shall be for a period of not more than three years from the date of the Sarasota County administrator’s discovery of the most recent incident giving rise to the debarment. Debarment may be as to all contracting opportunities, or may be only as to certain types or sizes of projects or contracts, or it may be directed only to one or more distinct operating divisions or units of the suspended or debarred person or entity depending on the cause and severity of the reason for debarment.

The Sarasota County administrator shall issue a written decision to debar or suspend. The decision shall state the reasons for the action taken and the period the suspension or debarment shall be in effect, and shall inform the debarred or suspended person or entity of any right it may have to administrative review of the decision.

A decision to suspend or debar shall be final and conclusive unless the debarred or suspended person or entity, within 10 business days after receipt of the decision, files a written notice of appeal to the Sarasota County Commission. Upon receipt of a timely appeal, the Sarasota County Commission may, at its discretion, request a written response from the Sarasota County administrator, and may schedule the matter for a Sarasota County Commission administrative proceeding as provided for in Section 2-221 (e) (9) and (10) of the Sarasota County Procurement Code (2).


18 941.861.5000

ReinstatementA person or entity that has been suspended shall be automatically reinstated upon the end of the term of suspension.

Following debarment, a person or entity may not contract with Sarasota County until reinstated by the Sarasota County administrator or designee. The person or entity must supply information and reasonable documentation indicating that the conditions causing the debarment have been rectified. As a condition of reinstatement, the Sarasota County administrator may limit the nature and scope of contractual undertakings that must be satisfactorily completed before seeking additional contracts from Sarasota County. The Sarasota County administrator’s reinstatement determination shall be in writing and shall inform the debarred person or entity of the right to seek judicial or administrative review. Nothing herein prevents the Sarasota County administrator from granting reinstatement prior to the initial debarment period when, in the Sarasota County administrator’s judgment, Sarasota County’s interests have been addressed and the person or entity to be reinstated is not likely to engage in similar conduct again. A copy of any debarment decision or any reinstatement decision shall be sent via certified, return receipt requested mail to the debarred, or reinstated, person or entity.

Ineligibility for award of contractsAny business entity controlled by or affiliated with any person or business entity ineligible for the award of a contract may also be prohibited from contracting with Sarasota County if the relationship or affiliation is such that, in the reasonable opinion of the Sarasota County administrator, the person or business entity, by reason of the relationship with the ineligible person or entity, is likely not to conduct business in a responsible or lawful manner, or if the ineligible person or business entity could directly benefit from the contract. Such factors as ownership interest, one or more members of the governing boards in common, control of one entity by the other, interlocking or shared management or principals, and limited management and ownership among family members, shall be considered in determining ineligibility.



C O N T A C T S A N D R E S O U R C E S

Sarasota County ProcurementProcurement process questions should be directed to a member of the procurement team.

PHONE: 941-861-5000 LOCATION: 1660 Ringling Blvd., SarasotaHOURS: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through FridayWEBSITE: www.scgov.net/Procurement

Sarasota County Contracts AdministrationQuestions relating to an existing contract should be directed to a member of the contracts administration team.

PHONE: 941-861-5000 LOCATION: 1660 Ringling Blvd., SarasotaHOURS: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday EMAIL: [email protected]

20 941.861.5000


ResourcesRegister as a contractor and view active solicitations at www.bidsync.com. For technical assistance, contact BidSync Support at 800-990-9339.

1. (n.d.). Florida Statutes. Retrieved from Chapter 125: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm/Ch0951/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0100-0199/0125/0125PartIContentsIndex.html&StatuteYear=2012&Title=-%3E2012-%3EChapter%20125-%3EPart%20I

2. (n.d.). Sarasota County Code, Article VI, Chapter 2. Retrieved from Procurement Code: https://www.scgov.net/Procurement/Documents/Procurement%20Code.pdf

3. (n.d.). Sarasota County Procurement Manual. Retrieved from https://www.scgov.net/Procurement/Documents/Procurement%20Manual.pdf

4. (n.d.). Public entity crime; denial or revocation of the right to transact business with public entities. Retrieved from The Florida Statutes, Chapter 287, Procurement of Personal Property and Services: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?app_mode=display_statute&search_string=&url=0200-0299/0287/sections/0287.133.html

5. (n.d.). Acquisition of professional architectural, engineering, landscape architectural, or surveying and mapping services; definitions; procedures; contingent fees prohibited; penalties. Retrieved from The Florida Statutes, Chapter 287, Procurement of Personal Property and Services: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0200-0299/0287/Sections/0287.055.html

6. (n.d.). Florida Statutes Chapter 112 . Retrieved from Public Officers and Employees: General Provisions: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0100-0199/0112/0112.html

[email protected] 11



CONTRACTORGU IDE

For more informationVisit: www.scgov.netCall: 941-861-5000

OFFICE OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

CD

04.

06.1

6

Thomas A. HarmerCounty Administrator

Stephen DeMarshCounty Attorney

Alan MaioDistrict 4 Commissioner Chairman

Paul CaragiuloDistrict 2 Commissioner Vice Chairman

Carolyn J. MasonDistrict 1 Commissioner

Christine RobinsonDistrict 3 Commissioner

Charles D. HinesDistrict 5 Commissioner