Subject:
Title
Ranking of firms and agreement with Quest Ecology, Inc. for ecological consultant services on the Cross Bar and Al Bar Ranch property located in Pasco County, FL.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the ranking of firms and agreement with Quest Ecology, Inc. (Quest) for ecological consultant services on the Cross Bar and Al Bar Ranch property located in Pasco County, FL.
• This contract is for ecological consultant services on the Cross Bar and Al Bar Ranch property, including tasks related to ecological management. Contractor responsibilities include evaluation of current Total Ecosystem Management Program (Forestry, Agriculture and Wildlife Management/Habitat Restoration) and the current conditions of the 12,381 acres of the Cross Bar and Al Bar Ranch property.
• This contract is effective for a period of five years from April 21, 2024, with a total not-to exceed contract value of $1,322,000.00. There is provision for four five-year extensions. The contract value is comparable to the current cost per year.
• This contract replaces the current 12-month emergency contract currently held by Quest.
• Three firms submitted proposals; Quest was evaluated as the highest-ranked firm and is recommended for award by the Utilities Department.
• Quest Ecology is a County certified small business enterprise.
• Funding for this agreement is sufficiently included in the Fiscal Year 2024 Adopted Budget of Utilities in the Water Revenue and Operating Fund.
Contract No. 23-1050-RFP in the total not to exceed amount of $1,322,000.00, effective for five years from April 21, 2024; Authorize the Chairman to sign and the Clerk of the Circuit Court to attest.
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Strategic Plan:
Practice Superior Environmental Stewardship
3.1 Implement green technologies and practices where practical
3.2 Preserve and manage environmental lands, beaches, parks, and historical assets
3.3 Protect and improve the quality of our water, air, and other natural resources
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
Summary:
Summary
This contract provides for management of the ecosystem and the water resource protection components for the Cross Bar / AL-Bar Ranch property.
Requirements include evaluation of current Total Ecosystem Management Program (Forestry, Agriculture and Wildlife Management/Habitat Restoration) and the current conditions of the 12,381 acres of the Cross Bar and Al Bar Ranch Property.
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Background Information:
On September 29, 2023, Purchasing and Risk Management, on behalf of Utilities, issued a request for proposal for Ecological Consultant services. Three proposals were received with award recommendation to Quest as the highest ranked firm. Final negotiated agreement with all accepted terms and conditions was completed on February 12, 2024.
Pinellas County owns approximately 12,381 acres inclusive of the Cross Bar / Al Bar Ranch in north central Pasco County. The Cross Bar Ranch is currently utilized as a regional well field operated by Tampa Bay Water (TBW). A mixed-use Ecosystem Management Plan is currently being implemented which balances water supply operations and resource protection, silviculture, agricultural operations, protection of wildlife, and habitat restoration activities.
Fiscal Impact:
Five (5) year expenditure not to exceed: $1,322,000.00.
PCU anticipates expending at or below the average annual expenditure of $264,400.00 in FY24 and including this in future budgets, including the FY25 Budget.
Funding for this agreement is sufficiently included in the FY24 Adopted Budget of Utilities in the Water Revenue and Operating Fund.
Staff Member Responsible:
Jeremy Waugh, Director, Utilities
Merry Celeste, Division Director Purchasing & Risk Management
Joe Lauro, Director, Administrative Services
Partners:
N/A
Attachments:
Agreement
Rankings Spreadsheet