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Agenda 08/26/2025 Item # 9C (Ordinance - Repealing Ordinance known as the Collier County Procurement Services Division Ordinance) (2)8/26/2025 Item # 9.C ID# 2024-2342 Executive Summary *** This item was continued from the January 14, 2025, and August 12, 2025, BCC Meetings. *** Recommendation to repeal and replace Procurement Ordinance No. 2013-69, as amended, with the attached updated Procurement Ordinance. OBJECTIVE: To approve repealing and replacing Ordinance No. 2013-69, as amended, commonly known as the Collier County Procurement Ordinance, with the attached updated Procurement Ordinance. CONSIDERATIONS: On December 10, 2013, the Board adopted Ordinance No. 2013-69, which was subsequently amended through the adoption of Ordinance No. 2015-37, Ordinance No. 2015-51, Ordinance No. 2016-11, Ordinance No. 2016-19, Ordinance No. 2017-08, Ordinance No. 2018-38, and Ordinance No. 2020-28. On December 10, 2024, the Board authorized the County Attorney to advertise the attached proposed Procurement Ordinance for adoption, along with the repeal and replacement of Ordinance No. 2013-69, as amended. Staff is recommending that the Board approve the attached proposed Procurement Ordinance, which would repeal and replace Ordinance No. 2013-69, as amended. The proposed new Procurement Ordinance updates the standard definitions of professional procurement terminology commonly used in County contracts and solicitations, increases the informal and competitive procurement thresholds to conform more with other similarly sized jurisdictions, allows for the Procurement Services Director to interpret the Ordinance and Procurement manual in administering the County’s procurement program, empowers the Procurement Services Division to establish processes to encourage cost savings programs and increase overall efficiency through data analysis, and provide training and counseling on proper contract administration methods. In addition, the proposed revisions enhance the ethical requirements of vendors and County employees concerning the solicitation and competitive selection of vendors and clarifies the permitted procurement methods and the authority to utilize those various methods based upon the first increase of the established competitive thresholds since June 23, 2015 (see Ordinance No. 2015-37). The proposed Ordinance is also slightly reorganized in a more logical fashion to allow greater readability and application by staff. The proposed Ordinance has been presented to County staff for feedback on several occasions, along with review and input from outside legal counsel, Bryant Miller Olive, P.A., and the Office of the County Attorney. The proposed Ordinance has been presented to the Office of the Clerk of Court and Comptroller for review and feedback and any additional suggested revisions from the Clerk will be presented for the Board’s consideration upon presentment for approval. A summary of significant changes to the proposed Ordinance is listed below for reference: • Applicability and Approved Thresholds Section: The County Manager's or designee's authority increases from $50,000 to $250,000. • The Change Order definition was updated to include the following language: For any contract for construction services entered on or after July 1, 2025, the County must approve or deny a price quote for a change order requested or issued by the County within 35 days after receipt of such price quote from the contractor (receipt commencing the date upon which the County’s Project Manager and Department Head receives the price quote) consistent with the prompt processing of change orders set forth in Section 218.755, Fla. Stat. • Thresholds Section: o Single Quote/Small Purchases Threshold section increases the threshold from $3,000 to $10,000. o Informal Competition Threshold section increases the threshold range from $3,000 - $50,000 to $10,000 - $250,000, with a requirement for quotes with a value of $50,000 - $250,000 to be obtained through the County’s bidding platform. 8/26/2025 Item # 9.C ID# 2024-2342 o Formal Competition Threshold section increases the threshold range from $50,000 to $250,000 and requires approval by the Board. • Ethics Section: o A conflict-of-interest section is included to align with Florida Statute and includes the application of a cone of silence during the competitive solicitation process. • Alternative Methods Section: o The Exemption of Competition section has been updated to include additional categories and Board approval is aligned with the formal competition threshold. o The Waiver of Competition section removes the sole source definition to align with Florida Statute and Board approval is aligned with the formal competition threshold. o Emergency purchases are clarified and aligned with Florida Statute. • Formal Competitive Awards: o New section outlining the bidding process to align current and best practices, manuals, and procedures. • Purchasing Card Program Section: o The County Manager or designee shall be responsible for establishing the limits for single transactions and monthly spending limits as set forth in the Purchasing Card Manual. This section was updated to align with current and best practices, manuals, and procedures. • Contract Administration Section: o Change orders and amendments that increase the total contract by more than $250,000 from the original Board-approved amount will be presented to the Board for approval. All non-exempted under $250,000 will be presented for ratification through the Procurement Administrative Report. During exigent circumstances, where the approval of a Construction Change Order requires the County to approve or deny a price quote for construction services received from a contractor within 35 days of receipt, or have the price quote be deemed approved (as mandated by Section 218.755, Fla. Stat.), and the Change Order price quote cannot be presented to the Board to meet that time requirement, the Board authorizes the Department Head or designee and Procurement Director or designee to approve or deny those Change Order’s that otherwise exceed the Board’s delegated Change Order threshold for staff approval, subject to subsequently presenting such items to the Board for ratification through the Procurement Administrative Report. o The Procurement Services Director or designee will approve increases and decreases to Board-approved days. o Approval of contractual price adjustments aligns with underlying agreements and with the formal competition threshold. o Construction Agreements: o Retainage. In accordance with Section 218.735(8), Fla. Stat., the Board may reduce below 5% the amount of retainage withheld from each subsequent progress payment issued to a contractor where applicable. o Liquidated Damages. County Departments/Divisions shall obtain authority from the Board to waive the assessment of liquidated damages. o Consent to Assignments of Contracts. The County's authority for consent to assignment of a contract 8/26/2025 Item # 9.C ID# 2024-2342 may be approved by the Procurement Services Director or designee. • Unauthorized Purchases Section: o The Board shall approve After-the-Fact Procurement forms for transactions exceeding the formal competition threshold and those under $250,000 will be presented to the Board for ratification through the Procurement Administrative Report. The Business Impact Estimate associated with the enactment of proposed ordinances is not required for this item because ordinances relating to procurement are exempt. (Florida Statutes, § 125.66(3)(c)(6)). This item is consistent with the Collier County strategic plan's objective to safeguard taxpayer money by promoting fiscal stewardship. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no Growth Management Impact associated with this action. LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item is approved as to form and legality and requires majority vote for Board approval. —SRT RECOMMENDATIONS: That the Board repeal and replace Procurement Ordinance No. 2013-69, as amended, commonly known as the Collier County Procurement Ordinance, and adopt the attached updated Procurement Ordinance described above. (See attached copy of proposed Ordinance) PREPARED BY: Sandra Srnka, Director, Procurement Services Division ATTACHMENTS: 1. Procurement Ordinance Final 08.20.25 2. Legal Ad- Procurement Ordinance - 8.12.25 3. Proposed Procurement Manual 8.15.25 4. Proposed Purchasing Card Manual ORDINANCE NO. 2025 - AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 2013-G9, AS AMENDED, WHICH ORDINANCE ESTABLISHED THE COLLIER COUNTY PROCUREMENT SERVICES DIVISION AND ADOPTED A PROCUREMENT POLICY CONCERNING THE PROCUREMENT OF GOODS AND SERVICES, AND REPLACING IT WITH THIS SUPERSEDING ORDINANCE, TO BE 1{NOWN AS THE COLLIER COUNTY PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE, WHICH ORDINANCE SETS FORTH 1TS PURPOSE, APPLICABILITY, AND APPROVED THRESHOLDS; PROVIDES FOR DEFINITIONS; ESTABLISHES AND SETS FORTH THE DUTIES OF THE PROCUREMENT SERVICES DIVISION AND PROCUREMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR; ESTABLISHES ETHICAL STANDARDS; PROVIDES FOR PROCEDURF,S FOR SMALL PURCHASES UNDER $10,000, FOR INFORMAL COMPETITION 'THRESHOLD FOR PURCHASES EXCEEDING 510,000 BUT UNDER $250,000, AND FOR A FORMAL COMPETITION THRESHOLD AND BIDDING PROCESS FOR PROCUREMENTS EXCEEDING 5250,000; PROVIDES FOR PROCUREMENT METHODS FOR THE COMPETITIVE PROCESS, THE PROCUREMENT OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, AND COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS; ESTABLISHES ALTERNATIVE PROCUREMENT METHODS; PROVIDES FOR EMERGENCY PURCHASING, AN EXEMPTION AND WAIVER TO THE COMPETITIVE 1'12OCESS, COOPERATIVE PURCHASING, AND STANDARDIZATION; PROVIDES FORMAL COMPETTITIVE AWARDS PROCESS, RESERVED RIGHTS TO THE COUNTY, REJECTION AND CANCELLATIONS, NEGOTIATIONS, INSPECTING AND TESTING, AND AWARDS; ESTABLISHES A PROCEDURE FOR UNSOLICITED PROPOSALS; ESTABLISHES POLICIES P'OR SMALL AND DISADVANTAGED MINORITY AND WOMEN BUSINESS ENTERPRISES; LOCAL VENDOR PREFERENCE; PROVIDES FOR A PURCHASING CARD PROGRAM; PROVIDES FOR ADVANCE PAYMENTS FOR GOODS ANll SERVICES; PROVIDES FOR PAYMENT OF INVOICES; SETS FORTH A PROCEDURE FOR CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION AND FOR PE12FO12MANCE ANll PAYMENT BONDS; PROHIBITS UNAUTHORIZED PURCHASES INCLUDING THE SUBDIVISION OF PURCHASES; SETS FORTH A PROCEDURE FOR BID ANll PROPOSAL AWARD PROTESTS; PROHIBITS CONFLICT OF INTERESTS; SETS FORTH A PROCEDURE FOR THE DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION OF VENDORS; AUTHORIZES THE BOARll TO WAIVE THESE PROVISIONS WHEN APPROPRIATE; PROVIDES FOR CONFLICT AND SEVERABILITY, REPEAL OF PRIOR ORDINANCES, INCLUSION INTO THE C011E OF LAWS AND ORDINANCES, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Page 1 of 43 w, f'v WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners (the "Board") desires to seek the maximum value for the County by procuring the best value in obtaining commodities and contractual services; and WHEREAS, to better effectuate this desire, on December 10, 2013, the Board adopted Ordinance No. 2013-69, known as the Collier County Purchasing Ordinance; and WHEREAS, the Board subsequently amended Ordinance No. 2013-69 through its adoption of Ordinance No. 2015-37, Ordinance No. 2015-51, Ordinance No, 2016-11, Ordinance No. 2016-19, Ordinance No. 2017-08, Ordinance No. 2018-38, and Ordinance No. 2020-28; and WHEREAS, the Board is repealing Ordinance No. 2013-69 as amended, and replacing it with this superseding Ordinance. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINEll BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA, as follows: SECTION ONE: Title and Citation. This Ordinance shall be loiown and may be cited as the "Collier County Procurement Ordinance" or "Procurement Ordinance." SECTION TWO: Purpose. The purpose of this Procurement Ordinance is to codify and formalize Collier County's Procurement policy, to provide for the fair and equitable treatment of all persons involved in public purchasing by the County, to maximize the purchasing value of public funds in procurement, and to provide safeguards for maintaining a procurement system of quality and integrity. Any provision ofthis Ordinance in conflictwith statute is null and void as to the conflict. SECTION THREE: Applicability and Approved Thresholds. 1. This Procurement Ordinance applies to the procurement of goods and services by the County after the effective date of this Procurement Ordinance. This Procurement Ordinance shall apply to all expenditures of public funds by the Board for public purchasing, irrespective of the source of the funds. Nothing in this section shall prevent the County from complying with the terms and conditions of any grant, gift or bequest that is otherwise consistent with law. 2. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as requiring Collier County's Constitutional Officers (Clerk of the Circuit Court, Property Appraiser, Sheriff, Supervisor of Elections, and Tax Collector), Court Administration, State Attorney, Public Defender or the Collier County Metropolitan Planning Organization non -county funds to be covered by the provisions of this Procurement Ordinance. However, the services of the Collier County Procurement Services Division Director may be made available for consultation. 3. The Board shall execute formal contracts in excess of $250,000 having a binding effect upon the County, to include revenue generating contracts and hereby delegates to the County Manager or designees, the authority to approve contracts or agreements and amendments, extensions, and renewals of such contracts or agreements, including change orders, work orders Page 2 of 43 .- and other ancillary documents, providing the total amount of County expenditure for any such contract or agreement does not exceed $250,000 unless otherwise specified by action of the Board. The D250,000 limitation set forth above shall be determined by the following: a) the per fiscal year dollar total expenditure for term contracts, b) the per fiscal year dollar expenditure for fixed -fee agreements, c) the per fiscal year dollar expenditure for lease agreements, d) the total dollar expenditure included in the contract for lump sum or specific project agreements. 4. Following formal action taken by the Board for purchases greater than the formal competition threshold, the Board delegates to the County Manager or designee the authority to carry out the administrative and ministerial actions necessary to effectuate the Board's action, including but not limited to the subsequent issuance of Work or Purchase Orders, to the extent provided in the Procurement Ordinance. 5. The Board encourages the implementation of cost savings measures, processes, and procedures as part of its various adopted procurement methods including but not limited to Direct Material Purchases, purchasing card purchases, and bulk purchases as may be in the best interest of the County. In furtherance of implementing cost saving measures, such as Direct Material Purchases and the Board's other adopted methods of procurement, the Board delegates to the County Manager or designee, the authority to manage and administer the procedures, processes and measures necessary to maximize the purchasing value of public funds expended in the procurement of materials. SECTION FOUR: Definitions. Agency shall mean all departments, divisions, units and offices under the Board, including the Collier County Redevelopment Agencies, the Collier County Airport Authority, Collier County Water -Sewer District and all departments under the auspices of the County Manager. Also included are those elected or appointed officials that agree to utilize procurement services provided by the Board. Amendment shall mean an agreed addition to, deletion from, correction, or modification of a document or contract. Blanket Purchase Order shall mean a contract document issued by the Procurement Services Division which encumbers appropriated funds issued and includes established prices for a defined period of time, although without specifying quantities. Change Order shall mean a written order approved by the Procurement Services Director or the Board as required by the Ordinance directing the Conh•actor to change a conh•act's amount, requirements, or time. All changes must be within the original scope of the contract and in accordance with the Board approved contract's changes clause or, if no such clause is set forth within the agreement, in accordance with this Procurement Ordinance. For any contract for construction services entered on or after July 1, 2025, the County must approve or deny a price quote for a change order requested or issued by the County within 35 days after receipt of such price quote from the contractor (receipt commencing the date upon which the County's Project Page 3 of 43 r `, Manager and Department Head receives the price quote) consistent with the prompt processing of change orders set forth in Section 218.755, Fla, Stat. Consu ants' Competitive Negotiation Act (CCNA) is Section 287.055, Fla. Stat., and governs the procurement of professional individuals/firms for architectural, engineering, landscape architecture, survey and mapping services. Construction Manager at Ris/c (CNLR CMAR) is a construction delivery method in which the Construction Manager acts as a consultant to the County in the development and design phases, but as the equivalent of a general contractor during the construction phase. The CMAR is contractually bound to deliver the project within a guaranteed maximum price (GMP).The Construction Manager at Risk is responsible and accepts risk for constructing the entire project for the GMP and the Contractor is responsible for assembling the team of suppliers and subcontractors. Consultant/Contractor/Supplier/Vettdor shall mean a provider of goods ot• services to the County Agency. These terms may be used interchangeably. C'ontinerittg Conh•acl shall mean a fixed term contract for professional services as defined in Section 287.055, Fla. Stat, Contract Extension shall mean an action to change and extend a contract termination date pursuant to a provision in the original contract that increases the contract period, An extension must be in writing and may not change the contract's amount or requirements unless provided for in the original solicitation, contract, or as otherwise stated in this Ordinance. Conb•act Renewal shall mean a clause in the contract that allows the contract term or period to renew for an additional time period as defined in the current contract. Cooperative Purchasing is where a government uses a nationally or state recognized cooperative purchasing program to procure the goods and services. County Mnttager shall mean the County Manager or Cowity Administrator of Collier County or designee, as detned in the County Administration Law of 1974, Chapter 125, pt. [II, Fla. Stat. Debar shall mean to bat• a person or company from participating in a procurement action because of a previous illegal or irresponsible action; may be used as a noun, debarment. Design -Build Agreement is a delivery method for construction projects that combines the architectural, engineering, and construction services required for a project into a single contractual agreement. Direct Material Purchase is acost-savings measure to achieve sales tax savings through the County's sales tax exemption by purchasing materials directly from a supplier or vendor. Otlrer savings may be achieved in the Direct Material Purchase process through purchasing cards, rebates, discounts, and other cost savings measures, Also known as Direct Purchase Order. Emergency shall mean any occurrence, or threat thereof, whether natural, technological, or manmade, in war or in peace, which results or may result in substantial injury or harm to any Page 4 of 43 portion of the population or substantial damage to or loss of property; or those situations where the operation of an essential department would be seriously impaired if immediate action was not taken, as defined by Section 252.34, Fla. Stat. Emergency procurenien, shall mean an expeditious purchase of commodities, services or construction to address an emergency. Fred -Fee Agreenvent/ConUact shall mean a contract providing for a firm price, or a price that may be adjusted only in accordance with contract clauses providing for revisions of the contract price under stated circumstances. Freed -Term Conh•nct is a type of contract in which a source of supply is established For a specific period of time for specified services or supplies; usually characterized by an estimated or definite minimum quantity to furnish commodities or contractual services during a defined period, with the possibility of additional requirements beyond the minimum, all at a predetermined unit price. Lease Agreement is a contract outlining the terms in which one party agrees to rent property owned by another party, which may include real estate or personal property for a specified amount of time. Lamp Srmv or Specific Project Agreemw�t is a contract where a fit•m fixed total price is offered by the vendor for the completion of a project; typically, this is done through a competitive process and where the final invoicing will require no cost breakdown. Minority Business Enterpr•rse (MBE) or any other designation assigned by the Office of Supplier Diversity shall mean a firm or individual who satisfies the registration requirements of that agency and/or satisfies the requirements outlined in Sections 287.0943(2)(e), and 295.187, Fla. Stat., and Chapter 60A-9, Florida Administrative Code. Piggybacking is when any government entity procures a contract wider a similar solicitation process that meets or exceeds the requirements of the County's solicitation process and allows for piggybacking. Purchase Order shall mean a contract document issued by the Procurement Services Division which encumbers appropriated {'unds used to contract with a vendor formalizing all terms and conditions of a proposed transaction to furnish or deliver commodities or services to the County. Purchasing Card (P-Card) shall mean a credit card officially assigned to specific employees or individuals authorized by the County Manager or designee for the purpose of making purchases for official Collier County business. Responsible Vendor/Bidder/Proposer shall mean a vendor who has the financial and technical capacity to perform the requirenrents of the solicitation and subsequent contract. Responsive Vendor/Bidder/Proposer shall mean a vendor who has submitted a bid or proposal that fully conforms in all material respects to the solicitation and all of its requirements, including form and substance. Page 5 of 43 Revenue GenerotingAgreement shall mean a contract whose primary purpose is to generate revenue or to create a business opportunity for the County. Single Source procurements are defined as commodities or contractual services that are available only from a single source or the use of such source is both economically and operationally in the County's best interest. Single source commodities or contractual services must be available only from contractors/vendors/consultants who are uniquely qualified. Ii or h Order is a contract instrument issued wider the terms and conditions of an approved Continuing Contract or an Agreement, which authorizes a contractor or consultant to perform a specific task within the broader scope of the master agreement. Nothing in the work order shall conflict with the terms and conditions of the Continuing Contract or Agreement, and all work done must fall within the scope and term of the underlying master agreement. SECTION FIVE: Establishment of Procurement Services Division and Procurement Services Division Director, 1. There is hereby established the Collier Cowity Procurement Services Division, which shall be a distinct division under the direction of the County Manager. a) The Procurement Services Division Director of the Procurement Services Division shall have the authority to negotiate all purchases for all Agencies, except as required by State, federal or local law. In keeping with Chapter 125, Fla. Star., this Procurement Ordinance grants to the Procurement Services Division Director only those powers and duties which are administrative and ministerial in nature and does not delegate any governmental power imbued in the Board as the governing body of Collier County pursuant to Art. VII1, § I (e), Florida Constitution. The Procurement Services Division Director may delegate to one or more Procurement Services Division employees any and all aspects of the authority vested in the Procurement Services Division Director by the County Manager. Except as otherwise specified by law, this Ordinance shall apply to every procurement under the authority of the Board and to elected or appointed officials or contractual employees (Clerk of the Circuit Court, County Attorney, Property Appraiser, Sheriff, Supervisor of Elections, Tax Collector and Collier Metropolitan Planning Organization) who choose to utilize procurement services provided by the Board. b) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Procurement Ordinance, the Procurement Services Division Director is authorized to issue Pwrohase Orders as authorized by the Board. c) The Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall have the authority to interpret the Procurement Ordinance and Procurement Manuals) and may issue directives for that purpose. d) Authority Limitation and Delegation; Promulgation of Procedures. All authority to execute docwnents that is vested to the County Manager or designee is hereby delegated to the Procurement Services Division Director or Page 6 of 43 designee and shall be subject to the limits of any applicable federal, state or other law. e) Nothing in this section shall limit the Boards right to waive any provisions contained herein when the Board shall deem it in the best interest of the County. SECTION SIX: Duties of the Procurement Services llivisiona Within the constructs of this Ordinance, the Procurement Services Division shall be responsible for: I. Seeking Maximum Value: Acting to procure the highest quality commodities and contractual services for the County at the least expense to the County. 2. Encouraging Competition: Endeavoring to obtain as full and open competition as possible on all purchases, services and sales. 3. Procurement Analysis; Staying updated on the latest developments in purchasing, pricing, market conditions, and new products. This includes leveraging research conducted by other government agencies, national technical societies, recognized trade associations, and private organizations to ensure the County benefits from advancements in the procurement field. 4. Procurement Manual: Preparing and recommending for adoption by the County Manager or designee, a Procurement Manual for the implementation of this Procurement Ordinance. The Procurement Manual shall be maintained and published online for the benefit of the public. 5. Division Systems, Procedures and Standards: The adoption of systems, procedures, forms, standards, reporting and evaluation tools related to: (a) the effective development, negotiation and administration of County contracts, and (b) the evaluation of performance of vendors doing business with Collier County, 6. Non -Formal Conh•act Purchases: Reviewing non -contract purchases not exceeding $25050005 as defined in Section Nine, to determine if an aggregated contract approach may provide value and offer pricing advantages to the County. 7, Sales Tax Exemption: Procuring items for the County to exercise its tax exemption status when eligible. 8. Establishing and administering a Direct Material Purchasing program that includes processes and procedwes to encourage the implementation of such savings programs and the application of such related cost savings measures where it is in the best interest of the County. Additionally, develop and implement other tax -saving and cost -saving strategies related to purchasing and procurement. 9. Evaluate purchasing activities to enhance sourcing, reduce costs, ensure supplier compliance, and increase overall efficiency. This im�olves analyzing data on supplier performance, pricing, contract terms, purchasing patterns, and market trends to drive better decision -making and Page 7 of 43 „ t B; strategic planning. This analysis provides opportunities for cost savings, risk mitigation, and added value in the procurement process. 10, inquiry and Control: Full authority to: a) Question the quality, quantity, and kinds of items requisitioned in order that the best interests of the County are served. b) Ensure the timely, proper and orderly acquisition of services for various County Departments/Divisions. c) Ensure purchases are consistent with the Procurement Ordinance, local, state, and federal laws, and grants or other funding sources, if applicable. d) Determine if the Board should approve specific purchases prior to the purchase. e) Determine work assignment rotation schemes when multiple contracts are awarded for the same service. t) Question the effectiveness of contract administration being performed by the County Departments/Divisions and provide training and counseling on proper contract administration methods. g) Consolidate purchases of like or common commodities or services and enter into contracts to obtain maximum cost savings while preserving County Department/Division specification and needs. h) Review and approve or disapprove the composition of each evaluation committee. i) Verify funding sources and acquire an account number for each purchase before advertising a solicitation. 11. Records of Procurement activity shall be maintained in compliance with Article I, Section 24, Fla. Const. and Chapter 119, Fla. Stat., "the Florida Public Records Act." 12. Administer the County's Purchasing Card program. 13. Administer the County's property disposal process through auction sales, and other means, and report that activity along with any proceeds to both the County Manager or designee, and the Board. 14. Advise the County Manager ot• designee of misuse, inappropriate use, or purchasing activities that are inconsistent with the purpose and intent of the Procw•ement Ordinance, Procurement Manual, or applicable local, state, or federal law. 15, Use of Past Performance Data: In order to promote the quality delivery of commodities and services, County Departments/Divisions shall record and consider the past performance of vendors in the awarding of contracts exceeding the formal competition threshold. This objective shall be accomplished as follows: a) The Procurement Services Division shall be responsible for each of the following: (i) Developing, implementing, and maintaining administrative procedures, instructions and technologies necessary to collect past vendor performance data. Page 8 of 43 (ii) Ensuring that relevant past performance data is property gathered and considered prior to award of subsequent contracts. b) County Departments/Divisions shall be responsible For each of the following: (i) Conducting periodic performance evaluations of vendors undercontract with the County pursuant to the procedures established by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee. (ii) Considering the past performance of vendors during the evaluation of bids and proposals Pursuant to the procedures established by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee. SB.CTION SEVEN: Ethical Standards. Every employee and elected or appointed official of Collier Count} has the responsibility to maintain the confidence of the citizens of Collier County by conducting the procurement process in an ethical, fair and transparent manner. Collier County employees shall actin good faith to discharge their duties and avoid either the intent or appearance of unethical practices in procurement relationships, actions and communications. 2. Any attempt by Collier County employees or elected or appointed officials of Collier County to realize personal gain from the procurement process is a breach of public trust. All County employees shall govern themselves in accordance with the Standards of Conduct as set forth in applicable Collier County Government Regulations, to include the Collier County Ethics Ordinance No. 2003-53 as amended, County Manager Administrative Procedures (CMA) Code of Ethics, and the Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees, Chapter 112, Part 111, Fla. Stat, 3. Purchases shall not be artificially divided or split so as to qualify under the established compeon thresholds of this Procurement Ordinance. 4. A consultant who participates in the drafting of a solicitation or scope or who develops a program for future implementation that gives rise to an actual conflict so as to unfairly benefit that consultant to the disadvantage of any other future firms that could competitively seek a County contract related to such program or project upon which the solicitation or scope is based, and which conflict is not otherwise curable, is not eligible to contract with the County for any other contracts dealing with that specific subject matter, and any firm in which such person has any interest is not eligible to receive such contract. However, this prohibition does not prevent a vendor who responds to a request for information from being eligible to contract with the County. 5, Collier County requires each vendor who seeks to do business with Collier County to comply with the following ethical standards: a) No vendor shall discuss or consult with other vendors intending to compete for the same or similar contract for the purpose of bid rigging, collusion or other activities that are illegal, unethical or limiting competition. Page 9 of d3 b) Each vendor must certify that, to the best of their knowledge or belief, no elected/appointed official or employee of Collier County, a spouse thereof or other person residing in the same household, is financially interested, directly or indirectly, in providing the goods or services specified in any submitted bid or proposal. A financial interest is defined as ownership of more than one percent (1%) of the total assets or capital stock or being an officer, director, manager, partner, proprietor, or agent of the business submitting the bid or proposal or of any subcontractor or supplier thereof providing goods or services in excess of one percent (1%) of the total bid or proposal amount. Additionally, the vendor, on company letterhead, must divulge at the time of the submittal of a bid or proposal, any relative, other than those already specified, of an elected or appointed official or employee of the County who has a financial interest, in providing the goods or services specified in the bid or proposal. The County, at its sole discretion, will determine whether a conflict exists and whether to accept or reject the bid or proposal. c) No vendor shall submit false information or intentionally submit misleading information to Collier County. After the advertisement of any solicitation, a "cone of silence" is in effect such that no current or prospective vendor or any person acting on their behalf, shall lobby, contact, communicate with or discuss any matter relating to the solicitation with any Collier County employee, selection committee member, advisory board member, or elected or appointed official, other than the Procurement Services Division Director or designees. Any attempt by one of the proposers to have direct or indirect communication with a selection committee member outside of a committee formal session must be avoided and repotted to the Procurement Services Division. The cone of silence shall not apply to: (i) Communications at any public proceeding or meeting, including pre -bid conferences, evaluation committee presentations or pre - award meetings. (ii) Communications during contract negotiations between designated County employees and the intended vendor. (iii) Communication with a vendor by a Procurement Services Division employee following a competitive procurement opening to clarify the vendor's response. (iv) Communication following the filing of a protest to a competitive procurement between the protesting vendor or the selected vendor and the Procurement Services Division, County Manager's Office, and County Attorney's Office concerning the protest. (v) Purchases exempted and waived from competitive procurement pursuant to the Procurement Ordinance. d) Lobby shall mean influencing or attempting to influence action or non -action and attempting Co obtain the goodwill of persons relating to the selection, ranking, or contract award in connection with any solicitation through direct or indirect oral or written communication. Any current or prospective vendor that Page 10 of 43 lobbies any Collier County employee or elected or appointed official while a solicitation is open or being recommended for award (i) may be deemed ineligible for award of that solicitation by the Procurement Services Division Director, and (ii) will be subject to Debarment Suspension as outlined in Section Twenty -Six of this Procurement Ordinance. e) If a vendor becomes aware of a conflict of interest, unethical behavior, or illegal activity, they must promptly notify the Procurement Services Division. Failure to comply with this section shall be deemed a violation of ethical standards subject to administrative actions and may be subject to civil, and/or criminal penalties for ethical violations as described below. f) Employees who violate the ethics standards described in this section shall be subject to administrative disciplinary action, following Collier County Government Fluman Resources procedures and guidelines, up to and including dismissal from Collier County Government employment. g) Vendors who violate the ethics standards described in this section shall be subject to debarment and suspension as provided in Section Tvventy-Six of this Procurement Ordinance. h) Vendors doing business with Collier County shall comply with the provisions of Sections 287.133, 287.135, 287.138, 448.095, and 908.1 1 1, Fla. Stat. SUCTION 1✓IGHT: Small Purchases Threshold. Small Purchases Threshold. $10,000 or less. 2. Single Quote. Unless otherwise provided by law, all small purchases will be obtained by a single quote, with documentation, and generally be processed using a purchase order, or a purchasing card in accordance with Section Seventeen of this Procurement Ordinance. County Department/Division staff will procure the highest quality items or services at the least expense to the County. 3. County DeparUnent/Division staff should make all reasonable efforts to purchase goods and services under Board approved contracts. In the event a contract is not utilized, staff will procure the highest quality items or services at the least expense to the County. S);CTION NINT: Lnformal Competition Threshold. I. Informal Competition Threshold. Unless otherwise provided by law, purchases in excess of $ ] 0,000 but not greater than $250,000. 2. Request for Quotes (RFQ). County Department/Division staff or Procurement Services Division staff shall obtain at least three (3) documented competitive quotes fi•om responsible and responsive bidders. a) Competitive quotes between $10,000 and $50,000 may be solicited in writing or through the County's bidding platform. Page ll of 43 b) Competitive quotes between $50,000 and K250,000 shall be solicited through the County's bidding platform, unless otherwise approved by the Procurement Director or designee. 3. Any resulting awards shall be to the responsible and responsive bidder submitting the lowest or best overall quote which meets all specifications. 4. Final recommended award of any quote will be reviewed and approved by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee. 5. Only the Procurement Services Division staff may issue aqualification-based quote. 6. In the event the County has an approved contract available for utilization, County Departments/Divisions staff should make all reasonable efforts to purchase goods and services under the approved contract, unless staff demonstrates that the price under contract exceeds the price on a non -contract, staff will procure the highest quality items or services at the least expense to the County. SECTION TEN: Formal Competition Threshold. 1. Formal Competition'phreshold. Unless otherwise provided by law, al( purchases exceeding $250,000 will be competitively procured by Invitation to Bid (ITB), Invitation to Negotiate (ITN), Invitation for Qualifications (IFQ), Request for Professional Services (RPS) or Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee, and any subsequent award shall be approved by the Board. 2. Unless otherwise provided by law, the minimum advertising period for all formal competitive solicitation methods is thirty ( calendar days. The advertising period may be modified by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee, should unusual circumstances require it. All advertising will take place on the County's adopted bidding platform, and the County may use additional advertising platforms or publications as is deemed necessary by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee. SECTION ELEVEN: Procurement Methods. It is the intent of the Board tliat the threshold for formal competitive solicitations set forth in Section Ten include the methods below, as administered under the supervision of the Procurement Services Division Director or designee. The Board shall award any resulting agreements or contracts except where otherwise provided for in this Procurement Ordinance or unless the Board grants an exception. Collier County's procurement methods may include, but are not limited to, the following: I. Invitations to Bid shall be issued by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee, with public announcement, and shall be awarded to the responsive and responsible bidder• submitting the lowest or best overall bid which meets all specifications. A bid is the preferred method of solicitation when price is the principal consideration. Sealed bids will be publicly opened and announced. Any resulting contract shall be the prevailing basis of award. Page 12 of 43 2. Invitation to Negotiate shall be issued by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee, with public announcement and competition. An ITN is used when it is determined beneficial to issue a written solicitation for competitive sealed replies to select one or more vendors with which to conduct negotiations. 3. Invitation for Qualifications shall be issued by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee, when it is in Collier County's best interest to limit participation in the solicitation process to those bidders, proposers or offerors who demonstrate a capability to provide the goods and services required by Collier County or when qualifications are the only criteria. 4. Request for• Professional Services shall be issued by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee, to procure the following: a) Professional architectural, engineering, landscape architectural, or surveying and mapping services in accordance with the Consultants' Competitive Negotiation Act (CCNA), Section 287,055, Fla. Stat, An RPS can be issued and awarded for either a continuing contract or for a single project contract as described in Section 287.055, Fla. Stat. b) An RPS may be used be in obtaining design contracts, design -build agreements, and construction manager at risk agreements pursuant to Section 255.103, Fla. Stat., as applicable. c) When selecting an auditor to conduct the annual financial audit, the County shall follow Section 218.391. Fla. Stat, 5. Request for Proposals shall be issued by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee with public announcement and competition. Any resulting contract shall be awarded to the responsive and responsible proposer submitting the best proposal according to the criteria set forth in the solicitation. An RFP is the preferred method of solicitation when multiple factors are considered for the basis of award, and price may or may not be the prevailing factor. 6. Collier County shall competitively award construction contracts pursuant to Section 255.20, Fla. Stat, when applicable, in addition to the procurement methods authorized elsewhere in this Procurement Ordinance and other applicable law. 7. Consolidated Joint Purchasing. The Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall have the authority to join with other government entities and consortiums in cooperative purchasing ventures when in the best interest of Collier County. Solicitations shall be issued by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee, with public announcement and competition. Any resulting contract shall be awarded to the responsive and responsible proposer submitting the best proposal according to the criteria set forth in the solicitation. 8. A summary of the procurement thresholds and the required approval authority are provided below: Page 13 of A3 Minimum Name of Competition Procurement Type of Issuing Party Approval Competition Threshold Method Contract Authority Small $10,000 Single Quote Purchase County Procurement Purchases or less Order or Departments/ Division P-Card Divisions Director or Single Quote designee Informal Exceeding $105000 - $50,000 P-Card, County Procurement Competition $10,000 Three written quotes Purchase Departments/ Division but not either in writing or Order Divisions Director or Request for greater than County's bidding or designee Quotes $250,000 platform Contract $50,000 - $2505000 Three quotes through County's bidding platform Formal Exceeding ITB, RFP, RPS, ITN, P-Card, Procurement Board Competition $250,000 and IFQ Purchase Services approval Order or Division required for Contract Director or awards over designee $2505000 Unless otherwise provided by statutes, all County non-exempt procurements must be made in accordance with the chart above. Alternative Procurement Methods in Section Twelve may be used instead of the method identified above, when applicable. A purchase shall not be artificially divided or split so as to qualify under any other section of this Procurement Ordinance. SECTION TWELVE: Alternative Procurement Methods. l . Emergency Procurements as detined in Section Four of the Procurement Ordinance may be used in the event of an unexpected and urgent need where health and safety or the conservation of public resources is at risk, or during Board absences (all efforts should be made to obtain Board approval prior to anticipated recesses), using such competition as is practical under the circmustances, as follows: a) Following a declaration of the existence of an emergency situation by the County, the Board or their designee may declare the existence of an Emergency Procurement condition and may suspend any or all of the provisions of this section and authorize an Emergency Procurement. b) The Collier County Manager ordesignee, on acase-by-case basis, may approve an Emergency Procurement based upon the Procurement Services Division Director's or designee's good faith review of the available sources that may timely respond to the urgent need for goods and services and the documentation of the emergency conditions related to that purchase. The emergency purchase Page 14 of 43 may be made upon written determination and approval of the Collier County Manager or designee. The Collier County Manager or designee will report all such Emergency Procurements to the Board at the next available Board meeting. c) This section in no way constrains the provisions of Collier County Civil Emergency powers and authority pursuant to Chapter 252, Fla. Stat., Emergency Management. 2. Exemptions to the Competitive Process. The following categories of procurements may be eligible for exemption from the competitive process based upon the determination of the Procurement Services Division Director or designee and approval of such an exemption is in the best interest of the County. The Board shall approve the expenditures for Exemptions of Competition with a value more than the Formal Competition Threshold. a) Purchases from another government agency (iucluding, but not limited to, registrations, permits, postage, goods, or services) or from a nonprofit organization authorized to do business in the State of Florida. b) Educational or academic programs, including educational or recreational field trip instructors, trainers, facilitators, professional advisors and speakers, and fees and costs ofjob-related seminars and training. c) Dues and memberships in h•ade or professional organizations, including registration fees for trade or career fairs. d) Subscriptions for periodicals, newspapers, books, electronic information, media, maps, pamphlets and similar material in printed or electronic form. e) Advertisements. f) Entertainment services for County -sponsored events, including artists, music ensembles (bands) and other entertainment providers. g) Works of art for public display. h) Products or services necessary to maintain existing warranties and licenses or to maintain compatibility with existing Collier County systems. i) Repairs based upon shop estimates for equipment that has been disassembled. j) Utility Services: telecommunications, water, sewer, electric, gas, or other regulated utility, communications and data transmission services subject to government rate control. k) Personnel services and recruitment services. Page IS of 43 I) Health and social services, including substance abuse and mental health treatment, medical examiner services, burials and indigent patient services, and medications for the treatment of humans or animals. m) Cybersecurity related items: I. Insurance or other risk mitigation coverage acquired for the protection of information technology systems, operational technology systems, or data. 2. Critical infrastructure. 3. Cybersecurity incidents. 4. Network schematics, hardware and software configurations, or encryption information or information that identities detection, investigation, or response practices for suspected or confirmed cybersecurity incidents, including suspected or confirmed breaches, if the disclosure of such purchase information would facilitate unauthorized access to or unauthorized modification, disclosure, or destruction of: data or information, whether physical or virtual; or information technology resources, which include an agency's existing or proposed information technology systems. n) All purchases related to the sale, lease, or other use of real property, including appraisals and title insurance, except as required by other applicable law. o) Direct Purchase Orders issued when it is in the best interest of Collier County. Collier County may make direct purchases of goods and services when the County can procure these items at a lower cost and/or realize a tax or delivery savings. p) Lobbying services. q) Financial Instruments: professional services required for the issuance of Collier County debt, debt service and Collier County investments related thereto, including the selection of investment bankers for Collier County's Underwriting Pool and the selection of Collier County's Financial Advisor. r) Services for management studies, executive analysis and related matters as directed by the Board. s) Goods or services pwrohased from grants, gifts, bequests or donations to the extent the application of this Ordinance would conflict with the requirements, conditions, or limitations attached to the grant, gift, bequest, or donation. t) Permits required by federal or State law. u) Requests for outside legal services will be consistent with both this Ordinance and the County Attorneys Ordinance (Ord. No. 2013-34), as amended. The retention of legal services from experts or consultants for purposes of preparing for or defending against imminent or pending litigation or administrative proceedings shall be exempt from all competitive requirements of this Ordinance and must first be approved by the Board. Legal services include but are not limited to retaining the services of law firms or other outside counsel for any reason, expert witnesses, court reporter services, appraisal services, trial consultants or similar persons or firms deemed by the Collier County Attorney Page 16 of 43 as necessary to address the legal needs of Collier County, together with document management and production, legal research, and information technology products and services. v) Where specified by general law, ordinance or Board policies, any purchase governed by explicit provisions of general law or other Collier County ordinance or Board policies (resolution) unless the solicitation indicates the applicability ofthis Ordinance, and this Ordinance shall apply only to the extent set out in the solicitation. 3. Waiver to the Competitive Process. Single Source procurements may be eligible for the waiver to the competitive process based upon the determination of the Procurement Services Division Director or designee that approval of such a waiver is in the best interest of the County. Single Source procurements are defined as commodities or contractual services that are available only from a single source or the use of such source is both economically and operationally in the County's best interest. The Board shall approve the expenditure for Waivers of Competition with a value more than the Formal Competition Threshold, 4. Cooperative Purchasing and Piggybacking. The Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall annually bring forward to the Board a list of recommended cooperatives for consideration, The Procurement Services Division Director or designee may approve purchases using these approved cooperative organizations, agreements, and contracts, with no further action required by the Board providing that fluids have been budgeted for these specific purposes. The Procurement Services Division Director or designee may join other public agencies in Cooperative Purchasing organizations and/or agreements if is determined to be in the County's best interest, and if the consortium agreement has not had prior Board approval. The use of any new cooperative agreement must be approved by the Board prior to the use of the agreement. a) Cooperative Purchasing: The Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall have the authority to procure goods or services from the Board approved nationally or state recognized cooperative purchasing program. b) Piggybacking: The Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall have the authority to procure goods or services from vendors who have been selected, as a result of a competitive selection process for a federal, state or municipal government, or any other governmental agency, political subdivision, or government -related association, provided that the originating entity utilized a competitive process similar to Collier County's. i. The solicitation process must be substantially equivalent to the process used by the Cowity. ii. The contract must be active (not expired) and possible to be completed within the term of Che underlying contract. . The products or services needed must be specifically identified within the scope of the contract. Page 17 of 43 v. The vendor must agree to extend the contract terms and pricing to the County. Contracts for the professional services identified in Section 287.055, Fla. Stat., may not be piggybacked. 5. Standardization. Where standardization is determined to be desirable by the Board, the Purchase of commodities may be negotiated directly with a particular vendor with the advance approval of such purchase by the Board. Standardization may be the result of a formal evaluation process facilitated by the Procurement Services Division or the recognition of the historical use of a product as determined by the Procurement Services Division, SECTION THIRTEEN: Formal Competitive Awards. Competitive Procurement Bids/Proposals. a) Responses to all competitive procurements must be submitted to the Procurement Services Division through the prescribed bidding platform and as instructed in the solicitation document, no later than the date and time designated therein. b) All competitive procurement responses shall be opened in public at the time and place stated in the public notice with at least one witness present, c) The purpose ofthe opening is to record the responses received and to ensure that the responses are in compliance with the basic requirements of the competitive procurement. Responses are not analyzed for quality or substance at the opening. A recording of all responses received shall be available for public inspection in accordance with Florida law. d) The Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall have the authority to review all submittals in response to a County solicitation and to review these submittals for responsiveness, responsibility, price and other factors in making a determination for a recommendation of award. Reserved Rights. a) The Procurement Services Division Director or designee may, after opening, request additional information or clarification by the offeror. b) The Procurement Services Division Director or designee may waive or accept minor irregularities and technicalities, request additional information or clarifications in a response and allow correction thereof when such actions are deemed to be in the best interest of the County and do not conflict with the basic principles of fair and open competition. Page 18 of 43 3. Rejection and Cancellations. a) The Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall have the authority to reject any and all responses and cancel any solicitation, including recommendation of awards, at any time through the approval of the contract by the Board. b) 1"he Board also retains the authority to make a future finding, to reject any and all responses for any or no reason and waive or accept minor irregularities and technicalities, request additional information or clarifications, and allow correction thereof, when such actions are deemed to be in the best interest of the County and do not conflict with the basic principles of fair and open competition. c) The County shall not be responsible for any costs incurred by offerors in the case of rejection or non -award. 4. Negotiations. a) If none or only one responsive and responsible bid or proposal is received following any solicitation, the Procurement Services Division Director or designee reserves the right to reject all bids, proposals or offers and to negotiate with any responsible providers to secure the best terms and conditions in the sole interest of the County unless otherwise provided by law. b) If the lowest responsive bid exceeds the budgeted amount, and if the purchase is not funded in whole or in part with interagency grant dollars, the Procurement Services Division Director or designee may negotiate changes with the apparent lowest responsible and responsive bidder that will bring prices into budgeted limits, subject to the final approval and acceptance of the Board. if the budgeted amount includes grant funds, the Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall be authorized to conduct such negotiations, provided said actions are not prohibited by law or the grant conditions. 5. Inspection and Testing. The Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall inspect, or supervise the inspection of, or cause to be inspected, all deliveries of commodities or services, to determine their conformance with the specifications set forth in an order or contract, a) Inspection by County Departments/Divisions: The Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall authorize County Departments/Divisions to inspect, prior to use, all deliveries made to such County Departments/Divisions under rules and regulations which the Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall prescribe. b) Testing: The Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall have the authority to require chemical and physical tests of samples submitted with bids and samples of deliveries which are necessary to determine their quality and conformance with specifications. In performing such tests, the Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall have the authority to use laboratory facilities of any Agency of the County or of any contracted outside laboratory. 6. Awards. a) Once a vendor has been selected in accordance with this Ordinance, the Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall prepare and post a notice of recommended award. b) The time period for a procurement protest, as outlined in Section Four, shall shall begin upon posting of the notice of recommended award and is only applicable to solicitations resulting from Formal Competition. c) After the protest period in Section Twenty -Four has expired, the procurement shall be awarded with reasonable promptness. All procurements will be formalized by entering into either a contract with the awarded vendor or issuing a purchase order to the awarded vendor, unless otherwise authorized by the Board. SECTION FOURIT,F,N: Unsolicited Proposals. 1. The Board incorporates by reference Section 255.065, Fla. Stat. as may be amended from time to time, which addresses the procurement of services for qualifying projects through public -private partnerships, including through an offer of an unsolicited proposal. 2. The Board shall by separate Resolution establish all application fees referenced under Section 255.065, Fla. Stat, that a private entity must pay concurrent with the submission of an unsolicited proposal. Payment shall be made by cash, cashier's check, or some other non - cancellable instrument. Personal checks shall not be accepted. 3. To the extent that the cast to evaluate an unsolicited proposal is more than the initial application fee adopted by Resolution, the County may request payment of any additional amounts required to conduct its review as provided in Section 255.065, Fla, Stat. 4. If the costs of processing, reviewing, and evaluating attorney fees, financial or technical adviser fees, or other consultant fees required to properly evaluate an unsolicited proposal exceed the base application fee, then the Procurement Services Division Director or designee is authorized to charge a supplemental fee as long as no such supplemental fee exceeds an additional $10,000 without further authorization from the Board. SECTION FIFTEEN: Small and Disadvantaged Minority and Women Business Enterprises. 1. Policy Statement: Collier County stands committed to providing equal opportunities to small businesses and disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs), minority business enterprises (MBEs), and women business enterprises (WBEs), as well as to all vendors, consultants, contractors and subcontractors who seek to do business with the County. Pursuant to Page 20 of 43 , this policy, Collier County encourages its vendors, consultants, contractors and subcontractors to provide qualified small businesses and DBEs with an equal opportunity to participate in the formal competition processes for the procurement of commodities and services by the County. This policy is not intended to require or to allow partiality toward or discrimination against any small business or DBE, MBE, WBE, or any other vendor, consultant, contractor or subcontractor on the basis of gender, race or national origin, or other such factors, but rather to create an opportunity for small businesses and DBEs, MBEs, WBEs, and all qualified vendors, consultants, contractors and subcontractors to participate in the County's formal competitive processes. Nothing in this policy shall be construed to provide for or require any preference or set - aside based on gender, race, national origin, or any other such factor. 2. Implementing Meastu•es: h� an effort to implement this policy, the County may undertake the following measures: a) Designate the Procurement Services Division Director or designee to administer this policy. b) Utilize outreach programs to identify, register and educate small businesses and DBEs, MBEs and WBEs to participate in the procurement/contract process which may include: Attending trade fairs which include representatives from these enterprises. ii. Attending meetings and social events wherein Chese enterprises are present. iii. Utilizing publications aimed at reaching these enterprises. iv. Utilizing purchasing directories and other reference sources that list these enterprises. v. Publicizing this policy to encourage these enterprises to participate in the County's procurement process. vi. Other actions designed to identify opportunities for these enterprises who seek to provide commodities and services to the County. c) Maintain a list of these enterprises. d) Disseminate information regarding competitive opportunities with the County in order to allow qualified small businesses and DBEs, MBGs and WBEs to participate in the County's procurement process. 3. Conformity with Applicable Law: The provisions of this section shall be construed in conformity with applicable state and federal law. To the extent that state law conflicts with federal law, federal law shall supersede such state law. Page 21 of 43 SECTION SIXTEEN: Local Vendor Preference. Except where otherwise provided by federal or state law or other funding source restrictions or as otherwise set forth in this Procurement Ordinance, purchases of commodities and services shall give preference to local businesses and establishes this Local Vendor Preference policy for formal competitive procurements pursuant to this section as follows: I. For purposes of this section, a local vendor must satisfy each of the following requirements: a) A physical business address in Collier County with a County business address as listed with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations located within the limits of Collier County from which the vendor's staff operates and performs business in an area zoned for the conduct of such business. A post office box or a facility that receives mail, or a non -permanent structure such as a construction trailer, storage shed, or other non -permanent structure shall not be used to establish the physical address. In addition to the foregoing, a vendor shall not be considered a "local business" unless it contributes to the economic development and well-being of Collier County in a verifiable and measurable way. This may include, but not be limited to, the retention and expansion of employment opportunities, support and increase to the County's tax base, and residency of employees and principals of the business within Collier County. Vendors shall affirm in writing their compliance with the foregoing at the time of submitting their bid or proposal to be eligible for consideration as a "local business" under this section. A vendor who misrepresents the Local Preference status of its firm in a proposal or bid submitted to the County will lose the privilege to claim Local Preference status for a period of up to one year; and b) A current local Business Tax Receipt (also known as an Occupational License) issued by the Collier County Tax Collector• prior to bid or proposal submission. 2. A vendor must be able to demonstrate its qualification for the local preference at the time a bid or proposal is submitted, including any supporting documentation needed to verify the above requirements. Any bidder/proposer who fails to submit sufficient documentation with their bid/proposal offer shall not be granted local preference consideration for the purposes of that specific contract award. 3. Qualified local vendors will be awarded a preference as follows: a) For an Invitation to Bid, if an award would otherwise go to a non -local bidder, but a qualified local vendor is within ten (10) percent of the lowest non -local bid submitted by the non -local business, then the local business with the apparent lowest bid offer (i.e., the lowest local bidder) shall have the opportunity to submit an offer to match the price(s), less one (1) dollar, offered by the overall lowest, responsible and responsive bidder. b) In such instances, staff shall first verify if the lowest non -local bidder and the lowest local bidder are in fact responsible and responsive bidders. Next, the Procurement Services Division shall determine if the lowest local bidder meets the requirements of Section 287.087, Fla. Stat. The Procurement Services Division shall invite the lowest local bidder to submit a matching offer, Tess one (1) dollar, within five (5) business days, excluding weekends and County holidays, thereafter. If the lowest local bidder submits an offer that fully matches the lowest bid, less one (1) dollar, from the lowest non -local bidder tendered previously, then award shall be made to the lowest local bidder. c) If the IowesC local bidder declines, is unable to match the lowest non -local bid price(s), or does not meet the requirements of Section 287.087, Fla. Stat., then award will be made to the lowest overall responsible and responsive bidder. d) [n request for proposals, qualifications or other submittals and competitive negotiation and selection and negotiation methods not otherwise exempt from this local preference section, the solicitation shall include a weighted criterion for local preference that equals ten (10) percent of the total points in the evaluation criteria published in the solicitation. e) Should a tie bid occur between anon -local bidder and a local bidder, the County shall award the contract to the local bidder. Should a tie bid occur between two local bidders, the Procurement Services Division Director or designee will "flip a coin" between the two lowest local bidders or draw lots with a minimum of three witnesses when there is a tie among more than two local bidders. The winner will be recommended for award of the contract. 4. The County's local vendor preference, as it relates to bidding preferences for local vendors, is not applicable to solicitations or contracts when corn nocinues and/or services may be provided in the event of an emergency. 5. The Couuty's local vendor preference shall not apply in any procurement if the terms of a grant or funding agreement or other prevailing law or policy prohibit the use of the local vendorpreference. 6. The County's local vendor preference shall not be utilized with respect to any competitive solicitation for construction services, as defined in Section 255.072(2), Florida Statutes, or public works projects as defined in Section 255.0992(l)(b), Florida Statutes, in which any amount of the cost will be paid from state -appropriated funds at the time of the competitive solicitation, or where otherwise limited by law as provided in Section 255.099] (2). 7. Purchases of professional services as defined and subject to Section 287.055, Fla. Stat. and audit and accounting services subject to Section 218391, Pla. Stat. shall not be subject to this local preference section. 8. Waiver of the application of local preference. The application of Local Preference to a particular purchase or contract may be waived upon approval of the Board, or as identified where exempt from the competitive process. 9. Comparison of qualifications. The preferences established herein in no way prohibit the right to compare quality of materials proposed for purchase and compare qualifications, character, responsibility and fitness of all persons, firms or corporations submitting bids or proposals. Further, the preferences established herein in no way prohibit the right of the Board from giving any other preference permitted by law instead of the preferences granted herein. 10. Reciprocity. If Lee County or any other Florida county or municipality ("local government") that the Board finds appropriate grants preferences to local businesses, Collier County may establish an interlocal agreement with that local government. This agreement would aHow the preferences outlined in this section to apply to vendors who possess a valid business tax license issued by that specific local government, permitting them to offer the commodities and services being procured. Additionally, these vendors must have a physical business address registered with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, within the jurisdiction of that local government. In no event shall the amount of the preference accorded to other local government firms exceed the amount of preference that such local government extends to Collier County firms competing for its contracts. I I. Purview of this Local Preference Policy. `fhis policy shall apply to all County Departments/Divisions subject to this Ordinance. For purchases under the informal competitive threshold the Procurement Services Division encourages County Departments/Divisions to include local vendors when soliciting quotations in accordance with this section. SECTION SEVENTEEN: Purchasing Card Program. The Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall be responsible for the overall nanagement and operation of the County's Purchasing Card program in conformance with the P- Card Manual. l . The purchasing card is an authorized method of payment for the purchase of goods and services. For the purpose of this Procurement Ordinance, a purchasing earn is a credit card officially assigned to specific employees or individuals authorized by the County Manager or designee. 2. The use of the purchasing card does not eliminate the obligation of the County Departmentsvisions to obtain quotes, consistent with thresholds established in this Ordinance or complying with other provisions of this Procurement Ordinance. 3. The Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall be authorized to assign cards to employees for these purchases. 4. The County Manager or designee shall be responsible for establishing the limits for single transactions and monthly spending limits as set forth in the Purchasing Card Manual. 5, The Procurement Services Division Director or designee may temporarily increase the limits per card. 6. Strategic Purchases: The Procurement Services Division Director or designee may utilize (or delegate the authority to other Agency staff to utilize) a Purchasing Card to place orders that exceed the limits by the County Manager or designee, in instances where one or more of the following is true: Page 24 of 43 a) Where the purchase is to address a valid public emergency; or b) Where the County will earn revenue through card program rebates; or c) Where a vendor is requiring the County to order by purchasing card; or d) If beneficial to the County in accordance with the County's policies and procedures. 7. Sales Tax Compliance: Pursuant to Section 212.08(6)9 Fla. Stat., County purchases transacted with vendors within the State of Florida are exempt from the State sales and use tax. In such instances, it is the responsibility of the cardholder to provide the vendor with the appropriate tax exemption information when the card is presented to the vendor. In the event that the cardholder fails to provide the vendor with the appropriate tax exemption information when the card is presented, the cardholder may be responsible for payment of the tax. It is the position of the Board that it is not cost effective or in the public interest to require a cardholder to seek a credit for sales tax collected when the total sale does not exceed $300. If the total sale exceeds $300, the cardholder's Director is responsible for ensuring the tax is returned to the County for the purchase. 8. All fixed assets purchased using a purchasing card shall be properly reported to the Fixed Assets Section of the Clerk of the Circuit Court's Finance Division so that it can be properly recorded. 9. In all such instances, the Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall ensure that the purchase has been approved subject to all other provisions of this Procurement Ordinance. SECTION EIGHTEEN: Advanced Payments for Goods and Services. 1. The procedures for the pre -payment of goods and services with County funds including, but not limited to, dues and membership, insurance, maintenance agreements, subscriptions, travel arrangements, postage, and other purchases shall be as prescribed by the Department of Financial Services through its Administrative Rules as provided for in Section 28.235, Fla. Stat, The Clerk of the Circuit Court is authorized to make advanced payments on behalf of the County for goods and services based on those established procedures, unless otherwise authorized by law. 2. The Board may review and approve requests for advanced payment above the Formal Competition threshold. The criteria for approval may include: a) Advance payment will result in a savings to the County. b) The goods or services are only available if the advance payment is made. 3. Advanced payments may be made for other goods and services up to the Formal Competition threshold, if approved in advance by both the Procurement Services Division Director or designee and the Clerk of the Circuit Court Accounts Payable. Page 25 of 43 CA� SECTION NINETEEN: payment of Invoices. 1. Agencies under the purview of the Board shall be in compliance with Section 218.70, Fla. Stat., otherwise known as the "Local Government Prompt Payment Act." Pursuant to this, the requirements of this section shall apply to the following transactions: a) The purchase of commodities and services. b) The purchase or lease of personal property. c) The lease of real property. d) Direct Material Purchases. e) Construction Services. f) On good cause shown, the Board shall have the authority to waive any and all irregularities with respect to the payment of invoices submitted in good faith for work ordered and performed for the County, where payment reflects the fair value of services performed or goods received. 2. The Board approves the County Manager or designee to authorize minor payment variances between the Purchase Order and invoice where warranted. The authority to pay such variances shall not exceed 5% of the Purchase Order amount or $500, whichever is less. 3. The County Manager or designee shall establish and maintain a process to address freight and delivery charges not in compliance with FOB destination terms contained in the County General Terms and Conditions. 4. [t shall be the responsibility of the County Manager or designee, in consultation with the Clerk's Finance Director and County Departments/Divisions, to establish procedures for the timely payment of all transactions as defined herein. Such procedures shall include, but are not limited to, the following: a) Formally defining the County's requirements for the content and submission of a proper invoice, codifying the County's payment requirements and notifying each vendor of their availability. b) Steps required for the receipt of all invoices and the prompt return of improper invoices. c) Steps required for the resolution of payment disputes between the County and a vendor. 5. Vendor Payment Dispute Resolution Process. The purpose of this section is to establish a procedure whereby payment disputes with vendors who provide goods and services to the County are resolved in a timely manner and in keeping with the Local Government Prompt Payment Act. a) Definitions. The definitions set forth in the Local Government Prompt Payment Act (Section 218.72, Fla. Stat.) are hereby incorporated by reference. Page 26 of 43 b) If an improper payment request or invoice is submitted by a vendor, the County shall, within ten (10) calendar days after the improper payment requester invoice is received, notify the vendor, in writing, that the payment request or invoice is improper and indicate what corrective action on the part of the vendor is needed to make the payment request or invoice proper. The County shall make payments for the purchase of goods or services other than construction services within forty-five (45) calendar days after the date specified in Section 218.73, Fla. Stat., and for the purchase of construction services as specified in Section 218,735, Fla. Stat. c) Non -Construction Services Dispute Resolution Process. if the parties are unable to reach resolution on the payment dispute, the County Manager or designee, shall appoint a Hearing Officer, to whom the matter will be referred to. The Hearing Officer shall have the sole and full authority to thereafter resolve the dispute. The proceedings before the Hearing Officer to resolve the dispute shall commence within forty-five (45) calendar days after the date the payment request or improper invoice was received by the County and shall be concluded with final written decision by the Hearing Officer within sixty (60) calendar days after the date the payment request or improper invoice was received by the County. These proceedings are not subject to Chapter 120, Fla. Stat., and do not constitute an administrative hearing. Rather, these proceedings are intended to be quasi-judicial, open to the public, with the written decision of the Hearing Officer being final, subject only to certiorari review. If the dispute is resolved in favor of the County, interest charges shall begin to accrue fifteen (15) calendar days after the Hearing Officer's final decision. If the dispute is resolved in favor of the vendor, interest begins to accrue as of the original date the payment became due. i) If the County does not timely commence this dispute resohrtion process within the time required, a contractor may give written notice to the County of the failure to timely commence this dispute resolution procedure. If the County fails to commence this dispute resolution procedure within four (4) business days, excluding weekends and County holidays, after such notice, any amounts resolved in the vendor's favor shall bear mandatory interest, as set forth in Chapter 218, Fla. Stat. from the date the payment request or invoice containing the disputed amounts was submitted to the CMinty. If the dispute resolution procedure does not commence within four (4) business days, excluding weekends and County holidays, after the notice, the objection to the payment request or invoice shall be deemed waived. The waiver of an objection pursuant to this paragraph does not relieve a Contractor of its contractual obligations. In an action to recover amounts due under this part, the court shall award covet costs and reasonable attorneys fees, including fees incurred through appeal, to the prevailing party. Page 29 of 43 When good cause is shown, the Board may waive any and all rregularities with respect to the payment of invoices submitted in good faith for work ordered by and performed for the County, and where payment reflects the fair value of services performed or goods received. d) Construction Services Disputes Resolution Process. The disputes must be resolved in accordance with the dispute resolution process prescribed in the construction contract. If no dispute resolution process is prescribed in the construction contract, then the above Non -Construction Dispute Resolution Process shall govern. 6. Contract Claims. All actual or prospective claims arising against the County from contractors, vendors, or any other party in direct privity with the County to provide goods or services shall first be directly addressed by the parties' administrative representatives in a manner consistent with the agreement between the parties and in accordance with the County's adopted procedures, and applicable State and federal law. For any prospective or actual claims or disputes arising under any contract entered into by the County, the Procurement Services Division Director or designee must determine the facts of the dispute. All contract claims should follow the County's Vendor Payment Dispute Resolution Process outlined above. SECTION TWENTY: Contract Administration. 1. Contract Document Every procurement of contractual services or commodities shall be evidenced by a written document containing all provisions and conditions of the procurement The document shall include, but not be limited to: a) Payments to contractors, vendors, consultants: Prior to the execution of a formal contract subject to this Procurement Ordinance, a formal payment schedule and payment terms shall be established within the agreement. Such terms and conditions shall be consistent with the requirements of all applicable laws and the formal solicitation documents. b) A listing of the scope of services to be performed or commodities to be purchased. c) A provision specifying the terms of termination by the County and where applicable, a provision specifying the terms of renewal, which may include price adjustments. d) Where applicable, a provision establishing the appropriate types and levels of insurance to be carried out by the vendor. The provision shall be employed in a manner consistent with minimum insurance standards approved by the Board. e) A provision regarding indemnification of the County. f) A provision requiring compliance with all applicable federal laws and Florida Statutes, including but not limited to Sections 287.133, 287.135, 287.138, 448.095, and 908.111, Fla, Stat, A purchase order that embodies these provisions shall be sufficient documentation of the procurement. Except as otherwise provided in this Procurement Ordinance, the Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall determine the circumstances under which a Board approved purchase order (and all documents included by reference) shall serve as the contract document. 2. Contract Approval. a) AlI contracts for conunodities and services exceeding Section Ten, Formal Competition Threshold, shall be authorized by the Board. Once approved, subsequent purchase orders referencing those Board approved contracts may be issued by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee. b) Contracts below Section Ten, Formal Competition Threshold, shall be subject to the review and approval by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee. Once approved, subsequent purchase orders may be issued by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee. 3. All contracts, including terms and conditions, shall be subject to the review and approval by the County Attorney's Office, 4. Contract Administrative Agent/Pt•oject Manager: Every procurement of services shall be administered by the requesting Agency/Departments/Divisions. 5. Change Orders and Atnendtnents: a) Change orders and amendments that increase the total contract amount by $250,000 or more above the original Board -approved amount must be approved by the Board. Any subsequent price increases, regardless of the amount, will also require Board approval. b) Any allowance amormt approved by the Board for a particular project shall not be ine(uded in the calculation of the value of changes for the purpose of determining the applicable approval threshold. Alternatively, the Board may authorize an allowance amount for the County Manager or designee approval. c) During exigent circumstances, where the approval of a Construction Change Order requires the County to approve or deny a price quote for construction services received from a contractor within 35 days of receipt, or have the price quote be deemed approved (as mandated by Section 218,755, Fla. Stat.), and the Change Order price quote cannot be presented to the Board to meet that time requirement, the Board authorizes the Department Head or designee and Procurement Director or designee to approve or deny those Change Order's that otherwise exceed the Board's delegated Change Order threshold for staff approval, subject to subsequently presenting such items to the Board for ratification through the Procurement Administrative Report, Page 29 of 43 6. The Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall have the authority to approve the following, without further Board approval: a) Change orders and amendments that increase the total contract amount by less than $250,000 from the original Board -approved amount will be presented to the Board for ratification through the Procurement Administrative Report. b) All change orders and amendments for contracts that were originally executed by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee, so long as the total contract amount, including increases, does not exceed $250,000. c) Zero cost changes or changes that result in a lower contract amount. d) Increases or decreases to Board -approved days. e) Direct material purchases. i) Notices to proceed or noncompliance and start and stop work notices. g) Authorization for the use of approved allowances. h) Reallocation of approved funds between line items. i) Work order(s), if the work order is equal to or below such Board approval parameters for work orders as set forth in the Board approved Continuing Contract or Agreement for services under which the work order is generated. Work orders must be in sufficient detail to audit according to the approved contract. 7. Subsection 5 and 6, shall not be applicable to continuing contracts, fixed terns contracts, fixed -fee contracts, or blanket purchase orders. Such purchases shall be subject to all other provisions of this Procurement Ordinance. 8. All material changes in the scope of contracts must be approved by the Board in advance. 9. The Board has broad authority, within the limits of the law, to evaluate and approve any reeoimrnended contract annendment without requiring further competition. 1 0. Price Adjustments: The Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall have the authority to approve upward or downward price adjustments, subject to the following conditions: a) That the Procurement Services Division Director or designee has received a request fran the ConU•act Administrative Agent/Project Manager supporting the request, verifying contractor's satisfactory performance, and availability of funds for the applicable fiscal year. Page 30 of 43 b) That the price adjustment is identified in the solicitation document and/or resultant contract. Price adjustments that exceed the formal competition threshold per fiscal year dollar total expenditure, unless otherwise provided, and/or price adjustments that fail to meet one or more of the conditions set forth herein will require the approval by the Board. IL Contract Renewals: The Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall authorize and execute renewals of contracts for commodities and/or services subject to the following conditions: a) Tltat the contractor has performed in a satisfactory manner, and that the Procurement Services Division Director or designee has received a request to renew from the contractor or Contract Administrative Agent/Project Manager verifying the contractor's satisfactory performance. b) That the Board -approved contract provided for a renewal and is renewed subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the contract. Cost and term modifications are addressed in the original solicitation document and/or resultant contract. c) That the renewal is done For a set period of time identified in the solicitation document and/or resultant contract, commencing at the end of the initial contract term. Proposed contract renewals that fail to meet one or more of the conditions set forth herein will require the approval of the Board. 12. Contract Extension: Extensions) of aBoard-approved contract for commodities or non -construction services may be requested by the Contract Administrative Agent/Project Manager to the Procurement Services Division Director or designee, in writing, for a period not to exceed six (6) months (cumulatively) and shall be subject to the same terms and conditions set forth in the contract. The Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall have the authority to authorize and execute all such extensions, which must be issued prior to the expiration of the contract. Any extension(s) that exceed six (6) months (cumulatively) shall require approval by the Board. 1 3. Construction Agreements. a) Retainage. In accordance with Section 218.735(8), Fla. Stat., the Board may reduce below 5% the amount of retairtage withheld front each subsequent progress payment issued to a contractor where applicable. b) Liquidated Damages. County Departments/Divisions shall obtain authority from the Board to waive the assessment of liquidated damages. 14. Consent to Assignments of Contracts: The County's authority for consent to assignment of a contract may be approved by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee. Page 31 of 43 CAO 15. Contract Terminations: Notices that terminate in its entirety a Board -approved purchase or contract must be approved by the Board prior to its termination, unless otherwise provided in the contract. SECTION TWENTY-ONF,: Performance and Payment Bonds. A contractor or vendor shall provide a surety bond from a surety company to guarantee full and faithful performance of a contract obligation and the payment of labor and material expended pursuant to a contract whenever, and in such amounts, as required by statute or otherwise as deemed necessary by the ProCUrenlent Services Division Director or designee. I. The Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall determine if a bid bond shall be required for any competitive procurement. if required, the bid bond will be five (5) percent of the amount of the bid or proposal. Unsuccessful vendors are entitled to full return of their bid bond. Upon determination by the Board, the successful vendor shall forfeit this bid bond, or a portion thereof, upon failure to enter into a contract or act on the purchase order issued within ten (10) business days, excluding weekends and County holidays, of presentation of a contract or purchase order by the County, 2. The Procurement Services Division Directorordesignee shall determine if payment bonds, and performance bonds are required. All contracts for construction or repairs of public buildings and public works projects shall require payment and performance bonds in accordance with Section 255,05, Fla. Stat. 3. Payment and performance bonds shall be at least 100 percent of the contract amount, including allowance. 4. All required bonds shall be from a surety company authorized to do business in the State of Florida to guarantee the full and faithful performance of the contractual obligations and the payment of labor and material expended pursuant to the contract whenever and in such amounts as is deemed necessary by the Procurement Services Division. The surety shall meet the requirements of the Department of the Treasury Fiscal Service, "Companies Holding Certificates of Authority as Acceptable Sureties on Federal Bonds and as Acceptable Reinsurance Companies." An irrevocable letter of credit from a financial institution operating within the State of Florida (or other• alternative forms of surety as permitted under Florida law) may be sufficient in place of the performance bond if so provided for in the bid and contract documents. 5. The vendor is required to record the payment and performance bonds and riders with the Collier County Clerk of the Circuit Court and pay all associated costs. 6. All such bonds or letters of credit shall be approved as to form by the County Attorney and held by the Clerk's Board Minutes and Records Department. SECTION TWENTY-TWO: Unauthorized Purchases. All purchases made shall be consistent and in compliance with the Procw•ement Ordinance. Violations shall be handled in the manner provided by Statute or applicable Collier County Procurement Manuals. Any purchase or contract made contrary to the provisions thereof and Page 32 of 43 contrary to Florida law shall not be approved and the County shall not be bound thereby, unless and until the following actions occur: 1. If C01.111ty staff authorizes work or purchases that are not in conformance with the P rocurenlent Ordinance, Procurement Manuals, or contracts, the County Departments/Divisions must first complete an After -the -Fact Procurement form. 2. The Board shall approve After -the -Fact Procurement forms for transactions exceeding the formal competition threshold. 3. The Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall approve act Procurement Procurement forms for transactions below the formal competition threshold and will report those to the Board through the Procurement Administration Report, SECTION TWENTY-THREE: Prohibition against Subdivision. No contact or purchase shall be subdivided to avoid the requirements of this Procurement Ordinance or State law. SECTION TWENTY-FOUR: Protest of Bid m• Proposal Award. The purpose of this section is to accommodate legitimate protests concerning formal competitive solicitations and recommended contract awards prior to award of a contract by the Board. I. Any bidder to an ITB, ITN, RFP, 1FQ or RPS who alleges to be aggrieved in connection with the solicitation or recommended award of a contract, (hereafter referred to as "the protesting party") may protest to the Procurement Services Division Director or designee, who shall serve as the sole recipient of any and all notices of intent to protest and all formal protests. 2. With respect to a protest of the terms, conditions and specifications contained in a solicitation, including any provisions governing the methods for evaluation of bids, proposals or replies, awarding contacts, reserving rights for further negotiation or modifying or amending any contract, the protesting party shall file a notice of intent to protest with the Procurement Services Division Director or designee within three (3) business days by 5:00 p.m., excluding weekends and County holidays, after the first publication, whether by posting or formal advertisement of the solicitation. Failure to file a notice of intent to protest within the time and manner prescribed by this policy shall constitute a waiver of the respondent's right to protest the solicitation. The formal written protest shall be filed within five (5) business days by 5:00 p.m, of the date the notice of intent is filed, excluding weekends and County holidays. Formal protests of the terms, conditions and specifications shall contain all of the information required for the Procurement Services Division Director or designee, to render a decision on the formal protest and determine whether postponement of the bid opening or proposal/response closing time is appropriate. The Procurement Services Division Director's or designee's decision shall be considered final and conclusive unless the protesting party files an appeal of the Procurement Services Division Director or designee's decision to the County Manager. The appeal process to the County Manager will follow the same appeal process used for a formal protest of a contract award as stated below. Page 33 of d3 -- 3. Any bidder who desires to protest a recommended contract award shall submit a notice of intent to protest to the Procurement Services Division Director or designee within three (3) business days, excluding weekends and County holidays, from the date of the initial posting of the recommended award. Failure to file a notice of intent to protest within the time and manner prescribed by this policy shall constitute a waiver of the respondent's right to protest the recommended award. The notice of intent to protest shall contain at a rminim�ml: a) Name of the protestor; b) Protestor's address; c) E-mail address and telephone number; d) Name of the protestor's representative to whom notices may be sent; e) Project name and number of the competitive procurement; and f) A brief factual summary of the basis of the intended protest. �. All formal protests with respect to a recornrmended contract award shall be submitted in writing to the Procurement Services Division Director or designee fora decision. All formal protests shall be submitted within five (5) business days, by 5:00 p.m., excluding weekends and County holidays, from the date that the notice of intent to protest is received by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee. The protesting party must have standing as defined by established Florida case law to maintain a protest. The formal protest shall contain, but not be limited to, the following information: a) Name and address of County Agency affected and the solicitation number and title. b) The name and address of the protesting party. c) A statement of disputed issues of material fact. If there are no disputed material facts, the written letter must state that. d) A concise statement of the ultimate facts alleged and of any relevant rules, regulations, statutes, and calstitutional provisions entitling the protesting party to relief. e) The protesting patty's demand for the relief. f) Such other information as the protesting party deems to be material to the issue. g) As a condition of filing a formal protest to the Procurement Services Division Director or designee, the protesting party shall submit anon -refundable filing fee for the purpose of defraying the costs of administering the protest. The filing fee shall be submitted with the formal protest. Failure to pay the filing fee shall result in the denial of the protest. The filing fee may be in the form of a certified check, cashier's check, or money order made payable to Collier County, Florida or the Collier County Board of County Commissioners in an amount equal to Page 3A of 43 rive (5) percent of the protestor's bid or $10,000.00, whichever is less; provided, however, if no value is attached then the bond will be $10,000.00, The formal protest shall contain all arguments, facts or data supporting and advancing the protestor's position. Under no circumstances shall the protestor have the right to amend, supplement or modify its formal protest after the filing thereof. Nothing herein shall preclude the County's authority to request additional information from the protesting party or other bidders or proposers in conjunction with the review and rendering of decisions on the protest, including any subsequent appeal. 5. In the event of a timely protest of contract award consistent with the requirements of this section, the Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall not proceed further with the award of the contract until all appropriate administrative remedies as delineated under this section have been exhausted or until the Board makes a determination on the record that the award of a contract without delay is in the best interests of the County. Nothing herein prevents the Procurement Services Division Director or designee from rejecting all submissions to the solicitation any time prior to award. During this process, the protesting party shall limit their and the Procurement Services Division Director or designee communications with the County to the Office of the County Attorney, and neither the protesting party, their agents or their representatives shall have any private contact or discussions with individual County Commissioners, the County Manager, other County employees, or any independent hearing officer (where applicable) regarding the protest except such communications as may be required or permitted during a hearing, if applicable, or a meeting of the County Commission wherein the solicitation or award is to be considered. 6. The Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall review the merits of each timely protest and in consultation with the appropriate County staff, issue a decision stating the reasons for the decision and the protesting party's rights of appeal under this section. The decision shall be in writing and mailed or otherwise furnished to the protesting party. The decision of the Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall be final and conclusive unless the Protesting party delivers a subsequent written notice of appeal to the County Manager within three (3) business days, by 5:00 p.m., excluding weekends and County holidays from the date of receipt of the decision. In filing a written objection to the Procurement Services Division Director's or designee's decision, the protestor shall not introduce new arguments or alter in any other way their protest submission. An appeal of the Procurement Services Division Director's or designee's decision shall be limited to a review of the grounds set forth in the formal protest, and no new grounds or arguments will be introduced or considered. 7. The protester may appeal the decision of the Procurement Services Division Director• or designee to the County Manager• by filing a written appeal with the County Manager's Office within three (3) business days, by 5:00 p.m., excluding weekends and County holidays from the date of receipt of the decision. The appeal must be in writing and must include a full explanation of the basis of disagreement with the decision rendered by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee as well as the relief sought. The County Manager shall determine whether to appoint an independent Hearing Officer to review the formal protest and the Procurement Services Director's or designee's decision. If the County Manager appoints a Hearing Officer, the Hearing Officer's review shall be limited to the grounds set forth in the formal protest. The protesting party shall have the burden of proof. The Hearing Officer shall consider the formal protest, the Procurement Services Director's or designee's decision, and supporting documents and Page 35 of 43 evidence presented at the hearing. In any hearing, irrelevant, immaterial or unduly repetitious evidence shall be excluded. All other evidence of a type commonly relied upon by reasonably prudent persons in the conduct of their affairs shall be admissible whether or not such evidence would be admissible in a trial in the courts of Florida. The Hearing Officer may grant the motion of any person having standing under Florida law to intervene in the proceedings. Persons or parties shall have the right to be represented by counsel in the proceedings, to call witnesses, and present evidence; provided, however, that the Hearing Officer shall not have the right to compel attendance of witnesses or to permit or compel any discovery. The Hearing Officer will have a maximum of sixty (60) calendar days to schedule and conduct a hearing into the matter and issue a recommended finding of fact and an opinion in writing to the County Manager or designee for submission to the Board. Should the Hearing Officer find in favor of the County, the protesting party shall pay, in full, the costs of the Hearing Officer. If the Hearing Officer's recommended decision is in favor of the protesting party, then the County will assume this cost. The County Manager's discretion as to whether to appoint a Hearing Officer shall in no way afford the protestor the tight to demand such an appointment or hearing. The decision of a Hearing Officer on a protesting party's appeal shall be submitted to the Board for its consideration as part of a final award decision. Nothing herein shall be construed as creating a right of judicial review of the Hearing Officer's decision, nor shall such decision be binding upon the Board. Additionally, nothing herein shall be construed as limiting the Board's right to reject any and all bids or proposals. Decisions of the Procurement Services Director or designee and Hearing Officer (where applicable) will be provided to the protestor prior to the award recommendation being presented to the Board. Neither the County Manager's decision nor the Hearing Officer's recommended decision shall be construed as an award recommendation triggering additional rights of protest pursuant to this policy. Notwithstanding anything set forth herein to the contrary, the Board shall retain the authority to make the final award decision. The County Manager shall issue his/her decision on the appeal within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of the appeal or receipt of an appointed Hearing Officer's recommended findings, whichever is later. 8. The decision of the County Manager may be appealed to the Board of County Commissioners by the filing of a written appeal with the Board Chair within three (3) calendar days of issuance of the County Manager's decision. The Board shall overturn the selection if the protester proves by clear and convincing evidence that the selection did not comply in material respects with the requirements contained in the competitive procurement documents, with this Section, or with applicable law. 9. Failure by a protestor to comply with the timelines and requirements set forth herein shall result in an immediate invalidation and termination of the protest and a waiver of the right to seek further redress or to appeal the alleged adverse action in a court of law. 10. Nothing herein relinquishes the County's rights to waive minor irregularities. Further, nothing herein shall grant any rights to the unsuccessful protestor. 1 I . Notwithstanding anything set forth herein to the contrary, the Board shall retain the authority to make the final award decision. Page 36 of 43 CAO SECTION TWENTY-FIVE: Conflict of Interest. The procurement of goods and services shall comply with all applicable state, local and federal laws concerning ethics and conflict of interest. SECTION TWENTY-SIX: Debarment and Suspension. The County Manager may suspend and/or debar vendors, contractors, consultants and other nterested and affected persons from active participation in obtaining County contracts upon approval of the Board. 'fire purpose of any such action shall be to protect the County's interests and maintain the integrity of the public contracting and purchasing process. Selecting highly qualified contractors that engage in ethical and responsible business practices protects the public and supports the procurement process. The debarment and suspension processes shall be considered to be separate from and in addition to the award evaluation and vendor performance evaluation processes authorized elsewhere in this Procurement Ordinance. The debarment and appeals process shall not stay Collier County's solicitation, negotiation, or contract award processes. 1. Suspension. Refers to action taken by the County Manager to temporarily disqualify a contractor from County contracting or Comity approved subcontracting pending action of the Board. The Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall recommend to the County Manager the suspension of a contractor, subcontractor or person font consideration for award of contracts if there appears to be a reasonable basis for debarment as set forth herein. If a suspension precedes a debarment, the suspension period shall be considered in determining the debarment period. The suspension period shall not exceed six (6) months or until the conditions have been rectified or resolved to the County's satisfaction, without the approval of the Board. The prospective causes for suspension include one or more of the following: a) Failure to fully comply with the condition, specifications, or terms of a bid, proposal or contract with the County. b) The Procurement Services Division has formally disqualified or declared a contractor's bid, quotation, or proposal non -responsive, based on the Contractor's fraud or misrepresentation. c) The Contractor is charged by a court of competent jurisdiction with the commission of a criminal offense as an incident to obtaining or attempting to obtain a public or private contract, subcontract, or in the performance of such contract or subcontract. If charges are dismissed or the contractor is found not guilty, the suspension shall be lifted automatically upon proof of final court disposition by the contractor to County. d) The contractor becomes insolvent, has proceedings in bankruptcy instituted against it, or has a receiver or trustee appointed over its property. e) The contractor is charged by a court of cornpetentjurisdiction with the following: 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 Page 37 of 43 responsibility as a County government contractor. If charges are dismissed or the contractor is found not guilty, the suspension shall be lifted automatically upon proof of final court disposition provided by the contractor to County. t) Contractor violates the ethical standards set forth in local, state or federal law. g) Contractor commission of any act or omission to perform any act which is grounds for debarment. h) Any other cause the Procurement Services Division Director or designee determines to be serious and compelling as to materially and adversely affect responsibility of a business as a County government contractor, including but not limited to suspension by another governmental entity for substantial cause. 2. Debarment Means action taken by the County to exclude a contractor from County contracting and County -approved subcontracting for a reasonable specified period as provided herein. The prospective causes for debarment include one or more of the following: a) Conviction for commission of a criminal offense as an incident to obtaining or attempting to obtain a public or private contract or subcontract, or in the performance of such contract or subcontract. b) Conviction under state or federal law 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 contractor. e) Conviction under state or federal antitrust laws arising out of the submission of bids, proposals or other competitive offers. d) Violation(s) of County contracts) provisions, which is (are) deemed to be serious and to warrant debarment, including the failure, without good cause, to perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, specifications, scope, schedule or any other provisions of the contract(s). e) Refusal to provide bonds, insurance or other required coverage and certifications thereof within a reasonable time period. f) Refusal to accept a purchase order, agreement or contract, or perform accordingly provided such order was issued timely and in conformance with the solicitation and offer received. g) Presence of principals or corporate officers in the business of concern, who were principals within another business at the time when the other business was suspended or debarred within the last three (3) years under the provisions of this section. h) Violation of the ethical standards set forth under applicable state or county laws. Page 38 of 43 i) Debarment of the contractor by another public agency. j) Submitting false invoices or invoices that mislead, misrepresent the true costs incurred or falsely identify either a source of material or a provider of a service. k) Any other cause deemed to be so serious and compelling as to materially affect the qualifications or integrity of the contractor. 3. Scope of suspension or debarment The following shall be the scope of suspension or debarment under this section: a) The fraudulent, criminal, or other seriously improper conduct of any officer, director, shareholder, partner, agent, employee, or other individual associated with a contractor may be imputed to the contractor when the conduct occurred in connection with the individual's performance of duties for or on behalf of the contractor, or with the contractor's knowledge, approval, or acquiescence. The contractor's acceptance of the benefits derived from the conduct may be evidence of such knowledge, approval, or acquiescence. b) The fraudulent, criminal, or other seriously improper conduct of a contractor may be imputed to any officer, director, shareholder, partner, employee, or other - individual associated with the contractor who participated in, knew of, or had reason to know of the contractor's conduct. c) The fraudulent, criminal, or other seriously improper conduct of any subcontractor associated with a contractor may be imputed to the contractor when the conduct occurred in connection with the subcontractor's performance of duties for or on behalf of the contractor, and the contractor has knowledge of, approved of, or acquiesced in this conduct. The contractor's acceptance of benefits derived from the conduct shall be evidence of such knowledge, approval, or acquiescence. d) The fraudulent, criminal, or other seriously improper conduct of one contractor participating in a joint venture or similar arrangement may be imputed to other participating contractors if the conduct occurred for or on behalf of the joint venture or similar arrangement, or with the knowledge, approval, or acquiescence of these contractors. Acceptance of the benefits derived from the conduct may be evidence of such knowledge, approval, or acquiescence. 4. Effects of suspension and debarment, Suspended or debarred contractors are excluded from receiving contracts, and County Departments/Divisions shall not solicit offers from, award contracts to, or consent to subcontract with the vendor. Such contractors are also excluded from conducting business with the County as agents, representatives, subcontractors, or partners of other vendors. n 5. Suspension or debarment procedures. The following procedures shall be used for the suspension or debarment of a contractor: Page 39 of 43 a) The County Department/Division shall promptly investigate and prepare a written report concerning a contractor's proposed suspension or debarment, which shall be forwarded to the Procurement Services Division Director or designee. b) Within a reasonable amount of time of the Department's/Division's request, the Procurement Services Division Director or designee, after examining such reports, shall make a determination as to whether there is sufficient cause to suspend or debar the contractor. If the Procurement Services Division Director or designee finds sufficient cause, he/she shall issue a preliminary notice of suspension of debarment for a maximum period of up to six (6) months. The Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall notify the subject contractor by certified mail, return receipt requested, or personal service that: i. Suspension or debarment has been imposed effective upon the receipt of notice; ii. This notice contains the reasons and causes for the suspension or debarment in terms which are sufficient to put the contractor on notice of the conduct upon which it is based; iii. If requested by the contractor within twenty-one (21) calendar days after the date of receipt of such notification by the contractor, the Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall refer the matter to the Hearing Officer, and a hearing to contest the suspension or debarment will be conducted before the Hearing Officer at a date and time not more than ten (10) calendar days after the receipt of such a request. The notice shall advise the contractor that it may be represented by an attorney, may present evidence, verbal testimony, and may cross examine testimony; and iv. Sucln suspension or debarment action may only be stayed after petition by the vendor to the Board. c) The preliminary suspension or debarment notice shall become final and conclusive unless the suspended or debarred vendor timely requests a hearing before the Hearing Officer. If a hearing is not requested, the Procurement Services Division Director or designee decision shall then be presented for action at the next Board meeting with a recommendation relating to the period of suspension or debarment imposed upon the contractor. d) The Hearing Officer shall be the sole trier of fact and shall ensure that the proceeding affords due process and fairness to the contractor. In actions based upon a conviction of judgment, or in which there is not genuine dispute over material facts, the Heating Officer shall make a decision on the basis of all the undisputed, material information in the administrative record, including any undisputed, material submission by the contractor. Where actions are disputed evidence, the Hearing Officer shall decide what weight to attach to the evidence of the record, judge the credibility of witnesses, and base his/her decision on the Page 40 of 43 C�Q preponderance of the evidence. The Hearing Officer's decision shall be made and shall be provided upon conclusion of the parties' arguments and evidence. e) Hearsay evidence shall be admissible at the heating but shall not be the sole basis for initiating a suspension or debarment procedure nor the sole basis of any determination by the Hearing Officer of the suspension or debarment by contractor. The hearing shall be audio recorded. f) A written decision and recommendation thereafter shall be filed within five (5) business days, excluding weekends and County holidays, with the County Manager which shall include the Hearing Officer's factual findings, conclusions of law, and shall include either a recommended specific term of suspension or debarment to be imposed by the Board or a recommended dismissal of the preliminary notice of suspension of debarment. g) The County Manager shall present the Hearing Officer's decision to the Board at the next Board meeting. The matter shall be resolved by the Board on the basis of the record before the Hearing Officer and no evidence or issue which was not presented or raised at such hearing shall be considered. Presentations to the Board by parties shall be limited to thirty (30) minutes per side. The foregoing limitation shall be inclusive of all speakers addressing the Board on behalf of each side. At the conclusion of the testimony, the Board shall by majority vote accept or reject the decision and recommendation of the Hearing Officer. The Board may also, in its discretion, refer the matter back to the Hearing Officer for additional proceedings. An appeal of the decision of the Board, which is filed within thirty (30) business days, excluding weekends and County holidays, of its receipt by the contractor, shall be subject to review by the appellate division of the circuit court. A suspended or debarred contractor also may seek a stay of the Board's decision in circuit court. h) The period of suspension or debarment imposed upon a contractor shall be within the sole discretion of the Board. Suspension or debarment shall be fora period commensurate with the seriousness of the cause, and where applicable, within the guidelines at a minimmn of six (6) months and not to exceed a period of five (5) years taking into consideration any mitigating or aggravating circumstances. 6. After imposition of such suspension or debarment, the Board, in its discretion, may reduce or may vacate such suspension or debarment, upon the contractor's written request, for reasons such as: a) Newly discovered material evidence; b) Reversal of the conviction or civil judgment upon which the debarment was based; c) Bona fide change in ownership or management; d) Elimination of other causes for which the suspension or debarment was imposed; or e) Other reasons the Board deems appropriate. Page 41 of 43 The contractor's written request shall contain the reasons for requesting a reduction in the suspension or debarment period. The Procurement Services Division Director or designee with the assistance of the affected department, shall have thirty (30) business days, excluding weekends and County holidays, from receipt of such request to submit a written response thereto. The decision of the Board regarding a request made under this subsection is final and not appealable. SECTION TWENTY-SEVEN: Waiver of Ordinance. The Board shall have the authority to waive any and all Procurement Ordinance provisions within lawful guidelines and upon formal Board action. SECTION TWENTY-EIGHT: Conflict and Severability. In the event this Ot•dinance conflicts with any other ordinance of Collier Couuty or other• applicable law, the more restrictive shall apply. If any phrase or portion of the Ordinance is held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competentjurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion. SECTION'I'WENTY-NINE: Repeal of Ordinance No. 13-69, as amended. Ordinance Nos. 13-69, 15-37, 15-51, 16-11, 16-19, 17-08, 18-38, 20-28, and all amendments thereto, are hereby repealed in their entirety and superseded by this Ordinance. SECTION THIRTY: Inclusion in the Code of Laws and Ordinances. The provisions of this Ordinance shall become and be made a part of the Code of Laws and Ordinances of Collier County, Florida. The sections of the Ordinance may be renumbered or re - lettered to accomplish such, and the word "ordinance" may be changed to "section," or any other appropriate word. SECTION THIRTY-ONE: Effective llate. This Ordinance shall be effective upon filing with the Deparhnent of State. Page 42 of 43 PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida, this day of , 2025. ATTEST: Crystal K. Kinzel, Clerk of Courts & Comptroller By: Deputy Clerk Approved as to form and legality: Scott R. Teach Deputy County Attorney BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA By: Butt L. Saunders, Chairman Page 43 of 43 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE OF INTENT TO CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Collier County Board of County Commissioners commencing at 9:00 a.m. on August 12, 2025, in the Board of County Commissioners meeting room, third floor, Collier Government Center, 3299 East Tamiami Trail, Naples, FL, to consider: AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 2013-69, AS AMENDED, WHICH ORDINANCE ESTABLISHED THE COLLIER COUNTY PROCUREMENT SERVICES DIVISION AND ADOPTED A PROCUREMENT POLICY CONCERNING THE PROCUREMENT OF GOODS AND SERVICES, AND REPLACING IT WITH THIS SUPERSEDING ORDINANCE, TO BE KNOWN AS THE COLLIER COUNTY PROCUREMENT ORDINANCE, WHICH ORDINANCE SETS FORTH ITS PURPOSE, APPLICABILITY, AND APPROVED THRESHOLDS; PROVIDES FOR DEFINITIONS; ESTABLISHES AND SETS FORTH THE DUTIES OF THE PROCUREMENT SERVICES DIVISION AND PROCUREMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR; ESTABLISHES ETHICAL STANDARDS; PROVIDES FOR PROCEDURES FOR SMALL PURCHASES UNDER $10,000, FOR INFORMAL COMPETITION THRESHOLD FOR PURCHASES EXCEEDING $10,000 BUT UNDER $250,000, AND FOR A FORMAL COMPETITION THRESHOLD AND BIDDING PROCESS FOR PROCUREMENTS EXCEEDING $250,000; PROVIDES FOR PROCUREMENT METHODS FOR THE COMPETITIVE PROCESS, THE PROCUREMENT OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, AND COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS; ESTABLISHES ALTERNATIVE PROCUREMENT METHODS; PROVIDES FOR EMERGENCY PURCHASING, AN EXEMPTION AND WAIVER TO THE COMPETITIVE PROCESS, COOPERATIVE PURCHASING, AND STANDARDIZATION; PROVIDES FORMAL COMPETITIVE AWARDS PROCESS, RESERVED RIGHTS TO THE COUNTY, REJECTION AND CANCELLATIONS, NEGOTIATIONS, INSPECTING AND TESTING, AND AWARDS; ESTABLISHES A PROCEDURE FOR UNSOLICITED PROPOSALS; ESTABLISHES POLICIES FOR SMALL AND DISADVANTAGED MINORITY AND WOMEN BUSINESS ENTERPRISES; LOCAL VENDOR PREFERENCE; PROVIDES FOR A PURCHASING CARD PROGRAM; PROVIDES FOR ADVANCE PAYMENTS FOR GOODS AND SERVICES; PROVIDES FOR PAYMENT OF INVOICES; SETS FORTH A PROCEDURE FOR CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION AND FOR PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BONDS; PROHIBITS UNAUTHORIZED PURCHASES INCLUDING THE SUBDIVISION OF PURCHASES; SETS FORTH A PROCEDURE FOR BID AND PROPOSAL AWARD PROTESTS; PROHIBITS CONFLICT OF INTERESTS; SETS FORTH A PROCEDURE FOR THE DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION OF VENDORS; AUTHORIZES THE BOARD TO WAIVE THESE PROVISIONS WHEN APPROPRIATE; PROVIDES FOR CONFLICT AND SEVERABILITY, REPEAL OF PRIOR ORDINANCES, INCLUSION INTO THE CODE OF LAWS AND ORDINANCES, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. A copy of the proposed Ordinance is on file with the Clerk to the Board and is available for inspection. All interested parties are invited to attend and be heard. All persons wishing to speak on any agenda item must register with the County Manager prior to presentation of the agenda item to be addressed. Individual speakers will be limited to 3 minutes on any item. The selection of an individual to speak on behalf of an organization or group is encouraged. If recognized by the Chairman, a spokesperson for a group or organization may be allotted 10 minutes to speak on an item. Written materials intended to be considered by the Board shall be submitted to the appropriate County staff a minimum of 7 days prior to the public hearing. All materials used in presentations before the Board will become a permanent part of the record. As part of an ongoing initiative to encourage public involvement, the public will have the opportunity to provide public comments remotely, as well as in person, during this proceeding. Individuals who would like to participate remotely should register through the link provided within the specific event/meeting entry on the Calendar of Events on the County website at www.colliercountyfl.gov/our-county/visitors/calendar-of-events after the agenda is posted on the County website. Registration should be done in advance of the public meeting or any deadline specified within the public meeting notice. Individuals who register will receive an email in advance of the public hearing detailing how they can participate remotely in this meeting. Remote participation is provided as a courtesy and is at the user’s risk. The County is not responsible for technical issues. For additional information about the meeting, please call Geoffrey Willig at 252-8369 or email to Geoffrey.Willig@colliercountyfl.gov. Any person who decides to appeal any decision of the Board will need a record of the proceedings pertaining thereto and therefore, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the Collier County Facilities Management Division, located at 3335 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 101, Naples, FL 34112-5356, (239) 252-8380, at least two days prior to the meeting. Assisted listening devices for the hearing impaired are available in the Board of County Commissioners Office. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA BURT L. SAUNDERS, CHAIRMAN Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 Collier County Procurement Manual Procurement Services Division Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 1 INDEX # PAGE 0. APPROVAL 2 1. TITLE AND CITATION 3 2. PURPOSE 3 3. PROCUREMENT METHODS AND THRESHOLD SUMMARY 4 4. SMALL PURCHASES 4 5. INFORMAL COMPETITION 5 6. FORMAL COMPETITION 7 7. ALTERNATIVE PROCUREMENT METHODS 11 8. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION 15 9. CONTRACT PLANNING 18 10. CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENTS 20 11. OTHER CONTRACTUAL DOCUMENTS 21 12. PAYMENT OF INVOICES 25 13. MONITORING CONTRACT PERFORMANCE AND DELIVERABLES 29 14. CONTRACT CLOSEOUT 30 15. UNAUTHORIZED PURCHASES 31 16. PROHIBITION AGAINST SUBDIVISION 32 17. SURPLUS 32 Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 2 APPROVAL Approval of this manual by the County Manager is pursuant to the Collier County Procurement Ordinance. Approved: _______________________________________ Amy Patterson, County Manager Effective Date: ________________________________________ By signing this Procurement Manual, the County Manager delegates to the Procurement Services Division Director the authority to act on his/her behalf in all procurement activities as they relate to this Procurement Manual. All authority to execute documents that is vested to the County Manager is hereby delegated to the Procurement Services Division Director or designee and shall be subject to the limits of any applicable federal, state, or other law. Modifications to this manual shall be effective when the revised document is approved in writing by the County Manager and a new effective date is assigned. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), guidelines, forms, and ancillary documents for the procurement process shall be effective with the approval of the Procurement Services Division Director or designee. All forms referenced in this document are available on the Procurement Services Division SharePoint intranet page and should be submitted via the Procurement Jira Ticketing System. Please note that all mentions of contractor also refer to vendor, consultant, and supplier. The Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall have the authority to interpret the Procurement Ordinance and Procurement Manual and may issue directives for that purpose. The authority to solicit for and enter into contracts provided herein requires strict compliance with the standards and procedures established in this Procurement Manual, Collier County Human Resources Administrative Practices and Procedures Manual (CMAs) and the Collier County Procurement Ordinance, as well as any applicable provisions of State or federal laws. Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 3 1. TITLE AND CITATION 1.1 This manual shall be known and may be cited as the "Collier County Procurement Manual" or "Procurement Manual." 2. PURPOSE 2.1 The purpose for this Procurement Manual is to provide uniform procedures for the procurement and contracting of commodities and contractual services in accordance with the Procurement Ordinance and State and federal law. 2.2 These procedures are designed to not only ensure compliance with the adopted Procurement Ordinance, but also maximize the purchasing value of public funds, maintain the integrity of the procurement process, and ensure that both the process and result are auditable. 2.3 Failure to comply with this Procurement Manual shall be deemed a violation and may be subject to administrative disciplinary action, following Collier County Government Human Resources procedures and guidelines, up to and including dismissal from Collier County Government employment. 2.4 This Procurement Manual applies to the procurement of all goods and services irrespective of the source of the funds. 2.5 Nothing within this Procurement Manual will prevent the County from complying with the terms and conditions of any grant, gift, or bequest that is otherwise consistent with law. 2.6 The reader is reminded to consider all the information in this Procurement Manual, as well as SOPs, forms, guidelines, and training materials available on the Procurement SharePoint intranet page, when undertaking procurement activities. 2.7 The requesting Departments/Divisions shall be responsible for the development of all plans and specifications sufficiently detailed to provide the basis for full and fair competitive solicitations. The Procurement Services Division will provide support and input during this process. 2.8 The Procurement Services Division may require the requesting Departments/Divisions to provide a market analysis prior to issuing a solicitation. 2.9 The availability of funds for the current fiscal year shall be confirmed prior to any transaction or execution of any contract. Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 4 3. PROCUREMENT METHODS AND THRESHOLD SUMMARY (Refer to Section Eleven of the Procurement Ordinance) A summary of the procurement methods and required threshold authorizations are provided below: Name of Competition Competition Threshold Minimum Procurement Method Type of Contract Issuing Party Approval Authority Small Purchases Single Quote $10,000 or less Single Quote Purchase Order or P-Card County Departments/ Divisions Procurement Services Division Director or designee Informal Competition Request for Quotes Exceeding $10,000 but not greater than $250,000 $10,000 - $50,000 Three written quotes either in writing or County’s bidding platform $50,000 - $250,000 Three quotes through County’s bidding platform Purchase Order, P-Card, or Contract County Departments/ Divisions Procurement Services Division Director or designee Formal Competition Exceeding $250,000 ITB, RFP, RPS, ITN, and IFQ Purchase Order, P-Card, or Contract Procurement Services Division Director or designee Board approval required for awards over $250,000 Unless otherwise provided by statutes, all County non-exempt procurements must be made in accordance with the chart above. Alternative Procurement Methods in Section Twelve of the Procurement Ordinance may be used instead of the method identified above, when applicable. A purchase shall not be artificially divided or split to qualify under any other section of the Procurement Ordinance. 4. SMALL PURCHASES (Refer to Section Eight of the Procurement Ordinance) 4.1 Small Purchases Threshold. $10,000 or less. 4.2 Single Quote. Unless otherwise provided by law, all small purchases will be obtained by a single quote, with documentation, and generally be processed using a Purchase Order or a P-Card, in accordance with Section Seventeen of the Procurement Ordinance. County Department/Division staff will procure the highest quality items or services at the least expense to the County. Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 5 4.3 County Department/Division staff should make all reasonable efforts to purchase goods and services under Board-approved contracts. In the event a contract is not utilized, staff will procure the highest quality items or services at the least expense to the County. 4.4 Departments/Divisions will seek the best value for the purchase and attempt to combine like purchases for cost centers under the Division’s control and will ensure that the purchase supports the mission of the Division. 4.5 The Procurement Services Division Director or designee may, for strategic purchasing reasons, direct all purchases of a specific nature (for example, office supplies or industrial supplies) to one or more specific vendors regardless of the individual or aggregate purchasing volume. 5. INFORMAL COMPETITION (Refer to Section Nine of the Procurement Ordinance) 5.1 Informal Competition Threshold. Unless otherwise provided by law, purchases in excess of $10,000 but not greater than $250,000. 5.2 Request for Quotes. Department/Division or Procurement Services Division staff shall obtain at least three (3) documented competitive quotes from responsible and responsive bidders. 5.2.1 Competitive quotes exceeding $10,000 but not greater than $50,000 may be solicited in writing or through the County’s bidding platform. 5.2.2 Competitive quotes exceeding $50,000 but not greater than $250,000 shall be solicited through the County’s bidding platform, unless otherwise approved by the Procurement Services Director or designee. 5.2.2.1 Staff using the County’s bidding platform to obtain quotes must complete training provided by the Procurement Services Division. 5.2.2.2 When utilizing the bidding platform, Staff is responsible for selecting the appropriate commodity codes to ensure fair competition. 5.2.2.3 Department/Division staff must advertise for a minimum of ten (10) calendar days and monitor bid submittals. As the Request for Quote bid submittal due date and time approaches, if three (3) quotes are not received, the due date shall be extended by seven (7) calendar days to promote competition, unless otherwise approved by the Procurement Director, or designee. Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 6 5.3 When Departments/Divisions are unsuccessful in securing three (3) comparable quotes, the Departments/Divisions will seek the assistance of the Procurement Services Division. In instances determined by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee that a good faith effort was conducted, an award may be made with fewer than three (3) quotes. 5.4 Departments/Divisions will seek the lowest quote obtained (based on the unit or total price identified in the quote) from the responsive (submits all information requested, agrees to meet timeline, terms, conditions, etc.) and responsible bidder (has references that check out, current licenses, certifications, demonstrated years of experience with equipment and staff to perform the work, etc.). 5.5 All written quotes will be valid for up to thirty (30) calendar days prior to issuance of a Purchase Order, unless otherwise stated in writing by the vendor. 5.6 Any resulting awards shall be to the responsible and responsive bidder submitting the lowest or best overall quote which meets all specifications. 5.6.1 Final recommended award of any quote will be reviewed and approved by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee. 5.6.2 Only the Procurement Services Division staff may issue a qualification-based quote. 5.7 Section Twenty-Four, Protest of Bid or Proposal Award, of the Procurement Ordinance, does not apply to informal competitive quotes. 5.8 Departments/Divisions who are requesting quotes are to conduct themselves fairly and equitably by providing the same information, under the same conditions, to all vendors in a fair and open competitive process. 5.9 In the event the County has an approved contract available for utilization, Department/Division staff should make all reasonable efforts to purchase goods and services under the approved contract, unless staff demonstrates that the price under contract exceeds the price on a non- contract; staff will procure the highest quality items or services at the least expense to the County. 5.10 The Procurement Services Division may recommend that additional sourcing and soliciting are required by either the Departments/Divisions or by the Procurement Services Division Staff. Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 7 6. FORMAL COMPETITION (Refer to Sections Ten and Eleven of the Procurement Ordinance) 6.1 Formal Competition Threshold. Unless otherwise provided by law, all purchases exceeding $250,000 will be competitively procured by Invitation to Bid (ITB), Invitation to Negotiate (ITN), Invitation for Qualifications (IFQ), Request for Proposals (RFP), or Request for Professional Services (RPS) issued by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee, and any subsequent award shall be approved by the Board. 6.2 In addition to the procurement methods authorized elsewhere in the Procurement Ordinance, Collier County shall competitively award construction contracts pursuant to Section 255.20, Fla. Stat. when required, and other applicable law. 6.3 Unless otherwise provided by law, the minimum advertising period for all formal competitive solicitation methods is thirty (30) calendar days, with the exception of construction services which are advertised for forty-five (45) calendar days. The advertising period may be modified by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee should unusual circumstances require it. All advertising will take place on the County’s adopted bidding platform, and the County may make use of additional advertising platforms or publications as is deemed necessary by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee. 6.4 Each solicitation shall be awarded based on the criteria set forth in the solicitation. 6.5 For Invitations to Bid, the solicitation shall be awarded to the responsive and responsible bidder submitting the lowest or best overall bid which meets all specifications. 6.5.1 Local Vendor Preference and tie breaker procedures are outlined in Section Sixteen of the Procurement Ordinance. 6.5.2 Should a tie bid occur between two non-local bidders, the Procurement Services Division Director or designee will "flip a coin" between the two lowest local bidders or draw lots with a minimum of three witnesses when there is a tie among more than two local bidders. The winner will be recommended for award of the contract. 6.6 For Requests for Proposals, Requests for Professional Services, Invitations for Qualifications, and Invitations to Negotiate, the following applies: 6.6.1 The solicitations shall be awarded based upon the scoring criteria as set forth in the solicitation documents, to the responsive and responsible proposer(s) who, in the sole Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 8 opinion of the evaluation committee, is determined to be the most qualified to perform the work. 6.6.2 The evaluation committee, whose composition is approved by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee, will be comprised of voting members that may have technical assistance from non-voting members, and have their committee activities facilitated by a member of the Procurement Services Division. 6.6.3 Solicitations may be conducted in one or more steps and may involve oral presentations or demonstrations by the proposers. 6.6.4 The determination of the award is made by the following: 6.6.4.1 A “short listing” of proposers is established by using the scoring criteria outlined in the solicitation. 6.6.4.2 The short listing is followed by oral presentations, if required, at which point the evaluation committee ranks the short-listed proposers in a final order of preference using a standardized ranking form. 6.6.4.3 The final ranking shall be determined without regard to the score established during the first evaluation (“short listing”). 6.6.5 At the conclusion of both the scoring and ranking evaluation committee meetings, the results which may include standardized score/rank sheets, meeting minutes, and audio recordings will be preserved by the Procurement staff member facilitating the evaluation committee proceedings. 6.6.6 In the event of a tie at the final ranking, the order of ranking shall be determined based upon the proposer(s) with the lower volume of work previously awarded. Volume of work shall be calculated based upon total dollars paid to the proposer in the twenty-four (24) months prior to the proposal submittal deadline. Payment information will be retrieved from the County’s financial system (SAP). The tie breaking procedure is only applied in the final ranking step of the selection process. 6.6.7 In the event a tie still exists, ranking will be determined based on a coin toss selection by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee before at least three (3) witnesses. 6.6.8 A Notice of Recommended Award (NORA) indicating the final ranking order of the proposers will be posted on the County’s bidding platform. The County will begin Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 9 negotiations with the number one ranked firm, or in the event that there are more than one firm or multiple firms being awarded, the County may negotiate with all firms being recommended for award. In the event the County is unsuccessful with the number one ranked firm, the County will continue negotiating with the remaining firms in the order ranked. Board approval of the final ranking may be required prior to the commencement of negotiations. 6.7 Professional Services Library 6.7.1 A Request for Professional Services shall be issued by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee to procure professional engineering, architectural, landscape architectural, or surveying and mapping services, in accordance with the Consultants' Competitive Negotiation Act (CCNA), Section 287.055, Fla. Stat. An RPS can be issued and awarded for either a Continuing Contract or for a single project contract as described in Section 287.055, Fla. Stat. 6.7.2 The County will maintain a “Professional Services Library” as its repository for consultants under continuing contracts solicited under the provisions of Section 287.055)(2)(g) (“continuing contract”). The library is used to award work assignments for professional engineering, architectural, landscape architectural, or surveying and mapping services on an on-going basis through the use of continuing contracts. 6.7.3 The Professional Services Library must be used if the services needed are included in the Professional Services Library and the resulting construction or study costs meet the requirements of Section 287.055, Fla. Stat. 6.7.4 If the services are not included in the Professional Services Library, the Procurement Services Division will issue a formal solicitation, or pursue services as outlined in Section 287.055, Fla. Stat. as determined by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee. 6.7.5 The County reserves the right to confirm a consultant’s qualifications in order to remain in the library for each service category. Consultants unable to meet minimum qualifications may be removed from the service category. Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 10 6.8 Professional Services Library Rotation 6.8.1 Work assignments within each service category are awarded on a rotational basis by the Procurement Services Division. 6.8.2 For each service category, the Procurement Services Division will place qualifying firms in the Professional Services Library in the order they are ranked, with the highest scoring firm placed in the first position in the rotation. 6.8.3 As each work assignment is identified, the next firm in the rotation will be offered the opportunity to negotiate that work assignment with the County’s Administrative Agent/Project Manager. 6.8.4 Should a firm decline a work assignment or be unable to reach a satisfactory fee negotiation with the County within a reasonable time frame, the County will contact the next firm on the list until the work assignment is successfully negotiated. 6.8.5 Firms will have the option of rejecting one work assignment within each service category within a twelve (12) month period without penalty. A second work assignment rejection within any twelve (12) month period will cause the firm to be skipped in the rotation. A firm who rejects three (3) work assignments or is unable to satisfactorily negotiate three work assignments in any twelve (12) month period may be removed from the service category at the direction of the Procurement Services Division Director or designee. 6.8.6 If a consultant wishes to reject a work assignment for any reason, they must complete a Work Assignment Rejection Notification Form. The County’s Administrative Agent/Project Manager must then provide a copy of the completed form to the Procurement Services Division. 6.8.7 Once a full rotation through all firms in a service category is complete, a method that attempts to impart an equitable distribution of work among selected firms will be based on prior dollars awarded, with the consultants having received the least amount of dollars being considered for the next work assignment. 6.9. Professional Services Library - Direct Selection 6.9.1 For work assignments requiring unique experience or knowledge, including past experience on another phase of the project, the Departments/Divisions may formally request permission to forego the rotation and select a specific consultant. Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 11 6.9.2 This request will require the Departments/Divisions to submit a Direct Select Form to the Procurement Services Division. Consultants that are directly selected for a work assignment as a result of this process shall be passed on their next scheduled turn in the rotation. 6.9.3 The Professional Services Library content for each service category is posted on the Procurement Services Division SharePoint intranet page. 7. ALTERNATIVE PROCUREMENT METHODS (Refer to Section Twelve of the Procurement Ordinance) 7.1 Emergency Procurements 7.1.1 Departments/Divisions must submit a completed Emergency Purchase Order form to the Procurement Servies Director. Upon approval by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee and the Collier County Manager or designee, the emergency purchase may be made either through the issuance of a Purchase Order or P-Card. All other requisition requirements still apply. 7.1.2 If utilizing a County pre-approved contract, all contractual terms, conditions, and fee schedules must be strictly adhered to as outlined in the underlying contract. 7.1.3 Emergency procurements will be reported via an administrative report to the Board by the Procurement Services Division at the next available Board meeting. 7.2 Declared State of Local Emergency 7.2.1 During a declared state of local emergency, standard procurement procedures and requirements will be suspended. Departments/Divisions must adhere to the emergency procurement procedures as outlined by the Procurement Services Division. Approval of emergency purchases will be conducted in strict alignment with applicable State and federal laws. 7.2.2 If utilizing a County pre-approved contract, all contractual terms, conditions, and fee schedules must be strictly adhered to as outlined in the underlying contract. 7.2.3 Departments/Divisions are also responsible for ensuring that contractor selection remains fair, equitable, and transparent throughout the process. Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 12 7.3. Exemption to the Competitive Process 7.3.1 The Departments/Divisions seeking an exemption shall complete an Exemption from the Competition Process form, and if applicable, an executive summary, and submit it to the Procurement Services Division for review. 7.3.2 The exemption will be approved by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee if it is determined that the exemption is in the best interest of the County. 7.3.3 The Board shall approve the expenditure for an exemption that has a value more than the formal competition threshold. 7.3.4 Exemptions are valid for a period approved by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee and/or the Board. 7.3.5 Contracts may be required for exemptions if deemed necessary by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee. 7.3.6 In all cases, the requesting Departments/Divisions shall strive to obtain best value from a vendor when obtaining goods and services under an exemption. 7.3.7 Should the Procurement Services Division Director or designee determine that the request is not eligible for exemption and/or that it would be in the best interest of the County to conduct a competitive process, the Departments/Divisions will be required to work with Procurement staff on an appropriate procurement method. 7.3.8 Refer to the Exemptions of Competition Guidelines available on the Procurement SharePoint intranet page. 7.4. Waiver to the Competitive Process 7.4.1 Single source procurements are defined as commodities or contractual services that are available only from a single source, or the use of such source is both economically and operationally in the County’s best interest. 7.4.2 Single source procurements may be eligible for the wavier to the competitive process if the Procurement Services Division Director or designee determines it to be in the best interest of the County. 7.4.3 Single source commodities or contractual services must be available only from contractors who are uniquely qualified. Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 13 7.4.4 The single source purchase should be for the only good or service that will produce the desired results, or is the most appropriate for the given situation, or is available from only one source of supply, or the use of such source is both economically and operationally in the County’s best interest. 7.4.5 The Board shall approve the expenditure of a Waiver of Competition with a value more than the formal competition threshold. Departments/Divisions are responsible to obtain said approval. 7.4.6 Waivers are valid for a period approved by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee and/or the Board. 7.4.7 If the request cannot be granted, the Procurement Services Division Director or designee will direct the requestor to work with Procurement Staff to utilize an alternative acquisition method. 7.4.8 Contracts may be required for waiver of competition purchases if deemed necessary by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee. 7.4.9 Refer to the Waiver of Competition Guidelines available on the Procurement SharePoint intranet page. 7.5 Cooperative Purchasing and Piggybacking 7.5.1 The Departments/Divisions seeking to utilize a Cooperative Agreement shall complete and submit a Cooperative Purchasing Request Form along with required supporting documentation as indicated on the form to the Procurement Services Division. 7.5.2 Cooperative Purchasing - the Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall have the authority to procure goods or services from the Board-approved nationally or State recognized cooperative purchasing program. 7.5.3 Piggybacking - the Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall have the authority to procure goods or services from vendors who have been selected, as a result of a competitive selection process for a federal, State, or municipal government, or any other government agency, political subdivision, or government-related association, provided that the originating entity utilized a competitive process similar to Collier County's. Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 14 7.5.3.1 The solicitation process must be substantially equivalent to the process used by the County. 7.5.3.2 The contract must be active (not expired) and be able to be completed within the term of the underlying contract. 7.5.3.3 The products or services needed must be specifically identified within the scope of the contract. 7.5.3.4 The vendor must agree to extend the contract terms and pricing to the County. 7.5.3.5 Contracts for the professional services identified in Section 287.055, Fla. Stat., may not be piggybacked. 7.6 Standardization 7.6.1 Where standardization is determined to be desirable by the Board, the purchase of commodities may be negotiated directly with a particular vendor with the advance approval of such purchase by the Board. 7.6.2 Standardization may be the result of a formal evaluation process facilitated by the Procurement Services Division or the recognition of the historical use of a product as determined by the Procurement Services Division. 7.6.3 The Departments/Divisions seeking standardization shall complete and submit a Standardization Request Form to the Procurement Services Division. Approved Standardization requests may result in the need for a single source and may require further Board approval. 7.7. Requests for Information (RFI) 7.7.1 An RFI shall be issued by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee when it is in Collier County’s best interest to request information from potential vendors prior to the issuance of a planned solicitation, or prior to approval of a standardization request. 7.7.2 An RFI is used to collect comments and obtain input from the marketplace. Information submitted by vendors in response to an RFI may be used to develop specifications to be included in a future solicitation. The RFI may include criteria for purposes of formally evaluating a standardization request as referenced in this Procurement Manual. Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 15 7.7.3 Pricing is not requested during the RFI process. 7.7.4 An award is not made as a direct result of an RFI. 8. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION (Refer to Section Twenty of the Procurement Ordinance) 8.1 Purpose. 8.1.1 The purpose of this section is to provide the steps necessary for the administration of contracts entered into by the County. 8.1.2 This section is designed to advise employees of County procedures to ensure compliance with laws, rules, procedures, and regulations. 8.1.3 Proper contract administration protects the rights of the parties and ensures that obligations of the parties are met. 8.1.4 Collier County contracts shall be administered in accordance with procedures established in this Procurement Manual, the Collier County Procurement Ordinance, Section Twenty, Contract Administration, and any applicable State and federal law provisions. 8.1.5 The requirements herein serve as a guide in the administration of County contracts. If the terms of a Collier County contract differ, conflict, or are inconsistent with this Procurement Manual, the solicitation, or the Purchase Order, the documents shall be given precedence in the following order: 8.1.5.1 Procurement Ordinance. 8.1.5.2 Contract. 8.1.5.3 Solicitation. 8.1.5.4 Purchase Order. 8.1.5.5 Procurement Manual. 8.2 Contract Document. Contracts are generally created under any of the following circumstances: 8.2.1 Construction services and on-site services where the County prefers a contract and deems it in the best interest and protection of the County. Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 16 8.2.2 For the procurement of commodities or services resulting from formal competition exceeding $250,000. 8.2.3 If it is in the best interest of the County to memorialize details of the transaction, or if an expenditure would benefit from specific written terms and conditions. 8.2.4 When required by law, policy, or other established regulations. 8.3 Pursuant to the Procurement Ordinance, Section Twenty, every procurement of services shall be administered by the requesting Agency/Department/Division through an appointed Contract Administrative Agent/Project Manager. 8.4 Roles and Responsibilities: The originating Division Director is accountable for all contracts within his/her designated authority. The Division Director is responsible for the following, as applicable: 8.4.1 Designating a Contract Administrative Agent/Project Manager for every contract under the division. 8.4.2 In cases where two or more Divisions are responsible for a contract, the parties will select a Contract Administrative Agent/Project Manager to serve on behalf of the Divisions. 8.4.3 Ensuring that the designated Contract Administrative Agent/Project Manager has a thorough understanding of the terms and conditions of the contract and effectively manages the contract in accordance with County procedures. 8.4.4 Reviewing work orders, change orders, and amendments to confirm that the scope is in accordance with the scope of the contract. 8.4.5 Approving work orders, change orders, amendments and price adjustments in accordance with County procedures. 8.5 Contract Administrative Agent/Project Manager. Unless otherwise noted, the Contract Administrative Agent/Project Manager is responsible for the following, as applicable: 8.5.1 Proper contract management and administration process. 8.5.2 Developing the contract/project scope and specifications. Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 17 8.5.3 Completing the necessary steps to request a new solicitation with the Procurement Services Division. 8.5.4 Participating in the development of the contract and writing draft documents for approval through the appropriate County procedures. 8.5.5 Consulting with other Divisions that may be affected by the contract. 8.5.6 Recommending an annual expenditure cap for the contract. 8.5.7 Establishing a project kick-off meeting, if applicable, once a contract is approved. 8.5.8 Managing contractor performance in accordance with the established terms and conditions. 8.5.9 Managing, approving, and documenting any changes (change orders, amendment, and work orders) to the contract. 8.5.10 Initiating and participating in requests for termination, renewals, extensions, and amendments to the contract. 8.5.11 Collaboration with the Procurement Services Division to ensure that insurance certificates and bonds are on file and current. 8.5.12 Initiating “Corrective Action” when the contractor is not in compliance with terms of contract. 8.5.13 Communicating contract deficiencies to the Procurement Contract Manager, Contractor, and the Operating Division Director, and appropriate County officials in a timely manner and in accordance with County procedures. 8.5.14 Approving project reports and invoices for payment, unless that authority has been designated to another person. 8.5.15 Completing closeout and vendor performance evaluations. 8.5.16 Collaborating with the vendor and the Clerk’s Finance Office to timely process payments and/or resolve payment issues. 8.6.4. The Contract Administrative Agent/Project Manager is not authorized to: 8.6.1 Instruct the contractor to start work or provide services before the contract is fully executed and a Purchase Order has been issued. Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 18 8.6.2 Change the scope of the contract/work order without doing so through a formal amendment or change order. 8.6.3 Direct the contractor to perform work that is not specifically described and funded by the contract/work order. 8.6.4 Extend the term of the contract/work order without an approved amendment or change order, unless otherwise approved in the contract. 8.6.5 Authorize the contractor to incur any additional costs over the contract limit set by the contract/work order, unless approved in accordance with the County’s approved procedures. 8.6.6 Order or direct the contractor to supply goods and services not specifically itemized in the agreement through the required change order or amendment. 8.7 Procurement Contract Manager. The Procurement Services Division provides contract oversight to ensure that contracts and related documents presented for approval to the Board and/or County Manager or designee comply with applicable State and federal laws, and County policies and procedures. The Procurement Contract Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, distributing and revising the contract templates, SOPs, guidelines, contract administration training materials, and other contractual document templates and ancillary forms; oversight of the contract renewal and extension process; preparation and routing of contract amendments and assumption agreements; providing guidance on corrective action methods and terminations; assisting with the interpretation and application of County, State, federal or other contract policies; coordinating with the County Attorney’s Office, and offering training and technical assistance services to the Department/Division staff. 9. CONTRACT PLANNING 9.1 The contract management process begins with a Division providing a clear and concise performance-based scope of work or contract specifications to the Procurement Services Division. Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 19 9.2 Generally, a scope of work refers to services being provided, while contract specifications refer to items that are going to be received. In either case, the scope of work or contract specifications should be the road map for successful contract management and administration. 9.3 Planning for an effective contract administration process occurs prior to issuance of the solicitation or creating a contract. 9.4 At a minimum, the scope of work or contract specifications should: 9.4.1 Establish the County’s requirements. 9.4.2 Provide a shared understanding of each party’s responsibilities. 9.4.3 Include specific terms to evaluate the performance of the contract. 9.4.4 Form the basis for contract administration and management. 9.4.5 Be clear, complete, concise, and consistent, and written in plain English that is understandable to lay readers. 9.5 Efficient contract administration ensures that the contract requirements are satisfied, the goods and services are delivered in a timely manner, and the financial interests of the County are protected. Effective contract administration minimizes or eliminates problems and potential claims and disputes. 9.6 All contracts, including terms and conditions, are to be submitted to the Procurement Services Division for inclusion of County acceptable clauses. 9.7 Direct Material Purchasing Program - direct material purchases are a cost-savings measure to achieve sales tax savings through the County’s sales tax exemption by purchasing materials directly from a supplier or vendor. Refer to the Direct Material Purchase Guidelines available on the Procurement SharePoint intranet page. 9.8 Change Orders. 9.8.1 The Contract Administrative Agent/Project Manager will complete the Change Order Form and submit it to the Procurement Services Division with an executive summary, if applicable. 9.8.2 For any contract for construction services entered on or after July 1, 2025, the County must approve or deny a price quote for a change order requested or issued by the County within 35 days after receipt of such price quote from the contractor (receipt commencing the date upon which the County’s Project Manager and Department Head receives the Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 20 price quote) consistent with the prompt processing of change orders set forth in Section 218.755, Fla. Stat. 9.8.2.1 The Change Order must be approved or rejected by the County within thirty- five (35) calendar days of receipt of a price quote from the Contractor. If the County fails to provide a timely approval or rejection, the Change Order will be deemed approved, and the County will be required to pay the price quoted by the Contractor. 9.8.2.2 The County refers to “Date of Receipt” as the date the County’s Project Manager/Representative formally acknowledges receipt of the Change Order, or an email read receipt is generated. 9.8.2.3 It is recommended that all Change Orders are either approved or rejected at the division level within three business days of receipt. 9.8.2.4 If the Change Order provided by the Contractor meets all County requirements the approval process is delegated through and authorized by the Procurement Ordinance. 9.8.2.4.1 For Change Orders requiring the Board of County Commissioners, the “approval date” is the date the agenda item is approved. 9.8.2.4.2 For Change Orders delegating approval to the Procurement Services Divisions, the “approval date” is the date the Procurement Services Professional executes the Change Order. 9.8.2.5 If the Change Orders provided by the Contractor does not meet all the County requirements it shall be rejected in writing and the following must be included: 9.8.2.5.1 Rejections shall specify the deficiencies and reasons for rejection, and 9.8.2.5.2 Rejections shall identify actions needed to remedy such deficiencies. 9.8.2.6 The submittal of a corrected Change Order will restart the thirty-five (35) days. Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 21 9.8.3 During exigent circumstances, where the approval of a Construction Change Order requires the County to approve or deny a price quote for construction services received from a contractor within 35 days of receipt, or have the price quote be deemed approved (as mandated by Section 218.755, Fla. Stat.), and the Change Order price quote cannot be presented to the Board to meet that time requirement, the Board authorizes the Department Head or designee and Procurement Director or designee to approve or deny those Change Order’s that otherwise exceed the Board’s delegated Change Order threshold for staff approval, subject to subsequently presenting such items to the Board for ratification through the Procurement Administrative Report. 9.8.4 Supporting Documentation to Change Orders: 9.8.4.1 An itemized cost proposal(s)/quote(s) is defined as a detailed breakdown of labor, equipment, materials, rentals, and subcontractor efforts anticipated to complete the scope of work supported by direct labor/equipment hours and proposal/quote documentation to substantiate the material/rental/subcontractor estimated amounts. If materials were estimated utilizing stock from inventory, materials should be proposed at their assigned inventory cost and historical order invoices provided as backup to support the pricing. 9.8.4.2 If a subcontractor is a related entity to the contractor, then the contractor shall not mark-up the subcontractor’s fees. A related entity shall be defined as any parent or subsidiary of the company and any business, corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity in which the company or a parent or a subsidiary of the company holds any ownership interest, directly or indirectly. 9.8.4.3 The labor rates provided by the contractors are considered all-inclusive of labor burden and should not include additional terms and conditions, unless otherwise provided for in the underlying contract. 9.8.4.4 Overtime is applicable only if expressly provided for in the underlying contract. Any reference to “working hours” in the contract (e.g., 7 a.m. to 7 Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 22 p.m.) or to the County Noise Ordinance has no relationship to the County having any responsibility to pay contractors at overtime rates, but rather establishes the time during which work can take place. Work beyond the referenced “working hours” does not establish an entitlement to overtime pay. In the absence of an express agreement to reimburse the contractor for overtime based on hourly overtime rates established in the Agreement or as agreed upon in an approved Change Order, overtime does not apply and is not compensable. 9.8.4.5 Markup for labor cost is allowed if the contractor confirmed in writing that the labor rates were raw labor wages and no profit/overhead is included. If the labor rates were all-inclusive and profit/overhead was factored in, then markup would not be allowed. 9.8.4.6 Reimbursement will require itemized backup documentation that is consistent with the itemized cost proposal(s)/quote(s) provided with the Change Order scope of work involving a cost proposal(s)/quote(s) for work performed on a time and material basis. Examples of allowable labor (time) backup documentation involving payments for direct salaries will, at a minimum, identify the personnel involved, salary rate per hour, and hours spent working on the Change Order scope of work, which should be substantiated by timecards or another acceptable form of electronic employee recordkeeping. All direct labor and equipment should be supported by daily construction logs that, at a minimum, identify the date, starting and ending times, all labor positions and hours the work was performed, and the type, quantity, rate and hours the equipment was utilized on the Change Order scope of work. Materials or rental equipment billed should include itemized copies of invoices, Application for Payments or receipts to document such expenses. Billable charges for which markup should not be applied include, but are not limited to, ancillary charges, fees, surcharges, sales tax, shipping costs, permits, and subcontractor markup. Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 23 9.8.5 Refer to the Change Order Guidelines available on the Procurement SharePoint intranet page. 9.9 Amendments. The Contract Administrative Agent/Project Manager will complete the Contract Amendment Request form and submit it to the Procurement Services Division with an executive summary, if applicable. 9.9.1 The Procurement Services Division prepares the amendment for review and approval by the County Attorney’s Office. 9.9.2 All contract amendments must be in writing and approved by all appropriate parties. 9.9.2.1 The Procurement Services Division routes contract amendments to the vendor for signature and, if applicable, to the Clerk of the Circuit Court for recording and uploading to SAP. 9.10 Price Adjustments - the Departments/Divisions are responsible for submitting a Price Increase Request form to the Procurement Services Division. 9.11 Contract Renewals and Extensions - the Departments/Divisions are responsible for monitoring contract terms. To request a renewal or extension, the Contract Renewal or Extension Request form must be completed and submitted to the Procurement Services Division. 10. CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENTS 10.1 Retainage - in accordance with Section 218.735(8)(a), Fla. Stat., the Board may withhold an amount not exceeding 5% of the payment as retainage from each progress payment issued to a contractor, where applicable. 10.1.1 Should the Departments/Divisions recommend a reduction to the percentage of cumulative retainage, the request shall be subject to the following: 10.1.1.1 Whether the contractor has performed in a satisfactory manner. 10.1.1.2 Outstanding claims or disputes. 10.1.1.3 Contract Balance. 10.1.1.4 Retainage Balance. 10.1.1.5 Date that the Certificate of Substantial Completion with punch list was fully executed. Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 24 10.1.1.6 Date of Final Completion. 10.1.1.7 Amount of any liquidated damages assessed or intend to waive. 10.1.2 The Departments/Divisions shall obtain approval from the Board to reduce less than 5% of the retainage. Any decision to reduce retainage shall be formally communicated by letter to the contractor's representative. The letter shall affirmatively state that the contractor has satisfactorily performed the contract work. 10.2 Liquidated Damages - Departments/Divisions shall obtain approval from the Board to waive the assessment of liquidated damages. 10.3 Consent to Assignments of Contracts - the Departments/Divisions must inform the Procurement Services Division upon notification of a legal change in ownership. 10.3.1 The County's authority for consent to assignment of a contract may be approved by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee. 10.3.2 The Procurement Services Division is responsible for the development and processing of the assumption agreement. 10.4 Contract Terminations - the Departments/Divisions desiring to terminate a contract must submit a Contract Termination Request to the Procurement Services Division. Notices that terminate in its entirety a Board-approved purchase or contract must be approved by the Board prior to its termination, unless otherwise provided in the contract. 11. OTHER CONTRACTUAL DOCUMENTS 11.1 Notice to Proceed (NTP) - a formal letter issued by the Contract Administrative Agent/Project Manager on behalf of the County to the contractor/consultant, authorizing them to begin work on the project. It marks the official start of the project and often specifies: • Start Date - the exact date when the contractor/consultant is required to commence work. • Contract Time - the number of days or the time within which the work must be completed, as per the terms of the agreement, Substantial Completion Date (Construction), or Final Completion Date (Design/Consulting). Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 25 11.1.1 In a project specific construction agreement, the original Substantial Completion Date is the number of days identified in the agreement and then formalized with a date in the Notice to Proceed. If situations arise where days should be added to allow the construction to reach the Substantial Completion Date, then a Change Order (or Change Orders) should be processed prior to the Substantial Completion Date. Change Orders processed to extend the Substantial Completion Date will also extend the Final Completion Date. 11.1.2 The NTP is crucial because it marks the beginning of the contract performance period and may be tied to deadlines, payment schedules, and liquidated damages pursuant to the agreement's terms. 11.1.3 NTPs will be submitted by the Departments/Divisions through the Jira ticketing system to the Procurement Services Division. The Procurement Services Division will validate and upload the NTP to SAP. 11.1.4 A Limited Notice to Proceed (LNTP) may be issued prior to commencement of work on construction projects where there may be long lead times for ordering materials. This will not impact the contract completion days and should not be issued for any billable work. 11.2 Stop and Start Letters - a formal project communication that directs the contractor/consultant to temporarily halt or resume work. The Contract Administrative Agent/Project Manager issues these letters to the contractor/consultant. The letters should not be issued for purposes of circumventing the terms of the contract or initial completion time, such as issuing a stop letter on Friday at 5:00 p.m. and issuing a start letter on Monday at 8:00 a.m. or holidays. 11.2.1 Stop Letter - a written directive in the form of a letter issued to the contractor/consultant to cease work, usually due to safety concerns, changes in project scope, contract disputes, or unforeseen issues like regulatory compliance, weather events, or environmental concerns. 11.2.1.1 The stop letter includes the effective date and reasons for the stoppage, the scope of work affected, any required actions before resuming work, and remaining days for completion upon notice to resume the work. The Departments/Divisions will electronically submit the letter through the Jira Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 26 ticketing system to the Procurement Services Division. The Procurement Services Division will validate and upload the letter to SAP. 11.2.2 Start Letter (resume work) - a follow-up written directive in the form of a letter authorizing the contractor/consultant to recommence services after resolving the stoppage issues. 11.2.2.1 The start letter provides a new timeline for project completion, deadline adjustments, or contract modifications, if necessary. 11.2.2.2 The Departments/Divisions will submit the start letter through the Jira system to the Procurement Services Division. The Procurement Services Division will validate and upload the letter to SAP. 11.3 Work Orders. 11.3.1 The Contract Administrative Agent/Project Manager must comply with the terms of an approved continuing contract or agreement, which authorizes a contractor/consultant to perform a specific task within the broader scope of the master agreement. Nothing in the work order shall conflict with the terms and conditions of the continuing contract or agreement, and all work performed must fall within the scope and term of the underlying master agreement. 11.3.2 Work Assignments through the Professional Services Library are administered by the Procurement Services Division under the protocol of the Procurement Manual, Section Six. The Contract Administrative Agent/Project Manager will comply with the rotation process established in the contract and in the Procurement Manual, Section Six. 11.3.3 Work Orders requiring Board approval are reviewed by Procurement in the County’s Agenda System. If applicable, a Notice to Proceed will also be issued. All others are reviewed and approved by the Procurement Services Division through SAP. 11.4 Work Directive. 11.4.1 A Written Directive, also referred to as a Work Directive, shall mean a written directive issued by the Contract Administrative Agent/Project Manager to a contractor, when allowed for under the terms of the contract, in an instance where the parties cannot agree on price and/or costs associated with work arising from differing, unforeseen or Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 27 emergency site conditions and the work in question is part of the “critical path” of the contract schedule. The contractor or subcontractor cannot perform the work before a work directive is issued. 11.4.2 Promptly after being notified of a change, the contractor shall submit a not-to-exceed estimate of any cost or time increases or savings it foresees as a result of the change. A work directive should ultimately be followed up with an agreed upon Change Order that includes with an itemized cost proposal(s)/quote(s) with supporting documentation. 11.4.3 The work directive must be executed by all the parties prior to the effective date. 11.4.4 A verbal Work Directive may only be issued in extraordinary emergencies when necessary to protect and promote the public interest, which shall be followed up with a written Work Directive within five (5) calendar days. 11.4.5 The Contract Administrative Agent/Project Manager shall timely process a Change Order resulting from the issuance of a Work Directive . Regardless of the impact, the Contract Administrative Agent/Project Manager shall negotiate a Change Order with the contractor as follow-up to the work directive change. 11.5. Performance and Payment Bonds. (Refer to Section Twenty-One of the Procurement Ordinance) 11.5.1 The Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall determine if payment and performance bonds are required. All contracts for construction or repairs of public buildings and public works projects shall require payment and performance bonds in accordance with 255.05, Fla. Stat. 11.5.2 Payment and performance bonds shall be at least 100 percent of the contract amount, including any Owner’s allowance. 11.5.3 All required bonds shall be from a surety company authorized to do business in the State of Florida to guarantee the full and faithful performance of the contractual obligations and the payment of labor and material expended pursuant to the contract whenever and in such amounts as is deemed necessary by the Procurement Services Division. The surety shall meet the requirements of the Department of the Treasury Fiscal Service, “Companies Holding Certificates of Authority as Acceptable Sureties on Federal Bonds and as Acceptable Reinsurance Companies.” An irrevocable letter of credit from a Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 28 financial institution operating within the State of Florida (or other alternative forms of surety as permitted under Florida law) may be sufficient in place of the performance bond, if so provided for in the bid and contract documents. 11.5.4 The vendor is required to record the payment and performance bonds and riders with the Collier County Clerk of Court and pay all associated costs. 11.5.5 All such bonds or letters of credit shall be approved as to form by the County Attorney and held by the Clerk's Board Minutes and Records Department. 11.5.6 For contracts that are not presented to the Board, Departments/Divisions are required to obtain the bond and include the recorded bond as part of the Purchase Order requisition. 11.6 Insurance. 11.6.1 Evidence of insurance is required of contractors to protect County assets, County employees, and the public from losses for property damage, bodily injury, loss of use, business interruption, and financial loss. 11.6.2 The amount of insurance coverage required for each contract will be specified by the County’s Risk Management Division. Insurance certificates will be required and reviewed by Risk prior to the approval of any contract. During the life of the contract, the contractor is required to maintain all the specified insurance requirements. For further reference, refer to the Insurance Requirements Guidelines available on the Procurement SharePoint intranet page. 12. PAYMENT OF INVOICES 12.1 Prior to the execution of a formal contract subject to the Procurement Ordinance and this Procurement Manual, the Procurement Services Division Director, or designee shall establish a formal payment schedule and payment terms within the agreement. Such terms and conditions shall be consistent with the requirements of all applicable laws and the formal solicitation documents. 12.2 After the contract award, the County shall pay contractors for the services rendered in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Contract, in an amount not to exceed that authorized by each Purchase Order, contingent upon an appropriation by the Board. The County shall Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 29 promptly notify the contractor if the necessary appropriation is not made. No contractor shall begin compensable work without an issued Purchase Order for the project. 12.3 County staff shall comply with the Local Government Prompt Payment Act (Section 218.70, Fla. Stat.) and Sections 218.73 and 218.735, Fla. Stat. for the timely payment for purchases of services. 12.4 Proper Invoice Requirements - if an invoice conforms with all statutory requirements and does not differ materially from the requirements established by Collier County, then the invoice is considered proper. The Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Finance Office has sole discretion to make a reasonable determination as to whether an invoice is improper because it differs materially from the requirements established by Collier County. As such, the following represents the requirements for an invoice to be considered a proper invoice for payment: 12.4.1 The goods or services received must have been properly authorized by the County. If a Purchase Order or contract was required, the goods or services must have been received in the way the Purchase Order or contract specified. If proof of receipt is required, documentation showing the goods or services were received or provided shall be attached to the invoice. 12.4.2 The invoice shall contain the following minimum information: 12.4.2.1 The name of the contractor. 12.4.2.2 The address of the contractor. 12.4.2.3 The date of the invoice. 12.4.2.4 The Collier County Purchase Order, if applicable. 12.4.2.4.1 The contract number, if applicable. 12.4.2.4.2 The “Customer” or “Bill To” information should include the Board of County Commissioners agency name and address. 12.4.2.5 For contractual payments, the date the contract was signed by the Board of County Commissioners or Board designated County staff person. 12.4.2.6 For invoices involving the purchase of goods: 12.4.2.6.1 A description of the item. 12.4.2.6.2 The quantity purchased. 12.4.2.6.3 The unit price. 12.4.2.6.4 The total price (for each item). 12.4.2.6.5 The total amount of the invoice (all items). Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 30 12.4.2.7 For invoices involving the purchase of services: 12.4.2.7.1 Itemized description of services performed, including persons who performed services and hourly rate, if required. 12.4.2.7.2 The date the services were performed. 12.4.2.7.3 An itemization of other direct reimbursable costs (description, amount, etc.), including copies of invoices for reimbursable expenses when deemed appropriate by the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Finance Office. 12.4.2.7.4 Billing method for services performed (approved hourly rates, percentage of completion, direct (actual) costs, etc.). 12.4.2.8 For Partial Payment Requests on Construction Contracts: 12.4.2.8.1 Partial Payment Requests (invoice) on the County approved Application for Payment form or American Institute of Architects (AIA) Application and Certificate for Payment form, with all appropriate certification documents required by the contract for payment. 12.4.2.8.2 The itemized schedule of values. 12.4.2.8.3 Copies of supporting invoices for all stored materials for which payment is being sought. 12.4.2.8.4 Copies of bond invoice and proof of payment for which bond payment is being sought. 12.4.2.8.5 Release of liens (partial), if applicable. 12.4.2.9 For Final Payment Requests on Construction Contracts: 12.4.2.9.1 All the documentation required in section 12.4.2.8 above. 12.4.2.9.2 Release of liens, final. 12.4.2.9.3 Consent of Surety. 12.4.2.9.4 Certificate of Occupancy and other required permit close out documents, if applicable. 12.4.2.9.5 Operating manuals, maintenance manuals, and all warranty related documentation. 12.4.2.9.6 As-built construction plans should be provided to the County. Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 31 12.4.2.10 Any other information required by written agreement or contract with the Board of County Commissioners. 12.4.3 Invoices submitted in connection with the issuance of a Purchase Order and contract/agreement shall be submitted in Adobe PDF format to BCCAPCLERK@collierclerk.com. 12.4.4 An itemized invoice is defined as a detailed breakdown of goods or services provided to the County, listing descriptions, quantities, unit prices, and costs for each item or service. Unlike a standard invoice with a lump-sum amount, an itemized invoice offers the County a transparent view of individual charges associated with their purchase. 12.4.5 If a subcontractor is a related entity to the contractor, then the contractor shall not mark- up the subcontractor’s fees. A related entity shall be defined as any parent or subsidiary of the company and any business, corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity in which the company or a parent or a subsidiary of the company holds any ownership interest, directly or indirectly. 12.4.6 Allowance - any allowance dollar amount that has been included in the Contractor’s Bid Schedule amount is not a guaranteed reimbursement but rather is only eligible for reimbursement by the County if expressly authorized by the County and formally agreed upon and memorialized by the parties via Change Order, which includes an itemized quote providing in detail the agreed upon time and material costs for the Change Order work. Reimbursement for any use of the allowance will require itemized backup documentation that is consistent with the quote provided with the Change Order and must establish and validate the expenditure of time and materials invoiced at a level supported by an audit. Examples of allowable labor (time) backup documentation involving payments for direct salaries will, at a minimum, identify the personnel involved, salary rate per hour, and hours spent working on the Project, which should be substantiated by timecards or another acceptable form of electronic employee recordkeeping. Materials or equipment billed should include itemized copies of invoices or receipts to document such expenses. 12.4.7 The labor rates provided by the Contractors are considered all-inclusive of labor burden and should not include additional terms and conditions, unless otherwise provided for in the underlying contract. Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 32 12.4.8 Overtime is applicable only if expressly provided for in the underlying contract. Any reference to “working hours” in the contract (e.g., 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) or to the County Noise Ordinance has no relationship to the County having any responsibility to pay Contractors at overtime rates, but rather establishes the time during which work can take place. Work beyond the referenced “working hours” does not establish an entitlement to overtime pay. In the absence of an express agreement to reimburse the Contractor for overtime based on hourly overtime rates established in the Agreement or as agreed upon in an approved Change Order, overtime does not apply and is not compensable. 12.4.9 Markup for labor cost is allowed if the contractor confirmed in writing that the labor rates were raw labor wages and no profit/overhead is included. If the labor rates were all- inclusive and profit/overhead was factored in, then markup would not be allowed. 13. MONITORING CONTRACT PERFORMANCE AND DELIVERABLES 13.1 Monitoring of contract performance is a key function of efficient contract administration. It is essential to ensure that the contractor is performing all duties in accordance with the contract and the appropriate County staff members are aware of any developing problems or issues. 13.2 During the life of the contract, the Contract Administrative Agent/Project Manager should communicate regularly with the contractor, monitoring whether the goods and services required of the contract are being provided in accordance with the contract and working to resolve any issues promptly. Whenever possible, the parties should seek to resolve disputes informally by direct discussion. 13.3 It is essential for the Contract Administrative Agent/Project Manager to apply the Twelve Key Metrics that have been developed to assist in this effort and become part of any County and contractor contract relationship. 13.3.1 Twelve Key Metrics: 13.3.1.1 Customer Service - provide excellent customer service to both the County staff and the public. 13.3.1.2 Contract Deliverables - supply the goods and services outlined in the agreement. 13.3.1.3 Delivery Schedule - maintain the agreed schedule and avoids delays. Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 33 13.3.1.4 Quality – provide the highest level of quality of goods and services. 13.3.1.5 Billing and Invoicing – submit detailed and accurate invoices matching the work performed. 13.3.1.6 Project Management – consistently demonstrate the ability to stay on top of processes. 13.3.1.7 Subcontractor Management – maintain a professional relationship with subcontractors. 13.3.1.8 Equipment and Resources – provide the best available equipment to perform the work. 13.3.1.9 Materials Management – demonstrate “best practice” in handling and storage. 13.3.1.10 Cost Control – hold and manage costs to avoid exceeding budget projections. 13.3.1.11 Maintaining Technical Requirements – monitor quality control of the products and processes. 13.3.1.12 Safety Standards – ensure staff is trained and properly equipped to perform the work safely. 13.4 Contractor performance may be reviewed at the time of delivery of products or services, at the completion of a project, or at the end of a contract. The information recorded may be subsequently referenced and considered in the recommended award of future contracts. 13.5 The Contract Administrative Agent/Project Manager should complete a Corrective Action Report when an issue occurs and attempt to resolve the matter with the contractor. 13.6 The evaluations and copies of corrective action reports are to be submitted to the Procurement Services Division. 14. CONTRACT CLOSEOUT 14.1 A contract is closed when all work described in the project scope is completed, when all contract dollars have been expended, or when the contract is terminated. 14.2 The Contract Administrative Agent/Project Manager is responsible for closeout activities, including but not limited to: 14.2.1 Validating all deliverables and services have been delivered and accepted. 14.2.2 Verifying all project reports have been received and accepted. Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 34 14.2.3 Confirming any claims and performance issues have been resolved and liquidated damages have been properly assessed for non-performance/non-compliance. 14.2.4 Validating Substantial and Final Completion, Final Payment Checklist, and Warranty forms have been processed, if applicable. 14.2.5 Acceptance of a Contractor Transition Plan, outlining in detail the transfer of property to the County, transfer project knowledge and conduct training with the appropriate County representatives, etc., if applicable. 14.2.6 Disposal of any County surplus property, in accordance with the County’s policies and procedures. 14.2.7 Completing a contractor performance evaluation through the County’s vendor evaluation system. 14.2.8 Conducting a debriefing with the contractor. 15. UNAUTHORIZED PURCHASES (Refer to Section Twenty-Two of the Procurement Ordinance) 15.1 All purchases made shall be consistent and in compliance with the Procurement Ordinance. Violations shall be handled in the manner provided by statutes or applicable Collier County Procurement Manuals. Any purchase or contract made contrary to the provisions thereof and contrary to Florida law shall not be approved and the County shall not be bound thereby, unless the following: 15.1.1 Should work be authorized or purchases made not in conformance with the Procurement Ordinance, Procurement Manuals, or contracts, the Departments/Divisions will complete an After-the-Fact Procurement Form. 15.1.2 The Board shall approve the After-the-Fact Procurement form if the transaction has a value exceeding the formal competition threshold. The Department/Division is responsible for creating the agenda item and Executive Summary and providing all required documentation to the Procurement Services Division. Staff shall seek After-the- Fact approvals at the first available Board meeting so as not to unduly burden contractor awaiting payment for goods or services provided. 15.1.3 The Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall approve the After-the-Fact Procurement form if the transaction has a value less than the formal competition threshold Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 35 and will report it to the Board on the Procurement Administrative Report. The Department/Division is responsible for providing the Procurement Services Division the form and all required documentation. 16. PROHIBITION AGAINST SUBDIVISION (Refer to Section Twenty-Three of the Procurement Ordinance) 16.1 No contract or purchase shall be subdivided to avoid the requirements of the Procurement Ordinance or State law. 17. SURPLUS 17.1 In all such instances, the Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall ensure that the purchase has been approved subject to all other provisions of the Procurement Ordinance. 17.2 All fixed assets purchased using a P-Card shall be properly reported to the Fixed Assets Section of the Clerk of Courts Finance Division so that it can be properly recorded. 17.3 Refer to the Procurement Services Division Surplus Guidelines available on the Procurement SharePoint intranet page. Remainder of the page left blank intentionally. Procurement Manual 2025 Version 1 36 REVISION HISTORY DATE Description This version supersedes and repeals in its entirety Procurement Manual Rev. #3.0 (effective date 8/15/2023). Purchasing Card Manual 2025 Version 1 Collier County Purchasing Card Manual Procurement Services Division Purchasing Card Manual 2025 Version 1 1 INDEX # PAGE # 0. APPROVAL 2 1. TITLE AND CITATION 3 2. PURPOSE 3 3. APPLICATION AND SCOPE 3 4. OVERVIEW 3 5. DEFINITIONS 4 6. CONTACT INFORMATION 5 7. CARD HOLDER RESPONSIBILITIES 6 8. DIVISION DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES 8 9. SUPERVISOR/MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES 8 10. FISCAL PROCESSOR RESPONSIBILITIES 9 11. CARD ISSUANCE AND REQUIRED TRAINING 9 12. TRANSACTION SPENDING DOLLAR LIMITS 11 13. SPENDING LIMIT INCREASE 12 14. PURCHASES ALLOWED WITH THE P-CARD 13 15. PURCHASES NOT ALLOWED WITH THE P-CARD 13 16. USING THE P-CARD 14 17. RETURNS 16 18. RECEIVING/SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS 16 19. ITEMIZED RECEIPTS 17 20. LOST OR INCOMPLETE RECEIPTS 17 21. P-CARD BILLING CYCLE AND PROCESSING 18 22. LOST OR STOLEN P-CARDS 20 23. LEGAL NAME CHANGES 20 24. DISPUTES 20 25. UNAUTHORIZED USE OF P-CARD 21 26. VIOLATIONS 21 27. REJECTIONS 22 28. P-CARD EXPIRATIONS 22 29. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR DEACTIVATION OF P-CARD 22 30. RESERVED RIGHTS 23 Purchasing Card Manual 2025 Version 1 2 APPROVAL Approval of this Manual by the County Manager is pursuant to the Collier County Procurement Ordinance. Approved: _______________________________________ Amy Patterson, County Manager Effective Date: ________________________________________ All authority to execute documents that is vested to the County Manager or designee is hereby delegated to the Procurement Services Division Director or designee and shall be subject to the limits of any applicable federal, state, or other law. Modifications to this Manual shall be effective when the revised document is approved in writing by the County Manager and a new effective date is assigned. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), forms, and ancillary documents will become effective upon approval by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee and shall be reviewed annually for necessary updates. All forms mentioned herein are available on the Procurement Services Division SharePoint intranet page and are to be submitted through the established Procurement Jira Ticketing System. The Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall have the authority to interpret the Procurement Ordinance and Procurement Manuals and may issue directives for that purpose, including but not limited to, resolving disputes, clarifying ambiguous provisions, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws. For the purposes of this manual, ‘designee’ shall refer to any individual authorized by the Procurement Services Division Director to perform specified tasks. Purchasing Card Manual 2025 Version 1 3 1. TITLE AND CITATION 1.1 This Manual shall be known and may be cited as the "Collier County Purchasing Card Manual" or "P-Card Manual." 2. PURPOSE 2.1 The purpose of this manual is to establish procedures for procuring goods and/or services using purchasing cards through the Purchasing Card Program. Purchasing cards shall be for the exclusive purpose of making purchases for official Collier County business. 3. APPLICATION AND SCOPE 3.1 This manual applies to the procurement of all goods and services irrespective of the source of the funds through the use of a P-Card Program. 3.2 Nothing within this manual will prevent the County from complying with the terms and conditions of any grant, gift, or bequest that is otherwise consistent with law. 3.3 This manual applies to those individuals who have been issued a Purchasing Card (“P- Card”) and those responsible for approving and overseeing the purchasing transactions. 3.4 Individuals assigned a P-Card must act in accordance with this Purchasing Card Manual, as well as the Florida Statutes, Procurement Ordinance, Procurement Manual, CMA #5808 Purchasing Card Program Policy and Procedures, and any established Division/Department Standard Operating Procedures when undertaking procurement activities to adequately safeguard company assets. Compliance with procedures set forth in this document are a requirement for using a P-Card. 4. OVERVIEW 4.1 The P-Card is a credit card used for legitimate public purchases and billed directly to Collier County for payment. Purchasing Card Manual 2025 Version 1 4 4.2 The P-Card is assigned to specific employees or individuals authorized by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee for purposes of making purchases for official Collier County business. 4.3 The P-Card may also be used strategically to make larger dollar purchases under the direction of the Procurement Services Division Director or designee, and where it is in the best interest of the County. 4.4 The Procurement Services Division Director or designee shall be responsible for the overall management and operation of the County's P-Card program. 4.5 Compliance with procedures and mandatory training is a requirement for having and using a P-Card. The participation in and use of the P-Card Program shall not circumvent procurement guidelines or procedures. 4.6 Failure to comply with this Collier County Purchasing Card Manual shall be deemed a violation and may be subject to administrative disciplinary action, following Collier County Government Human Resources procedures and guidelines, up to and including dismissal from Collier County Government employment. 5. DEFINITIONS Bank: The financial institution selected by the County to provide banking services. Cardholder: A Collier County employee or individual who is approved to use the purchasing card to execute purchase transactions on behalf of the County. Fiscal Processor: The fiscal person who processes the Cardholder's transactions in Xponential. The fiscal person cannot be the cardholder. Free on Board (F.O.B.) Destination: The point at which a title changes hands from the supplier to the buyer at the destination of the shipment when the buyer signs for the goods. The supplier owns the goods in transit, assumes responsibility for carrier selection, and files any claims for damages incurred during this period. F.O.B. destination does not address the responsibility for Purchasing Card Manual 2025 Version 1 5 the cost of transportation (freight charges), which must be specified with the inclusion of additional language in writing at the time of the transaction. G/L Code: Category designated in the County’s Financial System (“SAP”) in which funding is being utilized. Manager or Supervisor (Approving Manager): A person responsible within the Division assigned to the oversight of the Cardholder transactions and compliance with P-Card policies. P-Card Program Manager: The Procurement Services Division Director’s designee responsible for the general oversight of the program, P-Card usage, and transaction monitoring, and who serves as a single point of contact between Collier County and the Bank for general oversight of the P-Card Program. Purchasing Card (P-Card): A credit card used to purchase contract and non-contract goods and/or services necessary for official County business. A purchasing card is issued to an individual for purchases by that individual only. Transaction: A purchase made on the P-Card with one supplier at a time. Xponential: Software to view and manage card transactions within SAP. 6. CONTACT INFORMATION 6.1 The Procurement Services Division Program Manager (“P-Card Program Manager”) is available to assist with all aspects of P-Card use and any questions at: (239) 252-8407 or Procurement Jira Portal. 6.2 The billing address and phone number for all P-Cards is 3295 Tamiami Trail E., Naples, FL 34112, (239) 252-8407. 6.3 Never respond to outside sources regarding Collier County P-Card information, such as text messages, emails, or phone calls. Purchasing Card Manual 2025 Version 1 6 6.4 This manual is not intended to cover every possible situation. For any questions, contact the P-Card Program Manager. 7. CARDHOLDERS RESPONSIBILITIES 7.1 P-Cards are issued under the Cardholders’ legal name and are the property of Collier County. 7.2 Cardholders’ responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 7.2.1 Ensuring purchases are best value, serve a valid public purpose, and are in compliance with the Procurement Ordinance and this manual. 7.2.2 Selecting only one payment method in advance of the purchase, either P-Card or Purchase Order. Only one payment method is accepted. 7.2.3 Ensuring the purchase meets the same standards as are required for a Purchase Order, following CMA 5808, the Procurement Ordinance, and any established Division/Department Standard Operating Procedures. 7.2.4 Complying with allowable and prohibited purchases. 7.2.5 Purchasing items that are immediately available. 7.2.6 Ensuring P-Card numbers are not on file with any merchant. 7.2.7 Ensuring P-Card numbers do not appear on shipping documents, emails, or attachments in the Xponential system. The P-Card account number must be redacted from any documentation. 7.2.8 Obtaining the total cost of the order from the merchant before the order is placed. 7.2.9 Confirming with the merchant that an itemized receipt must be provided. 7.2.10 Acquiring a credit from the merchant, when necessary. 7.2.11 Ensuring transactions are within established transaction and monthly cycle limits. 7.2.12 Contacting the Bank to file a merchant dispute if a merchant incorrectly charges your card and will not correct the transaction. (Refer to Section 24, Disputes). 7.2.13 At the time of a purchase, informing the merchant that Collier County purchases are exempt from Florida state sales tax for items bought in or shipped to the State. The tax-exempt number is printed on the card. 7.2.14 Providing required documentation, including the justification and itemized receipt, to the designated Fiscal Processor for final review and reconciliation. Purchasing Card Manual 2025 Version 1 7 7.3 Cardholders shall not: 7.3.1 Use the P-Card for personal purchases. 7.3.2 Attempt to obtain cash advances. 7.3.3 Share use of the P-Card or disclose the P-Card number with anyone other than the merchant with whom they are doing business. 7.3.4 Authorize multiple transactions (split orders) to circumvent established limits. 7.3.5 Provide the P-Card number over the phone unless the Cardholder initiated the phone call. 7.3.6 Make a photocopy of the P-Card, fax, scan, mail, or email the full account number. 7.3.7 Use the P-Card for advanced orders, prepaid goods or services, or deposits, except those allowable per subsection 16.4 Advance Payments. 7.3.8 Use the P-Card to purchase items for advanced orders or backorders. If an order, previously thought to be available, cannot be delivered/shipped within five (5) business days, the order (or part thereof) must be canceled and resubmitted when the product is available for immediate delivery. 7.3.9 Accept or sign on behalf of the County any quote, proposal, contract, or agreement. Any document with terms and conditions must be provided to the Procurement Services Division for review. 7.4 Secure P-Card. 7.4.1 Use of the P-Card is limited to the Cardholder whose name appears on the front of the P-Card. 7.4.2 The P-Card shall not be loaned to another person, including the approver/reviewer. 7.4.3 The P-Card must be kept in a secure location at all times. 7.4.4 The account number shall not be posted or left in a conspicuous place. 7.4.5 The complete account number must never be faxed, mailed, or emailed (including attachments). The order may be emailed, but the account number must be phoned in to the merchant. Purchasing Card Manual 2025 Version 1 8 8. DIVISION DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES 8.1 The Director has oversight and fiduciary responsibility for purchases made with the purchasing cards assigned within their areas as well as ensuring accountability and integrity in the spending of the public’s funds. The Director is responsible for authorizing who uses the purchasing cards in their Division, establishing corrective steps for noncompliance, providing fiscal oversight and management of the processing of transactions in SAP, following the Purchasing Card Manual, and ensuring the P-Card is used consistently with the County’s mission, applicable laws, and ethical practices. 8.2 Directors have the responsibility of notifying the P-Card Program Manager within one (1) business day if an employee is no longer employed by Collier County Government, is transferred to another Collier County Division, or no longer needs the use of the P- Card. 8.3 For employees who are terminated or no longer require a P-Card, the card must be collected, cut in half, and forwarded to the Procurement Services Division. Upon notification, the account will be closed, and the P-Card will be destroyed upon receipt. This procedure also applies to employees who are suspended or on leave. If the P-Card cannot be retrieved from the terminated employee, the Division shall promptly notify the P-Card Program Manager. The card will be treated as "lost or stolen," and the account will be closed. 8.4 If the employee is transferred or promoted to another Collier County Division, upon notification of the transfer, the P-Card will be canceled. A new P-Card Request Form signed by the new Director will be required for the employee to be issued a P-Card for their new Division. 9. SUPERVISOR/MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES 9.1 Ensure all purchases made by the Cardholder are approved business-related expenditures for a public purpose. 9.2 Ensure all purchases are made in conjunction with all Procurement and P-Card policies. Purchasing Card Manual 2025 Version 1 9 9.3 Reviewing the appropriateness of the expenditure, adherence to pricing, verifying it serves a public purpose, verifying sales tax was not charged, and ensuring proper supporting documentation is provided. 10. FISCAL PROCESSOR RESPONSIBILITIES 10.1 The Fiscal Processor will review each transaction to ensure: 10.1.1 Accuracy. 10.1.2 Appropriate documentation exists (see subsection 21.3 Supporting Documentation). 10.1.3 Compliance with CMA 5808 Purchasing Card Program Policy and Procedures, the Procurement Ordinance, Procurement Manual, and this Purchasing Card Manual. 10.1.4 The appropriate account string (Fund, Cost Center, G/L, and WBS, if applicable). 10.1.5 The appropriate valid business purpose. 10.1.6 Documentation submitted by the Cardholder supports the transaction. 10.1.7 Segregation of duties will include that no Cardholder processes their own transaction and there should be multiple (two at minimum) Fiscal Processors available for each Cardholder. 10.2 The Fiscal Processor will: 10.2.1 Approve transactions through Xponential within five (5) business days of the purchase. 10.2.2 Attach the itemized invoices provided by the Cardholder through Xponential and enter the proper account string (Fund, Cost Center, G/L, and WBS, if applicable) for the purchase. 10.2.3 Attach or enter any additional required information through Xponential such as insurances, contract numbers, approved travel requests, or valid public purpose. 10.2.4 Ensure there is a delegate assigned during leave. 11. CARD ISSUANCE AND REQUIRED TRAINING 11.1 Permanent full-time or part-time Collier County employees approved by their Division Director and the Procurement Services Division Director or designee and specific individuals approved by the County Manager or designee are eligible to obtain a P-Card. Purchasing Card Manual 2025 Version 1 10 11.2 A Purchasing Card Request form is to be completed and returned to Procurement for approval for all new cardholders and employees transferring between Collier County Divisions. 11.3 Training. 11.3.1 P-Card training covering Collier County policies, procedures, and Cardholder regulations is required for all new P-Card applicants. 11.3.2 Training is also required on the Xponential software system for Fiscal Processors who process Cardholders' transactions. 11.3.3 All employees or individuals participating in the P-Card Program must complete an initial and annual refresher training. 11.3.4 Failure to complete training may result in the suspension of P-Card privileges until compliance is achieved. 11.3.5 The Procurement Services Division will maintain records of training and enforce compliance. 11.4 Acknowledgment. 11.4.1 A Cardholder Acknowledgement Form is required from each Cardholder prior to the distribution of a new or reissued card. 11.4.2 The P-Card is issued to an employee or individual in their legal name and is to be used exclusively by the named person. No other person is authorized to use the card. 11.4.3 The Cardholder is responsible for all charges on their P-Card. 11.4.4 The Cardholder is not allowed to relinquish control of their P-Card. 11.4.5 The P-Card is Collier County property and the right to use the P-Card may be cancelled at any time. 11.4.6 Cardholders agree to comply with CMA 5808 Purchasing Card Program Policy and Procedures. 11.4.7 Cardholders acknowledge that repeated misuse of the P-Card will result in revocation of the card. Purchasing Card Manual 2025 Version 1 11 11.5. Activation. 11.5.1 Upon application approval and processing, the new P-Card will be mailed directly to the P-Card Program Manager or designee in approximately seven (7) to ten (10) business days. 11.5.2 The activated P-Card will be provided to the Cardholder during the initial training session. If the Cardholder fails to attend training within sixty (60) days of the initial scheduled training session, the P-Card will be deactivated and cancelled. 11.5.3 Any P-Cards that are not used for a period of six (6) months or more may be subject to deactivation. 12. TRANSACTION SPENDING DOLLAR LIMITS 12.1 A single transaction is defined as one or more items purchased from the same merchant at the same time on the same day. 12.2 The P-Card default limits are set by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee, per monthly billing cycle (6th to 5th), and per single/monthly transaction purchase. 12.3 The P-Card has a thirty (30) or thirty-one (31) day cycle that does not coincide with an actual month. The cycle runs from the 6th through the 5th of the following month. The next business day after the 5th is when the monthly card limit renews. 12.4 Spending Limits. The P-Card spending limits are as follows: Division Employees: • Single Transaction Limit: Not to exceed $5,000.00 per P-Card. • Monthly Transaction Limit: Not to exceed $15,000.00 per P-Card. Division Designated Supervisor/Manager: • Single Transaction Limit: Not to exceed $10,000.00 per P-Card. • Monthly Transaction Limit: Not to exceed $20,000.00 per P-Card. Purchasing Card Manual 2025 Version 1 12 Division Directors and Department Heads: • Single Transaction Limit: Not to exceed $15,000.00 per P-Card. • Monthly Transaction Limit: Not to exceed $30,000.00 per P-Card. 12.5 Cardholders are prohibited from splitting transactions to cover a single purchase or circumvent the established single transaction limit assigned to the P-Card. Purchases may not be divided into multiple orders or receipts to remain within the transaction limit. 12.6 The Procurement Services Division reserves the right to block or prohibit the use of goods and services. The Merchant Category Code Group (MCCG) is used to classify a business by the type of goods and/or services provided. A request to unblock an MCCG must be approved by the Cardholder’s Division Director and made to the P-Card Program Manager. 13. SPENDING LIMIT INCREASE 13.1 The Purchasing Card Request form must be submitted to Procurement at least five (5) business days before the anticipated need for the increased limit. 13.2 Requests may be made either for a permanent or temporary basis. 13.3 Temporary spending limit increases are defined as those lasting no more than sixty (60) days, after which the cardholder’s limit will revert to the original amount. 13.4 Temporary increase requests will be approved as follows: Limit Increase Levels Required Approval Single Transactions Exceeding $10,000 Monthly Transactions Exceeding $20,000 Director and Procurement Director or designee Single Transactions Exceeding $15,000 Monthly Transactions Exceeding $30,000 Director, Department Head/Executive Director and Procurement Director or designee Purchasing Card Manual 2025 Version 1 13 13.5 Permanent transaction spending dollar limit increase requests above the amounts established in subsection 12.4 Spending Limit Increase shall require approval by the Procurement Director or Designee and County Manager. 14. PURCHASES ALLOWED WITH THE P-CARD 14.1 Purchasing cards may be used to purchase goods and/or services for use in conducting official County business, provided purchases are not prohibited by this policy or any other approved County policy or procedure. 14.2 The total purchase made with a P-Card must not exceed the limits associated with each P-Card. 14.3 All transactions shall serve a valid public purpose and be in compliance with the Procurement Ordinance and this manual. 15. PURCHASES NOT ALLOWED WITH THE P-CARD 15.1 The following types of purchases may not be made using a P-Card and may result in a suspension or revocation of the P-Card. 15.2 Prohibited Purchasing List. The following list contains prohibited purchasing items and is not all-inclusive: 15.2.1 ATM cash withdrawals. 15.2.2 Personal purchases. 15.2.3 Tips (other than for taxi cabs, shuttles, or limos). 15.2.4 Tips exceeding 15% for taxi cabs, shuttles, or limos. 15.2.5 Food for travel (Refer to CMA #5310 Business Travel). 15.2.6 Alcohol/Liquor in any form. 15.2.7 Guns, Weapons, and Ammunition. 15.2.8 Gift cards. 15.2.9 Purchases from pawn shops. 15.2.10 Split transactions. Purchasing Card Manual 2025 Version 1 14 15.2.11 Backorders. 15.2.12 Autopay for monthly or recurring invoices and charges. 15.2.13 Acceptance of cash refunds in lieu of a credit. 15.2.14 Acceptance of store credits in lieu of a credit. 15.2.15 To acquire or accumulate loyalty or rebate program points, for personal use. Where prohibited by County CMA. 15.2.16 Advance payments for services, unless allowable per Section 28.235, Fla. Stat. 15.2.17 Rental Cars (Contact Fleet Management Division). 15.2.18 Gasoline, fuel, or oil. (Contact Fleet Management Division). 15.2.19 Purchases from individuals and entities associated with foreign countries of concern, pursuant to Section 287.138, Fla. Stat. 15.2.20 Payment of overdue, unpaid, or Purchase Order-initiated invoices. 15.3 Refer to Resolution No. 2013-274, as amended, for specific exemptions applicable to the Tourism Division. 15.4 The Cardholder is responsible for contacting the P-Card Program Manager within one (1) business day if the P-Card is inadvertently used for personal use. 16. USING THE P-CARD 16.1 Before using the P-Card, the Cardholder must determine whether the item is available for purchase and whether sufficient funding is available. 16.2 Online Purchases. 16.2.1 Ensure the website is secure by checking for 'https' in the URL, verifying the presence of a closed lock icon, and confirming the legitimacy of the merchant through independent research, if necessary. 16.2.2 Avoid using public Wi-Fi and ensure the network is secure. 16.2.3 Always log out of the account after completing the transaction. Purchasing Card Manual 2025 Version 1 15 16.3 PayPal. 16.3.1 The Procurement Services Division allows the use of PayPal as long as the following conditions are met: 16.3.1.1 The Cardholder prints screens to document where the payment was initiated and the details of the transaction. 16.3.1.2 The Cardholder provides these screen prints, along with all itemized receipts, confirmations, and emails to the Fiscal Processor. 16.3.1.3 Receipts document the purchase with as much detail as is available. 16.3.1.4 The PayPal merchant ID is entered on the transaction. 16.4 Advance Payment. Collier County pays for commodities and services after they have been received, unless the transaction meets specific conditions established in Section 28.235, Fla. Stat. 16.5 Certificates of Insurance. 16.5.1 The Cardholder is responsible for ensuring a current Certificate of Insurance (COI) is provided by the merchant prior to any work being performed and that the current COI is provided to the Fiscal Processor to attach to the SAP record with the transaction. 16.5.2 Contact the Risk Management Division to determine the appropriate coverages. Refer to the Insurance Guide found on the Procurement Services Division SharePoint intranet page. 16.6 Sales Tax Exemption. 16.6.1 Collier County purchases are tax exempt, and the tax-exempt certificate can be found on the Procurement Services Division SharePoint intranet page. 16.6.2 Provide the merchant with the County's tax exemption number. 16.6.3 Cardholders are responsible for reviewing the receipt prior to leaving the Purchasing Card Manual 2025 Version 1 16 store/internet site and obtaining a credit for Florida sales tax incorrectly applied. 16.6.4 If a purchase is charged taxes, Cardholders must attempt to have taxes credited. Should a merchant refuse to issue a sales tax credit, Cardholders must document the attempt and submit this documentation to Procurement Services for further action. Repeated issues with the same merchant should be reported to the Procurement Services Division for evaluation of merchant compliance. 16.6.5 Failure to obtain credit for Florida sales tax when required may result in reimbursement to the County by the Cardholder for taxes paid. 16.6.6 Failure to adhere to the sales tax exemption policy may result in disciplinary action, including revocation of P-Card privileges. 16.6.7 Our Tax Forgiveness Policy only covers purchases that total $300 or less and is at the discretion of the Procurement Services Division Director or designee. 17. RETURNS 7.1 Cardholders are responsible for obtaining a credit receipt or invoice from a merchant when the purchase is returned to the merchant. Cardholders are not authorized to receive a cash payment for returned purchases. 7.2 Cardholders cannot accept store credit for purchases made via P-Card. If the merchant is uncooperative in giving a credit, the Cardholder shall dispute, per Section 24 Disputes of this manual, the transaction with the Bank within sixty (60) days of the end of the cycle in which the transaction occurred. 7.3 All merchant rebates resulting from purchase activities shall be directed to the Procurement Services Division. 18. RECEIVING/SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS 18.1 Although the County General Terms and Conditions require shipping to be FOB Destination, it is understood that the vast majority of P-Card purchases are generally made with suppliers where freight will be added to the final total. 18.2 Cardholders should ensure that freight costs are reasonable and identified on the quote and invoice. Purchasing Card Manual 2025 Version 1 17 18.3 When items are being shipped, the Cardholder must have the product shipped to the Cardholder’s office address and include the following: • Attention (Name) • Division (Name) • Division Address (including current address and suite numbers) 18.4 Please request the Merchant to clearly mark on the paid invoice receipt that it is a “P- Card transaction.” This will avoid duplication of invoices. 18.5 The merchant should not charge the P-Card until the item is ready to ship. 18.6 If the Cardholder has not received the purchased item within five (5) days, the Cardholder should contact the merchant. 19. ITEMIZED RECEIPTS 19.1 Obtain an itemized receipt for all purchases. 19.2 Check with the merchant prior to making the payment to ensure an itemized receipt will be generated. 19.3 The itemized receipt must include the quantity, a description of the item(s), the unit cost, and the extended price. 19.4 Review the itemized receipt immediately upon receipt. 20. LOST OR INCOMPLETE RECEIPTS 20.1 If a receipt is lost, the Cardholder must contact the merchant to obtain a duplicate itemized receipt. 20.2 Receipts that are not itemized and pricing that cannot be verified could result in repayment by the Cardholder. Purchasing Card Manual 2025 Version 1 18 20.3 The Procurement Services Division Director or designee has the authority to approve payment of a P-Card transaction without the itemized receipt and will be dealt with on an individual basis, along with a detailed explanation from the Cardholder's Director. 21. P-CARD BILLING CYCLE AND PROCESSING 21.1 The P-Card has a thirty (30) or thirty-one (31) day cycle that does not coincide with an actual month. The cycle runs from the 6th through the 5th of the following month. The next business day after the 5th is when the monthly card limit renews. 21.2 Monthly Processing. 21.2.1 Each cycle (6th - 5th of any month) that the Cardholder had transaction(s). 21.2.2 Make sure each transaction has supporting documentation. 21.2.3 Scan all receipts/documentation and attach them to the transaction in Xponential. 21.2.4 Confirm the account string (Fund, Cost Center, G/L, and WBS, if applicable) on all transactions. 21.2.5 Ensure the budget is available for transactions. 21.2.6 Transactions will not be reflected in the SAP Budget to Actual report until posted by the Clerk of Courts Finance Department. 21.3 Supporting Documentation. 21.3.1 Supporting documentation from the Cardholder should be presented to the Fiscal Processor for review immediately after the use of the P-Card but no later than two (2) days after the purchase to allow the Fiscal Processor ample time to enter the necessary data and documentation on the transaction in Xponential. 21.3.2 At a minimum, the supporting documentation must contain: 21.3.2.1 Date of purchase. 21.3.2.2 Amount of each item, number purchased, freight charges, and tax, if applicable. 21.3.2.3 If a surcharge is charged, it must be itemized. 21.3.2.4 Merchant name. Purchasing Card Manual 2025 Version 1 19 21.3.2.5 Itemized description of items purchased. 21.3.2.6 Signed authorized travel request, if applicable. 21.3.2.7 Contract number if purchased off a current contract, or a note specifying purchase was a non-contract item. 21.3.2.8 Include a valid public purpose for the goods or service. 21.3.2.9 COI (Certificate of Insurance), if applicable. 21.4 Cardholders shall ensure merchants are paid promptly and must follow up with the merchant if the P-Card has not been charged within one (1) week after the services have been rendered or the item received. 21.5 The Cardholder cannot pay for a purchase or service with the P-Card weeks or months later. 21.6 Non-travel-related food purchases that fall under an approved Resolution require additional documentation. List the Resolution number, complete valid business purpose, including details such as attendees, name of event, event information, etc. 21.7 Accurate documentation is essential for audit purposes. Failure to provide proper documentation may lead to an audit finding and could result in disciplinary action, including revocation of P-Card privileges. 21.8 All travel must be pre-approved per CMA #5310 Business Travel. 21.9 Airline Tickets and Luggage Fees. The cost of taking luggage on a business trip may be paid using the P-Card. A copy of the receipt must be attached to the P-Card transaction. 21.10 Capital Assets. 21.10.1 Cardholders will ensure capital funds are available prior to making the purchase. 21.10.2 The Director or designee is responsible for providing to the Clerk of Court’s Finance Department via the Capital Asset Transaction Form with any asset- related transaction information made with a P-Card, in accordance with CMA # 5809 Managing Personal Property and Consumable Supplies. 21.10.3 The signed asset form shall be attached to the record in Xponential. Purchasing Card Manual 2025 Version 1 20 21.11 Information Technology (IT) Acquisitions. Any Procurement that involves the purchase of technology requires the written pre-approval of the Information Technology Division. 21.12 Surcharges. 21.12.1 Merchants may add a surcharge which must be disclosed before the purchase is made. 21.12.2 Most credit card companies require merchants to disclose credit card surcharges in online transactions, on a sign at the store’s point of entry and point of sale, and on the receipt. 21.12.3 Cardholders are responsible for evaluating the surcharge fee to ensure the best value. 22. LOST OR STOLEN P-CARDS 22.1 Collier County has liability for a lost or stolen P-Card up until the time it is reported to the Bank. 22.2 Cardholders have the responsibility to report the P-Card lost or stolen the moment they realize their P-Card is missing or that the number has been compromised. In addition to notifying the bank immediately, the Cardholder must notify the P-Card Program Manager within twenty-four (24) hours. 23. LEGAL NAME CHANGES 23.1 The Purchasing Card Request form is to be completed and returned to Procurement for approval. A new Cardholder Acknowledgement Form will also be required. 24. DISPUTES 24.1 In the event of a disputed transaction, Cardholders must notify the merchant and attempt to resolve. If the merchant is uncooperative in resolving the matter, contact the P-Card Program Manager. Purchasing Card Manual 2025 Version 1 21 24.2 Cardholders have sixty (60) days to file a dispute. 25. UNAUTHORIZED USE OF P-CARD 25.1 Cardholders shall report all suspicious fraud activities to the Bank and the P-Card Program Manager immediately. 25.2 The Bank will contact the P-Card Program Manager when there appears to be suspicious activity or possible fraud. The Bank will not contact the Cardholder directly. 25.3 Cardholders are responsible for contacting the P-Card Program Manager within one (1) business day if the P-Card is inadvertently utilized for personal use. 26. VIOLATIONS 26.1 The Cardholder’s use of the P-Card is subject to a continuing audit process. 26.2 Any violation of policy and/or procedures governing the use of the P-Card shall be justification for the suspension or revocation of Cardholder privileges by the Procurement Services Division Director or designee of the employee's privilege to use the P-Card and can result in disciplinary action. 26.3 Violation Process: 26.3.1 First Offense = 30-day suspension of P-Card 26.3.2 Second Offense = 90-day suspension of P-Card 26.3.3 Third Offense = Revocation of P-Card 26.4 All employees or individuals participating in the P-Card Program are expected to adhere to the highest ethical standards when using the P-Card, ensuring that all purchases meet public purpose standards and align with the County’s commitment to transparency and accountability. 26.5 Employees incorrectly using their P-Card will be disciplined, may be personally liable to Purchasing Card Manual 2025 Version 1 22 the County for the amount of any non-approved purchase(s), and may be subject to legal action by the County. 27. REJECTIONS 27.1 Transactions may be rejected or declined from time to time for a variety of reasons. 27.2 The most common reason is that the merchant has entered the wrong credit card number or expiration date. Verify these with the merchant as a first step to resolve a decline. 27.3 All declined transactions appear immediately online through the banking system. 27.4 Cardholders can call the customer service number on the P-Card and the P-Card Program Manager to assist in determining the reason for the declined transaction. 28. P-CARD EXPIRATION 28.1 P-Cards have four (4) digits to indicate expiration. The P-Card is always valid through the end of the month indicated. If the P-Card were to expire (example: 01/27), it would remain valid until January 31, 2027, at midnight. 28.2 Replacement P-Cards are automatically sent to the P-Card Program Manager, who will contact the Cardholder for pick-up. 29. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR DEACTIVATION OF P-CARD 29.1 Prior to the Cardholder’s last date of employment or transfer to a new division within Collier County, the Cardholder is responsible for notifying the P-Card Program Manager and physically destroying the P-Card. The P-Card Program Manager will then deactivate the P-Card account. 29.2 If a Cardholder is put on leave for any disciplinary action or for an extended leave of absence, it is the Cardholder’s Division Director’s responsibility to notify the P-Card Program Manager immediately and the P-Card can be temporarily suspended. The P- Purchasing Card Manual 2025 Version 1 23 Card will be reactivated upon notification of the Cardholder’s return. This is primarily for leaves of absence over two (2) weeks. 29.3 If a Cardholder is terminated due to disciplinary action(s), the Division Director is responsible for notifying the P-Card Program Manager and physically destroying the P- Card. The P-Card Program Manager will deactivate the P-Card account. 29.4 The Division Director may request the P-Card Program Manager deactivate the P-Card at any time. 30. RESERVED RIGHTS 31.1 The P-Card Program is a Procurement Services Division program under the control and custody of the Procurement Services Division Director. The Procurement Services Division Director or designee has authorization to direct P-Card use towards particular merchants and markets for strategic purchasing reasons, where significant savings, oversight, and rebates can be achieved. 31.2 The Procurement Services Division Director, or their designee, holds the authority to: 31.2.1 Issue or cancel P-Cards at any time. 31.2.2 Adjust spending limits as necessary, either increasing or decreasing them. 31.2.3 Conduct investigations related to P-Card usage. 31.2.4 Restrict transactions with specific merchants or merchant types. 31.2.5 Prohibit the use of specific Point of Sale (POS) devices for transactions. 31.2.6 Report any misconduct or failure to comply with established policies to the County Manager or their designee. 31.3 The Procurement Services Division Director or designee has authorization to periodically solicit for P-Card banking services and related management tools to provide the required level of program oversight and management of the P-Card program. Remainder of the page left blank intentionally. Purchasing Card Manual 2025 Version 1 24 REVISION HISTORY DATE Description This version supersedes and repeals in its entirety Purchasing Card Manual Rev. #4.0 (effective date 8/15/2023).