Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 40E-7.670 - Competitive Solicitation Preferences

The SBE Contracting Rule provides for two competitive solicitation preferences designed to assist District SBEs. Sheltered Market and Subcontracting Requirements are outlined below.

(1) Sheltered Market. The District may provide for sheltered markets to allow only District SBEs to bid on designated solicitations. In order to designate a sheltered market, the District must identify at least three District SBEs available to perform work within the industry identified in the solicitation.
(2) Subcontracting Requirements. The District shall set SBE goals for all solicitations, unless otherwise provided in paragraph (2)(e). SBE goals are based on the availability of District SBEs in relation to all vendors registered with the District able to perform work within specific Commodity Codes.
(a) Bids - For solicitations where a contract is awarded based on price as the primary selection criteria, and where the scope is clearly defined, SBE goals shall be applied as a percentage of the total contract value to be assigned to District SBEs as provided in this subsection. The maximum SBE goal that will be applied to any solicitation will be 25%. When an SBE goal is set, bidders shall provide work to one or more District SBEs in order to meet SBE the goal. At the time of submittal of its bid, the bidder shall submit an SBE Utilization Plan. The SBE Utilization Plan is incorporated by reference in subsection 40E-7.669(18), F.A.C. If the prime bidder is an SBE Prime, an SBE Utilization Plan is not required to be submitted with its bid. Failure to submit any of the information as required on the SBE Utilization Plan or to meet the established SBE goal shall lead to the bidder being deemed Non-Responsive.
(b) Standard Proposals - For solicitations where a contract is awarded based on evaluation criteria, and where the scope of work is clearly defined, the District shall determine SBE goals for each solicitation based on availability of District SBEs as provided in this subsection. The maximum SBE goal that will be applied to any solicitation will be 25%. At the time the proposal is submitted, the proposer shall submit an SBE Utilization Plan. The SBE Utilization Plan is incorporated by reference in subsection 40E-7.669(18), F.A.C. If the prime proposer is an SBE Prime, an SBE Utilization Plan is not required to be submitted with its proposal. Failure to submit any of the information as required on the SBE Utilization Plan or to meet the established SBE goal shall lead to the proposer being deemed Non-Responsive.
(c) Work Order Proposals - For solicitations where a contract is awarded based on evaluation criteria, and where the scope of work is not clearly defined resulting in work order contracts, such solicitations shall require proposers to commit to SBE goals assigned to individual work orders issued throughout the term of the contract. At the time the proposal is submitted, the proposer shall submit an SBE Utilization Plan. The SBE Utilization Plan is incorporated by reference in subsection 40E-7.669(18), F.A.C. If the prime proposer is an SBE Prime, an SBE Utilization Plan is not required to be submitted with its proposal. Failure to submit any of the information as required on the SBE Utilization Plan shall lead to the proposer being deemed Non-Responsive.
(d) Work Orders Issued - The SBE goal for individual work orders will be based on availability of District SBEs as provided in this subsection (2). The maximum SBE goal that will be applied to any work order will be 25% unless the Prime Contractor has failed to meet prior SBE goals, in which case the maximum SBE goal may exceed 25%. When a work order with an SBE goal is assigned, the Prime Contractor shall submit a cost proposal, and an SBE Utilization Plan. The SBE Utilization Plan is incorporated by reference in subsection 40E-7.669(18), F.A.C. If the Prime Contractor is a District SBE, an SBE Utilization Plan is not required to be submitted with its cost proposal. A work order will not be executed with a Prime Contractor whose cost proposal does not meet the established SBE goal for that work order. Failure to meet the SBE goal set by the District for an executed work order will result in a breach of contract by the Prime Contractor.
(e) The Procurement Bureau Chief or designee has the ability to grant a partial or complete waiver of any SBE goal whenever it is determined that such modification or waiver would be in the best interest of the District.

Notes

Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 40E-7.670

Rulemaking Authority 373.044, 373.113 FS. Law Implemented 373.1135 FS.

New 8-3-06, Amended 8-29-07, 8-29-13, Amended by Florida Register Volume 46, Number 229, November 24, 2020 effective 12/9/2020, Amended by Florida Register Volume 51, Number 112, June 10, 2025 effective 6/26/2025.

New 8-3-06, Amended 8-29-07, 8-29-13, 12-9-20.

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