PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (2)PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA
AND
RAFTELIS FINANCIAL CONSULTANTS, INC.
This Consulting Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into this /311" day of Novena& 2026 (hereinafter
referred to as the effective date of the agreement) by and between, the City of Clearwater, Florida (the
"Client") and Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc., 227 W. Trade Street, Suite 1400, Charlotte, NC 28202
("Raftelis").
Witnesseth
WHEREAS, Raftelis is engaged and experienced in public finance, management, and pricing, and service
delivery, and
WHEREAS, The Client desires to hire Raftelis and Raftelis agrees to provide services to the Client,
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby
acknowledged, the Parties agree to the terms and conditions set forth herein.
Article 1— Statement of Work
Raftelis shall provide professional consulting services to prepare a financial planning and rate study for the
Client's Natural Gas Utility (d/b/a "CGS Energy"). Raftelis will perform the services as set forth in its
proposal sent to Client dated June 17, 2026 and included herein as Attachment A, the "Proposal" and all
terms, conditions and Detailed Specifications as listed in Request for Proposal (RFP #42-26) herein as
Attachment B.
Article 2 — Time for Completion
This Agreement will commence upon approval by the Client and remain in effect for a period of one year
(the "Initial Contract Term"). At the end of the Initial Contract Term, the Client may initiate renewal(s) as
provided herein. The Client will give written notice of its intention to renew no later than thirty (30) days
prior to the expiration. Four (4) one (1) year renewals are possible at the Client's option.
Article 3 — Compensation
Client shall pay to Raftelis the sum not to exceed $75,675, which includes professional fees and direct
expenses incurred in performing the scope of services, as outlined in TAB 6 — Cost Proposal, herein as
Attachment C. The parties understand that this sum is based upon the scope of work contained herein at
Raftelis' current standard hourly rate schedule, included in Attachment C. Any expansion of the scope of
work and related additional fees shall be subject to mutual agreement as described in Article 4, below, and
shall be by written amendment to this agreement executed by the Parties hereto.
Raftelis shall submit invoices to the Client on a monthly basis for services rendered to the date thereof.
Such invoices shall be supported by appropriate documentation; at a minimum, the task performed, the
individuals working on such task, the level of each such individual, and expenses incurred. Each invoice
will contain all hours and expenses from Raftelis for the month. Upon receipt of monthly invoice, the Client
will remit payment of same amount to Raftelis within 30 days.
Article 4 — Additional Services
At the Client's request, Raftelis may submit proposals for additional professional services. Each proposal
submitted shall detail: (1) scope of work for the additional services; (2) period of services to be performed;
and (3) method and amount of compensation. The Client shall provide written acceptance and authorization
to Raftelis prior to the commencement of work on any proposed additional services. Each proposal for
additional services accepted and approved by the Client shall become part of this Agreement and shall be
governed by the terms and conditions contained herein.
Article 5 — Place of Performance
Raftelis shall be responsible for maintaining its own office facilities and will not be provided with either
office facilities or support by the Client.
Article 6 — Indemnification
Raftelis hereby agrees to indemnify and defend the Client, its officers, directors, managers and employees
("Indemnified Party or Parties") and to hold the Indemnified Parties harmless against third party claims,
costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney's fees, action, or demands against the Indemnified Parties
and against damages for injury to or death of any person and for loss of or damage to all property caused
by the negligent acts, errors or omissions of Raftelis in performing this Agreement, except to the extent the
claims, demands, liabilities, cost and expenses are caused by the negligent acts, errors or omission of an
Indemnified Party.
Article 7 — Insurance
Raftelis shall maintain the types and levels of insurance during the life of this Agreement as specified below
and the requirements set forth in Attachment B (RFP 42-26). The Client will be named as additional insured
on Raftelis' Certificates of Insurance and Raftelis will provide the Client with these Certificates of
Insurance.
Commercial General Liability Insurance — $1,000,000 for each occurrence and $2,000,000 in the aggregate
Comprehensive Automobile Liability Insurance — $1,000,000 combined single limit each occurrence —
hired and non -owned only
Workers Compensation Insurance — Statutory limits
Professional Liability Insurance — $5,000,000 occurrence and $5,000,000 excess
Excess or Umbrella Liability — $5,000,000 occurrence and $5,000,000 in the aggregate
Cyber Insurance - $5,000,000
Article 8 — Confidential Information
Raftelis acknowledges and agrees that in the course of the performance of the services pursuant to this
Agreement, Raftelis may be given access to, or come into possession of, confidential information from the
Client, of which information may contain privileged material or other confidential information. Raftelis
acknowledges and agrees, except as required by judicial or administrative order, trial, or other governmental
proceeding, that it will not use, duplicate, or divulge to others any such information marked as "confidential"
disclosed to Raftelis by the Client ("Confidential Information") without first obtaining written permission
from the Client. All tangible embodiments of such information shall be delivered to the Client or the
destination of such information by Raftelis requested by the Client. The Client acknowledges Raftelis has
the right to maintain its own set of work papers which may contain Confidential Information.
Public Records:
In addition to all other contract requirements as provided by law, the contractor executing this agreement
agrees to comply with public records law.
IF THE CONTRACTOR HAS QUESTIONS REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF CHAPTER 119,
FLORIDA STATUTES, TO THE CONTRACTOR'S DUTY TO PROVIDE PUBLIC RECORDS
RELATING TO THIS CONTRACT, CONTACT THE CUSTODIAN OF PUBLIC
RECORDS AT: 727-562-4090, Rosemarie.Call(a,myclearwater.com, 200 South Myrtle Ave., Clearwater,
FL 33756."
The contractor's agreement to comply with public records law applies specifically to:
a) Keep and maintain public records required by the City of Clearwater (hereinafter "public agency")
to perform the service being provided by the contractor hereunder.
b) Upon request from the public agency's custodian of public records, provide the public agency with
a copy of the requested records or allow the records to be inspected or copied within a reasonable
time at a cost that does not exceed the cost provided for in Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, as may
be amended from time to time, or as otherwise provided by law.
c) Ensure that the public records that are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records
disclosure requirements are not disclosed except as authorized by law for the duration of the
contract term and following completion of the contract if the contractor does not transfer the
records to the public agency.
d) Upon completion of the contract, transfer, at no cost, to the public agency all public records in
possession of the contractor or keep and maintain public records required by the public agency to
perform the service. If the contractor transfers all public records to the public agency upon
completion of the contract, the contractor shall destroy any duplicate public records that are
exempt or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements. If the contractor
keeps and maintains public records upon completion of the contract, the contractor shall meet all
applicable requirements for retaining public records. All records stored electronically must be
provided to the public agency, upon request from the public agency's custodian of public records,
in a format that is compatible with the information technology systems of the public agency.
e) A request to inspect or copy public records relating to a public agency's contract for services must
be made directly to the public agency. If the public agency does not possess the requested records,
the public agency shall immediately notify the contractor of the request and the contractor must
provide the records to the public agency or allow the records to be inspected or copied within a
reasonable time.
f) The contractor hereby acknowledges and agrees that if the contractor does not comply with the
public agency's request for records, the public agency shall enforce the contract provisions in
accordance with the contract.
g) A contractor who fails to provide the public records to the public agency within a reasonable time
may be subject to penalties under Section 119.10, Florida Statutes.
h) If a civil action is filed against a contractor to compel production of public records relating to a
public agency's contract for services, the court shall assess and award against the contractor the
reasonable costs of enforcement, including reasonable attorney fees, if:
1. The court determines that the contractor unlawfully refused to comply with the public
records request within a reasonable time; and
2. At least 8 business days before filing the action, the plaintiff provided written notice of
the public records request, including a statement that the contractor has not complied with
the request, to the public agency and to the contractor.
i) A notice complies with subparagraph (h)2. if it is sent to the public agency's custodian of public
records and to the contractor at the contractor's address listed on its contract with the public agency
or to the contractor's registered agent. Such notices must be sent by common carrier delivery
service or by registered, Global Express Guaranteed, or certified mail, with postage or shipping
paid by the sender and with evidence of delivery, which may be in an electronic format.
A contractor who complies with a public records request within 8 business days after the notice is sent is
not liable for the reasonable costs of enforcement.
Article 9 — Independent Contractor Status
It is understood and agreed that Raftelis will provide the services under this Agreement on a professional
basis as an independent contractor and that during the performance of the services under this Agreement,
Raftelis' employees will not be considered employees of the Client within the meaning or the applications
of any federal, state, or local laws or regulations including, but not limited to, laws or regulations covering
unemployment insurance, old age benefits, worker's compensation, industrial accident, labor, or taxes of
any kind. Raftelis' employees shall not be entitled to benefits that may be afforded from time to time to
Client employees, including without limitation, vacation, holidays, sick leave, worker's compensation, and
unemployment insurance. Further, the Client shall not be responsible for withholding or paying any taxes
or social security on behalf of Raftelis' employees. Raftelis shall be fully responsible for any such
withholding or paying of taxes or social security.
Article 10 — Reliance on Data
In performance of the services, it is understood that the Client and/or others may supply Raftelis with certain
information and/or data, and that Raftelis will rely on such information. It is agreed that the accuracy of
such information is not within Raftelis' control and Raftelis shall not be liable for its accuracy, nor for its
verification, except to the extent that such verification is expressly a part of Raftelis' Scope of services.
Article 11— Standard of Performance
Raftelis will perform the services under this Agreement in accordance with the standard of professionals in
its industry prevailing at the time and place the services are performed. Raftelis' opinions, estimates,
projections, and forecasts of current and future costs, revenues, other levels of any sort, and events and
estimates of cost justified system development fees shall be made on the basis of available information and
Raftelis' expertise and qualifications as a professional. Raftelis will perform the Scope of services in
conformance with the professional standards in its field of expertise prevailing at the time and place the
Scope of services are performed. Raftelis does not warrant or guarantee that its opinions, estimates,
projections or forecasts of current and future levels and events will not vary from the Clients' estimates or
forecasts or from actual outcomes. Raftelis identifies costs, allocates costs to customer classes and provides
rate models. It does not establish rates, which is the legislative responsibility of the Client.
Article 12 — No Consequential Damages
To the fullest extent permitted by law, neither party shall be liable to the other for any special, indirect,
consequential, punitive or exemplary damages resulting from the performance or non-performance of this
Agreement notwithstanding the fault, tort (including negligence), strict liability or other basis of legal
liability of the party so released or whose liability is so limited and shall extend to the officers, directors,
employees, licensors, agents, subcontractors, vendors and related entities of such party.
Article 13 — Termination of Work
This Agreement may be terminated as follows:
1. By Client. (a) for its convenience on 30 days' notice to Raftelis, or (b) for cause, if Raftelis
materially breaches this Agreement through no fault of Client and Raftelis neither cures such
material breach nor makes reasonable progress toward cure within 15 days after Client has given
written notice of the alleged breach to Raftelis.
2. By Raftelis. (a) for cause, if Client materially breaches this Agreement through no fault of Raftelis
and Client neither cures such material breach nor makes reasonable progress toward cure within 15
days after Raftelis has given written notice of the alleged breach to Client, or (b) upon five days'
notice if Work under this Agreement has been suspended by either Client or Raftelis in the
aggregate for more than 30 days.
3. Payment upon Termination. In the event of termination, Raftelis shall be compensated for all
work properly performed prior to the effective date of termination.
Article 14 — Notices
All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed deliverable
when delivered in person or deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
If for the Client:
Brian Langille, PE
Name
Executive Director, CGS Energy
Title
777 Maple St. Clearwater, FL 33755
Address
If for Raftelis:
J. Bart Kreps
Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc.
227 W. Trade Street
Suite 1400
Charlotte, NC 28202
Article 15 — Ownership of Work Product
All documents, data, compilations reports and studies prepared by Raftelis in performing the Scope of
servicesshall be the property of the Client; provided that any use other than as contemplated in this
Agreement or any alteration or modification of the Work Product shall be at the sole risk of Client, and
Client shall indemnify, defend and hold Raftelis harmless from any claim, demand, liability, cost or
expenses incurred by Raftelis from such use or modification. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed an
assignment, transfer, or divestiture of its use by Raftelis of any of its trade secrets, know-how, or intellectual
property.
Article 16 — Compliance with Applicable Laws
Raftelis is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal, state, and local fair employment
practices laws. Raftelis strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants,
or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, gender identity,
sexual orientation, marital status, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, past, current, or prospective service in the
uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All
Raftelis employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful
discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to,
hiring, training, promotion, corrective action, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.
Any act of discrimination committed by Raftelis in the course of its performance under this Agreement, or
failure to comply with these statutory obligations when applicable, shall be grounds for termination of this
Agreement.
A. Entire
Agreement:
B. Waiver:
C.
Relationship:
D. Assignment
and
Delegation:
E. Severability:
F. Governing
Law:
G. Paragraph
Headings:
H. Third Party
Rights:
Article 17 — General Provisions
This Agreement represents the entire and sole agreement between the Parties with
respect to the subject matter hereof.
The failure of either Party to require performance by the other of any provision
hereof shall in no way affect the right to require performance at any time thereafter,
nor shall the waiver of a breach of any provision hereof be taken to be a waiver of
any succeeding breach of such provision or as a waiver of the provision itself. All
remedies afforded in this Agreement shall be taken and construed as cumulative;
that is, in addition to every other remedy available at law or in equity.
Nothing herein contained shall be construed to imply a joint venture, partnership,
or principal -agent relationship between Raftelis and the Client; and neither Party
shall have the right, power, or authority to obligate or bind the other in any manner
whatsoever, except as otherwise agreed to in writing.
Neither Party shall assign this Agreement or any rights, duties, or obligations
hereunder without the express written consent of the other. Subject to the foregoing,
this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors, legal
representatives, and assignees of the Parties hereto.
If any provision of this Agreement is declared invalid or unenforceable, such
provision shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to render it valid and
enforceable. In any event, the unenforceability or invalidity of any provision shall
not affect any other provision of this Agreement, and this Agreement shall
continue in force and effect, and be construed and enforced, as if such provision
had not been included, or had been modified as above provided, as the case
may be.
This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws
of the State of Florida. Both parties agree and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction
and venue of the courts of Pinellas County, Florida with respect to any dispute,
controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to this agreement.
The paragraph headings set forth in this Agreement are for the convenience of the
Parties, and in no way define, limit, or describe the scope or intent of this Agreement
and are to be given no legal effect.
Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to create or confer any rights or interest
to any third party or third -party beneficiary. It is the intent of the parties that no other
outside, non-party claimant shall have any legal right to enforce the terms of this
Agreement.
Article 18 — Disclosures
As a registered Municipal Advisor under the Dodd -Frank Act, Raftelis is required to inform our clients of
any existing or potential conflicts of interest that may be relevant to any proposed scope of services that
may include providing "advice" as that term is defined in the Dodd -Frank Act. As of the date of this
engagement letter, no conflicts of interest are known to exist.
Under the Dodd -Frank Act the definition of "advice" includes providing any opinion, information or
assumptions related to the size, timing and terms of possible future debt issues or borrowing. This type of
information may be integrated into the capital and financial planning components of a rate and financial
planning study. This definition is applicable regardless of whether this information is developed and used
solely for planning and decision-making purposes. For the services addressed in the scope of work identified
for this engagement, any information that is developed by Raftelis that falls under this definition of
municipal advice is not intended to represent a recommendation that the Client should issue debt based on
the terms and assumptions used to develop the financial plan or forecast, or that the Client will, in fact, be
able to issue debt under the exact terms and conditions assumed and used to develop the financial plan or
forecast. The information developed as part of this rate and financial planning study, including any related
municipal advice, is intended only to provide information useful in evaluating the potential impact on the
utility and future rate adjustments of one potential course of action for the Client.
Any services provided under this agreement that fall under the definition of municipal advice are only
covered through the term of this agreement. Raftelis may withdraw from providing municipal advisory
services upon written notification to the Client based on Article 13.
The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board ("MSRB") provides significant protections for municipal
entities and obligated persons that are clients of a municipal advisor. To understand the protections provided
and how to file a complaint with an appropriate regulatory authority, visit the MSRB's web site at
www.msrb.org.
Raftelis does not have any legal events or disciplinary history on Raftelis' Form MA and Form MA -I, which
includes information about any criminal actions, regulatory actions, investigations, terminations,
judgements, liens, civil judicial actions, customer complaints, arbitrations, and civil litigation. Raftelis'
most recent form MA and each most recent Form MA -I filed with the SEC may be assessed electronically
at the following website: www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/companysearch.html
There have been no material changes to a legal or disciplinary event disclosure on any Form MA or Form
MA -I filed with the SEC. If any material legal or regulatory actions is brought against Raftelis, Raftelis will
provide complete disclosure to the Client in detail.
By signing this Agreement indicating its approval and acceptance of the of the proposed scope of work and
fees, the Client is also explicitly acknowledging that Raftelis has provided the necessary disclosures
addressing conflicts of interest and any limitations on the scope of Municipal Advisory services to be
provided by Raftelis' part of this engagement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement by their duly authorized
representatives.
Countersigned:
Bruce Re
Mayor
Approved as to form:
;of
/ III� L1
Paige Roberts
Senior Assistant City Attorney
Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc.
By:
CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA
By:
Attest:
Jennifer Poirrier
City Manager
Rose arie Call
City Clerk
Title
)o--ao—D,‘
Date
EsrABLis
RAFTELIS
Attachment A
Proposal
City of Clearwater
Natural Gas Utility Rate Study
PROPOSAL / RFP # 42-26 /JUNE 17, 2026
RAFTELIS
3043 CHARITABLE,
A GIFT FUND
Giving back
The Raftelis Charitable Gift' Fundseeks to
make a difference on issues. that matter to
our clients and employees by helping build
sustainable;: inclusive communities locally
and worldwide. We do this by allocating
company profits and employee contributions
of time and money. We support " ,
organizations that:
• Promote efficient, sustainable resource
use
• Advance diversity; equity, -and inclusion
within the public sector
• Invest in access to clean water and -
sanitation '
• Help vulnerable communities' by
addressing affordability issues
m
REGISTERED
MUNICIPAL
ADVISOR
Raftelis is registered with'the
U.S: Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) and the, .
Municipal Securities -
Rulemaking Board (MSRB)
as a Municipal Advisor.
Registration as a Municipal Advisor is a,
requirement under the Dodd -Frank Wall •
Street Reform and Consumer. Protection Act.
All firms that provide financial forecasts that
include assumptions about the size, timing,
and terms for possible future debt issues, as
well as debt issuance'support services for
specific proposed bond issues, including.
bond feasibility studies and coverage
forecasts; must be registeredwith the SEC
and MSRB to legally provide financial
opinions and advice. Raftelis' registration as
a Municipal Advisor means our clients can.
be confident that Raftelis is fully qualified
and capable of providing financial advice.
related to all aspects of_financial planning in
compliance with the applicable regulations of -
the SEC :and the MSRB.
Table of Contents
TAB 1 - Letter of Transmittal 1
TAB 2 - Qualifications and Experience2
TAB 3 - Technical Approach and
Methodology 36
TAB 4 - Project management and
Communication 47
TAB 5 - References and Past
Performance 50
TAB 6 - Cost Proposal - 53
Other Forms - Reference Submittal
Requirements 55
Exceptions 59
RAFTELIS 1
RAFTELIS
TAB 1 — LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL:
June 17, 2026
Lori Vogel, CPPB, Procurement Manager
City of Clearwater
P.O Box 4748
Clearwater, FL 33758
Subject: Proposal for Natural Gas Utility Rate Study (RFP# 42-26)
Dear Ms. Vogel:.
The City of Clearwater (Cit) is seeking an experienced consulting partner to conduct a natural gas rate study. Raftelis is
the ideal consulting partner for the following reasons:
o 0 0 The depth and breadth of our resources are unmatched.
Cc° Raftelis is the largest and most experienced consulting firm providing the types of services requested in the
City's RFP. This depth means that we are not limited by our project team and can bring in additional resources
to ensure the study is delivered on time and on budget, no matter what unforeseen circumstances arise.
Our proposed project team brings a wealth of experience with projects of similar size and complexity.
I, Bart Kreps, will serve as Project Director and will be responsible for overall project accountability and
technical oversight. I have 25+ years of experience advising local governments and the municipal utilities
industry. Collin Drat, our proposed project manager, brings over 13 years of experience advising Raftelis
municipal clients throughout North America. Both Mr. Drat and I led the City's previous two rate studies and
are prepared to leverage our institutional knowledge of the City's finances and operations to deliver a successful
outcome for the City. We will be supported by energy industry experts, Mr. Steven Courtney (30+ years of
experience) and Ms. Amanda Guci (10+ years of experience), who will provide subject matter expertise and
QA/QC oversight on the project. Mr. Thierry Boveri (20+ years' experience) will also be available to advise the
project team and the City on any Florida -specific regulatory issues.
We have a proven process that we will leverage to meet the City's needs efficiently and effectively.
Raftelis conducts hundreds of similar studies annually for municipal utilities throughout North America.
Through this experience, we have developed an approach to project delivery, which allows us to effectively
meet the needs of clients of all sizes. in Tab 4, we have outlined the methodology we would employ to deliver a
successful outcome for the City
Raftelis commits to performing the services within the specified timeframe. I look forward to the opportunity to work with the
City and its professional staff on this important project. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Bart Kreps, Executive Vice President
P: 704.936.4448 / E: bkreps@raftelis.com
341 N. Maitland Avenue, Suite 300, Maitland, FL 32751 I www.raftelis.com
RAFTELIS 2
TAB 2 - QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE,
Who is Raftelis
HELPING LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND UTILITIES THRIVE
Local government and utility leaders partner with Raftelis to transform their organizations by enhancing performance,
planning for the future, identifying top talent, improving their financial condition, and telling their story. We've helped
more than 850 organizations in the last year alone.
We believe that Raftelis is the right fit for this project. We provide several key factors that will
benefit the City and help to make this project a success.
RESOURCES & EXPERTISE: This project will require the resources necessary to effectively staff the project and
the skillsets to complete all of the required components. With more than 190 consultants, Raftelis has the largest
water -industry financial and management consulting practice in the nation, including many of the industry's leading
rate consultants and experts in key related areas, like stakeholder engagement and data analytics. Our depth of
resources will allow us to provide the City with the technical expertise necessary to meet your objectives.
DEFENSIBLE RECOMMENDATIONS: When your elected officials and customers are considering the validity of
recommended changes, they want to be confident that they were developed by experts using the latest industry
standard methodology. Our staff are involved in shaping industry standards by chairing committees within the
American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and co-authoring
many industry -standard books regarding utility finance and rate setting. Being so actively involved in the industry
will allow us to keep the City informed of emerging trends and issues and to be confident that our recommendations
are insightful and founded on sound industry principles. In addition, with Raftelis' registration as a Municipal
Advisor, you can be confident that we are fully qualified and capable of providing financial advice related to all
aspects of utility fmancial planning in compliance with federal regulations.
HISTORY OF SIMILAR SUCCESSES: An extensive track record of past similar work will help to avoid potential
pitfalls on this project and provide the know-how to bring it across the finish line. Raftelis staff has assisted
2,000+ local governments and utilities throughout the U.S. with financial and rate consulting services with wide-
ranging needs and objectives. Our extensive experience will allow us to provide innovative and insightful
recommendations to the City and will provide validation for our proposed methodology ensuring that industry best
practices are incorporated.
USER-FRIENDLY MODELING: A modeling tool that your staff can use for scenario analysis and financial
planning now and into the future will be key for the City going forward. Raftelis has developed some of the most
sophisticated yet user-friendly fmancial/rate models available in the industry. Our models are tools that allow us to
examine different policy options and cost allocations and their financial/customer impacts in real time. We offer
model options including Microsoft Excel -based and web -based tools that are developed with the expectation that
they will be used by the client as a financial planning tool long after the project is complete.
RATES THAT ARE ADOPTED: For the study to be a success, rates must be successfully approved and
implemented. Even the most comprehensive rate study is of little use if the recommendations are not approved
and implemented. Raftelis has assisted numerous agencies with getting proposed rates successfully adopted. We
focus on effectively communicating with elected officials about the financial consequences and rationale behind
recommendations to ensure stakeholder buy -in and successful rate adoption.
33
years
serving the
public sector
OUR TEAM INCLUDES
190
RAFTELIS 3
How we stack up
_13
consultants focused on
finance/management/communication/
technology for the public sector
RAFTELIS HAS PROVIDED ASSISTANCE FOR
2,000+
public agencies
and utilities
that serve more than including the agencies serving
500/ of the of the nation's
0 U.S. population 50 largest cities
in the past year alone, we worked on
1 projects
for 850+ agencies
in
46 states
RAFTELIS 4
National Experience
RAFTELIS HAS THE MOST EXPERIENCED PUBLIC UTILITY FINANCIAL AND
MANAGEMENT CONSULTING PRACTICE IN THE NATION.
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RAFTELIS HAS PROVIDED FINANCIAL!
ORGANIZATIONALITECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE
TO UTILITIES SERVING MORE THAN
50% OF THE U.S. POPULATION.
Our staff has assisted more than 2,000 local government agencies and utilities across the U.S., including some of the
largest and most complex agencies in the nation. In the past year alone, we've worked on 1,400+ projects for 850+
clients in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and internationally.
National Experience
This matrix shows a brief sample
of some of the utilities throughout
the U.S. and Canada that Raftelis
staff have assisted and the
services performed for these
utilities.
State Client
AL Birmingham. Water Works Board
AR Central Arkansas Water
AR City of Bentonville
AR Little Rock Wastewater Utility
AZ Phoenix, City, of
AZ
Pima County
Al Tucson Water y
CA Alameda County Water District
CA 'Anaheim, City of.
CA Central Contra Costa Sanitation District
CA East Bay Municipal,Utility District
NC
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NC Monroe, City of
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NH Concord, City of
NJ Brick Township Municipal Utilities
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NJ Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority
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NV Henderson, City of
NY Auburn; City of •
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NY New York City Water Board
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OH 'Clark County •
OH Columbus, City of
OH Delaware County`
OH Franklin County
OH •Geauga County "' ,
OH Greater Cincinnati Water Works
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RAFTELIS 7
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TX El Paso Water Utilities
TX North Texas Municipal Water District
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VA Suffolk, City of
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Florida Focus
RAFTELIS LEADS THE WAY IN THE PROVISION
OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND UTILITY
MANAGEMENT CONSULTING SERVICES IN
FLORIDA.
In addition to the experience of our proposed project team, Raftelis
regularly advises municipalities throughout the State of Florida from our
local office in Maitland, FL. A list of select clients is shown below and
on the map at the right.
City of Alachua
• City of Apopka
• City of Arcadia
• City of Auburndale
Babcock Ranch Community
Independent Special District
(BRCISD)
• Bay County
• City of Boca Raton
• Bonita Springs Utilities
• City of Cape Canaveral
• Charlotte County
• City of Clermont
• Collier County
• City of DeFuniak Springs
City of DeLand
• City of Davie
• Destin Water Users
City of Edgewater
• City of Eustis
• Florida Keys Aqueduct
Authority
Town of Fort Myers Beach
• City of Fort Walton Beach
• City of Groveland
• Hernando County
• Hillsborough County
• Indian River County
• Village of Islamorada
• Town of Jupiter
• Town of Key Biscayne
• Town of Lauderdale -by -the -
Sea
• City of Lake Alfred
• City of Largo
• City of Lake Wales
• Lee County
• Manatee County
• City of Marathon
• City of Margate
• Martin County
• City of Mascotte
• City of Melbourne
• City of Miami Beach
• City of Miramar
• Town of Oakland
• City of Oakland Park
• City of Ocala
• City of Oldsmar
• City of Orlando
• City of Oviedo
• Town of Palm Beach
RAFTELIS 8
• Palm Beach County
• Village of Palm Springs
• City of Panama City
• Pinellas County
• City of Plant City
• City of Pompano Beach
• City of Port St. Lucie
• St. Johns County
• City of Sanford
• Sarasota County
• South Walton Utility Co.,
Inc.
City of Stuart
• City of Sunrise
• Village of Tequesta
• Tohopekaliga Water
Authority
City of Tampa
• City of Tavares
• Volusia County
• Village of Wellington
City of West Palm Beach
City of Wilton Manors
City of Winter Haven
City of Zephyrhills
RAFTELIS 9
Rate Study Experience
The City is seeking a qualified and experienced consulting firm to conduct a Natural Gas Utility Rate Study for its
natural gas utility, CGS Energy. We believe Raftelis is the ideal consulting partner for the City for the following reasons:
The depth and breadth of our Raftelis' resources are unmatched.
Raftelis is the largest and most experienced consulting firm focused exclusively on the provision of management
consulting services to utilities and local governments. Each year, our dedicated team of financial consulting experts
conducts hundreds of rate studies for clients of all sizes throughout North America, including numerous studies in
Florida. This means Raftelis has the resources necessary to complete the City's study on time, on budget, and to the
most stringent of industry and regulatory standards.
In addition to our team of dedicated financial experts, Raftelis includes a wide range of technical experts in
complementary fields such as technology, data, strategic communications, asset management, and organizational
assessment. When conducting a study of this nature, we often encounter additional needs that are necessary for the
successful completion of the project but were not anticipated at the time the scope of work was developed.
As we have grown, we have added additional capabilities and can integrate these in-house experts seamlessly as needed
during the study. Direct examples include: our data analysts who are skilled at working directly with client customer
information systems (CIS) to obtain the necessary data for the study, and strategic communications experts who assist in
developing messaging and graphics to help our clients communicate study results in a non-technical manner.
The bottom line is, if a need critical to the study arises, Raftelis has the breadth of resources necessary to address it
in-house, as a seamless complement to the existing scope of work.
Our project team brings a wealth of experience with projects of similar size and complexity.
As noted in our resumes and references, our team has experience with utilities of all sizes throughout North
America. This includes experience with financial planning and revenue sufficiency studies, cost of service studies,
and rate structure studies, for municipal clients of all sizes. This team has been carefully crafted to meet the City's
needs for this study. All are experienced, in-house Raftelis employees.
Bart Kreps, our proposed project director, brings 25 years of experience with Raftelis conducting similar studies for
municipal energy, water, and wastewater utilities throughout the United States. Collin Drat, our proposed project
manager, brings over 13 years of experience advising municipal utility clients throughout North America. Both Mr.
Kreps and Mr. Drat worked on the City's prior two natural gas rate studies and bring significant institutional
knowledge regarding the City's financial and operational environment.
To support Mr. Drat and Mr. Kreps, we have energy utility industry experts Steven Courtney and Amanda Guci.
Mr. Courtney is Raftelis' Energy Financial Practice leader and has 30 years of experience in the energy and utilities
industry and will serve as a subject matter expert (SME) on the project. Ms. Guci has over a decade of experience
advising municipal energy clients and will serve as a QA/QC advisor on the project, ensuring our deliverables are
technically sound.
To address any Florida -specific regulatory issues that may arise, we have included Thierry Boveri, who has advised
Florida clients for 20+ years. While our proposed project team has experience in Florida and with the City specifically,
Mr. Boveri will be available as an additional resource to address any Florida -specific regulatory issues that may arise.
RAFTELIS 10
Our proposed project team brings unmatched institutional knowledge of the City's utilities.
As described above, our proposed team, led by Mr. Kreps and Mr. Drat, has substantial experience conducting rate
studies in general. More importantly, however, we have experience with the City and its natural gas utility specifically.
Our experience with the prior two studies means we will be ready to hit the ground running, with little to no time spent
getting up to speed on the City's operations and history, maximizing the amount of time spent on delivering value for the
City. Additionally, we are well prepared to complete the study efficiently, having direct experience with the City's
financial reporting, budgeting, and customer data, and rapport with City staff and stakeholders.
RAFTELIS 11
Project Team
WE HAVE DEVELOPED A TEAM OF CONSULTANTS WHO SPECIALIZE IN THE
SPECIFIC ELEMENTS THAT WILL BE CRITICAL TO THE SUCCESS OF THE
CITY'S PROJECT.
Our team includes senior -level professionals to provide experienced project leadership with support from talented
consultant staff. This close-knit group has frequently collaborated on similar successful projects, providing the City
with confidence in our capabilities.
Here, we have included an organizational chart showing the structure of our project team. On the following pages,
we have included resumes for each of our team members as well as a description of their role on the project.
City of Clearwater
PROJECT DIRECTOR
Bart Kreps
QUALITY ASSURANCE / QUALITY CONTROL
PROJECT MANAGER
Collin Drat
Amanda Guci
SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS
Steven Courtney, PE, CFA
Energy
STAFF CONSULTANTS
Tristen Townsend
Cameron Craig
Thierry Boveri, CGFM
Florida Regulatory
Bart Kreps
PROJECT DIRECTOR
Executive Vice President
ROLE
Bart will be responsible for overall project accountability and will be
available to provide quality assurance and control, industry perspective,
and insights into the project.
PROFILE
Bait has 25 years of experience assisting public utilities in addressing economic
and financial issues. He currently serves as co -lead for Raftelis' East Coast Finance
Practice. Key areas of focus include utility rate, cost -of -service, and financial
planning studies; capital financing plan development; bond forecast and feasibility
studies; economic impact assessments; and system development fees studies. Bait
has extensive experience in financial forecasting and modeling, including the
application of advanced techniques in risk management. Bait's background is
focused predominantly on public finance. He has assisted many utilities in
designing optimal capital financing plans and has developed financial feasibility
reports and forecasts related to more than $2 billion in revenue bond sales. Bait is
the current lead of the Virginia AWWA/WEA Financial Management
Subcommittee. He also authored a chapter entitled, "Evaluating Risk in Capital
Planning, Financing, and Rate Setting," for the Fourth Edition of the industry
guidebook, Water and Wastewater Finance and Pricing: The Changing Landscape.
KEY PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Clearwater Gas (FL): Natural Gas Rate Study
Bart served as project manager for several rate and cost of service studies for
the Clearwater Gas System (CGS). Raftelis developed a multi-year financial
plan, cost of service study, and rate design recommendations. A key aspect of
this study involved CGS' rate riders to ensure they remained appropriate with
respect to the costs incurred. Raftelis is currently engaged with CGS as part of
a multi-year agreement.
Cleveland Public Power (OH): Comprehensive Electric Financial Plan,
Cost of Service Study and Rate & Fee Analyses
Bart is serving as the project director for the Comprehensive Financial Plan,
Cost of Service Study and Rate & Fee Analyses. The team is currently
developing a financial planning model for the Electric utility. Raftelis will
complete a comprehensive cost of service study and implement rates for the
next 5 years to ensure that the utility meets debt service coverage and other key financial metrics. The team is also
working to establish ancillary fees as identified by the client to cover expected costs. And finally, we will assist with
a strategic communications plan to present the study results to the Mayor, City Council and other public
stakeholders.
RAFTELIS 12
Specialties
• Utility cost -of -service & rate
studies
• Bond forecasts & feasibility
studies
• Capital financing plan
development
• Development & impact fee
studies
• Economic feasibility studies
• Regionalization studies
• Alternative project delivery
studies
Professional History
• Raftelis: Executive Vice
President (2024 -present); Vice
President (2018-2023); Senior
Manager (2014-2017); Manager
(2010-2013); Senior Consultant
(2005-2009); Staff Consultant
(2002-2004)
• Wells Fargo Securities: Fixed
Income Analyst (1998-2000)
Education
• Master of Business
Administration in Finance &
Environmental Management -
The University of Tennessee
(2002)
• Bachelor of Business
Administration in Finance -
James Madison University (1998)
Certifications
• Series 54 Municipal Advisor
Principal
• Series 50 Municipal Advisor
Representative.
Professional Memberships
• North Carolina AWWA
• Tennessee/Kentucky AWWA
• Virginia AWWA
• Virginia AWWAM/EF Utility
Management Committee:
Financial Management
Subcommittee lead
RAFTELIS 13
City of Orangeburg (SC): Electric, Natural Gas, Water & Wastewater Financial Planning Study, Capital
Improvements Plan
Bart has managed several engagements with the City of Orangeburg Department of Public Utilities (ODPU).
Raftelis was engaged by ODPU in 2019 to perform a financial planning study for the electric, natural gas, water,
and sewer utilities. Facing a significant Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) over the next ten years for all four utilities,
ODPU engaged Raftelis to develop a system -wide cash flow model to model and compare various financing plans
to fund the four -system CIP. The financing plans relied on a blend of debt and equity financing mechanisms. Bart
managed development of the capital financing plans and presentation of alternatives.
City of Richmond (VA): Natural Gas Water, Wastewater, Electric Street Lighting, and Stormwater Rate
and Financial Planning and Cost of Service Studies
Bart managed the development of a comprehensive rate and financial planning model (Model) for the City of
Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU). The Model incorporates all utility systems: water, wastewater,
natural gas, street lighting, and stormwater. DPU currently uses the Model to set rates, determine optimal capital
financing scenarios, and report on utility system financial conditions. The financial planning output includes a
projection of units of service (customer accounts and usage), operating expenses and capital expenditures, as well as
a projection of net revenues available for debt service and debt service coverage. The Model provides the flexibility
to evaluate the impacts of various capital funding sources including revenue bonds, general obligation bonds,
Virginia Resource Authority (VRA) loans, and grants.
Bait has managed multiple rate and cost of service analyses for the DPU's natural gas, electric street lighting, water,
wastewater, and stormwater utilities. The results of the study included numerous recommended rate structure
changes to better align DPU's rates and charge with its pricing objectives. A comprehensive affordability analysis
was also conducted resulting in the recommendation and implementation of several customer assistance programs.
Bart currently provides the DPU with various rate, financial, and management services on an ongoing basis.
City of Fort Morgan (CO): Natural Gas Study
Bart served as project director for Raftelis' engagement with the City of Fort Morgan (City). This engagement involves
the development of long-term financial plan for the City's gas department which will identify the revenue needed to fund
the City's ongoing operating costs and repair and replacement costs, while maintaining appropriate reserve levels. The
study will evaluate the sufficiency of the City's gas delivery charge to fund the City's cost of distributing gas to customers.
Raftelis is also evaluating the City's gas supply charge, which recovers the City's cost of gas.
City of Clarksville (TN): Natural Gas Study
Bait served as project manager for an engagement with the City of Clarksville, TN to conduct a natural gas utility
rate and cost of service study. The primary study elements included development of a financial forecast including a
projection of revenues and expenses, development of a capital financing plan, cost of service analysis, and rate
design. Financial planning and rate structure recommendations were adopted by City Council.
Town of Bedford (VA): Electric Rate Study
Raftelis is collaborating with the Town of Bedford, VA, to develop a comprehensive financial plan for their electric
utility. This project focuses on ensuring user charge rates adequately recover growing power supply costs. Bart is
serving as project director and has overseen the development of a financial model as well as rate design
recommendations to equitably allocate future power supply costs.
RAFTELIS 14
City of Cookeville (TN): Water, Wastewater, and Natural Gas Rate Study, Capacity Fee, and Wholesale
Rate Study
Bart served as project manager on a water, wastewater, and natural rate and financial planning study for the City of
Cookeville. The study was designed to address a number of financial and pricing objectives including, in particular,
recommendations for cost justified rates that fully support system operations and maintenance, asset repair and
replacement, debt service, and debt service coverage requirements. Additional recommendations were also provided
related to water and wastewater capacity charges that support growth related projects to ensure that new customers
are making an equitable contribution toward the capital investment in the capacity to accommodate growth. Bart
also provides ongoing support associated with the City's purchased gas cost recovery model.
City of Philadelphia (PA): Debt Issuance Support
Bait has assisted the City of Philadelphia's (City) water and wastewater utilities (Philadelphia Water) with debt issuance
support services. These services included the preparation of a financial feasibility report for the City's Series 2016
Revenue Bonds and Bring Down Letters for the City's Series 2017A and Series 2017B Revenue Bonds. Raftelis is
currently assisting Philadelphia Water with implementation of its tiered income customer assistance program.
PROJECT LIST
• City of Alcoa (TN) — Wholesale water rate analysis
• City of Akron (OH) — Retail and wholesale water rate analysis; affordability analysis
• Arlington County (VA) — Water and wastewater rate and cost of service study
• Berkeley County (SC) — Development impact fee study, industrial water and sewer rate study, and industrial rate
update
• Bowling Green (KY) — Water and wastewater rate study
• City of Buffalo (NY) — Water cost -of -service study
• Borough of Carlisle (PA) — Water and wastewater rate study
• Bucks County (PA) — Wholesale rate analysis
• Chester Wastewater Recover (SC) — Wastewater rate and financial planning
• Chester Metropolitan District (SC) Water rate and financial planning
• City of Colonial Heights (VA) — Water and wastewater rate study
• City of Concord (NC) — Wholesale wheeling charge study
• City of Clarksville (TN) — water, wastewater and natural gas rate study
• City of Cookeville (TN) — Water and wastewater rate study, capacity fee, and wholesale rate study
• Clark County (OH) — Water and wastewater rate study
• D.C. Water (DC) — Water and wastewater cost -of -service study
• District of Sooke (British Columbia) - Contract operations review
• City of Dover (NH) — Stormwater feasibility analysis
• Durham County (NC) — Bond feasibility study and rate model update
• City of Durham (NC) — Water conservation rate study
• Erie County (NY) — Wastewater utility consolidation study
• City of Florence (SC) — Capital planning analysis
• Franklin County (OH) — Rate, financial planning and organizational management
•. City of Gainesville (GA) — Water and wastewater cost of service analysis
• Gloucester County (VA) — Water and wastewater organizational assessment
• Greenville Water (SC) — Rate and financial planning
• Hallsdale-Powell Utility District (TN) — Water and wastewater rate study
• Hardin County Water District #1 (KY) — Water and wastewater rate study and PSC filing
• Hendersonville Utility District (TN) — Water and wastewater rate study
RAFTELIS 15
• City of Greensboro (NC) — Water and wastewater financial planning and regionalization study
• City of Herndon (VA) — Water and wastewater rate and capacity fee study
• City of Hopewell (VA) — Wholesale cost -of -service study
• City of Johnson City (TN) — Water and wastewater rate study (retail and wholesale) and rate model updates
• City of Kingsport (TN) — Water and wastewater rate study
• City of Kingston (TN) — Water and wastewater rate study
• City of Kinston (NC) — Water and wastewater rate study
• City of Lakewood (OH) — Water and wastewater rate study
• Laurens County (SC) — Water and wastewater rate study
• City of Manassas (VA) — Water and wastewater valuation
• City of Maryville (TN) — Wholesale water rate analysis
• City of Myrtle Beach (SC) — Water and wastewater rate study
• City of Newport News (VA) — Bond feasibility study
• Northeast Ohio Sewer District (OH) — Wastewater rate analysis and stormwater rate study
• City of Oxford (NC) — Rate study and model update
• City of Peoria (AZ) — Water and wastewater rate and impact fee study
• City of Philadelphia — Debt issuance support
• City of Phoenix (AZ) — Organizational management study
• City of Sevierville (TN) — Water and wastewater rate study
• Paulding County (GA) — Capital financing plan development and rate study
• Pima County (AZ) — Wastewater planning and rate study and cip analysis
• City of Richmond (VA) — Water, wastewater, gas, electric, and stormwater rate and financial planning model
• Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority (VA) — Wholesale rate review
• City of Rock Hill (SC) — Development fee study and wholesale rate study
• San Diego County Water Authority (CA) — Wholesale wheeling charge study
• Sewanee Utility District (TN) — Water and wastewater rate study and developer charge study
• City of Smyrna (GA) — Water, wastewater, and stormwater rate study
• Saint Lucia Water and Sewerage Company — Water and sewer rate filing
• Stanly County (NC) — Water and wastewater rate study
• Town of Fort Lawn (NC) — Wastewater rate review
• Town of Nags Head (NC) — Water capacity fee study
• Town of Sahuarita (AZ) — Wastewater rate study
• United States Navy — Privatization procurement
• Washington County Service Authority (VA) — Rate and financial planning study
• Watauga River Regional Water Authority (TN) — Regionalization study
• Water and Sewer Authority of Cabarrus County (NC) — Water consolidation study
• Webb Creek Utility District (TN) — Water and wastewater rate study
• West Wilson Utility District (TN) — Water and wastewater rate study
• Western Intake Partnership (NC) — Regional Economic and Governance Study
• White House Utility District (TN) — Water and wastewater rate study (retail and wholesale)
• City of Wilmington (DE) — Litigation support
PUBLICATIONS
• "Municipal Advisor Registration: What You Need to Know," AWWA Journal, 2013
• "The Cost of Borrowing: Understanding Credit Ratings," AWWA Journal, 2015
• "Evaluating Risk in Capital Planning, Financing, and Rate Setting," Water and Wastewater Finance and
Pricing: The Changing Landscape, Fourth Edition
RAFTELIS 16
PRESENTATIONS
• "Water and Wastewater Rate Survey Results and Industry Trends," Tennessee/Kentucky AWWA Annual
Conference, 2006
• "Water and Wastewater Rate Survey Results and Industry Trends," Virginia AWWA Annual Conference, 2006
• "Financing and Prioritizing Your Utility's Capital Needs," Tennessee/Kentucky AWWA Annual Conference, 2008
• "Are Your Rates Affordability?" WEF Webcast - Managing Rates and Charges in Challenging Economic Times,
2009
"Pima County Regional Optimization Financial Plan," WESTCAS Fall Conference, 2009
"Securing Financing in Challenging Economic Times - Case study: Town of Oak Island, NC," North Carolina
AWWA Annual Conference, 2009
"Quantify Risk in Project Procurement," Utility Management Conference, 2010
• "Creative Financial Strategies for Virginia Utilities," AWWA/WEF Webcast, 2011
"Rates 101: Basic Fundamentals of Financial Planning and Rate Setting," Virginia Rural Water Association
Annual Conference, 2012
• "Strategies for Financing a $3.0 Billion Long -Term CSO Control Plan," Utility Management Conference, 2012
• "Fixed vs. Variable Charges: Finding a Balance," VA AWWA I WEA Webcast, 2013
• "Fixed vs. Variable Charges: Finding a Balance," VA AWWA I WEF Webcast, 2013
• "Addressing Affordability Challenges with Data Driven Management," Water Finance Conference, 2015
• "Customer Data Mining for Gold: Affordability and Integrated Planning," Utility Management Conference, 2016
• "The City of Richmond: Integration, Innovation, and Affordability," NACWA Winter Conference, 2017
• "Infrastructure: So Much to Do and Not Enough Money to Do It With," TN/KY Utility Management
Conference, 2017
• "A New Water Rate Structure for DC Water Prioritizing Infrastructure and Affordability," Water Finance
Conference, 2018
• "Principles of Rate Setting and Industry Trends," TN/KY Utility Management Conference, 2019
• "Water and Wastewater Rates 101," Georgia GFOA Fall Conference, 2020
• "Affordability Challenges: Assessing Magnitude and Implementing Solutions," Virginia Water JAM, 2021
• "Rate Setting, Strategic Planning, and Stakeholder Engagement in Southwestern, VA," Virginia Water JAM, 2022
• "Water Sector Capital Financing Alternatives" Utility Management Committee Webinar, 2023
Collin Drat
PROJECT MANAGER
Vice President
ROLE
Collin will manage the day-to-day aspects of the project ensuring it is
within budget, on schedule, and effectively meets the City's
objectives. He will also lead the consulting staff in conducting analyses
and preparing deliverables for the project. Collin will serve as the City's
main point of contact for the project.
PROFILE.
Collin has over 13 years of experience advising municipally owned water,
wastewater, stormwater, electric and natural gas utilities throughout North
America. Collin has conducted 80+ studies for dozens of utility clients in 20
states. This experience includes not only establishing cost justified utility
rates but also critiquing and defending them in court and before state public
service commissions.
KEY PROJECT EXPERIENCE
CGS Energy (FL): Natural Gas Rate Studies
Collin served as project manager for two studies with CGS Energy. CGS
Energy engaged Raftelis to conduct a comprehensive financial planning,
cost -of -service, and rate design study. The primary outcomes of this study
were rate recommendations to sustainably fund CGS operations,
reasonably align cost recovery (i.e., what CGS charges customers) with cost
incurrence (i.e., how those customers use the CGS system) and improve
alignment with industry best practices for natural gas ratemaking. Raftelis
completed the initial study in 2020 and updated it in 2023. Separately
Raftelis conducted a valuation of the City's propane business, which the
City successfully sold in 2024.
RAFTELIS 17
Specialties
• Utility strategic financial planning
• Cost -of -service analysis
• Water, wastewater, & stormwater
rate design
• Conservation rate design
• Statistical analysis
Professional History
• Raftelis: Vice President (2025 -
present); Senior Manager (2023-
2024); Manager (2019-2022);
Senior Consultant (2016-2018);
Consultant (2014-2015);
Associate Consultant (2012-
2013)
Education
• Master of Public Affairs (Public
Finance) - Indiana University
(2012)
• Bachelor of Arts in International
Relations - Wheaton College
(2010).
Professional Memberships
• AWWA
• Water Environment. Federation
(WEF): Utility Management
Committee
• Finance and Administration
Subcommittee for WEF
• AWWA/WEF Young
Professionals Annual Summit:
Chair (2020); Co-chair (2019)
• APPA
• APGA
Pensacola Energy (FL): Natural Gas Rate Study and Bond Feasibility Study
Collin serves as project manager for Raftelis' engagement with Pensacola Energy. The engagement involves a 5 -year
financial planning forecast to support an upcoming bond issue for Pensacola Energy. Raftelis developed a financial
planning model which projects weather normalized gas revenues, operating expenses and capital improvement financing.
Based on these projections, Raftelis will make rate adjustment recommendations for consideration by the City Council.
In parallel, Raftelis is also developing a bond feasibility report to support an anticipated bond issuance. The Raftelis team
will meet with City and Pensacola Energy staff and the bond financing team to support the bond issuance.
City for Fort Morgan (CO): Natural Gas Rate Studies
Collin serves as the project manager for Raftelis ongoing engagement with the City of Fort Morgan (City). The City
engaged Raftelis to conduct a natural gas rate study in 2023. This study involved a multi-year cash flow projection
of revenues and expenses for the natural gas fund as well as recommended revenue adjustments to fund expenses
and maintain appropriate reserve levels. Raftelis updated the study in 2024 and 2025 and currently monitors the
City's gas purchases, customer usage and purchased gas adjustment (PGA) on a monthly basis.
RAFTELIS 18
City of Cookeville (TN): Water, Sewer, Natural Gas Rate Studies
Collin served as the lead consultant for Raftelis' engagement with the City of Cookeville (City). This engagement
involves the City's water, sewer, natural gas and electric utilities. Collin is updating the City's existing water and
sewer financial plans, cost -of -service allocations and rate designs for a five-year forecast period. In addition, Collin
is assisted in the development of rate structure alternative for the City's natural gas utility. This involved a
normalized forecast of customer throughput, via the use of weather and customer data and statistical techniques.
City of Clarksville (TN): Natural Gas Rate Study
Collin served as the lead consultant for Raftelis' engagement with the City of Clarksville (City). The engagement
involved the development of a comprehensive financial plan, cost -of -service study and rate design for the City's
natural gas utility. A key driver of the study was the anticipated construction of the Texas Gas Pipeline
interconnect. Collin plan evaluated gas revenues at existing rates and determined the adjustments required to ensure
the City would continue to meet its debt covenants following the issuance of the debt for the project. Another
critical aspect of the project involved forecasting demand for the City's various customer classes. Collin evaluated
recent years of historical natural gas demand as well as historical heating degree days to develop a normalized usage
forecast to inform the financial plan and cost -of -service study.
City of Boulder City (NV): Electric, Water, Wastewater, Solid Waste Rate Study
Collin served as lead consultant for Raftelis' initial engagement with the City of Boulder City (City). The
engagement involved a comprehensive financial planning, cost of service and rate study for the City's electric,
water, wastewater, and solid waste utilities. A key aspect of the financial plans involves incorporating alternative
sources of capital improvement funding available to the City such as land sales and solar lease revenues. The City
has not performed a cost -of -service analysis in many years. Accordingly, a key component of this study involved
explaining potential variances between existing customer revenues and cost of service and developing a plan to
address these over time. Following the initial engagement, Raftelis was reengaged by the City to update the study,
focusing on revenue sufficiency and rate structuring to encourage conservation and account for the City's rising
electric costs. Collin served as project manager for the update, working closely with City staff and the Utilities
Advisory Committee to develop recommendations which were ultimately approved by the City Council.
PROJECT LIST
• Capital Regional Parkland Water Services Commission (AB) — Water Rate Study
• City of Calgary (AB) — Water and Wastewater Rate Study
• Regional Water Customers Group (AB) — Cost of Service Reviews (multiple), Demand Forecasting
• Strathcona County Utilities (AB) — Wastewater Rate Study
• Sturgeon County (AB) — Water and Wastewater Study
• Town of Stony Plain (AB) - Stormwater Financial Plan
• Central Arkansas Water (AR) — Water and Wastewater Rate Study
• City of Bentonville (AR) — Water Rate Study, Wastewater Rate Study
• Marana Water (AZ) — Water and Water Reclamation Rate Study, Impact Fee Study, Litigation Support
• City of San Diego (CA) — Water Rate Study
• City of Fort Morgan (CO) — Natural Gas Rate Study
• Clearwater Gas System (FL) — Natural Gas Rate Study (multiple)
• City of Bloomington (IL) — Wastewater and Stormwater Rate Study
• City of Decatur (IL) — Water Rate Study
• Northwest Water Commission (IL) — Valuation Study (multiple), Rate Analysis
• Silverleaf Resorts, Inc (IL, MO, TX) — Rate Case Support
• Village of Northfield (IL) - Water and Wastewater Rate Study
RAFTELIS 19
• City of Atchison (KS) - Water and Wastewater Rate Study
• City of Junction City (KS) - Water and Wastewater Rate Study (multiple)
• City of Lawrence (KS) - Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Rate Study (multiple), Utility Financial Policies
• City of Maize (KS) - Water and Sewer Rate Study
• City of Topeka (KS) - Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Rate Study
• Hardin County Water District No. 1 (KY) - Rate Case Support
• City of Baltimore (MD) - Stormwater Impervious Area Delineation
• Bloomfield Township (MI) - Water and Wastewater Rate Study (multiple)
• City of Alpena (MI) - Litigation Support
• City of Flint (MI) - Water and Wastewater Rate Study (multiple)
• City of Marquette (MI) - Water and Wastewater Rate Study (multiple)
• City of Marquette and Marquette Township (MI) - Joint Water Rate Study (multiple)
• City of Rochester (MI) - Water and Wastewater Rate Study (multiple)
• City of Saginaw (MI) - Water Rate Study (multiple)
• City of Sterling Heights (MI) - Water and Wastewater Rate Study
• Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (MI) - Water and Wastewater Rate Study, Fire Protection Study
• Marquette Charter Township (MI) - Fire Protection Study, Water Supply Valuation Study
• Port Huron Township (MI) - Wheeling Rate Study
• State of Michigan Department of Treasury (MI) - Various financial analysis regarding City of Flint
• City of Boulder City (NV) - Electric, Water, Wastewater, Solid Waste Rate Study (multiple)
• City of Aztec (NM) - Electric, Water and Wastewater Rate Study
• Masonic Villages at Sewickley (PA) - Litigation Support
• Gran Melia (PR) - Rate Case Support
• Providence Water (RI) - Rate Case Support
• City of Clarksville (TN) - Natural Gas Rate Study
• City of Cookeville (TN) - Water and Wastewater Rate Study, Natural Gas Rate Study, PGA Model
• City of Round Rock (TX) - Water and Wastewater Rate Study (multiple), Rate Case Support
• City of Alexandria (VA) - Rate Case Support (multiple)
• City of Suffolk (VA) - Water and Wastewater Rate Study (multiple), Availability (Impact) Fees
• Franklin Water Utility (WI) - Water Supplier Analysis
• Waukesha Water Utility (WI) - Water Supplier Analysis
PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS
• 5th Ed. WEF Manual of Practice #27: Financing and Charges for Wastewater Systems (Contributing Author)
• 'Making Cents of Affordability: How to Assess and Address Challenges in Your Community,"
MOAWWA/MWEA Joint Annual Meeting, KWEA/KSAWWA Joint Conference (2022)
• "Smaller Utilities, Bigger Challenges: Small Utilities' Gain the Most from Financial Planning and Stakeholder
Outreach," NACWA Clean Water Advocate (Winter 2020)
• "Financial Breakdown in the Vehicle City: Finding a Way Forward for Flint Finances in the Wake of the Water
Crisis," AWWA/WEF Utility Management Conference (2017)
• "Ratemaking 101: Best Practices for the Financially Sustainable Utility," KWEA and KSAWWA Joint Annual
Conference (2016)
• "Which Came First? An Integrative and Iterative Approach to Funding Infrastructure in Junction City," KWEA
and KSAWWA Joint Annual Conference (2015)
Amanda Guci
QUALITY ASSURANCE / QUALITY CONTROL
Senior Manager
ROLE
Amanda will provide an independent quality assurance/quality control
review of key deliverables to ensure accuracy and completeness.
PROFILE
Amanda is a manager with extensive utility regulatory experience focusing
in the areas of cost of service and rate design, financial modeling, and
financial plans. She provides rate and regulatory consulting for municipal
and investor-owned electric, gas, water and wastewater utilities.She is an
expert modeler in the development of long-range financial plan models
customized to client's needs. Her expertise also includes studies such as
cost -of -service, financial and operational feasibility, asset management and
affordability analyses.
KEY PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Cleveland Public Power (OH): Comprehensive Electric Financial
Plan, Cost of Service Study and Rate & Fee Analyses
Amanda is serving as the project manager for the Comprehensive Financial
Plan, Cost of Service Study, and Rate & Fee Analyses. The team has
developed a financial planning model for the Electric Utility, and Raftelis is
conducting a comprehensive cost of service study to support the
implementation of rates over the next five years. These efforts aim to ensure
the utility meets its debt service coverage requirements and other key
financial performance metrics. Additionally, the team is working to
establish ancillary fees, as identified by the client, to recover anticipated
costs. Finally, Raftelis will assist in developing a strategic communications
plan to present the study results to the Mayor, City Council, and other public stakeholders.
RAFTELIS 20
Specialties
• Financial Analysis and Modeling
• Cost of Service
• Rate Design
• Affordability Analysis
• Capital Overhead. Studies
• Capital Prioritization/ Asset
Management
• Economic Feasibility Evaluation
• Financial Forecasting
• Bond feasibility studies
Professional History
• Raftelis: Manager (2022 -present)
• Black & Veatch: Manager (2020-
2021)
• Black & Veatch: Consultant
(2013-2020)
Education
• Master's in Business
Administration -.University of
Central Florida (2012)
• Bachelor of Science in Business
Administration, Finance —
University of Florida (2010)
Certifications
• Municipal Advisor Representative
(Series 50)
Professional Memberships
• AVVVVA
• APPA
Greer Commission of Public Works (SC): Financial Planning and Rate Study
Raftelis assisted the Greer Commission of Public Works (CPW) to perform a four utility (electric, gas, water, and
wastewater) financial planning and rate study to understand the cost recovery equity of the CPWs current utility
rates. The development of financial plans for each utility will be combined to create and evaluate an overall
systemwide cashflow analysis. Amanda served as the electric and natural gas subject matter expert and oversaw the
financial analysis performed by consulting staff and providing guidance on industry's best practices.
Greenville Utilities Commission (NC): Water and Wastewater Cost of Service, System Development
Fees and Rate and Financial Planning Model Reset; Gas System Rate Study; Electric Cost of Service
and Rate Design
Since 2006, Greenville Utilities Commission (GUC) has retained Raftelis to provide ongoing financial support,
including updates to its water and wastewater rate and financial planning models, development of system capacity
fees, and determination of high-strength surcharges for commercial and industrial customers. Raftelis continues to
support GUC with regular financial and rate updates. The water and wastewater financial planning model—actively
used by GUC staff—was rebuilt in 2012, 2017, and again in 2022.
RAFTELIS 21
Amanda served as the assistant project manager for the 2022 study, leading the redevelopment of the revenue model, as
well as the cost of service and rate design models. In addition, Raftelis developed a miscellaneous fees model to evaluate
the adequacy of other charges. In 2024, Raftelis was engaged to conduct a comprehensive rate study for the gas utility,
followed in 2025 by a Bond Feasibility Study. Amanda served as the project manager for both projects.
New Braunfels Utility (TX): Electric, Water, and Wastewater Financial Plan and Rate Design
As the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for a comprehensive financial plan and rate design study for New Braunfels Utilities
(NBU), Texas (covering electric, water, and wastewater services), Amanda provided strategic oversight and guidance on
industry best practices for the electric operations. She collaborated closely with the consultants on the project to develop
financial planning models, analyze historical data, project expenses, and anticipate capital investments, ensuring the
long-term financial stability of each utility. An important component involved providing rate structure alternatives in
alignment with feedback from a Citizen Advisory Panel, ensuring the final design reflected shared community needs and
values through transparent stakeholder engagement and consensus -driven solutions.
City of Georgetown (SC): Utility Rates Study — Water, Sewer, and Electric
Amanda served as the Electric lead for the Utility Rates Study covering the Water, Sewer, and Electric systems. The
team evaluated utility fund revenues and expenditures and assessed the existing rate structures for each service. Raftelis
developed a strategic plan to support the long-term self-sufficiency of each enterprise fund and provided
recommendations for updates to existing rate ordinances based on the study's findings. In 2024, Raftelis was re-engaged
to complete a comprehensive rate study, which included a cost -of -service analysis, rate design evaluation, and a rebuild
of the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) model. Amanda served as the project manager for this engagement.
Town of Bedford (VA): Electric Rate Study
Raftelis collaborated with the Town of Bedford, VA, to develop a comprehensive financial plan for their electric
utility. This project focused on ensuring user charge rates adequately recover growing power supply costs. As the
Project Manager, Amanda led the team in developing financial models, analyzing customer classes, and conducting
thorough rate design analyses to establish equitable user charge rates.
City of Orangeburg (SC): Electric and Gas Comprehensive Cost of Service Study
Amanda served as the Electric and Gas lead for the Comprehensive Cost of Service Study, which encompassed the
Electric, Natural Gas, Water, Wastewater, and Fiber Optic systems, along with an evaluation of shared services and
associated costs. The team updated the financial planning models for all utility systems and is currently assessing
cost of service. This study will determine the specific costs to serve each utility provided by the Department of
Public Utilities (DPU) and will inform future rate development and financial modeling.
In 2024, Raftelis was also engaged to complete the Electric Load Forecast. This forecast was developed to meet the
requirements of DPU's Power Supply Agreement and to comply with Dominion Transmission's OATT Rules,
Standards, and Practices, including the provision of a 10 -year summer and winter peak demand forecast.
City of Laurinburg (NC): Water and Sewer Comprehensive Rate Study
Amanda served as the project manager for the Water and Sewer Comprehensive Rate Study. The team developed a
financial planning, cost of service and rate design model that assisted the City in evaluating its rate structure and
meet the City's pricing objectives and financial goals. The model also included the option to examine various
scenarios for capital financing, water consumption, customer growth, and rate design structures.
RAFTELIS 22
Town of Mocksville (NC): Water and Sewer Rate Study Update
Amanda served as the project manager for the Water and Sewer Rate Study Update. The team updated the existing
rate and financial planning model that Raftelis had developed for the Town as part of a Regionalization Study, in
FY 2020. The team updated the rate model that was used to develop revenue requirements, perform operational and
capital financial planning, review customer information, and calculate revenue and rates.
City of Camden (SC): Work Utility Rates Study — Water, Sewer, and Electric
Amanda served as the Electric lead for the Work Utility Rates Study — Water, Sewer, and Electric. The team is
currently developing a financial planning model for the Electric utility and evaluating the sufficiency of the revenues
to meet the utilities revenue requirements. Raftelis designed equitable rates and provided recommendations for the
City to ultimately reach self-sufficiency for each system during the forecast period.
City of Aspen (CO): Cost of Service Utility Rate Analysis and Business Plan
Amanda served as the Electric lead for the Cost of Service Utility Rate Analysis and Business Plan. The team
evaluated the long-range financial plan and developed a revenue recovery and cost of service model. In addition, the
team assisted the City with critical tasks such as the evaluation of energy and demand pattern of Electric Vehicles
(EV) charging stations, impacts of increased demand for beneficial electrification, and the evaluation of costs
associated with PV solar customers.
DC Water (Washington, DC): Cost -of -Service Study
DC Water, which serves the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area, must set rates that are sufficient to fund
large capital projects, including EPA -mandated Consent Decree requirements for their Long -Term Combined Sewer
Overflow Control Plan. To determine the most affordable rates for their diverse service area, DC Water has
collaborated with Raftelis on several cost -of -service studies. In her role as QA/QC lead, Amanda ensured that the
work products meet industry standards. She worked closely with the consultants on the project to maintain the
quality of deliverables related to financial planning, cost of service, rate design, and the preparation of reports and
presentations for communicating results to stakeholders.
Onslow Water & Sewer Authority (NC): Water and Wastewater Financial Planning and Rate Study Update
Amanda served as lead for a Water and Wastewater Financial Planning and Rate Study Update. In FY 2019,
Raftelis developed a model for Onslow Water & Sewer Authority (ONWASA). ONWASA has requested assistance
in using the previously built model to conduct additional scenario analysis. Raftelis updated the financial planning
module which was used to evaluate various capital improvement plan (CIP) scenarios and the impact on
water/sewer rates and customers.
City of Manteca (CA): Water Rate Study
Amanda served as the assistant project manager for the Water Rate Study. The team conducted a comprehensive
rate study that includes the financial plan development, cost of service and rate design. As part of this study, Raftelis
also assisted the City in drafting a Proposition 218 notice to City customers and supported as needed with the public
information.
Southwest Licking Community Water & Sewer District (OH): Comprehensive Financial Plan Study
Raftelis was engaged by the Southwest Licking Community Water & Sewer District (District) to develop a
comprehensive Financial Plan and evaluate system development fees. The District is a fast-growing service provider
and has substantial capital improvement needs on the horizon. Amanda was the assistant project manager for
Raftelis' team that enhanced a long-term financial planning and rate model that can be used by the District as future
capital projects are evaluated.
RAFTELIS 23
City of Lexington (NC): Water and Sewer Rates and Fees Study
Amanda served as the assistant project manager for the Water and Sewer Rates and Fees Study. The team
completed a comprehensive water and sewer rate study while taking into account consideration identified by the
city of Lexington. As part of the study the team built a new model for both the Rate Study and the System
Development Fees. The financial planning and rate design model enabled the city to periodically revise and update
the studies and projections of revenue and revenue requirements, financial plans, cost of service analyses, and
design of adequate rates on a routine basis.
PROJECT LIST
• City of Laurinburg (NC) - Water and Sewer Comprehensive Rate Study (2023)
• Town of Mocksville (NC) - Water and Sewer Rate Study Update (2023)
• City of Camden (SC) - Work Utility Rates Study - Water, Sewer, and Electric (2023)
• City of Aspen (CO) - Cost of Service Utility Rate Analysis and Business Plan (2022-2023)
• Onslow Water & Sewer Authority NWASA (NC) - Water and Wastewater Financial Planning and Rate Study
Update (2023)
• Greenville Utilities Commission (NC) - Water and Wastewater Cost of Service, System Development Fees and
Rate and Financial Planning Model Reset (2022-2023)
• City of Manteca (CA) - Water Rate Study (2022-2023)
• Southwest Licking Community Water & Sewer District (OH) - Comprehensive Financial Plan Study (2022)
• City of Lexington (NC) - Water and Sewer Rates and Fees Study (2022)
• City of Georgetown (SC) - Utility Rates Study - Water, Sewer, and Electric (2022)
• Confidential Client (OH) - Capitalization of Administrative and General (A&G) Costs: Time Study (2021)
• Confidential Client (MN) - Gas Cost of Service, Rate Design Study Rate and Rate Case Support (2021)
• Confidential Client (OH) - Gas Cost of Service, Rate Design Study Rate and Rate Case Support (2021)
• Columbia Gas of Kentucky (KY), Zero Intercept Analysis (2021)
• Confidential Client (New Brunswick, Canada Rate Study and Regulatory Support (2021)
• Sikeston Board of Municipal Utilities (MO), Five -Year Report on the Electric System (2016 and 2021)
• Confidential Client (LA) - Annual Compensation Per Pilot Study; Confidential (2021)
• DC Water (DC) - Financial Plan Model Development Consulting Services (2019-2020)
• Greenville Utilities Commission (NC) - Gas System Rate Study (2019-2020)
• Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (LA) - Water, Wastewater and Drainage Rate Study (2019-2020)
• Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (LA) - Annual Report on Operations (2016-2020)
• Next Era -Gulf Power Company/ Florida Power and Light (FL) - Rate and Tariff Provisions (2019-2020)
• Greenville Utility Commission (NC) - Bond Feasibility Study (2016-2019)
• Greenville Utilities Commission (NC) - Electric Cost of Service and Rate Design (2015-2019)
• Confidential Client (USA) - Wastewater System Acquisition Feasibility Evaluation (2019)
• City of Topeka (KS) - Water, Wastewater and Stormwater Rate Study (2.018-2019)
• City of Springfield (OH) - Rate Model Assistance (2018-2019)
• JEA (FL) - Depreciation Study (2019)
• City of Springfield (MO) - Sewer Cost of Service and Rate Design Studies (2018-2019)
• Habersham Electric Membership Corporation (GA) - Electric Cost of Service and Rate Study (2018-2019)
• The City of Blue Springs (MO) - Water and Wastewater Utility Rate Study (2019)
• Citizens Energy Group (IN) - Wastewater Cost of Service Study (2015-2019)
• St. Joseph (MO) - Sewer Rate Study Analysis (2014-2019)
• Town of Clayton (NC) - Electric Cost of Service and Rate Study (2017-2018)
• Confidential Client (USA) - Capital Overhead Study (2017-2018)
• City of Grand Island (NB) - Wastewater Rate Study (2013-2018)
RAFTELIS 24
• Cascade Natural Gas Company (WA) — Cost of Service and Rate Design (2017)
• JEA (FL) — Cost of Service and Revenue Model Review (2016-2017)
• Johnson County Wastewater (KS) — Capital Prioritization Study (2016)
• City of Columbia (SC) — Water and Wastewater Rate Study (2016)
• Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (WI) — Facility Plan Study (2015-2016)
• Greater Cincinnati Water Works (OH) — Cost of Service Rate Study (2015-2016)
• Board of Public Utilities (MO) — Electric Utility Revenue Requirements, Cost of Service and Rates (2015-2016)
• Tulsa Metropolitan Utility Authority (OK) — Capital Prioritization Study (2014-2016)
• Confidential Client (USA) — Capital Overhead Study (2015)
• City of Baton Rouge (LA) — Wastewater Utility Rate Study (2015)
• Miami -Dade County Water and Sewer Department (FL) — Retail and Wholesale Cost of Service Rate Study
(2013-2015)
• Miami -Dade County Water and Sewer Department (FL) — High Strength Sewage Surcharge Rate Study (2014)
• City of High Point (NC) — Water and Wastewater Utility Bond Feasibility Analysis and Cost of Service Rate
Design (2014)
• Sanitation District No.1 of Northern Kentucky (KY) — Financial Assessment and Affordability Analysis (2014)
• Miami -Dade County Water and Sewer Department (FL) — Decommissioning the Hialeah Water Treatment
Plant (WTP) Feasibility Evaluation (2014)
• Broken Arrow Municipal Authority (OK) — Cost of Service Rate Study (2014)
• Central Nebraska Public Power Irrigation District (NB) — Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Cost of
Service and Rate Filing (2014)
• Tampa Bay Water (FL) — Financial Model Development (2013-2014)
• Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources (GA) — Pump Station Capital Prioritization (2013-2014)
• Harford County (MD) — Comprehensive Utility Revenue Rate Study (2013-2014)
• Pine Bluff Wastewater Utility (AR) — Wastewater Rate Study (2013-2014)
• City of Norfolk (VA) — Water Utility Bond Feasibility, Financial Planning, and Wholesale Customer Cost -of -
Service Study and True -up, Bond Refunding Analysis (2013)
• ArcLight Capital Partners, LLC (Global) — Independent Review, Advisory, and Market Analysis (2013)
• Miami -Dade County Water and Sewer Department (FL) — Retail and Wholesale Cost of Service Rate Study (2013)
• Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PR) — Hydroelectric System Economic Feasibility Evaluation (2013)
• The City of Springfield (MO) — Combined Sewer Overflow Financial Assessment and Affordability Analysis (2013)
Steven Courtney PE, CFA
SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT - ENERGY
Energy Finance Practice Leader & Vice President
ROLE
Steven will provide input and guidance as a Subject Matter Expert for
the energy components of the project.
PROFILE
Steven Courtney is the Energy Financial Practice Leader for Raftelis. Steven
has worked in the energy and utilities industry as a consultant and in corporate
leadership roles for more than 30 years. His primary areas of expertise include
financial analysis, strategic and business planning, wholesale energy markets,
natural gas distribution operations, electric vehicles and infrastructure, and
power generation technologies and applications.
He is a registered Professional Engineer and holds the Chartered Financial
Analyst (CFA) designation.
KEY PROJECT EXPERIENCE
NiSource, Inc. (OH): Comprehensive Benchmarking for Major
Midwest Gas and Electric IOU
Conducted a comprehensive enterprise -wide benchmarking assessment of
O&M and staffing relative to defined industry peer sets for this multi -state
combination utility. Assessed performance of all functional organizations
including electric and gas utility operations, construction, work
management, customer operations, information technology, rates and
regulatory, human resources, and finance and accounting. Presented
recommendations and path forward for multiple improvement opportunities
to executive leadership team.
RAFTELIS 25
Specialties
•. Utility financial planning and
analysis
• Wholesale energy markets
• Electric vehicles and
infrastructure
• Power generation technologies
and applications
Professional History
• Raftelis: Vice President and
Energy Financial Practice Leader
(2025 — Current)
• ScottMadden, Inc.: Director—
Energy Practice (2018 — 2025)
Education
• Master of Science in
Management - Georgia Institute
of Technology (1993)
• Bachelor of Science in
Mechanical Engineering - North
Carolina. State University (1988)
Certifications
• Professional Engineer in North
Carolina (Inactive)
• Chartered Financial Analyst
(CFA)
Professional Memberships
• CFA Institute '
Jacksonville Electric Authority (FL): Assessment of Technology Services Capabilities
Assessed the technology services organization of a large, municipally owned electric and water utility. Identified key
improvement opportunities in technology governance, project management, and organization structure and effectiveness.
Tennessee Valley Authority (TN): Electric Vehicles Program Strategy for Major Electric Utility
Assisted an electric utility in developing its strategy and program launch for a corporate -wide electric vehicles (EV)
initiative. Work streams included development of a multi -state DC fast -charging network, creation of consumer
awareness programs, and engagement with regional EV stakeholders.
Summit Utilities (CO): Regulatory and Accounting Benchmarking for Gas. Utility Holding Company
Worked with a natural gas utility holding company to benchmark operations of the regulatory and accounting
functions. Developed recommendations for the addition of staff to support acquisition -based growth as well as
improvements in rate case execution.
RAFTELIS 26
Vistra Corp. (TX): Assessment of Procurement Operations for Generation Company
Performed an assessment of the procurement organization of a major merchant generation company.
Benchmarked operating efficiency metrics, assessed strategic versus tactical focus of key procurement
functions, and evaluated implementation of industry best practices.
Tennessee Valley Authority (TN): Development of Transmission Grid of the Future Roadmap
Led a 25 -person project team from a major electric utility in developing a next generation vision and
implementation roadmap for electric transmission infrastructure and operations. Key areas of focus included enhanced
grid visibility, decision analytics tools, integration of solar and other DERs, and digitizing transmission operations.
California ISO (CA): Design of California ISO Back Office Systems
Assisted in the transition of the California electricity market to a competitive market structure. Developed
comprehensive design for treasury management, settlements, and billing information systems.
RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
ScottMadden, Inc. (NC): Director — Energy Practice (2018-2025)
Management consultant to senior leadership of energy and utilities companies. Led project teams in
conducting assessments and developing business planning and operational improvements. Regularly
published industry insight pieces on key energy market developments.
Shaw Group, Inc. (NC): Director— Strategic Planning (2007-2017)
Led strategic and market analysis and advised sales and executive teams for this leading power generation
engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) company on power markets including natural gas, coal, nuclear,
renewables, and air quality control services. Managed FP&A organization responsible for business planning,
budgeting and financial forecasting for more than $2.0 billion engineering and construction operating division.
Jones Capital (NC): Principal Manager (2002-2007)
Principal manager for private electric generation company with coal and combined cycle facility operating portfolio.
Held co -responsibility for power plant operational and financial performance. Responsible for treasury operations
including project financings, property and casualty insurance, and property tax matters. Originated and restructured
power purchase agreements to significantly improve profitability of power plant operations.
AGL Resources (GA): Senior Business Development Consultant (1997-2001)
Executed corporate development and investment responsibilities for diversified businesses and corporate
finance divisions of major natural gas utility. Served as project manager and assisted in negotiations for strategic
acquisition of a Mid -Atlantic gas utility to increase customer base more by than 15 percent. Led teams evaluating
new business development opportunities including small-scale turbines and engineering services.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Utilities Group (GA): Senior Associate (1993-1997)
Consultant to senior management of utilities and energy companies. Led teams in a series of strategy,
business operations, and information technology projects. Directed client teams in redesigning business processes
and developing Oracle -based information systems for financial planning, budgeting, and management reporting.
J.A. Jones, Inc.: Project Engineer (1989-1991)
On-site project engineer with mechanical engineering responsibility for construction of industrial and power
generation projects including coal and combined cycle facilities. Evaluated mechanical design specifications,
assisted direction of field activities, and managed installation and testing of ASME code systems.
RAFTELIS 27
PUBLICATIONS
• "How Electric Utilities Can Fully Capture Smart Meter Benefits," 2026
• "How Municipal Energy Utilities Should Think about Data Centers," 2025
• "Utility EV Programs: Rethinking the Strategy," 2025
• "Leading Electric Vehicle Practices in the Utilities Industry," 2024
• "Grid Reliability Is Changing Before Our Eyes," 2023
• "Taming the Electric Vehicle Rates Demand Charge," 2022
• "Changes to PURPA: FERC Announced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking," 2020
PRESENTATIONS
• "U.S. Wholesale Power Markets: Looking Back and Ahead," ScottMadden EIU Webinar, 2019
• "Future of Baseload Generation Panel," CERAWeek Conference, 2015
Thierry Boveri CGFM
SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT — FLORIDA REGULATORY
ENVIRONMENT
Senior Vice President
ROLE
Thierry will advise the project team and the City as needed on any applicable
Florida regulatory issues.
PROFILE
Thierry has over 20 years of experience and brings a client -focused approach with
a strong desire to provide value and client satisfaction. Thierry has performed
numerous utility revenue sufficiency and cost -of -service studies for more than 85
local governments throughout 22 states and internationally, prepared financial
feasibility and disclosure reports totaling over $2.0 billion in debt proceeds issued
through the traditional bond market, state revolving loans, and rural development
loans; and assisted in a variety of economic and miscellaneous fee studies.
Thierry has also been involved in the formulation of financial policies regarding
liquidity and financial position related to industry best management practices. He
has supported contract negotiations and provided other related utility and
management advisory services.
Thierry is an active member of AWWA, WEF, GFOA and SWANA through his
participation on several committees, periodic conference presentations on subject
matters ranging from effective utility management (EUM) to the Circular
Economy. Thierry has been a primary author to several leading industry
recognized manuals of practice including WEF's Manual of Practice No. 27,
Financing and Charges for Wastewater Systems, the WEF Water Reuse Road Map,
and the upcoming American Water Works Association (AWWA) M85 Manual
on System Development Charges. Thierry serves as a member of the FL AWWA
Rates and Charge Committee, WEF Utility management committee, and is a
sitting board member for the Florida Sunshine Chapter of SWANA.
KEY RELEVANT PARTIAL CLIENT PROJECT EXPERIENCE:
• Collier County (FL) — 2024 Water and Wastewater Rate Study; 2024 Solid
Waste Rate Study
• Hernando County (FL) — 2024 Solid Waste Rate Study
• Hillsborough County (FL) — 2024 Water and Wastewater Rate Study; 2024 Solid Waste Rate Study; 2025
Reclaimed COS Study
• Lee County (FL) — 2024 Water and Wastewater Revenue Sufficiency Study; 2024 Solid Waste Revenue
Sufficiency Study
• Manatee County (FL) — 2023 Public Utilities (Water, Sewer, Reclaimed, Solid Waste, Stormwater) Bond
Feasibility Study; 2025 Public Utilities Bond Feasibility Study (On-going)
• Palm Beach County (FL) — 2024 Water and Wastewater Cost of Service Study
• Sarasota County (FL) — 2023 Water and Wastewater Utility Bond feasibility Study, 2025 Water and Wastewater
Revenue Sufficiency Study (On-going); 2024 Solid Waste Rate Study
RAFTELIS 28
Specialties
• Water & sewer rate fees
• Solidwaste fees
• Parks & recreation fees
• Wholesale fees
• Impact fees
• Feasibility study
• Utility acquisition/valuations
• Capital planning tools
• Business/strategic
plans/negotiations
• Desktop financial asset.
evaluation/ reinvestment
• Cost/benefit analysis/life cycle
NPV analysis
• Financial policies/best
management practices
Professional History
• Raftelis: Board of Directors (2023
— Present); Vice President (2022-
present); Senior Manager (2019-
2021); Associate, PRMG (2005-
2019)
Education
• Bachelor of Arts in Economics;
Bachelor of Arts in International
Business - Rollins College (2005)
Certifications
• Certified Government Financial
Manager, No. 15483
Professional Memberships
• AWWA: Florida Section -
Finance & Rates Committee
• WEF: Utility Management
Committee
• Govemment Finance Officers
Association
• Solid WasteAssociation of North
America: Florida - Finance &
Planning Committee
Cameron Craig
STAFF CONSULTANT
Financial Analyst
ROLE
Cameron will work at the direction of Collin, conducting analyses and
preparing deliverables for the project.
PROFILE
Cameron joined Raftelis in June of 2025 and has been working in the Kansas
City branch assisting in financial analysis for water and wastewater services.
Cameron graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana,
where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Management degree from the A.B
Freeman Business School. Cameron holds a Major in finance, along with a
Minor in management. During his time at Tulane, he worked with multiple
clubs including the Tulane Energy Club and the Wall Street Krewe.
RAFTELIS 29
Specialties
• Excel
• Data visualization
• Presentation formatting.
Professional History
• Raftelis: Analyst (2025 -present)
• Tulane University: Payroll
Employee (2023)
Education
• Bachelor of Science in
Management in Finance - Tulane
University (2025)
KEY PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Pensacola Energy (Pensacola,, FL): Gas Rate Study and Natural Gas Bond Feasibility Study
Pensacola Energy engaged Raftelis in 2025 to develop gas rates and produce a feasibility study. As a team, Raftelis
worked together with Pensacola staff to produce a functioning financial planning model used to propose gas rate
adjustments for residential and commercial inside -city and outside -city consumers. Cameron worked as a financial
analyst for the rate study to compile usage and forecast revenues for Pensacola Energy for a multi-year forecast period.
City of Calgary (Calgary, AB, Canada): Water and Wastewater Utility Analysis
Raftelis served as sub -consultants for the City of Calgary, providing financial and analytical support for the city's
water and wastewater utilities. Cameron worked as a financial analyst on this engagement, where he built a mass -
balance model and performed a customer analysis for both the water and wastewater utilities. He also developed a
risk analysis model to calculate an adequate reserve fund for the water utility's operations, supporting Calgary's
long-term financial planning and risk mitigation strategies.
City of Lethbridge (Lethbridge, AB, Canada): Water and Wastewater Cost -of -Service Study
Raftelis served as sub -consultants for the City of Lethbridge, providing analytical support for a water cost -of -service
study. Cameron worked as a financial analyst on this engagement, where he built a water customer system analysis to
support the cost -of -service study. He also developed a wastewater customer system analysis for the city. Cameron's work
contributed to Lethbridge's efforts to evaluate its rate structures and allocate costs equitably across its customer base.
Southwest Nebraska Electric (SNEW): Electric Cost of Service Study
Raftelis was engaged by Southwest Nebraska Electric to perform an electric cost -of -service study. Cameron worked
as a financial analyst on the engagement and was responsible for compiling data from billing records and other key
operational sources that supported the creation of a financial plan and electric cost -of -service model.
RAFTELIS 30
City of Suffolk (Suffolk, VA): Water and Wastewater Rate Studies
Raftelis has maintained an ongoing engagement with the City of Suffolk for over 15 years, providing continued
financial advisory services for the city's water and wastewater utilities. Cameron began working on the Suffolk
engagement in 2025, serving as a financial analyst responsible for performing monthly cash flow updates to track
the city's financial position.He has completed multiple on-site visits with city staff to review financial data and
coordinate planning efforts. Cameron has also been responsible for the annual true -up calculation and annual rate model
updates, helping to ensure that Suffolk's rate structures remain aligned with the utility's financial requirements.
City of Alexandria (Alexandria, VA): 2026 Rate Case Support
The City of Alexandria engaged Raftelis to provide expert support in a rate case against Virginia American Water.
Cameron served as an analyst for two key witnesses in the proceeding, gathering market data such as historical
stock prices, betas, and expected growth rates for a proxy group in relation to Virginia American Water. Cameron
then assisted in the testimony of senior Raftelis members with this data, helping to demonstrate that the level of
Return on Equity argued by Virginia American was too high.
City of San Antonio (San Antonio, TX): Stormwater Utility Analysis
Raftelis was engaged by the City of San Antonio to support its stormwater rate -setting process. Cameron assisted
the Raftelis Stormwater team in accurately assigning pervious and impervious area to each parcel in the San
Antonio community. This work involved reviewing hundreds of parcels individually to assign stormwater rates
based on the impervious area and type of parcel, such as residential or commercial classifications.
City of Sturgeon (Sturgeon, AB, Canada): Review of Utility Financial Plan
Raftelis was engaged by the City of Sturgeon to perform a risk analysis on its water and wastewater utilities. The
goal of the analysis was to identify an appropriate methodology for setting reserve fund levels. Cameron performed
multiple Monte Carlo simulations for both the water and wastewater systems to determine the most appropriate
level of reserves for the various risks affecting these utilities. A notable aspect of this project was that variable
revenue carried less risk because purchased water expense fluctuates with usage, and on the wastewater side, treated
water expense also fluctuates based on usage, which ultimately decreases the variable revenue risk.
City of Saginaw (Saginaw, MI): Water and Wastewater Rate Studies
The City of Saginaw engages Raftelis on an annual basis to update and adjust its rate model for the city's water and
wastewater utilities. Cameron worked as a financial analyst on this engagement, building a water cost -of -service
model and developing a wastewater rate model for the city. He also performed an on-site visit with the client to
review financial and operational data. Cameron's work on this engagement supported Saginaw's efforts to maintain
equitable and financially sustainable rates for its water and wastewater customers.
City of Lucas (Lucas, TX): Council Presentation and Rate Structure Review
Raftelis was engaged by the City of Lucas to update its financial plan model and prepare a council presentation
outlining proposed rate changes. Cameron worked as a financial analyst to update the model and develop a
dashboard and report used to present Raftelis proposed rate adjustments. The model included proposed changes to
transition to a tier rate structure that more accurately captures how the City charges its customers.
City of Springfield (Springfield, TN): Natural Gas Rate Study
Raftelis was engaged by the City of Springfield to provide consulting services for the city's natural gas utility.
Cameron worked as a financial analyst on this engagement, where he built a rate model for the natural gas utility
that incorporates weather normalization to forecast future gas sales. This model was designed to help Springfield set
rates that account for variability in weather patterns and their impact on natural gas consumption.
RAFTELIS 31
City of Fort Morgan (Fort Morgan, CO): Natural Gas Utility Financial Updates
Raftelis provides ongoing financial advisory services for the City of Fort Morgan's natural gas utility. Cameron
works as a financial analyst on this engagement, where he is responsible for performing monthly financial updates
for the utility. These updates help Fort Morgan monitor its financial position and support informed decision-making
for the natural gas utility's operations.
The City of Kirkwood (MO): Water Rate Study
Raftelis was engaged by the City of Kirkwood in 2025 to perform a water rate study. The objectives of the study
were to update the financial plan and to propose multiple rate adjustments to be presented to the City of Kirkwood's
council. Cameron worked as a financial analyst on the rate study and was tasked with building a water rate model
with relevant historical and budgeted financial data and billing data. This model would be used to formulate
multiple scenarios of potential rate adjustments to be provided to the City of Kirkwood.
2025 and 2026 AWWA National Rate Survey
Cameron assisted in the Raftelis and AWWA National Rate Survey in both 2025 and 2026. In this role, he helped
survey hundreds of water rate structures across the United States, contributing to one of the most widely referenced
benchmarking resources in the water industry. The survey provides utilities and stakeholders with comparative rate
data used to inform rate -setting decisions nationwide.
PROJECT LIST
• Abilene, TX - Cost of Service and Rate Design
• Alexandria, VA - 2026 Rate Case Support
• Bentonville, AR - Water and Wastewater Rate
Study
• Bloomfield, NM - Water and Sewer Rate Study
• Calgary, AB - Cost of Service Study
• City of Aspen, CO - Ongoing Financial Services
• Denton, TX - Water/Wastewater Drainage
Utility
• Edmonton, AB - Rate Study (R-EDCN1005.00)
• Enid, OK - Solid Waste Cost of Service Study
• Fate, TX - On -Call Financial Services
• Fort Collins, CO - Utility Financial Planning
• Fort Morgan, CO - Gas Rate Study Proposal
• Fort Morgan, CO - NISP Water Fund Cash
Flow
• Jackson County, MO - Water District #1
• Jupiter Island, FL - 2025 Utility Rate Study
• Lafayette, LA - Water, Wastewater, and
Stormwater
• Lake County, FL - Comprehensive Sewer Rate
Study
• Lawrence, KS - Rate Model Update 2026-2028
• Lethbridge, AB - Cost of Service Study
• Lucas, TX - Council Presentation and Rate
Design
• Marana, AZ - Water Rate and Fee Study
• Morton Grove, IL - Analysis of Water Utility
• New Braunfels, TX - Rate Review
• Pensacola Energy (Pensacola, FL) - Gas Rate
Study
• Rochester, MN - Consulting Services
• Saginaw, MI - Water and Sewer Rate Study
• San Angelo, TX - Water, Water Reclamation,
and Stormwater
• San Buenaventura, CA - Water and Wastewater
• Smithville, TX - Utility Rate Study (x2)
• SNEW Electric Cost of Service Study
• South Red Deer, AB - Rate Proceeding
• Springfield, TN - Natural Gas System
Comprehensive
• Sturgeon, MO - Review of Utility Financial
Plan
• City of San Antonio, TX - Stormwater Utility
• Suffolk, VA - Task Order 4
• Suffolk, VA - Water and Sewer Rates and
Rela...
• The City of Kirkwood (MO) - Water
Distribution System
• USWA - Calumet City, IL - Water, Sewer, and
Stormwater Rates
• Wellington, KS - Rate and Fee Study
Tristen Townsend
STAFF CONSULTANT
Consultant
ROLE
Tristen will work at the direction of Collin in conducting analyses and
preparing deliverables for the project.
PROFILE
While at Raftelis, Tristen has worked on projects involving water,
wastewater, and stormwater enterprise systems, municipal impact fee
development, and building fees. These projects have focused on the
evaluation of financial position and involved developing revenue and
expense projections, analyzing customer data, and developing client
specific financial models. Tristen earned her master's degree from Duke
University in Environmental Management and has bachelor's degrees in
environmental science and mathematics from the University of Florida.
During graduate school, she served as a student consultant for the North
Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and interned at DC Water.
KEY PROJECT EXPERIENCE
City of Dania Beach (FL): Stormwater Rate Study
Tristen served as the lead analyst for a stormwater rate study with the City
of Dania Beach (City). She developed a 10 -year revenue sufficiency to
assess the financial sustainability of the stormwater enterprise fund. Tristen
worked with City staff to review data and assumptions and created a
financial forecast which included detailed budget projections, capital
improvement funding, and projection of revenue generation. To help
address ongoing concerns related to equitable fee implementation, she
performed detailed review and analysis of the City's customer data to assess
potential rate structure changes. Tristen assisted with preparation of
presentation materials and co -presented study findings and
recommendations at a City Commission meeting.
RAFTELIS 32
Specialties
• Water, wastewater, and -
stormwater rates and fees
• Impact fee development (utility &
municipal)
• Financial modeling and
forecasting
Data analysis and visualization
Professional History
• Raftelis: Consultant (2024 -
present); Associate Consultant
(2022-2023)
• Florida Department of Health —
Hillsborough County:
Environmental Specialist 11
(2021-2022)
• North Carolina Department of
Environmental Quality: Student
Consultant (2019-2020)
• DC Water: Performance Intern
(2019)
• Nicholas School of the
Environment — Research
Assistant (2018-2019)
• City of Lakeland Water Utilities —
Intern (2018)
Education
• Master of Environmental
Management in Water
Resources Management —
Nicholas School of the
Environment, Duke University
(2020)
• Bachelor of Science in -
Environmental Science —
University of Florida (2017)
• Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics
— University of Florida (2017)
City of Bartow (FL): General Fund Sustainability Study, Municipal Impact Fee Study
Tristen served as the lead analyst for a general fund sustainability study and municipal impact fees study with the
City of Bartow (City). She supported the development of a 10 -year revenue sufficiency model to assess the financial
sustainability of the City's general fund. Tristen worked with City staff to review data and assumptions and created
a financial forecast which included detailed budget projections and capital improvement funding and explored
numerous scenarios to assess sensitivity to growth and cost increases. Tristen is also currently serving as the lead
analyst for a municipal impact fee study with the City, in which she developed a functional population model to
calculate impact fee equivalencies based on different types of expected future development and utilized this in the
development and calculation of police, fire, parks and recreation, and public facilities impact fees.
RAFTELIS 33
City of Dunedin (FL): Stormwater Rate Study, Marina Rate Study
Tristen served as the lead analyst for a stormwater rate study and a marina rate study for the City of Dunedin (City).
For the stormwater rate study, she assisted with development of a 10 -year dynamic model to inform fiscally
sustainable rates, which included detailed budget projections, capital improvement funding, and projection of
revenue generation and reserve balances. She also supported the preparation of detailed presentation materials for
meetings with the Finance Commission, Stormwater Advisory Committee, and City Commission. For the marina
rate study, Tristen helped develop a 10 -year revenue sufficiency to assess the financial sustainability of the marina
enterprise fund. Tristen worked with City staff to review data and assumptions and created a financial forecast
which included detailed budget projections, capital improvement funding, projection of revenue generation, and a
pay -go cash target. She supported rate design analysis for the marina based on common methodologies in the
industry and used Qualtrics to perform a benchmarking survey of marinas in the local region to inform operations.
Tristen helped create detailed presentations for the Marina Advisory Committee, Finance Committee, and City
Commission and presented study findings and recommendations at a City Commission workshop.
City of Fort Walton Beach (FL): Sanitation Revenue Sufficiency Study
Tristen served as the lead analyst to provide a financial forecast for the City of Fort Walton Beach's sanitation
enterprise fund. She assisted with model development, which included updating highly detailed budget projections,
capital improvement funding, and projection of revenue generation and reserve balances, as well as an analysis to
better align pass-through costs for tipping fees with individual cost components within the existing fee structure.
City of Kissimmee (FL): Municipal Impact Fee Study
Tristen served as the lead analyst on a project with the City of Kissimmee (City) to calculate municipal impact fees.
Prior to this study, the City did not charge impact fees for police or fire services. Tristen developed a functional
population model to calculate impact fee equivalencies based on different types of expected future development and
utilized this in the calculation of police, fire, and parks and recreation impact fees.
City of Marathon (FL): Wastewater Rate Study
Tristen served as the lead analyst to provide a financial forecast for the wastewater and stormwater utilities with the
City of Marathon (City). Tristen assisted with the model development, which included highly detailed budget
projections due to operating contracts and evolving customer characteristics in addition to revenue generation,
reserve balances, and capital improvement funding.
City of Ocoee (FL): Water and Wastewater Rate Study
Tristen served as the lead analyst to provide a financial forecast for the City of Ocoee's water and wastewater
utilities. She assisted with the model development, which included updating highly detailed budget projections,
capital improvement funding, and projection of revenue generation and reserve balances.
City of Port Orange (FL): Municipal Impact Fee Study
Tristen served as the lead analyst on a project with the City of Port Orange (City). The City hired Raftelis to perform a
financial update for the City's impact fees, including services of water and wastewater as well as police, fire,
transportation, and parks and recreation. Prior to this study, the City did not charge impact fees for police services.
Tristen developed a functional population model to calculate impact fee equivalencies based on different types of
expected future development and utilized this in the calculation of police, fire, and parks and recreation impact fees.
RAFTELIS 34
City of Bunnell (FL): Water and Wastewater Rate Study
Tristen served as the lead analyst to provide a fmancial forecast for the City of Bunnell's water and wastewater
utilities. She assisted with the model development, which included updating highly detailed budget projections,
capital improvement funding, and projection of revenue generation and reserve balances.
City of Denison (TX): Transportation Impact Fee Study
The City of Denison (City) retained Raftelis to establish new impact fees for water, wastewater, and transportation
facilities in an effort to provide adequate funding for the City's infrastructure investments required to accommodate
growth and provide the appropriate level of service. Tristen was the lead analyst for development of the
transportation impact fees and helped create a 10 -year model with detailed forecasts supporting demand
requirements, as well as the capacity provided by the future investments to serve this new development. The Texas
state statute identifies several constraints and limitations on calculating impact fees, which were navigated by the
project team to provide the necessary road improvements.
PROJECT LIST (*ONGOING)
• City of Alachua (FL) — Industrial pre-treatment program study*
• City of Bartow (FL) — General fund study; municipal impact fee study
• City of Bunnell (FL) — Water and wastewater rate study
• City of Dania Beach (FL) — Stormwater rate study
• City of Denison (TX) — Transportation impact fee study
• City of Dunedin (FL) — Marina rate study; Stormwater rate study, Water and wastewater rate study
• City of Eustis (FL) — Water, wastewater, and reclaimed water rate study*
• City of Flagler Beach (FL) — Water and wastewater rate study
• Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA) (FL) — Navy water rate contract study
• City of Fort Walton Beach (FL) — Solid waste rate study; Water and wastewater rate study*
• Hillsborough County (FL) — Stormwater rate study*
• Town of Jupiter Island/South Martin Regional Utility (FL) — Water rate price index study
• Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District (FL) — Wastewater rate study
• City of Kissimmee (FL) — Municipal impact fee study
• City of Marathon (FL) — Building fee study; Wastewater rate study; Municipal impact fee study*
• City of Mascotte (FL) — Utility impact fee study*
• New Smyrna Beach Utilities (FL) — Utility rate, impact, and miscellaneous fee study*
• City of Ocoee (FL) — Water, wastewater, and reclaimed water rate study
• City of Palm Coast (FL) — Utility strategic plan
• City of Pompano Beach (FL) — Undergrounding fee -in -lieu study
• City of Port Orange (FL) — Municipal impact fee study
• City of Port St. Lucie (FL) — Stormwater rebate study
• Regional Utilities (FL) — Bond feasibility study*
• South Walton Utility Company, Inc. (FL) — Water and wastewater rate study
• City of St. Cloud (FL) — Stormwater rate study; Building fee study*; Marina rate study*
• St. Lucie County (FL) — Water and wastewater rate and connection fee study
• City of Tampa (FL) — Building fee study*
• Village of Wellington (FL) — Building fee study
• City of Wilton Manors (FL) — Water and wastewater rate study*
• City of Winter Haven (FL) — Municipal impact fee study; Building fee study*
• City of Winter Park (FL) — Water and Wastewater Utilities strategic plan
RAFTELIS 35
RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Florida Department of Health — Hillsborough County: Environmental Specialist II (2021-2022)
The Florida Department of Health — Hillsborough County is the primacy agency for implementation of the Safe
Drinking Water Act in Hillsborough County. Tristen worked as an Environmental Specialist II in the Safe Drinking
Water Program. She was responsible for performing sanitary surveys, complaint investigations, and compliance
inspections for public water systems and identifying corrective actions to ensure system compliance. Tristen
evaluated applications for well sitings and plant modification permit clearances and oversaw the Consumer
Confidence Report (CCR) program, reviewing CCRs for accuracy, providing guidance for mandated reports, and
tracking system compliance. Her work also included creating and maintaining internal databases used for advanced
merge letters, public notices, and inspection forms by Safe Drinking Water staff.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality: Student Consultant (2019-2020)
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is responsible for developing water quality standards,
rules, and management strategies. Tristen was on a team of students tasked with analyzing ambient water quality
monitoring data to provide recommendations for nutrient criteria and harmful algal bloom management strategies
for lakes and reservoirs in North Carolina. Her work included the development of hierarchical models and
multivariate analysis to assess temporal trends and identify relationships between phytoplankton communities and
water quality parameters.
DC Water: Performance Intern (2019)
DC Water is a drinking water and wastewater utility serving over 700,000 residents and 21 million annual visitors in
the District of Columbia. Tristen worked under the Director of Sustainability and Watershed Management. Her
primary role was synthesizing data to inform development of an enterprise -wide sustainability strategy. Tristen's
work included performing discourse and freelisting analyses to identify shared sustainability priorities among staff.
She also drafted abstracts, papers, and presentations for scientific and management conferences related to water
affordability, integrated planning, and sustainability.
Nicholas School of the Environment: Research Assistant (2018-2019)
Tristen was a research assistant at the Nicholas Institute of Environmental Policy through the Nicholas School of
the Environment. She performed literature reviews of existing water infrastructure finance mechanisms and
complied relevant case studies of water systems to assess how various system characteristics may allow for more
innovative finance mechanisms to be used.
City of Lakeland Water Utilities: Intern (2018)
City of Lakeland Water Utilities is a municipal water and sewer utility serving the residents of Lakeland, Florida.
Tristen worked at a constructed wetland treatment park called Se7en Wetlands which provides tertiary treatment for
all the City's wastewater. She designed multiple interpretive signs for the park to educate visitors about the local
watershed, how treatment wetlands improve water quality, and native plant and animal species. Additionally,
Tristen assisted with developing a new volunteer program by writing volunteer job descriptions, as well as creating
educational outreach materials for students.
PRESENTATIONS
• "How Sustainability and ESG Intersect and Differ", WEF/AWWA Utility Management Conference, 2023 (Co -
presenter)
RAFTELIS 36
TAB 3 - TECHNICAL' APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY
Project Understanding
The City seeks an experienced consulting partner to conduct a natural gas rate study for its natural gas utility, CGS
Energy. CGS Energy provides natural gas distribution service to over 30,000 customers located within the City of
Clearwater and throughout Pinellas and Pasco Counties.
The cost of purchasing gas and transporting it to its service area is the largest single cost CGS Energy incurs in providing
gas service to customers. These costs are recovered by CGS Energy's purchased gas adjustment (PGA). The City's rate
ordinance empowers CGS Energy to review the PGA monthly and adjust it, as needed, to ensure full cost recovery.
The City's distribution costs are recovered by its base rates and two riders: the Energy Conservation Adjustment
(ECA) and the Regulatory Imposition Adjustment (RIA). Base rates include monthly customer charges and
volume charges per therm, which are determined periodically by CGS Energy as part of a cost -of -service study.
These rates are approved by the City Council and are reflected in the City's current rate ordinance. CGS Energy
reviews the ECA and RIA monthly and can adjust each as needed to recover costs associated with energy
conservation, demand management, and the cost of adhering to certain externally imposed regulatory requirements.
CGS Energy also employs a Usage and Inflation Adjustment (UTA), a stabilizing mechanism that adjusts rates
based on variance from normal usage and normal inflation. CGS Energy's cost of service studies establish a baseline
assumption, and variances from this baseline are applied to the base rates via the UTA.
CGS Energy's most recent studies were completed in 2020 and 2023. These studies evaluated the overall revenue
needs for CGS Energy based on 5 -year financial plans. These plans evaluated CGS Energy's financial sustainability,
as well as the return on equity generated by CGS Energy. The most recent study, which forms the basis for the
current rates, did not recommend overall increases in rate revenue, but did observe some modifications to the base
rates that could improve the transparency of the rate structure. These modifications included a reallocation of
certain costs from the PGA, ECA, and RIA to base rates to better align the costs included in the PGA and riders
with their intent.
The scope of work outlined in the City's RFP is similar to that employed in the prior two studies and can be
characterized in three broad phases: initiation, analysis, and reporting.
In the initiation phase (RFP Task A), the consultant would meet with City staff to confirm the scope, schedule, and
priorities for the project and gather the necessary data.
In the analysis phase (RFP Tasks B through E), the consultant would develop the overall revenue requirement via a
multi-year (5-10 years) financial planning forecast. This overall requirement would be attributed to customer classes and
rates via a cost -of -service study. The impact of any recommended changes would be summarized via bill comparisons,
peer benchmarking, and relative to the cost of using electricity for the same uses (e.g., heating, cooking).
In the reporting phase (RFP Tasks F and G), the consultant will document the study's findings and
recommendations in a study report and final study model. These findings will be presented to the City Manager,
individual City Council members (via lxls), and—if requested—to the full City Council at meetings for first and
second ordinance readings.
RAFTELIS 37
As indicated in the City's RFP, "The purpose of this study is to ensure the City's natural gas rates, fees, and charges
are equitable, competitive, and sufficient to support the long-term financial stability and operational needs of the
utility." Below, we summarize the methodology we will employ to deliver the outcomes the City desires for its
natural gas rates: operational and financial sustainability, recovered equitably from its customer classes.
Project Methodology
Summarized below is the methodology we proposed to deliver the scope of services outlined in the City's RFP.
Please note that we have re -ordered the tasks slightly from the RFP. For ease of reference, the original section
headings from the City's RFP are included in parentheses for each major Task.
Task 1 — Project Initiation and Data Request (RFP Section A)
The key outcome for Task 1 is efficient and effective execution of the rate study with deliverables that enhance the
City's provision of safe and reliable utility service to customers. Task 1 involves three subtasks. In Task 1.1, we will
work with City staff to gather the data needed to conduct our analysis, review the data to ensure its appropriateness,
and follow up with additional requests or questions as needed. In Task 1.2, we will conduct kick-off meetings with
City staff. Task 1.3 involves ongoing project management and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC)
throughout the project.
Task 1.1: Data Collection and Review
Timely receipt, review, and documentation of the data used in our analysis is critical to the development of accurate
deliverables. Raftelis will provide City staff with a data request list that overviews the data we will need to complete
the scope of work outlined in the City's RFP. This list will be provided shortly after notice to proceed from the City
but prior to the project kick-off meeting, so that we can begin reviewing the provided data, respond to any questions
from City staff, and pose follow-up questions and requests as needed. Even though we may request additional data
or clarification as the study progresses, we will minimize the additional data requests and will strive to balance the
time and effort required to provide the data with the relative impact it has on the analysis. We will provide a secure
SharePoint link where City staff can upload the responses to the data requests. Wherever possible, we will provide
examples from our prior study of the data we need to complete our analysis. During the kick-off meeting (Task 1.2),
we will discuss data request submittal deadlines in the context of the overall project schedule.
Our project leadership (Messrs. Kreps and Drat) has institutional knowledge of CGS Energy's operational,
financial, consumption, and customer data from our prior two studies. We will request and review updated data and
work with staff to understand any material changes that have occurred since 2023. Throughout the study, we will
document the data provided and how it is used in our analysis, identifying where gaps may exist, the assumptions
used to fill those gaps, and their impact on the analysis. During the kick-off meeting, we will review the City's
current ordinances as they relate to the rates, riders, and miscellaneous fees and lead a discussion of how they might
be adjusted to ensure they continue to appropriately recover costs and meet other City policy objectives.
RAFTELIS 38
Task 1.2: Kick -Off Meeting
The primary objective of Task 1 is to establish a shared understanding of project objectives, methodology, work
plan, timeline, and key milestones. Raftelis will work closely with City staff to develop and confirm this
understanding, which will guide the actions of the Raftelis project team throughout the course of the project.
Raftelis will conduct a kick-off workshop with City staff. The workshop will include a blend of policy (what are our
priorities?) and project execution (how do we get there?) discussion. A typical agenda for a kick-off workshop
includes the following:
1. Overview Scope of Work/Methodology. Raftelis will overview the scope of work and our approach for
project delivery to establish a shared understanding of how we will execute the project.
2. Define Project Success. After establishing a foundational understanding of the project methodology,
Raftelis will lead policy discussions regarding the key outcomes for the study. This will be an open-ended
discussion designed to capture feedback to guide project execution. Raftelis will provide suggested prompts
for discussion, but the discussion will generally be open with the project scope providing the guide rails.
3. Review Current State of the Gas Utility. Raftelis will provide an overview of our understanding of the
current state of the City's gas utility, including the budgeting and financial reporting structures, customer
classes, demand patterns, and key cost drivers. This discussion will be technical, but high-level, with a focus
on some of the concepts established in Agenda Item #1 above.
4. Confirm Project Schedule and Milestones. Raftelis will overview a schedule which works backward from the
implementation of new rates based on the City's preferred implementation date, establishing working meetings
and milestones, and considering the City's budget calendar and process.
5. Review Project Roles, Responsibilities, and Communication Protocols. Raftelis will confirm the City's
preferred project organizational structure. This would include, at a minimum, a City project manager who
will work closely with the Raftelis project manager to keep
the project on time and on budget. We would anticipate
brief recurring (e.g., bi-weekly) check-in meetings between
the two project managers. In addition, the City may wish
to establish a project steering committee that meets at key
points throughout the project. This could involve
additional and more senior City staff members.
6. Review Data Request List and Data Provided to Date.
Raftelis will review the provided data with City staff to
confirm our understanding of what we received and its
intended purpose, as well as discuss any outstanding needs
or issues.
These meetings will be conducted with facilitation by senior members of the Raftelis project team.
Task 1.3: Ongoing Project Management and Quality Assurance/Quality Control
Effective ongoing project management means regular and responsive communication, timely provision of
deliverables, and prompt communication of any issues or challenges. One of Raftelis' key project management
objectives is to serve as an asset to City staff, enhancing their capabilities and bringing a broader industry
perspective to bear on any challenges. Once we establish the project schedule, we will set recurring meetings (e.g.,
weekly, bi-weekly) with City staff to keep the project on track. Raftelis will incorporate this project into our
workload planning projections for the project team, ensuring they have the capacity to meet the City's needs.
RAFTELIS 39
Quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) is critical to the success of the project because errors undermine the
credibility of the process and ultimate recommendations. Our QA/QC process involves verification of the accuracy
of the calculations and the appropriateness of the methodology. Our proposed project team includes senior technical
experts (Mr. Courtney, Ms. Guci) who will supervise project execution from a best practices perspective.
Task 2 — Financial Forecasting (RFP Section E)
The financial plans identify the overall level of revenue necessary to fund operations and maintenance expense
(O&M), routine repair and replacement capital expenditures, and repayment of debt service (current and future)
while achieving the City's financial management objectives. Determining the revenue requirement involves a
detailed cash flow forecast, which compares projected baseline revenues to projected expenditures and identifies any
adjustments to revenues that may be necessary to fund utility operations in a financially sustainable manner. This
will involve the following subtasks: a projection of revenue under existing rates (Task 2.1); a projection of O&M
expense (Task 2.2); a projection of routine and major capital expenditures (Task 2.3); and a projection of revenue
adjustments based on a detailed cash flow analysis (Task 2.4). We will develop the plans for a 10 -year period to
support long-term planning for the City.
Task 2.1: Projection of Revenue Under Existing Rates
Raftelis will develop revenue projections under existing rates and projected customer usage by customer class. This will
serve as a baseline for revenues if no adjustments to rate levels or structures are made. In Task 2.4, we will compare these
baseline revenue projections to projected expenditures to determine the overall level of revenue necessary (including
revenue increases) to fund these projected expenditures and achieve the City's financial performance objectives.
In order to prepare the revenue forecast, we will forecast the number of customers and throughput per customer
under normal conditions. Our projections will be based on data obtained from the City and discussions with
management regarding marketing efforts and any potential large load additions. The class throughput forecasts will
be based on the product of the number of customers and the use per customer forecast. For customer classes whose
usage is weather dependent (residential and commercial), the use per customer forecasts will be developed based on
regression analyses of historical use per customer, heating degree-days, and time. The results of this regression
analysis take into consideration changes in usage characteristics over time as well as variations in weather
conditions. Normal (weather normalized) use per customer is then forecast using the regression coefficients and
normal heating degree-days for the forecast period. For non -weather sensitive classes (large industrial or
interruptible customers), we will use historical trends combined with any insights the City may have regarding
changes in customer behavior.
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RAFTELIS 40
We will compare these revenues to the operating and capital expenses forecast in Tasks 2.2 and 2.3 to understand the
sufficiency of existing revenues to fund projected expenditures. We will also review the City's rebate programs and other
miscellaneous revenue sources to ensure these revenues and any potential changes are incorporated into the plan.
Task 2.2: Projection of O&M Expense
The City's budgets (for the current year and any available future years) will serve as the starting point for the
projection of O&M expense. To project O&M expenses for the forecast period, we typically make three
adjustments: budget performance adjustments, incremental expense adjustments, and inflationary adjustments.
Budget performance adjustments will be made based on a detailed review of budgeted O&M expense compared to
actual performance. To the extent that the utility tends to outperform in certain areas (i.e., spend less than
budgeted), we will discuss potential adjustments so that the projection of baseline O&M (i.e., before any
incremental expenses and inflationary adjustments) is a reasonable reflection of what is likely to occur.
To the extent that the current year budget represents a snapshot plan for the year in question, incremental expense
adjustments ensure future years carry forward the appropriate level of O&M expense. The current budget may
include one-time expenses that are not expected to be incurred in the future. In this case, the one-time expense will
either be excluded from future years or, if it occurs periodically, normalized in future years. Alternatively,
incremental expenses anticipated to begin in future years may not be captured in the current budget. These expenses
will be incorporated from that point forward, or one time, as appropriate.
Inflationary adjustments account for expected future inflation in O&M expense, after accounting for budget
performance and any incremental expenses. Inflationary adjustments will be based on the best and most relevant
data possible. Expenses driven by customer growth and usage will be adjusted based on the projections in Task 2.1.
Personnel costs will be adjusted based on planned compensation adjustments from City. For expenses where less
detailed data is available, we will rely on historical trends, discussions with City staff, and our experience working
with similar utilities throughout the United States.
After many years of stable prices, inflation increased dramatically following the COVID-19 pandemic. Shown below is data
obtained from the St. Louis Federal Reserve's FRED database. While the rate of change has decreased, costs themselves have
not returned to pre -pandemic levels. As a result, many utilities that last adjusted rates pre -pandemic are playing catch-up.
Year over Year Change in Consumer Price Index (Excluding Food and Energy)
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RAFTELIS 41
A key component of projecting the City's operating expenses will be the projection of purchased gas costs. These
costs generally represent the majority of a gas utility's costs and consist of the cost of the commodity itself, as well as
upstream capacity and storage charges. After many years of stable prices, the commodity cost of gas has become
increasingly variable. That said, the City's rate ordinance allows for direct recovery of these fluctuations through
regular adjustments to its Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) rate. Raftelis will review the City's current PGA
relative to historical and projected natural gas expense to inform our projections of purchased gas cost. As part of
the cost of service and rate design tasks (Tasks 3 and 4), we will make recommendations regarding the PGA to
ensure it continues to appropriately recover the City's natural gas costs.
Task 2.3: Projection of Routine and Major Capital Expenditures
Task 2.3 involves developing a capital improvement financing plan that identifies the City's capital projects (routine
and major) and the mix of cash and debt used to finance them. The cash flow impact of the capital financing plan is
incorporated into the cash flow analysis in Task 2.4 as annual cash outlays (i.e., PAYGO or revenue -funded capital)
and new debt service. To develop the capital financing plan, we will review the City's approved capital
improvement plan (CIP) and work with City staff to ensure that the appropriate level of investment is balanced
against the potential rate implications. To the extent that the CIP is in current year dollars, we will include
adjustments for future construction cost inflation based on an analysis of trends for the appropriate cost indices (e.g.,
Engineering News -Record). We will also incorporate any projects that the City already has in progress from prior
approved CIPs that will be completed in the first few years of the forecast period.
The CIP financing plan we develop for the City will incorporate both routine repair and replacement expenditures
as well as major capital improvements. Given the recurring nature of routine expenditures (i.e., main replacement),
many utilities employ a PAYGO funding approach. Major capital improvements are funded with debt to spread out
the financial burden on customers and to ensure that the cost of major improvements is borne by all customers, not
just current customers. We will work with City staff to recommend CIP financing alternatives that will achieve the
City's financial management objectives. The projected capital costs, including PAYGO and any new debt service,
will be incorporated into the cash flow projections in Task 2.4.
Task 2.4: Utility Cash Flow Forecasts and Revenue Adjustments
We will develop a detailed cash flow forecast for the multi-year planning horizon. This forecast will compare
existing revenues (Task 2.1) to forecast expenditures (Tasks 2.2 and 2.3), identifying any deficiencies in funding
under existing revenues. Throughout Task 2.4, we will discuss the City's existing financial policies and objectives
(formal and informal). This will include a review of the performance of the utility relative to key financial ratios
(e.g., days cash, capital structure, and debt service coverage). Throughout these discussions, we will provide
recommendations to ensure the City's financial management strategies align with industry best practices.
We will structure rate adjustments to achieve the City's strategic financial management objectives and maintain
alignment with best financial management practices regarding debt service coverage ratios and reserve balances.
Where possible, revenue adjustments will be smoothed,_ mitigating the impact on customers in any given year. The
ultimate outcome of Task 2.4 will be the identification of the overall level of revenue required (including any
adjustments to revenue) to fund the provision of safe and reliable service in a financially sustainable manner.
RAFTELIS 42
The detailed cash flow forecast will reflect the particulars of the City's rate structure as it relates to its base rates,
riders, and the PGA. During Task 1, Raftelis will review the current state of each charge with City staff.
Based on our prior experience, we would anticipate the following as it relates to revenue and expense projections:
• Projections of rider -related expenses (for the ECA and RIA) and revenue will be aligned, under the assumption
that these rates will be adjusted by City staff as needed to align with expenses.
• PGA revenues and expenses will be similarly aligned, as the City has a mechanism for adjusting cost recovery
monthly.
• The Usage and Inflation adjustment will be reset to zero, under an assumption of normal inflation and usage,
subject to adjustment based on actual variances observed by the City after the completion of the study.
• All remaining costs, which represent the City's internal cost of delivering gas to customers, will be recovered via
base rate revenue, including any recommended increases to base rates. Base rate revenue adjustments in total,
and as specifically applied to the City's rate structure, would need to be incorporated into an ordinance revision
and approved by the City Council.
While Raftelis will develop a forecast under normal usage and inflation, we will also test potential deviations from these
assumptions and their impact (i.e., sensitivity analysis). While the risk of variances is mitigated by the City's UTA, a large
UTA still represents a potential impact to customers, underscoring the importance of an accurate forecast.
The amount of base rate revenue required (the revenue requirement), including any increases, forms the basis for the
cost -of -service analysis and rate design recommendations in Tasks 3 and 4, as described below. As described in
Tasks 3 and 4, all rate recommendations will be revenue neutral with respect to the financial forecast and designed
to generate the necessary revenues.
Task 3: Cost of Service and Revenue Requirements (RFP Section B)
Task 3.1 Summary of Revenue Requirement
Raftelis will summarize the revenue requirement developed under Task 2 for a test -year, which represents the basis
for the cost of service analysis and rate recommendations. The cost -of -service analysis under Task 3 and the rate
recommendations (under Task 4) will be designed around the level of revenue needed to fund the City's expenses
and maintain appropriate reserve balances and financial ratios.
Task 3.1: Cost of Service Analysis
The City's rate structure includes direct recovery of specific costs via riders and the PGA and general recovery of all
other costs via customer base rates. Accordingly, a cost -of -service study for the City needs to account for each
component appropriately.
The riders and the PGA recover specifically budgeted costs via rates that can be adjusted by City staff, as needed, to
ensure full cost recovery. These rates recover the identified expenses on a direct pass-through basis. Accordingly, the
approach the City has historically taken has involved directly allocating these costs to the specific rates that recover
them (e.g., purchased gas costs to the PGA). These rates are the same for all applicable customers and do not
involve a formal cost of service study. For those rates, Raftelis will work with City staff to ensure the costs are
appropriately identified and segmented, leaving the remaining distribution costs to be recovered in the base rates.
The City's base rates recover the cost of distributing gas to customers and provide customer service, which are not
specifically recovered by the riders and PGA. Cost recovery under the base rates differs by customer class, based on
the design and operation of the natural gas system. The cost of designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining
a gas system is directly attributable to meeting customer demands. That said, not all customers place the same level
of demand on the gas system. By extension, this also means that not all customers cause the City to incur the same
RAFTELIS 43
level of cost. A cost -of -service analysis applies the principle of cost causation by aligning utility costs with the
customer classes that cause them to be incurred.
For base rate costs, Raftelis follows an industry standard three-step analysis process in performing a class cost -of -
service study: 1) functionalization of rate base and revenue requirements; 2) classification of functionalized
components; and 3) allocation of each component among the rate classes.
Functionalization is based upon an analysis of the use of major plant elements. The major plant elements for a natural
gas utility include mains, services, meters and regulators, and general plant. We classify the major plant elements into
functions and then use this allocation of plant elements as our basis to allocate operating, maintenance, administrative,
and general expenses to functions.
Classification attributes the functionalized costs to these cost components. The result is an understanding of the
proportion of the revenue requirement that can be attributed to each type of customer demand. This allows for a
distribution of the revenue requirement based on customer demands in Tasks 3.3 through 3.5. Classification components
typically include demand requirements (maximum daily use), volume of gas (throughput), and number of customers.
The principal allocation bases used in the class cost -of -service study are related to annual volumes, peak day
requirements, and the number of customers. The annual volumes and number of customers used are the same as
those developed in the revenue forecast. The peak day forecast is typically based on a forecast of design day (highest
expected demand) requirements. For customers whose primary use is space heating (residential and commercial),
the peak demand forecast will be developed from the
statistical analysis used to develop the normalized usage
forecast. For classes whose usage is not weather dependent,
the peak day requirements will be based on consideration of
historical usage patterns and daily metered data (usually
available for large customers and/or customers who are
transporting their own gas).
The allocation of customer -related costs, such as service
lines, meters, and regulators, will be based on the relative
investment required to provide these facilities to customers.
Raftelis will develop a comparison of the cost of service by
class versus revenue generation under the City's existing
rates. This comparison will identify variances between the level of cost each group causes the City to incur and the
revenue currently recovered from that class. To the extent that significant variances are identified, these can be used
as a guide for recommended rate adjustments in Task 4.
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Task 4 — Rate Design Alternatives and Bill Impacts (RFP Section C)
Task 4.1 Base Rate Alternatives
The project team will recommend adjustments to the City's base rate structure to improve alignment with the cost of
service and industry best practices. The rate alternatives we develop for the City will be: defensible, comporting
with industry best practices for rate setting and reasonable with respect to class cost of service as determined in Task 3;
sustainable, designed to fund the operating and capital costs from the financial plan, maintain adequate reserve
balances and align with best financial management practices for municipal natural gas utilities; and implementable,
able to be actualized in the City's billing system and easily explained to customers.
RAFTELIS 44
During Task 1, Raftelis will review the City's existing rate ordinance and discuss the alignment between the rate
structures, the City's current policy priorities, and operational environment. Based on these policy discussions and
the results of the cost -of -service analysis, Raftelis will prepare updated rates under the current structure and up to
three (3) alternative options, which consider:
• Appropriate balance of fixed versus variable charges
• Rate competitiveness and customer impacts
• Rate stability and implementation
For each option, Raftelis will summarize the class -level revenue impacts relative to the class cost of service from
Task 3, and bill impacts for each class at low, average, and high usage levels. Raftelis will recommend a rate
structure that best aligns with applicable industry standards and the City's policy preferences. If necessary, Raftelis
will recommend a phased implementation plan to mitigate significant impacts on customers.
Task 4.2 Riders and PGA
Raftelis will examine the riders (ECA, RIA, UIA) and the PGA and make recommendations to ensure they
continue to appropriately recover costs. For the UTA, Raftelis will provide an opinion on normal inflation and usage
that the City can use as a basis for future UIA adjustments.
Task 4.3 Miscellaneous Gas Charges
Raftelis will review the City's miscellaneous charges from a best practices and cost recovery perspective and
recommend changes as appropriate.
Task 5 — Benchmarking and Peer Review (RFP Section D)
Raftelis will benchmark the City's rates against the municipally and investor-owned gas utilities whose service is
most applicable to that of CGS Energy. Comparisons will be conducted by size and class, where relevant and
applicable, and summarized in terms of typical bills for each customer type. Raftelis will document the rationale for
the peer utilities selected in order to support the appropriateness of the comparisons. As part of the benchmarking
review, Raftelis will explain how the recommended changes align with industry standards and the rates and rates
structures of the City's peer utilities.
Task 6 — Stakeholder Engagement & Presentations (RFP Section F)
Task 6.1: Presentations
Raftelis will present the results of our study in six (6) meetings with:
• The City Manager (1)
• 1x1 meetings with the Mayor and each City Council Member (5)
Raftelis will be available to present at the first and second ordinance readings to support the adoption of any
recommended changes.
Raftelis will prepare presentation materials (PowerPoint slides) to guide each discussion. Draft copies of presentation
materials will be provided to City staff in advance of the meetings for review, comment, and revision as needed.
RAFTELIS 45
Task 6.2: Infographic
Raftelis will prepare a one-page document summarizing the proposed recommendations and impacts for use by City
leadership in communicating the results of the study.
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Task 7 — Final Deliverables & Ordinance Update (RFP Section G)
Task 7.1: Study Report
The project team will produce a report that summarizes the results of the study. Drafts will be circulated to City staff
and any comments will be incorporated into a final draft report, which will be provided in electronic format to the
City. Senior members of the project team will then present the results of the study to the City Council at an on-site
meeting. After incorporating feedback from this presentation, the project team will finalize the report and provide
an electronic copy to the City. This report will overview the analysis, key findings, and recommendations, and will
include the following elements:
• Executive summary
• Revenue sufficiency assessment
• Cost -of -service methodology and results
• Rate design alternatives and recommended
rate structures
• Bill Impact Analysis
• Benchmarking results
• Financial projections and scenario results
• Implementation schedule and
recommendation
Task 7.2: Ordinance Redline
Raftelis will update the City's rate ordinance based on the study recommendations and will provide clean and
redlined versions as appendices to the study report (Task 7.1).
Task 7.3: Presentation Materials
As described in Task 6.1, Raftelis will prepare presentation materials summarizing the key findings and
recommendations from the study. Any presentation materials will be equally suitable for internal meetings and public
consumption.
RAFTELIS 46
Task 7.4: Rate Model
At the heart of any successful cost -of -service and rate study is the computer model that is used to develop revenue
requirements; perform cost functionalization, classification, and allocation; and calculate rates. The model must be
sophisticated enough to perform the complex calculations involved in a comprehensive cost -of -service and rate
analysis and yet still be simple enough to allow for future updates by City staff. The model will incorporate the rate
structures and rate calculation methodologies that are identified during Task 4.
During the course of the project, City staff will be provided with working copies of rate model drafts in Microsoft
Excel so that they will be able to provide input into the development of the model. Once the project is complete, the
City will be provided with fully functioning copies of the model, and Raftelis personnel will train members of the
City staff in its use. Raftelis will also provide up to 4 hours of support on the model annually, at no additional cost,
for as long as the City would like to use the model.
Raftelis will develop a customized financial model that incorporates a dashboard to allow you to easily run scenarios and see the impacts
in real time. Shown here is a sample dashboard that we developed for another project.
ElInvoices
4 Sales
Calculation
Rate
:= Schedule
1,9Sud
1 Schedules
Cost of Gas - Projected
s1.co
4 50.90
50.00
50.70
50.60
50.54 5'
)• r• 1
ro IIF,:j
.5 \gym 9 1,L •1,e. <° 41"
5-.Comm0220 5 tnnmsnn --actual COC
Sial Date
Pe Dad Display
Jul.2012 mos projected
Unit Cost of Gas
51.41,
51.20
51.00
50.80
50.60
5050
50.20
'l II I 1
I l
II I I _ - !-i •a
1.1_� 1 l ilii , ill l
46'('.°
a� d� 0 a ,P.�tis• o 11 a 5 15' 1 1'57 o
w' 6' o 4e s1''
Customer Sales (Mcf) - Projected
5.000
2.500
'- 2,000
1400 51
•
,•000
500
sA 19
4', c�'T' e �' sjED 46° .$01 �s 451'
�5 y
firm auvinle•nmlile _-N:Inal Sa4;s
Sian Date
Peuod Display
Feb -19 12 mos Projected
Purchased Gas Adjustment - Residential
51.276 51.232 51.223
50.437 ISO 3931 I S0.1C4
I i 11
50.587 S0.5871 50.587
Cl 1.
$0151 $0152 $0.191
Brock I
Block ? e 3
=Commodity i-00cmand -is-COC Baled Bax COC 0006 OMargn
'part Date Period 11,11ay Olsplay
Sep -19 12 mos Actual Residential
Monthly Bill - Residential
$132.44
5117.42
Ea.+opn Proiecled
90 Ccf 100 Ccl
RAFTELIS 47
TAB 4 - PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATION,
Project Management and
Communication
Coordination with City Staff and Other Stakeholders
Raftelis places a premium on delivering high-quality results on time and on budget. Accomplishing this objective
will require Raftelis and City staff to work collaboratively. This begins with the project kick-off and continues on an
ongoing basis throughout the project.
The project kick-off meeting is critical to project success because it establishes a plan for project delivery that effectively
and efficiently meets the needs of the City. The meeting serves as an opportunity for City staff to update the Raftelis
team on any developing challenges, and for Raftelis staff to share insights gained through our work on similar
challenges for utilities throughout the country. Additionally, it serves as an opportunity to confirm the project
schedule, whichultimately drives the provision of the data needed for the study (on the part of City staff) and the
study deliverables (on the part of the Raftelis project team). While previous engagements have allowed us to develop
familiarity with the City's rate development process and our role in it, each study is unique and brings its own
challenges and opportunities. The project kick-off ensures all parties are on the same page with respect to the needs
and expectations of that year.
Effective ongoing project management ensures that City staff are receiving the support they need. This means regular and
responsive communication, timely provision of deliverables, and prompt communication of any issues or challenges.
One of Raftelis' key project management objectives is to serve as an asset to City staff, enhancing their capabilities and
bringing a broader industry perspective to bear on any challenges. Our project management team includes the same
senior Raftelis staff who have successfully served the City during the last two studies. This team is prepared to continue to
leverage our institutional knowledge to support the critical work performed by the City going forward.
These same approaches apply to other stakeholders, who may need to provide input throughout the engagement. If the
City has additional consulting partners or if there is a need to engage decision makers early or throughout the study,
Raftelis is prepared to do that.
Team Accessibility
With the depth of more than 190 consulting professionals, and specifically the current and anticipated workload of
the individuals assigned to this project, we have the availability to provide the requested services in a timely and
efficient manner to meet the scheduling requirements and objectives of the City. As a rule, Raftelis operates at a
company -wide project utilization of approximately 65% to 75%. This level of utilization, which we expect to
continue through the proposed timeline of this project, will provide the project team with ample time to allocate to
the City's engagement. Raftelis actively manages the distribution of our staff hours to ensure we allocate the
necessary resources to meet the needs of each of our clients. Raftelis' executive and management team participates
in a weekly conference call to review the number of consulting hours required to meet the needs of our clients
during the upcoming week. This weekly meeting allows our project managers to deploy our consulting staff in a
flexible manner that ensures a suitable level of hours will be devoted to each client.
RAFTELIS 48
Communication Plan
As described above and in Task 1 of our Project Methodology section, regular communication with City staff will
be critical to the success of the project. We recommend, at a minimum, regular meetings between Raftelis' project
manager and a dedicated City staff project manager to provide status updates. In addition, Raftelis can present to a
larger group of City staff (i.e., a project steering committee) at key milestones. Raftelis will confirm the City's
preferred communication approach and frequency as part of the kick-off meeting.
Experience Presenting Findings to Executive Leadership
As described above, Raftelis conducts hundreds of these studies annually, and each project leadership team member has
a minimum of 10 years' experience. Nearly every study we complete requires a presentation to client executive leadership
and a public presentation to client elected officials. Our project director and project manager both present regularly to
client executive leadership and elected officials, and each led 1x1 discussions with the City's elected officials as part of the
two previous natural gas rate studies. In addition, both Mr. Drat and Mr. Kreps have presented testimony as expert
witnesses before multiple state public service commissions. We are prepared to clearly and succinctly explain and defend
our work, providing City decision makers with the confidence to implement our recommendations.
RAFTELIS 49
Project Schedule
The City's RFP does not indicate, a preferred completion date. In our experience these types of engagements
typically require 6 months. Below is an estimated schedule assuming substantial completion of our analysis by the
end of the year, with final presentations anticipated for early 2027. 1x1 meetings are assumed to occur in January of
2027, and Council adoption meetings in February and March. Final deliverables (final report, infographic model,
etc.), following Council adoption, would be delivered in April.
Draft final versions of all deliverables would be provided to City staff for review and comment, and, after any
revisions, to stakeholders for advanced review. Given our direct experience with the City, Raftelis can expedite this
schedule substantially if needed. If selected, we will work with City staff to finalize a schedule that meets the City's
needs.
TASKS
Aug
2026
Sep
2026
Oct
2026
Nov
2026
Dec
2026
Jan
2027
Feb
2027
Mar
2027
Apr
2027
1. Project Initiation and Data Request
•
2. Financial Forecasting
•
3. Cost of Service and Revenue
Requirements
•
4. Rate Design Alternatives and Bill Impacts
•
5. Benchmarking and Peer Review
•
6. Stakeholder Engagement and
Presentations
•
•
•
7. Final Deliverables and Ordinance Update
•
• •
• 0000
• In-person Meetings
• Web Meetings
• Deliverables
RAFTELIS 50
:TAB 5 - REFERENCES AND PAST PERFORMANCE
References
We urge you to contact the references listed below to better understand our capabilities and the quality of service that we
provide.
Orangeburg Department of Public Utilities SC
Reference: Warren T. Harley, Manager / P: 803.268.4000 / E: wharley@orbgdpu.com
Schedule: Ongoing
Budget: —$100,000 annually (all utility services), —$30,000 for gas utility services
Raftelis has provided electric, natural gas, water, and wastewater financial and rate consulting services for the City of
Orangeburg Department of Public Utilities (ODPU) since 2015. In 2015, Raftelis performed an update to financial
planning and cost of service models for all four utilities. After updating the cost -of -service analyses, it was determined
that rate increases for the water and wastewater utilities were necessary for Fiscal Year 2017. In addition to updating
ODPU's cost -of -service models, Raftelis assisted in the preparation of a 2016 Report on Rates describing the detailed
cost -of -service analyses performed for each utility and recommending rate adjustments where appropriate.
In 2019, Raftelis was engaged by ODPU to perform a financial planning study for all four utilities. Facing significant
capital reinvestment needs over the next ten years for all four utilities, ODPU engaged Raftelis to develop a system -wide
cash flow model to model and compare various financing plans to fund the four -system Capital Improvements Plan. The
financing plans relied on a blend of debt and equity financing mechanisms. Raftelis modeled the capital financing plans
and assisted in the evaluation and presentation of funding alternatives.
In 2023 and 2025, Raftelis has been engaged by ODPU to provide financial consulting services related to financial
planning/forecasting and performing a cost -of -service study. This work includes the preparation of a financial forecast
and capital financing plan. In addition, Raftelis continues to support ODPU with ongoing miscellaneous rate and
financial planning support, such as load forecast studies, lighting rate development, etc.
City of Springfield TN
Reference: Benji Davis, Gas Utility Director / P: 615.382.1621 / E: benji.davis@springfieldtn.gov
Schedule: -6 months
Budget: -$60,000
The City of Springfield (City) engaged Raftelis to conduct a natural gas rate study in 2025. This study involved a
multi-year financial plan and rate recommendations designed to fund ongoing operation and maintenance expenses
and capital repair and replacement while maintaining appropriate levels of liquidity. The impetus for the study itself
was a review of the City's budget by the State of Tennessee's Office of the Comptroller, which observed that the
City would potentially demonstrate a negative change in net position on its income statements for two consecutive
years. Based on this feedback, the City proactively engaged Raftelis to develop a plan for correcting the deficiency in
the upcoming fiscal year, along with a longer-term financial plan. To demonstrate that the new rates would be
compliant, Raftelis developed a pro -forma income statement and cash flow reconciliation to mimic the approach
that the State uses to evaluate municipalities. Raftelis presented a formal written report to the City's Board of Mayor
and Aldermen, who adopted it on second reading.
RAFTELIS 51
City of Fort Morgan CO
Reference: Tony Behrends, Gas Superintendent /P: 970.542.3910 / E: tony.behrends@cityoffortmorgan.com
Schedule: Ongoing
Budget: —$50,000 for initial study, annual updates $10,000
The City of Fort Morgan (City) engaged Raftelis to conduct a natural gas rate study in 2023. This study involved a multi-
year cash flow projection of revenues and expenses for the natural gas fund, as well as recommended revenue
adjustments to fund expenses and maintain appropriate reserve levels. Revenue projections were based on a normalized
usage forecast using multivariate regression and monthly data on customer usage and heating degree days (HDD). Gas
expenses were based on a monthly projection of gas purchases and anticipated commodity costs based on a review of
energy futures prices and projections provided by the City's gas supplier, Nebraska Public Gas Agency (NPGA). Based
on these projections, Raftelis recommended adjustments to the City's delivery charges, which recover the City's cost to
distribute gas to customers as well as the City's gas supply charge, which recovers the cost of gas purchased on behalf of
customers. Raftelis updated the study in 2024 and 2025 and currently monitors the City's gas purchases, customer usage,
and purchased gas adjustment (PGA) on a monthly basis.
Richmond Department of Public Utilities VA
Reference: John "Billy" Vaughan, Utilities Comptroller / P: 804.646.5232 / E: john.vaughan@rva.gov
Schedule: Ongoing
Budget: —$475,000 annually (all utility services), —$140,000 for gas utility services
Since 2007, Raftelis has assisted the Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU) with various financial, rate, and
management consulting services for water, wastewater, stormwater, natural gas, and electric street lighting utility
services. Our initial engagement involved development of a rate and financial planning model (Rate Model) for the
DPU's natural gas, water, wastewater, stormwater, and electric street lighting utilities. Since that time, Raftelis has
provided annual financial services to the DPU covering various rates, cost of service, debt issuance support, data,
management, and related services. Services for the energy utilities include 'cost -of -service analysis for the DPU's natural
gas margin rates' as well as development of a financial forecast and feasibility report for numerous revenue bond issues.
Raftelis is currently updating the DPU's natural gas demand model, which provides a projection of demand and
assessment of the sufficiency of natural gas upstream capacity and storage. Services for the electric streetlighting utility
include annual financial planning, rate design, and contract service negotiation support. Raftelis assisted DPU with an
evaluation of capital financing alternatives, including revenue bonds, general obligation bonds, Virginia Resource
Authority (VRA) loans, Build America Bonds (BAB), and grants to fund capital improvements.
Greenville Utilities Commission, NC
Reference: Johnathan Britt, Financial Planning & Analysis Manager / P: 252.551.1535 / E:brittjn@guc.com
Schedule: Rate Study (-7 months), Bond Feasibility Study (-4 months)
Budget: —$135,000 for Rate Study, —$53,000 for Bond Feasibility Study
Raftelis has conducted two studies for Greenville Utilities Commission (GUC). Raftelis assisted GUC in 2024 with
the development of a comprehensive rate study for its natural gas utility. The engagement included building a multi-
year financial planning model that incorporated historical performance, capital expenditure forecasts, and debt
service requirements. Raftelis conducted cost -of -service analysis to allocate operating and capital costs across
customer classes using appropriate cost causation methodologies, calculated revenue requirements, and designed
proposed rate structures.
RAFTELIS 52
The analysis evaluated rate design alternatives to balance revenue adequacy with rate stability and customer
affordability. Additionally, Raftelis analyzed the cost structure of the Commission's Compressed Natural Gas
(CNG) fueling system, including capital recovery and operating cost allocation, and provided recommendations for
establishing cost -recovery rates that reflect the system's capital intensity and usage patterns.
Raftelis was engaged in 2025 by GUC to conduct a comprehensive bond feasibility study supporting the issuance of
revenue bonds for capital improvements across the Commission's water, sewer, electric, and natural gas utilities.
The multi -utility analysis required integration of separate financial models and rate scenarios across four distinct
utility systems. Raftelis analyzed financial plans for the water, sewer, and natural gas systems to demonstrate that
projected revenues under proposed rates would satisfy debt service coverage requirements and maintain required
cash reserves over the bond repayment period. The feasibility analysis provided assurance to the Commission and
its lenders that the proposed capital investments could besupported through enterprise revenues.
RAFTELIS 53
TAB 6 — COST PROPOSAL!
Cost
The following table provides a breakdown of our proposed fee for this project. Any costs not specifically identified
in the pricing sheet are deemed included in the Total Base Proposal Cost (Section 1) and will not be paid separately.
All pricing shown is all-inclusive in accordance with the City's Pricing Sheet requirements. The cost shown below
assumes virtual project meetings and presentations, with the exception of the two ordinance adoption meetings,
which are included and assumed to be in person.
SECTION 1— LUMP SUM BY TASK (PRIMARY PRICING)
Line Item
1
Description
Project Initiation & Data Request
(Section A)
Quantity
1
Unit of
Measure
Lump Sum
Unit Cost
$5,420
Total
$5,420
2
Cost of Service & Revenue
Requirements (Section B)
1
Lump Sum
$16,480
$16,480
3
Rate Design Alternatives & Bill Impacts
(Section C)
1
Lump Sum
$10,650
$10,650
4
Benchmarking & Peer Review (Section
D5
1
Lump Sum
$5,300
$5,300
Financial Forecasting (Section E)
1
Lump Sum
$16,350
$16,350
6
Stakeholder Engagement &
Presentations (Section F)
1
Lump Sum
$9,500
$9,500
7
Final Deliverables & Ordinance Update
(Section G)
1
Lump Sum
$11,975
$11,975
TOTAL $75,675
RAFTELIS 54
SECTION 2 — OPTIONAL / ADDITIONAL SERVICES (HOURLY RATES)
Line Item
Description
Unit of
Measure
Unit Cost
1
Principal / Project Director
Per Hour
$425
2
Project Manager
Per Hour
$375
3
Senior Analyst
Per Hour
$340
4
Analyst / Support Staff
Per Hour
$150
SECTION 3— OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL MEETINGS / PRESENTATIONS (1)
Line Item
1
2
Description
Additional City Council or Workshop Presentations (beyond
those identified in scope)
Additional Stakeholder Meetings
Unit of
Measure
Each
Each
Unit Cost
In -Person: $3,000
Virtual: $1,500
In -Person: $3,000
Virtual: $1,500
(1) Cost assumes content is substantially similar to that 'alreadypresented/ in base scope of services in Section 11
OTHER FORMS — REFERENCE SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES FORMS
SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS WITH
CUBA AND SYRIA CERTIFICATION FORM
iF YOUR BID/PROPOSAL IS $1,000,000 OR MORE, THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND
SUB MiTTED WITH THE BID/PROPOSAL. FAILURE TO SUBMIT THiS FORM AS REQUIRED MAY
DEEM YOUR SUBMITTAL NONRESPONSIVE.
The affiant, by virtue of the signature below, certifies that:
1. The vendor, company, Individual, principal, subsidiary, affiliate, or owner is aware of the requirements
of section 287.135, Florida Statutes, regarding companies on the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan
List, the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Energy Sector List, or engaging in business
operations in Cuba and Syria; and
2. The vendor, company, individual, principal, subsidiary, affiliate, or owner Is eligible to participate in this
solicitation and is not listed on either the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List, the Scrutinized
Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Sector List, or engaged in business operations in Cuba and
Syria; and
3. Business Operations means, for purposes specifically related to Cuba or Syria, engaging in commerce
in any form in Cuba or Syria, including, but not limited to, acquiring, developing, maintaining, owning, selling,
possessing, leasing or operating equipment, facilities, personnel, products, services, personal property, real
property, military equipment, or any other apparatus of business or commerce; and
4. If awarded the Contract (or Agreement), the vendor, company, individual, principal, subsidiary, affiliate,
or owner will immediately notify the City of Clearwater in writing, no later than five (5) calendar days after any of
its principals are placed on the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List, the Scrutinized Companies
with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Sector List, or engaged in business operations in Cuba and Syria.
STATE OF q6.6k,Ca,rol>;e1A
COUNTY OF titckIWain
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me by means of VI physical presence or ❑ online
\ 't
notarization on, this ' day of lUiftSL. 2094 , by
ame of person whose signature is being notarized) as theaid in1'aty tjo_ d 'o (title) of
a Us florgItlat Oyniutioni&) Inc- (name of corporation/entity), personally known V or
roduced 1•11{‘ (type of identification) as identification. and who did/did not take
an oath.
Authorized Signature
Elaine Conti
Printed Name
Chief Administrative Officer
Title
Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc.
Name of Entity/Corporation
MEGAN P, WHALEN
Notary Public, North•Cerolina
Mecklenburg County
My Commission Expires
danuary30.2030
My Commission Expires: i `361 3036
NOTARY SEAL ABOVE
NotaPu
Printed Na e
? & �m
RAFTELIS 55
RAFTELIS 56
SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES FORMS
SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES THAT BOYCOTT ISRAEL LIST CERTIFICATION FORM
THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND SUBMITTED WITH THE BID/PROPOSAL.
FAILURE TO SUBMIT THIS FORM AS REQUIRED MAY DEEM YOUR SUBMITTAL
NONRESPONSIVE.
The affiant, by virtue of the signature below, certifies that:
1. The vendor, company, individual, principal, subsidiary, affiliate, or owner is aware of the requirements
of section 257.135, Florida Statutes, regarding companies on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott
Israel List, or engaged in a boycott of Israel; and
2. The vendor, company, individual, principal, subsidiary, affiliate, or owner is eligible to participate in this
solicitation and is not listed on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List, or engaged, in a
boycott of Israel; and
3. "Boycott Israel° or "boycott of Israel" means refusing to deal, terminating business activities, or taking
other actions to limit commercial relations with Israel, or persons or entities doing business in Israel or
in Israeli -controlled territories, in a discriminatory manner. A statement by a company that it is
participating in a boycott of Israel, or that it has initiated a boycott in response to a request for a boycott
of Israel or in compliance with, or in furtherance of, calls for a boycott of Israel, may be considered as
evidence that a company is participating in a boycott of Israel; and
4. If awarded the Contract (or Agreement), the vendor, company, individual, principal, subsidiary, affiliate,
or owner will immediately notify the City of Clearwater in writing, no later than five (5) calendar days
after any of its principals are placed on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List, or engaged
in a boycott of Israel.
Authorized Signature
Elaine Conti
Printed Name
Chief Administrative Officer
Title
Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc.
Name of Entity/Corporation
STATE OF 0 4tk1n efl11511nes
COUNTY OF MujileAlcuro_
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me by means of r physical presence or 0 online
notarization on, this %tP" day of ,Tvl&Q_ , 2Dr5(a , by k 1\L C1144.,
name of person whose signature is being notarized) as the 's _ H, u r... , , 5. (title) of
V p \ .) 3& e r JW t,t- 4S ,j nr.. (name of corporationlentity), personally known V , or
produced , IN (type of identification) as identification, and who did/did not take
an oath.
MEGAN P. WHALEN
Notary Public, North Carolina
Mecklenburg County
My Commission Expires
January 30, 2030
My Commission Expires: ) I $0 x.030
NOTARY SEAL ABOVE
Notary
He0i('!r1 . P.f
01-'
Printed Ne
ruir
-lN
RAFTELIS 57
Compliance with Anti -Human Trafficking Laws
Pursuant to Section 787.06 (13), Florida Statutes, this form must be completed by an officer or
representative of a non-govemmental entity when a contract is executed, renewed, or extended
between the non-governmental entity and the City of Clearwater.
The undersigned, on behalf of the entity listed below. ("Entity"), hereby attests under penalty of
perjury that
Entity does not use coercion for labor or services as defined in Section 787.06, Florida Statutes.
The undersigned is authorized to execute this form on behalf of Entity.
Date: June 16 , 20 26 Signed:
Entity: Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc. Name: Collin Drat
Title: Vice President
RAFTELIS 58
Form WRQ Request for Taxpayer Give form to the
(Rev. Minch 20241 identification Number and Certification requester. Do not
oopartreamorittav Send lo the IRS.
knead Reverse Unice
GO t4 WWW.Irs.gov/FOMIWIlifer n liti01kyr10 and lber IOWA Iformation.
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clariticalco of Ma tet~ unless 111a a sitaagardcd way. A dLoogardad artily dihould Frateed check the sppropnote
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and you ,ora pranidtig This torn to a partnardFt , lms1, or ,sista In vatrkh yov para an awnersfip Waren, cheek
lhls box Iryou Vine anyforclgn partners. eupnea, or bonclidados, Soo Instruct ons
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227 W1, Trade Street, Suite 1400 (Physical Address)
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Charlotte, NC 28202
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LOCKBOX REMIT TO ADDRESS: PO BOX 96261 CHARLOTTE, NC 28296.6261
Part I
Taxpayer identification Number (%INI
Ether your TIN in the apprc r to /ram The TiN provided must meter the name given on line 1 to avoid
backup withholding, Fav dndividuets, this is generally yaw sOol,?r 3ocurity number (SSNj. However, for o
resident alien, tore prcpeetor, or disregarded entity, see the Instructions for Part 1, later. For When
waffles, it Is your employer lateral Rotation number (EMI). If you da net Have a number, see liow Io get a
77ftf, later.
Note: If the a cotnt is on more than one nave, see the Inatructhuts tar line 1. See iso Ultat Orme and
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Pert II
Certification
Under penaltfasof amply, Irattly that
1. The number shown an this form fa my correct taxpayer idonbSrration number (or 1 am wolfing for a cumber to be issued Uri me); and
2. I axn plot subject to backup w lhholding because (a)tam exempt (ram backup withholding. or tb) Pilaw/ not bean nettled by the Internal Retienue
Saralee (IRS) that t an subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report ell Interest or drvidonds, or (Odic IRS hos notified mo that 1 atm
no longer t abject to 11,74kap withhckdiog; and
3. I ern a 4J.S, citizen or other U.S. person (defined below); and
4. Tho FATCA code(*) ordered on this foram {d arty) hldrealing that I am exempt tram FATCA reporthlg Is correct.
Certification Instructions. You must cross aut Item 2 above If you terve been notified by the IRS that you the currently subject to backup wihhoidingi
because you have failed to report all Interest and civfdends err your tax return. Far real estate tranzac1Ion3, item 2 does nol apply. For mortgage iMerest paid,
ecqulsIllon or abandonment of goateed property. cancellation of debt, ocntrhtut ons to are individual retirement anangenient(IRA},and, generally, payments
other than Interest and divide of you aro riot rewired to sign the odrdF+Dation, foal you must provide your correet 7W. See the Instruetiara for Plat Il, later.
Sign Signatures of
Here am Pardon
General Instructions
Section rorotonces are to the Internal Revenue Cada unless otherwise
noted
Fetus developments. For the tatoet Information about developments
related to Form W-9 and Its inahuct2an% such as legislation enacted
after they were published, go to www.irs.gov/FrrnW9.
What's New
Lino 3a 11zn boon rtodilel 10 Clarity bow a disregarded entity COreftte3
this line. Had LLC that is a disregarded entity should check the
appropriate box for the fax classification of Its owner. Otherwise, it
should check the °LLC" box and otter its appropriate lax classi1ioation.
New lino 3b has boon added bo this form. A flow-through entity is
required to own plate 'hie One to !abdicate, teat it has direct; er indirect
foreign partners, owners, rlr treateCtuarles when a ;amides the Farm W-5
to another flow-through entity hi whichr1 has an orrmarahip Interest This
change is Intended to poovido o flow-through entity with Information
regrading tete status of Rs indirect faraign partner% owners, or
beneficiaries, so t]tat it can satisfy any applicable reporting
requirements. For example, a partnership that has any Indirect foreign
party ars may bo requirod to cornplelo Schedules K•2 and K-3. Seo tho
PartnorShtp tnstructiomsfor Schedules K-2 and K-.1. {Form 1065).
Purpose of Form
vial Individual or entity (Foran W-9 requester) who Is required to eta an
Information return tttth the IRS is giving you this fess because they
Car. No. 10231X
Fame W -9 (Rev. 3-2024)
RAFTELIS 59
EXCEPTIONS
Exceptions
We request that the City consider making the following modifications, shown in red below, to the Professional
Services Agreement. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about these modifications.
4.14 Audits and Records
Contractor must preserve the records related to this Agreement for five (5) years after completion of the Agreement.
The City or its authorized agent reserves the right to inspect any records related to the performance of work
specified herein. In addition, the City may inspect any and all payroll, billing or other relevant records kept by
Contractor in relation to the Agreement,- to confirm compliance with the terms of this Agreement. Contractor will
permit such inspections and audits during normal business hours and upon reasonable notice by the City. The audit
of records may occur at Contractor's place of business or at City offices, as determined by the City.
4.18 Remedies
The remedies set forth in this Agreement are not exclusive. Election of one remedy will not preclude the use of
other remedies. In the event of default:
A. The non -defaulting party may terminate the Agreement, and the termination will be effective
immediately or at such other date as specified by the terminating party.
B. The City may purchase the services required under the Agreement from the open market, complete
required work itself, or have it completed at the expense of Contractor. If the cost of obtaining substitute
services exceeds the contract price, the City may recover the excess, out-of-pocket cost by: (i) requiring
immediate reimbursement to the City; (ii) deduction from an unpaid balance due to Contractor; (iii)
collection against the proposal and/or performance security, if any;
_ or (iv) a combination of the aforementioned remedies or other remedies as
provided by law. Costs includes any -and all reasonable, out-of-pocket, fees, and expenses incurred in
obtaining substitute services and expended in obtaining reimbursement, including, but not limited to,
administrative expenses, attorneys' fees, and costs.
4.26 Indemnification/Liability
A. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Contractor agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold the City, its
officers, agents, and employees, harmless from and against any -and all liabilities, demands, claims, suits,
losses, damages, causes of action, fines or judgments, including costs, reasonable attorneys', witncsseo', and
expert -witnesses! fees, and expenses incident thereto, Agin each case to, ^R out of o_ the extent
caused by : (i) the negligent provision of services -provided by Contractor personnel under this
Agreement; (ii) any negligent acts, errors, mistakes or omissions by Contractor or Contractor personnel in
the performance of this Agreement; and (iii) Contractor or Contractor personnel's failure to comply with or
fulfill the obligations established by this Agreement. If applicable, this paragraph shall be construed in
harmony with F. S. § 725.06.
A. Contractor will update the City during the course of the litigation to timely notify the City of any
issues that may involve the independent negligence of the City that is not covered by this indemnification.
B. The City assumes no liability for negligent actions of Contractor and will not indemnify or hold
Contractor or any third party harmless for claims based on Contractor's negligent performance under this
Agreement or use of Contractor -provided supplies or services.
RAFTELIS 60
C. Nothing contained herein in intended to serve as a waiver by the City of its sovereign immunity, to
extend the liability of the City beyond the limits set forth in Section 768.28, Florida Statutes, or be construed
as consent by the City to be sued by third parties.
4.27 Warranty
Contractor warrants that the services and materials will conform to the requirements of the Agreement.
Additionally, Contractor warrants that all services will be performed in a good, workman -like, and professional
manner- as of the time and at the location in which the services are provided hereunder. The City's acceptance of
service or materials provided by Contractor will not relieve Contractor from its obligations under this warranty. If
any materials or services . _ _ _ . • - . o not meet the
foregoing standard of care, Contractor, at no additional charge to the City, will provide materials or redo such
services until in accordance with this Agreement and to the City's reasonable satisfaction. Un1e s otcrwise agreed,
City acknowledges and agrees that Contractor
manufacture -and -does not discontinued, will be free of defects in materialsguarantee outcomes or results, and
Contractor does
not legislate, practice law or provide legal advice. If applicable, this paragraph shall be construed in harmony with
F. S. § 725.06. Contractor may rely on all information provided by or on behalf of the City in its performance
hereunder.
4.28 City's Right to Recover Against Third Parties
Contractor will do nothing to prejudice the City's right to recover against third parties for any loss, destruction,
or damage to City property,
Nothing herein shall obligate Contractor to provide
litigation support, respond to inquiries or attend any proceedings, hearings, trials or appeals.
4.30 Ownership
reports, test plana, and
and documents which are prepared in the performance of this
Agreement, and intended by Contractor as a deliverable hereunder, are the property of the City and will not be
used or released by Contractor or any other person except with prior written permission by the City. Nothing in
this Agreement shall be deemed or construed to be a waiver, release, transfer, assignment or divestiture by
Contractor of any of its intellectual property, know-how or trade secrets.
4.36 Proprietary Rights Indemnification
Without limiting the foregoing, Contractor will _ . ... -, . ' , efend the City against all claims
asserted by any person that anything provided by Contractor to the City pursuant to this Agreement infringes a
patent, copyright, trade secret, or other intellectual property right
o the extent of such
action or claim infringement. Each party agrees to notify the other promptly of any matters to which this provision
may apply and to cooperate with each other in connection with such defense or settlement. If a preliminary or final
judgment is obtained against the City's use or operation of the items provided by Contractor hereunder or any part
thereof by reason of any alleged infringement, Contractor will, at its expense and without limitation, either: (a)
RAFTELIS 61
modify the item so that it becomes non -infringing; (b) procure for the City the right to continue to use the item; (c)
substitute for the infringing item other item(s) having at least equivalent capability; or (d) refund to the City an
amount equal to the price paid, less reasonable usage, from the time of installation acceptance through cessation of
use, which amount will be calculated on a useful life not less than five (5) years, plus any additional costs the City
may incur to acquire substitute supplies or services. Nothing contained herein in intended to serve as a waiver by
the City of its sovereign immunity, to extend the liability of the City beyond the limits set forth in Section 768.28,
Florida Statutes, or be construed as consent by the City to be sued by third parties.
4.39 Cooperative Use of Contract
This Agreement may be extended for use by other municipalities, counties, school districts, and government
agencies with the written approval of Contractor. Any such usage by other entities must be in accordance with the
statutes, codes, ordinances, charter and/or procurement rules and regulations of the respective government agency.
Orders placed by other agencies and payment thereof will be the sole responsibility of that agency. The City is not
responsible for any disputes arising out of transactions made by others.
SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES FORMS
SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS WITH
CUBA AND SYRIA CERTIFICATION FORM
IF YOUR BID/PROPOSAL IS $1,000,000 OR MORE, THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND
SUBMITTED WITH THE BID/PROPOSAL. FAILURE TO SUBMIT THIS FORM AS REQUIRED MAY
DEEM YOUR SUBMITTAL NONRESPONSIVE.
The affiant, by virtue of the signature below, certifies that:
1. The vendor, company, individual, principal, subsidiary, affiliate, or owner is aware of the requirements
of section 287.135, Florida Statutes, regarding companies on the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan
List, the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Energy Sector List, or engaging in business
operations in Cuba and Syria; and
2. The vendor, company, individual, principal, subsidiary, affiliate, or owner is eligible to participate in this
solicitation .and is not listed on either the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List, the Scrutinized
Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Sector List, or engaged in business operations in Cuba and
Syria; and
3. Business Operations means, for purposes specifically related to Cuba or Syria, engaging in commerce
in any form in Cuba or Syria, including, but not limited to, acquiring, developing, maintaining, owning, selling,
possessing, leasing or operating equipment, facilities, personnel, products, services, personal property, real
property, military equipment, or any other apparatus of business or commerce; and
4. If awarded the Contract (or Agreement), the vendor, company, individual, principal, subsidiary, affiliate,
or owner will immediately notify the City of Clearwater in writing, no later than five (5) calendar days after any of
its principals are placed on the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List, the Scrutinized Companies
with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Sector List, or engaged in business operations in Cuba and Syria.
STATE OF (({Q' CO4tilti(16%
COUNTY OF 14c►c1Cnin
The foregoing instrumentwas acknowledged before me by means of � physical presence or ❑ online
notarization on, this \e, day of 31)A9.. 20alo , by i , vei
ame of person whose signature is being notarized) as theCini¢f ►dn' ni*0,4►yo.6 'UN'(title) of
aFl�lis fitykALiaa �r ul4cnMS. 1m1G- (name of corporation/entity), personally known V , or
roduced NSI\ (type of identification) as identification, and who did/did not take
an oath.
Authorized Signature
Elaine Conti
Printed Name
Chief Administrative Officer
Title
Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc.
. Name of Entity/Corporation
MEGAN P. WHALEN
Notary Public, North -Carolina
Mecklenburg County
My Commission Expires
January 30, 2030
My Commission Expires: 1 (36 /3036
NOTARY SEAL ABOVE
7 I
Nota Pu li `
Printed Na e P� �k-nWe
SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES FORMS
SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES THAT BOYCOTT ISRAEL LIST CERTIFICATION FORM
THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND SUBMITTED WITH THE BID/PROPOSAL.
FAILURE TO SUBMIT THIS FORM AS REQUIRED MAY DEEM YOUR SUBMITTAL
NONRESPONSIVE.
The affiant, by virtue of the signature below, certifies that:
1. The vendor, company, individual, principal, subsidiary, affiliate, or owner is aware of the requirements
of section 287.135, Florida Statutes, regarding companies on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott
Israel List, or engaged in a boycott of Israel; and
2. The vendor, company, individual, principal, subsidiary, affiliate, or owner is eligible to participate in this
solicitation and is not listed on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List, or engaged in a
boycott of Israel; and
3. "Boycott Israel' or "boycott of Israel" means refusing to deal, terminating business activities, or taking
other actions to limit commercial relations with Israel, or persons or entities doing business in Israel or
in Israeli -controlled territories, in a discriminatory manner. A statement by a company that it is
participating in a boycott of Israel, or that it has initiated a boycott in response to a request for a boycott
of Israel or in compliance with, or in furtherance of, calls for a boycott of Israel, may be considered as
evidence that a company is participating in a boycott of Israel; and
4. If awarded the Contract (or Agreement), the vendor, company, individual, principal, subsidiary, affiliate,
or owner will immediately notify the City of Clearwater in writing, no later than five (5) calendar days
after any of its principals are placed on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List, or engaged
in a boycott of Israel.
STATE OF 1J orkh Co, i6li
COUNTY OF 1,ilefttp.r\h1j1(l\
Authorized Signature
Elaine Conti
Printed Name
Chief Administrative Officer
Title
Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc.
Name of Entity/Corporation
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me by means of ire physical presence or ❑ online
notarization on, this 10'w` day of SuVI.Q. , 20aLo , by Ic.;nn. C. 4'
(name of person whose signature is being notarized) as the ,' i , it, i. , a • (title) of
V,AtliS Amccin.\ Ca(15uMn4N Inc. , (name of corporation/entity), personally known 1/ , or
produced %al (type of identification) as identification, and who did/did not take
an oath.
MEGAN P. WHALEN
Notary Public, North•Carolina
Mecklenburg County
My Commission Expires
January 30, 2030
My Commission Expires: 1 1301x,030
NOTARY SEAL ABOVE
).!
Notary ub
Me ,n k l-P.n
Printed Na
Compliance with Anti -Human Trafficking Laws
Pursuant to Section 787.06 (13), Florida Statutes, this form must be completed by an officer or
representative of a non-governmental entity when a contract is executed, renewed, or extended
between the non-governmental entity and the City of Clearwater.
The undersigned, on behalf of the entity listed below ("Entity"), hereby attests under penalty of
perjury that:
Entity does not use coercion for labor or services as defined in Section 787.06, Florida Statutes.
The undersigned is authorized to execute this form on behalf of Entity.
Date: June 16 , 20 26 Signed:
Entity: Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc. Name: Collin Drat
Title: Vice President
Form w-9
(Rev. March 2024)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Request for Taxpayer
identification Number and Certification
Go to www.Irs.gov/ForrrnW9 for instructions and the latest information.
Give form to the
requester. Do not
send to the IRS.
Before you begin. For guidance related to the purpose of Form W-9, see Purpose of Form, below.
1 Name of entity/indMdual. An entry is required. (For a sole proprietor or disregarded entity, enter the owner's name on line 1, and enter the business/disregarded
entity's name on Fine 2.)
Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc.
2 Business name/disregarded entity name, If different from above.
Raftells
3a Check the appropriate box for federal tax classification of the entity/individual whose name is entered on fine 1. Check
only one of the following seven boxes.
❑ Individual/sole proprietor 0 C corporation ❑.+ S corporation ❑ Partnership 0 Trust/estate
❑ LLC. Enter the tax classification (C = C corporation, S = S corporation. P = Partnership) . . . .
Note: Check the "LLC" box above and, in the entry space, enter the appropriate code (C, S, or P) for the tax
classification of the LLC, unless it is a disregarded entity. A disregarded entity should instead check the appropriate
box for the tax classification of its owner.
❑ Other (see instructions)
3b if on line 3a you checked "Partnership" or' Trust/estate, or checked "LLC" and entered "P" as its tax classification,
and you are providing this form to a partnership, trust, or estate in which you have an ownership interest, check
this box If you have any foreign partners, owners, or beneficiaries. See Instructions ❑
4 Exemptions (codes apply only to
certain entities, not individuals;
see instructions on page 3):
Exempt payee code (if any)
Exemption from Foreign Account Tax
Compliance Act (FATCA) reporting
code (if any)
(Applies to accounts maintained
outside the United States.)
5 Address (number, street, and apt. or suite no.). See instructions.
227 W. Trade Street, Suite 1400 (Physical Address)
6 City, state, and ZIP code
Charlotte, NC 28202
Requester's name and address (optional)
7 List account number(s) here (optional)
LOCKBOX REMIT TO ADDRESS: PO BOX 96261 CHARLOTTE, NC 28296-6261
Part 1
Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. The TIN provided must match the name given on line 1 to avoid
backup withholding. For individuals, this is generally your social security number (SSN). However, for a
resident alien, sole proprietor, or disregarded entity, see the instructions for Part I, later. For other
entitles, it Is your employer identification number (EiN). If you do not have a number, see How to get a
TiN, later.
Note: If the account is in more than one name, see the instructions for line 1. See also What Name and
Number To Give the Requester for guidelines on whose number to enter.
Social security number
or
Employer identification number
2
0
1
0
5
4
0
6
9
Part II
Certification
Under penalties of perjury, I certify that:
1. The number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me); and
2. I am not subject to backup withholding because (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, or (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue
Service (IRS) that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all Interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am
no longer subject to backup withholding; and
3. I am a U.S. citizen or other U.S. person (defined below); and
4. The FATCA code(s) entered on this form (if any) indicating that I am exempt from FATCA reporting is correct.
Certification instructions. You must cross out Item 2 above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding
because you have failed to report all interest and dividends on your tax retum. For real estate transactions, item 2 does not apply. For mortgage interest paid,
acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, contributions to an individual retirement arrangement (IRA), and, generally, payments
other than Interest and dividedsr you are not required
to sign the certification, but you must provide your correct TIN. See the instructions for Part II, later.
/
1 VES '" i.Y r nate I �7 /z tY
Sign
Here
Signature of
U.S. person
General Instructions
Section references are to the Internal Revenue Code unless otherwise
noted.
Future developments. For the latest information about developments
related to Form W-9 and its instructions, such as legislation enacted
after they were published, go to www.frs.gov/FormW9.
What's New
Line 3a has been modified to clarify how a disregarded entity completes
this line. An LLC that is a disregarded entity should check the
appropriate box for the tax classification of its owner. Otherwise, it
should check the "LLC" box and enter its appropriate tax classification.
New line 3b has been added to this form. A flow-through entity is
required to complete this line to indicate that it has direct or indirect
foreign partners, owners, or beneficiaries when it provides the Form W-9
to another flow-through entity in which it has an ownership Interest. This
change is intended to provide a flow-through entity with information
regarding the status of its Indirect foreign partners, owners, or
beneficiaries, so that it can satisfy any applicable reporting
requirements. For example, a partnership that has any indirect foreign
partners may be required to complete Schedules K-2 and K-3. See the
Partnership Instructions for Schedules K-2 and K-3 (Form 1065).
Purpose of Form
An individual or entity (Form W-9 requester) who is required to file an
information return with the IRS is giving you this form because they
Cat. No. 10231X
Form W-9 (Rev. 3-2024)
Attachment B
•
BRIGHT AND•BEr1UT1F 31.• BAY TO BEACH
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
42-26
NATURAL GAS UTILITY RATE STUDY
NOTICE
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed proposals will be received by the City of Clearwater (City) until
10:00 am, Local Time, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 to provide:
The City of Clearwater is seeking sealed proposals to perform a comprehensive Natural Gas Utility Rate
Study
Proposals must be in accordance with the provisions, specifications and instructions set forth herein and
will be received by the Procurement Division until the above noted time, when they will be publicly
acknowledged and accepted.
Proposal packets, any attachments and addenda are available for download
at: https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/mvclearwater/projects/256549.
Please read the entire solicitation package and submit the bid in accordance with the instructions. This
document (less this invitation and the instructions) and any required response documents, attachments,
and submissions will constitute the bid.
General, Process, or Technical Questions concerning this solicitation shall be submitted through
the City's e -Procurement Portal located at:
https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/myclearwater/projects/256549.
All answers to inquiries will be posted on the City's e -Procurement Portal. Bidders may also click "Follow"
on this bid to receive an email notification when answers are posted. It is the responsibility of the bidder to
check the website for answers to inquiries.
This Request for Proposals is issued by:
Lori Vogel, CPPB
Procurement ManagerLori.vogel myclearwater.com
v. 7.2024
Procurement Division
PO Box 4748 33758-4748
Clearwater FL
727-562-4630
INSTRUCTIONS
2.1 Vendor Questions
All questions regarding the contents of this solicitation, and solicitation process (including requests for ADA
accommodations), shall be submitted through the City's e -Procurement Portal, located at
https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/mvclearwater. Please note the deadline for submitting inquiries.
All answers to inquiries will be posted on the City's e -Procurement Portal. Bidders may also click "Follow"
on this bid to receive an email notification when answers are posted. It is the responsibility of the bidder to
check the website for answers to inquiries.
2.2 Addenda/Clarifications
Any changes to the specifications will be in the form of an addendum. Vendors are required to register for
an account via the City's e -Procurement Portal hosted by OpenGov. Once the bidder has completed
registration, they will receive addenda notifications to their email by clicking "Follow" on this project.
Ultimately, it is the sole responsibility of each bidder to periodically check the site for any addenda at
https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/mvclearwater.
The City cannot be held responsible if a vendor fails to receive any addenda issued. The City shall not be
responsible for any oral changes to these specifications made by any employees or officer of the
City. Failure to acknowledge receipt of an addendum may result in disqualification of a proposal.
2.3 Due Date & Time for Submission and Opening
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Time: 10:00 am
The City will open all proposals properly and timely submitted and will record the names and other
information specified by law and rule. All proposals become the property of the City and will not be returned
except in the case of a late submission. Respondent names, as read at the bid opening, will be posted on
the City website. Once a notice of intent to award is posted or 30 days from day of opening elapses,
whichever occurs earlier, proposals are available for inspection by contacting the Procurement Division.
2.4 Proposal Firm Time
Proposal shall remain firm and unaltered after opening for 120 days. The City may accept the proposal,
subject to successful contract negotiations, at any time during this time.
2.5 Proposal Submittals
It is recommended that proposals are submitted electronically through the City's e -Procurement Portal
located at https://procurement.openqov.com/portal/myclearwater. By way of the e -Procurement Portal,
responses will be locked and digitally encrypted until the submission deadline passes.
E-mail or fax submissions will not be accepted.
No responsibility will attach to the City of Clearwater, its employees or agents for premature opening of a
proposal that is not properly addressed and identified.
2.6 Late Proposals
The proposer assumes responsibility for having the proposal delivered on time at the place specified. All
proposals received after the date and time specified shall not be considered and will be returned unopened
to the proposer. The proposer assumes the risk of any delay in the mail or in handling of the mail by
employees of the City of Clearwater, or any private courier, regardless whether sent by mail or by means
of personal delivery. It shall not be sufficient to show that you mailed or commenced delivery before the
v. 7.2024 2
due date and time. All times are Clearwater, Florida local times. The proposer agrees to accept the time
stamp in the City's Procurement Office as the official time.
2.7 Lobbying; Lobbying No -Contact Period; Questions Regarding Solicitation
From the time a competitive solicitation is posted until such time as the contract is awarded by the city or
the solicitation is cancelled, all bidders, offerors, respondents, including their employees, representatives,
and other individuals acting on their behalf, shall be prohibited from lobbying city officers, city employees,
and evaluation committee members.
Violation of this section may result in rejection/disqualification from award of the contract arising out of the
competitive solicitation.
All questions regarding the competitive solicitation must be submitted through the City's e -Procurement
Portal, who will respond in writing and post such response to ensure that all respondents receive the same
information during the No -Contact Period.
The penalty for violating the No -Contact Period may include suspension or debarment.
2.8 Commencement of Work
If proposer begins any billable work prior to the City's final approval and execution of the contract, proposer
does so at its own risk.
2.9 Responsibility to Read and Understand
Failure to read, examine and understand the solicitation will not excuse any failure to comply with the
requirements of the solicitation or any resulting contract, nor shall such failure be a basis for claiming
additional compensation. If a vendor suspects an error, omission or discrepancy in this solicitation, the
vendor must immediately and in any case not later than seven (7) business days in advance of the due
date notify the contact listed on this solicitation The City is not responsible for and will not pay any costs
associated with the preparation and submission of the proposal. Proposers are cautioned to verify their
proposals before submission, as amendments to or withdrawal of proposals submitted after time specified
for opening of proposals may not be considered. The City will not be responsible for any proposer errors
or omissions.
2.10 Form and Content of Proposals
Proposals, including modifications, must be certified by an authorized representative and submitted
electronically. In the event of a disparity between the unit price and the extended price, the unit price shall
prevail unless obviously in error, as determined by the City. The City requires that an electronic copy of the
proposal be submitted through the City's e -Procurement portal located at
https://orocurement.00enaov.com/portal/mvclearwater. The proposal must provide all information
requested and must address all points. The City does not encourage exceptions. The City is not required
to grant exceptions and depending on the exception, the City may reject the proposal.
2.11 Specifications
Technical specifications define the minimum acceptable standard. When the specification calls for "Brand
Name or Equal," the brand name product is acceptable. Other products will be considered upon showing
the other product meets stated specifications and is equivalent to the brand product in terms of quality,
performance and desired characteristics.
Minor differences that do not affect the suitability of the supply or service for the City's needs may be
accepted. Burden of proof that the product meets the minimum standards or is equal to the brand name
product is on the proposer. The City reserves the right to reject proposals that the City deems
unacceptable.
v. 7.2024 3
2.12 Modification/Withdrawal of Proposal
For proposals submitted electronically, vendors may use the "Unsubmit Response" button located on the
Response Details page of their submission. Responses may be resubmitted once they have been edited
or modified as needed.
For mailed in or hand delivered proposals, written requests to modify or withdraw the proposal received by
the City prior to the scheduled opening time will be accepted and will be corrected after opening. Written
requests must be addressed and labeled in the same manner as the proposal and marked as a
MODIFICATION or WITHDRAWAL of the proposal.
No oral requests will be allowed.
Requests for withdrawal after the bid opening will only be granted upon proof of undue hardship and may
result in the forfeiture of any proposal security. Any withdrawal after the bid opening shall be allowed solely
at the City's discretion.
2.13 Debarment Disclosure
If the vendor submitting a proposal has been debarred, suspended, or otherwise lawfully precluded from
participating in any public procurement activity, including being disapproved as a subcontractor with any
federal, state, or local government, or if any such preclusion from participation from any public procurement
activity is currently pending, the proposer shall include a letter with its proposal identifying the name and
address of the governmental unit, the effective date of this suspension or debarment, the duration of the
suspension or debarment, and the relevant circumstances relating to the suspension or debarment. If
suspension or debarment is currently pending, a detailed description of all relevant circumstances including
the details enumerated above must be provided. A proposal from a proposer who is currently debarred,
suspended or otherwise lawfully prohibited from any public procurement activity may be rejected.
2.14 Reservations
The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or any part thereof; to rebid the solicitation; to reject
non-responsive or non -responsible proposals; to reject unbalanced proposals; to reject proposals where
the terms, prices, and/or awards are conditioned upon another event; to reject individual proposals for
failure to meet any requirement; to award by item, part or portion of an item, group of items, or total; to
make multiple awards; to waive minor irregularities, defects, omissions, technicalities or form errors in any
proposal. The City may seek clarification of the proposal from proposer at any time, and failure to respond
is cause for rejection. Submission of a proposal confers on proposer no right to an award or to a subsequent
contract. The City is responsible to make an award that is in the best interest of the City. All decisions on
compliance, evaluation, terms and conditions shall be made solely at the City's discretion and made to
favor the City. No binding contract will exist between the proposer and the City until the City executes a
written contract or purchase order.
2.15 Official Solicitation Document
Changes to the solicitation document made by a proposer may not be acknowledged or accepted by the
City. Award or execution of a contract does not constitute acceptance of a changed term, condition or
specification unless specifically acknowledged and agreed to by the City. The copy maintained and
published by the City shall be the official solicitation document.
2.16 Copying of Proposals
Proposer hereby grants the City permission to copy all parts of its proposal, including without limitation any
documents and/or materials copyrighted by the proposer. The City's right to copy shall be for internal use
in evaluating the proposal.
2.17 Contractor Ethics
v. 7.2024 4
It is the intention of the City to promote courtesy, fairness, impartiality, integrity, service, professionalism,
economy, and government by law in the Procurement process. The responsibility for implementing this
policy rests with each individual who participates in the Procurement process, including Respondents and
Contractors.
To achieve this purpose, it is essential that Respondents and Contractors doing business with the City also
observe the ethical standards prescribed herein. It shall be a breach of ethical standards to:
A. Exert any effort to influence any City employee or agent to breach the standards of ethical conduct.
B. Intentionally invoice any amount greater than provided in Contract or to invoice for Materials or
Services not provided.
C. Intentionally offer or provide sub -standard Materials or Services or to intentionally not comply with
any term, condition, specification or other requirement of a City Contract.
2.18 Gifts
The City will accept no gifts, gratuities or advertising products from proposers or prospective proposers and
affiliates. The City may request product samples from vendors for product evaluation.
2.19 Right to Protest
Pursuant to Section 2.562(3), Clearwater Code of Ordinances, a bidder who submitted a response to a
competitive solicitation and was not selected may appeal the decision through the bid protest procedures,
a copy of which shall be available in the Procurement Division. A protesting bidder must include a fee of
one percent of the amount of the bid or proposed contract to offset the City's additional expenses related
to the protest. This fee shall not exceed $5,000.00 nor be less than $50.00. Full refund will be provided
should the protest be upheld. No partial refunds will be made.
ADDRESS PROTESTS TO:
City of Clearwater - Procurement Division
100 S Myrtle Ave, 3rd Floor - Purchasing
Clearwater FL 33756
or
PO Box 4748
Clearwater FL 33758-4748
2.20 Evaluation Process
Proposals will be reviewed by a screening committee comprised of City employees. The City staff may or
may not initiate discussions with proposers for clarification purposes. Clarification is not an opportunity to
change the proposal. Proposers shall not initiate discussions with any City employee or official.
Respondent is hereby notified that Section 287.05701, Florida Statutes, requires that the City may not
request documentation of or consider a vendor's social, political, or ideological interests when determining
if the vendor is a responsible vendor.
2.21 Criteria for Evaluation and Award
The City evaluates three (3) categories of information: responsiveness, responsibility, the technical
proposal/price. All proposals must meet the following responsiveness and responsibility criteria.
A. Responsiveness. The City will determine whether the proposal complies with the instructions for
submitting proposals including completeness of proposal which encompasses the inclusion of all
v. 7.2024 5
required attachments and submissions. The City must reject any proposals that are submitted
late. Failure to meet other requirements may result in rejection.
B. Responsibility. The City will determine whether the proposer is one with whom it can or should
do business. Factors that the City may evaluate to determine "responsibility" include, but are not
limited to: excessively high or low priced proposals, past performance, references (including
those found outside the proposal), compliance with applicable laws, proposer's record of
performance and integrity- e.g. has the proposer been delinquent or unfaithful to any contract with
the City, whether the proposer is qualified legally to contract with the City, financial stability and
the perceived ability to perform completely as specified. A proposer must at all times have
financial resources sufficient, in the opinion of the City, to ensure performance of the contract and
must provide proof upon request. City staff may also use Dun & Bradstreet and/or any generally
available industry information. The City reserves the right to inspect and review proposer's
facilities, equipment and personnel and those of any identified subcontractors. The City will
determine whether any failure to supply information, or the quality of the information, will result in
rejection.
C. Technical Proposal. The City will determine how well proposals meet its requirements in terms of
the response to the specifications and how well the offer addresses the needs of the project. The
City will rank offers using a point ranking system (unless otherwise specified) as an aid in
conducting the evaluation.
If less than three (3) responsive proposals are received, at the City's sole discretion, the proposals may be
evaluated using simple comparative analysis instead of any announced method of evaluation, subject to
meeting administrative and responsibility requirements.
For this RFP, see Section CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION AND AWARD for the criteria that will be evaluated
and their relative weights.
2.22 Short -Listing
The City at its sole discretion may create a short-list of the highest ranked proposals based on evaluation
against the evaluation criteria. Short-listed proposers may be invited to give presentations and/or
interviews. Upon conclusion of any presentations/interviews, the City will finalize the ranking of shortlisted
firms.
2.23 Presentations/Interviews
Presentations and/or interviews may be requested at the City's discretion. The location for these
presentations and/or interviews will be determined by the City and may be held virtually.
2.24 Best and Final Offers
The City may request best & final offers if deemed necessary, and will determine the scope and subject of
any best & final request. However, the proposer should not expect that the City will ask for best & finals
and should submit their best offer based on the terms and conditions set forth in this solicitation.
2.25 Cost Justification
In the event only one response is received, the City may require that the proposer submit a cost proposal
in sufficient detail for the City to perform a cost/price analysis to determine if the proposal price is fair and
reasonable.
2.26 Contract Negotiations and Acceptance
v. 7.2024 6
Proposer must be prepared for the City to accept the proposal as submitted. If proposer fails to sign all
documents necessary to successfully execute the final contract within a reasonable time as specified, or
negotiations do not result in an acceptable agreement, the City may reject proposal or revoke the award,
and may begin negotiations with another proposer. Final contract terms must be approved or signed by
the appropriately authorized City official(s). No binding contract will exist between the proposer and the
City until the City executes a written contract or purchase order.
2.27 Notice of Intent to Award
Notices of the City's intent to award a Contract are posted to Purchasing's website. It is the proposer's
responsibility to check the City of Clearwater's website at
https://procurement.openuov.com/portal/mvclearwater/projects/256549 to view the Procurement
Division's Intent to Award postings.
2.28 RFP Timeline
Dates are tentative and subject to change.
Release Project Date:
May 13, 2026
Advertise Tampa Bay Times:
May 13, 2026
Question Submission Deadline:
June 7, 2026, 10:OOam
Due Date & Time for Submissions and Opening:
June 17, 2026, 10:OOam
Review proposals:
June 17, 2026 - June 30, 2026
Presentations (if requested):
Week of July 13, 2026
Award recommendation:
Week of July 13, 2026
Council Authorization:
August 2026
Contract Begins:
August 2026
CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION AND AWARD
The City evaluates three (3) categories of information: responsiveness, responsibility, the technical
proposal/price. All proposals must meet the following responsiveness and responsibility criteria.
A. Responsiveness. The City will determine whether the proposal complies with the instructions for
submitting proposals including completeness of proposal which encompasses the inclusion of all
required attachments and submissions. The City must reject any proposals that are submitted
late. Failure to meet other requirements may result in rejection.
B. Responsibility. The City will determine whether the proposer is one with whom it can or should
do business. Factors that the City may evaluate to determine "responsibility" include, but are not
limited to: excessively high or low priced proposals, past performance, references (including
those found outside the proposal), compliance with applicable laws, proposer's record of
performance and integrity- e.g. has the proposer been delinquent or unfaithful to any contract with
the City, whether the proposer is qualified legally to contract with the City, financial stability and
the perceived ability to perform completely as specified. A proposer must at all times have
v. 7.2024
7
financial resources sufficient, in the opinion of the City, to ensure performance of the contract and
must provide proof upon request. City staff may also use Dun & Bradstreet and/or any generally
available industry information. The City reserves the right to inspect and review proposer's
facilities, equipment and personnel and those of any identified subcontractors. The City will
determine whether any failure to supply information, or the quality of the information, will result in
rejection.
C. Technical Proposal. The City will determine how well proposals meet its requirements in terms of
the response to the specifications and how well the offer addresses the needs of the project. The
City will rank offers using a point ranking system (unless otherwise specified) as an aid in
conducting the evaluation.
If less than three (3) responsive proposals are received, at the City's sole discretion, the proposals may be
evaluated using simple comparative analysis instead of any announced method of evaluation, subject to
meeting administrative and responsibility requirements.
For this RFP, the criteria that will be evaluated and their relative weights are:
No.
Evaluation Criteria
Scoring Method
Weight (Points)
1.
Qualifications and Experience
Points Based
30
(30% of Total)
2.
Technical Approach and Methodology
Points Based
25
(25% of Total)
3.
Project Management and
Points Based
15
Communication
(15% of Total)
4.
References and Past Performance
Points Based
15
(15% of Total)
5.
Cost Proposal
Points Based
15
(15% of Total)
STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS
In the event of a conflict between the Standard Terms & Conditions and the Professional Services
Agreement, the terms of the Professional Services Agreement shall prevail.
4.1 Definitions
Uses of the following terms are interchangeable as referenced: "vendor, contractor, consultant, supplier,
proposer, company, persons", "purchase order, PO, contract, agreement", "City, Clearwater", "bid,
proposal, response, quote".
4.2 Independent Contractor
It is expressly understood that the relationship of Contractor to the City will be that of an independent
contractor. Contractor and all persons employed by Contractor, either directly or indirectly, are Contractor's
employees, not City employees. Accordingly, Contractor and Contractor's employees are not entitled to
any benefits provided to City employees including, but not limited to, health benefits, enrollment in a
retirement system, paid time off or other rights afforded City employees. Contractor employees will not be
regarded as City employees or agents for any purpose, including the payment of unemployment or workers'
compensation. If any Contractor employees or subcontractors assert a claim for wages or other
v. 7.2024
8
employment benefits against the City, Contractor will defend, indemnify and hold harmless the City from all
such claims.
4.3 Subcontracting
Contractor may not subcontract work under this Agreement without the express written permission of the
City. If Contractor has received authorization to subcontract work, it is agreed that all subcontractors
performing work under the Agreement must comply with its provisions. Further, all agreements between
Contractor and its subcontractors must provide that the terms and conditions of this Agreement be
incorporated therein.
4.4 Assignment
This Agreement may not be assigned either in whole or in part without first receiving the City's written
consent. Any attempted assignment, either in whole or in part, without such consent will be null and void
and in such event the City will have the right at its option to terminate the Agreement. No granting of
consent to any assignment will relieve Contractor from any of its obligations and liabilities under the
Agreement.
4.5 Successor and Assigns, Binding Effect
This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective permitted
successors and assigns.
4.6 No Third Party Beneficiaries
This Agreement is intended for the exclusive benefit of the parties. Nothing set forth in this Agreement is
intended to create, or will create, any benefits, rights, or responsibilities in any third parties.
4.7 Non -Exclusivity
The City, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to request the materials or services set forth herein from
other sources when deemed necessary and appropriate. No exclusive rights are encompassed through
this Agreement.
4.8 Amendments
There will be no oral changes to this Agreement. This Agreement can only be modified in a writing signed
by both parties. No charge for extra work or material will be allowed unless approved in writing, in advance,
by the City and Contractor.
4.9 Time of the Essence
Time is of the essence to the performance of the parties' obligations under this Agreement.
4.10 Compliance with Applicable Laws
A. General. Contractor must procure all permits and licenses, and pay all charges and fees
necessary and incidental to the lawful conduct of business. Contractor must stay fully informed of
existing and future federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, executive orders, and regulations that
in any manner affect the fulfillment of this Agreement and must comply with the same at its own
expense. Contractor bears full responsibility for training, safety, and providing necessary
equipment for all Contractor personnel to achieve throughout the term of the Agreement. Upon
request, Contractor will demonstrate to the City's satisfaction any programs, procedures, and other
activities used to ensure compliance.
v. 7.2024 9
B. Drug -Free Workplace. Contractor is hereby advised that the City has adopted a policy
establishing a drug-free workplace for itself and those doing business with the City to ensure the
safety and health of all persons working on City contracts and projects. Contractor will require a
drug-free workplace for all Contractor personnel working under this Agreement. Specifically, all
Contractor personnel who are working under this Agreement must be notified in writing by
Contractor that they are prohibited from the manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or
unlawful use of a controlled substance in the workplace. Contractor agrees to prohibit the use of
intoxicating substances by all Contractor personnel and will ensure that Contractor personnel do
not use or possess illegal drugs while in the course of performing their duties.
C. Federal and State Immigration Laws. Contractor agrees to comply with the Immigration Reform
and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) in performance under this Agreement and to permit the City and its
agents to inspect applicable personnel records to verify such compliance as permitted by
law. Contractor will ensure and keep appropriate records to demonstrate that all Contractor
personnel have a legal right to live and work in the United States.
1. As applicable to Contractor, under this provision, Contractor hereby warrants to the City that
Contractor and each of its subcontractors will comply with, and are contractually obligated to
comply with, all federal immigration laws and regulations that relate to their employees
(hereinafter "Contractor Immigration Warranty").
2. A breach of the Contractor Immigration Warranty will constitute as a material breach of this
Agreement and will subject Contractor to penalties up to and including termination of this
Agreement at the sole discretion of the City.
3. The City retains the legal right to inspect the papers of all Contractor personnel who provide
services under this Agreement to ensure that Contractor or its subcontractors are complying
with the Contractor Immigration Warranty. Contractor agrees to assist the City in regard to
any such inspections.
4. The City may, at its sole discretion, conduct random verification of the employment records of
Contractor and any subcontractor to ensure compliance with the Contractor Immigration
Warranty. Contractor agrees to assist the City in regard to any random verification .
performed.
5. Neither Contractor nor any subcontractor will be deemed to have materially breached the
Contractor Immigration Warranty if Contractor or subcontractor establishes that it has
complied with the employment verification provisions prescribed by Sections 274A and 274B
of the Federal Immigration and Nationality Act.
D. Nondiscrimination. Contractor represents and warrants that it does not discriminate against any
employee or applicant for employment or person to whom it provides services because of race,
color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability, and represents and warrants that it complies with
all applicable federal, state, and local laws and executive orders regarding employment. Contractor
and Contractor's personnel will comply with applicable provisions of Title VII of the U.S. Civil Rights
Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with
Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.), and applicable rules in performance under this
Agreement.
4.11 Sales/Use Tax, Other Taxes
v. 7.2024 10
Contractor is responsible for the payment of all taxes including federal, state, and local taxes related to or
arising out of Contractor's services under this Agreement, including by way of illustration but not limitation,
federal and state income tax, Social Security tax, unemployment insurance taxes, and any other taxes or
business license fees as required. If any taxing authority should deem Contractor or Contractor employees
an employee of the City or should otherwise claim the City is liable for the payment of taxes that are
Contractor's responsibility under this Agreement, Contractor will indemnify the City for any tax liability,
interest, and penalties imposed upon the City.
The City is exempt from paying state and local sales/use taxes and certain federal excise taxes and will
furnish an exemption certificate upon request.
4.12 Amounts Due the City
Contractor must be current and remain current in all obligations due to the City during the performance of
services under the Agreement. Payments to Contractor may be offset by any delinquent amounts due the
City or fees and charges owed to the City.
4.13 Public Records
In addition to all other contract requirements as provided by law, the Contractor executing this Agreement
agrees to comply with public records law.
IF THE CONTRACTOR HAS QUESTIONS REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF CHAPTER 119,
FLORIDA STATUTES, TO THE CONTRACTOR'S DUTY TO PROVIDE PUBLIC RECORDS RELATING
TO THIS CONTRACT, CONTACT THE CUSTODIAN OF PUBLIC RECORDS, Rosemarie Call, Phone:
727-444-7151 or Email: Rosemarie.Call Wmvclearwater.com, 600 Cleveland Street, Suite 600,
Clearwater, FL 33755.
The Contractor agrees to comply with the following:
A. Keep and maintain public records required by the City of Clearwater (hereinafter "public agency" in
this section) to perform the service being provided by the contractor hereunder.
B. Upon request from the public agency's custodian of public records, provide the public agency with
a copy of the requested records or allow the records to be inspected or copied within a reasonable
time at a cost that does not exceed the cost provided for in Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, as may
be amended from time to time, or as otherwise provided by law.
C. Ensure that the public records that are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records
disclosure requirements are not disclosed except as authorized by law for the duration of the
contract term and following completion of the contract if the contractor does not transfer the records
to the public agency.
D. Upon completion of the contract, transfer, at no cost, to the public agency all public records in
possession of the contractor or keep and maintain public records required by the public agency to
perform the service. If the contractor transfers all public records to the public agency upon
completion of the contract, the contractor shall destroy any duplicate public records that are exempt
or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements. If the contractor keeps
and maintains public records upon completion of the contract, the contractor shall meet all
applicable requirements for retaining public records. All records stored electronically must be
provided to the public agency, upon request from the public agency's custodian of public records,
in a format that is compatible with the information technology systems of the public agency.
v. 7.2024
11
E. A request to inspect or copy public records relating to a public agency's contract for services must
be made directly to the public agency. If the public agency does not possess the requested records,
the public agency shall immediately notify the contractor of the request and the contractor must
provide the records to the public agency or allow the records to be inspected or copied within a
reasonable time.
F. The contractor hereby acknowledges and agrees that if the contractor does not comply with the
public agency's request for records, the public agency shall enforce the contract provisions in
accordance with the contract.
G. A contractor who fails to provide the public records to the public agency within a reasonable time
may be subject to penalties under Section 119.10, Florida Statutes.
H. If a civil action is filed against a contractor to compel production of public records relating to a public
agency's contract for services, the court shall assess and award against the contractor the
reasonable costs of enforcement, including reasonable attorney fees, if:
1. The court determines that the contractor unlawfully refused to comply with the public records
request within a reasonable time; and
2. At least eight (8) business days before filing the action, the plaintiff provided written notice of
the public records request, including a statement that the contractor has not complied with
the request, to the public agency and to the contractor.
I. A notice complies with subparagraph (h)2. if it is sent to the public agency's custodian of public
records and to the contractor at the contractor's address listed on its contract with the public agency
or to the contractor's registered agent. Such notices must be sent by common carrier delivery
service or by registered, Global Express Guaranteed, or certified mail, with postage or shipping
paid by the sender and with evidence of delivery, which may be in an electronic format.
A Contractor who complies with a public records request within eight (8) business days after the notice is
sent is not liable for the reasonable costs of enforcement.
4.14 Audits and Records
Contractor must preserve the records related to this Agreement for five (5) years after completion of the
Agreement. The City or its authorized agent reserves the right to inspect any records related to the
performance of work specified herein. In addition, the City may inspect any and all payroll, billing or other
relevant records kept by Contractor in relation to the Agreement. Contractor will permit such inspections
and audits during normal business hours and upon reasonable notice by the City. The audit of records may
occur at Contractor's place of business or at City offices, as determined by the City.
4.15 Background Check
The City may conduct criminal, driver history, and all other requested background checks of Contractor
personnel who would perform services under the Agreement or who will have access to the City's
information, data, or facilities in accordance with the City's current background check policies. Any officer,
employee, or agent that fails the background check must be replaced immediately for any reasonable cause
not prohibited by law.
4.16 Security Clearance and Removal of Contractor Personnel
The City will have final authority, based on security reasons: (i) to determine when security clearance of
Contractor personnel is required; (ii) to determine the nature of the security clearance, up to and including
fingerprinting Contractor personnel; and (iii) to determine whether or not any individual or entity may provide
v. 7.2024 12
services under this Agreement. If the City objects to any Contractor personnel for any reasonable cause
not prohibited by law, then Contractor will, upon notice from the City, remove any such individual from
performance of services under this Agreement.
4.17 Default
A. A party will be in default if that party: (i) is or becomes insolvent or is a party to any voluntary
bankruptcy or receivership proceeding, makes an assignment for a creditor, or there is any similar
action that affects Contractor's capability to perform under the Agreement; (ii) is the subject of a
petition for involuntary bankruptcy not removed within sixty (60) calendar days; (iii) conducts
business in an unethical manner or in an illegal manner; or (iv) fails to carry out any term, promise,
or condition of the Agreement.
B. Contractor will be in default of this Agreement if Contractor is debarred or suspended in accordance
with the Clearwater Code of Ordinances Section 2.565 or if Contractor is debarred or suspended
by another governmental entity.
C. Notice and Opportunity to Cure. In the event a party is in default then the other party may, at its
option and at any time, provide written notice to the defaulting party of the default. The defaulting
party will have thirty (30) days from receipt of the notice to cure the default; the thirty (30) day cure
period may be extended by mutual agreement of the parties, but no cure period may exceed ninety
(90) days. A default notice will be deemed to be sufficient if it is reasonably calculated to provide
notice of the nature and extent of such default. Failure of the non -defaulting party to provide notice
of the default does not waive any rights under the Agreement.
D. Anticipatory Repudiation. Whenever the City in good faith has reason to question Contractor's
intent or ability to perform, the City may demand that Contractor give a written assurance of its
intent and ability to perform. In the event that the demand is made and no written assurance is
given within five (5) calendar days, the City may treat this failure as an anticipatory repudiation of
the Agreement.
4.18 Remedies
The remedies set forth in this Agreement are not exclusive. Election of one remedy will not preclude the
use of other remedies. In the event of default:
A. The non -defaulting party may terminate the Agreement, and the termination will be effective
immediately or at such other date as specified by the terminating party.
B. The City may purchase the services required under the Agreement from the open market, complete
required work itself, or have it completed at the expense of Contractor. If the cost of obtaining
substitute services exceeds the contract price, the City may recover the excess cost by: (i) requiring
immediate reimbursement to the City; (ii) deduction from an unpaid balance due to Contractor; (iii)
collection against the proposal and/or performance security, if any; (iv) collection against liquidated
damages (if applicable); or (v) a combination of the aforementioned remedies or other remedies as
provided by law. Costs includes any and all, fees, and expenses incurred in obtaining substitute
services and expended in obtaining reimbursement, including, but not limited to, administrative
expenses, attorneys' fees, and costs.
C. The non -defaulting party will have all other rights granted under this Agreement and all rights at
law or in equity that may be available to it.
D. The City will not be liable for incidental, special, or consequential damages.
v. 7.2024
13
4.19 Breach of contract during emergency recovery periods for natural emergencies
Pursuant to F. S. § 252.505, any vendor who breaches a contract for commodities or services related
to an emergency response for a natural emergency during an emergency recovery period shall pay a
$5,000 penalty and damages, which may be either actual and consequential damages or liquidated
damages. As used in this section, the term "emergency recovery period" means a 1 -year period that
begins on the date that the Governor initially declared a state of emergency for a natural emergency.
4.20 Continuation During Disputes
Contractor agrees that during any dispute between the parties, Contractor will continue to perform its
obligations until the dispute is settled, instructed to cease performance by the City, enjoined or prohibited
by judicial action, or otherwise required or obligated to cease performance by other provisions in this
Agreement.
4.21 Termination for Convenience
The City reserves the right to terminate this Agreement at its convenience, in part or in whole, upon thirty
(30) calendar days' written notice.
4.22 Termination for Conflict of Interest
The City may cancel this Agreement after its execution, without penalty or further obligation, if any person
significantly involved in initiating, securing, drafting, or creating the Agreement for the City becomes an
employee or agent of Contractor.
4.23 Termination for Non -Appropriation and Modification for Budgetary Constraints
The City is a governmental agency which relies upon the appropriation of funds by its governing body to
satisfy its obligations. If the City reasonably determines, in its sole discretion, that it does not have funds
to meet its obligations under this Agreement, the City will have the right to terminate the Agreement without
penalty on the last day of the fiscal period for which funds were legally available. In the event of such
termination, the City agrees to provide written notice of its intent to terminate thirty (30) calendar days prior
to the stated termination date.
4.24 Payment to Contractor Upon Termination
Upon termination of this Agreement, Contractor will be entitled only to payment for those services performed
up to the date of termination, and any authorized expenses already incurred up to such date of
termination. The City will make final payment within thirty (30) calendar days after the City has both
completed its appraisal of the materials and services provided and received Contractor's properly prepared
final invoice.
4.25 Non -Waiver of Rights
There will be no waiver of any provision of this Agreement unless approved in writing and signed by the
waiving party. Failure or delay to exercise any rights or remedies provided herein or by law or in equity, or
the acceptance of, or payment for, any services hereunder, will not release the other party of any of the
warranties or other obligations of the Agreement and will not be deemed a waiver of any such rights or
remedies.
4.26 Indemnification/Liability
A. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Contractor agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold the City,
its officers, agents, and employees, harmless from and against any and all liabilities, demands,
claims, suits, losses, damages, causes of action, fines or judgments, including costs, attorneys',
witnesses', andexpert witnesses' fees, and expenses incident thereto, relating to, arising out of, or
v. 7.2024
14
resulting from: (i) the services provided by Contractor personnel under this Agreement; (ii) any
negligent acts, errors, mistakes or omissions by Contractor or Contractor personnel; and (iii)
Contractor or Contractor personnel's failure to comply with or fulfill the obligations established by
this Agreement. If applicable, this paragraph shall be construed in harmony with F. S. § 725.06.
B. Contractor will update the City during the course of the litigation to timely notify the City of any
issues that may involve the independent negligence of the City that is not covered by this
indemnification.
C. The City assumes no liability for actions of Contractor and will not indemnify or hold Contractor or
any third party harmless for claims based on this Agreement or use of Contractor -provided supplies
or services.
D. Nothing contained herein in intended to serve as a waiver by the City of its sovereign immunity, to
extend the liability of the City beyond the limits set forth in Section 768.28, Florida Statutes, or be
construed as consent by the City to be sued by third parties.
4.27 Warranty
Contractor warrants that the services and materials will conform to the requirements of the
Agreement. Additionally, Contractor warrants that all services will be performed in a good, workman -like,
and professional manner. The City's acceptance of service or materials provided by Contractor will not
relieve Contractor from its obligations under this warranty. If any materials or services are of a substandard
or unsatisfactory manner as determined by the City, Contractor, at no additional charge to the City, will
provide materials or redo such services until in accordance with this Agreement and to the City's reasonable
satisfaction. Unless otherwise agreed, Contractor warrants that materials will be new, unused, of most
current manufacture and not discontinued, will be free of defects in materials and workmanship, will be
provided in accordance with manufacturer's standard warranty for at least one (1) year unless otherwise
specified, and will perform in accordance with manufacturer's published specifications. If applicable, this
paragraph shall be construed in harmony with F. S. § 725.06.
4.28 City's Right to Recover Against Third Parties
Contractor will do nothing to prejudice the City's right to recover against third parties for any loss,
destruction, or damage to City property, and will at the City's request and expense, furnish to the City
reasonable assistance and cooperation, including assistance in the prosecution or defense of suit and the
execution of instruments of assignment in favor of the City in obtaining recovery.
4.29 No Guarantee of Work
Contractor acknowledges and agrees that it is not entitled to deliver any specific amount of materials or
services or any materials or services at all under this Agreement and acknowledges and agrees that the
materials or services will be requested by the City on an as needed basis at the sole discretion of the
City. Any document referencing quantities or performance frequencies represent the City's best estimate
of current requirements, but will not bind the City to purchase, accept, or pay for materials or services which
exceed its actual needs.
4.30 Ownership
All deliverables, services, and information provided by Contractor or the City pursuant to this Agreement
(whether electronically or manually generated) including without limitation, reports, test plans, and survey
results, graphics, and technical tables, originally prepared in the performance of this Agreement, are the
property of the City and will not be used or released by Contractor or any other person except with prior
written permission by the City.
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15
4.31 Use of Name
Contractor will not use the name of the City of Clearwater in any advertising or publicity without obtaining
the prior written consent of the City.
4.32 FOB Destination Freight Prepaid and Allowed
All deliveries will be FOB destination freight prepaid and allowed unless otherwise agreed.
4.33 Risk of Loss
Contractor agrees to bear all risks of loss, injury, or destruction of goods or equipment incidental to providing
these services and such loss, injury, or destruction will not release Contractor from any obligation
hereunder.
4.34 Safeguarding City Property
Contractor will be responsible for any damage to City real property or damage or loss of City personal
property when such property is the responsibility of or in the custody of Contractor or its employees.
4.35 Warranty of Rights
Contractor warrants it has title to, or the right to allow the City to use, the materials and services being
provided and that the City may use same without suit, trouble, or hindrance from Contractor or third parties.
4.36 Proprietary Rights Indemnification
Without limiting the foregoing, Contractor will without limitation, at its expense defend the City against all
claims asserted by any person that anything provided by Contractor infringes a patent, copyright, trade
secret, or other intellectual property right and must, without limitation, pay the costs, damages and
attorneys' fees awarded against the City in any such action, or pay any settlement of such action or
claim. Each party agrees to notify the other promptly of any matters to which this provision may apply and
to cooperate with each other in connection with such defense or settlement. If a preliminary or final
judgment is obtained against the City's use or operation of the items provided by Contractor hereunder or
any part thereof by reason of any alleged infringement, Contractor will, at its expense and without limitation,
either: (a) modify the item so that it becomes non -infringing; (b) procure for the City the right to continue to
use the item; (c) substitute for the infringing item other item(s) having at least equivalent capability; or (d)
refund to the City an amount equal to the price paid, less reasonable usage, from the time of installation
acceptance through cessation of use, which amount will be calculated on a useful life not less than five (5)
years, plus any additional costs the City may incur to acquire substitute supplies or services. Nothing
contained herein in intended to serve as a waiver by the City of its sovereign immunity, to extend the liability
of the City beyond the limits set forth in Section 768.28, Florida Statutes, or be construed as consent by the
City to be sued by third parties.
4.37 Contract Administration
This Agreement will be administered by the Purchasing Administrator and/or an authorized representative
from the using department. All questions regarding this Agreement will be referred to the administrator for
resolution. Supplements may be written to this Agreement for the addition or deletion of services. Payment
will be negotiated and determined by the contract administrator(s).
4.38 Force Majeure
Failure by either party to perform its duties and obligations will be excused by unforeseeable circumstances
beyond its reasonable control, including acts of nature, acts of the public enemy, riots, fire, explosion,
legislation, and governmental regulation. The party whose performance is so affected will within five (5)
calendar days of the unforeseeable circumstance notify the other party of all pertinent facts and identify the
force majeure event. The party whose performance is so affected must also take all reasonable steps,
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promptly and diligently, to prevent such causes if it is feasible to do so, or to minimize or eliminate the effect
thereof. The delivery or performance date will be extended for a period equal to the time lost by reason of
delay, plus such additional time as may be reasonably necessary to overcome the effect of the delay,
provided however, under no circumstances will delays caused by a force majeure extend beyond one
hundred -twenty (120) calendar days from the scheduled delivery or completion date of a task unless agreed
upon by the parties.
4.39 Cooperative Use of Contract
This Agreement may be extended for use by other municipalities, counties, school districts, and government
agencies with the approval of Contractor. Any such usage by other entities must be in accordance with the
statutes, codes, ordinances, charter and/or procurement rules and regulations of the respective government
agency. Orders placed by other agencies and payment thereof will be the sole responsibility of that
agency. The City is not responsible for any disputes arising out of transactions made by others.
4.40 Fuel Charges and Price Increases
No fuel surcharges will be accepted. No price increases will be accepted without proper request by
Contractor and response by the City's Procurement Division.
4.41 Notices
All notices to be given pursuant to this Agreement must be delivered to the parties at their respective
addresses. Notices may be (i) personally delivered; (ii) sent via certified or registered mail, postage
prepaid; (iii) sent via electronic mail; (iv) sent via overnight courier; or (v) sent via facsimile. If provided by
personal delivery, receipt will be deemed effective upon delivery. If sent via certified or registered mail,
receipt will be deemed effective three (3) calendar days after being deposited in the United States mail. If
sent via electronic mail, overnight courier, or facsimile, receipt will be deemed effective two (2) calendar
days after the sending thereof.
4.42 Governing Law, Venue
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Florida. The exclusive venue selected for any
proceeding or suit in law or equity arising from or incident to this Agreement will be Pinellas County, Florida.
4.43 Integration Clause
This Agreement, including all attachments and exhibits hereto, supersede all prior oral or written
agreements, if any, between the parties and constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with
respect to the work to be performed.
4.44 Provisions Required by Law
Any provision required by law to be in this Agreement is a part of this Agreement as if fully stated in it.
4.45 Severability
If any provision of this Agreement is declared void or unenforceable, such provision will be severed from
this Agreement, which will otherwise remain in full force and effect. The parties will negotiate diligently in
good faith for such amendment(s) of this Agreement as may be necessary to achieve the original intent of
this Agreement, notwithstanding such invalidity or unenforceability.
4.46 Surviving Provisions
Notwithstanding any completion, termination, or other expiration of this Agreement, all provisions which, by
the terms of reasonable interpretation thereof, set forth rights and obligations that extend beyond
completion, termination, or other expiration of this Agreement, will survive and remain in full force and
v. 7.2024 17
effect. Except as specifically provided in this Agreement, completion, termination, or other expiration of this
Agreement will not release any party from any liability or obligation arising prior to the date of termination.
CONTRACT PROVISIONS FOR CONTRACTS UNDER FEDERAL AWARDS (if applicable)
5.1 CONTRACT PROVISIONS FOR CONTRACTS UNDER FEDERAL AWARDS
This solicitation MAY be fully or partially grant -funded. In addition to other terms and conditions required by
City of Clearwater and the applicable federal agency, all contracts awarded to the qualified bidder are
subject to the following provisions, as applicable to the services provided.
5.2 Equal Employment Opportunity
(As per Executive Order 11246): During the performance of this contract, the CONTRACTOR agrees as
follows:
A. The CONTRACTOR will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of
race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The CONTRACTOR will take affirmative action to ensure that
applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during employment without regard to their race,
color, religion, sex, or national origin. Such actions shall include, but not be limited to the following:
Employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer; recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination;
rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, including apprenticeship. The
CONTRACTOR agrees to post in conspicuous places, available to employees and applicants for
employment, notices to be provided setting forth the provisions of this nondiscrimination clause.
B. The CONTRACTOR will, in all solicitations or advertisements for employees placed by or on behalf of
the Contractor, state that all qualified applicants will receive considerations for employment without regard
to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
C. The CONTRACTOR will send to each labor union or representative of workers with which he has a
collective bargaining agreement or other contract or understanding, a notice to be provided advising the
said labor union or workers' representatives of the Contractor's commitments under this section, and shall
post copies of the notice in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for employment.
D. The CONTRACTOR will comply with all provisions of Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965,
and of the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.
E. The CONTRACTOR will furnish all information and reports required by Executive Order 11246 of
September 24, 1965, and by rules, regulations, and orders of the Secretary of Labor, or pursuant thereto,
and will permit access to his books, records, and accounts by the administering agency and the Secretary
of Labor for purposes of investigation to ascertain compliance with such rules, regulations, and orders.
F. In the event of the CONTRACTOR's noncompliance with the nondiscrimination clauses of this contract
or with any of the said rules, regulations, or orders, this contract may be canceled, terminated, or suspended
in whole or in part and the CONTRACTOR may be declared ineligible for further Government contracts or
federally assisted construction contracts in accordance with procedures authorized in Executive Order
11246 of September 24, 1965, and such other sanctions may be imposed and remedies invoked as
provided in Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, or by rule, regulation, or order of the Secretary
of Labor, or as otherwise provided by law.
G. The CONTRACTOR will include the portion of the sentence immediately preceding paragraph (1) and
the provisions of paragraphs (1) through (7) in every subcontract unless exempted by rules, regulations, or
orders of the Secretary of Labor issued pursuant to section 204 of Executive Order 11246 of September
24, 1965, so that such provisions will be binding upon each subcontractor.
5.3 Davis -Bacon Act
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As amended (40 U.S.C. 3141-3148): When required by federal program legislation, for all prime
construction contracts awarded in excess of $2,000, CONTRACTORS are required to pay wages to
laborers and mechanics at a rate not less than the prevailing wages specified in a wage determination
made by the Secretary of Labor. In addition, Contractors must be required to pay wages not less than once
a week. If the applicable grant award contains Davis Bacon provisions, the City will place a copy of the
current prevailing wage determination issued by the Department of Labor in the solicitation document. The
decision to award a contract shall be conditioned upon the acceptance of the wage determination [Appendix
II to 2 CFR Part 200].
5.4 Copeland Anti Kick Back Act
If Davis -Bacon is applicable, CONTRACTOR shall also comply with all the requirements of 29 CFR Part 3
which are incorporated by reference to this contract. CONTRACTORS are prohibited from inducing by any
means any person employed in the construction, completion or repair of public work to give up any part of
the compensation to which he or she is otherwise entitled [Appendix II to 2 CFR Part 200].
5.5 Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C. 3701-3708)
Where applicable, all contracts awarded in excess of $100,000 that involve the employment of mechanics
or laborers must be in compliance with 40 U.S.C. 3702 and 3704, as supplemented by Department of Labor
regulations (29 CFR Part 5). Under 40 U.S.C. 3702 of the Act, each CONTRACTOR is required to compute
the wages of every mechanic and laborer on the basis of a standard work week of 40 hours. Work in excess
of the standard work week is permissible provided that the worker is compensated at a rate of not less than
one and a half times the basic rate of pay for all hours worked in excess of 40 hours in the work week. The
requirements of 40 U.S.C. 3704 are applicable to construction work and provide that no laborer or mechanic
must be required to work in surroundings or under working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous or
dangerous. These requirements do not apply to the purchases of supplies or materials or articles ordinarily
available on the open market, or contracts for transportation or transmission of intelligence [Appendix II to
2 CFR Part 200].
5.6 Rights to Inventions Made Under a Contract or Agreement
If the federal award meets the definition of "funding agreement" under 37 CFR § 401.2 (a) and the City
enters into a contract with a small business firm or nonprofit organization regarding the substitution of
parties, assignment or performance of experimental, developmental, or research work under that "funding
agreement," the City must comply with the requirements of 37 CFR Part 401, `Rights to Inventions Made
by Nonprofit Organizations and Small Business Firms Under Government Grants, Contracts and
Cooperative Agreements," and any implementing regulations issued by the awarding agency [Appendix II
to 2 CFR Part 200].
5.7 Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q.) and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33
U.S.C. 1251-1387)
As amended—The CONTRACTOR agrees to comply with all applicable standards, orders or regulations
issued pursuant to the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q) and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
as amended (33 U.S.C. 1251-1387). Violations must be reported to the federal awarding agency and the
Regional Office of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) [Appendix II to 2 CFR Part 200].
5.8 Debarment and Suspension (Executive Orders 12549 and 12689)
A contract award (see 2 CFR 180.220) will not be made to parties listed on the government wide exclusions
in the System for Award Management (SAM), in accordance with the OMB guidelines at 2 CFR 180 that
implement Executive Orders 12549 (3 CFR part 1986 Comp., p. 189) and 12689 (3 CFR part 1989 Comp.,
p. 235), "Debarment and Suspension." SAM Exclusions contains the names of parties debarred,
suspended, or otherwise excluded by agencies, as well as parties declared ineligible under statutory or
regulatory authority other than Executive Order 12549. If applicable, the CONTRACTOR must verify that
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none of their subcontractors (for contracts expected to equal or exceed $25,000), appear on the federal
government's Excluded Parties List. The Excluded Parties List is accessible at http://www.sam.00v
[Appendix II to 2 CFR Part 200].
5.9 Byrd Anti -Lobbying Amendment (31 U.S.C. 1352)
CONTRACTORs that apply or bid for an award exceeding $100,000 must submit a completed "Disclosure
of Lobbying Activities" [Form SF -LLL]. Each tier certifies to the tier above that it will not and has not used
federal appropriated funds to pay any person or organization for influencing or attempting to influence an
officer or employee of any agency, a member of Congress, officer or employee of Congress, or an employee
of a member of Congress in connection with obtaining any federal contract, grant or any other award
covered by 31 U.S.C. 1352. Each tier must also disclose any lobbying with non-federal funds that takes
place in connection with obtaining any federal award. Such disclosures are forwarded from tier to tier up to
the non-federal award. [Appendix II to 2 CFR Part 200]. The bidder shall complete Form SF -LLL and submit
with bid. Bidders may be deemed non-responsive for failure to submit this certification.
5.10 Conflict of Interest
[2 CFR §200.112]: The CONTRACTOR must disclose in writing any potential conflict of interest to the
Federal awarding agency or CITY in accordance with applicable Federal awarding agency policy.
5.11 Mandatory Disclosures
[2 CFR §200.113]: The CONTRACTOR must disclose in writing all violations of federal criminal law
involving fraud, bribery, or gratuity violations potentially affecting the federal award. Failure to make required
disclosures can result in any of the remedies described in 2 CFR §200.338 Remedies for noncompliance,
including suspension or debarment.
5.12 Protected Personally Identifiable Information (Protected PII)
[CFR §200.303(e)]: The CONTRACTOR must take reasonable measures to safeguard protected personally
identifiable information and other information the federal awarding agency or CITY designates as sensitive
or the City considers sensitive consistent with other applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding
privacy and obligations of confidentiality. Per CFR § 200.82, Protected PII means an individual's first name
or first initial and last name in combination with any one or more of types of information, including, but not
limited to, social security number, passport number, credit card numbers, clearances, bank numbers,
biometrics, date and place of birth, mother's maiden name, criminal, medical and financial records,
educational transcripts. This does not include PII that is required by law to be disclosed.
5.13 Prohibition on utilization of time and material type contracts
[2 CFR §200.318 (j) (1)]: The CITY will not award contracts based on a time and material basis if the
contract contains federal funding.
5.14 Procurement of Recovered Materials
[2 CFR §200.322]: CONTRACTOR must comply with section 6002 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as
amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The requirements of Section 6002 include
procuring only items designated in guidelines of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at 40 CFR
part 247 that contain the highest percentage of recovered materials practicable, consistent with maintaining
a satisfactory level of competition, where the purchase price of the item exceeds $10,000 or the value of
the quantity acquired during the preceding fiscal year exceeded $10,000; procuring solid waste
management services in a manner that maximizes energy and- resource recovery; and establishing an
affirmative procurement program for procurement of recovered materials identified in the EPA guidelines.
5.15 Prohibition on utilization of cost plus a percentage of cost contracts
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[2 CFR §200.323 (d)]: The CITY will not award contracts containing federal funding on a cost-plus
percentage of cost basis.
5.16 Domestic preferences for procurements
[2 CFR § 200.322]
A. As appropriate and to the extent consistent with law, the non -Federal entity should, to the greatest extent
practicable under a Federal award, provide a preference for the purchase, acquisition, or use of goods,
products, or materials produced in the United States (including but not limited to iron, aluminum, steel,
cement, and other manufactured products). The requirements of this section must be included in all
subawards including all contracts and purchase orders for work or products under this award.
B. For purposes of this section:
1. "Produced in the United States" means, for iron and steel products, that all manufacturing processes,
from the initial melting stage through the application of coatings, occurred in the United States.
2. "Manufactured products" means items and construction materials composed in whole or in part of non-
ferrous metals such as aluminum; plastics and polymer -based products such as polyvinyl chloride pipe;
aggregates such as concrete; glass, including optical fiber; and lumber.
5.17 Prohibition on Contracting for Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services
A. Definitions.
As used in this clause, the terms backhaul; covered foreign country; covered telecommunications
equipment or services; interconnection arrangements; roaming; substantial or essential component; and
telecommunications equipment or services have the meaning as defined in FEMA Policy 405-143-1,
Prohibitions on Expending FEMA Award Funds for Covered Telecommunications Equipment or Services
(Interim), as used in this clause—
B. Prohibitions.
1. Section 889(b) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, Pub. L.
No. 115-232, and 2 C.F.R. § 200.216 prohibit the head of an executive agency on or after Aug.13, 2020,
from obligating or expending grant, cooperative agreement, loan, or loan guarantee funds on certain
telecommunications products or from certain entities for national security reasons.
2. Unless an exception in paragraph (c) of this clause applies, the contractor and its subcontractors may
not use grant, cooperative agreement, loan, or loan guarantee funds from the Federal Emergency
Management Agency to:
i. Procure or obtain any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment
or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology of any
system;
ii. Enter into, extend, or renew a contract to procure or obtain any equipment, system, or service that uses
covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any
system, or as critical technology of any system;
iii. Enter into, extend, or renew contracts with entities that use covered telecommunications equipment or
services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any
system; or
iv. Provide, as part of its performance of this contract, subcontract, or other contractual instrument, any
equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a
substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system.
C. Exceptions.
1. This clause does not prohibit contractors from providing—
i. A service that connects to the facilities of a third -party, such as backhaul, roaming, or interconnection
arrangements; or Contract Provisions Guide 28
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ii. Telecommunications equipment that cannot route or redirect user data traffic or permit visibility into any
user data or packets that such equipment transmits or otherwise handles.
2. By necessary implication and regulation, the prohibitions also do not apply to:
i. Covered telecommunications equipment or services that: i. Are not used as a substantial or essential
component of any system; and ii. Are not used as critical technology of any system.
ii. Other telecommunications equipment or services that are not considered covered telecommunications
equipment or services.
D. Reporting requirement.
1. In the event the contractor identifies covered telecommunications equipment or services used as a
substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system, during
contract performance, or the contractor is notified of such by a subcontractor at any tier or by any other
source, the contractor shall report the information in paragraph (d)(2) of this clause to the recipient or
subrecipient, unless elsewhere in this contract are established procedures for reporting the information.
2. The Contractor shall report the following information pursuant to paragraph (d)(1) of this clause:
i. Within one business day from the date of such identification or notification: The contract number; the
order number(s), if applicable; supplier name; supplier unique entity identifier (if known); supplier
Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code (if known); brand; model number (original equipment
manufacturer number, manufacturer part number, or wholesaler number); item description; and any
readily available information about mitigation actions undertaken or recommended.
ii. Within 10 business days of submitting the information in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this clause: Any further
available information about mitigation actions undertaken or recommended. In addition, the contractor
shall describe the efforts it undertook to prevent use or submission of covered telecommunications
equipment or services, and any additional efforts that will be incorporated to prevent future use or
submission of covered telecommunications equipment or services.
E. Subcontracts.
1. The Contractor shall insert the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (e), in all subcontracts
and other contractual instruments.
DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS
The City of Clearwater is seeking proposals from qualified firms to perform a comprehensive Natural Gas
Utility Rate Study for CGS Energy, including cost -of -service analysis, rate design evaluation, benchmarking,
financial forecasting, and related recommendations. The selected consultant will provide technical analysis,
stakeholder support, and implementation recommendations to help ensure equitable, competitive, and
financially sustainable utility rates.
6.1 Introduction
The City of Clearwater (City) is a coastal community on Florida's West Coast and the third-largest city in
the Tampa Bay area with a population of approximately 118,327 residents. Clearwater Beach, a renowned
international destination in Pinellas County, attracts millions of tourists annually and most recently received
the prestigious TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Award for 2024. It consistently ranks among the top vacation
spots in both national and international publications, offering year-round attractions such as pristine "sugar
sand" beaches, diverse dining options, and venues like the Philadelphia Phillies Spring Training and
Clearwater Threshers Minor League Baseball. The acclaimed Clearwater Marine Aquarium, nationally
recognized for its innovative work in marine rescue, rehabilitation, and release, remains a major draw for
visitors.
The City of Clearwater is committed to advancing sustainability through eco -friendly initiatives that enhance
our economy, safeguard our environment, and fortify our community.
6.2 PURPOSE
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The City of Clearwater (the "City") is soliciting proposals from qualified and experienced firms to
conduct a comprehensive Natural Gas Utility Rate Study for its natural gas distribution utility, d/b/a
CGS Energy. The City periodically evaluates its rate structure to ensure alignment with industry
standards, fiscal objectives, cost -of -service, regulatory requirements, and projected capital and
operating needs. The purpose of this study is to ensure the City's natural gas rates, fees, and charges
are equitable, competitive, and sufficient to support the long-term financial stability and operational
needs of the utility.
6.3 BACKGROUND
CGS Energy is a municipally owned natural gas utility providing service to over 32,000 residential,
commercial, and industrial customers within the City of Clearwater and 16 other municipal areas
located in portions of Pinellas and Pasco County. See attachment A for CGS Energy Overview
Document.
Below is a general overview of CGS Energy
• 330 square miles of service territory
• 1,120 miles of underground main pipeline
• 32,600 customers
• 91 Full Time Employees (budgeted)
• Sells gas appliances ($1.2 million)
• Appliance & equipment repair ($740K)
• Installation of inside customer gas piping ($860K)
• Owns and operates a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refueling station ($1.2 million)
• $40.3M annual operating revenues (Fiscal Year 25)
• Supplier: Florida Gas Transmission (FGT)
6.4 SCOPE OF SERVICES
The selected proposer ("Consultant") shall complete, at a minimum, the following tasks:
A. Project Initiation & Data Request
• Conduct a project kickoff meeting with City staff to confirm study objectives, schedule,
roles/responsibilities, and communication protocols.
• Review existing rate ordinance schedules, riders, and applicable billing determinants by
customer class.
• Review all Miscellaneous Gas Charges outside standard natural gas service rates (i.e., Meter
turn-on/off, hourly labor rates, etc....) and make any recommended changes.
• Provide a detailed Data Request Checklist identifying required operational, billing, customer,
financial, and capital planning information, including data formats and submittal deadlines.
• Review and categorize operational, financial, consumption, and customer data provided by
the City to industry standards.
• Identify data gaps, inconsistencies, and limitations, and document assumptions and
estimation methods used.
B. Cost of Service & Revenue Requirements
• Evaluate current and forecasted operating expenses, customer and load growth, and capital
improvement needs, including impacts on reserve targets and long-term financial stability.
• Perform a revenue sufficiency analysis using the agreed test year approach to determine
whether current rates and fees fund projected O&M, capital needs, and reserve targets. Document
proposed adjustments and assumptions.
• Summarize the key financial drivers and constraints that will guide rate design, including rate
stability, competitiveness, and fairness across customer classes.
• Conduct a full cost -of -service study consistent with natural gas utility industry standards,
including:
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o Classification and allocation of costs
o Allocation methodologies and factors
• Produce cost -of -service results by customer class and evaluate rate adequacy and alignment
with the established revenue requirement.
• Fully document assumptions, methodologies, models, and allocation factors in a format that
allows the City to understand, replicate, and update the study in future years.
C. Rate Design Alternatives & Bill Impacts
• Evaluate the current ordinance rate schedules and recommend changes by customer class
and usage levels (including, as applicable, residential, commercial, industrial, transportation, and
interruptible classes).
• Develop at least two (2) complete rate design options that consider:
o Appropriate balance of fixed versus variable charges
o Rate competitiveness and customer impacts
o Rate stability and implementation
• For each rate design option, provide:
o Class -level revenue impacts and overall revenue sufficiency relative to the revenue
requirement, including implications to reserve funding targets
o Bill impact tables by customer class at low/average/high usage levels
• Recommend a preferred rate structure and provide an implementation plan and schedule,
including any phased approach necessary to mitigate customer bill impacts.
D. Benchmarking & Peer Review
• Select and benchmark CGS Energy rates against at least five (5) peer natural gas utilities,
consisting of three (3) public/municipal and two (2) investor-owned/private, preferably in Florida or
the Southeast. Document the selection criteria and the rationale for including each utility.
• Compare rates using standardized usage levels (e.g., 25, 50, 100 therms per year), by relevant
customer class where available, and at minimum present:
o Customer charge
o Commodity rate structure (including key components/riders as applicable)
o Effective monthly bill comparisons
• Summarize peer utility comparison against CGS Energy's rates and explain how those results
support the recommended rate changes.
E. Financial Forecasting
• Project revenues, expenses, capital improvement needs, and reserve levels for 5-10 years.
• Forecast must include Low/Average/High consumption scenarios and show impact to revenue
sufficiency and reserve levels.
• Align the forecasting output with the recommended rate structures and implementation
schedule.
F. Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
• Meet with City leadership, utility management, and key internal stakeholders during the course
of the rate study.
• Provide one-on-one presentations (virtual or in-person) to the Mayor, Councilmembers and
the City Manager, for a total of six (6) presentations. One (1) for the City Manager and one (1) for
each of the five (5) Mayor/Council members.
• Present rate study recommendations at City Council meetings for both first and second
readings, if requested.
• Prepare communication materials for City Leadership and Residential impact analysis based
on customer class explaining rate methodology and impacts.
G. Deliverables
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24
• Draft and final Rate Study Report including:
o Executive summary
o Revenue sufficiency assessment
o Cost -of -service methodology and results
o Rate design alternatives and recommended rate structures
o Bill Impact Analysis
o Benchmarking results
o Financial projections and scenario results
o Implementation schedule and recommendations
• Electronic copies of all final models, assumptions, and supporting calculations. If possible, all
spreadsheet analysis is preferred to be in MS Excel (unlocked/editable) format, with clearly labeled
inputs for visible formulas.
• Update the existing City Rate Ordinance, in redlined form, to include all rate schedules, riders,
and miscellaneous charges reflecting the recommended rate schedule changes.
• Presentation materials should be suitable for both internal stakeholder meetings and any
public -facing meetings, as applicable.
6.5 OPTIONAL POST -STUDY SERVICES
Following completion of the initial Natural Gas Rate Study, and during any authorized renewal or
extension term, the City may, at its sole discretion, direct the Consultant to perform selected categories
of services rather than the full original Scope of Services. These post -study services are intended to
help the City monitor and assess the financial performance and implementation of the approved rate
study recommendations and may include, but are not limited to, true -up analyses, revenue sufficiency
updates; targeted cost -of -service updates, benchmarking refreshes, financial forecast updates,
ordinance or rider revisions, bill impact analyses, presentations, implementation support, and other
related technical assistance identified by the City in writing.
The Consultant shall perform only those service categories or tasks specifically authorized in writing
by the City. Following finalization of the initial comprehensive rate study, the City shall have no
obligation to procure the full Scope of Services and may elect to obtain any, all, or none of the optional
post -study services.
Compensation for optional post -study services shall be based on the rates or pricing established in
the Pricing Sheet, unless otherwise approved in writing by the City.
6.6 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Proposers must:
• Demonstrate a minimum of five (5) years of experience conducting rate studies and have
successfully completed at least three (3) comparable natural gas distribution utility projects within
the past five (5) years for utilities of similar size and scope.
• Employ staff or subcontractors with expertise in cost -of -service modeling, financial forecasting,
and rate design.
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
A list of Insurance Policies that may be required.
7.1 Requirements
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25
The Vendor shall, at its own cost and expense, acquire and maintain (and cause any subcontractors,
representatives or agents to acquire and maintain) during the term with the City, sufficient insurance to
adequately protect the respective interest of the parties. Coverage shall be obtained with a carrier having
an AM Best Rating of A -VII or better. In addition, the City has the right to review the Contractor's deductible
or self-insured retention and to require that it be reduced or eliminated.
Specifically the Vendor must carry the following minimum types and amounts of insurance on an occurrence
basis or in the case of coverage that cannot be obtained on an occurrence basis, then coverage can be
obtained on a claims -made basis with a minimum three (3) year tail following the termination or expiration
of this Agreement:
7.2 Commercial General Liability Insurance
Coverage, including but not limited to, premises operations, products/completed operations, products
liability, contractual liability, advertising injury, personal injury, death, and property damage in the minimum
amount of $1,000,000 (one million dollars) per occurrence and $2,000,000 (two million dollars) general
aggregate.
7.3 Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance
Coverage for any owned, non -owned, hired or borrowed automobile is required in the minimum amount of
$1,000,000 (one million dollars) combined single limit.
7.4 Professional Liability/Malpractice/Errors or Omissions Insurance
Coverage appropriate for the type of business engaged in by the Respondent with minimum limits of
$2,000,000 (two million dollars) per occurrence. If a claims made form of coverage is provided, the
retroactive date of coverage shall be no later than the inception date of claims made coverage, unless the
prior policy was extended indefinitely to cover prior acts. Coverage shall be extended beyond the policy
year either by a supplemental extended reporting period (SERP) of as great a duration as available, and
with no Tess coverage and with reinstated aggregate limits, or by requiring that any new policy provide a
retroactive date no later than the inception date of claims made coverage.
7.5 Workers' Compensation Insurance
Unless waived by the State of Florida and proof of waiver is provided to the City, statutory Workers'
Compensation Insurance coverage in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, and Employer's
Liability Insurance in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 (one million dollars) each employee each
accident, $1,000,000 (one million dollars) each employee by disease, and $1,000,000 (one million dollars)
disease policy limit. Coverage should include Voluntary Compensation, Jones Act, and U.S.
Longshoremen's and Harbor Worker's Act coverage where applicable. Coverage must be applicable to
employees, contractors, subcontractors, and volunteers, if any.
7.6 Waiver of Subrogation
With regard to any policy of insurance that would pay third party losses, Contractor hereby grants City a
waiver of any right to subrogation which any insurer of the Contractor may acquire against the City by virtue
of the payment of any loss under such insurance. Contractor agrees to obtain any endorsement that may
be necessary to affect such waiver, but this provision shall apply to such policies regardless of whether or
not the city has received a waiver of subrogation endorsement from each insurer.
The above insurance limits may be achieved by a combination of primary and umbrella/excess liability
policies.
7.7 Other Insurance Provisions
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26
Prior to the execution of this Agreement, and then annually upon the anniversary date(s) of the insurance
policy's renewal date(s) for as long as this Agreement remains in effect, the Vendor will furnish the City with
a Certificate of Insurance(s) (using appropriate ACORD certificate, SIGNED by the Issuer, and with
applicable endorsements) evidencing all of the coverage set forth above and naming the Citv as an
"Additional Insured" on the Commercial General Liability Insurance and the Commercial Automobile Liability
Insurance. In addition when requested in writing from the City, Vendor will provide the City with certified
copies of all applicable policies. The address where such certificates and certified policies shall be sent or
delivered is as follows:
City of Clearwater
Attn: Procurement Division, 42-26
P.O. Box 4748
Clearwater, FL 33758-4748
Vendor shall provide thirty (30) days written notice of any cancellation, non -renewal, termination, material
change or reduction in coverage.
Vendor's insurance as outlined above shall be primary and non-contributory coverage for Vendor's
negligence.
Vendor reserves the right to appoint legal counsel to provide for the Vendor's defense, for any and all claims
that may arise related to Agreement, work performed under this Agreement, or to Vendor's design,
equipment, or service. Vendor agrees that the City shall not be liable to reimburse Vendor for any legal
fees or costs as a result of Vendor providing its defense as contemplated herein.
The stipulated limits of coverage above shall not be construed as a limitation of any potential
liability to the City, and City's failure to request evidence of this insurance shall not be construed
as a waiver of Vendor's (or any contractors', subcontractors', representatives' or agents') obligation
to provide the insurance coverage specified.
MILESTONES
8.1 Anticipated Beginning and End of Initial Term
The initial term is estimated to be from August 2026 through August 2027.
If the commencement of performance is delayed because the City does not execute the contract on the
start date, the City may adjust the start date, end date and milestones to reflect the delayed execution.
8.2 Renewal
At the end of the initial term of this contract, the City may initiate renewal(s) as provided herein. The
decision to renew a contract rests solely with the City. The City will give written notice of its intention to
renew the contract no later than thirty (30) days prior to the expiration.
four (4), one (1) year renewal(s) are possible at the City's option.
8.3 Extension
The City reserves the right to extend the term of this contract, provided however, that the City shall give
written notice of its intentions to extend this contract no later than thirty (30) days prior to the expiration date
of the contract.
8.4 Prices
PRICES. All pricing shall be firm for the initial term of one (1) year except where otherwise provided by the
specifications, and include all transportation, insurance and warranty costs. The City shall not be invoiced
at prices higher than those stated in any contract resulting from this proposal. In addition, the City of
v. 7.2024
27
Clearwater will not honor any tariff related surcharge without documented evidence the actual tariff increase
was incurred by the vendor.
1. The Contractor certifies that the prices offered are no higher than the lowest price the
Contractor charges other buyers for similar quantities under similar conditions. The Contractor
further agrees that any reductions in the price of the goods or services covered by this proposal
and occurring after award will apply to the undelivered balance. The Contractor shall promptly
notify the City of such price reductions.
2. During the sixty (60) day period prior to each annual anniversary of the contract effective date,
the Contractor may submit a written request that the City increase the prices and such
adjustment will be considered and approval for such will not exceed the percentage change in
the US Department of Labor Consumer Price Index (CPI -U) for All Urban Consumers, All
Items, Tampa -St. Petersburg -Clearwater, FL. (https://www.bls.gov/cpi/home.htm) The City
shall review the request for adjustment and respond in writing; such response and approval
shall not be unreasonably withheld.
3. At the end of the initial term, pricing may be negotiated for amounts other than inflation based
on mutual agreement of the parties after review of appropriate documentation. Renewal prices
shall be firm for the one (1) year renewal term.
4. No fuel surcharges will be accepted.
RESPONSE ELEMENTS
NOTE: Every proposal received by the City is considered a public record pursuant to Chapter
119, Florida Statutes. Vendors who mark responses as exempt from public disclosure must
identify the specific exemption applicable to the information. In the event the City receives a
public records request for a Vendor's proposal, the City reserves the right to independently
review the proposal for statutory exemptions. While the City will take the proposed exemption
into consideration when responding to a public records request, please be aware that the
proposal may still be subject to complete disclosure, and the proposed exemption may not meet
the statutory criteria. For questions, please contact the City Clerk.
9.1 Proposal Submission
The City prefers responses are submitted electronically through the City's e -Procurement Portal located at
https://procurement.opermov.com/portal/myclearwater.
Without exception, responses will not be accepted after the submission deadline regardless of any technical
difficulties such as poor internet connections. The City strongly recommends completing your response well
ahead of the deadline.
Bidders can get help through OpenGov Assist, located on the bottom right of the OpenGov portal.
9.2 Proposal Format
The following items shall be included in your proposal and uploaded into the specified section of the
TAB 1 — Letter of Transmittal. Provide a brief Letter of Transmittal that includes:
• A statement demonstrating the proposer's understanding of the work to be performed
• A positive commitment to perform the services within the specified timeframe
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28
• Identification of the primary point of contact, including name, title, email address, and phone
number
TAB 2 — Qualifications and Experience — 30 Points. Provide information demonstrating the firm's
qualifications and experience, including:
• Experience conducting natural gas or utility rate studies of similar size, scope, and complexity
• Experience working with municipally owned utilities and familiarity with the Florida regulatory
environment
• Examples of developing rate structures for Residential, Commercial, and Industrial customer
classes
• Experience performing cost -of -service studies and revenue sufficiency analyses for natural
gas or similar utilities
• Identification of the proposed project manager and key personnel, including roles,
responsibilities, and qualifications
TAB 3 — Technical Approach and Methodology — 25 Points. Provide a detailed description of the
firm's proposed approach to completing the Scope of Services, including:
• Overall understanding of the project objectives and scope
• Proposed methodology for cost -of -service modeling, rate design, benchmarking, and financial
forecasting
• Approach to data collection, validation, identification of data gaps, and development of
assumptions
• Description of tools, models, and techniques to be used, including how results will be
documented and presented
• Description of how the firm will ensure transparency, documentation, and replicability of
models and analyses
• Any innovative or value-added approaches that enhance the quality of the study
TAB 4 — Project Management and Communication — 15 Points. Provide a description of how the
project will be managed and coordinated , including:
• Proposed project schedule, key milestones, and anticipated timeline
• Approach to coordination with City staff, utility management, and other stakeholders
• Communication plan, including frequency of updates and reporting
• Availability and accessibility of the project team
• Experience presenting findings to executive leadership, elected officials, and governing bodies
TAB 5 — References and Past Performance — 15 Points. Provide references for similar projects,
including:
• A minimum of three (3) references for comparable projects
• Client name, project description, and scope of services performed
• Contact information for each reference (name, title, phone number, and email)
• Description of project outcomes, including schedule, budget, and overall success
TAB 6 — Cost Proposal —15 Points. In addition to the Pricing Sheet, the cost proposal should include:
• Confirmation that any costs not specifically identified in the Pricing Sheet are deemed included
in the Total Base Proposal Cost (Section 1) and will not be paid separately.
• A brief narrative, if necessary, explaining the basis of the proposed cost and any assumptions
underlying the pricing.
• Identification of any optional services or assumptions that may impact pricing.
• Confirmation that all pricing is all-inclusive in accordance with the Pricing Sheet requirements.
v. 7.2024
29
Other Forms — Reference Submittal Requirements.
A. Scrutinized Companies form(s) as required
B. Compliance with Anti -Human Trafficking Laws Form
C. W-9 Form. Include a current W-9 form (http://www.irs.aov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf)
PRICING SHEET
All pricing shall be all-inclusive, including labor, overhead, travel, materials, and incidentals.
No additional fees, surcharges, or reimbursables will be allowed unless specifically identified in the
Pricing Sheet.
The total lump sum price shall include all services required to complete the Scope of Services.
Hourly rates shall only be used for additional services requested and approved by the City.
The City will evaluate pricing based on the Total Base Proposal Cost (Items 1-7).
All line items must be completed. If a proposer believes a cost is included elsewhere, the proposer shall
enter $0.00 (or $0.01 if required by the system) and such costs shall be considered included in the Total
Base Proposal Cost.
PAYMENT TERMS:
• City of Clearwater's standard payment terms are NET30
• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) / Automated Clearing House (ACH)
SECTION 1 — LUMP SUM BY TASK (PRIMARY PRICING)
Line Item
Description
Quantity
Unit of
Measure
Unit Cost
Total
1
Project Initiation & Data Request
(Section A)
1
Lump Sum
2
Cost of Service & Revenue
Requirements (Section B)
1
Lump Sum
3
Rate Design Alternatives & Bill
Impacts (Section C)
1
Lump Sum
4
Benchmarking & Peer Review
(Section D)
1
Lump Sum
5
Financial Forecasting (Section E)
1
Lump Sum
6
Stakeholder Engagement &
Presentations (Section F)
1
Lump Sum
7
Final Deliverables & Ordinance
Update (Section G)
1
Lump Sum
TOTAL
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30
SECTION 2 — OPTIONAL / ADDITIONAL SERVICES (HOURLY RATES)
Line Item
1
2
3
4
Description
Principal / Project Director
Project Manager
Senior Analyst
Analyst / Support Staff
Unit of
Measure
Per Hour
Per Hour
Per Hour
Per Hour
Unit Cost
SECTION 3 — OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL MEETINGS / PRESENTATIONS
Line Item
1
2
Description
Additional City Council or Workshop Presentations
(beyond those identified in scope)
Additional Stakeholder Meetings
Unit of
Measure
Each
Each
Unit Cost
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
1 Exceptions*
Proposers shall indicate any and all exceptions taken to the provisions or specifications in this solicitation
document. Exceptions that surface elsewhere and that do not also appear under this section shall be
considered invalid and void and of no contractual significance.
Do you have any exceptions to the provisions or specifications?
El Yes
❑ No
*Response required
When equals "Yes"
Exceptions Taken*
**Special Note — Any material exceptions taken to the City's Terms and Conditions may render
a Proposal non-responsive.
Upload a copy of any exceptions taken to the provisions or specifications in this solicitation.
*Response required
2 Additional Materials*
Have you included any additional materials?
v. 7.2024
31
El Yes
❑ No
*Response required
When equals "Yes"
Description of Additional Materials*
Provide a brief description of the additional materials included.
*Response required
3 Certified Business*
Are you a Certified Small Business or a Certified Minority, Woman or Disadvantaged Business
Enterprise?
❑ Yes
❑ No
*Response required
When equals "Yes"
Certified Business Type*
Pick one of the following.
❑ Certified Small Business
El Certified Minority, Woman, or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise
*Response required
When equals "Yes"
Certifying Agency*
List the Agency that provided your certification.
*Response required
When equals "Yes"
Certification Documentation*
Provide a copy of your certification.
*Response required
4 Vendor Certification*
By submitting this response, the Vendor hereby certifies that:
A. It is under no legal prohibition on contracting with the City of Clearwater.
B. It has read, understands, and is in compliance with the specifications, terms and conditions stated
herein, as well as its attachments, and any referenced documents.
C. It has no known, undisclosed conflicts of interest.
D. The prices offered were independently developed without consultation or collusion with any of the
other vendors or potential vendors or any other anti-competitive practices.
v. 7.2024
32
E. No offer of gifts, payments or other consideration were made to any City employee, officer, elected
official, or consultant who has or may have had a role in the procurement process for the
commodities or services covered by this contract. The Vendor has not influenced or attempted to
influence any City employee, officer, elected official, or consultant in connection with the award of
this contract.
F. It understands the City may copy all parts of this response, including without limitation any
documents or materials copyrighted by the Vendor, for internal use in evaluating respondent's offer,
or in response to a public records request under Florida's public records law (F.S. Chapter 119) or
other applicable law, subpoena, or other judicial process; provided that the City agrees not to
change or delete any copyright or proprietary notices.
G. It hereby warrants to the City that the Vendor and its subcontractors will comply with, and are
contractually obligated to comply with, all federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, and
executive orders.
H. It certifies that Vendor is not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared
ineligible, voluntarily excluded, or disqualified from participation in this matter from any federal,
state, or local agency.
I. It will provide the commodities or services specified in compliance with all federal, state, and local
laws, rules, regulations, and executive orders if awarded by the City.
J. It is current in all obligations due to the City.
K. It will accept all terms and conditions as set forth in this solicitation if awarded by the City.
L. The signatory is an officer or duly authorized representative of the Vendor with full power and
authority to submit binding offers and enter into contracts for the commodities or services as
specified herein.
El Please confirm
*Response required
5 E -Verify System Certification*
PER FLORIDA STATUTE 448.095, CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS MUST REGISTER
WITH AND USE THE E -VERIFY SYSTEM TO VERIFY THE WORK AUTHORIZATION STATUS OF ALL
NEWLY HIRED EMPLOYEES.
The affiant, by virtue of confirming below, certifies that:
A. The Contractor and its Subcontractors are aware of the requirements of Florida Statute 448.095.
B. The Contractor and its Subcontractors are registered with and using the E -Verify system to verify
the work authorization status of newly hired employees.
C. The Contractor will not enter into a contract with. any Subcontractor unless each party to the contract
registers with and uses the E -Verify system.
D. The Subcontractor will provide the Contractor with an affidavit stating that the Subcontractor does
not employ, contract with, or subcontract with unauthorized alien.
E. The Contractor must maintain a copy of such affidavit.
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33
F. The City may terminate this Contract on the good faith belief that the Contractor or its
Subcontractors knowingly violated Florida Statutes 448.09(1) or 448.095(2)(c).
G. If this Contract is terminated pursuant to Florida Statute 448.095(2)(c), the Contractor may not be
awarded a public contract for at least 1 year after the date on which this Contract was terminated.
H. The Contractor is liable for any additional cost incurred by the City as a result of the termination of
this Contract.
❑ Please confirm
*Response required
6 Vendor's Proposal*
Upload a copy of your proposal with the information requested as detailed in the solicitation titled 42-26
Natural Gas Utility Rate Study.
*Response required
7 Scrutinized Company Certification*
Please download the below documents, complete, notarize, and upload.
• SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES AND B...
*Response required
8 Compliance with Anti -Human Trafficking Laws*
Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.
• Compliance with 787.06 form...
*Response required
9 W-9*
Upload your current W-9 form. (available at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf)
*Response required
v. 7.2024
34
TAB 6 - COST PROPOSAL]
Cost
Attachment C
Cost Proposal
RAFTELIS 53
The following table provides a breakdown of our proposed fee for this project. Any costs not specifically identified
in the pricing sheet are deemed included in the Total Base Proposal Cost (Section 1) and will not be paid separately.
All pricing shown is all-inclusive in accordance with the City's Pricing Sheet requirements. The cost shown below
assumes virtual project meetings and presentations, with the exception of the two ordinance adoption meetings,
which are included and assumed to be in person.
SECTION 1- LUMP SUM BY TASK (PRIMARY PRICING)
Line Item
1
Description
Project Initiation & Data Request
(Section A)
Quantity
1
Unit of
Measure
Lump Sum
Unit Cost
$5,420
Total
$5,420
2
Cost of Service &Revenue
Requirements (Section B)
1
Lump Sum
$16,480
$16,480
3
Rate Design Alternatives & Bill Impacts
(Section C)
1
Lump Sum
$10,650
$10,650
4
Benchmarking & Peer Review (Section
D5
1
Lump Sum
$5,300
$5,300
Financial Forecasting (Section E)
1
Lump Sum
$16,350
$16,350
6
Stakeholder Engagement &
Presentations (Section F)
1
Lump Sum
$9,500
$9,500
7
Final Deliverables & Ordinance Update
(Section G)
1
Lump Sum
$11,975
$11,975
TOTAL $75,675
RAFTELIS 54
SECTION 2 — OPTIONAL / ADDITIONAL SERVICES (HOURLY RATES)
Line Item
Description
Unit of
Measure
Unit Cost
1
Principal / Project Director
Per Hour
$425
2
Project Manager
Per Hour
$375
3
Senior Analyst
Per Hour
$340
4
Analyst / Support Staff
Per Hour
$150
SECTION 3— OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL MEETINGS / PRESENTATIONS (1)
Line Item
1
2
Description
Additional City Council or Workshop Presentations (beyond
those identified in scope)
Additional Stakeholder Meetings
Unit of
Measure
Each
Each
Unit Cost
In -Person: $3,000
Virtual: $1,500
In -Person: $3,000
Virtual: $1,500
'(1) Cost assumes content is substantially similar to that already presented/ in base scope ofservices in Section .1
June 30, 2026
CITY OF CLEARWATER
FINANCE DEPARTMENT, POST OFFICE Box 4748, CLEARWATER, FLORIDA 33758-4748
MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING, 100 SOUTH MYRTLE AVENUE, CLEARWATER, FLORIDA 33756
TELEPHONE (727) 562-4530
NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD
The Selection Committee in coordination with the Procurement Division has completed the evaluation
process for RFP No. 42-26, Natural Gas Utility Rate Study. The top-ranked firms have been shortlisted, and
an award recommendation is being made to Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc., the highest -ranked firm,
for a period of one (1) year, with four (4), one-year renewal options. The firms ranked in order are as
follows:
1) Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc.
2) GDS Associates, Inc.
3) Tangibl Group
4) Black and Veatch Corporation
5) NewGen Strategies and Solutions, LLC
Negotiations will commence soon with the top ranked firm. Should negotiations fail, the committee will
move to the next ranked firm on the list. The negotiated contract is subject to City Manager's authorization.
Inquiries -regarding this Intent to Award can be directed to the City's Acting Procurement Manager at (727)
444-8524, or mailed to City of Clearwater, Attn: Procurement Division, PO Box 4748, Clearwater, FL 33758-
4748.
Posted on this date by:
Lo-ri. Verg
e,(.
Lori Vogel, CPPB
Procurement Manager
Ryan Cotton, Councilmember
Mike Mannino, Councilmember
Bruce Rector, Mayor
David Allbritton, Councilmember
Lina Teixeira, Councilmember
"Equal Employment and Affirmative Action Employer"