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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final October 22, 2019 Director Burke announced the top three ranking firms were: 1) Bankers Maintenance and Inspection (BMI), Vero Beach, FL; 2) Justin Industries, Loxahatchee, FL; and 3) Atlas Organics, Spartanburg, SC. He pointed out that the selection committee interviewed the top three ranking firms and developed an overall final ranking of the firms and summarized in detail the proposals submitted, the interview process used to determine the selection of the final ranking firm and recommended that Atlas Organics be awarded the project. Chairman Solari opened the floor for public comments. Commissioner Zorc asked whether any of the other firms had included specific dollars for infrastructure in their costs, as did Atlas Organics. Director Burke replied that Justin Industries proposed to put up office structures and a 30' x 40' cement slab for their equipment. Mike Hooker, representing BMI, along with Jason Disbrow, representing PJ's Land Clearing and Excavating, Inc. (PJ's), bidders of the proposed RFP, stated that they were both local companies and were willing to joint venture the proposed RFP. Mr. Hooker was unaware of the need to include infrastructure, but entertained it. They highlighted the number of years of experience between both companies, emphasized that they were local business owners and would be able to respond immediately if any issues arose, would employ local people, and had the necessary equipment to perform the contract. They asked the Board to re -consider their proposal. Commissioner Flescher sought clarification from Director Burke on whether part of the Selection Committee's decision to change the ranking was based on the bidder providing additional infrastructure. Director Burke made the Board aware that Atlas Organics was willing to invest $250,000 in infrastructure on the SWDD property at no cost to the County, but affirmed it was not the only deciding factor. He added that Atlas' price proposal, qualifications, and experience were among the deciding factors. SWDD Managing Director Himanshu Mehta responded to Commissioner Flescher's concern with Atlas Organics two (2) month start-up delay, stating that they needed time to move their equipment and hire local staff. A discussion ensued regarding the re -ranking, with Director Mehta explaining that during the interview process with BMI, the Selection Committee was not comfortable with the feedback or the reference review provided by BMI. He added that BMI would need to purchase additional equipment, and there was not a joint venture with PJ's at the time of the bid. He continued that during the interview process with Atlas Organics, there was nothing but positive feedback from other government entities in North Carolina and South Carolina. Jim Davis, Vice President of Business Development at Atlas Organics, pointed out that they have a positive track record with Municipal governments in North Carolina and South Carolina, and their philosophy was to be involved within the Indian River County Florida Page 12