2-SS Letter.pdf

This is a certification letter from Blades Group LLC regarding a sole source procurement with Hillsborough County, Florida for Rock Asphalt materials. The letter, dated March 1, 2023, confirms that RockAsphalt is a single-sourced asphalt repair material exclusively mined and bagged by Blades Group LLC. Hillsborough County intends to award a sole source procurement to Blades Group LLC for ongoing and as-needed purchases of Rock Asphalt for a three-year term at an estimated cost of $246,192.00. Rock Asphalt is limestone rock infused with asphalt through natural occurrences, offering three to five times better cohesion than typical cold mix and resulting in reduced material loss and longer-lasting repairs. The procurement follows Section 3-205(2)(a) of the County's Procurement Policy, as Blades Group LLC is the only known provider of this unique material in the Western Hemisphere. The County reserves the right to extend the contract period, adjust the scope of services, and increase the award amount accordingly.

This sole source notice is not a request for competitive proposals. Interested contractors who believe they can provide the identified proprietary goods must submit clear and convincing information challenging the intended award by the specified close date through the EUNA Procurement submission section. The County will evaluate properly submitted challenges solely to determine whether bona fide competition exists and whether to conduct the procurement as a competitive solicitation. Absent any challenges by the deadline, an award will likely be made following the close date.