20250908_Zoomed_Nearshore_East_Reef_Site.pdf

This is a Request for Proposals (RFP) filed by Escambia County for the manufacture, transportation, and deployment of approximately 25 Patch Reef artificial reef modules at the Nearshore East Artificial Reef Site in the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 5 nautical miles southeast of Pensacola Pass. The site spans approximately 2 square nautical miles at water depths of 45-65 feet, with reef modules to be deployed approximately 500 feet apart at coordinates centered around 30°17.600'N; 087°13.700'W. The procurement requires contractors to provide hollow concrete modules meeting specified design requirements that enhance habitat complexity, durability, and marine life support capabilities. The project timeline includes a pre-solicitation meeting on November 7, 2025, a question submission deadline of November 20, 2025, and a proposal response deadline of December 1, 2025 at 10:00 am. Construction is estimated to commence in March 2026 with project completion required by May 1, 2026. All deployed modules will be inspected within 1-3 weeks after deployment, and contractors must replace any damaged modules at no cost to Escambia County. The final number, spacing, and specific coordinates of reef modules will be determined by Escambia County upon receipt of module pricing and issuance of the Purchase Order.

Proposals will be evaluated across five equally-weighted criteria: module construction and durability (20 points), habitat value (20 points), horizontal and vertical stability (20 points), deployment capability (20 points), and price (20 points). The total project funding is $450,000, with Escambia County reserving the right to reject all submissions or select a submittal to be funded at a lower amount. Contractors must demonstrate at least three similar Patch Reef artificial reef deployments at comparable depths within the past three years and provide comprehensive insurance documentation, including Protection & Indemnity Marine Liability with $1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate, Maritime Workers Compensation with $1,000,000 limits, and Marine Pollution liability with $1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate, with insurers maintaining a minimum AM Best Rating of VIII. The project is funded through the Florida Artificial Reef Program and is part of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Phase III Early Restoration Plan related to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. The procurement does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations.