24-8265_Authorization_to_Advertise.pdf

This is an Authorization to Advertise document from Collier County, Florida, authorizing the release of Solicitation No. 24-8265 for the 16th Street NE Bridge Project (LAP). The project involves constructing a new 147-foot bridge over the Golden Gate Main Canal and widening approximately 3.3 miles of roadway from Golden Gate Boulevard to Randall Boulevard, including installation of a 6-foot sidewalk on the west side, new traffic signals, and associated drainage and utility modifications. Sealed bids will be received electronically until November 20, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. local time, with a non-mandatory pre-bid meeting scheduled for October 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in Naples, Florida. Prospective bidders must be pre-qualified by the Florida Department of Transportation in specific work classes including minor bridges, pavement marking, roadway signing, traffic signals, and sidewalk work. Contractors are expected to achieve substantial completion within 520 consecutive calendar days, with final completion required within 30 calendar days after punch list delivery. Liquidated damages are assessed at $7,442 per calendar day for failure to achieve substantial completion.

The total project budget is approximately $26,361,418 and is primarily funded through federal highway administration grants under the Local Agency Program (LAP). Bidders must submit a 5% bid bond with their proposal and comply with federal regulations including Davis-Bacon wage requirements, Buy America provisions, and equal employment opportunity standards. The project has a significant disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) goal of 10.54%. Contractors must comply with extensive environmental requirements, including mitigation for 2.35 acres of wetland impacts through credits from the Panther Island Mitigation Bank Expansion and protections for endangered species including the Florida black bear, gopher tortoise, and eastern indigo snake. The solicitation documents are available through the Collier County procurement portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/collier-county-fl, where prospective bidders must register as vendors to access complete project documentation.