EBO Determination Letter for Vessel Removal, Towing, Storage and Disposal Contract

This is an Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) Determination Letter issued by the City of Tampa's Equal Business Opportunity Office for Project 26-P-00115, concerning the removal, towing, storage, and disposal of vessels on an as-needed basis. The project, managed by the Parks and Recreation Department, establishes the EBO participation requirements and set-asides for this construction-related service contract. Sealed bids are due by 3:00 PM on Monday, March 2, 2026, with the contract awarded for an initial one-year term and options for four additional one-year renewals plus up to three additional 30-day unilateral extension periods. The effective date of this EBO determination is January 14, 2026. Qualified vendors must possess a U.S. Coast Guard-issued "Operator Uninspected Towing Vessel" (OUTV) license, maintain secure storage facilities within the Tampa Bay area with 24-hour access, provide three references preferably from Florida public entities, and complete all work within five business days of authorization.

This procurement is designated as a Sheltered Market for Small Local Business Enterprises (SLBEs), with certified SLBEs eligible to receive a five percent bid discount not to exceed $10,000. The contract requires vendors to maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, including Commercial General Liability of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, Marine General Liability of $1,000,000/$2,000,000, Marina Operators Legal Liability of $5,000,000/$5,000,000, Protection & Indemnity of $1,000,000, and Vessel Pollution Liability of $1,000,000. All policies must be obtained from insurers admitted in Florida with a minimum A.M. Best rating of A-:VII, with the City named as an additional insured. Prime contractors are encouraged to utilize SLBEs as subcontractors or suppliers, with required documentation submitted via the DMI-40 Letter of Intent form within ten workdays after notice of intent to award. The estimated contract amount was not specified, with pricing to be determined through competitive bidding on an F.O.B. Tampa basis, inclusive of all labor, materials, supplies, fuel, taxes, and associated costs.