26-P-00135_-_EBO-Determination-Letter-SLBE.docx

This is an Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) Determination Letter issued by the City of Tampa's Wastewater Department for a goods procurement designated as Project 26-P-00135 for the supply of technical grade phosphoric acid and liquid enzymes. The procurement is classified as a traditional solicitation for goods with an estimated contract value of $50,000.00. The project involves the supply of approximately 50 drums of 55-gallon technical grade phosphoric acid (85.0-85.5% purity) and approximately 12 drums of 55-gallon liquid enzymes annually to three designated pump stations: University Pump Station, Sulphur Springs Pump Station, and Ybor Pump Station. Deliveries must be completed within ten working days of order receipt on an F.O.B. basis to City locations. The bid opening is scheduled for 3:00 PM on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, with electronic submissions required through the OpenGov eProcurement Portal. The initial contract term is one year from the effective date of award, with options for mutual renewal for four additional one-year periods and unilateral extension options for up to three additional 30-day periods. Questions must be submitted up to six business days prior to the bid opening.

The EBO Determination Letter confirms that this solicitation does not qualify for sheltered market designation, bid discounts, or subcontracting goals for Small Local Business Enterprises (SLBEs), as the scope did not meet narrowly tailored requirement parameters. Award will be made to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, and pricing is subject to escalation or de-escalation provisions after the first year limited to the previous year's Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. Bidders must be authorized manufacturers or manufacturer's authorized distributors with substantial inventory actively maintained for phosphoric acid and must provide evidence of authorization at bid submission. All bidders must be registered to transact business in the State of Florida, maintain required insurance coverage including Commercial General Liability of at least $1 million per occurrence, and comply with Florida's E-Verify law. If bidders intend to utilize SLBE subcontractors or suppliers, they must submit Letters of Intent jointly signed by both the prime bidder and each SLBE firm within ten workdays following the notice of intent to award posting. The City of Tampa and Government Purchasing Council members of Hillsborough County are authorized to utilize any resulting award.