26-P-00137_-_EBO-Determination-Letter-SLBE.docx

This is an Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) Determination Letter issued by the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department for a grounds maintenance contract covering special events parks and city-owned properties. The City of Tampa seeks qualified contractors to provide comprehensive grounds maintenance services for nine special events parks totaling approximately 61.3 acres, including turf mowing, turf maintenance, and landscape bed maintenance. The scope covers Al Lopez Park, Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Doyle Carlton Linear Park, Joseph Frye Park, Kiley Gardens, MacDill Park on the Riverwalk, USF Park on the Riverwalk, and Water Works Park. Each site will receive 38 maintenance cuts annually on a cyclical schedule (weekly during fast growth season weeks 20-39 and bi-weekly during slow growth season weeks 40-19). The mandatory pre-bid meeting and site inspection is scheduled for February 24, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Sealed bids are due by 3:00 p.m. on March 13, 2026, through the OpenGov eProcurement Portal. Award notification is expected within 120 days of bid opening. The contract term is one year from the effective date with options for renewal for three additional one-year periods through mutual written agreement, plus unilateral City extension rights for up to three additional thirty-day periods.

The estimated contract amount is $350,000.00, with pricing submitted on a cost-per-cut basis for each of the nine sites. The City offers a five percent bid discount (capped at $10,000) for certified Small Local Business Enterprises (SLBEs) for evaluation purposes only. No sheltered market provisions or subcontracting goals are established for this nonprofessional service contract, and this procurement is classified as a traditional open market solicitation open to all qualified bidders. Contractors utilizing SLBE subcontractors must complete the DMI-20 Form and submit DMI-40 Letter of Intent forms for each SLBE within ten workdays after notice of intent to award. The determination letter, effective January 27, 2026, has been reviewed and approved by Committee Chair Jose A. Valdez in accordance with established City policy.