262874FB_Solicitation_Documents.pdf

INVITATION FOR BIDS (“IFB”) - PART I

IFB Part I Revised 10/6/25 Page 1 of 5

IFB #: 262874FB

IFB TITLE: Commercial Water-Based Charter Boat and Tour Operator Permits

1.0 PURPOSE

Sarasota County (“County”), a political subdivision of the State of Florida, will receive bids on the date indicated in OpenGov Procurement (“OpenGov”), the County’s electronic procurement portal, for the purpose of selecting qualified commercial water-based charter boat and tour operators to participate in a permit program allowing charter fishing and guided tour services from designated County parks.

Bidders are required to comply with Part II, Scope of Services.

OpenGov is located at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/scgov

2.0 BIDDER

2.1 For the purpose of this IFB, the term “Bidder” (also identified as “Offeror”) is defined as the legal entity submitting a bid and/or identified on the electronic bid submittal.

2.2 Bidders intending to submit a bid as a joint venture with another company must provide documentation attesting to the formation of that joint venture with their bid submittal. For purposes of this solicitation, all vendors who make up the joint venture will be considered together as the Bidder.

2.2.1. Bidders proposing to engage in construction contracting as a joint venture or partnership must apply for registration with the State of Florida, Department of Business and Professional Regulation and any other state or local licensing agencies, as required by Florida State Statute 489.119, prior to the date bids are due.

3.0 QUALIFICATIONS

3.1 Required Experience

3.1.1. Bidder must provide references demonstrating their

experience providing a minimum of two (2) years commercial water-based charter fishing services and/or guided excursion tour services within the past five (5) years preceding the submission deadline in OpenGov. A minimum of 2 references from separate entities are required.

3.1.2. Only references submitted at the time of bid submittal in the format specified by the County will be used to verify qualifications have been met.

3.2 Responsibility

3.2.1. Bidder shall be required to meet all requirements of Part II, Section 4 prior to award and throughout the term of any https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/scgov

IFB Part I Revised 10/6/25 Page 2 of 5 resulting Contract. Following verification of Qualifications, the County may require the apparent responsive and responsible Bidder(s) to provide evidence demonstrating it satisfies all requirements of Part II, Section 4. Failure of Bidder to provide, within three (3) business days after request from the County;

evidence of requirements that demonstrate Bidder's ability to perform the Scope of Services to the County's satisfaction may result in a determination by the County that Bidder is non-responsible.

4.0 ALTERNATES

4.1 Unless otherwise specifically provided in Part II of this IFB, reference to any equipment, material, article or patented process, by trade name, brand name, make or catalog number, shall be regarded as establishing a minimum standard of quality and shall not be construed as limiting competition.

4.2 If a bidder wishes to make a substitution in the specifications, the bidder shall furnish to the County the name of the manufacturer, the model number, and other identifying data and information necessary to aid the County in evaluating the substitution. Any such substitution shall be subject to County approval. Substitutions shall be approved only if determined by the County to be equivalent to the prescribed specifications.

4.3 To be considered, substitutions must be submitted to the Procurement Contact listed in OpenGov no later than the Question Submission deadline listed in OpenGov. Substitutions must be identified by brand name, number, manufacturer and model, and shall include full descriptive information, brochures, and appropriate attachments. The County shall respond via addendum in OpenGov indicating whether the substitution has been approved or denied.

4.4 A bid containing a substitution that has not been approved by the County shall be disqualified.

5.0 PRE-BID MEETINGS

In the event a meeting and/or site visit is scheduled it will take place at the time, date, and location specified in the Solicitation Timeline posted in OpenGov.

6.0 SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

Refer to the Submittal Instructions section in OpenGov for instructions on how to submit a bid. Bidders are advised to review the General Terms and Conditions of Solicitations which are available in OpenGov.

7.0 SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS

7.1 Vendor Questionnaire

All bidders must complete the required forms and information included

IFB Part I Revised 10/6/25 Page 3 of 5 in the Vendor Questionnaire section of OpenGov. Completed forms and other requested documents must be uploaded with bidder’s response in OpenGov. Bidders who fail to complete and upload required forms and documents or fail to provide responses to questions in the Vendor Questionnaire section of OpenGov may be found non-responsive.

7.2 Pricing

All bidders must complete the Pricing Table provided in OpenGov.

Bidders who fail to fully complete the pricing table in OpenGov may be found non-responsive.

8.0 AWARD

8.1 Award Structure by Zone and Location

It is the intent of the County to award contract(s) to the responsive and responsible Bidder(s) submitting the highest price(s) per annual permit fee per Park Location within a specific Zone, subject to the maximum permit capacities established for each Park Location within that Zone.

8.1.1. Bidders may submit bids for one or more Park Locations within each Zone and may submit bids for Park Locations for one or both Zones but shall only be awarded a maximum of two (2) permits per Zone.

a. Bidders are not required to submit a bid for each location within a Zone to be considered for award of that Zone.

8.1.2. Sequential Allocation:

a. Within each Zone’s Park Location, responsive and responsible Bidders will be ranked from highest annual permit fee to lowest annual permit fee. Permits will be awarded down the ranked list within each Park Location up to a maximum of two (2) permits per responsive and responsible Bidder until that specific Park Location reaches its maximum permit capacity.

b. If a single Bidder ranks as one of the highest responsive and responsible Bidders for more Park Locations within a single Zone than the maximum allowed two (2) permits within a single Zone, the County will contact the Bidder to determine their preference of Park Location(s). The remaining unassigned permit slot(s) at the declined Park Location(s) will then be offered to the next highest-ranked, responsive and responsible Bidder for that Park Location until that specific Park Location reaches its maximum permit capacity.

8.2 In the event of a tie, the IFB tie-breaking procedures identified in the Sarasota County Procurement Manual will apply.

IFB Part I Revised 10/6/25 Page 4 of 5

8.2.1. To be considered, tied bidders will be required to provide documentation certifying they have implemented a drug-free workplace program meeting the requirements stipulated in Section 287.087, Florida Statutes. Documentation must be provided within the time specified by the County at the time of request.

8.3 Preferences

Bidders wishing to be considered for Local Business Preference or American Business Preference must complete and submit a Local & American Business Certification Form with their submittal. The Local & American Business Certification Form can be found in the Vendor Questionnaire section of OpenGov.

In awarding this bid, preference shall be given to local businesses and American businesses in accordance with Section 2-215 of the Sarasota County Procurement Code.

Local and American business preferences do not apply in the award of this bid due to grant funding requirements

8.4 Contract

A draft of the contract that the successful bidder(s) will be expected to sign (a Concession Agreement) is posted on the Procurement website shown below. The County may, at its sole discretion, select a different contract type or make revisions to the one referenced above following the recommended award of this solicitation.

https://www.scgov.net/government/procurement/contract-templates

9.0 PRICING

9.1 As applicable, all trip charges, mileage, vehicle charges, travel time and labor are to be included in the hourly rate. Only time on the job site may be charged.

9.2 As applicable, estimated usage for each item is listed in the bid. This is an estimated figure only and no guarantee is made or implied as to the actual quantities that will be acquired under resulting contracts.

Quantities listed herein are subject to increase or decrease during the term of the contract. In either occurrence, the Offeror will perform the work at the unit price as bid. The County, at its discretion, may authorize an initial contract for a greater not-to-exceed amount than that submitted by the Bidder.

10.0 COUNTY WORKPLACE COMPLIANCE

10.1 Smoking – Smoking is not permitted inside any County facility. Smoking is restricted to designated smoking areas outside a facility.

10.2 Parking – The Bidder’s representatives shall abide by all parking restrictions. The Bidder’s vehicles are subject to the same restrictions, https://www.scgov.net/government/procurement/contract-templates

IFB Part I Revised 10/6/25 Page 5 of 5 limitations, fines and tickets as posted for any other vehicle. Where time limit restrictions exceed the required time to provide services, arrangements shall be made in advance.

10.3 Alcohol/Drugs – Service personnel under the influence of alcohol and/or non-prescription drugs are not permitted to work in County facilities.

Any person known or thought to be under these influences will be escorted off County property.

10.4 Security - The Bidder must adhere to all Sarasota County security procedures. The Bidder’s work force shall be made up of persons legally authorized to perform work in the United States. The Bidder shall, at the County’s request, submit the following information for each of their employees: name, date of birth, social security number and green card (if applicable).

10.5 Identification - The Bidder shall require all employees to visibly wear identification while on County property. Said identification shall contain a color photograph of the employee, the name of the employee and the name of the company. The Bidder shall require all employees to wear a company uniform, which shall include the name of the employee and the company. Persons not conforming to this requirement may be denied access to the building. Denial of access does not alleviate the Bidder’s responsibilities herein.

(End of Part I)

PART II

SCOPE OF SERVICES (ADDENDUM 1)

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1. OVERVIEW

A. The County has established a Commercial Water-Based Charter Boat and Tour Operator Permit Program to authorize qualified and permitted operators (the “Permit Holder”) to provide recreational charter fishing and excursion tour services from designated Sarasota County parks and water access facilities (Location(s)).

B. These services support the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources (PRNR) mission and vision:

i. Mission: To provide clean, safe and inclusive parks with diverse opportunities for all.

ii. Vision: A dynamic parks system that is essential to quality of life and enriches our community through participation, connection, and diverse recreational opportunities.

C. The intent of this program is to manage commercial activity within County parks, balance access between public users and permitted operators, and protect natural resources while supporting water-based recreational opportunities. Program goals include:

i. Managing and balancing access for public users and Commercial Water-Based Charter Boat and Tour Operators;

ii. Providing clear and consistent operational guidelines;

iii. Protecting, respecting, and preserving natural resources;

iv. Support recreational opportunities through environmental stewardship.

D. Definitions

The following definitions apply to this solicitation and any resulting agreement:

i. Commercial Water-Based Charter Boat and Tour Operator is defined as a business that meets all applicable federal, state, and local licensing and permitting requirements and provides recreational fishing trips or excursion tours from designated Sarasota County-owned or operated parks, water access points, or other property, for compensation.

This definition includes operators holding a valid United States Coast Guard (USCG) Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) license (commonly referred to as a “Six-Pack” license), which authorizes up to six (6) paying passengers for hire. This definition excludes bareboat charters, jet ski rentals, and personal watercraft rentals.

ii. Commercial Activity means directly or indirectly promoting or selling services through giveaways, sales, rentals, or any other exchange of value.

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iii. Water-Based means activities conducted in or on the water, including marine and inland waterway activities that rely on water for their recreational appeal.

iv. Charter Boat means a vessel rented to individuals or groups for recreational fishing or similar purposes, which includes a captain and/or crew to operate and navigate the vessel.

v. Tour Operator means a business that provides a planned excursion or guided tour for a group of participants, including but not limited to sightseeing or eco-tour experiences.

vi. Bareboat Charter (Demise Charter) is defined by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) as a contractual agreement in which the vessel owner transfers full possession, command, and navigation of the vessel to the charterer.

vii.

2. OPERATING PROCEDURES

A. Permit Holder shall provide services in accordance with the current Sarasota County PRNR Procedures and Guidelines for the Commercial Water-Based Charter Boat and Tour Operator Pilot Permit Program, attached hereto and incorporated herein as Attachment A, as may be amended by the County from time to time.

B. The Commercial Water-Based Charter Boat and Tour Operator Permit Program is structured by geographic zones (North and South) and by designated Park Locations (Location(s)) within each zone with a defined number of permits available for award at each Location within each zone.

i. Permit Holders shall conduct their primary commercial operations, including vessel launching, retrieval, staging, embarkation, and disembarkation activities, from the Location assigned to their permit.

a. Routine launching of vessels from another Park Location shall constitute primary operations and shall not be permitted unless otherwise approved by the County.

ii. Permit Holders may pick up or drop off customers at other County-authorized Locations within their permitted zone provided such activity is secondary to a trip originating from or returning to the assigned Park Location. Permit Holders shall not regularly stage vessels, launch vessels, retrieve vessels, advertise services, maintain equipment, or otherwise conduct primary commercial operations from a Location other than the Park Location assigned to their permit unless approved in writing by the County.

iii. The County may evaluate compliance based upon observed operations, customer reservations, advertising materials, monthly reports, vessel activity, vehicle and trailer staging activities, and

Prepared by Parks Recreation and Natural Resources Department Page 3 of 5 other records deemed relevant by the County.

C. The number of permits issued is limited to two (2) permits per company, per zone. Permits shall be assigned to a specific Location within the applicable zone. The County reserves the right to adjust the number of permits available by zone and/or Location based on seasonal demand, park capacity, resource protection considerations, public safety, or operational needs.

D. The number of permits available within each zone, and their associated Locations, are identified below:

NORTH COUNTY ZONE (TOTAL PERMITS: 30)

Park Location Dock Space/ Boat Ramp

Permit Medallion ID

OUPV

Permits

Nora Patterson Bay Island Park Yes/No A 1-20 20

Turtle Beach Park Public Boat Ramp Yes/Yes A 21-30 10

SOUTH COUNTY ZONE (TOTAL PERMITS: 30)

Park Location Dock Space/ Boat Ramp

Permit Medallion ID

OUPV

Permits

Indian Mound Park Yes/Yes B 1-5 5

Marina Park and Boat Ramp (Venice) Yes/Yes B 6-10 5

Nokomis Beach Public Boat Ramp Yes/Yes B 11-30 20

E. Operational zones, Locations, and boundaries may be modified as necessary to address maintenance, public safety, or environmental protection needs, as further detailed Appendix A – Site Specific Procedures and Guidelines (North County Zone) and Appendix B – Site Specific Procedures and Guidelines (South County Zone), both included within Attachment A – Procedures and Guidelines.

The County reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to add or remove park locations, including newly acquired or designated properties, as necessary for program management, public safety, or resource protection.

F. Permit Holders shall purchase all required Permits at the commencement of the permit period established by the County and annually thereafter. Payment shall be made in full prior to issuance or renewal of any permit. Initial permit fees may be prorated based on the effective date of the Agreement.

3. COMPENSATION

A. Permit Fees

i. The minimum annual fee per permit is $1,200.00 each. The initial

Prepared by Parks Recreation and Natural Resources Department Page 4 of 5 term shall be one (1) year, with four (4) additional one-year renewal options.

ii. Each awarded Permit Holder shall pay the amount bid per permit, annually.

iii. All permit fees, including renewals, shall be paid in full at the start of each permit period.

4. PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

A. The requirements below are necessary to ensure the safe and professional operation of Commercial Water-Based Charter Boat and Tour Operators:

i. State of Florida Vessel Registration

ii. United States Coast Guard (USCG) Auxiliary Vessel Safety Check (VSC), current within one (1) year

iii. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Saltwater Charter License, as required for recreational fishing charter operations. (Addendum 1)

iv. Valid United States Coast Guard (USCG) Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV) license (commonly referred to as a “Six- Pack” license) or higher credential

v. Registration with the State of Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)

vi. Participation in a USCG-compliant Drug Consortium/Third Party Administrator (C/TPA) program

vii. Commercial operations under this Permit are limited to vessels with a USCG-certified gross tonnage of 25 GRT (Gross Register Tonnage) or less

5. PERMIT HOLDER RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Permits issued under this program shall be used solely for the authorized operation of Commercial Water-Based Charter Boat and Tour Operators services.

B. Permit Holders shall not perform shuttle services to and/or from additional vessels.

C. Permit Holder shall maintain and provide to the County, an up-to-date list of captains and guides employed by the company.

D. Permit Holder employees shall be clearly identifiable at all times, including but not limited to wearing a uniform shirt displaying the company name or logo.

E. All Permit Holder employees shall be under the direct control and supervision of the Permit Holder while performing services under the Agreement.

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F. Each Permit Holder crew shall have at least one employee present who can effectively communicate in English with County staff and the general public.

G. Permit Holder is responsible for any damage to County or third-party property caused by the Permit Holder or its employees. Damaged County property shall be restored to the County’s satisfaction.

H. Permit Holder shall participate in performance or program meetings as requested by the County.

I. Permit Holder shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

J. Permit Holder shall provide all personnel, equipment, and materials necessary to perform the services described herein.

K. Permit Holder shall submit monthly reports through the County’s designated reporting system, including at a minimum the number of tours, number of customers, and Location. Reports shall be submitted no later than the tenth (10th) day of the month following the reporting period.

L. Permit Holder shall maintain safe and orderly operations within County parks and shall be responsible for the removal and proper disposal of all trash and debris associated with its operations.

M. Permit Holder shall comply with all posted park rules, County Facility Rules, and Attachment A.

(End of Part II)

PART III – INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Insurance Template 1 Revised 05/13/16 Page 1 of 2

CONTRACTOR’S INSURANCE

Contractor shall, on a primary basis and at its sole expense, maintain in full force and effect, at all times during the life of this Contract, insurance coverage (including endorsements) and limits as described herein. These requirements, as well as the County’s review or acceptance of insurance maintained by Contractor, are not intended to and shall not in any manner limit or qualify the liabilities or obligations assumed by Contractor under this Contract.

Insurance requirements itemized in this Contract and required of the Contractor shall extend to all subcontractors to cover their operations performed under this Contract.

The Contractor shall be responsible for any modifications, deviations, or omissions in these insurance requirements as they apply to subcontractors.

Insurance carriers providing coverage required herein must be licensed to conduct business in the State of Florida and must possess a current A.M. Best’s Financial Strength Rating of A- Class VII or better.

Each insurance policy required by this Contract shall apply separately to each insured against whom claim is made and suit is brought, except with respect to limits of the insurer’s liability.

The Contractor shall be solely responsible for payment of all premiums for insurance contributing to the satisfaction of this Contract and shall be solely responsible for the payment of all deductibles and retentions to which such policies are subject.

Contractor shall furnish Certificates of Insurance to the County Administrative Agent evidencing the types and amounts of coverage, including endorsements, required by this Contract prior to commencement of work and prior to expiration of the insurance contract, when applicable. Such Certificate(s) of Insurance shall, to the extent allowable by the insurer, include a minimum thirty (30) day notice of cancellation (10 days for non-payment of premium) or non-renewal of coverage. Notwithstanding these notification requirements, the Contractor will be required to provide County with 5-day prior written notice of any policy cancellation or non-renewal.

The County reserves the right to review, modify, reject, or accept any required policies of insurance, including limits, coverage, or endorsements, herein from time to time throughout the term of this Contract. County reserves the right, but not the obligation, to review and reject any insurer providing coverage due to its poor financial condition or failure to operate legally.

A. WORKERS’ COMPENSATION: Contractor agrees to maintain Workers’ Compensation insurance in accordance with Florida Statutes, Chapter 440.

Employers Liability to be included with a minimum limit of $500,000.00 per accident/per disease/per employee. If work is to be performed over or adjacent to navigable water and involves maritime exposure, applicable LHWCA, Jones Act, or other maritime law coverage shall be included.

PART III – INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Insurance Template 1 Revised 05/13/16 Page 2 of 2

In the event the Contractor has “leased” employees, the Contractor or the employee leasing company must provide evidence of a Workers’ Compensation policy for all personnel on the worksite.

Contractors who are exempt from Florida’s Workers’ Compensation law must provide proof of such exemption issued by the Florida Department of Financial Services, Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.

B. COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY: Contractor agrees to maintain Commercial General Liability per ISO form CG0001 or its equivalent, including but not limited to coverage for premises and operations, personal injury, products & completed operations, liability assumed under an insured contract, and independent contractors with limits of not less than $1,000,000.00 each occurrence, $2,000,000.00 aggregate covering all work performed under this Contract.

Contractor agrees to endorse Sarasota County Government as an additional insured on the Commercial General Liability coverage.

C. MARINE LIABILITY (PROTECTION & INDEMNITY): Contractor agrees to maintain Protection and Indemnity insurance covering any vessels used in performance of services under this contract with limits not less than $1,000,000 each occurrence. Sarasota County is to be included as an additional insured.

(End of Part III)