272921FB_Solicitation_Documents.pdf

INVITATION FOR BIDS (“IFB”) - PART I

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

IFB #: 272921FB

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 as stated herein.

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 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

Bidder shall be required to meet all requirements of Part II, Section 4 prior to award and throughout the term of any resulting Contract.

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/scgov

IFB Part I Revised 10/6/25 Page 2 of 5

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 demonstrates 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 in the Vendor Questionnaire section of OpenGov. Completed forms and other requested documents must be uploaded with bidder’s response in

IFB Part I Revised 10/6/25 Page 3 of 5

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.

8.2.1. To be considered, tied bidders will be required to provide documentation certifying they have implemented a drug-free

IFB Part I Revised 10/6/25 Page 4 of 5 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, limitations, fines and tickets as posted for any other vehicle. Where time https://www.scgov.net/government/procurement/contract-templates

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

Prepared by Parks Recreation and Natural Resources Department Page 1 of 3

1. OVERVIEW

Sarasota County has established the Commercial Water-Based Charter Boat and Tour Operator Permit Program (the “Program”) to authorize qualified and permitted operators (the “Permit Holder(s)”) to provide recreational charter fishing and excursion tours from designated County-owned or operated parks and water access facilities.

2. OPERATING PROCEDURES

A. Permit Holders shall provide services in accordance with the requirements of this Scope of Services and the current Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources (PRNR) Commercial Water- Based Charter Boat and Tour Operator Permit Program Procedures and Guidelines incorporated herein as Attachment A.

B. The Program is structured by geographic zone and designated park location. Permits awarded under this solicitation shall be assigned to a specific park location within the applicable zone.

C. The number of permits issued is limited to two (2) permits per company, per zone.

3. COMPENSATION

A. Permit Fees

i. The minimum allowable bid per annual permit is $1,200.00 each.

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

iii. Permit fees shall be paid in full prior to issuance or renewal of the permit.

4. PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

A. Permit Holders shall maintain the following throughout the term of the Agreement:

i. Valid State of Florida Vessel Registration

ii. A United States Coast Guard (USCG) Uninspected Passenger Vessel (UPV) Safety Examination Decal, with the safety examination completed within the preceding one (1) year.

Prepared by Parks Recreation and Natural Resources Department Page 2 of 3

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

iv. A 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. Active 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. In addition to the requirements established in Attachment A, Permit Holders shall comply with the following:

i. Permit Holders shall not provide shuttle services to and/or from additional vessels.

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

iii. Each Permit Holder crew shall have at least one employee present on each trip who can effectively communicate in English.

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

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

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

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

Prepared by Parks Recreation and Natural Resources Department Page 3 of 3

6. VESSEL ALLOCATION AND SUBSTITUTION

A. Single Active Vessel Limit

Each awarded permit authorizes a maximum of one (1) vessel to operate actively within the permitted area at any given time. Simultaneous operation of multiple vessels under a single permit is strictly prohibited.

B. Vessel Pre-Approval

All vessels operated under a permit, including primary, secondary, backup, or replacement vessels, must be pre-approved by the County prior to entering service and must independently meet all applicable permit and solicitation requirements.

C. Vessel Substitution

A Permit Holder may substitute a pre-approved secondary or backup vessel by providing advance written notification to the County prior to placing the substitute vessel into operation.

D. Addition of Vessels

A Permit Holder seeking to add a vessel during the permit term must submit all required documentation to the County for review and approval prior to placing the vessel into operation.

(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. MARINE LIABILITY (PROTECTION & INDEMNITY):

The Contractor shall maintain Marine Protection and Indemnity Liability Insurance covering all owned, non-owned, leased, chartered, or hired vessels used in connection with the performance of services under this Contract. Coverage shall be maintained with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence. The Contractor shall also maintain coverage for dockside operations through either:

1. A Marine Dockside Liability Endorsement with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence; or

2. A Commercial General Liability policy that expressly includes coverage for dockside operations, with limits of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence.

Sarasota County Government shall be included as an Additional Insured under all required liability policies for liabilities arising out of the Contractor’s operations and performance under this Contract.

(End of Part III)