McIntosh Park Wetland Construction Project Summary

This Invitation for Bid (IFB 26-048UO-IFB) is issued by the City of Plant City, Florida for the McIntosh Park Wetland Construction project, a 363-acre wetland restoration and park development initiative. The project encompasses wetland excavation and restoration across multiple cells, on-site stacking of excavated soils to create a 50-foot hill shaped like Florida, installation of reclaimed water piping infrastructure with SCADA-controlled discharge valves, and native wetland vegetation planting. Bid alternates include unpaved and handicap-accessible paved parking lots, pre-fabricated restroom and pavilion facilities, boardwalk construction, septic system, and water well installation. The work is located at 775 East Knights Griffin Road in Hillsborough County. A pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for September 10, 2026 at 10:30 a.m., with questions due by September 14, 2026. Bids are due electronically via the City's OpenGov portal on September 24, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. and must remain valid for 90 days from submittal. Substantial completion is required within 540 calendar days of Notice to Proceed, with final completion within 30 days thereafter.

The contract is fixed-price with 5% retainage, awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Local preference of up to one percent discount or $2,500 (whichever is less) applies to qualifying bidders. The project is partially funded through a State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection Grant Agreement No. LPA0038, and all work must comply with grant terms and conditions. The contractor must self-perform a minimum of 30 percent of total project cost and maintain General Contractor and Underground Utility and Excavation Contractor licenses. Qualifying experience requires three projects involving excavation of 300,000 cubic yards or greater within Florida, three projects involving wastewater or reuse collection systems, and two projects involving wetland planting and boardwalk construction. Insurance requirements include Workers' Compensation, Commercial General Liability ($500,000 per occurrence/$1,000,000 aggregate), Commercial Automobile Liability ($500,000), and Railroad Protective Liability ($5,000,000 per occurrence/$10,000,000 aggregate). The contractor must provide 24/7 site security using DEFEND 360 cameras with real-time monitoring. Liquidated damages range from $1,015 to $10,203 per day plus 0.00005 of amounts exceeding $20 million.