ITB 2026-13 Wolf Creek Bridge.pdf

JEFFERSON COUNTY

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Invitation to Bid (ITB) FOR

ASHVILLE HWY OVER WOLF CREEK BRIDGE

ITB 2026-13

June 19, 2026

All times listed in the Schedule of Events are Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Event Date/Time

Bid Advertisement Date June 24, 2026

Release of Invitation to Bid June 19, 2026

Bid Questions Due from Prospective Bidder July 3, 2026

Responses to Bid Questions Due July 15, 2026

BIDS Due to BOCC July 21, 2026 @ 3:00PM

Posting of Intended Award July 28, 2026

Board Consideration of Intended Award August 6, 2026

Posting of Notice to Award August 7, 2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

SECTION 1.0 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

SECTION 2.0 BID QUESTIONS

SECTION 3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

SECTION 4.0 RECEIPT AND OPENING OF THE BID

SECTION 5.0 CONE OF SILENCE

SECTION 6.0 BID RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS

SECTION 7.0 EVALUATION OF BIDS AND SELECTION PROCESS

SECTION 8.0 INTENT TO AWARD AND CONTRACT EXECUTION

SECTION 9.0 STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS (STAC)

APPENDICES:

A. Legal Advertisement B. Draft Agreement

INTENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

Jefferson County, Florida through Invitation to Bid No. 2026-13 is soliciting bids from qualified businesses registered to do business in the State of Florida to provide minor repairs to the CR 146 Asheville Highway over Wolf Creek Bridge #540025.

This project scope will include cleaning and sealing concrete surface and deck expansion joints, rehab, and restore spalled areas. Contractor is responsible for complying with Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Standard Specifications. Bidders must be an FDOT prequalified contractor.

This project is funded by a FDOT Small County Outreach Program (SCOP) Grant subject to the terms of State Funded Grant Agreement, Contract No. G2G74, as amended. Bidders are responsible for complying with the requirements therein.

It is the intent of this ITB to enter into a Contract with the successful Bidder to begin upon approval of the Board of County Commissioners and the issuance of a Notice to Proceed (NTP), for the Work.

Firms interested in preparing a bid for this ITB must complete the requirements set forth in this ITB, its attached documents and documents incorporated by reference (collectively referred to as the “ITB”). Under the bid process of Jefferson County, the conditions set forth herein are binding on the Bidder as confirmed by the signature of a person with legal authority to bind the Bidder on the cover letter transmitting its Bid to the County in response to this ITB.

If this ITB is amended, the County Manager’s Office will issue an appropriate addendum to the ITB. Any addendums will be posted on the County Website. If an addendum is issued, all terms and conditions of this ITB that are not specifically modified in the addendum shall remain unchanged. An addendum to this ITB will be issued if any of the date and/or time change, unless the date(s) fall after the date the ITB Bid(s) are due. Specific dates/time will be determined at each phase.

It is understood and the Bidder hereby agrees to be solely responsible for obtaining all materials and determining the best methods that will be utilized to meet the intent of the specifications of this ITB. Failure by the Bidder to acquaint themselves with the available information will not relieve them from responsibility for estimating properly the difficulty or cost of successfully performing the work. Bidders are expected to examine the specifications and all instructions pertaining to the required commodities/services. Failure to do so will be at Bidder’s risk.

The County reserves the right to reject any Bid found to be non-responsive, vague, or non-conforming. The County also reserves the right at any time to withdraw all or part of this ITB in order to protect its best interests. The County is not liable for any costs incurred by the Bidder in preparing its response, nor is a response an offer to contract with any Bidder. Pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes (FS), all responses are subject to Florida’s public records laws.

While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of information in the ITB, it is recognized that the information may not be complete in every detail and that all work may not be expressly mentioned in the ITB. It is the responsibility of the Proposer to include in its Proposal all pertinent information in accordance with the objectives of the ITB.

The ITB and any addenda issued are available on the Jefferson County website at http://www.jeffersoncountyfl.gov or by contacting the County at 850-342-0287. All questions pertaining to this ITB should be submitted in writing in accordance with the ITB instructions set forth in Section 1.0 of the ITB.

ADA –Special Accommodations: Any person requiring accommodations by the County due to a disability should call the County Manager’s Office at 850-342-0287 at least five (5) working days prior to any pre-response Conference, response opening, or meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the County Manager’s Office by the Florida Relay Service, which can be reached at 1-800-955-8771 (TTY).

SECTION 1.0 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Failure to comply with this or any other paragraph of this ITB shall be sufficient reason for rejection of the bid.

All times listed in the Schedule of Events are Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Event Date/Time

Bid Advertisement Date June 24, 2026

Release of Invitation to Bid June 19, 2026

Bid Questions Due from Prospective Bidder July 3, 2026

Responses to Bid Questions Due July 15, 2026

BIDS Due to BOCC July 21, 2026 @ 3:00PM

Posting of Intended Award July 28, 2026

Board Consideration of Intended Award August 6, 2026

Posting of Notice to Award August 7, 2026

SECTION 2.0 BID QUESTIONS

All inquiries and questions concerning this ITB, must be in writing (e-mail is acceptable), received in accordance with Section 1.0 Schedule of Events, and must be directed to: Jenny Tuten, jtuten@jeffersoncountyfl.gov or mailed to 450 W Walnut St., Monticello, FL 32344.

Questions and responses will be posted on the County’s Website and, if necessary, an Addendum or Addenda will be issued.

SECTION 3.0 SCOPE OF WORK

This project consists of minor repairs to the CR 146 Ashville Highway over Wolf Creek Bridge #540025.

This project scope will include cleaning and sealing concrete surface and deck expansion joints, rehab, and restore spalled areas in accordance with the FDOT Contract Plans for Financial Project ID 451309-1-54-01. Contractor is responsible for complying with Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Standard Specifications. Bidders must be an FDOT prequalified contractor.

Work on the project shall be substantially completed within 30 calendar days from the Commencement Date established in the Notice to Proceed to be issued by the County to the awarded bidder. Work shall be fully completed and ready for final acceptance by the County within 60 calendar days from the Commencement Date.

SECTION 4.0 RECEIPT AND OPENING OF THE BID

4.1 All Bids received will be recorded and date stamped at the Jefferson County office located at 450 W Walnut St, Monticello FL. The responsibility for submitting the Bid to the County Manager’s Office no later than the specified time and date is solely that of the Bidder.

The County will in no way be responsible for delays in mail delivery or delays caused for any other occurrence.

4.2 Submission of Bids by fax or other electronic means will not be accepted. Late Bids will not be accepted, i.e., any Bid submitted/received after 3:00 P.M. on July 21, 2026, unless otherwise changed through the issuance of an addendum to this ITB.

4.3 Any bids received after the stated time and date will not be considered. Late bids shall not be opened at the public opening. Arrangements may be made for the unopened bid to be returned at the Bidder’s request and expense.

4.4 A Bid may be withdrawn or modified only by written notification from the Bidder prior to the time fixed for the opening of Bids. Negligence on the part of the Bidder in preparing the Bid confers no right for withdrawal of the Bid after it has been opened

4.5 All timely bids will be opened on the date and time indicated in Section 1.0, Schedule of

Events (i.e. date Bids are due) or as modified by addendum.

SECTION 5.0 CONE OF SILENCE

5.1 A Cone of Silence will be in effect for this ITB beginning with the advertisement date of

June 24, 2026, and will terminate upon issuance of Notice of Award. A violation of the “Cone of Silence” renders any award voidable at the sole discretion of the County Manager with approval from the Board of County Commissioners and may subject the potential Bidder or representative to debarment.

5.2 A prospective Respondent shall not have any communication with any of the Board of County Commissioners nor candidates for County Commission, nor any employees from the Jefferson County Government, which includes the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, nor any members of the Evaluation Committee, either individually or collectively, concerning this project. Contractor/Respondent or representative who intend to submit qualifications, or have submitted qualifications, for this project are hereby placed on formal notice that they are not to contact County personnel for such purposes as holding meetings of introduction, meals, or meetings relating to the selection process outside of those specifically scheduled by the County. Any such lobbying activities may cause immediate disqualification for this project.

5.3 All requests for interpretations or clarifications shall be in writing, addressed to the contact person as shown in Section 2.0, Bid Questions. All such request for interpretations or clarifications must be received in writing in accordance with Section 1.0, Schedule of Events. Any and all such interpretations and supplemental instructions shall be in the form of a written addendum which, if issued, shall be posted on the County’s website on the date indicated in Section 1.0, Schedule of Events. Such written addenda shall be binding on the Bidder and shall become a part of the ITB Document(s).

5.4 The Cone of Silence shall not apply to:

a) Communications at the pre-bid meeting.

b) Communications during contract negotiations between designated County employees and the intended Vendor.

c) Communication with a Vendor by a County employee following Competitive

Procurement opening to clarify the Vendor's Response.

d) Communication following the filing of a challenge to a Competitive Procurement between the protesting Vendor or the selected Vendor and the County Manager’s Office, and County Attorney's Office concerning the challenge.

SECTION 6.0 BID RESPONSE REQUIREMENTS

6.1 The use of the terms “shall,” “must,” or “will” (except to indicate simple futurity) in this

ITB indicates a mandatory requirement or condition. The words “should” or “may” in this ITB indicate desirable attributes or conditions, but are permissive in nature. Deviation from, or omission of, such a desirable feature will not by itself cause rejection of a Bid.

6.2 Bids not meeting all material requirements of this request or which fail to provide all required information, documents, or materials such as required forms, bonds, etc., will be rejected as non-responsive. Material requirements of the bid are those set forth as mandatory, or without which an adequate analysis and comparison of replies is impossible, or those which affect the competitiveness of replies or the cost to the County.

6.3 The County reserves the right to determine which Bids meet the material requirements of the ITB and which Bids are responsible and/or responsive. Further, the Board of County

Commissioners may reject any and all Bids and seek new Bids when it is in the best interest of the County to do so.

6.4 A Bid by a corporation shall be executed in the corporate name by the president or a vice-president or other corporate officer accompanied by evidence of authority to sign. The corporate seal shall be affixed and attested by the secretary or an assistant secretary. The corporate address and state of incorporation shall be provided on the Bid Form, for a Bid by a/an:

a. Partnership shall be executed in the partnership name and signed by a partner (whose title must appear under the signature), accompanied by evidence of authority to sign.

The official address of the partnership shall be provided on the Bid Form.

b. Limited liability company shall be executed in the name of the firm by a member and accompanied by evidence of authority to sign. The state of formation of the firm and the official address of the firm shall be shown.

c. Individual shall show the Bidder’s name and business address.

d. Bid by a joint venture shall be executed by each joint venture member in the manner indicated on the Bid form. The official address of the joint venture must be provided on the Bid Form.

6.5 All names shall be printed in ink below the signatures.

6.6 The Bid shall contain an acknowledgment of receipt of all Addenda, the numbers and dates of which shall be filled in on the Bid form.

6.7 The postal and email addresses and telephone number for communication regarding the

Bid shall be shown.

6.8 A Bidder seeking to do business with the County shall, at the time of submitting a Bid, be appropriately registered with the Department of State in accordance with the provisions of Chapters 605, 607, 617, or 620 Florida Statutes, as applicable. For further information on required filing and forms, please go to the following sites:

http://sunbiz.org/index.html or https://www.dos.myflorida.com/.

The Bid shall contain evidence of Bidder’s authority and qualification to do business in the state or locality where the Project is located or Bidder shall covenant in writing to obtain such qualification prior to award of the Contract and attach such covenant to the Bid.

Bidder’s state contractor license number, if any, shall also be shown on the Proposal Transmittal Form (Bid Form 1).

http://sunbiz.org/index.html https://www.dos.myflorida.com/

6.9 The Bid should address the requirements in a clear and concise manner in the order stated herein.

6.10 Bids must include the information/documents specified in the Bid Proposal Forms. Bids that do not adhere to the format or include the requested information/documents may be considered incomplete and therefore unresponsive by the County.

6.11 The County reserves the right to seek additional/supplemental representation on specific issues as needed.

6.12 Bids should be typed or clearly written. No changes in or corrections to Bids will be allowed after the Bids are opened.

6.13 The signer of the Bid must declare that the Bid in all respects fair and in good faith without collusion or fraud and that the signer of the Bid has the authority to bind the principal Bidder.

6.14 The County shall not be liable for any costs incurred by Bidder prior to entering into a contract. Therefore, all Bidders are encouraged to provide a simple, straightforward, and concise description of their ability to meet the ITB requirements.

SECTION 7.0 EVALUATION OF BIDS AND SELECTION PROCESS

7.1 Bidders who satisfy the required qualifications and are deemed responsible Bidders and who timely submit a responsive Bid will be considered by the County. Bids received from prospective Bidders who have been suspended or debarred will not be accepted or considered. A Bidder whose Bid, past performance, or current status that does not reflect the capability, integrity or reliability to perform fully and in good faith the requirements of the Contract may be rejected as non-responsible.

7.2 The county may consider the following factors in addition to price when determining whether a Bidder is responsive and responsible:

a. Ability, capacity and skill of the Bidder to perform the contract.

b. Whether the Bidder can perform the contract within the time specified, without delay, interference, or conflict with current workload.

c. Character, integrity, reputation, judgment, experience and efficiency of the Bidder.

d. Quality of performance of previous contracts.

e. Previous and existing compliance by the vendor with laws and regulations relating to the contract.

f. Sufficiency of the financial resources and ability of the vendor to perform the contract or provide the Work.

g. Quality, availability and adaptability of the supplies or contractual services to the particular use required.

h. Ability of the Bidder to provide further maintenance and service for the use of the subject of the contract, if applicable.

i. Number and scope of conditions attached to the bid or quote.

j. Qualifications of personnel, licensing and corporate qualifications.

k. Evidence of improper litigation.

l. Use of one or more subcontractors with a record of poor performance.

7.2.1 For the purposes of this section, the county may consider evidence from the ten-year period preceding the subject bid.

7.2.2 In the event the lowest, responsive, responsible bid for a construction project exceeds the architectural or engineering cost estimates, the County Manager or designee is authorized, when time or economic considerations preclude rebidding of work of a reduced scope, to negotiate an adjustment of the scope of work with the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder, in order to bring the bid within the amount of available funds. After award of this Bid the County reserves the right to add or delete items/services at prices to be negotiated at the time of addition or deletion. At Contract renewal time(s) or in the event of significant industry wide market changes, the County may negotiate justified adjustments such as price, terms, etc., if in its sole judgment, the County considers such adjustments to be in its best interest.

7.3 The County reserves the right to reject any or all Bids, including without limitation, nonconforming, nonresponsive, unbalanced, or conditional Bids. The County further reserves the right to reject the Bid of any Bidder whom it finds, after reasonable inquiry and evaluation, to be non-responsible. The County also reserves the right to waive all informalities not involving price, time, or changes in the Work and to negotiate contract terms with the Successful Bidder.

7.3.1 More than one Bid for the same Work from an individual or entity under the same or different names will not be considered. Reasonable grounds for believing that any Bidder has an interest in more than one Bid for the Work may be cause for disqualification of that Bidder and the rejection of all Bids in which that Bidder has an interest.

7.3.2 In evaluating Bids, the County will consider whether or not the Bids comply with the prescribed requirements, and such alternates, unit prices and other data, as may be requested in the Bid Form or prior to the Notice of Award.

7.3.3 In evaluating Bidders, the County will consider the qualifications of Bidders and may consider the qualifications and experience of Subcontractors, Suppliers, and other individuals or entities proposed for those portions of the Work for which the identity of Subcontractors, Suppliers, and other individuals or entities must be submitted as provided in the Supplementary Conditions. The apparent low, responsible, responsive bidder will be required to provide a list of similar projects completed in the last five years including the project description, location, dates, and team members, an organizational profile of the company with a list of professional staff, years with the company, a statement of qualifications and copies of professional certifications and licenses held prior to any Board of County Commissioners consideration of an award. Failure to provide this information will result in the Bidder being designated not responsible.

7.3.4 The County may conduct such investigations as the County deems necessary to establish the responsibility, qualifications, and financial ability of Bidders, proposed Subcontractors, Suppliers, individuals, or entities to perform the Work in accordance with the contract Documents. Any Bidder or sub-contractor that will have access to County facilities or property may be required to be screened to a level that may include but is not limited to fingerprinting and a statewide criminal background check. There may be fees associated with these procedures. These costs are the responsibility of the Bidder or sub-contractor.

7.3.5 If the Contract is to be awarded, the County will award the Contract to the responsible Bidder whose Bid, conforming with all the material terms and conditions of the Instructions to Bidders, is lowest, price and other factors considered. If detailed in the bid form, factors such as discounts, transportation costs, and life cycle costs may be used to determine which bidder, if any, is to offer the award.

7.4 Responses to this ITB not meeting the requirements specified herein will be considered non- responsive or not responsible, as applicable. In the best interest of the County, the Jefferson Board of County Commissioners’ reserve the right to reject any and all responses or waive any minor irregularity or technicality in responses received.

Respondents are cautioned to make no assumptions unless their response has been deemed responsive.

7.5 Whenever two or more Bids, which are equal with respect to price, quality and service, are received for procurement of commodities or contractual services, from responsive and responsible Bidders the following steps will be taken to establish the award to the lowest Bidder. This method shall be used for all ties.

Step 1 Drug Free Workplace:

At the conclusion of step 1 if all is equal, the Bidder with a Drug Free Workplace program shall be given preference, over a Bidder with no Drug Free Workplace program. The Contract award, or the first opportunity to negotiate, as applicable, shall be made to the Bidder with the Drug Free Workplace program. In order to have a drug free workplace program, a business shall comply with the requirements of § 287.087, F.S.

Step 2 Coin Flip:

At the conclusion of Step 1, if all is equal, the Contract award, or the first opportunity to negotiate, as applicable, shall be determined by the flip of a coin to determine final outcome.

7.5.1 When the tie has been broken pursuant to the above procedures, the Contract award, or the first opportunity to negotiate, as applicable, shall be made.

7.5.2 If an award or negotiation is unsuccessful with the initial Bidder, award or negotiations may commence with the next highest Bidder, utilizing the tiebreaker steps above to make the determination of next lowest Bidder if necessary.

7.6 When the County gives a Notice of Award to the Successful Bidder, it shall be accompanied by the required number of unsigned counterparts of the Contract with the other Contract Documents which are identified in the Contract as attached thereto.

Within ten (10) days thereafter, Successful Bidder shall sign and deliver the required number of counterparts of the Contract and attached documents to the County. The County shall deliver one fully signed counterpart to Successful Bidder.

SECTION 8.0 INTENT TO AWARD AND CONTRACT EXECUTION

8.1 The County reserves the right to incorporate the successful Bid into the Contract.

Failure of a Bidder to accept this obligation may result in the cancellation of the award.

The Contract document and its exhibits are included as Appendix B, which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

8.2 The construction, interpretation, and performance of this ITB, and all transactions under it shall be governed by the laws of the State of Florida and Jefferson County. The Contract shall include all terms and conditions of this ITB, any addenda, response, and the County’s contract issued as a result of this ITB.

8.3 The County reserves the right to make award(s) by individual item, group of items, all or none, or a combination thereof. The County reserves the right to reject any and all bids or to waive any minor irregularity or technicality in the bids received. Award will be made to the lowest responsible and responsive Bidder(s) within the category chosen for basis of award. The County reserves the right to award to one or multiple Bidders at its discretion.

8.4 The Successful Bidder will be required to assume responsibility for all services offered in the Bid. The County will consider the Successful Bidder to be the sole point of contact with regard to contractual matters, including payment on any or all charges.

8.5 After successful posting of the award for 72 hours, the Successful Bidder will be required to enter into the Contract with the County.

SECTION 9.0 STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS (STAC)

9.1 Definitions

9.2 Florida Public Records Law and Confidentiality

9.3 Procurement Challenges

9.4 Construction and Venue

9.5 Contract

9.6 Insurance Requirements and Bond Requirements

9.1 Definitions

General terms used throughout this ITB are provided below. Additional definitions may be provided as applicable to a specific section or subject matter.

Award means the determination of a successful Bidder(s) in response to this ITB, resulting in an offer of a Contract to perform the services pursuant to the ITB and their bid.

Bid Bond means an insurance agreement in which a third party agrees to be liable to pay a certain amount of money in the event that a selected vendor fails to accept the contract as bid. If required, a bid bond/deposit shall be for 5% of the amount of the bid.

Bidder means any firm, individual or organization submitting a Bid in response to this ITB.

Cone of Silence is the prohibition of any communication between a Vendor and a County officer, employee, or agent regarding a pending Competitive Procurement, except for such communications at a duly noticed Pre-Proposal Conference or oral presentation, or with the County's designated representative noted in the Competitive Procurement documents.

Contract means the legally enforceable document agreed to and signed by the County and successful Bidder(s) (collectively referred to as the “Parties”), a draft Contract is attached hereto as Appendix B and incorporated herein.

County means the Jefferson Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and its employees.

ITB means this document, its attachments and any document hereinafter incorporated by reference.

Local Business means a business that has a current business tax receipt issued by Jefferson County, if required, and has its principal office located within Jefferson County currently and for the six (6) month period immediately preceding submission of a response to a Competitive Procurement.

Notice to Proceed (NTP) Authorization/letter that will inform the Contractor of the date that Contractor can start work. NTP start date will be calculated Fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of the Notice to Award.

Successful Bidder means a Bidder who is Awarded a Contract as result of the Bid submitted in response to this ITB.

Payment Bond means a bond which assures that the subcontractors, laborers, and material suppliers will receive payment for the services and products used to fulfill the contract and is due Fifteen (15) days after execution of Contract by the Board of County Commissioners for Jefferson County.

Performance Bond means a bond to assure satisfactory performance of the terms of the contract and is due Fifteen (15) days after execution of Contract by the Board of County Commissioners for Jefferson County

Work or SOW means the scope of work and/or services.

9.2 Florida Public Records Law and Confidentiality

9.2.1. By submitting a Bid in response to this ITB, a Bidder acknowledges that the County is a governmental entity subject to the Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). The Bidder further acknowledges that any materials or documents provided to the County may be “public records” and, as such, may be subject to disclosure to, and copying by, the public unless otherwise specifically exempt by Law.

9.2.2 Should the Bidder provide the County with any materials which it believes, in good faith, contain information that would be exempt from disclosure or copying under Florida Law;

the Bidder shall indicate that belief by typing or printing, in bold letters, the phrase “PROPRIETARY INFORMATION” on the face of each affected page of such materials. The Bidder shall submit to the County both a complete copy of such material and a redacted copy in which the exempt information on each affected page, and only such exempt information, has been rendered unreadable. In the event a Bidder fails to submit both copies of such material, the copy submitted will be deemed a public record subject to disclosure and copying regardless of any annotations to the contrary on the face of such document or any page(s) thereof.

9.2.3 Should any person request to examine or copy any material so designated and provided the affected Bidder has otherwise fully complied with this provision, the County, in reliance on the representations of the Bidder, will produce for that person only the redacted version of the affected materials. If the person requests to examine or copy the complete version of the affected material, the County shall notify the Bidder of that request, and the Bidder shall reply to such notification, in writing that must be received by the County no later than 4:00 p.m., EST, of the County business day following Bidder’s receipt of such notification, either permitting or refusing to permit such disclosure or copying.

9.2.4 Failure to provide a timely written reply shall be deemed consent to disclosure and copying of the complete copy of such material. If the Bidder refuses to permit disclosure or copying, the Bidder agrees to, and shall, hold harmless and indemnify the County for all expenses, costs, damages, and penalties of any kind whatsoever which may be incurred by the County, or assessed or awarded against the County, in regard to the County’s refusal to permit disclosure or copying of such material. If litigation is filed in relation to such request and the Bidder is not initially named as a party, the Bidder shall promptly seek to intervene as a defendant in such litigation to defend its claim regarding the confidentiality of such material. This provision shall take precedence over any provisions or conditions of any Bid submitted by a Bidder in response to this ITB and shall constitute the County’s sole obligation with regard to maintaining confidentiality of any document, material, or information submitted to the County.

9.3 Procurement Challenges

Any Bidder who desires to formally protest may do so on the grounds of material irregularities in the bid procedure, or material irregularities in the evaluation of the bid.

Such notice of intent of bid challenge shall be made in writing and delivered to the County within 72 hours after posting of the intended recommendation of award. A formal written bid challenge shall be filed within 5 working days in the County Manager’s Office after the date on which the notice of intent of bid challenge has been submitted. Failure to file a timely notice of intent of bid challenge or failure to file a timely formal written bid challenge shall constitute a waiver of bid challenge proceedings. Bidders who do not submit a legitimate bid do not have standing to file a protest. Furthermore, bidders who would not be awarded the subject contract even if the protest were successful lack standing.

The notice of intent of bid challenge shall contain at a minimum: the name of the bidder, the bidder’s address, fax number, and phone number, the name of the bidder’s representative to whom notices may be sent, the name and bid number of the solicitation, and a brief factual summary of the basis of the intended challenge.

The formal written bid challenge shall: identify the challenger and the solicitation involved, include a clear statement of the grounds on which the challenge is based, refer to the statutes, laws, ordinances, or other legal authorities to which the challenger deems itself entitled by application of such authorities to such grounds. The challenger shall mail a copy of the notice of challenge and the formal written challenge to the apparent best bidder. The County Manager shall, within ten (10) working days of receipt of the formal written challenge, cause the challenge to be investigated. In the event the challenge is not resolved, the Board shall, within a reasonable time, be presented with the written challenge and the County Manager’s decision to the challenge prior to award of the bid.

The procurement, which is the subject of the protest, shall not proceed until a final decision has been made, unless the Board makes a determination that the contract must proceed without delay to protect substantial interest of the County.

Nothing herein relinquishes the County’s rights to waive irregularities and formalities in accordance with its bid package and instructions. Further, nothing herein shall create any rights in the unsuccessful bidder. All decision of the Board shall be final.

9.4 Construction and Venue

The validity, construction, and effect of this ITB and subsequent Contract shall be governed by the Laws of the State of Florida. The provisions of the ITB, Successful Bidder’s Bid and subsequent Contract shall be complied with by the Parties, but only to the extent they are consistent with applicable law and the Contract. In the event of an inconsistency, the Order of Precedence shall be followed:

a. Laws of Florida

b. Contract

c. ITB and all of its addenda and attachments

d. Successful firm’s Bid

Venue for all actions arising under the ITB and subsequent Contract shall lie in Jefferson County, Florida, United States.

9.5 Contract

9.5.1 The Successful Bidder will be required to enter into the Contract with the County and will be required to perform the Work in accordance with the Contract terms and conditions.

The Draft Contract is attached hereto as Appendix B and incorporated herein by reference.

9.5.2 Any exceptions to the proposed Contract must be noted in Bid Proposal Form 4. The

County is under no obligation to modify the proposed Contract to conform to the Successful Bidder’s Contract exceptions. Contingent Bids will not be accepted. If acceptance of the Contract Award is contingent on an exception and modification to the Contract, the Bidder must provide this information to the County at the time of submission of bid questions, as outlined in the Schedule of Events in order to obtain a determination from the County regarding the proposed exception. If a Bidder’s exception and modification are rejected by the County during the bid question portion of the Bid process and the Bidder later submits a Bid, Bidder shall be deemed to have accepted this Contract provision.

9.6 Insurance Requirements and Bond Requirements

9.6.1 Insurance Verification Requirements – See Appendix B, Section 4.

The insurance required shall be written for not less than the following, or greater if required by law and shall include Employer’s liability with limits as prescribed in this contract:

WORKER'S COMPENSATION

State: Statutory Employer's Liability: $1,000,000.00

COMPREHENSIVE GENERAL LIABILITY

Bodily Injury: $1,000,000.00 Each Occurrence Property Damage: $1,000,000.00 Each Occurrence

Comprehensive General Liability Insurance shall include:

Contractual Liability, Explosion, Collapse and Underground Coverages and Products and

Completed Operations Coverages.

COMPREHENSIVE AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY

Bodily Injury: $1,000,000.00 Each Occurrence Property Damage: $1,000,000.00 Each Occurrence

Comprehensive Automobile Liability shall include coverage for any owned auto, non-owned autos and hired autos.

This Section shall be underwritten by insurers having a Best’s Rating of A and Financial Size Category of VIII or higher, or by such other insurers as shall be acceptable to the Company in its sole discretion. In addition, a certificate of the issuance of each such insurance policy shall be delivered to the County prior to the commencement of performance of any Work. Such certificate shall contain an agreement by the insurance company issuing the policy that the policy will not be canceled, terminated or modified without thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to the County. At least two weeks prior to the expiration of the original policy or any renewal thereof, a new certificate of the renewal of such insurance shall be delivered to the County.

9.6.2 Non-Appropriation of Funds

In the event no funds or insufficient funds are appropriated and budgeted by the County or are otherwise unavailable for fulfilling the requirements of the Contract, the obligations of the County shall terminate on the last day of the fiscal period for which appropriations are received, without penalty or expense to the County of any kind whatsoever. County will immediately notify the Contractor or its assignee of such occurrence. In the event of such termination, the County agrees to peaceably surrender possession of the equipment to the Contractor or its assignee on the date of such termination to the extent that such equipment has not been paid for by the County. The Contractor will be responsible for packing all equipment and any freight charges.

The County will not cancel if any funds are appropriated to it, or by it, for the acquisition, retention or operation of the equipment or other equipment performing similar functions for the current fiscal period in which the termination occurs or the next succeeding fiscal period thereafter and that it will not, during the funding period, give priority to other functionally similar equipment or services.

The Contractor shall covenant and agree to indemnify and hold County harmless against any loss, damage liability, cost, penalty or expense, including attorney’s fees, which it is not otherwise agreed to by the County in the equipment Contract and which is incurred and arises upon a failure of the County to appropriate funds in the manner described herein for a continuation of the Contract or exercise of the option to purchase the equipment.

9.6.3 Bond Requirements – See Appendix B, Section 4 and Exhibits D and E thereof.

The successful bidder must provide Performance and Payment Bonds in the amount of 100% of the contract amount.

9.6.4 U.S. Steel Requirement

Pursuant to Section 255.0993, Florida Statutes, unless waived by the District, any iron or steel product permanently incorporated into the Project must be produced in the United States. All Bidders are hereby on notice of this requirement and shall prepare their Bids accordingly. The following are exempt from this requirement: (i) small amounts of foreign steel and iron that are incidental or ancillary to the primary product, are not separately identified in the project specifications, and the cost of which does not exceed 1/10th of the total contract cost or $2,500, whichever is greater; and (ii) electrical components, equipment, systems, and appurtenances, including supports, covers, shielding, and other appurtenances related to an electrical system, necessary for operation or concealment, except transmission and distribution poles.

Appendix A

LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT

JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

RFP 2026-13

FOR: ASHVILLE HWY OVER WOLF CREEK BRIDGE

Advertisement Begin Date: June 24, 2026

Bids Due Date/Time: July 21st @ 3:00 p.m. EST

The Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners (“County”) is seeking bids from qualified

Contractor to repair County Road 146 (Ashville Highway) over Wolf Creek Bridge #540025.

The project consists of cleaning and sealing concrete surface and deck expansion joints, rehab, and retore spalled areas. All work will be completed within existing right of way. Total project length is approximately

0.04 miles. All work shall be conducted in accordance with the Florida Department of Transportation

Contract Plans for Financial Project ID 451309-1-54-01.

Sealed proposals for the above-described construction project will be received at the Jefferson County

Manager’s Office, Attn: Jenny Tuten, 450 W Walnut St. Monticello, Florida 32344, until July 21, 2026 @ 3:00 p.m. Easter Standard Time (EST), at which time the bids will be opened and read aloud.

Bids received after the said time will be returned unopened.

If you are interested in submitting a proposal, you must obtain the complete solicitation package, which contains additional information regarding this solicitation and instructions related to submitting a bid, from the Jefferson County website at www.jeffersoncountyfl.gov or by contacting the County Manager’s Office at:

Jenny Tuten jtuten@jeffersoncountyfl.gov

(850) 342-0287

All inquiries and requests for clarification concerning the solicitation shall be submitted in writing and in accordance with the solicitation. Verbal clarifications will not be provided.

The County reserves the right to waive informalities in any bid; reject any or all proposals, in whole or in part; re-bid a project, in whole or in part; and to accept a proposal that in its judgment is the lowest and best bid of a responsible bidder. The County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, marital status and disability/handicapped status in employment or provision of service.

ADA – Special Accommodations: Any person requiring accommodations by the County due to a disability should call the County Manager’s Office at (850) 342-0287 at least five (5) days prior to any pre-response conference, response opening, or meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the County Manager’s Office via the Florida Relay Service, which can be reached at 1-800-955-

8771 (TDD).

Appendix B

CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT

JEFFERSON COUNTY, a political subdivision of the State of Florida, by and through its Board of County Commissioners, situated at 435 West Walnut Street, Monticello, Florida 32344 (the

"County"), hereby contracts with __________ (the "Contractor") at

_______________________________ an FDOT prequalified contractor licensed to perform all work in the State of Florida in connection with the County's Project CR 146 Ashville Hwy over

Wolf Creek Bridge #540025 (the "Project"), as said work is set forth in the Plans and

Specifications prepared by WSB , the Engineer and/or Architect of Record (the "Design

Professional") and other Contract Documents hereafter specified (the "Work").

The County and the Contractor, for the consideration herein set forth, agree as follows:

Section 1. Contract Documents.

A. The Contract Documents consist of this Agreement, the Exhibits described in

Section 36 hereof, the Legal Advertisement, ITB #2026-13 Intent and General Information, the

Instructions to Bidders, the Contractor’s Bid proposal and any duly executed and issued addenda, Change Orders, Work Directive Changes, Field Orders, Work Authorizations and amendments relating thereto. All of the foregoing Contract Documents are incorporated by reference and made a part of this Agreement (all of said documents including the Agreement sometimes being referred to herein as the "Contract Documents" and sometimes as the "Agreement"). A copy of the Contract

Documents shall be maintained by Contractor at the Project site at all times during the performance of the Work.

B. The Design Professional is the initial interpreter of the Contract Documents but is not the judge between the County and the Contractor. The County reserves the right to make final decisions considering the Design Professional’s recommendations or interpretations of the

Contract Documents. The Design Professional does not have authority to obligate or commit the

County to fund additional expenditures or approve extensions of time over the approved Contract

Time or Amount. However, the Design Professional’s interpretation as to the intent of his design shall be final and not subject to interpretation by the County’s staff.

C. Any Work that may be reasonably inferred from the specifications as being required to produce the intended result shall be supplied whether or not it is specifically called for. In case of any inconsistency or conflict among the provisions of the Agreement and any other terms and conditions of any documents comprising the Contract Documents, the provisions of the Agreement shall control. Concerning the Contract Documents, the order of precedence shall be as follows:

(1) Change Orders; (2) the Agreement, including amendments and Exhibits; (3) Field Orders; (4) the solicitation documents, including any addenda. The Contract Documents listed above represent the entire and integrated Agreement between the parties hereto, and supersede prior negotiations, representations, or agreements, either written or oral.

D. Work, materials or equipment described in words which have a well-known technical or trade meaning, shall be deemed to refer to such recognized standards.

Appendix B

E. The County shall furnish to the Contractor up to three (3) sets of the Contract

Documents as are reasonably necessary for execution of the Work. Additional copies of the

Contract Documents shall be furnished, upon request, at the cost of reproduction.

F. The Contractor agrees to bind specifically every Subcontractor to the applicable terms and conditions of the Contract Documents for the benefit of the County.

G. Construction services provided by Contractor for the Project shall be under the general direction of the County Manager, or their successor, who shall act as the County's representative during the term of this Agreement. If the County’s representative is not a County employee, then County’s representative is not authorized to issue changes to the Contract Amount, Contract Time, or Scope of Work without express approval by the Department Director, County

Manager, or Board of County Commissioners.

H. The County’s representative, within the authority conferred by the Board of County

Commissioners, shall initiate written Change Orders, and notification to the Contractor of any and all changes approved by the County in the Contractor’s: (1) compensation; (2) time and/or schedule of service delivery; (3) and any amendment (s) or other change(s) relative to the Work pursuant to this Contract or Change Orders pertaining thereto. Following County approval, the County’s representative shall coordinate issuance of any such documents. The County’s representative shall be responsible for acting on the County’s behalf to administer, coordinate, interpret and otherwise manage the contractual provisions and requirements set forth in this Contract or any amendments, or Change Orders issued hereunder.

I. Neither the Contractor nor any Subcontractor, Supplier, or other person or organization performing or furnishing any of the Work under a direct or indirect contract with the

County shall have or acquire any title to or ownership rights to any of the Drawings, Specifications or other documents (or copies of any thereof) prepared by or bearing the seal of the Design

Professional; and they shall not reuse any of them on extensions of the Project or any other project without written consent of the County or their Design Professional and the specific written verification or adaptation by the Design Professional.

Section 2. Scope of Work.

A. This project is for minor repairs to the CR 146 Ashville Highway over Wolf Creek

Bridge #540025. This project scope will include cleaning and sealing concrete surface and deck expansion joints, rehab and restore spalled areas.

B. All materials and equipment shall be applied, installed, connected, erected, used, cleaned and conditioned in accordance with the instructions of the applicable manufacturers, fabricator or processors except as otherwise provided in the Contract Documents.

Section 3. Contract Amount.

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APPENDIX B

B. If the Contract Amount includes an Allowance, the Contractor shall cause the Work covered by the Allowance to be done for such sums within the limits of the Allowance as the

County may approve. The Contractor agrees that the Contract Amount includes such sums as they deem proper for costs and any profit on account of any Allowances. No demands for an additional sum for overhead or profit will be allowed.

C. Any agreed upon changes to the Contract Amount must be accomplished by an approved, written Change Order in the form attached to this Agreement.

D. The County may subsequently identify items eligible for direct purchase for sales tax savings. The County shall, at its sole discretion, have the option to purchase directly from the supplier or vendor, any supplies, materials or equipment included in the Contractor's bid for the

Contract. The County reserves the right to require Contractor to assign to the County agreements with suppliers for such goods. Contractor shall, from time to time submit, update and keep current, for consideration by the County, a list of all materials, supplies and equipment to be purchased, organized by supplier or vendor. Such list shall include a brief description of the materials, supplies and equipment and the name and address of the supplier or vendor. Suppliers or vendors reasonably anticipated to furnish material, supplies and equipment with an aggregate purchase value of less than $10,000 need not be listed. Goods not required for the performance of the Contract shall not be purchased under this Agreement. The County reserves the right to delete or add items from this

Agreement when it is in the County's best interest. Upon approval by the County, the Contractor will provide a worksheet by electronic means which will include a proposal from the vendor detailing the description of the item to be purchased, total price and sales tax to be deducted. The

County will then issue a purchase order directly to the vendor for the cost of the item less the sales tax. Upon completion of all direct purchases the Contractor will prepare a deductive Change Order reducing the Contract Amount by the total amount of the purchases, inclusive of all sales tax, shipping, handling, insurance, and other similar charges paid by Owner.