ITB_26-196_Southwest_Regional_Water_Reclamation_Facility_(SWRWRF)_-_Reclaimed_Water_System.pdf

For more information, please visit our online supplier portal, located at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl

INVITATION TO BID

Project #: ITB 26-196

ITB 26-196 SOUTHWEST REGIONAL WATER RECLAMATION FACILITY

(SWRWRF) - RECLAIMED WATER SYSTEM

Bid Due Date: Tuesday, November 24, 2026 @ 2:00 pm

Issue Invitation to Bid October 17, 2026

Pre-Bid Conference (Non-Mandatory) October 29, 2026, 10:00am

Microsoft Teams meeting Join:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/29977954400100

2?p=HfV1crQkHgeq4XYr19 Meeting ID: 299 779 544 001 002 Passcode: KX7Dx2jg

Deadline for Questions November 16, 2026, 4:00pm

Bid submittal Due Date and Time November 24, 2026, 2:00pm https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/299779544001002?p=HfV1crQkHgeq4XYr19 https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/299779544001002?p=HfV1crQkHgeq4XYr19

For more information, please visit our online supplier portal, located at

Public Opening Date and Time via

Microsoft Teams (Non-Mandatory)

November 24, 2026, 2:15pm

Microsoft Teams meeting Join:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/22438554747431

85?p=jbj2xxs8C1vpBn6mOE Meeting ID: 224 385 547 474 318 5 Passcode: 5Bi7Px3m

Board Approval of Selection and Award

(subject to change)

January 19, 2027

CITRUS COUNTY, FLORIDA

A political subdivision of the State of Florida

Department of Management & Budget

3600 W. Sovereign Path, Suite 266

Lecanto, FL 34461 https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/2243855474743185?p=jbj2xxs8C1vpBn6mOE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. DEFINITIONS

2. INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS

3. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

4. MINIMUM INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

5. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS & SCOPE OF WORK

6. VENDOR/CONTRACTOR RESPONSES

7. EXHIBITS

Attachments:

A - SCOPE OF WORK (Summary)

B - Bid Form Preview_ITB 26-196

C - ITB 26-196 Authorized Confidentiality Statement Form

D - Sample Pay Application_G702-G703

E - FDEP Grant Agreement LPQ0030

F - SWFWMD Grant Agreement 20CF0002698

G - ITB 26-196 Sample Agreement

H - ITB 26-196 Solicitation Complete

1. DEFINITIONS

"Addenda" means a written or graphic instrument issued by the County prior to the execution of the Agreement which modifies or interprets the Invitation to Bid by additions, deletions, clarifications, corrections, or other type of modifications. Addenda will become part of the Contract Documents when the Agreement is executed.

"Agreement" means a legal document, executed by the County and the Successful Bidder. The Agreement, as amended from time to time, forms the Contract between County and the Successful Bidder setting forth the roles, responsibilities and obligations of the parties including, but not limited to, the performance of the Services and the basis of payment.

"Apparent Low Bidder" means the bidder who has submitted the lowest Bid at the Bid Opening without correction of numerical discrepancies, consideration, or alternates of determination of responsiveness and responsibility. The

Apparent Low Bidder is not necessarily the Successful Bidder.

“Best value” means the highest overall value to the County based on factors that include, but are not limited to, price, quality, design, and workmanship.

"Bid" means a written submittal to this Invitation to Bid.

"Bid Documents" means the Invitation to Bid, inclusive of the plans and specifications.

"Bidder" means any person or firm (corporation, sole-proprietor, limited partnership, etc.) who submits a Bid in response to this Invitation to Bid.

"Contract Documents" means the Invitation to Bid, including Addenda to such, the Agreement, including Addenda to such, General Terms and Conditions of the Agreement, Bidder's Bid, Scope of Services, Certificate(s) of Insurance, Notice of

Intent to Award, Notice of Award, Notice to Proceed, Drawings and Specifications, and any other documents mailed, e-mailed or otherwise transmitted to the Bidder prior to or after the submittal of their Bid, and prior to or after Award, all of which are all to be treated as one in the form of the Contract Documents.

"Contractor/Vendor" means Successful Bidder, in the context of the Invitation to Bid. In the context of the Contract

Documents, Contractor means any company, firm, partnership, corporation, association, joint venture, or other legal entity permitted by law to perform the Services in the State of Florida. Such legal entity shall be the entity that enters into a written

Agreement with the County to perform the Services for the Project described in the Contract Documents. The

Contractor/Vendor will have sole responsibility for the performance of the Services covered under an Agreement that is awarded in conjunction with this Invitation to Bid.

"County" means Citrus County, Florida, a political subdivision of the State of Florida, its officers, employees, agents, and volunteers and/or Owner.

“Governmental Entity” means a political subdivision or agency of this state or of any state of the United States, including, but not limited to, state government, county, municipality, school district, nonprofit public university or college, single purpose or multipurpose special district, single-purpose special or multipurpose authority, metropolitan or consolidated government, separate legal entity or administrative entity, or any agency of the Federal Government.

"Invitation to Bid" means the contents of this solicitation and all supporting documents including Addendum to such, or other related information transmitted to Bidders.

"Minor Irregularity" means a variation from the Invitation to Bid terms and conditions which does not affect the price or give the Bidder an advantage or benefit not enjoyed by the other Bidder or does not adversely impact the interests of the

County.

"Notice of Award" means a written notice submitted by the County notifying the Successful Bidder that they have been awarded the project.

"Notice of Intent to Award" means a written notice submitted by the County notifying the Successful Bidder that the

County intends to award the project to them contingent upon the Successful Bidder executing the Agreement and submitting any outstanding documents.

"Notice to Proceed" means a written notice issued by the County to the Successful Bidder fixing the date on which the

Successful Bidder shall start the performance of the Services and the length of time for the completion of the Services, in accordance with the Contract Documents.

"Piggyback" means a government authority other than the County purchasing services and/or commodities from the

Successful Bidder under the same terms and conditions that the Successful Bidder has agreed to offer the County.

"Public Opening" means the opening of the Bids and the announcing of the Bidders who submitted a Bid in response to the Invitation to Bid in the presence of the public.

"Recommendation of Award" means a written notification sent by way of facsimile or electronic e-mail to those who submitted a Bid in response to this Invitation to Bid advising them of the County's decision for its selection of the

Successful Bidder and its intent to award to that Bidder.

"Responsible Bidder" means a Bidder who has the resources, skills, knowledge, and financial ability to provide the

Services specified in this Invitation to Bid.

"Responsive" means a Bid that conforms in all material respects to the Invitation to Bid requirements.

"Subcontractor" means an entity having a direct contract with the Successful Bidder or with any other Subcontractor of the Successful Bidder who will provide product(s) or service(s) for the performance of a part of the Work required under the Contract Documents under the sole control and direction of the Successful Bidder.

"Successful Bidder" means the Bidder to whom the County awards an Agreement for the provision of the Services specified in this Invitation to Bid.

"Timeline" means the list of critical dates and actions involved in the Invitation to Bid.

"Work" means all supervision, labor, materials, equipment, supplies, subcontractors, and incidental expenses required by the Bidder to execute and complete the requirements of the Services outlined in the Contract Documents, including those prescribed or implied.

2. INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS

2.1. Solicitation Overview

Citrus County, Florida (“County”) invites interested parties to submit a Bid for ITB 26-196 Southwest Regional Water

Reclamation Facility (SWRWRF) - Reclaimed Water System. This project includes the construction of approximately 22,000 feet of transmission mains, a 1.0 MGD (million gallons per day) ground storage tank, a high-service pump station, a booster pump station, and other necessary appurtenances to supply reclaimed water from the SWRWRF to the Sugarmill Woods and Citrus National Golf Courses.

This project includes grant funding from the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the

Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). The project will provide the necessary infrastructure to make reclaimed water available for beneficial reuse as irrigation water at the Sugarmill Woods and Citrus National golf courses.

The use of high-quality reclaimed water will help offset groundwater withdrawals from the Homosassa and Chassahowitzka springsheds.

2.2. General Instructions

Bidders are encouraged to carefully review all the materials contained herein and prepare your Bid accordingly. The detailed requirements set forth below will be used to evaluate the Bids and failure of Bidder to provide the information requested for a specific requirement may render their Bid as non-responsive and result in being rejected.

Failure of Bidder to comply with all terms of this Invitation to Bid may result in disqualification of Bidder and rejection of

Bidder’s submittal by County.

Bidders shall carefully study and compare the information and documents presented in this Invitation to Bid to ensure there are no conflicts, shall examine the site and local conditions, if applicable, and shall at once report to the Contact

Person(s) any errors, inconsistencies, or ambiguities discovered.

County shall not be liable for any costs incurred by a Bidder in preparing or producing its Bid or for any service provided before execution of an Agreement.

All terms and conditions outlined in this Invitation to Bid, and any associated Addenda, shall become a part of the

Agreement entered into between the County and the Successful Bidder.

Bidder acknowledges that the resulting Agreement will incorporate all applicable grant requirements and certifications necessary to comply with the funding source. By submitting a Bid, Bidder agrees to comply with such requirements if awarded the Agreement.

2.3. Minimum Requirements for Submitting a Bid

Bidder shall meet the following requirements to be determined a responsive and responsible Bidder at the time of Bid

Submittal:

1. Possess a current and valid Certified General Contractor (CGC) License or a Florida Certified Underground Utility and Excavation (CUC) license

2. Must be registered to do business in the State of Florida https://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/

3. Possess a current Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) Certification

4. Must meet the MINIMUM INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

5. Complete the EXCEL BID FORM located in the VENDOR/CONTRACTOR RESPONSES section, Question #28

6. Complete ALL questions, certifications, and forms in the VENDOR/CONTRACTOR RESPONSES section

7. Comply with all applicable grant requirements, including but not limited to, all certifications, provisions, and reporting requirements https://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/ https://procurement.opengov.com/governments/8800352/projects/288249/builder/document?section=2777743 https://procurement.opengov.com/governments/8800352/projects/288249/builder/document?section=2777746

2.4. Vendor System-OpenGov Registration

County has partnered with OpenGov Procurement, a web-based eProcurement service. Current bid solicitations and associated addenda, notices of recommended bid award, and current bid awards will be posted at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl.

Bid Notifications will be sent electronically via e-mail from OpenGov to registered Bidders. It is the sole responsibility of interested parties to monitor OpenGov for solicitation opportunities and updates.

Visit https://procurement.opengov.com/signup to register. OpenGov is an online Bidder registration system that provides a free, at no cost to Bidder, secure, user-friendly Internet portal and one-stop service center to register with County. This system also allows you to receive automatic email notifications regarding County’s upcoming competitive solicitations as opportunities become available. Registration assistance is available by e-mail procurement-support@opengov.com.

All Citrus County Vendors/Contractors/Consultants will need to register with OpenGov in order to be able to submit

Bids/Proposals/Qualifications etc., to County.

OpenGov Procurement has no affiliation with the County other than as a service that facilitates communication between the County and its Bidder. OpenGov Procurement is an independent entity and is not an agent or representative of the

County.

2.5. Contact Person(s)

All inquiries pertaining to this Invitation to Bid are to be directed to all:

Department of Management & Budget, Purchasing

3600 W. Sovereign Path, Suite 266

Lecanto, Florida, 34461

Phone: 352-527-5457

Fax: 352-527-5424

Linda Morse, Purchasing & Contracts Manager, linda.morse@citruscounty.gov

Kathy Milianta, Purchasing & Contracts Specialist, kathy.milianta@citruscounty.gov

Leigha Utter, Purchasing & Contracts Specialist, leigha.utter@citruscounty.gov

Saleem Mahmood, Purchasing Assistant, saleem.mahmood@citruscounty.gov

Jane Kiener, Purchasing Assistant, jane.kiener@citruscounty.gov

CAUTION

PROHIBITED COMMUNICATIONS: In accordance with section 287.057 (25), Florida Statutes, Bidders, or persons acting on their behalf, may not contact any employee or officer of the County concerning any aspect of this solicitation, between the release of the solicitation and the end of the 72-hour period following the agency posting the notice of intended award, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, except in writing to the Contact Person(s) noted above. Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting a response to this solicitation.

2.6. Questions/Additional Terms and Conditions/Variances/Exceptions

Bidders may submit questions about the meaning or intent of the Invitation to Bid or Agreement to the website link, (https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl/projects/288249) in written format only and shall submit such on or before the deadline for questions listed in the Event Timeline. Interpretations or clarifications considered necessary in response to such questions will be issued by a written Addendum. Only questions answered by a formal https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl https://procurement.opengov.com/signup mailto:procurement-support@opengov.com mailto:linda.morse@citrusbocc.com mailto:Karin.mcmahon@citrusbocc.com mailto:leigha.utter@citrusbocc.com mailto:saleem.mahmood@citrusbocc.gov mailto:jane.kiener@citruscounty.gov https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl/projects/288249 written Addendum will be binding. Oral and other interpretations or clarifications will be without legal effect. Questions submitted shall not constitute formal protest of the specifications or of this Invitation to Bid.

A written addendum, if applicable, will be issued online to OpenGov (https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl) and/or DemandStar® websites in response to questions received as of the specified deadline in the Event Timeline.

Issues regarding any and all discrepancies, errors, or ambiguities in the Solicitation, including those noted in the

Agreement, shall be submitted in writing to https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl on or before deadline for questions which is listed in the Event Timeline.

2.7. Event Timeline

Bidders should review and become familiar with the Event Timeline. The dates and times of each event within the Timeline may be subject to change. It is the responsibility of Bidder to check for any changes. All changes to the Timeline will be made through an addendum to this Invitation to Bid.

Any person(s) requiring reasonable accommodation at any of the meetings because of a disability or physical impairment should contact Citrus County, 3600 W. Sovereign Path, Lecanto, FL 34461, Carlton Hall, ADA Coordinator (352) 527-5477, at least two days before the scheduled meeting.

If you are hearing or speech impaired, dial 7-1-1 or (800) 955-8771 (TTY) or (800) 955-8770 (v), via Florida Relay Service.

If you need a Spanish Translator, dial 7-1-1 or (800) 955-8771 (TTY) or (800) 955-8773 (v), via Florida Relay Service. For all other languages, please contact Human Resources at (352) 527-5370.

Si usted necesita un Traductor en Español, marque 7-1-1 o (800) 955-8771 (TTY) o (800) 955-8773 (v), a través del Servicio de Retransmisión de Florida.

**All public Meetings are subject to change or can be canceled.

Issue Invitation to Bid: October 17, 2026

Pre-Bid Conference (Non-Mandatory): October 29, 2026, 10:00am

Microsoft Teams meeting Join:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/29977954400

1002?p=HfV1crQkHgeq4XYr19 Meeting ID: 299 779 544 001 002 Passcode: KX7Dx2jg

Deadline for Questions: November 16, 2026, 4:00pm

Bid submittal Due Date and Time: November 24, 2026, 2:00pm

Public Opening Date and Time via Microsoft

Teams (Non-Mandatory):

November 24, 2026, 2:15pm

Microsoft Teams meeting Join:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/22438554747

43185?p=jbj2xxs8C1vpBn6mOE Meeting ID: 224 385 547 474 318 5 Passcode: 5Bi7Px3m https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/299779544001002?p=HfV1crQkHgeq4XYr19 https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/299779544001002?p=HfV1crQkHgeq4XYr19

Board Approval of Selection and Award (subject to change):

January 19, 2027

2.8. Pre-Bid Conference/Virtual (Non-Mandatory)

Pre-Bid Conference shall be on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 10:00 AM via online "Microsoft Teams".

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/299779544001002?p=HfV1crQkHgeq4XYr19

Meeting ID: 299 779 544 001 002

Passcode: KX7Dx2jg

Need help? | System reference

2.9. Public Opening

Electronic Bid Submittals shall be opened on Tuesday, November 24, 2026, at 2:15 PM via online “Microsoft Teams”.

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/2243855474743185?p=jbj2xxs8C1vpBn6mOE

Meeting ID: 224 385 547 474 318 5

Passcode: 5Bi7Px3m

Need help? | System reference

2.10. Submission of Bids

Electronic Bid submittals for this Invitation to Bid are to be submitted on or before Tuesday, November 24, 2026, at 2:00

PM EST. It is the sole responsibility of the Bidder to ensure that their Bid is submitted through OpenGov Procurement no later than the time and date specified in the Solicitation or subsequent addenda. BIDDERS MUST COMPLETE THE

INFORMATION REQUESTED IN THE VENDOR/CONTRACTOR RESPONSES SECTION

Bids shall be submitted through the online solicitation management portal, https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl.

You may enter information and/or upload completed forms/documents using the OpenGov portal. Bidders must have registered and received an established account in advance of uploading submissions. When submitting an offer electronically through the solicitation posting portal, please allow sufficient time to complete the online forms and upload documents. The solicitation offer will end at the closing time listed in the Event Timeline included in this Solicitation. If you are in the middle of uploading your documents at the closing time, the system will stop the process, and your offer will not be received by the system. It is recommended that the submission process be completed the day prior to the due date, with the knowledge that any changes/updates will be accepted up to the due date and time. If technical difficulties arise during submission of the Solicitation, it is the submitting Bidder’s responsibility to contact OpenGov Procurement technical support.

For support, click on the “Help” link on the Solicitation Posting portal; or email procurement-support@opengov.com.

NOTE: In the event there is a verified technical issue with the Platform (and not user/Bidder issues) that prevents all Bidders from submitting a Bid within the two (2) hours immediately before the due date and time, the County may issue an addendum to extend the solicitation due date and time. However, the technical issue must be a result of the Platform provider (OpenGov

Procurement) and affect all participating Bidders. The County shall verify the technical issue or unavailability of the Platform with OpenGov Procurement and the system provider. Technical issues localized to a single Bidder will not be considered cause for an extension. County shall not be responsible for delays caused in any occurrence.

2.11. Timeliness of Bid Submittal

County assumes no responsibility for a Bid received after the due date and time. There will be no exceptions to this policy. It is the responsibility of the Bidder to make sure their Bid is uploaded by the due date and time listed in the Event

Timeline on the OpenGov portal.

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/299779544001002?p=HfV1crQkHgeq4XYr19 https://aka.ms/JoinTeamsMeeting?omkt=en-US https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MDE5Yzk1MTYtYmYyMC00NWY0LThlMDMtNDJkNjFjMTRiMWE0%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%226bbaf887-dd15-4d63-b8cf-1b1dba1f2bfb%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22a35a1124-3845-4feb-ac5a-ac130b0a2133%22%7d https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/2243855474743185?p=jbj2xxs8C1vpBn6mOE https://aka.ms/JoinTeamsMeeting?omkt=en-US https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YmY4YzI3M2ItZGU2OS00MDZkLWJlZWEtNjUxOGQ5ZjhjYjZl%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%226bbaf887-dd15-4d63-b8cf-1b1dba1f2bfb%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22a35a1124-3845-4feb-ac5a-ac130b0a2133%22%7d https://procurement.opengov.com/governments/8800352/projects/288249/builder/document?section=2777746 https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl mailto:procurement-support@opengov.com

2.12. Bid Submittal Format

Acknowledgement of review and receipt of the documents listed below must be confirmed by an officer authorized to legally bind the Bidder, and all listed documents must be submitted with the Bid. In addition, the Bidder must complete and acknowledge all other certifications, forms, and requirements identified within the VENDOR/CONTRACTOR RESPONSES section. Failure to provide the required documents or properly complete the required acknowledgements and certifications may result in rejection of the Bid by the County.

Bids should be submitted in the format noted below:

• Certificate(s) of Insurance

• List of Subcontractors

• Proof of registration to do business in the State of Florida https://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/

• Bidder's Qualification Statement

• Bid Security/Bid Bond

• Copies of Licenses and Certifications as applicable to this Invitation to Bid

• Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) Certification

• Conflict of Interest Form

• Human Trafficking Affidavit

• EXCEL Bid Form completed

2.13. Bid Form

IMPORTANT – DOWNLOADABLE EXCEL BID FORM REQUIRED: This solicitation does not include a standard electronic

Bid Form section. Bidders MUST download and complete the Excel Bid Form located in the Vendor/Contractor Responses section, Question #28. Instructions for completing the Bid Form are provided with the Excel file. The completed Excel Bid

Form MUST be submitted with the Bid.

Bidders MUST use the provided Bid Form to submit pricing information. No substitutions will be permitted. The Bid Form shall be completed in its entirety, with pricing provided for all applicable Bid Items. If an item is not applicable, the Bidder shall enter “N/A.” If there is no charge for a specific item, the Bidder shall enter “No Charge.”

Where applicable, Bidders shall also provide pricing for all Bid Routes and Bid Alternates identified in the Bid Form. Failure to provide pricing for all required items may result in the Bid being determined non-responsive.

2.14. Certificate of Insurance

Bidders are to submit a copy of their certificate(s) of insurance evidencing policies and limits of insurance that they currently have in force.

Once ALL paperwork is completed and received by the County, an email will be sent to Successful Bidder asking Successful

Bidder to register online with myCOI https://mycoitracking.com. It is critical that the Successful Bidder provide the County with an accurate email address. The cost to register is $19.95 per year and a credit/debit card will be needed. Part of the registration process includes providing contact information for Successful Bidder’s insurance agent(s). This information must be available at the time of registration. Once Successful Bidder has registered and entered the email address for its insurance agent(s), an email will be sent to the insurance agent(s) requesting them to upload Successful Bidder’s Certificate of Insurance (COI) directly into the myCOI website. Certificates of Insurance cannot be mailed, emailed or faxed to

County. Successful Bidder will not be allowed to begin work and no payments will be made until registration is completed and a compliant COI is received from Successful Bidder’s insurance agent(s). This is a yearly requirement for the duration of the Agreement.

2.15. Bidder's Qualification Statement

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl/projects/288249/document?section=2777746 https://dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/ https://mycoitracking.com/

Bidders are required to submit with their Bid an executed Bidder's Qualification Statement.

To demonstrate that the Bidder is qualified to perform the Work covered under this Invitation to Bid, Bidders must include any and all documents and other information to substantiate the qualifications noted, such as: licenses, references for similar work, present commitments, and other such data as required in the Bid Documents.

Bids must contain evidence of Bidder's qualification to do business in the State of Florida or covenant to obtain such qualification prior to award of the contract. Bidders must comply with Chapter 607, Florida Statutes, to transact business in the State of Florida. If the Successful Bidder is not in compliance with such, they shall have fourteen (14) calendar days from receipt of a Notice of Intent to Award to obtain the required certificate of authority from the State of Florida and produce a copy of such to the Contact Person.

Bidders shall have all licenses, certifications, and/or permits required by Federal, State, and Local Statutes, Regulations, and/or Ordinances for performing the Work specified in the Bid Documents. Additionally, Bidders must comply with regulations, policies, and codes of Citrus County, Florida for conducting business in Citrus County.

By submitting a Bid in response to this Invitation to Bid, Bidder represents and warrants that they have the necessary licenses and/or certifications required to perform the Work covered under this Invitation to Bid.

2.16. Licenses and Certifications

Bidders are required to submit copies of their licenses and certifications applicable to this Invitation to Bid in the VENDOR/CONTRACTOR RESPONSES section.

2.17. List of Subcontractors

If Bidders will be utilizing subcontractors in the performance of the Work, Bidders are required to submit with their Bid a list of such proposed subcontractors.

All subcontractors proposed by Bidder for the performance of the Work covered under this Invitation to Bid are subject to the approval of County. County reserves the right to reject any and all proposed subcontractors listed by the Bidder and bears no responsibility or liability to the Bidder or its proposed subcontractors for any commitments made between them regarding the performance of the Work covered under this Invitation to Bid.

Bidders shall furnish the names and responsibilities of those subcontractors they propose to use on the "Subcontractors

List" included with this Invitation to Bid. No changes to this list shall be made after the deadline for submitting the Bid without prior written approval by County. If the County has reasonable objection to any proposed subcontractor, County reserves the right, before giving Notice of Intent to Award, to request the apparent Successful Bidder to submit an acceptable substitute without an increase in Successful Bidder's Bid Price. If the apparent Successful Bidder declines to make any such substitution County may make the award to the next lowest Bidder that proposes to use subcontractors who are acceptable to County. Declining to make the requested substitutions will not constitute grounds for sacrificing the Bid security.

No more than fifty percent (50%) of the Work provided by the Successful Bidder can be performed by subcontractors.

County reserves the right to request from the apparent Successful Bidder all pertinent data, including but not limited to, the following information about the proposed subcontractors: name as registered with the State of Florida, Federal Employer

Identification Number, address and phone number, State registration or license number, and such other information as deemed relevant by County for evaluating the qualifications and experience of the proposed subcontractors. If requested by County, Bidder shall also provide an experience statement with pertinent information regarding similar Work and other evidence of qualification for each proposed subcontractor. All proposed subcontractors shall be properly certified, registered or licensed by the appropriate governmental authority (as applicable) for the Work to be performed prior to the submittal of the Bid. Proposed subcontractors shall have successfully completed work comparable to that which is noted within the Bid

Documents and be qualified both technically and financially to perform the Work for which they are listed.

2.18. Bid Pricing

The Bid Pricing shall be firm until award has been made. Bid Pricing shall include such amounts for all labor, materials, supplies, equipment, subcontractors, insurance, bonds, overhead, profit, and any other costs to perform the Work as noted in this Invitation to Bid. The Bid Pricing shall include all applicable sales and use taxes. Discrepancies in the multiplication of units and unit prices will be resolved in favor of the “verified prices”.

2.19. Commencement and Completion of Work

Upon issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP), Successful Bidder shall comply with all requirements of the Contract

Documents applicable to the commencement and performance of Work. Bidders are advised to carefully review the

Technical Specifications for all requirements that become effective upon issuance of the Notice to Proceed, including but not limited to, scheduling requirements, submittals, pre-construction and progress meetings, construction coordination, mobilization, and any other required administrative and project-related activities. Successful Bidder shall comply with all applicable timeframes and requirements established by the Engineer and the Contract Documents.

Successful Bidder shall reach Substantial Completion within Three Hundred Sixty-Five (365) calendar days after start date set forth in the Notice to Proceed, and shall reach Final Completion within Five Hundred Forty-Eight (548) calendar days after the start date set forth in the Notice to Proceed issued by the County.

2.20. Budget

County has appropriated approximately $9,843,068.00 for the Work covered under this Invitation to Bid. County reserves the right to adjust this amount based on availability of funding.

2.21. Bid Security

Required if total base bid or lump sum equals $100,000 or more

Bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security made payable to Citrus County, Florida in an amount of five percent (5%) of the Bidder's Bid Price in the form of a certified or cashier's check or a Bid Bond.

If Bidder is submitting a Bid Bond, it must be a signed and sealed by the surety company issuing the Bond as well as the

Bidder. The Bond must be in the form prescribed in section 255.05, Florida Statutes. The rating of the surety company must be an A.M. Best’s Rating of A- or better. The surety company executing the Bond must be authorized to transact business in the State of Florida as a surety. The Attorney in-Fact who signs the bond must file with each bond a certified copy of their

Power of Attorney.

Bid Security of the Successful Bidder will be retained until an agreement has been executed and the required Payment and

Performance Bonds have been provided to County, at which time the Bid Security will be returned. If the Successful Bidder fails to execute an agreement and furnish the required Contract Security within the specified time after execution of an agreement, County may annul the award, and the Bid Security of the Successful Bidder shall be forfeited.

County shall retain the Bid Security of the other Bidders until County enters into an agreement with the Successful Bidder, or the 91st day after the Bid Opening, whichever occurs first, at which time the Bid Security will be returned to the other

Bidders.

2.22. Payment and Performance Bonds

If the Total Base Bid or lump sum should equal $100,000 or more, the Successful Bidder will be required to procure Payment and Performance Bonds, each in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of their Bid plus Alternate Pricing, for the faithful performance of the Contract. After Notice of Award and execution of an Agreement, Successful Bidder shall have ten (10) calendar days to provide Payment and Performance Bonds to County.

Successful Bidder will be responsible for recording Payment and Performance Bonds in the public records of Citrus

County. Once recorded, the Successful Bidder shall deliver to County a certified copy of the Bonds and a receipt from the

Clerk of Court confirming that the Bonds have been recorded.

The bonds must be in the form prescribed in section 255.05, Florida Statutes, with the surety’s bond number to be listed on the front page of the bond. The rating of the surety company must be A.M. Best’s Rating of A-, VI or better. The surety company executing the Bonds must be authorized to transact business in the State of Florida as surety. The Attorney in-

Fact who signs the bonds must file with each bond a certified and effective date copy of their Power of Attorney. The bonds must show the name, address, and phone number of Bidder, the Surety Company, and the County. The bonds must indicate the Bid Number, a general description of the project, and the address where the work will take place.

2.23. Liquidated Damages

If the Work covered under an executed Agreement is not completed within the contract time or approved extensions, County may incur damages that are difficult to assess. Successful Bidder agrees to pay County liquidated damages (but not as penalty) in the amounts established in the schedule below for each day completion is delayed beyond the specified deadline.

Sundays and legal holidays shall be excluded in determining days in default.

Original Contract Amount Daily Charge Per Calendar Day

$299,999 and under .................................................................$1,318

$300,000 but less than $2,000,000...........................................$1,609

$2,000,000 but less than $5,000,000........................................$2,529

$5,000,000 but less than $10,000,000......................................$3,498

$10,000,000 but less than $20,000,000....................................$4,752

$20,000,000 but less than $40,000,000....................................$6,703

$40,000,000 and over ............................................................. $11,171 plus 0.00005 of any amount over $40 million (Round to nearest whole dollar)

If Successful Bidder has promptly given written notice of any such delay to County, Successful Bidder shall not be charged with liquidated damages or any excess cost when the delay in completion of the Work is due to the following:

a. Any preference, priority, or allocation order duly issued by County;

b. Any unforeseeable causes beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of Successful Bidder, including but not restricted to, acts of God or of the public enemy, acts of County, acts of another contractor in the performance of a contract for County, fires, floods, strikes, freight embargoes, and abnormal and unforeseeable weather;

c. Any delays of Subcontractor occasioned by any of the causes specified in (a) and (b) of this Section.

2.24. Retainage

Pursuant to section 255.078, Florida Statutes, County may withhold an amount from each payment made to Successful

Bidder as retainage. Provided there are no outstanding disputes between County and Successful Bidder, no outstanding surety claims, and no outstanding claims or demands by County or Successful Bidder, County shall make payment of such retainage to Successful Bidder in accordance with sections 255.077 and 255.078, Florida Statutes. If County makes payment of retainage to Successful Bidder which is attributable to any subcontracted Work or equipment and materials provided by suppliers, Successful Bidder shall remit payment to those subcontractors and suppliers from the retainage.

2.25. Direct Purchase

The County reserves the right to purchase materials, equipment, and/or supplies directly from Successful Bidder's suppliers in order to avoid the payment of applicable sales and use taxes.

2.26. Change Orders

County may at any time, as the need arises, order changes within the scope of the Work without invalidating the

Agreement. If such changes result in an increase or decrease in the Contract Price, or in the time required for performance of the Work, an equitable adjustment shall be authorized by way of a Change Order and shall require an amendment to the Agreement executed by both parties. The County also may at any time, by issuing a Field Order, make changes in the details of the Work. Successful Bidder shall proceed with the performance of any changes in the Work so ordered by County unless Successful Bidder believes that such Field Order entitles it to a change in Contract Price or

Time, or both, in which event Successful Bidder shall give County written notice thereof within fifteen (15) calendar days after the receipt of the ordered change, and Successful Bidder shall not execute such changes pending the receipt of an executed Change Order, amendment to the agreement, or further instruction from County.

2.27. Gopher Tortoise Requirements

Bidder will inspect the Project area for the presence of gopher tortoises/burrows prior to bidding and again prior to work commencing. If necessary, it shall be the Bidder’s responsibility to obtain and comply with a Standard Gopher Tortoise

Relocation Permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, pursuant to Rules 68A-9.002, and 68A-

25.002, F.A.C. Permitting, protection, and/or relocation shall be the responsibility of the Bidder. Costs for inspection, permitting, protection, excavation of burrows, and any other associated work shall be incidental to the contract. Costs for removal and relocation of gopher tortoises shall be paid in accordance with the applicable Gopher Tortoise allowances and

Bid Form items. Contractor must submit a Gopher Tortoise Inspection Report, performed by a certified inspector, to the County before starting work; the cost of this report is incidental to the contract.

3. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

3.1. Signing of the Agreement

When the County gives a Notice of Intent to Award to the Successful Bidder it will be accompanied by an unsigned

Agreement. Within ten (10) calendar days thereafter, Successful Bidder shall execute and deliver to County the

Agreement along with a certificate of insurance that shows policies, limits, and other conditions in compliance with such as outlined in this Invitation to Bid. Upon award and execution of the Agreement by County, one certified copy of the Agreement shall be delivered to the Successful Bidder.

3.2. Responsiveness of the Bid and Disqualification

A responsive Bid is one that complies with and conforms to the requirements of this Invitation to Bid. A Bid that takes exception to, requires modification of, or otherwise fails to comply with any provision of this Invitation to Bid may be deemed non-responsive.

A Bid may be rejected if it is found to be conditional, irregular, incomplete, or not in conformance with the requirements and instructions contained herein, including but not limited to: (1) failure to comply with and satisfactorily address the prerequisite criteria; (2) failure to provide required forms or other documentation; (3) incomplete, indefinite, or ambiguous language; or

(4) improper or undated signatures.

Other conditions that may cause rejection of a Bid include, but are not limited to: (1) an individual, firm, partnership, corporation, or combination thereof under the same or different names submitting more than one Bid; (2) evidence of collusion among Bidders; (3) obvious lack of experience or expertise necessary to perform the Work; (4) failure to perform or meet financial obligations for previous contracts with the County; (5) falsification of any form or document required by the

County; or (6) failure to maintain valid and appropriate local, state, or federal certifications and/or licenses necessary to perform the Work.

The County may conduct such investigations as it deems necessary to assist in the evaluation of any Bid and to establish the responsibility, qualifications, and financial ability of the Bidder and its proposed subcontractors. The County reserves the right to seek clarifications or request additional information or documentation from any Bidder as deemed necessary to properly evaluate the Bid.

3.3. List of Bidders

A list of Bidders along with their total base bid pricing will be posted on OpenGov and Demand Star® within ten (10) days after the Public Opening date. The list of Bidders can also be obtained by contacting one of the Purchasing Contacts listed in section 2 of this Solicitation. County will not provide a list of Bidders by telephone.

3.4. Examination of Bid Documents and Project Site

It is the responsibility of the Bidder to: 1) examine the Bid documents thoroughly, 2) visit the project site to become familiar with local conditions that may affect cost, progress, or performance of Work, 3) consider Federal, State, and Local Laws and Regulations that may affect cost, progress, or performance of Work, 4) study and carefully correlate Bidder's observations with the Bid Documents, and (5) notify the Contact Person(s) of all conflicts, errors, or discrepancies in the Bid documents prior to submitting a formal Bid.

If reports of explorations and tests of subsurface conditions at the project site are conveyed to the Bidder by County, Bidder may rely upon the accuracy of the technical data contained in such reports, but not upon non-technical data, interpretations, or opinions contained therein; or for the completeness thereof for the purposes of bidding or the performance of Work.

The lands upon which the Work is to be performed, rights-of-way, and easements for access thereto, and other lands designated for use by Bidder in performance of the Work are identified in the Bid Documents. All additional lands and access thereto required for temporary construction facilities or storage of materials and equipment are to be provided by

Bidder. Easements for permanent structures, or permanent changes in existing structures, are to be obtained and paid for by County unless otherwise provided in the Bid Documents.

Before submitting a Bid it shall be the Bidder's responsibility to request from County, or to obtain on their own, any additional information and/or data which the Bidder deems necessary for preparing their Bid so as to be informed of anything that may affect the cost, progress, or performance of the Work in accordance with the time, price, and other terms and conditions noted in the Bid Documents.

The submission of a Bid shall constitute the Bidder’s representation that the Bidder has complied with all requirements of this Solicitation. The Bidder further represents that, without exception, its Bid is based upon performing the Work required by the Bid Documents including any means, methods, techniques, sequences, or procedures of construction indicated in or required by the Bid Documents. The Bidder also represents that the Bid Documents are sufficient in scope and detail to convey an understanding of all terms and conditions required for the performance of the Work.

3.5. Modification / Withdrawal of Bid

Bidders have the right to modify or withdraw their Bid without cause or liability whatsoever at any time prior to the Bid submittal due date and time. Such requests must be made to County in writing.

Modified or withdrawn Bids may be resubmitted up to the Bid submittal due date and time in accordance with the instructions in this Invitation to Bid. If applicable, any changes in pricing shall be so worded as not to reveal the pricing that was noted in the original Bid.

3.6. Tie Bids

Should there result in a tie Bid between two or more Bidders, County shall initiate the following actions:

• Draw lots or flip a coin, or

• Reject all Bids and re-solicit the service.

3.7. Split Bids

When in the best interest of the County, an award of a Bid may be made on the basis of each item, or group of items, to the lowest most responsive and responsible Bidders whose Bid meets the requirements of this Invitation to Bid. County reserves the right to award to one or more qualified Bidders.

3.8. Less Than Two Bids Received

If less than two Bids are received, County may negotiate the best terms and conditions with that Bidder, or reject the Bid and re-solicit the Work.

3.9. Next Low Bidder

In the event of default by the Awarded Bidder, County reserves the right to utilize the next lowest Bidder as the new Awarded

Bidder. In the event of this occurrence, the next lowest Bidder, if it wishes to accept the award, shall be required to provide the bid items at the prices contained in its bid for the Work noted in this Invitation to Bid.

3.10. Rights of the County

County reserves the right to debar or suspend, for no longer than three (3) years, a Bidder from any solicitation process should it be discovered that: (1) Bidder was in violation of any of the issues listed in the VENDOR/CONTRACTOR

RESPONSES (2) Bidder has shown a recent record of failure to perform or of unsatisfactory performance under any existing or past contracts with County, provided such failure was not caused by acts beyond the control of Bidder, or (3) County https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl/projects/288249/document?section=2777746 https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/citrusfl/projects/288249/document?section=2777746 became aware of anything concerning the Bidder that was found to be so serious and compelling as to affect responsibility of Bidder, including debarment or suspension by another governmental entity. County will not exercise this right until after written notice has been given to Bidder and reasonable opportunity has been given for Bidder to be heard. The decision of debarment or suspension shall be final and conclusive.

3.11. Bid Evaluation and Award

County reserves the right to: (1) cancel this Invitation to Bid, (2) reject any or all Bids, (3) waive any or all irregularit ies in the Bids, (4) modify the scope of the Work, (5) waive any minor departure from the specifications, or (6) disregard all nonconforming, non-responsive, unbalanced or conditional Bids, as long as such does not give Bidder an advantage or benefit not enjoyed by the other Bidders or does not adversely impact the interests of County. County reserves the right to re-advertise the Invitation to Bid when it is in the best interest of County. County also reserves the right to reject the Bid of any Bidder if County believes that it would not be in its best interest to make an award to that Bidder, whether because the

Bid is non-responsive, the Bidder is unqualified or of doubtful financial ability, or Bidder fails to meet any other pertinent standard or criteria established by County.

In evaluating Bids the County shall consider: (1) the qualifications of Bidders, (2) whether or not the Bids comply with the prescribed requirements, (3) such alternates, unit prices and other data, as may be requested in the Invitation to Bid, (4) the qualifications and experience of the Bidder's proposed subcontractors and major equipment/material suppliers, (5) any additional terms and conditions, exceptions or variances stipulated by Bidder, and (6) operating costs, maintenance requirements, performance data, warranties and guarantees.

County may conduct such investigations as County deems necessary to assist in the evaluation of any Bid and to establish the responsibility, qualifications, and financial ability of Bidders and their proposed subcontractors and major equipment/material suppliers to County's satisfaction. County reserves the right to seek clarification or request any information deemed necessary for proper evaluation of Bids from all Bidders deemed eligible for contract award. Failure to provide the requested information may result in rejection of the Bid.

If award of the Bid is to be made, it shall be made to the lowest most responsive and responsible Bidder whose evaluation by County indicates that the award will be in the best interest of County or the Project. County shall give

Successful Bidder a Notice of Intent to Award by way of facsimile or e-mail, however no contract shall be formed between

Successful Bidder and County until County signs the Agreement.

County reserves the right to award one or more qualified Bidders if it serves as County’s best interest. County shall issue a written Notice of Intent to Award, if any, to the Successful Bidder(s), however no contract shall be formed between the

Successful Bidder(s) and County until approved at a Citrus County Board of County Commissioners Meeting.

3.12. Manufacturer's Name and Approved Equivalents

Unless the Bid Documents state otherwise, Bidder's…