53rd Avenue N. Force Main Replacement (PID 005582A)

Pinellas County is seeking a qualified contractor for the 53rd Avenue N. Force Main Replacement project (PID 005582A), a critical infrastructure improvement initiative involving the replacement of an aging 20" and 24" concrete force main with a new PVC force main. The project will utilize both open cut and horizontal directional drilling (HDD) methods to install approximately 2,915 linear feet of 20-inch PVC pipe along 53rd Avenue North. Contractors must be pre-qualified with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in Underground Utilities or provide comprehensive documentation demonstrating equivalent capabilities. The Invitation to Bid was released on June 7, 2024, with questions due by June 13, 2024, and proposal submissions required by June 20, 2024, at 3:00 pm. The contract term is 365 consecutive calendar days from the Notice to Proceed, with liquidated damages of $1,510.06 per calendar day for delays. Evaluation will focus on selecting the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, with the county reserving the right to modify project scope through change orders.

The procurement includes a mandatory 10% Small Business Enterprise (SBE) participation goal for subcontractors, providing opportunities for smaller businesses to participate in the project. Contractors must meet extensive insurance requirements, including Workers' Compensation, Commercial General Liability, Business Automobile Liability, Excess/Umbrella Liability, Pollution Legal Liability, and Professional Liability insurance. The project is fully funded by Pinellas County through the Sewer Renewal & Replacement Fund, with a total multi-year budget of $2,550,000 ($50,000 for design in FY24 and $2,500,000 for construction in FY25). Contractors must comply with various regulatory requirements, including E-Verify system registration and Florida Trench Safety Act standards. The project involves complex technical specifications, including detailed geotechnical considerations, with soil conditions ranging from fine sands to clayey compositions and a groundwater table at 2.3 to 6.3 feet depth. Successful contractors will be responsible for comprehensive project execution, including community restoration, road milling, paving, and adhering to strict environmental and safety protocols.