Bearss Ave at Florida Ave Intersection Improvements

Hillsborough County Engineering and Operations Department is requesting bids for intersection improvements at Bearss Avenue and Florida Avenue in Tampa, Florida under IFB-26-00354, with bids due October 7, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. Eastern Time. The project scope includes roadway widening to accommodate an exclusive westbound to southbound right turn lane, milling and resurfacing, drainage improvements, ADA sidewalk and pedestrian curb ramp improvements, earthwork, traffic signal installation with pedestrian features, and signing and pavement marking.

Bidders must hold active FDOT Certificates of Qualification in Traffic Signals, Flexible Paving, Sidewalk, Drainage, Roadway Signing, and Pavement Marking — a mandatory capability filter. Bids must be submitted electronically through the County's Euna Procurement system. Questions regarding specifications are due 14 calendar days after solicitation issuance (by September 16, 2026, now past).

The estimated contract value is $1.263856 million. The contract includes substantial completion at 260 days from Notice to Proceed with liquidated damages of $1,976.00 per day, and final completion at 290 days with liquidated damages of $1,130.00 per day. An earnest money deposit or bid bond equal to five percent of the bid amount is required, along with performance and payment bonds each equal to 100 percent of the awarded contract amount. A five percent retainage will be withheld from all progress payments. An allowance authorization of $114,896.08 is added to the total bid amount. The Construction Apprenticeship Program incentive provides 30 percent of apprentice costs up to a maximum of $100,000 for contracts under $20 million.

Contractors must comply with FDOT Standard Specifications, Hillsborough County Public Works standards, and comprehensive insurance requirements with Hillsborough County named as additional insured. A Cone of Silence is in effect prohibiting bidder communication with County employees and Board members. E-Verify requirements apply. Bidders must submit Drug-Free Workplace Certification, Florida Trench Safety Act Certification, and Affidavit of Compliance denying doing business with Foreign Countries of Concern per Florida Statutes Section 287.138(4)(a). Southwest Florida Water Management District approval for drainage modifications has been obtained.