Beckett Bridge Watermain and Force Main Relocation

The City of Tarpon Springs, Florida, located in Pinellas County, is soliciting competitive bids for the Beckett Bridge Watermain and Force Main Relocation project, a specialized utility infrastructure construction initiative. The scope encompasses the installation of approximately 1,150 linear feet each of new 8-inch potable water main and 12-inch wastewater force main using horizontal directional drilling (HDD) technology beneath Tarpon Bayou in the vicinity of Beckett Bridge, with connections to existing active potable and force main systems. Deliverables include mobilization, pre-construction video-audio documentation, maintenance of traffic, open-cut and HDD installation methods, ductile iron fittings, service connections, tapping sleeves and valves, line stops, concrete thrust blocks, air release and gate valve assemblies, fire hydrant assemblies, asphalt restoration, flowable fill, grout fill, abandonment of existing mains, site restoration, and an owner's contingency allowance. Qualified contractors must demonstrate substantial experience with subaqueous utility installation projects, particularly those involving horizontal directional drilling in marine or estuarine environments, and must possess expertise in specialized HDD methodologies, marine construction protocols, and compliance with complex environmental and regulatory requirements. The project requires compliance with multiple federal, state, and local permits including an Environmental Resource Permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, federal authorization under Nationwide Permit No. 58 from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and general permits for potable water main and force main installation. The solicitation closed on June 5, 2026, with evaluation criteria including technical competency, cost competitiveness, schedule feasibility, and contractor qualifications in specialized marine utility construction.

The procurement documents do not identify specific set-aside designations or disadvantaged enterprise restrictions applicable to this contract opportunity. No incumbent vendor or current contractor is identified in the available documentation, as this project represents new infrastructure installation rather than a service renewal or modification. The project requires integration with existing active potable and force main systems, necessitating precise connection protocols and coordination with the City's operational water and wastewater infrastructure. Contractors must comply with perpetual utility easement agreements secured from the Yacht Club property and private property owners Robert N. Faison and Lisa M. Faison, ensuring permanent access rights for installation, maintenance, and future repairs. The estimated construction budget ranges between $2,000,000 and $4,000,000, reflecting the specialized nature of subaqueous drilling operations, materials, equipment, and compliance with rigorous environmental protection requirements including frac-out contingency planning, water quality monitoring, manatee protection protocols, and protected species management. The project is governed by a 50-year contract term extending through 2073, indicating long-term infrastructure maintenance and operational responsibilities for the selected contractor.