Bioswale Maintenance Areas

Sarasota County is seeking bids for a comprehensive bioswale maintenance contract through Invitation for Bids (IFB) #242579MN, targeting maintenance of four bioswale zones encompassing 163 bioswales across approximately 9.01 acres with a total perimeter of 31,382.77 linear feet. The solicitation requires monthly maintenance cycles with potential additional maintenance as needed, focusing on specific tasks including litter removal, vegetation management, pruning, and invasive species control. Bidders must demonstrate at least two prior bioswale maintenance service experiences within the past seven years and comply with detailed maintenance specifications. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with an anticipated initial contract term of three years. Contractors must utilize the County's computer-based Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for reporting and will be subject to rigorous inspection and performance evaluation processes. The bid submission deadline is May 29, 2024, with the opportunity posted on February 19, 2025.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, and local or American business preferences will not apply due to grant funding requirements. Bidders must maintain specific insurance coverages, including Workers' Compensation, Commercial General Liability, Business Automobile Liability, and Pollution Liability for pesticide and herbicide applications. While no incumbent vendors are identified, the project documents include comprehensive supporting materials such as Best Management Practices for water resources, a county fertilizer ordinance, Integrated Pest Management guidelines, and detailed geographical maps of the bioswale locations. The contract requires extensive documentation, professional certification, and adherence to environmental management standards established by Sarasota County. Although a specific budget range is not disclosed, the comprehensive nature of the maintenance requirements and the extensive geographical coverage suggest a significant investment in environmental landscape management.