Bob Sikes Fishing Pier South - Construction - RESTORE and DH017 - Re-Solicit

Escambia County is requesting bids on construction rehabilitation of the Bob Sikes Fishing Pier South, a waterfront public access facility in Pensacola Beach, with proposals due October 2, 2026, and a pre-bid meeting on September 9. The project is funded through the RESTORE Act and Florida's Natural Resources Damage Assessment program and requires Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) compliance — all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials must be U.S.-produced, with federal waivers available only for public interest, nonavailability, or cost increases exceeding 25 percent.

The scope encompasses substructure repairs to approximately 1,650 of 1,750 feet of pier (three end spans are demolished), including pile jacketing with cathodic protection systems to arrest corrosion, concrete spall and crack repairs, ADA accessibility upgrades with new aluminum picket railings, solar-powered lighting on 30-foot aluminum poles, signage, and a vehicular gate with bollards. The contractor must comply with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Permit SAJ-2025-00570 (Nationwide Permit 3, valid through March 15, 2031) and Florida Department of Environmental Protection Environmental Resource Permits, including floating turbidity barriers, manatee protection protocols, and archaeological safeguards. Work must achieve substantial completion within 250 consecutive calendar days from Notice to Proceed, with 30 additional days allowed for final closeout (280 total, excluding weather delays). Liquidated damages are $2,529 per calendar day for delays.

The total approved project budget is $3.713 million, with construction costs budgeted at $2.985 million. The contractor must furnish a 5% bid surety and separate Performance and Payment Bonds covering up to 100% of contract value. Required insurance includes General Liability ($1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate), Business Auto Liability ($1 million), Workers Compensation at statutory limits, Contractor's Pollution Liability ($1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate), and Marine Pollution Liability ($1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate).

Bidders must hold an Escambia County Business License, Florida State Contractors License, and must register with E-Verify. Bids use lump-sum pricing with 21 line-item breakdowns and must be submitted electronically. Questions are due September 24, 2026. The pier will remain closed during construction.