Bridge Tending Services

Pinellas County Public Works is seeking a contractor to provide comprehensive 24-hour bridge tending services for two specific drawbridges: the Dunedin Causeway Bridge and the Park Boulevard Bridge. The solicitation (#24-0560-B) is a competitive procurement with proposals due on July 30, 2024, at 3:00 pm, to be submitted electronically via OpenGov. The contract will have an initial term of 60 months, replacing an existing contract set to expire on 8/31/24. Key requirements include employing bridge tenders with specific qualifications, including a minimum wage of $18.00 per hour, and a Bridge Tender Supervisor with at least five years of experience. Proposers must provide personnel who meet rigorous physical and competency standards, including passing criminal background checks and completing comprehensive training outlined in the Bridge Tenders Manual and Training Guide. The county will provide basic equipment and facilities, while the contractor is responsible for maintaining a clean and safe work site. A one-time price adjustment will be available 12 months after the award date, not to exceed the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 3%, whichever is less.

While no specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned in the documents, the procurement appears open to qualified contractors meeting the detailed operational requirements. The solicitation suggests this is a potential non-competitive procurement, as evidenced by the Non-Competitive Oversight Committee Justification Form, which indicates internal review of the procurement method. Although a specific budget range is not disclosed, the comprehensive requirements suggest a substantial contract value for 24-hour services across two drawbridges. The existing infrastructure includes communication equipment, functional work furniture, and bridge facilities that will be provided by the county. The contractor will need to integrate their personnel seamlessly with the existing bridge operations, following strict U.S. Coast Guard regulations and the detailed operational procedures outlined in the Bridge Tenders Manual. The contract emphasizes consistent, professional bridge tending services that prioritize public safety and efficient maritime and highway traffic management.