Buckwalter Recreation Athletic Complex Expansion

Beaufort County, South Carolina is seeking a comprehensive construction contract for the Buckwalter Recreation Athletic Complex Expansion project, an Invitation for Bid (IFB #120925) involving the development of a multi-faceted sports and recreational facility. The project scope includes constructing four artificial turf soccer fields, a new restroom building, renovating an existing restroom, creating parking areas, driveways, sidewalks, storm water management facilities, site and sports lighting, site furnishings, and comprehensive planting and irrigation systems on 142.91 acres within the Buckwalter Planned Unit Development. Sealed bids must be electronically submitted through the Procurement Portal by December 9, 2025, at 3:00 pm EST, with a non-mandatory pre-bid conference scheduled virtually on October 29, 2025, at 2:00 pm. The contract time is 540 days from the Notice to Proceed, with contractors required to commence work within 15 calendar days of receiving the notice. Bidders must provide a 5% bid bond and comply with technical specifications following the South Carolina Department of Transportation Standard Specifications for Highway Construction, Edition of 2025. Contractors will be evaluated on their ability to meet comprehensive technical requirements across architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing domains.

The procurement includes specific requirements for small and minority business participation, with bidders required to submit a Good Faith Efforts Checklist and a Proposed Utilization Plan for Small and Minority Business Participation. Contractors must comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and provide comprehensive insurance coverage, including worker's compensation, commercial general liability, and automobile liability, with Beaufort County named as an additional insured. The project will be funded through state, federal, and/or Beaufort County appropriations, with payment terms structured as monthly progress payments at 90% of completed work, maintaining a 10% retainage released upon final completion. Liquidated damages are set at $600 per calendar day for project delays. Contractors must be licensed or have Irrigation Association Certification, with specific technical requirements including a minimum water pressure of 115 psi and comprehensive system installation standards. While a specific total project budget is not explicitly stated, the detailed specifications and comprehensive scope suggest a significant infrastructure investment aimed at creating a high-quality recreational facility for Beaufort County citizens.