Carrell Canal Closed Drainage Design

The City of Fort Myers is requesting statements of qualifications from consultants to provide design services for the Carrell Canal Closed Drainage Design project, with submittals due October 28, 2026 and a pre-submittal meeting on October 6, 2026. Compensation will be negotiated following selection under Florida Statute 287.055 (Consultants' Competitive Negotiation Act); no pricing is requested in the initial submittal.

The scope includes comprehensive design plans for a closed drainage system replacing the existing Carrell Canal between US 41 and the Ten-Mile Canal, design of a permanent emergency pumping station at the Ten-Mile Canal south of Palm Avenue, and design of a 12-foot-wide asphalt multi-use path. Design must be based on findings from the Carrell Canal Drainage Study Report dated January 22, 2020.

Mandatory minimum qualifications require a valid Florida business license and operation under the current firm name for a minimum of five consecutive years. Consultants must disclose litigation history and criminal activity. Standard insurance requirements include Commercial General Liability, Comprehensive Auto Liability, Workers' Compensation and Employer's Liability, and Professional Liability/Errors and Omissions coverage.

Evaluation criteria weight approach and design methodology at 45 points (38.1%), experience of the firm and qualifications of assigned personnel at 55 points (46.6%), Minority Business Enterprise policy compliance at 13 points (11%), and local vendor preference at 5 points (4.2%). The City offers preference to consultants with established drug-free workplace programs and those qualifying as local vendors under City ordinances.

The Selection Committee meets November 11, 2026, with optional consultant presentations on November 20, 2026. City Council approval is anticipated December 7, 2026. The successful consultant must execute a Professional Services Agreement within fifteen calendar days of Council approval. Questions are due October 13, 2026 at 4:00 PM; electronic submissions are due October 28 at 2:00 PM EST through the OpenGov e-procurement portal.