CDBG-DR ECAT Bus Shelter Manufacturing Project HS018 - Re-Solicit

Escambia County, Florida is soliciting bids through Invitation to Bid HS018 to manufacture and deliver 91 bus shelters for Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT). The non-mandatory pre-bid meeting is November 9, 2026 at 9:30 a.m., and bids are due November 30, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. The project is CDBG-DR funded and carries a Section 3 contracting preference. This re-solicitation is governed by Addendum #1 (Revision), posted November 2, 2026.

The Section 3 preference awards the bid to the bidder using the highest number of qualified Section 3 subcontractors and/or workers, provided the bid is reasonable and no more than 10% higher than the lowest responsive bid. Section 3 goals are 25% of total project hours by Section 3 workers and 5% by Targeted Section 3 workers, "to the greatest extent feasible." Forms 1 and 2 are required at bid submission for all projects, and Forms 1 through 5 for projects exceeding $200,000 in HUD funding. Failure to return all applicable forms can result in bid disqualification. Bidders also submit a Section 3 business application, E-Verify certification, federal conflict-of-interest statements, and suspension and debarment verification.

The scope covers 81 three-seat shelters, nine six-seat shelters, and one twelve-seat shelter, each with advertising space on each side and solar-powered lighting. Deliveries occur in four lots of approximately 25 shelters, with the first shipment due within 45 days of award and subsequent shipments every 30 days. Shelters require welded aluminum frames, perforated metal wall panels, and twin-wall polycarbonate roofs, designed for a humid, coastal, high-wind environment. Components must comply with the Florida Building Code, ADA Standards, applicable ASTM standards, and Buy America requirements where applicable. The specification requires single-source responsibility from an established transit-shelter manufacturer for the complete integrated system. The manufacturer provides a ten-year warranty, and the installer provides a minimum one-year workmanship warranty. Installation is anticipated to begin in December 2026 under a separate future solicitation.

Questions are due November 16, 2026. Bidders must carry general liability insurance of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, naming Escambia County as additional insured. The bid bond is 5% of total bid price, and the successful bidder must execute the contract within five days of receiving the Intent to Award. Escambia County reserves the right to award on an all-or-none basis, add or delete items, and reject any or all bids. Bids are submitted electronically through the OpenGov portal, and Cone of Silence provisions apply from public advertisement until final Board action.