Chesnut Park Managed Aquifer Recharge Well Drilling And Completion Of Subsurface Testing

Pinellas County Utilities is seeking a contractor for the Chesnut Park Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) Well Drilling and Completion of Subsurface Testing project. The procurement involves drilling a 24-inch diameter injection well to a total depth of 1,250 feet below land surface in the southern portion of John Chesnut Sr. Park, utilizing excess surface water from Lake Tarpon. The primary deliverables include constructing a Class V injection well (MAR-1) with a steel casing extending to 600 feet below land surface and an open hole reaching 1,250 feet into the Avon Park Formation, potentially including an optional 6-inch diameter monitor well (MW-1). The project's key objectives are to recharge the upper Floridan aquifer, increase groundwater elevations, and mitigate saltwater intrusion. Mandatory project requirements include comprehensive insurance coverage, technical specifications for drilling and testing, and adherence to Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) regulations. The bid was issued on November 3, 2025, with a mandatory site visit scheduled for November 5, 2025, at 10:00 am. Questions are due by November 7, 2025, and proposal submissions are due November 13, 2025, at 3:00 pm, with the contract to be awarded to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder.

The project includes a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) participation goal of 5% of the contract value, providing opportunities for smaller businesses. Contractors must comply with E-Verify requirements and provide proof of employment authorization for all workers hired after January 1, 2021. The project requires comprehensive documentation, including a bonding letter, reference projects, and detailed corporate information demonstrating technical capability and financial stability. Insurance requirements mandate coverage from responsible companies authorized to do business in Florida, with minimum coverage limits ranging from $500,000 to $1,000,000 per occurrence across different policy types. While a specific total contract value is not explicitly stated, the project involves significant infrastructure development with a contract duration of 540 consecutive calendar days, including a 12-month guarantee period. The project is co-funded by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) and is part of Pinellas County Utilities' ongoing efforts to address water supply challenges in the Northern Tampa Bay Water Use Caution Area.