Construction and Deployment of Pre-fabricated Artificial Reef Modules

Walton County, in collaboration with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, is soliciting quotes for the Construction and Deployment of Pre-fabricated Artificial Reef Modules through Invitation to Quote (ITQ 24-014). The project requires a contractor to construct and deploy a minimum of twenty-three prefabricated concrete modules to create four patch reefs within the Fort Panic Fish/Dive Reef permitted area at depths of 59-62 feet. Contractors must have completed at least one artificial reef construction project within the past five years and possess a Marine Specialty Contractor License. The quote was released on May 16, 2024, with responses due by May 23, 2024, at 3:00 pm, and all artificial reef construction must be completed by August 30, 2024, with a potential short-term extension possible under specific conditions such as hazardous weather or equipment malfunction. Key requirements include comprehensive insurance coverage, compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and using the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify system to confirm employment eligibility.

The contract opportunity does not specify any specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The total project funding is $60,000, which will be reimbursed on a cost basis through federal and state grants. Contractors must be registered with the Department of State and not appear on federal or state debarment lists. The modules must meet specific technical specifications, including being made of marine-grade concrete with a minimum strength of 4,000 pounds per square inch, having multiple openings for water circulation, and designed to allow turtle escapement. The contractor will bear full liability for handling, transporting, and deploying reef materials, with potential liquidated damages assessed for damaged or improperly placed modules. Additional requirements include providing a Certificate of Good Standing for the State of Florida and liability insurance naming Walton County as an additional insured.