Cosme WTP Lime Softening Byproduct (Lime Sludge) Excavating and Removal

The City of St. Petersburg, Florida is seeking a contractor for the Cosme Water Treatment Plant Lime Softening Byproduct (Lime Sludge) Excavating and Removal project through Invitation for Bid (IFB-25-062). The procurement involves excavating, removing, and disposing of up to 9,999 cubic yards of dry sludge from a pond, with an estimated daily removal capacity of 400-500 cubic yards. The contractor will be responsible for providing all necessary labor, materials, tools, equipment, supervision, manpower, hauling, and disposal services, while the City will handle the excavation permit. Bidders must be registered with the Florida Department of State, comply with E-Verify requirements, and possess necessary licenses and certifications. A mandatory pre-proposal meeting was held on January 28, 2025, with bid responses due by February 13, 2025, at 3:00 pm. The initial contract term is three years, with a potential mutually agreed second term not to exceed three additional years. Evaluation will focus on the lowest responsible and responsive vendor, considering environmental preferable purchasing and health impact policies.

The procurement does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Vendors must submit a bid bond of 5% of the base bid and provide comprehensive insurance coverage, including commercial general liability ($1M per occurrence), commercial automobile liability ($1M), workers' compensation, and pollution liability ($1M per occurrence). The contract includes provisions for monthly invoicing, with the City retaining 5% of each invoice until Substantial Completion. While no incumbent vendors are specifically mentioned, the project requires careful environmental management, with strict protocols for land application of drinking water treatment plant sludges. The contractor will be responsible for obtaining all necessary permits beyond the excavation permit, including hauling permits. Though a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the project involves significant logistical and environmental considerations, with potential liquidated damages of $5,000 per environmental discharge. The City reserves the right to terminate the contract for convenience with 30 days' notice.