Craig Park Seawall - Phase 1

The City of Tarpon Springs, located in Pinellas County, Florida, is soliciting bids for the Craig Park Seawall - Phase 1 project (Bid No. 260015-B-JL), a comprehensive infrastructure improvement initiative designed to protect Craig Park from tidal flooding. The procurement involves replacing approximately 3,300 linear feet of existing seawall, raising the waterfront elevation to 5.0 feet above mean sea level, reconstructing sidewalks, replacing the existing observation deck, and installing drainage infrastructure including inlets, pipes, and stormwater check valves. Sealed electronic bids are due by 3:00 p.m. on January 23, 2026, through the Bonfire procurement platform, with a mandatory non-mandatory site visit scheduled for December 29, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Craig Park. Contractors must submit a 5% bid guarantee and, if awarded, provide Performance and Payment Bonds each equal to 100% of the estimated contract price. The project requires substantial completion within 270 calendar days, with liquidated damages established at $471 per calendar day, and bidders will be evaluated based on lowest responsible and responsive bid, considering past performance, financial ability, and capability to complete work within the specified timeframe.

The procurement does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though federal requirements mandate compliance with equal employment opportunity provisions and Section 3 worker hiring guidelines. The project is substantially funded by a $2 million federal grant secured through former Representative Gus Bilirakis, which covers the waterfront adjacent to Craig Park from the boat ramp to the observation deck. Contractors must comply with numerous federal requirements, including Davis-Bacon wage standards, Build America, Buy America Act provisions, E-Verify employment verification, and federal procurement regulations. Insurance requirements include comprehensive general liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence), workers' compensation coverage, and automobile liability insurance ($1,000,000 per occurrence), with the City named as additional insured on all policies. While a specific project budget is not disclosed, the substantial federal grant and comprehensive scope suggest a significant investment in infrastructure improvement. The project represents the first phase of a multi-phase effort, with the remaining waterfront on the north side of Spring Bayou to be completed in a subsequent phase.