Crane Removal at Port Putnam

The Putnam County Board of County Commissioners issued a sealed bid solicitation (Bid 26-01) for the Crane Removal Project at Port Putnam, located at 102 Port Road in Palatka, Florida. The procurement seeks a qualified contractor to decommission, dismantle, and remove a crane structure, which includes managing hazardous and non-hazardous waste and processing recyclable materials. Mandatory bidder qualifications include at least two years of experience with similar projects, three years in business under the same company name, and specific Florida state contractor licenses in Building Construction and Hazardous Materials. A mandatory pre-bid meeting was held on October 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., and sealed bids were due by November 3, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. EST. The project requires bidders to submit one original hard copy, one duplicate copy, and one USB drive with PDF documentation. Contract performance expectations include substantial completion within 45 calendar days and final completion within 60 calendar days, with the contract term tentatively scheduled from November 25, 2025, to February 9, 2026.

The solicitation did not specify specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Two responsive bids were received: Elev8 Demolition at $277,777.77 and Miner Equipment at $83,300.00. The contract was ultimately intended to be awarded to M. E. Lighting and Electric Inc. for a base bid amount of $75,000, subject to a protest period from December 1, 2025, to December 4, 2025. Bidders were required to provide a 5% bid bond and performance and payment bonds equal to 100% of the contract price if the awarded amount exceeded $200,000. Insurance requirements included workers' compensation at statutory limits, $1,000,000 combined single limit auto liability, and $1,000,000 general liability with additional specified coverages. The prime contractor must self-perform a minimum of 90% of demolition activities and 40% of total work, with liquidated damages applicable for failure to meet the completion schedule. The project will be funded through county appropriations, and all materials, labor, equipment, and permitting costs are the contractor's responsibility.