Debris Collection, Reduction and Disposal Services

Sarasota County is seeking qualified contractors to provide comprehensive debris collection, removal, reduction, and disposal services in response to storms or other debris-generating events through a Request for Proposals (RFP #262800MN). The county intends to award up to three separate contracts with an initial three-year term. Minimum qualifications require proposers to demonstrate experience in debris management, including successful completion of at least three governmental debris removal events within the last five years. Preferred qualifications include prior experience managing debris for jurisdictions with populations exceeding 400,000 and handling 2,000,000 cubic yards or more of debris in a single event. The RFP covers a wide range of services including emergency access work, collection of vegetative and construction debris, debris management site operations (with multiple reduction methods like grinding and controlled burning), public drop-off site operations, and haul-out services. Proposals are due by February 6, 2026, with the solicitation process conducted through OpenGov Procurement. Short-listed proposers may be required to attend presentations and interviews either in-person in Sarasota or virtually at the county's discretion.

The contract opportunity does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though the documentation suggests consideration for small and minority-owned businesses for subcontracting. Contractors must obtain a $250,000 Proposal Bond and, upon task order issuance, performance and payment bonds equal to 100% of estimated work costs. The compensation structure includes multiple fee schedule line items with a five percent retainage withheld from each invoice until project completion. The project anticipates potential funding through Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance Program and Florida Division of Emergency Management grants, with a compensation framework that allows for annual price adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index, capped at 5% increases and 1% decreases. Liquidated damages provisions are substantial, including $5,000 daily penalties for failure to mobilize within 72 hours and $1,000 per load for unauthorized disposal sites. The county has pre-approved 20 disaster debris management sites across Sarasota County, providing infrastructure for debris handling and disposal.