Derelict Vessel Removal Service Continuing Contract (Disaster)

The City of Fort Myers is requesting proposals for derelict vessel removal services on a continuing contract basis with disaster response capability, with proposals due August 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. through OpenGov. A non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for July 23, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., and questions are due August 3, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

The scope encompasses removal of vessels designated as derelict or abandoned by local law enforcement agencies across Lee County and Fort Lauderdale, including personal watercraft, airboats, barges, boats, and floating docks. Work includes all labor, equipment, materials, and disposal; removal from inland waterways, submerged locations, shallow or near-shore positions, and shoreline or upland areas; pollutant removal and disposal; and photograph documentation complying with Florida Department of Environmental Protection best management practices for seagrass, oyster, coral, mangrove, and wetland protection. Contractors must demonstrate PADI, NAUI, or SDI diver certification for personnel, successful completion of at least two similar projects, and three letters of reference. Authorization to do business in Florida is mandatory. The contract features emergency mobilization requirements with forty-eight-hour mobilization for emergency removals.

Compensation uses unit pricing for four vessel categories by linear footage (0–20 feet, 20–40 feet, 40–60 feet, and greater than 60 feet) plus a lump-sum emergency mobilization fee. Estimated quantities are 40, 80, 120, and 160 linear feet respectively for the four categories and eight emergency mobilization events, though quantities are not guaranteed. Initial contract term is five years with cancellation at the City's discretion; no minimum work guarantee exists. Payment is monthly following invoice submission, due within forty-five days. Price adjustments at renewal are limited to the Consumer Price Index or 3%, whichever is lower.

Contractors must maintain workers' compensation, commercial general liability ($1 million minimum per occurrence), comprehensive automobile liability ($1 million minimum), marine coverage ($1 million minimum per claim), and pollution liability ($1 million minimum). The project may be funded in part by FEMA and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Evaluation allocates 20 points for background and qualifications, 15 points for personnel, 15 points for references, 10 points for project management, 10 points for technical merit, and 30 points for cost effectiveness. The selection committee meets September 1, 2026 at 9:00 a.m., with potential presentations on September 11, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.