Directional Bore Services

The City of Fort Myers is soliciting bids for Invitation to Bid (ITB 25-123) to provide directional bore services for trenchless utility installation across water, sewer, electric, telecommunications, and other piping systems. The procurement seeks qualified contractors capable of performing utility installations beneath surface obstacles like roads and sidewalks, with specific requirements including site preparation, directional drilling operations, entry and exit pit excavation, and utility installation at minimum depths of 36 inches below finish grade. Contractors must demonstrate certified operators with a minimum of three years' experience and provide comprehensive quality assurance inspections and as-built documentation. Key submission deadlines include a question submission cutoff on December 1, 2025, at 2:00 PM, and a final bid submission deadline of December 17, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with anticipated City Council approval on January 5, 2026. Evaluation criteria will likely focus on contractor qualifications, technical capabilities, unit pricing, and compliance with extensive federal and state regulatory requirements outlined in the supplementary contract documents.

The solicitation does not specify explicit set-aside designations for minority or disadvantaged business enterprises, though the procurement documents reference minimum five-percent participation goals for Minority Business Enterprises and Women's Business Enterprises. Contractors must be licensed in Florida, established in business under their current company name for a minimum of three consecutive years, and compliant with E-Verify employment verification requirements. The contract is structured with an initial three-year term and potential for two optional one-year renewals subject to mutual consent. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, contractors must provide comprehensive unit pricing covering mobilization, directional boring for various conduit sizes, potholing, utility locates, installation of pull boxes and vaults, restoration, traffic control, documentation, and permit services. Financial requirements include a five-percent bid bond, performance and payment bonds at 100 percent of contract price, and substantial insurance coverage including $1,000,000 in commercial general liability and automobile liability insurance.