Disposition Services of Unclaimed Bodies

Hillsborough County, Florida, through its Medical Examiner Department, is seeking a qualified contractor to provide disposition services for unclaimed bodies via Invitation to Bid (ITB-26-00011). The procurement covers a two-year contract period with comprehensive services including picking up unclaimed bodies within 24 hours, cremating bodies within five business days, maintaining refrigerated storage capacity, transporting remains to national cemeteries, and completing administrative functions like death certificate registration. The county anticipates handling approximately 1,500 unclaimed bodies annually, specifically 1,230 adult cremations, 240 stillborn or infant cremations, and 30 Veteran inurnments. Bidders must be licensed in accordance with Florida Statute Chapter 497 and possess appropriate certifications. The bid is due on November 7, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. Eastern Time and will only be accepted through the county's electronic bidding system (Euna Procurement). Evaluation will focus on identifying the lowest responsive and responsible bidder meeting all specified requirements.

The contract opportunity appears open to all qualified vendors without specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. Potential bidders must submit several mandatory compliance documents, including a Drug-Free Workplace Form, Substitute W-9, Insurance Certificate, Direct Deposit Authorization, and an Affidavit of Compliance regarding foreign countries of concern. Contractors are prohibited from being owned, controlled, or principally located in countries including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria. The estimated project budget is $436,450.00, covering the two-year contract period. Additional contract provisions include potential usage by other governmental entities within the Hillsborough County Governmental Purchasing Council, electronic payment options, E-Verify compliance, and adherence to non-discrimination policies. Contractors must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, with Hillsborough County named as an additional insured on general, auto, and liability policies.