Ellis Building Interior Renovation

Monroe County Board of County Commissioners is soliciting proposals under RFP-653 for interior renovation of the second floor of the Ellis Building at the Plantation Key Government Center campus, with a non-mandatory pre-proposal conference on October 29, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. onsite and proposals due November 25, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Local businesses as defined in Monroe County Code Section 2-349 receive a preference of up to 2.5 percent against the lowest non-local responsive and responsible proposer's bid, plus an additional 2.5 percent if 50 percent or more of the work is subcontracted to qualifying local businesses.

Addendum 1, posted October 27, 2026, adds the complete construction drawings by William P. Horn Architect, P.A., signed and sealed July 9, 2026, which the original posting omitted. The County references these drawings in Sections 00120 and 00500. The drawings are marked "NOT FOR BID UNTIL PERMIT HAS BEEN ISSUED," and the County provides Building Permit No. PRBLD202600315 from the Village of Islamorada. The contractor obtains all other permits and pays associated fees.

The scope covers revised room layouts, new walls, suspended ceilings and lighting, new flooring, ADA-compliant breakrooms, a new lobby counter, interior doors, and minor electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. The contractor must field verify existing conditions before bidding and must meet Florida Building Code 2023 and coastal salt-water environment requirements. Specifications include lead paint protocols for pre-1978 buildings and asbestos testing. Proposers must hold a current Florida Contractor's license and furnish a 5 percent bid bond or proposal security, with public construction bonds required for contracts exceeding $200,000. Insurance requirements include general liability with a minimum $500,000 combined single limit and workers' compensation, with Monroe County named as additional insured. Proposals also require three years of financial statements, three customer references, and three credit references.

Award goes to the lowest conforming responsible responsive proposer, subject to the local preference. Work is limited to Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and schedule changes require 72 hours' written notice. The County targets an anticipated award on January 20, 2027, Notice to Proceed and pre-construction meeting on February 1, 2027, and substantial completion on July 31, 2027. The last day to submit requests for information is November 13, 2026. Proposals are submitted electronically through the Bonfire platform, with bid opening held virtually via Zoom at the same time as the deadline.