Engineering/Architectural Services: Apopka Field Station Construction

The St. Johns River Water Management District is requesting qualifications from engineering and architectural firms licensed in Florida for professional design, bid support, and construction-phase services on improvements and expansion of the Apopka Field Station, with submittals due August 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM.

The scope includes facility improvements to the existing structure and approximately 1,700 square feet of new construction at 25633 County Road 448A, Mount Dora, Florida. Required services span project initiation and existing-conditions review, design development, permit-ready construction documents and technical specifications, Opinion of Probable Construction Cost, permit and bidding support, and comprehensive construction administration through project closeout. Design work is anticipated to initiate no later than October 1, 2026, with final design and bid documents due January 29, 2027; construction administration is anticipated to conclude no later than September 30, 2027.

Minimum qualifications require at least five cumulative years of experience in structural engineering and architectural or design services; assigned lead professionals must hold valid Florida licenses and possess minimum five years of relevant experience. Firms must demonstrate successful completion of at least three similar building addition projects with construction administration within the past five years.

The estimated budget for construction is approximately $500,000, though this estimate does not limit the District in awarding the agreement. The District will evaluate submittals on organization and expertise (45 percent), methodology (35 percent), Project Manager or Management Office location proximity to Mount Dora (2 percent), volume of prior District work awards (3 percent), and completeness of response (15 percent).

A non-mandatory pre-submittal meeting is scheduled for July 28, 2026 at 11:00 AM at District headquarters or via Microsoft Teams. Questions are due August 5, 2026 at 5:00 PM. The agreement includes no provisions for pricing adjustments during the contract term and requires standard compliance with insurance, licensing, public records, E-Verify enrollment, and Florida Prompt Payment Act procedures.