Fabrication and Installation of Historical Markers

The Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area (GCRA) is soliciting proposals for fabrication and installation of the 5th & Pleasant Black Heritage Trail historical markers, with proposals due August 28, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. and a non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting scheduled August 11, 2026, via Zoom.

The scope comprises twenty-one free-standing signs: eighteen low-profile markers (approximately 80 inches H × 36 inches W × 12 inches D) and three pedestrian totem trailhead signs (approximately 88 inches H × 26 inches W × 4 inches D). All signs must be constructed from fiberglass embedment or high-pressure laminate with direct embedment installation at designated Fifth Avenue Pleasant Street neighborhood locations. Bidders must follow specified marker designs, design schematics, and location maps provided in the appendices and comply with Gainesville Sign Design Standards and Code of Ordinances Article IX. Narratives in English and Spanish are provided for each marker location to establish content and thematic requirements.

Respondents must demonstrate a minimum of three years of responsible experience in the relevant trade, completion of at least three projects within the last seven years, and three years of experience with state or local government on similar projects. The contractor is responsible for all permits, utility location services, site plan preparation, and warranty and maintenance planning.

The contract term is 120 calendar days from award until final completion with no renewal options. The contractor must maintain Workers' Compensation, Professional Liability, Public Liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence, and Automobile Liability insurance of at least $500,000 per occurrence. Compliance with Florida's E-Verify system, living wage requirements under Gainesville Ordinance 020663, and public records disclosure obligations is mandatory.

Proposals will be evaluated on technical qualifications (100 points), written proposal evaluation (100 points), and presentation/interview if applicable. Local preference of up to five percent is available to vendors holding a City of Gainesville business tax receipt for at least six months prior to proposal deadline. Small and service-disabled veteran businesses certified by the City are encouraged to participate. Questions are due August 18, 2026. Inquiries must be submitted through the City of Gainesville Procurement Portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/cityofgainesville.