FDOT Project FM 452243-1 South River Rd - ITS Fiber - US 41 to Winchester Blvd.

Sarasota County, Florida is requesting bids on the installation of intelligent transportation systems fiber optic cables along South River Road from US 41 to Winchester Boulevard under IFB Project FM 452243-1, with bids due September 9, 2026. Bidders must demonstrate contractor qualifications through demonstrated experience or FDOT prequalification in the Intelligent Transportation Systems and Fiber Optic Cable Installation work classes, with at least one project reference carrying a minimum contract price of $500,000. Local and American business preferences do not apply due to grant funding requirements under the Local Agency Program.

The scope encompasses installation of conduit using open trench and directional bore methods, pull boxes, and splice boxes for fiber optic cable infrastructure on the east side of South River Road between the specified termini. Work must reach substantial completion within 120 calendar days from Notice to Proceed or 45 calendar days of contract award, whichever is earlier.

Performance and payment bonds equal to 100% of the contract amount are required for bids of $200,000 or more. Contractors must carry comprehensive insurance including workers' compensation, commercial general liability with limits of $1 million per occurrence, business automobile liability, and umbrella coverage of $2 million. Award will be made to the responsive and responsible bidder submitting the lowest total bid price, provided the bid is reasonable and in the County's best interest. The project completion and final expenditure deadline for the grant program is December 31, 2029. Bids are submitted through the OpenGov Procurement portal at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/scgov, with public opening to follow in accordance with Florida Statutes 255.0518. Pre-bid meetings and site visits are specified in the solicitation timeline posted in OpenGov.