Ford's Shell Ring

Beaufort County is seeking a contractor for the Ford's Shell Ring project located at 273 Squire Pope Road in Hilton Head, South Carolina. The procurement is an Invitation for Bid (IFB #011426) for constructing a seven-space parking lot with specific infrastructure requirements, including curbing, pavement, fencing, a new culvert, asphalt driveway apron, and an earthen walking trail. Key project deliverables include entrance and emergency/maintenance gates, an entrance sign, and interpretive signage (to be installed by the County), with a critical emphasis on preserving the historical site's integrity and implementing robust erosion control measures. The project encompasses approximately 0.7 acres of development within a 6.909-acre site, requiring extreme care during clearing, grubbing, grading, and drainage operations. A non-mandatory pre-bid conference will be held virtually via Teams on December 15, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with all questions to be submitted through the Procurement Portal by 5:00 PM on January 5, 2026. Sealed bids are due electronically by 3:00 PM EST on January 14, 2026, with a contract completion requirement of 120 calendar days following the Notice to Proceed.

The procurement includes mandatory compliance with Beaufort County's Small and Minority Business Participation Program, requiring bidders to demonstrate good faith efforts in recruiting and utilizing Small/Minority Business Enterprises (S/MBE) unless performing 100% of the work themselves. Bidders must submit a bid security of at least 5% of the total bid amount and will be required to furnish Performance and Payment Bonds each equal to 100% of the contract amount upon award. The successful bidder will be selected within 90 days of bid opening, with liquidated damages set at $400 per calendar day for failing to achieve substantial completion by the specified date. Monthly progress payments will be made at 90% of costs for work in permanent place, with a 10% retainage to be paid upon final completion. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the project involves detailed site improvements including gravel and asphalt paving, concrete header curb, ADA parking, earthen trails, fencing, and landscape features. Contractors must comply with South Carolina Department of Transportation standards, Town of Hilton Head specifications, and obtain necessary permits and approvals from Beaufort County and other relevant authorities.