IFB 40372 - "Second Call" - Courier Service for District Laboratory

The St. Johns River Water Management District is seeking a courier service contractor through Invitation for Bid (IFB) 40372 to transport laboratory water samples across multiple Florida locations. The primary objective is to provide scheduled and unscheduled courier services for picking up coolers containing water samples from locations including Palm Bay Service Center and Apopka Field Station, delivering them to the District Headquarters Lab in Palatka, and returning empty coolers to original collection sites. Bidders must demonstrate a minimum of 7 years of experience in environmental water sample delivery, with at least 3 years of active service in the last 3 years, and maintain sample temperature and integrity throughout transportation. Key requirements include using cargo vans or enclosed vehicles registered in Florida, employing properly licensed drivers in uniform, and adhering to specific nighttime service schedules of approximately 4 pickups per week after 7:00 PM with 6:30 AM next-day delivery. The bid submission deadline is February 7, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., with an initial contract term running from February 2025 through September 30, 2027, and potential for two additional 12-month renewal periods.

The procurement does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors must maintain specific insurance coverages, including workers' compensation, general liability ($1M per occurrence/$2M aggregate), and automobile liability ($100k/$300k/$100k). The estimated budget for the project is $65,000, with payment terms involving monthly invoicing and potential rate deductions for late deliveries ranging from 25% to 100% depending on delivery timing. Fuel cost adjustments may be requested quarterly if costs change by more than 15%. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the contract includes provisions for both scheduled and unscheduled service to various District and non-District locations. Responsive bidders must be registered to do business in Florida and capable of meeting the technical and logistical requirements outlined in the solicitation, with a focus on maintaining sample integrity and adhering to precise delivery schedules.