Intent to Single Source for Pivoted Turnbuckle Steel expandable manhole risers

The City of Tampa's Mobility Department intends to single source pivoted turnbuckle steel expandable manhole risers from American Highway Products, Ltd. through a sole source procurement process located in Hillsborough County, Florida. The procurement specifically focuses on specialized manhole risers with unique design characteristics, including a turnbuckle linkage pivoted at both ends that allows for mechanical expansion and full circumferential engagement. These manhole risers can exert 5,600 pounds of force using only 60 pounds of leverage and are available in multiple configurations, with diameters of 13 inches and greater, rise heights from 3/4 inches and above (in 1/4-inch increments), and a 1-inch diameter adjustment. The procurement is scheduled with a due date of December 20, 2024, and the single source justification is based on American Highway Products being the exclusive dealer for these specific replacement parts. The estimated annual expenditure for these manhole risers is $50,000.00, which will be funded through various Mobility Capital and Operating Accounts. The company emphasizes its compliance with the Made in America Act, manufacturing products in Ohio using domestic steel, and can ship all orders within one week of receipt.

The procurement appears to have no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. American Highway Products, Ltd. is the sole vendor for this procurement, with no indication of alternative suppliers or competitive bidding. The company has been in business since 1978 and has served all 50 states and Canada, suggesting substantial experience in municipal infrastructure components. The pricing structure for the manhole risers ranges from $109.00 to $121.50 per unit, with free shipping offered for orders of 50 units or more. The current infrastructure requires replacement parts that are compatible with existing equipment, and the City of Tampa has standardized these manhole risers to ensure full circumferential engagement of manhole covers, which reduces hazardous cover displacements. The procurement documents indicate that the City currently owns existing equipment that requires these specific replacement parts, further justifying the sole source approach. The total budgeted amount of $50,000.00 suggests a moderate-scale procurement focused on infrastructure maintenance and improvement.