Irrigation Systems – Maintenance and Repair Services (SBE Set-Aside)

Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a qualified contractor for comprehensive irrigation systems maintenance and repair services across 170 parks and 250 sports fields featuring Bermudagrass. The procurement, identified as ITB-25-00328, requires a contractor with specific capabilities in GPS tracking and sub-meter accuracy device usage for marking and tracking irrigation controls. Required services include extensive maintenance activities such as replacing damaged irrigation components (heads, valves, wires, micro-irrigation emitters), troubleshooting hydraulic and control systems, underground boring, pipe repairs, relocating heads in water-deficient areas, updating computer-controlled irrigation clocks, and repairing cut wires. The contractor must ensure proper irrigation to maintain aesthetic appearance and durability of recreational facilities. The solicitation was posted on August 7, 2025, with proposals due by September 17, 2025, and includes a Cone of Silence provision restricting communication between bidders and county employees except through designated procurement staff.

This procurement is specifically designated as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) set-aside, which restricts participation to qualified small businesses meeting specific certification requirements. Bidders must complete several mandatory compliance documents, including a Drug-Free Workplace certification, an Affidavit of Compliance regarding business relationships with foreign countries of concern, an E-Verify system compliance statement, and provide proof of comprehensive insurance coverage. The estimated project budget is $239,333.50, with contractors required to demonstrate capabilities in complex irrigation system management, GPS tracking, and maintenance across a large portfolio of parks and sports fields. Additional compliance requirements include submitting a Direct Deposit Authorization Form and a Substitute W-9 form. Potential contractors must also provide evidence of workforce eligibility, maintain legally authorized employees, and adhere to strict documentation and reporting standards established by Hillsborough County.