KBI flexi®-pave

Sarasota County is conducting a sole source procurement for KBI FLEXI®-PAVE, a specialized flexible porous pavement product manufactured exclusively by K.B. Industries, Inc. The procurement covers a one-year renewal period from November 5, 2023, to November 4, 2024, targeting the Sarasota County and Siesta Key CDP jurisdictions. The product is a unique pavement solution utilizing recycled passenger tire and stone aggregate materials, designed for challenging installation areas such as pathways over tree roots, offering ADA-compliant and slip-resistant surfaces. The solicitation was released on November 1, 2023, with a response deadline of November 6, 2023, at 5:00 pm, and a question submission cutoff on November 3, 2023, at 3:00 pm. Vendors are required to submit proposals electronically through the ProcureNow portal and must confirm employment eligibility through E-Verify. The county maintains the flexibility to cancel the sole source procurement and initiate a competitive solicitation if alternative vendors can demonstrate equivalent product capabilities.

The procurement appears to have no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. K.B. Industries, Inc. is currently positioned as the sole source provider, with a unique product offering that includes a "Green Partnership Program" providing free training and bulk product installation options. The estimated expenditure for the fiscal year is $35,000, covering the product's implementation in various county infrastructure projects. The product has undergone extensive technical testing, demonstrating resilience in freeze-thaw conditions, permeability, and weathering tests. County staff has confirmed that no comparable products exist in the marketplace with the same delivery method and training options. The product offers additional benefits such as color customization and resistance to various chemical elements, making it a specialized solution for specific infrastructure needs. The procurement emphasizes the product's unique technical characteristics and environmental adaptability as key differentiators.