Northeast Florida State Hospital (NEFSH) Life Safety Project 33020500

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) has issued an Invitation to Bid (ITB) for the Northeast Florida State Hospital (NEFSH) Life Safety Project, soliciting qualified vendors to perform utility and infrastructure modifications. The project specifically requires bringing dedicated fire supply lines from the existing water main loop to designated building fire riser rooms for multiple buildings, including Buildings 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 17, 36A, 36B, and 36D. Contractors will be responsible for demolition and construction to ensure proper installation, with a substantial completion timeline of 200 calendar days from the Notice to Proceed and final completion within 15 calendar days after substantial completion. The mandatory in-person pre-bid conference was held on October 14, 2024, with electronic bid submissions due on November 21, 2024, and a bid opening scheduled for November 22, 2024. The anticipated contract start date is December 16, 2024, with a one-year duration. Evaluation will focus on the lowest responsive and responsible bid, with vendors required to conform to all technical specifications and project requirements, including special safety and security measures specific to the hospital environment.

The solicitation encourages participation from woman-, veteran-, and minority-owned small businesses, with a specific target of 21% certified minority business enterprise involvement (4% for African American, 6% for Hispanic American, and 11% for women-owned businesses). A bid guarantee of 5% is required for projects exceeding $100,000, and the project is funded through state Fixed Capital Outlay (FCO) appropriations. The Department explicitly prohibits funding for start-up, readiness, or cost-of-living increase activities. Contractors must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, including general liability with minimum limits of $200,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence, workers' compensation per Florida statutory limits, and property damage insurance of at least $200,000 per occurrence. The contract includes liquidated damages of $500 per day for delays and requires contractors to obtain and pay for all necessary permits and licenses. While no specific incumbent vendor is mentioned, the Notice of Intent to Award dated December 4, 2024, indicates that Gateway Contracting Inc. was selected as the successful bidder.