NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection Grant

The City of Fort Myers is soliciting bids for an NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection Grant project (ITB 25-092) focused on comprehensive stream debris and sediment removal across multiple waterways in Lee County, Florida. The procurement seeks a Construction Manager to perform extensive environmental restoration tasks, including non-vegetative and vegetative debris removal, underwater debris removal, sediment transport, and Ballard bank repair. Specific deliverables include weekly inspection reports, record drawings, and documentation for grant reimbursement across multiple canal systems such as Billys Creek, Eastwood Golf Course Canal, L-3 Canal, and several others. The solicitation was released on October 15, 2025, with a pre-submittal meeting scheduled for October 22, 2025, and proposals due on November 17, 2025. Potential bidders must demonstrate comprehensive qualifications, including SAM.gov registration, federal and state compliance certifications, proof of business standing, and the ability to adhere to complex federal, state, and local regulatory requirements. Evaluation criteria will likely include technical capability, compliance documentation, and proposed methodologies for debris and sediment removal while minimizing environmental disruption.

The procurement includes specific provisions for Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) participation, with a standard goal of 5% for both minority and women-owned businesses. Bidders must complete MBE Planned Utilization forms and demonstrate commitment to diversity in subcontracting. Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) are encouraged to participate, with contractors required to enter DBE participation in the Equal Opportunity Compliance system. While a specific contract value is not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the project suggests a significant budget, likely funded through the NRCS federal grant. Contractors must comply with numerous federal regulations, including Buy America provisions, Anti-Lobbying certifications, E-Verify requirements, and Davis-Bacon wage standards. The project is structured as a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) agreement, with the selected contractor responsible for managing trade contractors, coordinating with city officials, and controlling project costs while adhering to strict environmental protection guidelines.