Operations of the Biosolids Dewatering Facility, Sludge Dewatering, and Hauling

Indian River County is seeking a contractor to operate the Biosolids Dewatering Facility located at 1350 74th Avenue SW in Vero Beach, Florida, through a competitive bid process. The primary objectives include operating the facility, dewatering sludge, and hauling materials from three county-owned wastewater treatment facilities (Central Regional, South Regional, and West Regional WWTF) to the dewatering facility and subsequently to the Indian River County Landfill. The contractor must process approximately 14 million gallons of sludge annually, with additional septage and grease from other sources, and operate the facility Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with potential extended hours during heavy rain events. Bidders must possess a Class B or higher Florida Department of Environmental Protection Wastewater Operator Certification and a Class A Commercial Driver's License. The bid opening is scheduled for January 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM, with electronic submissions required through the Bonfire platform. Contractors must dewater sludge to a minimum of 17 percent total solids and ensure the material passes a paint filter test.

Bidders must meet several compliance requirements, including submitting various certifications such as an Anti-Human Trafficking Affidavit, Scrutinized Companies Certification, and Lobbying Certification. The contract includes specific insurance requirements, including $1,000,000 in commercial general liability and automobile liability insurance, with Indian River County named as an additional insured. A 5 percent bid bond is required for bids exceeding $100,000, and a 100 percent Public Construction Bond is mandatory for awards over $100,000. The contract term is twelve months, from March 1, 2026, through February 28, 2027, with four potential one-year extension options. While no specific set-aside designations are mentioned, bidders must complete a Qualifications Questionnaire demonstrating relevant experience, provide at least five references, and disclose any subcontractors. The county will be responsible for water, telephone, alarm monitoring costs, and landfill tipping fees, while the contractor must provide all necessary labor, equipment, trucks, operators, chemicals, and supplies.