Pole Barn at Walton Ranch

Sarasota County is seeking bids for a disaster recovery project to rebuild a pole barn and concrete block storage building at Walton Ranch, which was severely damaged by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. The Invitation for Bids (IFB) solicits proposals for constructing a new wood-frame pole barn measuring approximately 80' x 34', featuring twenty-one 8x8 posts, a new metal roof covering 2,890 square feet for the pole barn and 1,270 square feet for the block building, and a 6'-0" x 16'-5" side porch. The project includes electrical and lighting installations, multiple exterior doors, and requires bidders to submit comprehensive documentation demonstrating experience constructing open-air structures, required licenses, and complete vendor questionnaires through the OpenGov procurement portal. The project is federally funded through FEMA as mitigation work, with the county intending to award the contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The bid is due on March 24, 2025, with bidders required to provide performance and payment bonds for bids exceeding $200,000 and meet specific insurance and workplace compliance standards.

While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned for this particular contract, the solicitation documents indicate typical Sarasota County preferences for local and American businesses are not applicable due to grant funding requirements. Contractors must comply with federal regulations including 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance, Clean Air and Water Act standards, and specific Florida state requirements regarding human trafficking and foreign entity contracting. The project emphasizes compliance with disaster-funded provisions, including considerations for small businesses, minority-owned businesses, and veteran-owned businesses. Although a specific contract value is not stated, the comprehensive scope of work suggests a substantial reconstruction project involving structural rebuilding, electrical work, and site improvements. The contract will include a one-year warranty on all work and materials, with normal work hours defined as Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding county holidays, and payment to be made upon completion of work.