Purchase and Installation of Hurricane Shutters/Screens, RJS

The Tampa Sports Authority (TSA) issued Bid 24-04 for the purchase and installation of hurricane screens/shutters for four open tunnels at Raymond James Stadium. The project requires contractors to provide mechanical and manual hurricane wind protection systems that meet Florida Building Code specifications for High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (Category 5 hurricane-grade protection). Deliverables include detailed scaled drawings, precise field measurements, and complete installation of screens/shutters across Tunnels A, B, C, and D, with options for both manual and electric motor operation. A mandatory pre-bid meeting was held on March 5, 2025, at 10am at Raymond James Stadium, with final bids due on March 13, 2025, no later than 10am. Evaluation criteria included responsiveness to specifications, ability to meet installation guidelines, and comprehensive project approach, with work to be completed by June 30th, 2025. The project requires contractors to provide all materials, labor, and equipment, and collaborate with TSA in-house electricians for power requirements. Installation is restricted to working hours between 6:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

The bid opportunity demonstrated consideration for diversity, with vendor participation from Disadvantaged Woman-Minority Business Enterprise (DW-MBE) vendors, including Asian American, Hispanic, and Non-Minority businesses. Seven companies attended the mandatory pre-bid meeting, including Foresight CGI, C+D Industrial, Bigfoot Construction, PRESCO Sunsi Coatings, Home Safety Solutions, Shutter & Filter Source, and AHScreens. Four vendors submitted formal bids, with total project costs ranging from $65,200 to $87,903.82. The Tampa Sports Authority ultimately recommended awarding the contract to Presco South Construction of Miami, Florida, for $73,000, noting they were selected as the most responsive and responsible bidder rather than the lowest-cost option. The contract includes provisions for individual tunnel screen/shutter installations, with prices ranging from approximately $12,755 to $25,323 per tunnel. Vendors were required to demonstrate compliance with local vendor lists, including Hillsborough County MWSBE and the City of Tampa's vendor networks, and provide comprehensive documentation of their qualifications and capabilities.