Removal, Towing, Storage and Disposal of Vessels

The City of Tampa, located in Hillsborough County, Florida, is issuing an Invitation to Bid (ITB) for the removal, towing, storage, and disposal of vessels on an as-needed basis. The procurement seeks qualified vendors to manage the complete lifecycle of vessel disposition services, including all labor, mobilization, transport, vessel preparation, storage, disposal, landfill fees, photography, and pollutant removal and handling. Selected vendors must possess a United States Coast Guard-issued "Operator Uninspected Towing Vessel" (OUTV) license, maintain a secure storage facility within the Tampa Bay area with 24-hour access and appropriate security measures, and provide a minimum of three references preferably from public entities within Florida. All work must be completed within five business days of authorization unless otherwise agreed, and contractors must submit detailed work plans, attend operational meetings as required, comply with all Federal, State, and Local laws including OSHA requirements and environmental protection standards, and provide 48-hour notice before removal operations. Sealed bids are due by 3:00 PM on Monday, March 2, 2026, with questions to be submitted through the OpenGov eProcurement Portal up to six business days prior to bid opening. The contract will be awarded for a one-year period with options for four additional one-year renewals, plus up to three additional 30-day unilateral extension periods. Vendors must submit a single unit cost for all removal, towing, storage, and disposal services through the OpenGov eProcurement Portal, with pricing to include all shipping, fuel, supplies, materials, taxes, and associated costs on an F.O.B. Tampa basis. Award will be made to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder based on evaluation of vendor experience, financial condition, insurance eligibility, and compliance history.

This procurement carries a Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) sheltered market designation, with certified SLBEs eligible to receive a five percent bid discount not to exceed $10,000. Prime contractors are encouraged to utilize SLBEs as subcontractors or suppliers, with required documentation submitted via the DMI-40 Letter of Intent form within ten workdays after notice of intent to award. All vendors must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage including Commercial General Liability of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, Automobile Liability of $500,000 to $1 million depending on contract value, Worker's Compensation as required by Florida law, Marine General Liability of $1,000,000/$2,000,000, Marina Operators Legal Liability of $5,000,000/$5,000,000, Protection & Indemnity of $1,000,000, and Vessel Pollution Liability of $1,000,000. All insurance policies must be obtained from insurers admitted in Florida with a minimum A.M. Best rating of A-:VII, and the City must be named as an additional insured on all liability coverage. Vendors must also register to transact business in Florida and cannot be delinquent on obligations to the City. The procurement documents do not specify an estimated contract amount or maximum budget range, indicating that pricing will be determined through competitive bidding processes.