Sarasota County Community Wildfire Protection Plan

Sarasota County, Florida, is seeking a consultant to develop a comprehensive Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) through a Request for Proposals (RFP) funded by the USDA and United States Forest Service Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program. The project aims to create the county's first detailed wildfire protection strategy, with a focus on Sarasota County and Siesta Key CDP. Key deliverables include a comprehensive risk assessment, community risk map, stakeholder engagement documentation, draft and final CWPP documents, wildfire mitigation project implementations, public outreach materials, and quarterly performance reports. The selected consultant will establish a County-Wide Wildfire Advisory Working Group comprising representatives from local departments, cities, fire districts, state agencies, and community stakeholders. The project is expected to be conducted over 24 months, with a final closeout report due prior to October 31, 2029. Proposals are due by December 22, 2025, and the consultant must develop implementation guidelines, building code recommendations, and forestry management practices while complying with the Healthy Forests Restoration Act and National Environmental Policy Act.

The procurement does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The consultant must maintain professional liability insurance with limits of at least $1,000,000 per claim/occurrence and adhere to specific federal guidelines for grant-funded procurements. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the contract includes comprehensive compliance requirements such as domestic preference for procurements, contracting with small and minority businesses, and prohibitions on certain telecommunications equipment. The project is funded through a Community Wildfire Defense Grant, though the exact award value or budget range is not specified in the provided documents. Potential respondents must demonstrate expertise in wildfire risk assessment, community engagement, and ability to develop comprehensive mitigation strategies. The consultant will be expected to produce a data-driven, collaborative plan that identifies wildfire hazards, prioritizes mitigation strategies, and increases local wildfire preparedness and resilience.