Sod

The City of St. Petersburg in Pinellas County, Florida, is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB-24-031) to establish a three-year pricing agreement for sod pick-up, delivery, and installation services for multiple city departments including Stormwater, Pavement & Traffic Operations, Engineering & Capital Improvements, and Parks. The procurement seeks vendors to provide various sod types such as Argentine Bahia, Bermuda (328 Tifgreen and 419 Tifway), and St. Augustine varieties, with estimated annual usage ranging from 1 to 71,200 square feet. Vendors must have been in the sod business for at least three years and demonstrate the ability to obtain required insurance without using subcontractors. Bid responses are due by January 4, 2024, at 3:01 pm, with an anticipated award recommendation to City Council on February 1, 2024. The city will evaluate bids based on the most advantageous quote, considering both price and vendor qualifications. Required qualifications include being registered with the Florida Department of State, complying with E-Verify regulations, and maintaining specific insurance coverages.

The solicitation does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, though the vendor search results indicate potential opportunities for small businesses. Two primary vendors identified in the preliminary search include McCoy Sod & Landscaping, Inc. and Raulerson & Son, Inc., both with extensive experience in grounds maintenance and landscaping. The estimated annual expenditure is approximately $100,000, though this amount may vary significantly based on actual usage. The contract includes comprehensive insurance requirements, mandating commercial general liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, commercial automobile liability insurance of $1,000,000, and workers' compensation insurance as required by Florida law. The agreement is structured as an indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery (IDIQ) contract, allowing the city to issue purchase orders on an as-needed basis and potentially extend the contract for additional one-year periods through mutual written agreement. Vendors will be required to maintain competitive pricing comparable to rates offered to other customers, with final contract amounts determined by individual purchase orders.