Specifications for Secondary Easement Pole Replacement Project

Keys Energy Services (KEYS), the municipal electric utility for the City of Key West, Florida, is requesting proposals for a secondary easement pole replacement project involving installation of approximately 151 distribution poles and relocation of approximately 145 customer service drops on its 13.8 kV distribution system, with sealed proposals due October 23, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. via VendorLink or DemandStar.

Contractors must hold Florida MOT (Maintenance of Traffic) certification for at least one crew member per site and comply with APPA Safety Manual protocols. Work will be performed on energized 13,800-volt primary lines during 2027 and 2028, with KEYS allowing 2–4 crews to work simultaneously. The scope includes removing customer service drops from rear easements, installing new secondary service drops, and transferring service drops to new facilities within front-street rights-of-way. Contractors submit proposals on a fixed price-per-pole basis using the provided unit price spreadsheet; KEYS furnishes ductile iron poles and all line materials with delivery coordinated through two-week and eight-week look-ahead schedules.

Contractors must maintain a performance bond equal to 100% of the contract amount and carry comprehensive general liability insurance with limits of $2 million per project, business automobile coverage of $1 million per occurrence, and workers' compensation insurance. A bid bond or certified check equal to 5% of the total proposal amount, valid for 120 days minimum, must accompany proposals. Payment is made within 30 days of invoice acceptance with 5% retainage held until 30 days after project completion. Liquidated damages of $500 per day apply if work is not substantially complete by December 31, 2028.

The base contract term extends from execution through March 31, 2029, with KEYS retaining the right to cancel without cause with 30 days' written notice or with cause within 10 days. KEYS anticipates awarding the contract in December 2026. Additional requirements include obtaining City of Key West and Monroe County licenses and drug-free workplace certification.