St. Armands Key and Lido Key Assessment District Overhead Utility Undergrounding Program (CCNA)

The City of Sarasota is soliciting proposals through a Consultants Competitive Negotiation Act (CCNA) procurement for a comprehensive St. Armands Key and Lido Key Assessment District Overhead Utility Undergrounding Program. The multidisciplinary consultant team will be responsible for a three-district program that involves removing overhead electric and communications facilities and installing underground infrastructure, including new street lighting that meets dark-sky and sea-turtle-protection standards. The project covers District A (St. Armands Business Area), District B (St. Armands Residential Area), and District C (Lido Key residential, commercial, and park areas). Evaluation criteria include 30 points for company qualifications, 25 points for personnel qualifications, 20 points for project understanding and methodology, 15 points for assessment methodology, and 10 points for past performance and references. Key proposal requirements include demonstrating experience with at least three Florida overhead-to-underground projects within the past ten years. The solicitation was advertised on January 8, 2026, with a non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting scheduled for January 22, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST. The question and answer deadline is January 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST, and proposals are due February 5, 2026, at 2:30 PM EST, with initial evaluation committee meetings and interviews planned for February 11, 20, and 24, 2026.

The solicitation does not specifically mention set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The planning-level construction budget ranges from $40 to $50 million, with anticipated funding sources including Assessment District levies on benefited properties, tax-exempt and taxable municipal bonds, Business Improvement District funds, and potential grants and utility contributions. Consultants must perform a minimum of 51 percent of total contract work with their own organization, though this requirement may be waived under special circumstances. The contract term is established at one year with two one-year renewal options for a total of three years. Insurance requirements include worker's compensation, commercial general liability insurance with limits of One Million Dollars per occurrence, automobile liability insurance, and professional liability insurance of at least One Million Dollars. Consultants must maintain detailed documentation, comply with Florida Public Records Law, and ensure all work products conform to Florida Statutes and design criteria from the City of Sarasota, Florida Power and Light, and the Florida Department of Transportation.