Unit Price Contract (UPC) for Stormwater Pipeline Infrastructure Rehabilitation

Sarasota County is seeking contractors for a Unit Price Contract (UPC) for Stormwater Pipeline Infrastructure Rehabilitation through an Invitation for Bids (IFB). The procurement involves Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) lining for stormwater pipelines in three size categories: 12-18 inches, 21-36 inches, and 42-84 inches, with the county intending to award up to two contracts per category. Bidders must demonstrate specific experience requirements, including minimum linear feet of pipe lining completed, projects in Florida, and minimum contract values. Contractors will be selected using a rotation method for individual work assignments, with an initial contract term of three years. Required qualifications include comprehensive insurance coverage, including Workers' Compensation, Commercial General Liability, Business Automobile Liability, and Umbrella/Excess Liability with specified minimum coverage amounts. The solicitation requires detailed documentation, including Contractor Qualification Forms, proof of licensing, and electronic submission through OpenGov Procurement. The bid due date is July 2, 2025, with work focused on rehabilitating stormwater pipeline infrastructure at the Bee Ridge Water Reclamation Facility.

The solicitation encourages local hiring, with a Local Hiring Initiative that requires contractors to hire at least 15% local residents from Sarasota County, potentially expanding to Manatee and Charlotte Counties if specific skill sets are unavailable. While local and American business preferences are typically considered, they do not apply in this solicitation due to grant funding requirements. The contract includes provisions for subcontracting, with contractors required to perform at least 51% of the work with their own organization. From a previous bid tabulation, six contractors have previously submitted bids, including Granite Inliner, LLC ($16,173,175), Insituform Technologies, LLC ($14,786,189), and Miller Pipeline ($2,783,110), suggesting potential market interest. The contract includes significant financial penalty provisions for unpermitted wastewater discharges, with penalties ranging from $600 to $12,000 per day depending on discharge volume. The total cost of individual work assignments will be limited by Florida Statutes, and contractors declining multiple work assignments may have their contract terminated. Contractors will be financially responsible for reimbursing the county for any penalties imposed under existing environmental consent orders.