Volusia County Artificial Reef Deployment

Volusia County, Florida is requesting bids for artificial reef deployment services through ITB #26-B-127JS, with responses due November 5, 2026 at 3:00 p.m., and a non-mandatory pre-solicitation meeting scheduled for October 8, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. via Microsoft Teams. A local preference of up to three percent applies to respondents with documented permanent locations in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, or Volusia County for at least six months prior to closing.

The Volusia County Coastal Division operates 18 permitted artificial reef sites and over 160 individual reefs positioned 1 to 33 miles from Ponce Inlet in water depths from 50 to 130 feet. The contractor must provide vessels, equipment, and manpower to safely load reef materials from the County's artificial reef yard onto an ABS-rated deck barge (minimum 500-ton capacity), then deploy materials at GPS-designated locations coordinated by the County's artificial reef coordinator. Pricing is submitted as a lump sum per 300-ton load, with deployment required within 90 days of County notification unless negotiated otherwise. The contractor must supply an appropriately sized ocean-going tug capable of moving the barge to offshore sites.

The award will be an initial three-year term with options for two additional one-year renewals, contingent upon mutual written agreement and County Council approval. Annual price redeterminations may be requested based on documented increases in wages, fuel, or materials using the Employment Cost Index or Producer Price Index. Payment is due within 45 business days of invoice, with interest accruing at one percent monthly on undisputed invoices not paid within 30 days. The contractor must obtain all required licenses and permits and provide comprehensive insurance including workers' compensation with maritime endorsements, general liability ($1,000,000 occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate), auto liability ($1,000,000 combined single limit), marine pollution liability ($1,000,000 occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate), and protection and indemnity ($1,000,000 occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate), with Volusia County named as additional insured. Evaluation criteria are total cost, delivery capability, equipment specifications, and past performance, with award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder representing best overall value. Questions are due October 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.