Water Softener Salt (Bid Discount)

The City of Tampa's Wastewater Department is seeking to procure water softener salt for the Howard F. Curren Advanced Water Treatment (AWT) Plant through an Invitation to Bid (ITB). The procurement involves supplying 4,500 40-pound bags of high-purity compressed crystal salt, specifically requiring 99.97% pure salt with less than 0.03% water-insoluble residue, to be delivered to four distinct locations within Tampa city limits: HFC AWT Treatment Plant, University Pumping Station, Sulphur Springs Pumping Station, and Ybor City Pumping Station. The bid is scheduled to be opened on June 27, 2025, at 2:00 pm, with a contract period of three years and potential for one additional two-year renewal. Evaluation criteria will focus on identifying the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, considering factors such as experience, financial condition, and ability to successfully perform the contract. Vendors must provide unit pricing, manufacturer/brand name, and complete various vendor response forms, including business licensing information, MBD forms, conflict of interest disclosures, and minority business status.

The solicitation includes specific provisions for minority and small business participation, offering a 5% bid discount for City-certified Small Local Business Enterprises (SLBEs) and underutilized Women and Minority Business Enterprises (WMBEs), with discounts capped at $10,000 for SLBEs and $20,000 for underutilized WMBEs. The procurement emphasizes diversity, with a minimum certified contact list including minority-owned businesses such as Dry 24 Water Restoration LLC and RLJ Enterprises Inc., both certified as African American-owned Minority Business Enterprises. The City of Tampa's Equal Business Opportunity Program requires bidders to document their intent to utilize minority or small local businesses as subcontractors, with each WMBE/SLBE firm requiring a separate letter of intent. The total department budget for this procurement is $60,000, with the contract structured to potentially serve other Hillsborough County Government Purchasing Council members. Rock salt is explicitly not acceptable, and bidders must comply with local and state regulations, ethical standards, and specific insurance coverage provisions.