Watermelon Pond WEA Pole Barn in Alachua County

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is requesting sealed bids for the provision, installation, and erection of a pre-manufactured 5-bay pole barn with concrete slab at Watermelon Pond Wildlife and Environmental Area in Alachua County, with bids due July 21, 2026, and a mandatory pre-bid conference and site visit on June 29, 2026, at 11:00 AM ET.

Bidders must be registered in MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) and with SunBiz prior to bid opening. The Commission encourages participation by minority, women, and veteran-owned business enterprises and requests that subcontracting opportunities reflect diversity consistent with Florida's population; this language indicates a preference rather than a set-aside. Attendance at the entire mandatory pre-bid conference will disqualify bidders who miss it.

The scope is a complete turnkey installation of a pre-manufactured 5-bay pole barn and concrete slab on site in accordance with detailed construction plans and specifications, which are available only upon submission of a signed Confidentiality Exemption Form to Elbert Orellana. Bidders must submit a completed Bid Form, a subcontractor list, minimum three project references, an Experience Questionnaire with financial information, and other supporting documentation. Site visits are encouraged prior to submission.

For bids exceeding $100,000, a bid guarantee of not less than 5% of the bid amount is required. Contractors with contracts exceeding $500,000 must provide on-site field supervision through a named superintendent, perform no less than 15% of management and construction work with their own employees, and establish or maintain an active office within 300 road miles of the project site. Contractors exceeding $100,000 must maintain 100% Performance Bonds and 100% Labor and Material Payment Bonds, with Workers' Compensation, Commercial General Liability, and Commercial Automobile Liability insurance as specified. All pricing must include labor, materials, equipment, permits, licenses, and insurance. The contract includes a period for Substantial Completion and one year for guarantee of work, with liquidated damages applicable if Substantial Completion is not met. Written questions are due July 7, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET, with responses anticipated by July 14, 2026. The anticipated award date is July 28, 2026.