Artificial Reef Construction: Large Vessel Reef in Escambia SE or LAARS E. Reef Site, AR2608: Re-Solicit

This solicitation seeks proposals for the supply, cleaning, preparation, transport, and precise non-explosive deployment of one or more vessels exceeding 85 feet in length over all to establish artificial reefs at either the Escambia County Southeast or LAARS East reef sites in Florida. The project is governed by permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and all activities must strictly comply with federal, state, and local environmental, safety, and regulatory standards, including OSHA, ADA, and Florida’s Uniform Commercial Code. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the OpenGov portal by the deadline of August 14, 2026, and must be organized into seven tabs detailing vessel specifications, habitat value, structural integrity, deployment experience, compliance documentation, and pricing, with each vessel requiring its own full set of tabs, except for Tab 7 which is submitted only once per offeror. Evaluation will be based solely on technical merit using a point system, with significant weight given to vessel construction quality and habitat complexity, and no price factors will be considered in the award decision. Contractors must demonstrate at least five years of experience deploying three or more similar vessels as artificial reefs and provide a marine survey conducted within the prior 12 months. All vessels must be free of PCBs and petroleum residues, constructed of steel or aluminum with a minimum hull thickness of one-quarter inch, and deployed at exact GPS coordinates. The contract requires full compliance with Florida’s E-Verify system for all employees, a Drug-Free Workplace affirmation, an anti-human trafficking affidavit, and proof of legal authority to operate in Florida through a SunBiz Certificate of Authority. The contractor bears all risk and responsibility until final acceptance at the reef site and must carry general liability insurance, indemnify the county against claims, and adhere to the Florida Public Records Act. Payment will be processed by Escambia County’s Office of Purchasing under the state’s Prompt Payment Act, with no electronic invoicing systems specified, and disputes must be resolved in Escambia County courts.