Derelict Vessel Removal, Transportation, and Disposal- Home Free

Escambia County's Marine Resources Division is soliciting competitive price quotes for the removal, transportation, and disposal of a specific derelict vessel named "Home Free," a 31-foot green sailboat registered in Florida and located at Bayou Chico. This solicitation supports an application for funding under the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Derelict Vessel Removal Grant. The scope of work includes floating and extracting the vessel, removing any contaminants such as fuels and batteries, transporting the vessel to the Perdido Landfill for disposal, and complying with best management practices designed to protect sensitive aquatic habitats and species, including seagrass beds, manatees, and sea turtles. Work must be conducted during weekday daylight hours within a 14-day window following issuance of a Notice to Proceed, with stringent environmental safeguards such as turbidity barriers and monitoring. The contract requires bidders to comply with rigorous insurance provisions, including marine liability, maritime workers compensation, and pollution liability coverage with specified minimum limits, with Escambia County named as an additional insured. Contractors must indemnify the County against all claims arising from contract performance, including environmental damage and legal liabilities. Compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws—such as OSHA, the Florida Public Records Act, and immigration verification via E-Verify—is mandatory, with subcontractors also subject to these requirements. Offers must be submitted electronically via the county’s procurement portal by March 6, 2026. While pricing is to be proposed by bidders as a firm fixed price for the entire removal and disposal service, no preset budget or pricing is disclosed. The contract includes stipulations on labeling, packaging, and inspection procedures, with the contractor bearing the risk of loss until acceptance at the destination. Administrative contacts are provided for clarifications, but no formal evaluation weighting or payment instructions are detailed beyond adherence to local prompt payment statutes. The overall goal is to ensure environmentally responsible and compliant disposal of the derelict vessel to support marine resource conservation efforts.