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Award of Construction Contract to Wharton-Smith, Inc., for Ridge Manor Water Reclamation Facility Expansion and Emergency Operations Structure Construction Projects for Utilities Department and Associated Budget Resolution (Contract No. 26-C01237/JG; Amount: $91,569,822.50)
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
The Procurement Department issued Invitation to Bid (ITB) No. 26-C01237/JG on December 10, 2025, at the request of the Hernando County Utilities Department, to obtain bids for upgrading the Ridge Manor Water Reclamation Facility’s capacity and constructing an Emergency Operations Structure.
The Procurement Department placed the legal advertisement in the Hernando Sun on December 12, 2025, and the OpenGov website on December 10, 2025. The bid was sent to three thousand nine hundred thirty-one (3,931) matching vendor/contractors from the eProcurement portal. The bid document was downloaded by one hundred sixty-three (163) vendor/contractors, and three (3) submissions were received.
BIDs RECEIVED: Main Bid Tab With Additive Bid Alternate
Wharton-Smith, Inc. $85,826,822.50 $91,569,822.50
Poole & Kent Co., of Florida $89,487,000.00 $98,244,000.00
Archer Western Construction, LLC $100,267,000.00 $110,034,000.00
Bids were reviewed and evaluated by the Procurement Department to determine if bids were responsive and responsible. The bids were then reviewed and evaluated by the Hernando County Utilities Department staff for award recommendation based on price, conformance with specifications and the Bidder’s ability to perform the contract in accordance with the terms, conditions and specifications required.
A Notice of Intent to Award the contract to Wharton-Smith, Inc., dated February 16, 2026, was posted to the OpenGov website. No challenges to the Notice of Intent to Award were received.
The Additive Bid Alternate requested vendor pricing to increase the treatment plant’s capacity from two (2) million gallons per day to three (3) million gallons per day of treated wastewater in order to accommodate projected growth in the area. The Utilities Department recommends utilizing the Additive Bid Alternate at this time.
The Chief Procurement Officer has reviewed this requirement for conformance to Procurement Ordinance and Purchasing Policies and Procedures.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Funding in the amount of $91,569,822.50 will be available from Bond proceeds after issuance in the following:
Expense:
Fund: 411 - HCUD Water & Sewer Fund, Department: 200 - HCUD Administration, Account: 566350 - Capital Improvement Other Than Building
LEGAL NOTE
In accordance with Part II, Chapter 2, Article V of the Hernando County Code of Ordinances.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board approve and authorize the Chairman’s signature on the attached construction contract to Wharton-Smith, Inc., for Ridge Manor Water Reclamation Facility & Emergency Operations Structure for Contract No. 26-C01237/JG in the bid amount of $91,569,822.50 and on the related budget resolution acknowledging additional bond funds required to complete the project.
It is further recommended the Board authorize the Chief Procurement Officer to approve change orders as necessary and required up to budgeted amounts.