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Award of Contracts to Bio-Tech Consulting, Inc., Common Ground Ecology, EarthBalance Corporation, and Stroud Engineering Consultants, Inc., for Pre-Qualification of Vendors for Gopher Tortoise Survey, Removal and Relocation Services
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
On March 8, 2023, the Procurement Department issued a Request for Pre-Qualification, Contract No. 23-TG0011/JG, for Gopher Tortoise Survey, Removal, and Relocation Service. The term of the Qualification period is for three (3) years and may be unilaterally renewed for two (2) additional twelve (12) month periods. As stated in the Request for Approval (RFP), the County reserves the right to qualify multiple Vendor/Contractors.
The Procurement Department placed the legal advertisement and RFP in the Hernando Sun on March 1, 2023, and on OpenGov website on March 8, 2023. A total of four hundred twenty-two (422) potential bidders were notified and twenty-two (22) downloaded the solicitation. Five (5) replies were received on the opening date of April 24, 2023, from the following firms (in alphabetical order):
1. Bio-Tech Consulting, Inc. - Orlando, FL
2. Common Ground Ecology, Inc. - Tampa, FL
3. Earth Balance Corporation - North Port, FL
4. Florida Tortoise Team LLC - West Palm Beach, FL
5. Stroud Engineering Consultants, Odessa, FL
The Department of Public Works employees comprising of Todd Crosby, John Burnett and Marie Warren reviewed the qualifications of the Vendor/Contractor’s written proposals.
The Department review resulted in qualifying the following four (4) Vendor/Contractors listed below in alphabetical order:
1. Bio-Tech Consulting, Inc.
2. Common Ground Ecology, Inc.
3. EarthBalance Corporation
4. Stroud Engineering Consultants
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Contract will be used on an as-needed basis by multiple departments in Hernando County. Any projects over $35,000.00 will be brought to the Board for approval.
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has the authority to take the recommended action pursuant to 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 agreements for award for the following four (4) qualified contractors:
1. Bio-Tech Consulting, Inc.
2. Common Ground Ecology Inc.
3. EarthBalance Corporation
4. Stroud Engineering Consultants
The Board’s approval will authorize the County to request quotes from the pre-qualified vendor/contractors for projects. The work will be awarded to the lowest, responsive, and responsible vendor/contractor. Any quotes received over the ABR will be brought back to the Board for approval.