Polk County, Florida, is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for professional engineering services for its Solid Waste Division. The selected firm will provide continuing contract services, encompassing planning, design, permitting, construction, and operational support for solid waste management facilities. Key areas of expertise required include civil engineering, solid waste engineering, geotechnical, geoenvironmental, and hydrogeological engineering. Firms must demonstrate experience with federal, state, and local regulations. Proposals are due by 2:00 p. m. on May 27, 2026. Questions regarding the RFP must be submitted in writing by May 14, 2026. The selection process involves multiple stages, including proposal evaluation, interviews, and contract negotiations. Vendors must register in Polk County's vendor database. Additional documents required include proof of incorporation, certifications, resumes, and project experience details. The county reserves the right to add or delete items from the proposal and to reject any or all submittals.
The bid proposals must be received prior to 2:00 p. m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
Proposals will be evaluated based on a competitive selection process involving multiple elevation levels, including procurement requirements assessment, scoring of approach, experience, personnel, technical resources, local entity utilization, WMBE certification, past performance surveys, and interactions with county and regulatory agency staff. Interviews will be conducted for top-ranked proposers, followed by contract negotiations.
Firms must demonstrate qualifications and specific experience in civil engineering and solid waste engineering areas as outlined in the RFP. This includes experience with permitting, design, construction, landfill operations, closure, leachate management, landfill gas collection, lining systems, household hazardous waste collection, recycling facilities, and infrastructure ancillary to solid waste facilities. Geotechnical, geoenvironmental, and hydrogeological engineering experience is also required for subconsultants.
The RFP states that failure to follow instructions could result in disqualification. Any communication with county officials outside of the designated procurement personnel may be grounds for disqualification. Submitting a false certification regarding immigration laws or engaging in boycotts can lead to contract termination and potential debarment.
Any proposer desiring to file a protest with respect to a recommended award must do so by filing a written protest in the possession of the procurement division within three working days of the notice of recommended award mailing date.
