TO: Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr, County Administrator
Sean C. Lieske, Director of Utility Services
FROM: Howard G. Richards, PE, Utilities Capital Projects Manager
DATE: October 8, 2025
SUBJECT: Award of RFQ 2024030 to Ric-Man Construction Florida, Inc. for Progressive Design-Build Services for Ixora Park Infrastructure Improvements, IRCDUS Project ID 41.23.548
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BACKGROUND
Ixora Park subdivision contains approximately 9,710 linear feet of vitrified clay pipe (VCP) gravity sewer and 23 manholes dating from 1952. A lift station connects the system from the northwest corner of the area into a force main (FM) along 1st Street SW. Indian River County Department of Utility Services (IRCDUS) has discovered deficiencies in the VCP through sand buildup and weakening of the roadways, resulting in frequent failures of the sanitary sewer system and sink holes in the community’s roadways, presenting a public safety hazard and service interruptions. The subdivision with approximately 275 properties, is roughly defined as lying between 1st Street SW to the north, 20th Avenue on the east, South Relief Canal on the south, and 27th Avenue to the west.
Ixora Park Infrastructure Improvements, IRCDUS Project ID 41.23.548 (“Project”), will be implemented in multiple design and construction phases over a three- to four-year period, subject to continued funding. The Project will facilitate the complete replacement and/or rehabilitation of the existing VCP sewer network, relocation of all sewers to the centerline of the roadway, and improvements to drainage and roadway. Assessment of water distribution mains, meters and valves will also take place, to identify any needed for rehabilitation or replacement. This staff report pertains to Phase 1 Preconstruction only.
In compliance with Florida Statute (FS) 287.055, and on behalf of IRCDUS, the Purchasing Division issued request for qualifications (RFQ) 2024030 on January 7, 2024, for Progressive Design-Build (PDB) Services for Ixora Park Infrastructure Improvements, to identify qualified design-build teams (DBT) to design and construct the Project, including potable water, sewer, stormwater, and roads infrastructure rehabilitation, and including but not limited to, piping, valves, meters, manhole, drainage, roadway, and lift station improvements.
ANALYSIS
The PDB project delivery model was selected as a more efficient model over the traditional design-bid-build (DBB) model. Efficiency stems from a single procurement of the engineer-architect and contractor as one team working collaboratively with the owner to meet objectives for the project. PDB will streamline the timeline to design and construct the project and ensure cohesion across the phases. Lastly, projects undergoing a PDB model are implemented in two (2) phases: Phase 1 Pre-Construction where the design progresses in a collaborative manner while developing an “open book” cost model, leading to an agreed upon contract price for Phase 2 Construction. Through negotiation, the contract price is implemented in Phase 2 as either a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) or lump sum (LS).
After reviewing statements of qualifications (SOQs) pertaining to RFQ 2024030, a selection committee independently reviewed and scored each SOQ in compliance FS 287.055 and instructions and criteria established in the RFQ and scored the team of Ric-Man Construction Florida, Inc. and Wade Trim, Inc. (Ric-Man/Wade Trim) as the top ranked. The Indian River County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved the final rankings on June 18, 2024, and authorized negotiations with Ric-Man/Wade Trim (or the subsequently ranked teams, should negotiations fail).
Staff from IRCDUS, Procurement, as well the Department of Public Works (DPW) and County Attorney Office held meetings with the Ric-Man/Wade Trim team to negotiate the required scope of services, consulting fees, and agreement for Phase 1 of the Project. The outcomes of the negotiations are incorporated into the attached Design-Build Agreement comprising Part 1 Contract between Indian River County and Ric-Man Construction Florida Inc. The proposed cost for Phase 1 (Pre-Construction services) is $1,758,399.00 which includes all labor and expenses for project management, design, permitting, community outreach, and cost model. The anticipated schedule for Phase 1 services is approximately sixteen (16) months.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
This project will have a cost-share between IRCDUS and the Department of Public Works. As such, this project will be included in the next Capital Improvement Element (CIE) for each Department with the shared amounts. This project is currently budgeted in the approved Fiscal Year (FY) FY 2024/2025 CIE.
Expenses, in the amount of $1,758,399, for this project will be recorded in the Utilities/WIP/Ixora Park Utility Improvements account, number 471-169000-23548. Since this is an operating capital project, the funds will come from fund balance. Operating funds are derived from water and sewer sales.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTIONS
On June 18, 2024, the BCC approved the final ranking of teams for RFQ 2024030 and authorized negotiations with the top ranked team (i.e., Ric-Man) as well as subsequently ranked teams, should negotiations with the top ranked team fail. The BCC also approved Amendment No.1 to Agreement No. LPA0306 between Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Indian River County that revised the Grant Work Plan (GWP) to align with the scope of services contained in RFQ 2024020.
POTENTIAL FUTURE BOARD ACTIONS
After the completion of Phase 1 Pre-construction services by Ric-Man, IRCDUS will return to the BCC to seek approval for an amendment of the agreement to add Phase 2 Construction services.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
ü Environment: Advancing responsible environmental stewardship by protecting, conserving, and managing natural resources and by fostering environmental awareness.
ü Infrastructure: Planning, constructing, managing, and maintaining critical public infrastructure in response to our current needs, future demands, and the expectations of our community; embracing innovation, technology, and resiliency.
OTHER PLAN ALIGNMENT
None noted.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners approve the Design-Build agreement and award of RFQ 2024030 to Ric-Man Construction Florida, Inc. for Progressive Design-Build Services for Ixora Park Infrastructure Improvements, IRCDUS Project ID 41.23.548, in the amount of $1,758,399, and authorize the chairman to execute it subject to review and approval by the County Attorney or Assistant County Attorney as to form, and legal sufficiency. So long as there are no changes in the dollar amount under the agreement and upon adequate completion of the work set forth, staff is directed to make final payment and release any retainage to Ric-Man Construction Florida, Inc.