SUBJECT
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Approve selection committee’s recommendation to authorize staff negotiations with DRMP, Inc. for Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) services for the Combee Academy Safe Route to Schools (SRTS) sidewalk and street lighting project. (No fiscal impact)
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DESCRIPTION
Combee Academy SRTS sidewalk and street lighting project consists of the construction of ADA compliant sidewalks, curb ramps and driveways on the south and north side of Morgan Combee Road in Polk County, Florida. Additionally, new crosswalks, street lighting (by others), and signing and pavement marking to enhance pedestrian safety. Drainage improvements and utilities relocation are also required to accommodate the sidewalk construction.
The County has been awarded a grant through the Florida Department of Transportation’s Local Agency Program as part of their Safe Route to School initiative. This project is recommended by Polk Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) and community partners (including Polk County Roads and Drainage, the City of Lakeland, the Polk County School District, Polk County Health Department, Combee Area Revitalization Effort (CARE) community group, Polk County School Crossing Committee and Polk Vision). The project will close the current sidewalk gap and provide a continuous sidewalk along Combee Academy.
The design services for this project are being performed by Kisinger Campo and Associates as a result of an agreement with FDOT. The project requires a separate engineering firm to provide construction administration, inspection, and quality control services once the construction of the project commences. It is anticipated that construction will begin in August of 2026
Roads and Drainage requested Procurement to solicit proposals for the purpose of providing CEI services for the Combee Academy SRTS sidewalk and street lighting project.
Request for Proposal (RFP) 26-046, Construction Engineering & Inspection (CEI) Services for Combee Academy SRTS Sidewalk & Street Lighting was issued, and five firms submitted proposals. The selection committee met on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, to evaluate and score the proposal. The three highest scored proposers were elevated for interviews. On March 23, 2026, the selection committee conducted interviews and received presentations from all three proposers. After the interviews, the consensus of the selection committee was to request the Board authorize staff to enter into contract negotiations with all proposers starting with the highest ranked proposer, DRMP, Inc.
The following is a listing of the firms and their rankings:
Proposer Location Rank
DRMP, Inc. Lakeland, FL 1
Stanley Consultants, Inc. Tampa, FL 2
RS&H, Inc. Jacksonville, FL 3
These services are being funded through a Local Agency Program grant.
A recommendation of award was posted, and no protests were received.
RECOMMENDATION
Request Board approve the selection committee’s recommendation and authorize staff to enter into negotiations with the highest ranked proposer, DRMP, Inc. in regards to RFP 26-046, Construction Engineering & Inspection (CEI) Services for Combee Academy SRTS Sidewalk & Street Lighting, and moving to the second-highest ranked proposer and so on, if negotiations with DRMP, Inc. are unsuccessful.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact during negotiations.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Tabatha Shirah
Sr. Procurement Analyst
Procurement
(863) 534-5935
tabathshirah@polkfl.gov