Board approves awards: $667,164 for permanent fuel tank work and multi‑year sole‑source aerator purchase

Collier County commissioners approved two procurement items on the regular agenda: a construction contract to install a permanent fuel tank system at a hurricane‑Ian‑impacted site and a multi‑year sole‑source purchase of wetland aerators.

The board awarded Invitation to Bid No. 24‑8284 for hurricane Ian permanent fuel tank installation to Don Wood, Inc. in the amount of $667,164 and approved an owner’s allowance of $123,504 for potential unforeseen conditions. Facilities management staff said the contingency is higher than typical because of underground work and subsurface uncertainty. Commissioner McDaniel asked staff to study mobile above‑ground fuel systems as an alternative in future coastal high‑hazard areas to reduce repeated storm damage.

The board also authorized a waiver of competitive procurement and approved a sole‑source purchase of ProLake KeatOn aerators and related materials from Keaton Industries, Inc., with an authorization of up to $250,000 per fiscal year through fiscal year 2029 (a five‑year commitment totaling $1,250,000). Commissioner McDaniel said he is concerned about recurring long, multi‑year sole‑source contracts and urged departments to reduce reliance on that procurement model where feasible. The board approved the sole‑source purchase with no recorded opposition.

Both items were approved by motion and second and passed by voice votes; no members registered opposition.