Sweetwater awards uniforms, janitorial, landscaping and vulnerability‑assessment contracts

The Sweetwater City Commission on Dec. 23 approved a series of procurement awards intended to update city uniforms, janitorial services, streetscape landscaping and to fund a vulnerability assessment tied to a state grant.

Mayor Sergio Diaz said the uniform procurement followed a five‑member selection committee and recommended AE Tactical LLC, which received the top score of 82.9. Procurement staff said the contract will be executed after standard agreement review and includes a 30‑day cancellation clause for nonperformance.

Procurement director Stephanie Butka confirmed vendors show stock availability and that price weighed 20 percent in selection scoring. Commissioners asked for a full cost breakdown and staff said they would provide line‑item pricing from the RFP package.

For janitorial services the commission selected the highest‑scoring firm (Prisha/Prishored Industries) with a weighted score of 75.8; staff said the award is expected to save approximately $40,000 a year compared with the current contract. The selected vendor is contractually required to conduct background checks on employees and to provide identification and name tags for staff working in city facilities.

The commission also approved a landscaping contract for medians and islands along NW 110th Avenue and NW 17th Street at a cost of $45,660 that includes labor, plant warranty and maintenance provisions. Commissioners questioned plant selection—specifically the use of bougainvillea for medians—and the mayor asked staff to consider alternative species.

Finally, the commission selected AMI Engineering LLC to perform a comprehensive vulnerability assessment under a Florida Department of Environmental Protection grant (agreement 23PLN95) for $50,000. Mayor Diaz said the study is intended to position the city for larger construction grants in the future.

All vendor awards passed by recorded vote during the meeting.