Solid Waste Authority denies Waste Pro waiver request, advances sealed bid opening

The Palm Beach County Solid Waste Authority on a 4–3 vote denied Waste Pro Florida Inc.’s protest seeking a waiver of a 20% Small Business Enterprise (SBE) subcontracting participation requirement, leaving Waste Pro’s bids for service areas 1–4 deemed nonresponsive and clearing the way for a sealed price opening on Feb. 2.

Staff told the board it reviewed Waste Pro’s waiver submission against a defined rubric and awarded the company 36 of 100 available points; waivers require at least 70 points. Jody Hart, director of purchasing services, told commissioners that Waste Pro met some initial documentation requirements but failed to provide the required follow-up evidence—such as clearly itemized scope descriptions, NIGP codes for subcontracted work, documented negotiations with certified SBEs, and written agreements—required by sections b and c of the waiver criteria. "We are recommending that you deny…