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Tampa Police Department selects low bidder for new facility; council to consider award after final financial resolution
Summary
Assistant Chief Ruth Kate and project staff reported that three contractors bid for a new police facility at 5005 North Howard; the apparent low bidder returned about $21.7 million for construction, staff says about $29 million more is needed to complete the project when design and owner allowances are included, and the project could take roughly 18 months to build.
City staff told Tampa City Council that three contractors bid on the new police facility and that the apparent low bidder, Kokalakis, returned a construction bid of about $21.7 million.
Assistant Chief Ruth Kate said the department had already spent roughly $7 million on land and design and that completing the project will require an additional roughly $29 million for construction, furniture, technology, site work and a 3% contingency; staff said the total project estimate will land in the low‑to‑mid $30 millions after final reconciliation. Richard Mudderback, director of contract administration, characterized the procurement as a hard bid and said that change orders would be required to alter the contractor’s scope post‑award.
Staff estimated roughly 18 months for building construction with an additional period for infrastructure and finishing work. Kate told council that using the new facility will reduce the city’s recurring monthly impound fees currently paid to a private vendor, though some impound functions will still require vendor services.
Council members asked about stormwater capacity, tree preservation, the number of buildable acres remaining on the site (staff said approximately 3–3.5 acres could be available), and whether the savings from a lower construction bid would offset other soft costs. Finance staff said the overall project is being reconciled and that council will receive a financial resolution when the department returns to request formal award and appropriation.
No formal contract award occurred at this meeting; staff will return with a financial resolution and the formal award on a future council agenda.
