Hillsborough County sets 10% SBE goal, submission rules in pre-bid for Public Defender lobby renovation

Hillsborough County procurement staff on a pre-bid conference reviewed requirements, schedule and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) participation rules for IFB 26-00263, a renovation of the Public Defender first-floor security lobby at 700 East Twiggs Street in Tampa.

Ashley Rogero, the county's senior procurement buyer, told prospective bidders the solicitation is open and that the bid closes July 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. Rogero reiterated that only written addenda change the solicitation and that all questions must be submitted through the vendor discussions area in the county's Yuna portal; the deadline for questions is July 9, 2026. She also reminded attendees that the cone of silence is in effect and cautioned against contacting county employees outside the process.

"The project does have a goal of 10%," said Deshawn Hines, the SBE goal compliance officer, describing required SBE documentation. Bidders must submit a completed SBE-1 Subcontractor/Material Suppliers List and a county letter of intent for each SBE subcontractor with their bid; only county-provided forms will be accepted. Hines warned that failure to submit the required SBE documentation "may result in your bid being rejected," and said good-faith-effort paperwork will no longer substitute for meeting the goal. Hines also explained reciprocity rules allowing certain firms from neighboring counties to count toward the goal if they hold qualifying local registrations.

Angelica Cordero, project manager in the Capital Programs Department, described the work: an existing, approximately 2,910-square-foot southeast first-floor area will be remodeled to enlarge the lobby, add a storefront at the elevator lobby, a front office, two conference offices, a security room and expanded offices. The base bid includes selective interior demolition and alterations to HVAC, electrical, fire/sprinkler and plumbing systems. Cordero identified plan sheets and specifications for alternates, which include cabinetry at the west entry lobby, kitchenette and cabinetry in room 118D, cabinetry for a community pantry, and an optional conveyor chute.

Cordero said the contract includes a $70,000 allowance and a $5,000 permit allowance. She noted the building will remain occupied during construction, with only the southeast lobby area vacated upon notice to proceed; limited staging on North Jefferson Street is possible with prior approval and a submitted layout. Normal working hours are Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but disruptive operations such as saw cutting or concrete placement may require after-hours work coordinated with the user agency.

Security and background checks will be required. Under contract section 11.11, contractors must provide names and social security numbers for all personnel accessing 700 East Twiggs so county security can perform background verification; no work in secure areas may begin until clearances are provided by the user agency security contact.

Procurement staff reviewed administrative materials in the Yuna portal, including terms and conditions, plans and specifications, insurance requirements and the bid bond form. Rogero said letters of intent for SBE firms must now be uploaded with the bid and bidders should use the portal's inquiry area for questions. A site visit was scheduled that day at 1:00 p.m. at the renovation location; procurement clarified the site visit is for viewing only and that questions must be submitted in writing.

Substantial completion is set at 210 days from notice to proceed and final completion at 240 days. The pre-bid concluded with staff inviting further questions submitted through Yuna and reminding bidders not to contact county staff outside the identified channels.