TAYLOR COUNTY HORSEMEN'S ARENA

Taylor County - RFP - Horsemen's Arena Improvements & Park Development
TAYLOR COUNTY, FLORIDA
Board of County Commissioners
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
TAYLOR COUNTY HORSEMEN'S ARENA
ARENA IMPROVEMENTS AND PARK DEVELOPMENT - DESIGN-BUILD PROJECT
Funded in part by the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP)
Florida Department of Environmental Protection - Agreement No. P5048
Issuing Owner Taylor County Board of County Commissioners
Project Location Taylor County Horsemen's Arena, Forest Capital Park, 255 Forest Park Drive,
Perry, Florida 32348
Proposals Due October 30, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. ET
Submit To Clerk of Court, 1st Floor Courthouse, 108 North Jefferson Street, Suite 102,
Perry, Florida 32347
Primary Contact Melody Cox, Grants Department - melody.cox@taylorcountygov.com -
850-843-0029
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Taylor County - RFP - Horsemen's Arena Improvements & Park Development
Table of Contents
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................... 2
Notice of Request for Proposals ................................................................................................................... 4
General Proposal Information ...................................................................................................................... 4
Section 1 - Introduction and Background ................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Purpose .............................................................................................................................................. 5
1.2 Background ........................................................................................................................................ 6
1.3 Owner and Contact Information ........................................................................................................ 6
1.4 Funding Source and Grant Compliance.............................................................................................. 6
Section 2 - Scope of Work .......................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 General ............................................................................................................................................... 6
2.2 FRDAP Project Elements (Scope) ....................................................................................................... 6
2.3 Primary Project Elements ................................................................................................................... 7
2.4 Support Project Elements .................................................................................................................. 7
2.5 Permits, Codes, and Accessibility ....................................................................................................... 8
2.6 Site Conditions and Restoration ........................................................................................................ 8
2.7 Engineer of Record; Signing and Sealing ............................................................................................ 8
Section 3 - Grant-Driven Schedule and Constraints ................................................................................... 8
Section 4 - Proposal Submission Requirements ......................................................................................... 9
4.1 General Instructions ........................................................................................................................... 9
4.2 Required Proposal Content ................................................................................................................ 9
4.3 Public Records Notice ........................................................................................................................ 9
Section 5 - Evaluation and Award ............................................................................................................. 10
5.1 Evaluation Method ........................................................................................................................... 10
5.2 Evaluation Criteria ............................................................................................................................ 10
5.3 Budget and Award Rights ................................................................................................................. 10
Section 6 - General Terms and Conditions ............................................................................................... 10
6.1 Local Terms and Conditions ............................................................................................................. 11
Section 7 - FRDAP / FDEP Special Requirements (Flow-Down) ................................................................ 12
Section 8 - Exhibits and Attachments ....................................................................................................... 13
Exhibit A - Site Plan and Project Element Layout ..................................................................................... 14
Exhibit B - Proposal Form ......................................................................................................................... 15
Exhibit C - Price Proposal Form ................................................................................................................ 16
Exhibit D - References Form ..................................................................................................................... 17
Exhibit E - Required Certifications ............................................................................................................ 18
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Taylor County - RFP - Horsemen's Arena Improvements & Park Development
1. Public Entity Crimes (Section 287.133, F.S.) ....................................................................................... 18
2. Scrutinized Companies (Section 287.135, F.S.) .................................................................................. 18
3. E-Verify (Section 448.095, F.S.) .......................................................................................................... 18
4. Drug-Free Workplace (Section 287.087, F.S.) .................................................................................... 18
5. Non-Collusion Affidavit ...................................................................................................................... 18
Exhibit F - Hold Harmless, Release and Indemnity Agreement ................................................................ 19
Exhibit G - Sworn Statement on Public Entity Crimes .............................................................................. 20
Exhibit H - E-Verify Affidavit ..................................................................................................................... 22
Part 1 - Contractor's E-Verify Affidavit ................................................................................................. 22
Part 2 - Subcontractor's E-Verify Affidavit ............................................................................................ 23
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Taylor County - RFP - Horsemen's Arena Improvements & Park Development
Notice of Request for Proposals
The Taylor County Board of County Commissioners is soliciting proposals for the TAYLOR COUNTY
HORSEMEN'S ARENA - ARENA IMPROVEMENTS AND PARK DEVELOPMENT PROJECT. This project is the
design-build of improvements and upgrades to the existing Horsemen's Arena, together with new and
renovated public outdoor recreation amenities at the arena grounds in Forest Capital Park which will
include a new playground area, a new picnic facility, two recreational vehicle/camping hookups,
restroom improvements, handicap-accessible parking improvements, and new security lighting as per
the requirements of a Florida Recreational Development Assistance Program Grant Agreement P5048.
Qualified firms or individuals desiring to provide the requested services MUST submit their proposal in
an envelope or similar package marked "Sealed Proposals for TAYLOR COUNTY HORSEMEN'S ARENA
IMPROVEMENTS AND PARK DEVELOPMENT IN TAYLOR COUNTY, FLORIDA" to the Clerk of Court, 1st
Floor Courthouse, 108 North Jefferson Street, Suite 102, Perry, Florida 32347, to arrive no later than
4:00 P.M., local time, on Friday, October 30, 2026.
All proposals MUST have name and mailing address clearly shown on the outside of the envelope or
package when submitted. Proposals will be opened and respondents announced at 6:00 P.M., local time,
or as soon thereafter as practical, on Monday, November 2, 2026 at the Taylor County Administrative
Complex, 201 East Green Street, Perry, Florida 32347.
The County reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to reject any or all proposals, to cancel
or withdraw this proposal at any time, or waive any irregularities in the proposal process. The County
reserves the right to award any contract(s) to the proposer/respondent which it deems to offer the best
overall service; therefore, the County is not bound to award any contract(s) based on the quoted price.
The County, in its sole and absolute discretion, also reserves the right to waive minor defects in the
process and to accept the proposal deemed to be in the County's best interest. The County reserves the
right to only award "Primary Elements" of the Scope of Work if it is deemed "Support Elements" can be
completed more cost efficiently by the County. No faxed proposals will be accepted.
For additional information and a proposal package, contact: Melody Cox, Grants Manager, Taylor
County, 201 East Green Street, Perry, FL 32347 at melody.cox@taylorcountygov.com, or at 850-843-
0029. The proposal package may also be obtained on the County's website at
www.taylorcountygov.com.
Qualified WBE/MBE/DBE and Veteran Owned businesses are encouraged to apply.
General Proposal Information
1. Proposal documents shall be obtained from Melody Cox at melody.cox@taylorcountygov.com or at
850-843-0029. Proposal documents will also be available on the County's website at
www.taylorcountygov.com.
2. Proposals MUST be submitted to the Clerk of Court, 1st Floor Courthouse, 108 North Jefferson
Street, Suite 102, Perry, Florida 32347, to arrive no later than 4:00 P.M., local time, October 30,
2026.
3. Proposals MUST be in a sealed envelope plainly marked on the outside: "RFP for Taylor County
Horsemen's Arena Improvements and Park Development Project , Taylor County".
4. All proposals MUST have respondents name and mailing address shown on the outside of the
envelope or package when submitted.
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Taylor County - RFP - Horsemen's Arena Improvements & Park Development
5. Proposals that are not delivered to the physical address specified prior to the specified time will
not be considered and will be returned to the responder unopened.
6. Once opened, no proposal may be withdrawn prior to Board of County Commissioners action
without the written consent of the County.
7. Responders must complete and furnish with their proposal the Florida Public Entity Crimes sworn
statement as required by Section 287.133(3)(a), Florida Statutes (Exhibit E).
8. Proposals shall be opened by the Clerk of Courts at the Board of Commissioners meeting at 6:00
PM or as soon thereafter November 2, 2026 and respondents announced.
9. The Taylor County Board of County Commissioners reserves the right, in its sole and absolute
discretion, to reject any or all proposals, to waive minor defects, to cancel or withdraw this
proposal at any time, and to waive any irregularities in the proposal process. The County is not
bound to award based on quoted price and reserves the right to award to the proposer it deems to
offer the best overall service.
10. The County reserves the right to only award "Primary Elements" of the Scope of Work if it is
deemed "Support Elements" can be completed more cost effectively by the County.
11. Proposer will be responsible to prepare and obtain any required permitting. The County will be
responsible for permit fees as this is not a expense reimbursable to the FRDAP grant.
12. It is the responsibility of the proposers to fully understand and follow all contract expectations, the
approved FRDAP conceptual plan and project element layout plan (Exhibit A).
13. All proposals require General Liability and Workers' Compensation Insurance and must include a
Certificate of Insurance showing the liability coverage required in Section 6 "Insurance" of this RFP,
listing Taylor County as an additional insured, or a sworn statement from an insurance agent
verifying that, if awarded, a Certificate of Insurance will be issued to the successful respondent
within thirty (30) days of acceptance. Workers' Compensation exemptions will be accepted only
upon providing a current Florida Workers' Compensation Exemption Certificate and a signed Taylor
County Hold Harmless, Release and Indemnity Agreement. (Exhibit F)
14. The Taylor County Board of County Commissioners does not accept faxed proposals.
15. Proposers who elect to send sealed proposals by overnight or express delivery must send to the
physical address of the Clerk of Court, 1st Floor Courthouse, 108 North Jefferson Street, Suite 102,
Perry, Florida 32347.
16. For additional information, contact Melody Cox, Grants Manager, (850) 843-0029 or at
melody.cox@taylorcountygov.com.
Section 1 - Introduction and Background
1.1 Purpose
Taylor County, Florida (the "County" or "Owner") is soliciting sealed proposals from qualified, properly
licensed general contractors to furnish design-build services, all labor, materials, equipment, project
management, and obtain required permitting, (if applicable) to complete the FRDAP-approved
improvements and upgrades to the Taylor County Horsemen's Arena and the associated park
development at the arena grounds (the "Project") in accordance with the requirements of this Request
for Proposals ("RFP").
The Project is funded by a grant from the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program
("FRDAP"), administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection ("FDEP") under Grant
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Taylor County - RFP - Horsemen's Arena Improvements & Park Development
Agreement No. P5048. The successful proposer must perform all work in conformance with the grant
agreement, the approved FRDAP application and plans, Chapter 62D-5, Florida Administrative Code
("F.A.C."), the Florida Building Code, the Site Plan and Project Element Layout (Exhibit A), and all
applicable permits and laws.
1.2 Background
The Taylor County Horsemen's Arena is an existing public outdoor recreation facility located within
Forest Capital Park at 255 Forest Park Drive, Perry, Florida 32348, and is accessible to the public seven
(7) days a week at the entrance located on Forest Park Drive. Existing facilities at the site include the
Arena, Round Pen, Fencing, Announcer Stand, Cook Shed, Restrooms, Heritage Pavilion, Garden Club,
Park Ranger Residence, Parking Area, Forest Capital Hall, the Forest Capital State Museum, and the Old
Cracker Homestead.
Through this Project, the County will improve and upgrade the existing Horsemen's Arena and add new
and renovated recreation amenities to expand public access and use. The improvements respond to
strong community demand for improved equestrian and outdoor recreation facilities and accessible
amenities. Taylor County qualifies as a rural area of opportunity and the grant carries a Rural Economic
Development Initiative (REDI) match waiver (0% local match).
1.3 Owner and Contact Information
All communications concerning this RFP must be directed in writing via email to the Primary Contact
identified on the cover page. From the date of issuance until award, proposers and their representatives
shall not contact any other County official, employee, or evaluation committee member regarding this
RFP except through the Primary Contact ("cone of silence"). Violation may result in disqualification.
1.4 Funding Source and Grant Compliance
As the Project is grant-funded, the resulting contract will incorporate certain FDEP/FRDAP terms that
"flow down" to the contractor (see Section 7). The County's obligation to pay is contingent upon the
availability of grant funds and FDEP's acceptance of deliverables. No work may begin, and no costs are
reimbursable, until approval of the bid documents and associated executed contract.
Section 2 - Scope of Work
2.1 General
The scope of this RFP is the design-build construction of the FRDAP-approved Project Elements for the
Taylor County Horsemen's Arena, in accordance with the approved FRDAP application and the
conceptual plan which includes the proposed layout plan (Exhibit A). The Work includes site
preparation, demolition where required, utility connections, restoration, and all incidental work
necessary for the successful completion of the project primary and support elements listed in Section
2.2.
Note: This solicitation covers all FRDAP-approved Project Elements for the Taylor County Horsemen's Arena as listed
in the approved FRDAP application (DRP-106) and Section 2.2 below. All work must be completed in accordance
with the approved plans and application; any alteration, addition, or deletion of a Project Element is a significant
change that requires prior FDEP written approval and may require a formal grant amendment.
2.2 FRDAP Project Elements (Scope of Work )
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Taylor County - RFP - Horsemen's Arena Improvements & Park Development
The Work consists of the following FRDAP-approved Project Elements. Proposers shall furnish all design,
labor, materials, and equipment necessary to deliver each element complete and fully operational. The
FRDAP-approved budget amounts below are provided for information only, to reflect the grant's
approved allocation; proposers shall provide their own lump-sum pricing on the Price Proposal Form
(Exhibit C).
Project Element Type Approved FRDAP
Budget
Horsemen's Arena Improvements and Upgrades Primary $177,000
Playground (New) Primary $3,600
Picnic Facility (New) Primary $1,500
RV Hook-Ups (2) Support $8,000
Restroom Improvements Support $6,500
Parking Improvements (Handicap Accessibility) Support $3,000
Security Lighting (New) Support $400
TOTAL FRDAP GRANT AWARD $200,000
2.3 Primary Project Elements
Horsemen's Arena Improvements and Upgrades (Primary Element). Improvements and upgrades to
the existing Horsemen's Arena and its associated facilities, as shown in the approved FRDAP conceptual
plan (Exhibit A).
The arena improvements and upgrades are to include the following components:
* Total rehabilitation of the arena to be a 150' wide 0 x 250' long regulation size equestrian facility
including 6-foot heavy duty arena paneling, gates, chutes, and back pens. The improvements will
include rehabilitation of spectator seating including shade covering, and, rehabilitation of the
handicap viewing area. The existing arena paneling and gates are to be removed and will be
retained by the County for further use.
* Rehabilitation of the arena surface and footing which will include re-grade, and laser-level the
arena; furnish and place new footing material to the proper depth and cross-slope over a prepared
base/subbase; and provide grading and drainage as needed for a safe, usable riding surface.
* Associated site work - demolition and removal of replaced materials, hauling, erosion and
sediment control, and restoration of disturbed areas to equal or better condition.
Note: Proposers are responsible for verifying existing conditions at the site prior to submitting a
proposal.
Playground (New) (Primary Element). A new playground area meeting CPSC and ASTM F1487 standards
and the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, including equipment, accessible surfacing, and site
work.
Picnic Facility (New) (Primary Element). A new picnic facility, including pad, table(s), and associated site
work.
2.4 Support Project Elements
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Taylor County - RFP - Horsemen's Arena Improvements & Park Development
* RV Hook-Ups (2) - two (2) new recreational vehicle/camping hookups, including electric, water, and
sewer/utility connections as applicable and associated site improvements.
* Restroom Improvements -installation of new exterior doors, painting, and lighting upgrades.
* Parking Improvements (Handicap Accessibility) - improvements to parking to provide two (2) ADA-
compliant accessible parking spaces , signage, and striping.
* Security Lighting (New) - new security lighting serving the improved areas.
* Site restoration of all disturbed areas to equal or better condition.
2.5 Permits, Codes, and Accessibility
The Contractor shall obtain all construction permits (if applicable) and shall comply with the Florida
Building Code, Chapter 62D-5, F.A.C., the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, and all applicable
state and local codes.
2.6 Site Conditions and Restoration
The Contractor is responsible for protecting existing improvements, utilities, and vegetation to remain;
for erosion and sediment control; and for restoring all disturbed areas to equal or better condition. The
Contractor shall maintain the site in a safe, secure condition throughout construction, with the facility
remaining partially open to the public to the extent practicable.
2.7 Engineer of Record; Signing and Sealing
Because the Project is FRDAP grant-funded, the Contractor shall provide (employ or retain, at its own
cost) a Professional Engineer (PE) licensed in the State of Florida to serve as the Contractor's Engineer of
Record. The Engineer of Record shall be responsible for the engineering aspects of the Work, including
review and approval of shop drawings and submittals, certification of completed Work, and certification
of each application for payment (pay request) submitted to the County. The Engineer of Record shall
sign and seal all documents requiring a professional engineer's certification under Chapter 471, Florida
Statutes, and Chapter 61G15, F.A.C. The Contractor shall also furnish a final as-built site plan for the
Project. All costs associated with the Contractor's Engineer of Record shall be included in the proposed
price.
The County's designated Engineer will independently review and certify the design and the completed
Work on behalf of the County and FDEP. The independent review does not relieve the Contractor of its
obligation to furnish and pay for its own Engineer of Record as set forth above.
Section 3 - Grant-Driven Schedule and Constraints
This Project is subject to firm, grant-imposed deadlines. Proposers must demonstrate the ability to
complete the Work within these constraints.
Milestone Date / Requirement
FDEP Agreement Begin Date Agreement executed October 22, 2024
Notice to Commence Construction A Notice to Commence will be issued upon execution of contract with
the selected contractor by the Board of Commissioners and approval
of FDEP. No costs will be reimbursable prior to execution of contract.
FRDAP Project Completion Date April 15, 2027. THERE ARE NO EXTENSIONS FOR THE COMPLETION OF
THE PROJECT.
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Taylor County - RFP - Horsemen's Arena Improvements & Park Development
Milestone Date / Requirement
FDEP Agreement Expiration June 30, 2027 (all reimbursable work, and FDEP approval of all
closeout documents, must be completed by this date)
Financial consequences: TIME IS OF ESSENCE ON THIS PROJECT. THERE ARE NO EXTENSIONS
AVAILABLE FOR THIS PROJECT.
Section 4 - Proposal Submission Requirements
4.1 General Instructions
Each proposer shall submit one (1) clearly marked original, and 2 paper copies, and one (1) electronic
copy (USB or PDF) of its proposal in a sealed package marked: "Request For Proposal - Taylor County
Horsemen's Arena Improvements and Park Development, Taylor County". Proposals must be received at
the address on the cover page no later than the date and time stated. Late proposals will not be
accepted. Proposals submitted by fax or email will not be accepted.
4.2 Required Proposal Content
To be considered responsive, each proposal must include the following, tabbed and in order:
1. Cover Letter signed by an officer authorized to bind the firm.
2. Firm Qualifications: legal name, address, years in business, organizational structure, and Florida
Certified/Registered General Contractor license number.
3. Relevant Experience: at least three (3) comparable park, recreation, equestrian, or site-
construction projects completed in the last five (5) years, including scope, contract value,
completion date, and owner reference.
4. Key Personnel: proposed project manager and/or superintendent with resumes; identification of
major subcontractors.
5. Engineer of Record: identification of the Florida-licensed Professional Engineer the proposer will
provide as its Engineer of Record, including the engineer's name, Florida PE license number, and a
brief statement of the engineer's role in certifying the completed Work and pay requests.
6. Project Approach & Schedule: narrative approach and a proposed construction schedule
demonstrating completion on or before April 15, 2027. THERE ARE NO EXTENSIONS TO THE
PROJECT COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE REQUIRED SCOPE OF WORK.
7. Price Proposal: completed Price Proposal Form (Exhibit C), with a lump-sum base price and the per-
element schedule of values.
8. Required Certifications & Forms (Exhibit E), completed and signed.
9. E-Verify Affidavit (Exhibit H, Part 1 - Contractor), completed, signed, and notarized.
10. Evidence of insurability and bonding capacity (letter from surety/agent).
4.3 Public Records Notice
Proposals are public records under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, and become subject to disclosure after
the County posts notice of an intended decision or 30 days after opening, whichever is earlier. Material
claimed as confidential/exempt must be specifically identified and is submitted at the proposer's risk.
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Taylor County - RFP - Horsemen's Arena Improvements & Park Development
Section 5 - Evaluation and Award
5.1 Evaluation Method
An evaluation committee appointed by the County will review all responsive, responsible proposals and
score them on the criteria below. Award will be made to the proposer whose proposal is determined to
be the best value to the County, not necessarily the lowest price. The County may, at its option, shortlist
and conduct interviews or request best-and-final offers.
5.2 Evaluation Criteria
Criterion Points Weight
Experience & qualifications of firm (comparable 20 20%
park/recreation/arena construction)
Past performance & references 20 20%
Project approach, schedule & ability to meet the April 15, 2027 20 20%
grant deadline
Price (lump-sum base proposal) 40 40%
TOTAL 100 100%
5.3 Budget and Award Rights
The County reserves the right to: reject any or all proposals; waive minor irregularities; award in whole
or in part or by individual element to remain within available funding; negotiate scope and price with
the highest-ranked proposer; and re-solicit. Award is contingent on Board of County Commissioners
approval and FDEP concurrence. In the event of any legal action, the venue will exclusively be Taylor
County, Florida.
Section 6 - General Terms and Conditions
Topic Requirement
Licensing Contractor must hold a current Florida Certified or Registered General Contractor
license and all applicable local competency licenses at the time of proposal and
throughout the contract.
Insurance Prior to award, Contractor shall provide Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000
per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate), Automobile Liability, and Workers'
Compensation as required by law, naming Taylor County as additional insured
(except Workers' Comp).
Bonds A bid bond or cashier's check of five percent (5%) of the proposal amount is
required with each proposal. The successful proposer shall furnish 100%
Performance and Payment Bonds in accordance with Section 255.05, Florida
Statutes, prior to commencing work.
Public Entity Crimes Proposers must comply with Section 287.133, Florida Statutes; a person on the
convicted vendor list may not submit.
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