Invitation to Bid: Asbestos Abatement and Demolition Services

INVITATION TO BID NO. 2026-30
ASBESTOS ABATEMENT AND DEMOLITION SERVICES
Sealed bids will be received in the office of Purchasing and Contracting in the City Center, 324
W. Evans Street Florence, South Carolina, 29501 until June 12, 2026 at 2:00 pm from qualified
vendors to provide asbestos abatement and demolition services to the properties located at 315
Covington Street, 556 Lawson Street, and 609 N. Wilson Street, Florence, SC.
Bids shall be opened promptly at the above stated time and date and their contents will be made
public for the information of the bidder and other interested parties. The bid will not be awarded until
the Purchasing Agent and the applicable Department Director have had ample time to review each
bid.
Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope with "Bid No. 2026-30 asbestos/Demolition" clearly
marked on the outside of the envelope for easy identification by the City of Florence. The City does
not accept electronic/emailed bids. Any bids received later than the specified time will not be
accepted/considered. The city will not be responsible for late submission caused by the postal
service, other carriers, or any other delivery problems regardless of the reason. Bids submitted by
mail, Federal Express, United Parcel Service, etc. must meet these same requirements and should
be addressed to:
City of Florence
324 W. Evans Street
Florence, SC 29501-3430
The City of Florence under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes ensures that
no person shall on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and age, be excluded
from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any
program or activity it administers.
La ciudad de Florencia en el Titulo VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964 y los estatutos, se
asegura de que ninguna persona por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, discapacidad,
edad, ser excluido de participar en, ser negado los beneficios de, o ser de otra manera sujeto a
discriminacion bajo cualquier programa o actividad que administra.
The City of Florence reserves the right to engage in discussions with any or all responsible bidders
who submit bids which appear to be eligible for award, for the purpose of clarification to assure full
understanding of and responsiveness to the Invitation to bid requirements herein.
This solicitation does not commit the City of Florence to award a contract/purchase order, to pay any
costs incurred in the preparation of a bid, or to procure or contract for services. The City of Florence
reserves the right to reject any and all responses, to cancel this solicitation, and to make an award
deemed in its own best interest.
Lynwood F. Givens
Purchasing Agent

MINORITY, WOMAN, AND VETERAN OWNED BUSINESS
Minority Business Owners (minority, woman and veteran owned businesses) will be afforded full
opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the
grounds of race, color, creed, sex or national origin in consideration for an award. It is the policy of
the City that minority business and women owned business enterprises (MBE/WBE/VBE) have an
opportunity to participate at all levels of contracting in the performance of City contracts to the extent
practical and consistent with the efficient performance of the contract.
The successful firm must ensure that all subcontractors, agents, personnel assigned by or
employees of prime firm and subcontractors are not discriminated against because of their race,
color, religion, sex or national origin. Bidders must make positive efforts to provide equal
employment opportunity for minority and women owned businesses.
LOCAL AND MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PURCHASING PROGRAM:
When lowest bid is the principal determining factor in a bid selection process it is the intent of the
City of Florence to provide preference first to local businesses within the City or County of
Florence; however, if no local business is eligible or able to participate, preference shall then be
provided by the City to minority business enterprises based on the following guidelines:
a. For purposes of this policy, a "local business" is defined as a person, firm, contractor,
corporation, or other business entity offering the services and/or products being bid by
the City that maintain a place of business and have a physical business address
located and operating within the City or County of Florence. The business must have
been established for not less than one year within the City or County of Florence and
have a valid City of Florence Business License for a minimum of 12 months prior to the
bid date.
b. For purposes of this policy, a minority business enterprise (MBE) is defined as an MBE
that is certified in accordance with South Carolina Regulations 19-445.2160, as
authorized by 11-35-5270 the South Carolina Code of Laws, as amended.
c. When lowest bid is the principal determining factor in the selection process any "local
business" as defined in Subsection A above that submits a responsible and responsive
bid within 5% (if the business is located within the City of Florence) or 3% (if the
business is located within Florence County) of the non-local bidder who submitted the
lowest bid may match the bid submitted by the non-local bidder. A "local business" that
is within the percentage guidelines of the lowest bid received shall then be eligible for
award of the contract.
d. If the lowest bid is not a "local business" and a "local business" is within the percentage
guidelines of the lowest bid received, the "local business", subject to the provision of
Subsection H below, shall be awarded the contract if it is willing to provide goods or
services at the same price of the lowest bid received.
e. If conditions of Subsections C above are met and the qualified "local business" declines
or is unable to match the lowest bid, then the option to do so moves to the next qualified
"local business", if such business' bid is within the percentage guideline of the lowest
bid, and is similarly responsible and responsive.
2

f. In the event there is no "local business" eligible or willing to match the lowest bid, the
lowest responsible and responsive bid submitted by an MBE, if any, would be allowed
the opportunity to match the bid submitted by the non-local bidder and thereby be
awarded the contract when lowest bid is the primary determining factor in the bid
selection process.
g. If a procurement is to be made pursuant to state funding requirements, federal funding
requirements, bond covenants, or other outside funding source requirements which
prohibit or restrict local or MBE preference, then no local or MBE preference
consideration will be given.
h. The provisions for a local or MBE preference does not prohibit the right of the City to
compare quality of materials proposed for purchase and compare qualifications,
character, responsibility and fitness of all persons, firms, contractors, corporations, or
other business entities submitting bids. Accordingly, the local or MBE preference for a
particular procurement may be waived by the City Manager upon written
recommendation and justification by the Department Director.
The successful firm must ensure that all subcontractors, agents, personnel assigned by, or
employees of prime firm and subcontractors are not discriminated against because of their race,
color, religion, sex or national origin. Bidders must make positive efforts to provide equal
employment opportunity for minority and women owned businesses.
INSTRUCTION TO BIDDERS
The successful bidder must be authorized to sell the stated product or perform the services outlined
in the specifications of this bid document.
All bids must be signed by an authorized officer or agent of the company submitting the bid.
The City will assume no responsibility for oral instructions or suggestions. All official correspondence
in regard to the specifications should be directed to and will be issued by the City Purchasing Agent.
DEFINITIONS: Responsible Bidder means a bidder who has the capability in all respects to fully
perform the stated requirements, and the integrity and reliability which will assure good faith
performance.
Responsive Bidder means a bidder who has submitted a bid which conforms in all material respects
to the Invitation to Bid.
PROTEST: Any actual or prospective vendor, bidder, or contractor who is aggrieved in connection
with the solicitation or award of a contract may formally protest to the Finance Director. The protest
shall be submitted in writing within seven (7) days after such aggrieved person or party has received
the bid tabulation or the intent to award letter.
DISPUTES: In cases of disputes as to whether or not an item or service quoted or delivered meets
the specifications, the decision of the City of Florence shall be final and binding on all parties. The
Purchasing Agent may request in writing, the recommendation of the head of the City agency using
the item or other objective sources.
DEVIATIONS: Any deviations from the specifications contained herein must be noted in detail on
3

the bidder's bid response for the City of Florence's consideration. Failure to submit documentation
of deviations shall be grounds for rejection of the item offered to the City of Florence.
CHANGES: Any changes in this Invitation to Bid after the purchase order/contract agreement has
been awarded must be with the written consent of the Purchasing Agent or the City Manager;
otherwise, the responsibility for such changes lies with the vendor.
INQUIRIES: Questions concerning this invitation to bid should be directed to the City Purchasing
Agent, Lynwood F. Givens in writing by e-mail at lgivens@cityofflorencesc.gov. The deadline
for the submission of all inquiries is June 6, 2026 at 5:00 pm. Any changes to the
specifications in the bid package shall be in writing in an addendum. All Addendums will
be posted on the City of Florence website at www.cityofflorencesc.gov/public-bid-
information. It will be the responsibility of bidders to periodically check the website for
addendums.
A complete copy of the City of Florence purchasing policies and procedures manual can be
downloaded from the City of Florence website at www.cityofflorencesc.gov/public-bid-
information.
SCOPE OF WORK
The City of Florence is seeking bids from qualified companies to provide asbestos abatement and to
demolish the structures and clear lots located at:
1. 609 N. Wilson Street - Asbestos Abatement and Demolition Services
2. 556 Lawson Steet - Demolition Services Only
3. 315 Covington Street - Demolition Services Only
The City anticipates a forty-five (45) day period in which this project should be completed
after a Notice to Proceed is issued. Liquidated damages of $100.00 per day will be
assessed for failure to complete all work within 45 days.
The respondent shall perform or provide any and all professional services related to the project and
obtain all required permits. Respondent represents that all tasks will be performed in accordance
with generally acceptable professional standards and further represents that the advice and
consultation provided shall be within its authority and capacity as a professional. Respondent will
comply with the regulations, laws, ordinances and requirements of all governmental impact
applicable to assigned project.
ASBESTOS SURVEY
The City of Florence has already conducted an asbestos surveys completed by ECH Consultants.
609 N. Wilson Street has been determined to be damaged, unsafe, and uninhabitable. Therefore this
property shall be treated as if it has asbestos.
SPECIFICATIONS
Asbestos Abatement and Demolition
The asbestos abatement portion of this contract shall apply to only the 609 N. Wilson
4

Street. The contractor will be responsible for removal of all asbestos-containing material
according to the asbestos survey report prepared for the project and in compliance with
all EPA, OSHA, and SCHEC regulations, and any other applicable law, using best
practices.
1. The contractor shall submit the required notifications to SCDHEC, and any other
agency required to be notified.
2. The contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, and incidentals necessary
to provide complete asbestos abatement of the structure.
3. The contractor is responsible for all permits related to the project.
4. Should it be required to use a project monitor, the contractor shall provide the project
monitor and all cost associated with the use of said project monitor.
5. Any additional cleaning required after the final cleaning will be performed at the expense
of the contractor.
6. Any additional sampling costs shall be incurred by the contractor.
7. The contractor shall provide the final asbestos clearance inspection prior to
conducting any demolition work.
8. Verify address and size of property, check the map, block and parcel numbers for size
and shape of the parcel, review and inspect site prior to bidding.
9. Comply with all applicable laws, ordinances and codes of the federal, state and local
governments and shall commit no trespass on any public or private property in
performing any of the work as outlined. Obtain all required City, County, State, Federal
and/or permits, clearances, inspections and licenses prior to work.
10. Provide the City a copy of permit prior to any work being performed.
11. The debris shall be hauled to an approved landfill as required by local codes and law. All
dump fees/receipts for this demolition project shall be turned into the City along with
invoices.
12. All work shall encompass all of the property and to the edge of the street and/or streets.
13. Remove all vegetation, downed trees, rubbish and/or debris from the property.
14. Neatly trim all mature trees, all limbs shall be cut, trimmed or removed so the lowest limb
hanging shall be no less than 12 feet above the ground. All trees which measure up to
and including 36 inches around at any point from ground level up to 48 inches above
ground shall be removed. All trees removed, if cut shall be 6 inches below the finished
ground level.
15. Completely demolish and remove the entire structure including all related and unrelated,
attached and detached, surface and subsurface structural systems, materials, fixtures
and
utility systems, all pavement, concrete slabs, piers, foundations, poles, posts and all other
improvements including all related and unrelated as described, all stumps, specified
trees, shrubs and vegetation. Dust control shall be provided by contractor.
16. Completely remove all tanks, tires, septic systems, glass, metal, wood and all other
debris.
17. The bid should include all necessary fill dirt to achieve even ground and positive grade.
The lot shall have erosion control used where and as needed. The lot shall be seeded
and straw over the seed to protect from erosion and burning. The lot shall be construction
ready prior to invoicing.
18. Water/sewer utilities shall be located, marked and capped off (inspection required)
19. Site shall be disked, raked, seeded, and uniformly graded and with straw to provide proper
surface drainage away from the surrounding properties, leaving all surfaces clear, clean and
uniformly smooth, but never less than 1 inch above the top curb or street center line
20. Contractor shall employ standard practices in compliance with all applicable requirements
5

Regarding excavation, trenching, backfilling, cleaning and leveling. All areas of soil
disturbance, cuts and fills shall be properly prepared, and all back fills and imported fills
shall be properly installed utilizing approved compaction methods as required
21. Locating, termination, removal and protection of utilities, services, curbs, gutters,
sidewalks, streets, and roadways shall be the responsibility of the contractor. All damages
shall be immediately repaired by the contractor, at the contractor's expense. The
contractor shall cap off the existing sewer service at the street right of way
22. Contractor shall notify utility provider to remove their respective service if required.
Progress Energy, AT & T, Time Warner Cable, SC Electric & Gas
Demolition Only
The demolition portion of this project shall apply to 315 Covington Street and 556 Lawson Street.
Entire structure is to be demolished and removed from lot. All utilities are to be disconnected. All
overgrown brush is to be removed. Dead trees and/or fallen limbs removed. All remaining trees
are to be de limbed up 12 feet up. All saplings are also to be removed. Any fencing shall be
removed. Any storage sheds and pads are to be removed. All trash is to be disposed of. The lot
shall be graded for positive drainage and seeded. Erosion control will need to be placed as and
where needed. The lot shall also be made ready for new construction upon completion prior to
invoicing.
The Demolition contractor shall be responsible for the following:
1. Verify address and size of property, check the map, block and parcel numbers for size
and shape of the parcel, review and inspect site prior to bidding.
2. Comply with all applicable laws, ordinances and codes of the federal, state and local
governments and shall commit no trespass on any public or private property in
performing any of the work as outlined. Obtain all required City, County, State, Federal
and/or permits, clearances, inspections and licenses prior to work.
3. Provide the City a copy of permit prior to any work being performed.
4. The debris shall be hauled to an approved landfill as required by local codes and law. All
dump fees/receipts for this demolition project shall be turned into the City along with
invoices.
5. All work shall encompass all of the property and to the edge of the street and/or streets.
6. Remove all vegetation, downed trees, rubbish and/or debris from the property.
7. Neatly trim all mature trees, all limbs shall be cut, trimmed or removed so the lowest limb
hanging shall be no less than 12 feet above the ground. All trees which measure up to
and including 36 inches around at any point from ground level up to 48 inches above
ground shall be removed. All trees removed, if cut shall be 6 inches below the finished
ground level.
8. Completely demolish and remove the entire structure including all related and unrelated,
attached and detached, surface and subsurface structural systems, materials, fixtures
and
utility systems, all pavement, concrete slabs, piers, foundations, poles, posts and all other
improvements including all related and unrelated as described, all stumps, specified
trees, shrubs and vegetation. Dust control shall be provided by contractor.
9. Completely remove all tanks, tires, septic systems, glass, metal, wood and all other
debris.
10. The bid should include all necessary fill dirt to achieve even ground and positive grade.
The lot shall have erosion control used where and as needed. The lot shall be seeded
and straw over the seed to protect from erosion and burning. The lot shall be construction
ready prior to invoicing.
11. Water/sewer utilities shall be located, marked and capped off (inspection required)
6

12. Site shall be disked, raked, seeded, and uniformly graded and with straw to provide proper
surface drainage away from the surrounding properties, leaving all surfaces clear, clean and
uniformly smooth, but never less than 1 inch above the top curb or street center line
13. Contractor shall employ standard practices in compliance with all applicable requirements
Regarding excavation, trenching, backfilling, cleaning and leveling. All areas of soil
disturbance, cuts and fills shall be properly prepared, and all back fills and imported fills
shall be properly installed utilizing approved compaction methods as required
14. Locating, termination, removal and protection of utilities, services, curbs, gutters,
sidewalks, streets, and roadways shall be the responsibility of the contractor. All damages
shall be immediately repaired by the contractor, at the contractor's expense. The
contractor shall cap off the existing sewer service at the street right of way
15. Contractor shall notify utility provider to remove their respective service if required.
Progress Energy, AT & T, Time Warner Cable, SC Electric & Gas
Additional Specifications
1. Certifications and permits - The contractor will be responsible for obtaining all
certifications and permits necessary for completion of the project from the
appropriate regulatory agencies. The selected firm must provide valid copies of
these required documents prior to a Notice to Proceed being issued by the City of
Florence
2. Surveys and Testing - Asbestos Surveys of the buildings and property has been
completed and are attached to the bid.
3. Reuse of Materials - No materials from the project are proposed for reuse by the
City.
4. Salvage of Materials - Unless referenced otherwise in an addendum which will be
provided at the mandatory pre-bid conference, the contractor shall take ownership
of all scrap/salvage materials.
5. Extent of Underground Demolition - The contractor will be responsible for demolition of
all slabs and all underground structures. Approved material shall be placed as backfill in
all excavated areas and graded to the elevation necessary to provide positive surface
drainage to all areas of the site. Proper inspection of the lifts must be conducted by the
Engineering Division of the City of Florence and must be coordinated by the contractor.
6. Responsibility for Temporary Facilities - The contractor will be responsible for all
temporary facilities necessary to successfully complete the project - to include,
but not limited to, portable restrooms, site fencing, site security, water, etc.
Contractor must also obtain water from a fire hydrant with the rental of a hydrant
meter from the City of Florence, if available.
7. Special Requirements - Caution and care must be exercised to prevent damage
to adjacent structures, sidewalks and streetscape. All required street closures
shall be approved at least 48 hours through the City of Florence Engineering
Division. In addition, any required SCDOT, City or County permits for street
closure are the responsibility of the contractor.
8. Hazardous Materials - A preliminary inspection of the sites has been performed to
identify and assess suspect asbestos containing materials (see attached survey
results). The Contractor will be responsible for all aspects regarding the removal
and disposal of any/all hazardous materials, including but not limited to,
identification, testing, permitting, certification, notifications, best management
practices, hauling, disposal fees, etc.
Entire structure is to be demolished and removed from lot. All utilities are to be disconnected. All
overgrown brush is to be removed. Dead trees and/or fallen limbs removed. All remaining trees
7

are to be de-limbed up 12 feet up. All saplings are also to be removed. Any fencing shall be
removed. Any storage sheds and pads are to be removed. All trash is to be disposed of. The lot
shall be graded for positive drainage and seeded. Erosion control will need to be placed as and
where needed. The lot shall also be made ready for new construction upon completion prior to
invoicing.
MANDATORY PRE-BID MEETING AND WALK-THRU
The mandatory pre-bid meeting and walk-thru will be held on May 29, 2026 at 10:00 am
beginning at 315 Covington Street, followed by 556 Lawson Street and 609 N. Wilson
Street. The purpose of the pre-bid meeting is to review the scope of work, specifications, and to
receive questions from interested general contractors. Attendance by a responsible
representative of the firm is required at the pre-bid meeting. Firms not properly
represented at the pre-bid meeting will not be considered for evaluation. All interested firms
should report to the 315 Covington Street.
CRITERA FOR AWARD
Firms are requested to submit two (2) copies of the bid on the City of Florence Bid sheet
included in this invitation to bid on page 10. Bids submitted on any other form/bid sheet will
not be accepted. The bid will be awarded to the lowest responsible/responsive bidder that best
meets the City of Florence's specification/scope of work, taking into consideration but not limited to
the following:
1. Price
2. Qualifications and Experience
3. Approach
4. Schedule
The City shall have sole discretion in evaluating the bids and the qualifications of
the bidders. The City reserves the right to select the bid that it may determine to
be in the best interest of the City. The City also reserves the right to reject any and
all bids, including that of the selected Contractor if satisfactory contract
negotiations cannot be concluded.
Bid tabulations will be sent to all bidders via email and posted on the City of Florence
website at www.cityofflorence.com.
Before the award of contract/purchase order, any respondent may be required to show that they
have the necessary license, facilities, experience, ability, and financial resources to perform the work
in a satisfactory manner. Respondents may be required to furnish the City with sworn statements
as to their experience. No contract/purchase order will be awarded except to responsible offerors
capable of performing the class and type of work required.
TAXES
The City of Florence pays SC Sales Taxes in the amount of 8%. However, the City of Florence is
exempt from Federal Excise Taxes and will issue exemption certificates, if requested. INCLUDE
ALL APPLICABLE TAXES IN YOUR PROPOSAL COSTS.
8

PERFORMANCE/PAYMENT BONDS
A performance and payment bond, each in the amount of 100% of the final contract price of the
construction portion of this project will be required of the successful firm. The successful firm will be
required to furnish the required performance and payment bonds within ten (10) business days after
written notice of formal award of contract. Work will be required to commence within ten (10) days of
written notice to proceed by the Purchasing Agent.
BUSINESS LICENSE REQUIREMENT
It is required that each vendor awarded a contract agreement with the City of Florence, either secure
a business license or update their current business license for the total price of the work that will be
done inside the City. The Business License Coordinator is located 324 W. Evans Street, Florence,
SC The phone number is (843) 665-3173. Fax number is (843) 665-3111.
SUB-CONTRACTORS LIST
A sub-contractors list is required for all work that is to be done inside the City. The list is to be sent
to Lynwood F. Givens, Purchasing Agent at the Office of Purchasing and Contracting, located in the
City Center at 324 W. Evans St., Florence, S.C. Please note if any sub-contractors are minority or
women-owned businesses.
SC ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION REFORM ACT
By signing this offer, you certify that your company will comply with, and will remain in compliance
with during the term of the agreement, the applicable requirements of Title 8, Chapter 14 of the
South Carolina Code of Laws and agree to provide to the City of Florence upon request any
documentation required to establish either:
(a) That Title 8, Chapter 14 is inapplicable to your company or your subcontractors or sub-
subcontractors; or
(b) That your company and your subcontractors or sub-subcontractors are in compliance with
Title 8, Chapter 14.
Pursuant to Section 8-14-60, your company shall agree to include in any
contracts with your subcontractor's language requiring your subcontractors to:
(a) Comply with the applicable requirement of Title 8, Chapter 14, and
(b) Include in their contracts with the sub-subcontractor's language requiring the sub-
subcontractors to comply with the applicable requirements of Title 8, Chapter 14.
REQUIRED INSURANCE INFORMATION
The firm shall agree to hold harmless, indemnify and defend the City of Florence, South Carolina, its
agents and employees from any claims for property damage or personal injury (including death
resulting therefrom). Such claims include, but are not limited to, actual, consequential, incidental or
punitive damages. The firm shall agree to maintain sufficient comprehensive general liability
insurance, naming the City of Florence, South Carolina, as additional insured, in the amounts of
$1,000,000.00 per occurrence and $1,000,000.00 per person. Proof of such insurance shall be
given to the Purchasing Agent by an appropriate certificate-of-insurance issued by the firm's
insurance agent.
9

Further, the firm shall agree to insure prior to commencement of work on the project (job), all
subcontractors, agents, assigns or employees of prime firm and subcontractor shall agree to hold
harmless, indemnify and defend the City of Florence, South Carolina, its agents and employees from
any claims for property damage or personal injury (including death resulting therefrom). Such claims
include but are not limited to, actual, consequential, incidental or punitive damages. Further, prior to
commencement of work on the project (job), the firm shall insure that all subcontractors, agents or
assigns of the firm, maintain sufficient comprehensive general liability insurance, naming the City of
Florence, South Carolina, as additional insured, in the amounts of $1,000,000.00 per occurrence and
$1,000,000.00 per person. Proof of such insurance shall be given to the Purchasing Agent by an
appropriate certificate-of-insurance issued by applicable entity's insurance agent.
With regards to comprehensive general liability insurance, claims may be made during or after the
term or terms of the contract/purchase order agreement.
Vehicle liability insurance with minimum combined single limits of $1,000,000.00 per occurrence
shall be maintained by the firm.
The successful firm shall take out and maintain, during the life of the contract agreement, workers'
compensation and employer's liability insurance for all employees to be engaged in services on this
project under this agreement in an amount not less than $1,000,000.00, and in case any such
services are sublet, the firm shall require all subcontractor(s) also to provide workers' compensation
and employer's liability insurance in an amount not less than $1,000,000.00 for all of the
subcontractor's employees to be engaged in such.
10