The City of Winter Haven is inviting bids to beautify and activate a downtown stormwater pond in coordination with FDOT. The proposed improvements include landscaping, pedestrian features and seating intended to connect the pond with adjacent retail and commercial spaces. The city received an FDOT Beautification Grant for the pond, but this solicitation seeks bids for the improvement work rather than applications for a grant.
Pre-construction-phase services will consist of input into the project s final design and permitting activities. To prepare the GMP package for the construction-phase, services generally encompass construction, management, performance testing, and permitting activities for each phase of the project and more. See attached file for full scope.
Sole Source:Only if your solution is unique/proprietary or needed for standardization; coordinate with Procurement.
Coops:Frequently procures through Sourcewell, OMNIA Partners, Florida DMS State Contracts & Agreements, and the GSA Cooperative Purchasing Program (MAS IT & Security); you can gain access through the Starbridge reseller & contract-vehicle platform — reach out to your Starbridge contact to pursue onboarding.
Agency-specific vendor registration, compliance steps, and approval routing shape the purchasing timeline.
Unlock detailed thresholds, contracting paths, payment terms, and vendor benchmarks for this buyer.
When viable:Unique/proprietary technology or required to standardize with existing city systems (aligns with past patented/infrastructure justifications).
Agency-specific vendor registration, compliance steps, and approval routing shape the purchasing timeline.
Unlock detailed thresholds, contracting paths, payment terms, and vendor benchmarks for this buyer.
The city actively uses cooperative purchasing (confirmed Sourcewell use and piggybacking on other Florida governments). You can gain access to the recommended path by reaching out to your Starbridge contact through the Starbridge reseller & contract-vehicle platform.
Recommended (accessible through Starbridge):
Agency-specific vendor registration, compliance steps, and approval routing shape the purchasing timeline.
Unlock detailed thresholds, contracting paths, payment terms, and vendor benchmarks for this buyer.
Full playbooks include agency-specific workflows, thresholds, and vendor benchmarks.
Early Buyer Signals
Board meetings and strategic plans from City of Winter Haven
Winter Haven City Commission Agenda Review Meeting
Date: Sep 9, 2026Type: Meeting mention
The meeting focused on the agenda review for upcoming sessions, specifically addressing the fiscal year 27 budget and the establishment of the municipal millage rate. Commissioners deliberated on the implications of adopting the rollback rate versus the proposed millage rate of 6.5900 mills, examining the impact on general fund revenues and the Community Redevelopment Agency districts. Discussions also covered the management of fund balance reserves and the appropriation of excess funds for one-time capital projects. Ultimately, the commission reached a consensus to proceed with the proposed millage rate.
City Commission City Commission Meeting
Date: Sep 28, 2026Type: Meeting mention
The meeting featured the issuance of several proclamations, including recognition for Constitution Week, Johnny Bernard Neil Jr. Day, and the centennial anniversary of the local hospital. Additionally, the commission addressed fiscal matters, specifically focusing on the adoption of the millage rate for the upcoming fiscal year.
Winter Haven City Commission Budget Briefing Workshop Meeting
Date: Jul 22, 2026
Key Contacts
Public-sector contacts connected to City of Winter Haven.
Who manages procurement and purchasing for the City of Winter Haven?
Procurement for the City of Winter Haven is administered in‑house by the Financial Services Department through the City's dedicated Procurement Officer, Bethany Owen. The Procurement office executes citywide purchasing policy and related solicitations; City Commission actions appear in Granicus meeting agendas and packets.
Where does the City of Winter Haven post bids and RFPs?
Official bids and RFPs for the City of Winter Haven are posted on the City's OpenGov Procurement Portal. The portal is linked from the City's 'Bid Postings' page and public notices, including legal bid notices, are also published on the city's column.us public‑notice site.
How do vendors complete vendor registration with the City of Winter Haven?
Vendors register for City of Winter Haven solicitations via the City's OpenGov Procurement Portal by creating an account and signing up for email or text bid notifications. Vendors may also contact the Procurement Officer for registration questions or assistance.
Native sync to Salesforce & HubSpot
Type: Meeting mention
The commission held a budget briefing workshop to present the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Key topics included the utilization of the Open Gov platform for enhanced fiscal transparency, substantial capital investments in infrastructure, specifically focusing on water and sewer systems, and the alignment of budgetary priorities with the city's strategic plan. The presentation addressed current property tax trends, revenue projections, and proposed employee compensation adjustments, including cost-of-living increases. The commission also reviewed the funding of specific capital projects, such as fire service equipment, parking infrastructure, and recreational facility improvements, while highlighting the business-like operations of various city departments.
Extracted from official board minutes, strategic plans, and video transcripts.
Meeting signals
Know what buyers discuss before RFPs drop
Track City of Winter Haven meetings, strategic plans, and budget discussions before the public bid appears.
How does the City of Winter Haven approve procurement contracts and awards?
Contracting authority for the City of Winter Haven rests with the City Commission; the Procurement Division administers competitive bidding for purchases over $5,000. Commission meetings, agendas, and packets showing approvals are published on Granicus, and ordinance thresholds appear in the City Code on Municode.
Where can vendors find procurement policies and standard terms for the City of Winter Haven?
City of Winter Haven procurement policies are administered by the Financial Services Procurement Division; the City's Procurement page describes the $5,000 competitive‑bid threshold and links to policy resources. The City Code of Ordinances on Municode hosts the formal procurement chapter and contract terms.
