Contractors

Largo seeks to work with contractors who share the City’s values and appreciate our contractors who play a valuable role in helping to provide safe and healthy homes for Largo residents. An expedited permitting and plans review process, prompt payments to contractors, detailed work write-ups and an online bid system are all noted benefits for those who choose to do business with Largo. 

To submit an application to become an Approved Contractor, please visit the City's Neighborly Software Portal. You will have to click "Register" the first time you go to the site, and then login each time after.  This portal will also allow you to submit quotes and bids online.  For questions or help with the application process, please contact Housing Services at 727-586-7489 Ext. 7311 or [email protected].

LARGO HOUSING PROGRAMS

Types of Programs

Largo’s housing programs serve low-income households, most of which have no other resources to make home repairs.  Our programs help provide a safe and healthy living environment for residents of all ages, including helping the City’s aging population and residents with special needs to be able to live independently in their homes.  

Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program
 Income-eligible homeowners receive a loan through the City’s Housing Division to make code-related, disaster resistant and energy efficient improvements to their homes.  This program also includes improvements to make homes more accessible for people with disabling conditions.

Affordable Housing Development Program
The City partners with affordable housing developers to purchase, clear and build affordable housing in Largo.  Most of these projects are single-family home construction, rehabilitation or replacement.

Funding for Housing Programs

The City uses federal and state funding for its housing programs.  As such, the programs are designed to meet the requirements of the funding sources. The Housing staff is available throughout the bid process and construction projects to guide contractors through any of these requirements. In return, we ask our contractors to be understanding that processes and policies in the programs are put in place to maintain the integrity of the programs and to allow the City to retain these funding sources for years to come.

Density Bonuses: – A density bonus permits a developer to increase the maximum allowable development on a site in exchange for either funds or in-kind support for specified public policy goals. Largo has many areas where density bonuses are available.
 
Downtown Infill Lot Program: The Housing Infill Program (HIP) provides incentives to encourage new residential real estate 
development within the West Bay Drive Community Redevelopment District. The intent of this program is to promote residential development that is high-quality, Class “A”-style, urban infill housing. This program provides an incentive for actual hard construction and land costs for new owner occupied and/or new rental residential developments.

Florida Water Star Rebate for Builders: Tampa Bay Water Wise program is offering a rebate of up to $1,000 to builders of new single-family residential homes that become Florida Water Star-certified. More information on the Tampa Bay Water Wise website. Additional non-residential rebates can be found on their rebates page.

Affordable Housing

For developers looking to complete an application or for questions, call 727-586-7489 Ext. 7212 or email [email protected].


Affordable Housing Redevelopment Incentives:
  • Affordable Housing Density Bonuses
  • Expedited Permitting
  • Alternative Development Standards (Transfer of Development Rights, Zero Lot Lines, etc.)
  • Project Financing (based on funding availability - land acquisition, impact fees, construction costs)
Bayside Apartments After ConstructionFunding Sources:
  • Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) - Federal Funding
  • State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) - State Funding
  • Other local/County funding as available
Income Ranges for Occupants:
  • At or Below 30% of Area Median Income (AMI)
  • 30-50% of AMI
  • 50-80% AMI
  • 81-120% AMI (limited public funding available in this category)
  • Multi-unit developments may incorporate market rate units - City funding would be contributed toward affordable housing units
Blue House After Construction in LargoSelection Criteria:
  • Funding availability and funds leveraged from other sources
  • Income ranges served and affordability of units
  • Past performance and timeframe for project completion
  • Other factors may also be considered in the funding process on a case-by-case basis
  • All projects must be able to conform with regulations of the funding sources

BECOME AN APPROVED CITY CONTRACTOR

Overview
Any contractor may bid on a project through the City’s Housing Programs.  However, before your company can be awarded a bid, your company must be approved by the Housing Division. The following items need to be submitted before or by the time you submit your first bid for a project through the City’s Housing Programs. 

  • General Contractor’s License (current and in good standing)
  • Liability insurance in accordance with requirements of the City of Largo
  • City of Largo Housing Program Contractor Application 
  • City of Largo Business Tax License
  • D-U-N-S Number
To make the expedited process, the City recommends getting placed on the “Approved Contractor List” before bids are due for a project.


Online Contractor Account
If you create a Contractor account in the Housing Division’s web-based Neighborly Software, you can upload all of the required documents into your account.  Copies can also be remitted to the Housing Construction Specialist at [email protected] or by mail to: City of Largo Housing Division, PO Box 296, Largo, FL 33779. Once your business is placed on the “Approved Contractor List" you will only need to submit updated information as needed.

New Contractor Checklist:
General Contractor's License

The Housing Division uses General Contractors for its housing rehabilitation projects.  For more information on obtaining or renewing your contractor’s license, visit the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board (PCCLB) website

Liability Insurance

The Certificate of Insurance must list “City of Largo, its elected officials and employees” as Certificate Holders and additional insured.  The minimum insurance amounts are as follows:

General Liability:

  • Commercial General Liability per occurrence: $1,000,000
  • Damage to premises: $300,000
  • Medical expenses (Any one person): $5,000
  • Personal and Advertising Injury: $1,000,000
  • General Aggregate: $2,000,000
  • Motor Vehicles: $100,000
Housing Program Application

The Housing Program Application is filled out one time, unless there are significant changes to the business that need to be updated.  The application collects information on your company and prior project references  Contact the Housing Division’s Construction Specialist for the application: 727-586-7489 ext. 7311 or [email protected].

Business Tax License

If your business is located within the City of Largo, you are required to have a City of Largo Business Tax Receipt through the City of Largo’s Building Division.  If your business is not located in Largo, but you will be serving Largo addresses through this program, bring proof of your Business Tax from the jurisdiction where your company is based out of, along with a $10 fee to register at the Building Division.  If the jurisdiction where your business is located out of does not require a Business Tax then provide proof of any county/state licensing is required. 

Download a Business Tax Application

D-U-N-S Number
What is a D-U-N-S Number?
The D-U-N-S Number issued through Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) is a nine-digit number that is assigned at the lowest organizational level, i.e. business locations with a unique, separate, and distinct operation. The D-U-N-S Number is assigned to all types of business organizations including sole proprietorships, corporations, partnerships, non-profits, and government entities. The D-U-N-S Number is constan; it stays with a business throughout the lifecycle including name, address and corporate structure changes. This number is different from a Federal tax identification number.

Why do I need to get a D-U-N-S Number?
The housing programs are funded through federal grant programs. The federal programs require the City to confirm before awarding a contract that the contractor is not on the Federal Debarred Contractor List. The D-U-N-S Number is used to verify that the contractor is not on this list.

Does it cost anything to get a DUNS Number?
D-U-N-S Number assignment is FREE for all businesses required to register with the US Federal government for contracts or grants.

How do I obtain a DUNS Number for my business?
  1. Visit the D&B D-U-N-S Request Service website
  2. On the left side of the screen, click “Begin D-U-N-S Search/Request Process
  3. You can do a quick search to find out if your business already has a D-U-N-S Number
Under normal circumstances the D-U-N-S is issued within 1-2 business days when using the D&B online process. For technical difficulties, contact [email protected].

What information will I need to register by business?
  • Business Name
  • Primary Doing Business As (DBA) Name
  • Physical Address (address, city, state, zip)
  • Branch & Subsidiary Locations

Doing Business with the City

Where to Find Bid Information
Submitting a Bid

The Housing Division prefers bids be submitted online through its web-based Neighborly Software. The Neighborly Software Contractor Guide can help you navigate through set-up, bidding and project management. City staff is available to provide training on the Contractor portal. Bids submitted through the software system are secure and unable to be viewed by City staff or the public until the established bid opening date and time.

At this time, the City will still accept paper bids. Paper bids must be submitted by mail or hand-delivered by the bid due date and time. Bids should be mailed to: City of Largo Housing Division, PO Box 296, Largo, FL 33779 or hand-delivered to  City of Largo Housing Division, 201 Highland Avenue, Largo, FL 33770.  Emailed bids will not be accepted.

Opening & Awarding of Bids

The lowest reasonable, responsible bidder whose bid does not exceed 10% of the Housing Division’s cost estimate will be selected for the project. Bid openings are open to the public and contractors are welcome to attend. If your bid is the lowest bid, the following items will be verified before the bid is officially awarded:

  • Contractor has been approved as an Approved Vendor through the Housing Division;
  • Bid is reviewed for completeness;
  • Bid proposal sheet and all applicable certifications are signed by the Contractor;
  • The Housing Division has verified the Contractor is eligible to be awarded the bid:
    • Verified the Contractor is not on federal and/or state Debarred Contractor’s List
    • Contractor’s License is active and in good standing

See the section “Understanding the Certifications” for more information on Certification forms.

Contract Process
  • Once the bid has been officially accepted, the City will schedule a loan closing with the homeowner for the funding that will be used for the project.  
  • The Housing Construction Specialist will then schedule a contract signing with the homeowner, contractor and the City.  All three parties sign the contract.  
  • The Contract is routed to the City Manager or his designee for signature.
  • The Housing Division will issue a Notice to Proceed and set up Purchase Order to award the project funds.
  • The Contractor may apply for building permits once the Notice to Proceed is issued.  
    • These projects receive expedited permitting services. Notify the Housing Division when you apply and they will make sure the permit application is marked for expedited permitting.
Minority/Women-Owned Businesses

Both the City and its contractors must make good-faith efforts to assure minority and women-owned businesses are used when possible. Minority, Women - Owned contractors are encouraged to apply. Bids selected for federally funded projects must demonstrate that affirmative steps were taken to assure minority and women-owned businesses were used when possible.

The following resources are available to register or search for certified Minority/Women-Owned Businesses:

Section 3

Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, commonly referred to as Section 3, requires that recipients of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds, to the greatest extent possible, provide job training, employment, and contract opportunities for low- or very-low income residents in connection with projects and activities in their neighborhoods.

The City of Largo, as a recipient of Federal funds, is committed to the compliance of Section 3 in its programs.  Section 3 is applicable to all projects and activities that exceed $200,000 that are funded, in part or in whole, with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership (HOME) funds. Section 3 also applies to all subcontracts for Section 3 covered projects. 

To register as a Section 3 Business Concern, visit HUD's Section 3 registration website or  contact Largo Housing Services for the City of Largo’s Section 3 Application. The City will also accept proof of Section 3 approval from HUD, other housing authorities or other jurisdictions in the State of Florida.

Understanding the Certifications

Overview

These certifications will be provided as part of the bid package. If you are awarded the bid, you will be required to complete the applicable certifications.  Certifications described below as Attachment A – Attachment D are all required for federally funded projects. If state funding is being used for the project, only the Debarment, Suspension Vendor Responsibility Certification is required.  

The applicable certifications will be made a part of the contract with the City. These certifications were recently added to the City’s federal and state funded bids to comply with current federal and state purchasing regulations.

For more information, please contact the Housing Construction Specialist at [email protected] or at 727-586-7489 ext. 7311.

 

The following provide a general overview of your responsibilities as a contractor for each of these certifications.
Attachment A

Grant Funding Conditions

This document outlines all of the conditions for working on a contracts with federal funds. Please read through this attachment as it will provide a general overview of the required conditions. No signature is required. 

Attachment B

Grant Funding Conditions – Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Drug Free Workplace and Requirements for Debarment, Suspension other Responsibility Matters and Utilization of Disadvantaged Firms (M/WBE)

Lobbying
There have been no payments made by/for your company or staff to impact funding selections related to this project. Be sure to include the language from this certification in your subcontractor contracts. 

The “Additional Lobbying Representation” section asks if your company is a 501(c)4 organization involved in lobbying.  A 501(c)4 organization is tax-exempt as a social welfare organization that cannot be organized for profit and must be operated exclusively to promote social welfare 

  • If this does not describe your business organization, check the box for “No” 
  • If this describes your business organization, check the box for “Yes”

Drug Free Workplace Certification
This section relates to employer efforts to maintain a drug-free workplace and relates to contracts more than $100,000. Therefore, this section is not applicable for contracts under $100,000.  

  • If your contract exceeds $100,000, this certification says that your company will make good faith efforts to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace through implementation of the items listed in the certification
  • For guidance and tools to use in implementing a drug-free workplace, visit the website for the US Dept. of Labor – Drug-Free Workplace Advisor

Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters
This section asks your company to affirm that it is not ineligible to work on federally funded projects due to debarment, suspension, or other acts that would prevent eligibility for working on a federally funded project.

  • The D-U-N-S number for your company that you include on the last page of the certification is used by the City to verify in the federal System of Award Management that your company is not on the Debarred Contractors List.

W/MBE/DBE Good Faith Efforts (Women/Minority-Owned Business Enterprise and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise)
Both the City and its contractors must make good-faith efforts to assure minority and women-owned businesses are used when possible. Please list your efforts used for this bid to use W/MBE and/or DBE enterprises for this project.

Good Faith Efforts Include:

  • Include minority businesses, woman-owned business enterprises and labor surplus firms on your subcontractor list for regular price solicitation/use
  • Break up projects or orders into smaller tasks or quantities to enable smaller firms to participate
Certified W/MBE and DBE Companies:
If your business is a certified W/MBE or DBE enterprise, please indicate as such in this section.
Attachment C

Grant Funding Conditions – Mandatory Certifications

This Attachment is asking you to certify, as an authorized agent, that your company will comply/is in compliance with the grant funding conditions.  IFB = Invitation for Bid.

  • Read each statement and check the box for “True” or “False” on each statement
  • Sign and Date the form 
Attachment D

Debarment, Suspension – Vendor Responsibility Certification

  • This certification confirms that your company and people holding related positions in the company are not debarred nor convicted of a federal offense related to government contracts.
  • You are also certifying that you will knowingly subcontract with any companies related to the same.
  • Sign the form as indicated.

Population Size

4th

Largest City in Tampa Bay

Acres of Park Land

4.5K

Largo Businesses