41473_IFB_SAV_Planting_Final.pdf

IFB 41473 | Page 1 of 59

It is the responsibility of Respondents who receive this solicitation from sources other than DemandStar, Vendor Registry, MyFloridaMarketPlace or St. Johns River Water Management District to contact the District’s Procurement staff prior to the due date to ensure any updates/addenda are received in order to submit a responsible and responsive offer. If you fail to submit a complete and accurate document, the District may deem the offer non-responsive and reject your submittal.

ADDENDA ACKNOWLEDGMENT: Prior to submitting my offer, I have verified that all addenda issued to date are considered as part of my offer:

Addendum No. Date Addendum No. Date Addendum No. Date

RESPONDENT NAME:

STREET ADDRESS:

MAILING ADDRESS (IF DIFFERENT):

PRIMARY E-MAIL ADDRESS (required)

SECONDARY E-MAIL ADDRESS (required)

TELEPHONE: ( ) YEAR COMPANY WAS ESTABLISHED

NAME/TITLE OF PERSON SUBMITTING BID:

SIGNATURE OF PERSON SUBMITTING BID:

This document must be completed and returned with your submittal

THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

INVITATION FOR BIDS

41473_IFB26 PLANTING - NATIVE SUBMERGED AQUATIC VEGETATION (SAV)

The St. Johns River Water Management District (the “District”) is seeking bids from qualified experienced Contractors to provide and plant specified native submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in designated areas of Lake Apopka and on the Lake Apopka North Shore (“Work”). The District anticipates planting an estimated 20-50 acres annually under this Agreement.

However, this amount is an estimate only; a minimum and maximum amount is not guaranteed.

Interested and qualified Respondents are invited to submit a complete submittal package in accordance with the requirements and specifications detailed in this solicitation. Submittals must address all elements of the Scope of Work and comply with the terms and conditions set forth herein.

Further information is available through DemandStar at demandstar.com, Vendor Registry at vendorregistry.com, Central Bidding at centralbidding.com, the state of Florida’s MyFloridaMarketPlace (“MFMP”) at myfloridamarketplace.com or the District’s website at sjrwmd.com. Solicitation packages may be obtained from the above portals. Vendors may also request the solicitation package directly from the District.

For all requests or questions relating to this solicitation, please contact:

Kendall Siemiatkoski, Contracts Manager

Phone: 386-312-2324 or E-Mail: ksiemiat@sjrwmd.com

Pre-Bid Meeting – No Pre-Bid Meeting is Scheduled

LAST DAY FOR QUESTIONS – January 23, 2026; 5:00PM

SUBMITTAL DUE DATE

1:00PM Tuesday, February 3, 2026

IFB 41473 | Page 2 of 59

SUBMITTAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM

The undersigned, on behalf of Respondent, hereby certifies and declares the following:

Authority to Bind: The individual signing this form is authorized to represent and legally bind Respondent to the terms and conditions of the Invitation for Bids and their submittal.

Commitment to Contract: If selected, Respondent agrees to enter into an Agreement with the District based on the terms set forth in the solicitation documents, including the draft Agreement, Instructions to Respondents, all exhibits and attachments, addenda, certifications, affidavits, and the submittal. Respondent further agrees to provide all required goods and services in accordance with the stated timeline and to submit proof of the required insurance coverage.

Conflict of Interest: Except as disclosed in any attached addendum, no officer, employee, or agent of the District has any direct or indirect interest in Respondent’s business or in any agreement that may result from this submittal.

Respondent affirms that no such interest will exist throughout the term of any awarded Agreement.

Disclosure of Interested Parties: All individuals or entities with a significant interest in this solicitation, whether as principals or key participants in performing the Work, are listed in the form entitled Respondent’s Certificate as to the Entity’s Authority to do Business in Florida. No other party holds any interest in this solicitation or in any resulting Agreement.

Due Diligence: Respondent affirms that it has reviewed and understands the attached draft Agreement and all related documents, including the specifications, addenda, and conditions related to this solicitation. Respondent acknowledges receipt of all issued addenda and confirms it is fully informed regarding the Work to be performed.

Fair Solicitation Submission: This submittal is made independently, without collusion, connection, or agreement with any other person, company, or organization submitting on this solicitation. It is made in good faith and without any attempt to defraud.

By signing this Submittal Acknowledgement Form, I acknowledge I have read and understand it, and I affirm that Respondent complies with all conditions and requirements set forth herein.

RESPONDENT NAME

AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE DATE

PRINTED NAME

TITLE

IFB 41473 | Page 3 of 59

41473_IFB26 PLANTING - NATIVE SUBMERGED AQUATIC VEGETATION (SAV)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover Sheet Page 1

Solicitation Acknowledgement Form Page 2

Table of Contents Page 3

PART 1 – Scope of Work Pages 4-20

Bid Form Page 21

Required Documents & Forms Pages 22-31

(NOTE! Additional documents not included in this section may be required)

PART 2 – Submittal Requirements & General Information Pages 32-28

PART 3 – Draft Agreement Pages 39-59

IFB 41473 | Page 4 of 59

41473_IFB26 PLANTING - NATIVE SUBMERGED AQUATIC VEGETATION (SAV)

PART 1 – SCOPE OF WORK

The St. Johns River Water Management District (the “District”) is seeking bids from experienced Contractors to provide and plant specified native submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in designated areas of Lake Apopka and on the Lake Apopka North Shore.

The Contractor must currently possess or have the ability to obtain multiple native cultivars/ecotypes/field types of Vallisneria americana and Potamogeton illinoensis to begin the work identified in the Scope of Work within 30 days from award of the Agreement and must also be able to obtain the required minimum numbers of cultivars/ecotypes/field types to complete all work specified in this solicitation.

A. Introduction

Historically, Lake Apopka was characterized by clear water, dense native submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), and a thriving largemouth bass population. High nutrient loading has sustained algal blooms in the lake for decades, resulting in the loss of the SAV and a decline in bass populations. The lake is now characterized by eutrophic conditions, low native SAV coverage, invasive species, high amounts of unconsolidated sediments, and reduced light penetration. A primary goal for restoring a healthy lake is re-establishing dense, expansive SAV beds that will stabilize sediments, improve water clarity, and provide habitat for fish, turtles, and benthic organisms. In the past several decades water clarity has been improving and native beds of SAV naturally started to occur and expand. The overall goal of this project is to assist in the re-establishment and expansion of viable beds of native SAV, specifically Vallisneria americana and Potamogeton illinoensis, in Lake Apopka and the Lake Apopka North Shore. This project will utilize the most effective planting techniques and restoration strategies at locations in Lake Apopka and the Lake Apopka North Shore, as determined by previous studies and recommendations from lessons learned from previous planting contracts.

B. Objectives

The Contractor will provide and plant specified native SAV in designated areas of Lake Apopka and on the Lake Apopka North Shore. Locations will be targeted to either supplement or expand existing SAV meadows (plant adjacent to existing beds) or to establish new dense SAV meadows in bare or sparse areas. Potential planting locations will be provided by the District at the start of contract and may be added to during the contract. Planting locations may occur within any portion of Lake Apopka or within the Lake Apopka North Shore boundaries.

Objectives of restoration planting of native SAV in Lake Apopka or in Lake Apopka North Shore:

1. Re-establish extirpated or expand existing or sparse meadows of Vallisneria americana.

2. Re-establish extirpated or expand existing or sparse meadows of meadows of Potamogeton illinoensis.

3. Provide a seed source to assist in the natural propagation and regeneration of Potamogeton illinoensis.

4. Contribute to the improvement of Lake Apopka’s water quality, including improving water clarity, consolidating soils and reducing nutrients.

5. Stabilize and reduce the resuspension of sediments.

6. Increase habitat available for fish, turtles, and benthic organisms.

7. Establish native SAV into dense meadows to provide competition for invasive hydrilla expansion.

In order to maximize the success of the restoration planting effort, the District is requiring the implementation of recommendations from previous studies and planting projects in Lake Apopka, specifically the types of plants, planting methods, planting density, and site location selection detailed in Section C, below.

C. Scope of Services

If the Contractor’s professional experience suggests that any of the objectives listed below or portions of this Scope of Work cannot be satisfactorily addressed within the budget or time frame proposed, the Contractor shall submit an explanation of the relevant limitations and issues for discussion with the District Project Manager.

The Contractor shall be responsible for providing all oversight and shall provide all materials and services required to complete all aspects of the SAV planting restoration project described in this Scope.

PERMIT RESPONSIBILITIES.

The Contractor shall be responsible for complying with all permit requirements, for both District and Contractor permits.

IFB 41473 | Page 5 of 59

The Contractor is required to have copies of ALL permits physically available while conducting work for the District and to comply with all permits.

The District shall be responsible for obtaining and complying with the following required permits and regulatory approvals:

the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and local counties (Lake, Orange).

The Contractor shall be submitted as a subcontractor on District permits for this project and is responsible for complying with all permit requirements at all times.

The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining and complying with any remaining permits necessary to obtain, harvest, grow, transport and/or plant native SAV, specifically Vallisneria americana and/or Potamogeton illinoensis, (within required biological criteria specifications below and to be planted at District Project Manager direction). The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) permitting for obtaining, growing, and transporting SAV is solely the responsibility of the Contractor. A copy of all permits must be provided to the District Project Manager prior to commencement of work.

PLANT SPECIFICATIONS.

The Contractor is required to provide and plant plants meeting the specifications below.

Plants will be counted as Individual Plant Units, the biological specifications of each are detailed below for each species. Some allowed SAV Planting Methods (detailed below) can plant more than one Individual Plant Unit at once. When the Contractor reports to the District Project Manager, each plant unit is required to be tallied and classified to plant species, cultivar or field type, and planting method.

The SAV Individual Plant Unit biological specifications are required due to the light limited conditions of Lake Apopka as well as the large amount of flocculant sediment. The blade length/stem height minimum criterion was derived from field measurements of visibility, light penetration, water clarity, professional judgement, and previous and current in-lake site results. In Lake Apopka, longer blade or stem length and quick growth is advantageous to offset the issues of low light penetration and potential smothering of smaller plants by flocculent sediments. Longer blade or stem lengths and/or more healthy leaf blades than the minimum specifications per Individual Plant Unit are encouraged and would allow plants to be planted in deeper water or in sites with more flocculent sediments.

VALLISNERIA AMERICANA:

• Physical Specifications: Each native Vallisneria americana Individual Plant Unit is required to have blade lengths of at least six (6) or more inches, with at least three (3) or more blades present with healthy roots. Longer blade lengths and/or more leaf blades than the minimum specifications per plant unit are encouraged. Field types or cultivars that are fast growing and/or successful in situations similar to Lake Apopka (high nutrient, low light conditions) are preferred.

• Ecotypes: Vallisneria americana from at least three (3) different native nursery cultivars, distinct field harvested locations, or plants propagated from different field harvested locations are required to be planted in each acre of SAV plantings. Each acre planted must have at least three (3) distinct native Ecotypes, but all acres planted do not need to have the same three (3) Ecotypes.

o All Vallisneria americana Ecotypes must be screened as native using the FWC recommended polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay before being approved to plant. This can be done through FDACS and/or FWC in accordance with FWC Detection and Mitigation Protocols for Non-native Eelgrass in Restoration (Appendix 1). Documentation of FDACS and/or FWC verification that sources are not non-native (i.e. have passed PCR screening) is required prior to planting. The Contractor will be required to comply with the most recent FWC protocol recommendation for Vallisneria screening.

o FWC Eelgrass Propagation and Restoration Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) (Appendix 2) provides procedures to follow for Vallisneria restoration, including harvesting and transplanting. The Contractor will be required to comply with the most recent FWC SOP.

• Acreage Composition of Ecotypes: At least three (3) cultivars or field types must compose at least 60% of the number of SAV plants planted per acre (minimum 20% of the Individual Plant Units planted per acre for each type = at least 1,000 Individual Plant Units per Ecotype). More than three (3) Ecotypes may be planted within each acre, so long as at least three (3) meet the above acre composition specifications. The same cultivars or field types or composition of cultivars or field types do not need to be planted within each acre planting block.

IFB 41473 | Page 6 of 59

POTAMOGETON ILLINOENSIS:

• Physical specifications: Each Potamogeton illinoensis Individual Plant Unit is required to have shoot length (stem height) of at least 6 or more inches, with at least 3 or more blades present with healthy roots. Longer stem height and/or more leaf blades than the minimum specifications per plant unit are encouraged. Field types or cultivars that are fast growing and/or successful in situations similar to Lake Apopka (high nutrient, low light conditions) are preferred.

• Ecotypes: Potamogeton illinoensis from at least two (2) different nursery cultivars, distinct field harvested locations, or propagated from different locations are required to be planted in each acre. Each acre planted must have at least two (2) distinct native Ecotypes, but all acres planted do not need to have the same two (2) Ecotypes.

• Acreage Composition of Ecotypes: At least two (2) required Ecotypes must compose at least 60% of the number of SAV Individual Plant Units planted per acre (i.e. minimum 30% of the Individual Plant Units planted per acre for each type = at least 1,500 Individual Plant Units per Ecotype). More than two (2) Ecotypes may be planted within each acre, so long as at least two (2) meet the above acre composition specifications. The same cultivars or field types or composition of cultivars or field types do not need to be planted within each acre planting block.

PLANTING METHODS.

The Contractor is required to use at least, but not limited to, two (2) of the following District approved SAV planting methods listed below within each acre planted. The Contractor is required to plant all plants from the deck of a shallow draft motorboat or an airboat optimally driven to minimize impacts to existing SAV or emergent wetland vegetation beds.

• Single (1) Bare Root plant with environmentally friendly weights tied with natural twine. Environmentally friendly weights may be one of the following options: non-lead fishing weights or Plaster-of-Paris blocks. All must be attached with natural twine to the base of the plant. All weights must be sufficient to sink a plant and connect the roots with the substrate. This Method would plant one (1) Individual Plant Unit for each one (1) Single Weight Method Unit.

This Method is required to be one of the two (2) required Planting Methods.

• Triple (3) Bare Root plants with environmentally friendly weights tied with natural twine. Environmentally friendly weights may be one of the following options: non-lead fishing weights, Plaster-of-Paris blocks. All must be attached with natural twine to the base of the plant. All weights must be sufficient to sink three (3) plants and connect the roots with the substrate. This Method would require a larger/heavier weight than a Single Weight Method Unit. This Method would plant three (3) Individual Plant Units for each one (1) Triple Weight Method Unit. This Method may only be used as an additional planting method and cannot be used as one of the two (2) required Planting Methods.

• ‘Burritos’ are burlap fabric wrapper with roots of three (3) plant units embedded in sand, tied with natural twine with no acclimation necessary. This Method would plant three (3) Individual Plant Units for each one (1) Burrito Method Unit. This Method may be chose as one of the two (2) required Planting Methods.

Detailed specifications and photographs of the above listed planting methods can be found online in the following document:

Reynolds, L., C.R. Adams, E. Latimer, C.W. Martin, C. Rohal, and J. Slater. 2020. A Comparison of Planting Techniques for Submerged Aquatic Vegetation. University of Florida/IFAS Extension, August 2020. Available online at https://edis.ufas.ufl.edu/publication/SS685.

A planting method is not approved and may not be utilized if not listed above.

All materials used by the Contractor in planting must be non-toxic and biodegradable with the exception of the allowed environmentally friendly (non-lead) fishing weights. These approved planting methods are based on University of Florida research in Lake Apopka reviewing the success of a broad range of potential SAV planting techniques and larger planting efforts. It is up to the Contractor to determine which of the approved Planting Methods to implement and what Ecotypes are available for purchase, propagation, and/or transplanting.

Bare root planting with environmentally friendly (non-lead) fishing weights and bare root plantings with natural twine and Plaster-of-Paris blocks have been successfully used and established at a variety of sites around the lake. Although there are not metric specifications for the linked ecofriendly weight methods information, the aquatic plants need as much weight as necessary to sink the Method Plant Unit down to the soil and allow the roots to meet the substrate, remain sunken and not have https://edis.ufas.ufl.edu/publication/SS685

IFB 41473 | Page 7 of 59 it float up. In the link for additional information above, a standard ice cube tray was used for creating Single Bare Root Weight Plaster-of-Paris sinkers which should provide enough weight to sink one small to medium sized Individual Plant Unit. Large plants or multiple plants may require additional weight or larger sized sinkers. Four-inch peat pot plantings and ‘burritos’ have also been previously planted and have had successful establishment within Lake Apopka.

At least two (2) approved Planting Methods are required to be used within each acre planting block. One of the two (2) required Methods must be the Single Bare Root Weight Method. Weight type is at the discretion of the contractor so long as it is one of the environmentally friendly methods specified. The Contractor has the option to choose between Peat Pots, Burritos for the other required Planting Method. The Triple Bare Root Weight Method may only be used as an additional supplemental Planting Method, meaning it may not be one of the two required Planting Methods Any of the approved Planting Methods may be chosen to plant as a supplemental Method, in addition to the two required.

Of the at least two (2) planting methods required to be used within each acre planting block, these two methods are required to comprise a total of at least 60% of the Individual Plant Units of each acre planted, comprising a minimum of 30% of Planting Methods for each acre (or at least 1,500 Individual Plant Units per acre per Planting Method). More than two (2) methods can be used when planting so long as the two (2) required Methods make up at least 30% of the plant density each (60% total).

The same two District approved methods do not need to be used for each planting acre and Planting Methods can vary between acres.

The following methods are NOT APPROVED for planting SAV at this time:

• Coir mats.

• Burlap mats

• Mechanical plantings

• In lake hand-planting

PLANTING LOCATIONS AND DEPTHS.

SAV will be planted by the Contractor in specified one-acre blocks designated by the District within District permitted areas and in water depths of less than six (6) feet. Exact planting locations and depths will be determined by the District Project Manager and will be dependent upon the density of existing native vegetation and the lake level in relation to the lake regulation schedule at the time of planting. The District Project Manager will convey the location and depths of planting to the Contractor prior to planting.

PLANTING DENSITY.

Planting density for SAV is required to be at least 5,000 Individual Plant Units per acre, with the required specific biological criteria for Vallisneria americana (i.e., minimum 6-inch blade length, three (3) or more healthy blades, healthy roots) and Potamogeton illinoensis (i.e., minimum 6-inch stem length, three (3) or more healthy blades, healthy roots) listed above.

EXAMPLE ONE ACRE BLOCK PLANTINGS

Below are examples of hypothetical acre plantings for explanatory purposes to better illustrate the Ecotype and Methods requirements. There are four different Ecotypes in these examples, listed as Ecotype 1, 2, 3 and 4. For the sake of explanation, these example Ecotypes are assigned as follows:

1. Propagated in a nursery from SAV field harvested from Lake 1

2. Directly transplanted from Lake 2

3. Directly transplanted from Lake 3

4. Propagated in a nursery from SAV field harvested from a Spring Run

For the Vallisneria examples below, these Ecotypes have passed the PCR assay and are considered to be native sources.

Vallisneria americana: Examples 1 and 2 represent two different scenarios which meet the Contract Specifications for SAV Vallisneria americana plantings for a one-acre block.

Example 1 shows one scenario: For Vallisneria, the minimum number of distinct Ecotypes required per each acre block is three (3). In Example 1, there are only the minimum number of distinct Ecotypes. Each Ecotype comprises at least 20% or more of the number of plants being planted (1,000 or more Individual Plant Units for each Ecotype).

The required Single Weight Method is included as required. The Burrito Method was selected by the Contractor as the other required Method. Each Method comprises 30% or more of the number of plants being planted (1500 or more Individual Plant Units for each Method).

IFB 41473 | Page 8 of 59

However, more than three (3) Ecotypes may be planted within each acre so long as three (3) have at least 1000 Individual Plant Units each per acre (meaning, at least 20% of the acre density per Ecotype). Also, more than two Methods may be used within each acre block, so long as two have at least 1,500 Individual Plant Units each per acre (meaning, at least 30% of the acre density per Ecotype).

Example 2 shows one way this can occur.

Of the three main Ecotypes, each Ecotype comprises at least 20% or more of the number of plants being planted (1000 or more Individual Plant Units for each Ecotype). The extra Ecotype may comprise less than 20% of the plant density per acre.

The required Single Weight Method is included as required. The Burrito Method was selected by the Contractor as the other required Method. The Peat Pot Method was selected as a supplemental Method. Each required Method comprises 30% or more of the number of plants being planted (1,500 or more Individual Plant Units for each Method). The supplemental Method may comprise less than 30% of the planting density per acre.

Potamogeton illinoiensis: Examples 3 and 4 represent two different scenarios which meet the Contract Specifications for SAV Plantings for a one-acre planting block.

Example 3 shows one way this can occur.

Of the two required Ecotypes for Potamogeton, each must comprise at least 30% or more of the number of plants being planted (1,500 or more Individual Plant Units for each Ecotype).

The required Single Weight Method is included as required. The Burrito Method was selected by the Contractor as the other required Method.. Each required Method comprises 30% or more of the number of plants being planted (1,500 or more Individual Plant Units for each Method).

Individual Plant Units

(IPUs)

Method Units

DENSITY

Individual Plant Units

(IPUs)

Method Units

% DENSITY

1 900 300 18% 1100 1100 22% 2000 40% 2 900 300 18% 600 600 12% 1500 30% 3 900 300 18% 600 600 12% 1500 30%

TOTAL 2700 900 54% 2300 2300 46% 5000 100%

EXAMPLE 1 - MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ONE ACRE PLANTING BLOCK OF VALLISNERIA AMERICANA

ECOTYPE

Method 1 (EX. BURRITOS) Method 2 (EX. SINGLE WEIGHTS)

ECOTYPE

TOTAL

(IPUs)

ECOTYPE

Individual Plant Units

(IPUs)

Method Units

DENSITY

Individual Plant Units

(IPUs)

Method Units

% DENSITY

Individual

Plant Units (IPUs)

Method Units

DENSITY

1 504 168 10% 500 500 10% 504 168 10% 1508 30% 2 504 168 10% 500 500 10% 504 168 10% 1508 30% 3 504 168 10% 500 500 10% 504 168 10% 1508 30% 4 300 100 6% 176 176 4% 0 0 0% 476 10%

TOTAL 1812 604 36% 1676 1676 34% 1512 504 30% 5000 100%

ECOTYPE

TOTAL

(IPUs)

ECOTYPE

EXAMPLE 2- ALSO MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ONE ACRE PLANTING BLOCK OF VALLISNERIA AMERICANA (EXTRA METHODS &

ECOTYPES EXAMPLE)

ECOTYPE

Method 1 (EX. BURRITOS) Method 2 (EX. SINGLE WEIGHTS) Method 3 (EX. PEAT POTS)

Individual Plant Units

(IPUs)

Method Units

DENSITY

Individual Plant Units

(IPUs)

Method Units

DENSITY

1 1500 500 30% 1000 1000 20% 2500 50% 2 990 330 20% 1510 1510 30% 2500 50%

TOTAL 2490 830 50% 2510 2510 50% 5000 100%

EXAMPLE 3 - MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ONE ACRE PLANTING BLOCK OF POTAMOGETON

ILLINOENSIS

ECOTYPE

Method 1 (EX. BURRITOS) Method 2 (EX. SINGLE WEIGHTS)

ECOTYPE

TOTAL

(IPUs)

ECOTYPE

IFB 41473 | Page 9 of 59

However, more than two Ecotypes may be planted within each acre so long as two have at least 1500 Individual Plant Units each per acre (meaning, at least 30% of the full density per Ecotype). Also, more than two Methods may be used within each acre block, so long as two have at least 1500 Individual Plant Units each per acre (meaning, at least 30% of the full density per Ecotype).

Example 4 shows one way this can occur.

Of the two main Ecotypes, each Ecotype comprises at least 20% or more of the number of plants being planted (1000 or more Individual Plant Units for each Ecotype). The extra Ecotype may comprise less than 20% of the plant density per acre block.

The required Single Weight Method is included. The Burrito Method was selected by the Contractor as the other required Method. The Peat Pot Method was selected as a supplemental Method. Each required Method comprises 30% or more of the number of plants being planted (1500 or more Individual Plant Units for each Method). The supplemental Method may comprise less than 30% of the planting density per acre.

The same Ecotypes or composition of Ecotypes do not need to be planted within each acre block. Varied Ecotypes and Planting Methods may be used, so long as they are accepted Methods in this Scope of Work and the Ecotypes have been approved as outlined in the Specifications. Composition of Ecotypes and Methods may vary between acre planting blocks.

CHAIN-OF-CUSTODY.

A Chain-of-Custody form and pre-planting inspections of each plant by the Contractor are required to make sure no invasive or exotic species (flora or fauna) are being translocated to or planted in Lake Apopka or Lake Apopka North Shore. The District Project Manager or a District designee has the option to inspect plants prior to planting. Plant material that does not meet the Specifications can be rejected by the District Project Manager or designee. Rejected plant material would need to be replaced by the Contractor.

Chain-of-Custody forms are required to accompany plants from when they are acquired and transported until they are planted in the lake. Chain-of-Custody sheets must be maintained by the Contractor and supplied to the District Project Manager or designee either physically when planting or digitally emailed immediately after planting to track the number of Ecotypes and their transport, as well as where and how (using which Method) they were planted in the lake. The format of the Chain-of- Custody form will be agreed upon by the Contract Project Manager and the District Project Manager within the first two weeks after implementation of the contract, during the development of the Planting Schedule.

PLANTING LOCATION SPATIAL FILES.

ESRI ArcGIS or Google Earth line and/or polygon shapefile(s) or global positioning system (GPS) line tracks are required to be provided by the Contractor to the District, along with the quantity of each species and Ecotype planted, as well as the Planting Methods used for each Individual Planting Unit by planting location. The Contractor will provide these files to the District Project Manager within two (2) weeks of planting so the District Project Manager can monitor the locations.

PLANTING DEADLINES.

The Adaptive Annual Planting Schedule and format of the Chain-of-Custody forms will be determined during Task 1 cooperatively by the Contractor Project Manager and the District Project Manager.

Annually, all Contractor plantings must be final prior to September 30 in order to be invoiced for the District fiscal year. It is the expectation that all annual SAV plantings be finished prior to September 10th in order to have full information available for the annual planting report to be compiled by the Contractor and submitted prior to September 30th. ALL Contractor plantings MUST be completed and invoiced by September 30th for each year.

D. Task Identification

Individual Plant Units

(IPUs)

Method Units

DENSITY

Individual Plant Units

(IPUs)

Method Units

DENSITY

Individual Plant Units

(IPUs)

Method Units

DENSITY

1 600 200 12% 1020 1020 20% 60 20 1% 1680 34% 2 600 200 12% 1000 1000 20% 60 20 1% 1660 33% 3 600 200 12% 1000 1000 20% 60 20 1% 1660 33%

TOTAL 1800 600 36% 3020 3020 60% 180 60 4% 5000 100%

EXAMPLE 4- ALSO MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ONE ACRE PLANTING BLOCK OF POTAMOGETON ILLINOENSIS (EXTRA METHODS &

ECOTYPES EXAMPLE)

ECOTYPE

Method 1 (EX. BURRITOS) Method 2 (EX. SINGLE Method 3 (EX. PEAT POTS)

ECOTYPE

TOTAL

(IPUs)

ECOTYPE

IFB 41473 | Page 10 of 59

Task 1. ADAPTIVE PLANTING SCHEDULE.

The Contractor is required to create a planting schedule based on availability of screened/approved Ecotypes, source availability, and expected plant preparation supplies. A map of potential planting sites will be provided by the District.

District Project Manager direction to plant in specific areas may change based on conditions within the lake, such as water levels, rainfall, algal blooms, flocculent sediment depths, etc.

The Contractor shall develop an Adaptive Planting Schedule that includes proposed timeframes and deliverables for all proposed work, including plant sourcing and plant rearing/growth (if applicable), and reporting requirements. The Adaptive Planting Schedule will be structured in annual stand-alone modules to be completed in each District fiscal year (Oct 1 – Sept 30). This Adaptive Planting Schedule will establish the contract Timeframes and will be assessed for updates/revisions annually.

1. A draft planting schedule will be provided to the District Project Manager for review 1 business day prior to the Kick-off meeting (Task 2).

2. The Adaptive Planting Schedule will be finalized after discussions and comments occur during the Kick-Off Meeting (Task 2). The Adaptive Planting Schedule will be adaptive and cooperatively agreed upon by the Contractor Project Manager and the District Project Manager within one week after Task 2 occurs but is subject to change based upon joint agreement and will be reassessed/updated annually.

3. If the annual contract renewal is implemented (Year 4, Year 5), the Adaptive Planting Schedule will be updated in cooperation with the District Project Manager and the Contractor within two (2) weeks after execution of a contract amendment or contract renewal.

Task 2. KICK OFF MEETING.

The Contractor and the District shall conduct a Kick-off meeting within two (2) weeks of the Agreement being executed to review potential planting sites in the lake, as well as review the proposed planting schedule and communication protocols.

Discussion of the proposed sites and timeframes shall occur at this time. Any initial changes to the schedule shall be discussed and agreed upon in this meeting by the District Project Manager and the Contractor.

Task 3. PERMITS, PLANTING, COORDINATION & COMMUNICATION.

1. PERMITTING: The District has a DEP and USACE planting permits that the Contractor will be operating under. The

Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining and complying with any other permits necessary to obtain, grow, transport and plant SAV. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) permitting for obtaining, growing, and transporting SAV is solely the responsibility of the Contractor and a copy must be provided to the District Project Manager. Copies of applicable permits must be in the possession of Contractor field staff and physically available on demand while conducting this restoration planting work and complied with as specified in the permit.

2. PLANTING: The Contractor is required to provide all oversight, staff, materials and services necessary to complete all aspects of this restoration project. Planting can commence in coordination with the District Project Manager and in areas by priority ranking only after the following has occurred:

A. The final planting schedule is approved by the District Project Manager (Task 1).

B. The Kick-off Meeting has occurred (Task 2).

C. Appropriate permitting is obtained, and copies have been provided to the District Project Manager.

D. The District Project Manager has provided the Contractor with copies of the District Permits.

E. Plant Ecotype sources have been obtained by the Contractor, and a source list has been provided to the District

Project Manager. Vallisneria americana sources must pass PCR testing, and Ecotype results must be provided to the District Project Manager.

Any changes to permitting or plant sources must be notified and/or provided to the District Project Manager in writing as soon as possible (within 1 business day). No planting may occur until appropriate approvals have been obtained from the District Project Manager and permitting is valid, with copies provided to the District Project Manager.

3. COORDINATION & COMMUNICATION: Contractor identification of staff working in the lake, the acreage planted and where they intend to work will be planned in advance with the District Project Manager. The Contractor Field Manager shall provide brief daily updates to the District Project Manager or delegate when planting is occurring in Lake Apopka. The format of daily updates will be agreed upon by the Contractor Project Manager and the District Project Manager.

a. The Contractor will communicate with the District Project Manager logistical issues, timeline updates, supply issues, detailed planting updates (including but not limited to the areas planted and types of Ecotypes and numbers of plants of each, planting methods used for each), field issues or concerns, and any other pertinent information regarding the project. Any issues shall be discussed between the District Project Manager and the Contractor Project Manager as soon as possible and will be cooperatively resolved.

IFB 41473 | Page 11 of 59

b. Digital GIS files (.shp or .kmz, .kml; line or polygon) of acreage planted will be provided to the District Project Manager within 2 weeks of the planting date.

c. It is the expectation that all plantings be completed by September 10th annually, in order to be included within the Annual Report. However, all annual planting must be completed by September 30th.

Tasks 4. ANNUAL REPORTS

1. A draft Annual Planting Report is due September 18, 2026, September 17, 2027, and September 15, 2028, to the

District Project Manager. If the contract is renewed, draft Annual Planting Reports will also be due on September 14, 2029, and September 13, 2030.

a. This Annual Planting Report should summarize the following information:

i. Specifications of detailed planting information for each permitted site, including but not limited, the number of acre blocks planted, the number of plant units planted, Ecotypes planted by planting method, specific locations of planting acreage (map of kmz/kml/shp lines or polygons), and any additional noteworthy site information.

ii. Maps, figures, or photos should be included as needed.

2. If the District Project Manager returns comments/edits/corrections to the draft Annual Planting Report to the Contractor, then a revised Annual Planting Report incorporating District Project Manager comments is due to the District Project Manager by September 25 of the applicable year. All plantings shall be incorporated prior to the revised annual report submittal. The District Project Manager shall review the revised annual report. If any revisions are requested, a final annual report will be submitted and approved by the District Project Manager prior to September 30 each year.

Any publications generated from this contracted work shall be reviewed and approved by pertinent District staff that are included as co-authors prior to the final publications.

E. Timeframes, Deliverables, & Schedule

All task deliverables are to be delivered on-time. With the exception of chain of custody forms, all deliverables shall be in an electronic format to be specified by the District (i.e., email, Word, Google Earth KMZ, KML, or ESRI ArcPro SHP). All deliverables shall remain the property of the District.

Project deliverables shall include the following and follow the timeframes determined in this Scope of Work and the Task 1 Adaptive Planting Schedule agreed upon by the District Project Manager and Contractor:

Task 1: Adaptive Planting Schedule.

A. A draft Adaptive Planting Schedule is due to District Project Manager for review 1 business day prior to Kick-off meeting.

B. Final Adaptive Planting Schedule is due within one (1) week following Task 2 (Kick-off Meeting).

C. Annually, the Adaptive Planting Schedule will be reviewed at the end of the Fiscal year and any updates will be submitted within the first two (2) weeks of the new Fiscal Year. For a 1-year contract renewal, a review and update of the Adaptive Planting Schedule is due to the District Project Manager within two (2) weeks after execution of the renewal agreement.

Task 2: Kick-off Meeting: Due to occur within 2 weeks after award of the contract.

Task 3: Permits, Planting, Coordination & Communication:

A. Permitting:

1. Contractor permits must be obtained and provided to District Project Manager prior to commencement of planting.

2. District Project Manager adds Contractor to existing permits and provides Contractor with copy of planting permits, prior to commencement of planting.

3. Any changes to permitting or approved sources must be provided in writing to the District Project Manager with appropriate documentation as soon as possible (within 1 business day).

B. Planting:

1. Planting cannot commence until the following prerequisites have occurred:

IFB 41473 | Page 12 of 59

a. The Adaptive Planting Schedule is finalized and approved by the District Project Manager (Task 1).

b. The Kick-off Meeting has occurred (Task 2).

c. Appropriate permitting is obtained and permit copies have been provided to the District Project Manager.

d. The District Project Manager has provided the Contractor with copies of the District Permits.

e. Plant Ecotype sources have been obtained by the Contractor and a source list has been provided to the

District Project Manager.

f. Vallisneria americana sources have been verified as native and results of FWC approved testing are provided to District Project Manager.

2. Chain-of-Custody form must be provided to the District Project Manager after planting.

3. Polygon or polyline data (kml, kmz, shapefiles or GPS boundary lines) of the planted acreage must be provided to District Project Manager within 2 weeks of planting.

4. All annual plantings are expected to be completed by September 10th of each year.

C. Coordination & Communication:

1. Specific planting dates will be coordinated with District Project Manager in advance (Task 1, preferably with more than 1 week notice for changes).

2. DAILY (while planting): Daily planting updates to District Project Manager delivered in the agreed upon format by Contractor and District Project Manager (may be text, phone, or email).

3. AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (within 1 business day): Any issues or problems (such as logistics issues, timeline updates, supply issues, field issues or concerns, etc) will be discussed between the District Project Manager and Contractor to find an appropriate resolution in a reasonable time frame.

Task 4. Annual planting reports:

1. A draft Annual Planting Report is due September 18, 2026, September 17, 2027, and September 15, 2028 to the District Project Manager.

2. Revised draft is due annually within 5 business days of the end of the Fiscal Year, September 30th.

3. Final draft due annually by the end of the Fiscal Year, September 30th.

F. Schedule

Estimates of specific annual amounts of SAV to be planted will be determined by the Adaptive Planting Schedule in cooperation with the Contractor and the District Project Manager. Acreage to be planted is dependent upon funding sources.

G. Subcontractor Qualifications and Coordination Requirements

The Contractor shall be solely responsible for ensuring that any and all subcontractors engaged to perform Work under this solicitation are experienced, qualified, and competent to perform the assigned tasks. All subcontractors must possess and maintain, throughout the duration of the Agreement, all licenses, certifications, insurance and permits required by federal, state, and local laws and regulations applicable to the work being performed. The District reserves the right to request documentation demonstrating compliance at any time during the contract term.

Each subcontractor Field Manager shall be required to coordinate with the District Project Manager or designee prior to initiating any work to ensure proper scheduling, site access, and adherence to District safety and operational procedures.

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in suspension of work, removal of the subcontractor from the project, or other remedies as deemed appropriate by the District.

Appendix 1. FWC Detection and Mitigation Protocols for Non-native Eelgrass in Restoration (version September 2024) Appendix 2. FWC Eelgrass Propagation and Restoration Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) (version September 2024)

IFB 41473 | Page 13 of 59

(IFB) 41473 PLANTING - NATIVE SUBMERGED AQUATIC VEGETATION (SAV)

APPENDIX 1

IFB 41473 | Page 14 of 59

IFB 41473 | Page 15 of 59

IFB 41473 | Page 16 of 59

IFB 41473 | Page 17 of 59

IFB 41473 | Page 18 of 59

(IFB) 41473 PLANTING - NATIVE SUBMERGED AQUATIC VEGETATION (SAV)

APPENDIX 2

IFB 41473 | Page 19 of 59

IFB 41473 | Page 20 of 59

IFB 41473 | Page 21 of 59

BID FORM

All unit prices submitted shall be all-inclusive. Each unit cost shall include, but not be limited to, all labor, materials, equipment, mobilization and demobilization, transportation, permits, site preparation, planting materials including plants, installation, protection measures, cleanup, and any other incidental or associated costs necessary to complete the work as specified in this solicitation. No additional compensation will be made for any item of work that is reasonably inferable from the Contract Documents as being required to complete the planting operations, even if not specifically listed.

Respondents are responsible for including all such costs within the unit prices submitted.

DESCRIPTION ESTIMATED

QTY*

UNIT UNIT

COST/ACRE

TOTAL

Provide and plant Vallisneria americana as described in the Scope of Work

60 Acre $ $

Provide and plant Potamogeton illinoensis as described in the Scope of Work

60 Acre $ $

TOTAL BID AMOUNT $

*Estimated quantities are for bidding purposes only and are not a guaranteed minimum or maximum.

PUBLIC RECORDS: Florida Statutes provide that sealed submittals, or replies received by the District shall remain exempt from disclosure until an intended decision is announced or until 30 days from the opening, whichever is earlier. This means that Respondent will not be able to obtain a copy of their competitor's submittals until the statutory time has elapsed.

UNIT PRICES: Unit prices on the Bid Form may be used to correct any extensions, and if adjusted, will be identified on the detailed tabulation as corrected. Unit costs will not be changed. If Respondent fails to include a unit price and only includes the total, the District reserves the right to mathematically calculate the unit cost to establish a price for the Agreement and allot for the potential for additional purchases at the agreed upon Unit Cost/Acre.

I HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE, as Respondent’s authorized representative, that I have fully read and understand all terms and conditions as set forth in this solicitation, and upon award, shall fully comply with such terms and conditions.

Name of Respondent Firm

Authorized Representative Signature Date

Printed Name/Title

IFB 41473 | Page 22 of 59

41473_IFB26 PLANTING - NATIVE SUBMERGED AQUATIC VEGETATION (SAV)

GENERAL QUALIFICATION QUESTIONNAIRE

Respondent’s company/firm name

Number of years engaged in business under the present company/firm name.

Has Respondent previously been engaged in the same or similar business under another firm or trade name? If so, please describe each such instance.

Total number of years of Respondent’s experience performing similar Work as described in this solicitation.

Has Respondent ever been adjudicated bankrupt, initiated bankruptcy, or been the subject of bankruptcy proceedings on behalf of the current entity submitting on this solicitation or a prior entity that Respondent substantially operated or controlled? If yes, please describe the nature and result of those proceedings and the entity involved.

Describe the background/experience of the key person or key persons who will be primarily responsible for directing the Work that will be performed pursuant to this solicitation. This inquiry is intended to encompass the Project Manager(s) who will be engaged on a daily basis in directing performance of the Work.

IFB 41473 | Page 23 of 59

PROPOSED PLANTS/SOURCES/METHODS

Respondent must document that it will complete the Work as defined in the Scope of Work and shall complete the form below for each Ecotype that it initially proposes to use for the project (make additional copies as necessary). If Respondent is awarded the Agreement, additional Ecotypes may be added to the Scope of Work with written approval from the parties. (Respondent may use multiple forms for reporting all the plant Ecotypes to be utilized.)

Name of Respondent (Company): _______________________________________________________________

1. Species: Vallisneria americana (Requires a minimum response of three unique Ecotypes. If multiple sources exist for an Ecotype, then multiple lines should be filled out. Use an additional sheet to report all proposed plants, if necessary.)

List names of all proposed EcoTypes of Vallisneria americana to be planted

(minimum three unique)

List Source(s) for the proposed EcoType (i.e., nursery, propagation facility, or field harvest site/location)

Source Method (specify field harvest/transplant, field harvest/propagation or nursery stock propagation)

2. Species: Potamogeton illinoensis (Requires a minimum response of two unique Ecotypes. If multiple sources exist for an Ecotype, then multiple lines should be filled out. Use an additional sheet to report all proposed plants, if necessary.)

List names of all proposed Ecotypes of Potamogeton illinoensis to be planted (minimum 2 unique)

List Source(s) for the proposed Ecotypes (specify nursery, propagation facility, or field harvest site/location)

Source Method (specify field harvest/transplant, field harvest/propagation or nursery stock propagation)

IFB 41473 | Page 24 of 59

(IFB) 41473 PLANTING - NATIVE SUBMERGED AQUATIC VEGETATION (SAV)

PROPOSED PLANTS/SOURCES/METHODS CONT’D

3. List the names and addresses/locations of the nurseries, propagation facilities, or field harvest locations listed above and proposed as plant sources during this project. If field harvest is selected, please list the contact information for the permit holder responsible for harvest. If selected, additional nurseries, propagation facilities, or Field harvest locations may be added with written approval from the District PM.