41534RFQ26 Unmanned Herbicide Application.pdf

41534RFQ26 | Page 1 of 48

It is the responsibility of Respondents who receive this solicitation from sources other than the above listed portals 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 QUALIFICATIONS:

SIGNATURE OF PERSON SUBMITTING QUALIFICATIONS:

This document must be completed and returned with your submittal

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

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

41534RFQ26 APPLICATION OF HERBICIDES VIA UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE

The St. Johns River Water Management District (the “District”) is soliciting statements of qualifications from qualified contractors with a minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated experience and all required authorizations at the state and federal levels to operate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs/drones) for herbicide application. The District anticipates awarding to multiple contractors. The resulting Agreement(s) will have an initial term of three (3) years.

Under the Agreement(s), the selected contractor(s) will support the District with aerial herbicide applications to manage and control nuisance aquatic vegetation in support of flood protection, navigation, recreation, and water quality improvement (the “Work”). As needed, additional work may include management of nuisance upland vegetation to protect native plant and animal communities; site preparation for reforestation and/or natural community restoration; and control of nuisance vegetation affecting riparian areas, road and trail surfaces, fence lines, and District data collection sites.

Work will be performed through individual Work Orders issued as treatment areas are identified. For each Work Order, the District will solicit a Work Order Request for pricing from the awarded contractor pool and will issue the Work Order to the contractor submitting the lowest responsive quote that meets the Work Order requirements. The District reserving the right to reject all quotes.

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

Further information is available through DemandStar at demandstar.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 portals listed above. Respondents may also request the solicitation package directly from the District.

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

Breanna Pierce, Procurement Specialist

Phone: 386-643-1168 or E-Mail: BPierce@sjrwmd.com

SUBMITTAL DUE DATE

3:00 PM Tuesday, March 10, 2026

LAST DAY FOR QUESTIONS – March 3, 2026; 5:00PM

Pre-Submittal Meeting – No Pre-Bid Scheduled

41534RFQ26 | Page 2 of 48

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

41534RFQ26 APPLICATION OF HERBICIDES VIA UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE

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 solicitation 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 form, I acknowledge I have read and understand, and Respondent complies with all conditions and requirements set forth herein.

RESPONDENT NAME

AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE DATE

PRINTED NAME

TITLE

This document must be completed and returned with your submittal

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41534RFQ26 APPLICATION OF HERBICIDES VIA UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover Sheet Page 1

Solicitation Acknowledgement Form Page 2

Table of Contents Page 3

PART 1 – Scope of Work Pages 4 - 12

Required Documents & Forms Pages 13 - 20

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

PART 2 – Submittal Requirements & General Information Pages 21 - 30

PART 3 – Draft Agreement Pages 31 - 48

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41534RFQ26 APPLICATION OF HERBICIDES VIA UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE

PART 1 – SCOPE OF WORK

I. INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND

The St. Johns River Water Management District (the “District”) covers an area of approximately 12,283 square miles spanning 18 counties. The District is the lead manager of more than 433,951 acres of public lands, while it manages another 201,615 acres through a variety of partnerships with numerous agencies and local governments. The District is charged with four core missions including water quality protection, water resource conservation, flood protection and the stewardship of natural systems. Vital to achieving these core missions is the control of nuisance upland and aquatic vegetation on all District owned conservation areas/restoration areas, including multiple water management areas, 115 miles of federal levees, 175 miles of non-federal levees, 12 major water control structures, 113 minor water control structures, 25 weirs, and 11 pumping stations. The treatment areas are identified in Figure 1 (Southern Managed Area) and Figure 2 (Northern Managed Area) and will be solicited through Work Order Quote Request.

The District takes an integrated approach toward achieving invasive plant management goals in order to minimize non-target impacts and potentially reduce the amount of chemical usage. The variety of methods utilized to maximize efficacy of invasive vegetation control in addition to chemical control include prescribed burning, biocontrol, mechanical, and water level manipulations where feasible.

Importantly, the District must comply with the discharge limitations outlined in its existing National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, which includes aquatic herbicide application. As such, the District Project Manager approves all plans for herbicide application prior to commencement of Work and rigorously tracks all herbicide usage by location and targeted plant species. Contractor will only conduct treatments approved by the District. Contractor’s failure to comply with this requirement, or with any applicable local, state, or federal laws in the performance of the Work, may result in immediate termination of the Agreement and any active Work Order(s).

II. OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this Project is to assist the District with aerial herbicide applications to:

A. Manage control of nuisance aquatic vegetation to improve flood protection, navigation, recreation, and water quality.

B. Manage nuisance upland vegetation for protection of plant and animal communities, and for site preparation for reforestation and/or natural community restoration.

C. Manage nuisance vegetation impacting riparian areas, road/trail surfaces, fence lines, and District data collection sites.

III. SCOPE OF WORK

Contractors shall furnish all labor and equipment necessary to complete the Work. Unmanned aerial vehicles will be used for all applications of herbicides for invasive plant control and/or forestry site-prep on terrestrial sites and invasive plant control on aquatic sites on the lands managed by the District. All drones performing work on District lands shall be compliant with the appropriate parts of Florida Administrative Code Rule (“Fla. Admin. Code R.”) 60GG-2.0075 as well as all appropriate federal regulations outlined in 14 CFR parts 61, 91, 107, and 137, unless exempted or otherwise authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration, in which case the Contractor must comply with the conditions outlined in its Letter of Exemption. Aquatic sites include ditch banks, canals, drainage ditches, flooded farmland, marshes, lakes, and meandering river systems. Terrestrial sites may include preparation of pasture, flatwoods and control of invasive plants that are a detriment to natural ecological systems. Services may also include pre- and post-inspection/monitoring flights.

The District will identify treatment areas based on weather conditions, growth stage of the target vegetation and other variables. Nuisance plant species shall be treated in accordance with District guidelines established for each individual site. Once a treatment area has been identified, a Work Order Request, including the project scope of work, will be sent to all contracted Contractors. Award for each area will be made to the Contractor who returns the lowest quote. The

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Work environment and the seclusion/distance of available District personnel requires that Contractor be self-sufficient and have ready use of equipment.

The District will solely determine whether Work is better captured in a Work Order to be paid by hourly rate or per acre rate. Generally, a per acre Work Order will be used when infestation quantity and target species are well defined.

Hourly rate Work Orders will be used for projects requiring flexibility such as when there is uncertainty as to the extent of the infestation and if multiple targets are involved.

All herbicide application shall be carried out in a manner consistent with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Special Local Need 24(c) (SLN) herbicide labels. Contractor shall comply with all pertinent regulations, including but not limited to the Organo-Auxin Rule, set forth by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and as outlined in the District’s NPDES Permit. The District will provide a copy of its NPDES Permit upon request.

Aerial application of all herbicides via drone will be recorded using an on-board computer guidance system with the same or equivalent capabilities as the AG-NAV system.

IV. TASK IDENTIFICATION

A. Contractor’s Responsibilities:

1. General:

a) Contractor will conduct applications of herbicides as directed by the District Project Manager.

b) Contractor must be able to begin Work within 14 days of the issuance of a Work Order from the District Project Manager.

c) Once mobilized, Work effort shall continue consecutive workdays until the project is complete. At any time during the performance of the Work, work may be suspended due to inclement weather or other unforeseen need for delay. Wind velocity measurements in excess of seven (7) miles per hour while applying chemicals may cause the aerial spraying to be canceled, except for 2-4-D products, which will be canceled at five (5) miles per hour, as per the label requirements. The District Project Manager shall determine when Work can commence after delay.

d) Contractor is responsible for the repair, restoration, or replacement of any native and/or non-target species vegetation or property damaged as a result of any activity by Contractor, at no cost to District and to the satisfaction of the District Project Manager.

e) Contractor shall provide one person (field supervisor) assigned as the main point of contact, at least one for each region, for the duration of the Agreement to ensure maximized application time and reduced training time.

f) Contractor shall ensure that crews have access to all appropriate labels and Safety Data sheets (SDS) while transporting, mixing, or applying herbicides.

g) Contractor shall have at each Work site, a properly functioning wind meter and comply with all pertinent regulations, including but not limited to the Organo-Auxin Rule, set forth by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and NPDES.

h) Contractor shall adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations governing the application, transportation, storage, use, and disposal of products utilized in the performance of this Agreement. These regulations include, at a minimum, Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and its implementing rules (40 CFR Part 165), OSHA General Industry Standards (including 29 CFR Part 1910), and Chapter 487, Fla.

Stat.

i) Contractor shall adhere to the organ-auxin rule (Fla. Admin. Code R. 5E-2.033) while applying organo-auxin and plant growth regulator products. It is recommended that the contractor fill out the FDACS suggested pesticide record keeping form for these applications, Exhibit 1 hereto.

j) Contractor is responsible for the calibration of all equipment.

k) Contractor shall handle and apply herbicide and adjuvants according to the most current manufacturer’s label instructions.

l) Contractor shall clean all equipment prior to arrival at the worksite of all biological material. If equipment arrives at the site and is not properly sanitized it shall be denied access. If sites have a variety of infestations Contractor may be required to clean equipment prior to continuing work. A general reference

41534RFQ26 | Page 6 of 48 can be found in the U.S. Dept of Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, Colorado, Technical Memorandum No. 86-68220-07-05, Inspection and Cleaning Manual for Equipment and Vehicles to Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species, https://www.usbr.gov/lc/region/g2000/envdocs/EquipmentInspectionandCleaningManual2021.pdf and Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, Washington Invasive Species Council, Reducing Accidental Introductions of Invasive Species https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/InvsvsPreventProtocol.pdf. It is the minimum expectation that all tracks, tires, trailers, truck beds and radiators will be free of biological material in addition to any other areas prone to collections of such items including small seeds. In addition to equipment, attire including shores and boots should be free of seeds that may become lodged.

m) Contractor shall be familiar with endangered species (plant and animal) identification and associated management buffers. If a Contractor observes endangered species, it shall be immediately reported to the District Project Manager. Contractor shall be familiar with rules, laws and guidelines that restrict activities around endangered wildlife.

n) Contractor is responsible for understanding objectives and instructions, and shall request clarification or additional information when the intent of the objectives, or specific instructions are unclear, or any other issues or concerns related to the project

o) Contractor shall plan and implement treatments using a systematic, efficient approach. Vegetation management activities shall be executed in a methodical, ordered manner, so that efficient, complete, and safe outcomes are achieved with minimal disturbance to natural resources.

p) Contractor is responsible for all quality assurance and quality control. Contractor shall take the necessary steps to develop guidelines needed to assure service quality and to continuously monitor work to verify quality standards are met. District staff may provide quality assurance feedback that is gathered by a variety of means including site visits, aerial observation (drone or helicopter) and cameras.

q) Contractor is responsible for technical aptitude of its personnel including but not limited to, staff coordination, adherence to cost and time schedules, herbicide use patterns, invasive exotic and native plant identification.

r) Contractor shall remain abreast of alternative and emerging technologies and make recommendations for implementation of technologies that reduce the environmental footprint of herbicide applications.

s) Contractor shall be responsible for protecting the environment and the public from herbicide misuse.

t) Contractor shall provide an electronic copy of each mission including shapefiles and any applicable post mission UAV data summary as specified by the District Project Manager.

2. Materials and Application:

a) Mixing of the materials shall be the responsibility of Contractor at the site(s). Contractor shall be responsible for rinsing containers according to specified regulations. District personnel, at their discretion, may dispose of the containers after proper rinsing has been completed by Contractor.

b) Contractor must provide leak proof pumps and/or tanks necessary for mixing and loading.

c) Contractor shall have the right to examine the spray materials including chemicals and adjuvants.

d) Contractor has full responsibility for accurately treating the site(s). Areas not treated, either by malfunctioning equipment or missed flight patterns, due to calibration or mixing error may be required to be retreated at Contractor’s sole expense.

e) Upon completion of the treatment, Contractor must provide the data on the daily application records on the contract reporting form (Exhibit 2), provided by the District. A copy of the report shall be submitted to the District Program Manager.

3. Drone Delivery System:

All UAV’s utilized in the performance of the Work must meet the following minimum requirements:

a) Must be capable of applying both liquid formulations and granular products. Hopper must be capable of applying granules including corn cob, small pellets, sand granules and spherical granules.

b) Must have at least a 5-gallon payload capacity for applying liquid formulations.

c) Must be registered with the FAA.

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d) Must provide proof of exemption under Special Authority for Certain Unmanned Systems, 49 U.S.C.

§44807 for UAVs over 55 pounds, or must comply with the applicable portions of CFR Part 107 for drones under 55 pounds.

e) Must have a variable rate controller capable of applying a range of liquid products/mixes or granular products.

f) Must be equipped to apply herbicides in accordance with the labeled directions and all rules and regulations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Bureau of Entomology and Pest Control.

g) Must have manual or autonomous spray operations and flight modes.

h) Must be capable of applying solutions containing polymers and thickening agents.

i) The equipment shall be capable of continuous operation for the duration of the project including an adequate number of batteries and efficient portable charging capabilities. The system must be leak-proof and simple to calibrate.

j) Must have a working Auto Calibration Flow Control onboard system, interfaced to GPS.

k) UAV must have an onboard camera.

4. Remote Pilot-In-Command/Applicator and UAV:

a) Contractor shall provide proof that the Contractor maintains at least one remote pilot in-command (RPIC) that is a Florida certified applicator licensed in the aerial application of pesticides (category 11) and other appropriate categories per Fla. Admin. Code R. 5E-9.021(1)(q) for each mission.

b) Should a change in RPIC/applicators be required, this information shall be submitted to the District at least 24 hours prior to scheduled flight.

c) All UAVs performing aerial herbicide applications shall be registered with FDACS pursuant to Fla.

Admin. Code rules 5E-4.013 (seed aircraft) and 5E-9.036 (pesticide aircraft).

d) Contractor shall provide a copy of all FAA remote pilot certificate(s) in accordance with 14 CFR Part 107, for respective pilots working on District lands.

e) All UAVs performing work on District lands shall be registered with the FAA, and all UAV operations shall be compliant with the applicable FAA regulations outlined in 14 CFR parts 61, 91, 107, and 137.

f) All UAVs performing work on District lands shall submit applicable proof of exemption under Special Authority for Certain Unmanned Systems, 49 U.S.C. §44807.

g) All remote pilots shall be compliant with the applicable portions of 14 CFR Part 137, Agricultural Aircraft Operations, and the Contractor shall provide documentation of its Part 137 Certificate and/or its Exemption Letter.

h) The UAV shall be capable of applying product safely and efficiently.

i) The UAV shall be equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) and a flight data recording application capable of uploading shapefiles/KMZ files to the aircraft. The UAV must also be capable of exporting treatment path shapefiles to the District GIS system.

j) The UAV must be equipped with battery warning and emergency return to home functionalities.

k) In the event of failure and/or lost link, the UAV should be capable of remote flow shut-off.

l) The UAV must be capable of polygon, spot, and path treatment patterns.

m) The flight path of the UAV must be within three (3) feet of its actual flight path when herbicide is being released.

n) The UAV must have geofencing capabilities.

5. On-Site Safety

a) Contractor shall provide the following operational supplies, tools/equipment, accessories, and personnel at the site to maintain continuous and safe operations:

b) Adequate firefighting equipment capable of extinguishing gasoline oil and/or lithium battery fires.

c) First-aid supplies and materials for treating any herbicide related accident. At least one person shall be on-site and qualified to administer first aid in accordance with OSHA’s medical services and first aid regulations outlined in 29 CFR §1910.151.

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d) Prior to the aerial spray application, the District representative and Contractor shall determine the grid area where spraying will be conducted. Contractor shall be familiar with this area before the start of work.

B. District Responsibilities

1. Prior to application, the District will provide Contractor with all herbicides and any applicable adjuvants products as well as the location of treatment, target species, approximate acreage, and use rate(s).

2. Wind velocity readings will be taken by a District representative prior to commencement of aerial spray applications. Wind velocity measurements in excess of seven miles per hour while applying chemicals may cause the aerial spraying to be canceled, except for 2-4-D products, which will be canceled at five miles per hour, as per the label requirements.

3. The District reserves the right to require Contractor to replace any personnel and/or equipment, including pilots, or any UAVs used in the performance of the contract if said personnel, pilots and/or equipment are operating in violation of, or have violated, any state or federal laws or pose a threat to the safety and welfare of District personnel or property, Contractor’s personnel or property, or to the public.

4. The District shall make the final determination on alternative products or use rates.

5. District’s Project Manager shall initiate and authorize all work by Contractor in the form of a written Work Order through electronic means (email), which, at a minimum, will include the following:

a) A description of the Work;

b) Spraying acreage;

c) Application rate in gallons per acre;

d) The location of the Work including:

1) Maps, Avenza maps, and/or

2) Shapefiles, KMZ files or other electronic data.

e) The starting date;

f) The anticipated duration of the Work;

g) Instructions regarding the Work.

V. TIME FRAMES AND DELIVERABLES

A Work schedule will be provided in each Work Order for each treatment area. Work shall commence within 14 days of receipt of a District issued Work Order and be completed within 30 days from the project initiation, unless otherwise stated. If accepting multiple concurrent Work Orders, Contractor must be capable of completing each within respective timeframe. The District Project Manager shall inspect work by task identified above.

VI. BUDGET/PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Award will be made through the issuance of a Type 1 Work Order based on the costs submitted in that Contractor’s quote response, either using an hourly rate or a per acre rate. The rate type will be identified in the Work Order Request. Unless otherwise stipulated in the Work Order, invoicing and payment will be accomplished pursuant to the terms and conditions included in the Agreement.

A. Per-acre rate Work Orders: Per-acre pricing is a flat rate to be paid out for the entire work order based on the acreage of the project including all equipment, staff, tools, and administrative costs. This price should not include any herbicide and adjuvant costs as these will be provided by the District. No additional expenses above the quoted price will be paid for per-acre work orders.

B. Hourly rate Work Orders: Under this pricing structure Contractor will provide a cost per hour rate for aerial spraying with a UAV. This price should not include any herbicide and adjuvant costs as these will be provided by the District. No additional expenses above the quoted price will be paid out.

VII. ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT NEEDS

Pick-up trucks and trailers for transportation, observation, and transportation of necessary equipment used in drone operation and herbicide application

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FIGURE1 – ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT SOUTHERN MANAGED AREA

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FIGURE 2 – ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT NORTHERN MANAGED AREA

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EXHIBIT 1: ORGANO-AUXIN FORM

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EXHIBIT 2: CONTRACT REPORTING FORM

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY TOTAL HRS RATE $ TOTAL

TOTAL

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

TIME:

CONTRACTOR:

VEGETATION:

WO #:

CONTRACT #:

DATE:

HERBICIDE/ADJUVANT GALLONS/POUNDS USED

CREW:

PROPERTY NAME:

ACRES CONTROLLED:

DAILY ACTIVITIES/WINDSPEED:

HERBICIDE DILUENTS &

CONCENTRATION (RATE PER ACRE)

Terrestrial Plant Control Report of Operations

GRAND TOTAL: $APPROVED:SUBMITTED:

HERBICIDE AMOUNTS RETURNED (GALLONS/POUNDS):

COMMENTS, EXPLANATIONS, ETC.: SUMMARY OF COSTS

CONTRACTUAL SERVICES:

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41534RFQ26 APPLICATION OF HERBICIDES VIA UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE

UAV AND DRONE OPERATOR MINIMUM REQUIREMENT CHECKLIST

Include one completed checklist for each drone to be used for the Work described in this solicitation.

MAKE MODEL

Has variable rate controller capable of applying both liquid formulations and granular products: Yes No (Hopper must be capable of applying granules including corn cob, small pellets, sand granules and spherical granules.)

Capacity (liquid herbicide): ___________________ gallons

Variable Rate Controller: Yes No (Capable of applying a range of liquid products/mixes or granular products.)

UAV weight: ________________________ lbs.

FAA Registration Number: ________________________

FAA Exemption Number (if exempt under 49 U.S.C. §44807): __________________________________

Is equipped to apply herbicides in accordance with the labeled directions and all rules and regulations of the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Bureau of Entomology and Pest Control: Yes No

Has manual or autonomous spray operations and flight modes: Yes No

Has equipment capable of continuous operation for the duration of the project including an adequate number of batteries and efficient portable charging capabilities: Yes No

Has working Auto Calibration Flow Control onboard system, interfaced to GPS: Yes No

Ability to provide KMZ/KML files or shape files to the District showing treatment areas: Yes No

Has on board camera: Yes No

Provide the following documentation and attached to this checklist:

UAV:

Proof drone is registered with FDACS pursuant to Fla. Admin. Code rules 5E-4.013 and 5E-9.036.

Proof of compliance with Fla. Admin. Code R. 60GG-2.0075. (Drone used on District lands may not have capabilities of collecting or transmitting visual and auditory data.)

Proof of certificate and/or any exemptions for drone showing compliance with the applicable portions of 14 CFR Part 137, Agricultural Aircraft Operations.

Proof UAV is registered with FAA.

Proof UAV exemption under Special Authority for Central Unmanned Systems, 49 U.S.C. §44807.

Proof of UAV is equipped to apply herbicides in accordance with the labeled directions and all rules and regulations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Bureau of Entomology and Pest Control.

Proof of manual or autonomous spray operations and flight modes.

Proof equipment is capable of continuous operation for the duration of the project including an adequate number of batteries and efficient portable charging capabilities.

Proof UAV has working Auto Calibration Flow Control onboard system, interfaced to GPS.

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Proof UAV is equipped with battery warning and emergency return to home.

Proof UAV is capable of polygon, spot, or path treatment patterns.

Proof UAV has geofencing capabilities.

Proof UAV has an onboard camera.

Drone Operator(s):

Proof of recurrent 14 CFR Part 107 certificate of achievement for each drone operator.

Florida certified applicator license for each remote pilot-in-command (RPIC) in the aerial applicator category (category 11) and other appropriate categories (Fla. Admin. Code R. 5E-9.021(1)) for each mission, Proof of certificate and/or any exemptions for all remote pilots showing compliance with the applicable portions of 14 CFR Part 137, Agricultural Aircraft Operations.

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41534RFQ26 APPLICATION OF HERBICIDES VIA UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE

RESUME OF KEY INDIVIDUALS

Use one page per individual and additional pages as necessary

Name of Individual: ______________________________________________________________________________________

Title and/or Position: _____________________________________________________________________________________

Indicate if individual is authorized to sign contracts on behalf of Respondent: __________________________________________

Name of Respondent Respondent’s Office Location Individual’s City of Residence Years of

Experience in Field

Years with Respondent

Education/Degrees/Professional Designations/Certifications

Describe Related Experience within the last 3 years and your SPECIFIC role ___ Respondent ___ Previous Firm Project Description -

Describe Related Experience within the last 3 years and your SPECIFIC role ___ Respondent ___ Previous Firm Project Description -

Describe Related Experience within the last 3 years and your SPECIFIC role ___ Respondent ___ Previous Firm Project Description -

Significant Accomplishments

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41534RFQ26 APPLICATION OF HERBICIDES VIA UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE

SIMILAR WORK DETAIL

Provide at least three (3) unique projects, similar in size and scope to the Work described in this solicitation, that your company has successfully completed within the last three (3) years. No more than one of the similar projects can be from a project completed for the District.

REFERENCE LETTERS from each project listed below, that address completion time, manner and scope of work, and budget adherence, are required as part of your responsive submittal. Please ensure provided contact information is current. If a District project is cited, do not contact District Staff for a reference letter, simply indicate District’s Project Number for the similar project you are citing.

District reserves the right to determine whether or not a project shall be considered “similar.”

Project Owner/Administrator:

Point of Contact: E-Mail:

Phone: Project Completion Date:

Project Name:

Describe how the scope of work applies to this solicitation:

Reference Letter included (required) -

Project Owner/Administrator:

Point of Contact: E-Mail:

Phone: Project Completion Date:

Project Name:

Describe how the scope of work applies to this solicitation:

Project Owner/Administrator:

Point of Contact: E-Mail:

Phone: Project Completion Date:

Project Name:

Describe how the scope of work applies to this solicitation:

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41534RFQ26 APPLICATION OF HERBICIDES VIA UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE

PROPOSED SUBCONTRACTORS

CONTRACTOR NAME:

Please list all Subcontractors to be used in connection with your performance of the Agreement. The District reserves the right to accept or reject any Subcontractor based on past performance, location, or any other grounds that may conflict with the best interests of the District. (Use additional pages, if necessary):

Check which applies:

Contractor will NOT utilize Subcontractors: ☐

Contractor will utilize the Subcontractors listed below: ☐

1. Name and address of Subcontractor:

Description of work to be performed:

Estimated % of workload/responsibility:

2. Name and address of Subcontractor:

3. Name and address of Subcontractor:

4. Name and address of Subcontractor:

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CERTIFICATE AS TO RESPONDENTS AUTHORITY TO DO BUSINESS IN FLORIDA

The below Respondent is incorporated/organized/formed under the laws of the State of ; is authorized by law to respond to this solicitation and perform all Work and furnish materials and equipment required under the Agreement and is authorized to do business in the State of Florida.

Entity name:

Address:

Registration No:

Registered Agent:

By:

(Official title)

(Affix corporate seal, if utilized by Respondent)

Attest:

(Secretary)

The full names and business or residence addresses of persons or contractors interested in the foregoing submittal as principals or officers of Respondent are as follows (specifically include the President, Secretary, and Treasurer and state the corporate office held of all other individuals listed):

Identify any parent, subsidiary, or sister entities involving the same or substantially the same officers and directors that will or may be involved in performance of the Project, and provide the same information requested above on a photocopy of this form.

ATTACH a copy of Respondent’s active registration with the State of Florida Division of Corporations proving Respondent’s authority to do business in the State of Florida, or a copy of the application for same that has been accepted by the State of Florida.

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AFFIDAVIT AS TO NON-COLLUSION AND CERTIFICATION OF

MATERIAL CONFORMANCE WITH SPECIFICATIONS

STATE OF

COUNTY OF

I, the undersigned, being first duly sworn, depose and say that:

1. I am the owner or duly authorized officer, representative, or agent of:

Respondent that has submitted the attached submittal package.

2. The attached submittal is genuine. It is not a collusive or sham submittal.

3. I am fully informed regarding the preparation and contents of the attached submittal, and am knowledgeable of all pertinent circumstances related thereto.

4. Neither Respondent nor any of its officers, partners, owners, agents, representatives, employees, or parties in interest, including this affiant, has in any way colluded, conspired, connived, or agreed, directly or indirectly, with any other Respondent, contractor, or person to submit a collusive or sham submittal package in connection with the Agreement for which the attached submittal package has been submitted, or to refrain from proposing in connection with such Agreement, or has in any manner, directly or indirectly, sought by agreement, collusion, communication, or conference with any other Respondent, contractor, or person to fix the price or prices in the attached submittal of any other Respondent , or to fix any overhead, profit, or cost element of the submitted prices or the submitted price of any other Respondent, or to secure through collusion, conspiracy, connivance, or unlawful agreement any advantage against the District or any other person interested in the proposed Agreement.

5. The price(s) included in the attached submittal are fair and proper and are not tainted by any collusion, conspiracy, connivance, or unlawful agreement on the part of Respondent or any of its agents, representatives, owners, employees, or parties in interest, including this affiant.

6. No official or other officer or employee of the District, whose salary or compensation is payable in whole or in part by the District, is directly or indirectly interested in this submittal, or in the supplies, materials, equipment, work, or labor to which it relates, or in any of the profits therefrom.

7. Any materials and equipment proposed to be supplied in fulfillment of the Agreement to be awarded conform in all respects to the specifications thereof. Further, the proposed materials and equipment will perform the intended function in a manner acceptable and suitable for the intended purposes of the District.

Signature:

Title:

The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me by means of ☐ physical presence or ☐ online notarization, this day of , 202 , by as (title) of (Respondent), the party on behalf of whom instrument was executed.

(SEAL)

(Signature)

Notary Public, State of at Large

My commission expires:

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41534RFQ26 APPLICATION OF HERBICIDES VIA UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE

NO RESPONSE FORM

Your reasons for not responding to this solicitation are valuable to the St. Johns River Water Management District’s procurement process. Please complete this form and return it to the Office of Financial Services no later than the date set for receipt of submittals. Thank you for your cooperation.

Please check (as applicable):

Specifications too “general” (explain below)

Insufficient time to respond to the solicitation

Do not provide this type of work for this project

Schedule would not permit us to perform

Unable to meet solicitation specifications

Specifications unclear (explain below)

Disagree with solicitation or Agreement terms and conditions (explain below)

Other (specify below)

Remarks:

DATE

RESPONDENT (COMPNAY NAME)

ADDRESS

E-MAIL ADDRESS

SIGNATURE TYPED NAME AND TITLE

TELEPHONE NUMBER

41534RFQ26 | Page 21 of 48

41534RFQ26 APPLICATION OF HERBICIDES VIA UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE

PART 2 – SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS & GENERAL INFORMATION

Thank you for your interest in working with the St. Johns River Water Management District. Please direct questions regarding the submittal documents and specifications to the District’s Procurement Department, in writing. We look forward to working with you. Pertinent information and required documents regarding this solicitation as part of a responsive submittal are listed below.

St. Johns River Water Management District expects interested individuals and contractors will make every effort to assemble a team with the requisite expertise and qualifications to supply the product or service.

The District will publish notice of specifications and criteria, including addenda, intended agency decisions, or other matters pertinent to this solicitation on portals identified on the first page of this document.

2.1 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)

The District does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its services, programs, or activities. Special accommodations for disabilities may be requested through Breanna Pierce, Procurement Specialist, or by calling (800) 955-8771 (TTY), at least five (5) business days (Mon – Fri) before the date needed.

2.2 PROHIBITED COMMUNICATION

To ensure a fair and impartial evaluation process, the District strictly prohibits any communication related to this solicitation with any District office, department, bureau, or employee during the submission and evaluation period, except as expressly authorized in this solicitation. Respondents are specifically prohibited from initiating any contact or communication with any District official or employee involved in the evaluation or consideration of submittals, including but not limited to the Executive Director and members of the Governing Board of the St. Johns River Water Management District, prior to the issuance of an award decision. All communication regarding this solicitation shall be initiated by the District’s Procurement staff, and solely for the purpose of obtaining information or clarification necessary for the proper evaluation of submittals. Any attempt by a Respondent to engage in unauthorized communication may result in disqualification from consideration for award under this solicitation, and may further result in exclusion from future procurement opportunities with the District.

2.3 PRE-SUBMITTAL MEETINGS, INQUIRIES AND ADDENDA

If scheduled, the pre-submittal meeting information will appear on the first page of this solicitation. If the pre-submittal meeting is not designated as mandatory, then attendance at the pre-submittal meeting is strongly recommended. If the pre-submittal meeting is designated as MANDATORY, Respondent must attend or its submittal will not be accepted.

During this meeting, the project scope, procedures, and specifications will be discussed. It is also the only opportunity during the open solicitation period for attendees to ask questions directly to the end user.

District staff are not authorized to provide oral interpretations or clarifications of the solicitation documents, including specifications or other agreement terms. All binding interpretations or corrections must be provided in writing, come only from Procurement staff, and be issued as part of an official addendum to this solicitation. The assigned Procurement Specialist may provide general guidance on District procedures and assist in referencing applicable sections of the solicitation documents; however, Respondents remain fully responsible for understanding and following all written requirements and submit accordingly.

In order to be considered. all requests for a written interpretation or correction must be submitted via e-mail before the deadline for questions as stated in this solicitation. All official responses, including clarifications, corrections, or supplemental instructions, will be issued in writing via addenda and posted on the solicitation portals listed on Page 1 of this document, prior to the submittal due date.

By submitting on this solicitation, Respondent acknowledges receipt of all issued addenda. Submittals will be interpreted as if all addenda were received, whether or not Respondent actually reviewed them. Failure to receive or review an addendum does not relieve Respondent of any obligations under the solicitation or resulting contract. All addenda become an official part of the Contract Documents (defined in the Agreement).

41534RFQ26 | Page 22 of 48

2.4 PREPARATION, ORGANIZATION AND SUBMITTAL OF QUALIFICATIONS

a. Respondent’s submittal must be submitted in electronic format (no paper copies) either by uploading to DemandStar directly at www.demandstar.com OR to Central Bidding directly at www.centralbidding.com (NOT BOTH); OR by delivering all files on a single pin/thumb/jump drive either by mail or hand delivery in a sealed envelope.

Label all sealed envelopes as follows:

SEALED SUBMITTAL – DO NOT OPEN

Respondent’s Name: ___________________________________________ Request for Qualifications: 41534RFQ26, Application of Hervicides Via Unmaned Aerial Vehicle Opening Time: 3:00 PM Opening Date: March 10, 2026

Breanna Pierce, Procurement Specialist St. Johns River Water Management District District Headquarters 4049 Reid Street Palatka, FL 32177

**Please note that the U.S. Postal Service does not deliver regular mail or express mail to the above address.

The District’s experience is that Federal Express and United Parcel Service will. The District is not responsible for, and will not accept or consider late submittals due to delays caused by any mail, package or courier service, including the U.S. mail, or caused by any other occurrence.

DO NOT SUBMIT VIA EMAIL — THIS WILL RESULT IN THE SUBMITTAL BEING REJECTED

AS NON-RESPONSIVE.

b. All blank spaces on the solicitation documents must be typewritten or legibly printed in ink. In the event you decline to submit a response, the District would appreciate submittal of the “No Response Form” provided in this solicitation to describe the reason for not submitting a response.

c. Please do not password protect files saved to a pin/thumb/jump drive. The District recommends that Respondents confirm their submittal documents will open correctly on a non-company-owned computer. Any electronic submittal received by the District that does not open on a District-owned computer is subject to rejection as a defective response. The file naming conventions for the solicitation must clearly identify specific information such as the solicitation number and Respondent’s name (Example: 12345RFQ26, ABC Company).

NOTE! A Respondent’s submittal may be rejected as non-responsive for:

(1) Failing to complete all forms.

(2) Failure to provide all required materials; or

(3) Otherwise failing to comply with instructions for preparation and organization of submittal.

2.5 EVALUATION OF SUBMITTALS AND AWARD PROCEDURES

Submittals will be reviewed and evaluated by a staff Evaluation Committee (“Committee”) based on the criteria and weighting outlined in Section titled SCORING GUIDELINES AND EVALUATION CRITERIA, herein.

A Committee meeting will be scheduled, and notice of the meeting, including the date, time, and location, will be posted at least five (5) days in advance on DemandStar, Central Bidding, and MyFloridaMarketPlace. The Committee will meet at District headquarters or another suitable location to discuss and score the submittals. Each Committee member will complete an electronic evaluation form during the meeting, and the compiled results will be used to determine the overall ranking.

a. Evaluation Process

1. The Committee will evaluate and rank the submittals, based upon the established evaluation criteria. If the Committee determines that oral presentations will assist in the evaluation, presentations may be conducted at District headquarters, at another designated location, or remotely, as appropriate.

41534RFQ26 | Page 23 of 48

2. If the Committee determines that not all Respondents will be asked to make an oral presentation, the Committee will complete an initial evaluation to develop a preliminary ranked list. This list will be used to determine which Respondents will be asked to make an oral presentation.

3. After oral presentations are completed, the Committee members will conduct a final evaluation and ranking using the same criteria. Scores from the initial evaluation will not be carried over. All Respondents will be notified in writing of the Committee’s final ranking results.

b. Confidentiality of Evaluation Meetings

Under §286.0113, Fla. Stat., certain portions of meetings related to the solicitation process are exempt from public attendance. These include any part of a meeting where (1) a negotiation with a Respondent is conducted pursuant to a competitive solicitation; (2) a Respondent makes an oral presentation as part of a competitive solicitation; (3) a Respondent answers questions as part of a competitive solicitation; or (4) negotiation strategies are discussed. Recordings and materials from exempt meetings are confidential and exempt from public disclosure under §119.07(1), Fla. Stat., until the District issues a notice of intended decision or until thirty (30) days after the submittal opening, whichever comes first. All exempt portions of meetings must be fully recorded.

No portion of the exempt meeting may be held off the record.

c. Rejection and Reissuance

Pursuant to §286.0113 Fla. Stat., if the District rejects all submittals and concurrently provides notice of its intent to reissue the competitive solicitation, the recording and any records presented at any exempt meeting shall remain exempt from §119.07(1) Fla. Stat., until such time as the District provides notice of an intended decision concerning the reissued competitive solicitation or until the District withdraws the reissued competitive solicitation. A recording and any records presented at an exempt meeting are not exempt for longer than 12 months after the initial District notice rejecting all submittals.

d. Approval of Ranking

Once the evaluation process is complete, the Committee’s final ranking will be presented to the Governing Board for approval, unless the Governing Board has delegated authority to the Executive Director or designee to approve and execute the Agreement.

e. Negotiations and Award

Negotiations will begin with the highest-ranked Respondents. If negotiations are unsuccessful. Agreements will be awarded to Respondents that successfully complete negotiations with the District (“Successful…