41904_IFB_EFV_Final.pdf

41904_IFB | Page 1 of 46

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

41904_IFB26 NATIVE EMERGENT FLOATING-LEAVED VEGETATION (EFV)

The St. Johns River Water Management District (the “District”) is seeking submittals from qualified, experienced Contractors to select a single Contractor to annually plant specified native emergent floating-leaved vegetation (“EFV”) in designated areas of Lake Apopka and on the Lake Apopka North Shore (the “Work”).

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, Central Bidding at centralbidding.com, the state of Florida’s MyFloridaMarketPlace 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 Scheduled

LAST DAY FOR QUESTIONS – February 20, 2026; 5:00PM

BID DUE DATE

1:00 PM Monday, March 2, 2026

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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 the Respondent to the terms and conditions of the solicitation and Respondent’s 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

This document must be completed and returned with your submittal

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41904_IFB26 NATIVE EMERGENT FLOATING-LEAVED VEGETATION (EFV)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover Sheet Page 1

Solicitation Acknowledgement Form Page 2

Table of Contents Page 3

PART 1 – Scope of Work Pages 4-11

Bid Form Page 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 20-27

PART 3 – Draft Agreement Pages 28-46

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41904_IFB26 NATIVE EMERGENT FLOATING-LEAVED VEGETATION (EFV)

PART 1 – SCOPE OF WORK

The St. Johns River Water Management District is seeking submittals from qualified experienced Contractors to plant specified native emergent floating-leaved vegetation (“EFV”) in designated areas of Lake Apopka and on the Lake Apopka North Shore.

Contractor must currently possess or have the ability to obtain the following native plants for planting: Nuphar advena (Spatterdock), Nymphaea odorata (White Water Lily), Nymphaea mexicana (Yellow Water Lily), and Nelumbo lutea (American Lotus) to begin the work identified in the Scope of Services within 30 days from award of the Agreement and to complete all work specified in this solicitation.

A. Introduction

Historically, Lake Apopka was characterized by clear water, dense native submerged aquatic habitat (SAH) and a thriving sport fish population. High nutrient loading has sustained algal blooms in the lake for decades, resulting in the historical total loss of the SAH and decline in sport fish populations. The lake is now characterized by eutrophic conditions, low native SAH (including EFV) coverage, high amounts of unconsolidated sediments, reduced light penetration, and a struggle to keep exotic invasive aquatic vegetation managed. A primary goal for restoring a healthy lake is reestablishing dense, expansive native SAH beds that will stabilize sediments, improve water clarity, and provide habitat for fish, turtles, benthic and other aquatic organisms.

This Agreement requires the most effective planting techniques and restoration strategies at restoration project locations in Lake Apopka and the Lake Apopka North Shore as determined by previous studies and lessons learned from previous planting contracts.

B. Objective

Contractor will plant specified species of native emergent floating-leaved vegetation (EFV) in Lake Apopka and on the Lake Apopka North Shore. Locations will be targeted to either supplement or expand existing aquatic plant beds (plant adjacent to existing beds) or to establish new dense beds in bare or sparse areas.

Objectives of planting native aquatic vegetation:

1. Establish new, re-establish extirpated, or expand existing or sparse beds of native aquatic species common to Florida.

2. Provide a seed source to assist in the natural expansion and establishment of native aquatic plants.

3. Contribute to the improvement of water quality, including improving water clarity and reducing turbidity, total suspended solids, and nutrients.

4. Stabilize and reduce the resuspension of sediments.

5. Increase habitat available for aquatic organisms, such as fish, turtles, and benthic invertebrates.

6. Establish native aquatic vegetation to provide competition for invasive plant establishment, growth, and/or expansion.

In order to maximize the success of restoration planting efforts, the District will implement recommendations from previous studies and projects, specifically the types of plants, planting methods, planting density, and site locations.

C. Scope of Services

Contractor shall be responsible for providing all oversight and shall provide all materials, equipment, and services required to complete all aspects of the aquatic planting projects, as described in this Scope.

1. PERMIT RESPONSIBILITIES.

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

Contractor is required to have copies of ALL permits physically (either in-hand or digitally) 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 planting approvals: the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Florida Department of Environmental Protection

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(DEP), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC), and local counties (e.g., Lake, Orange).

Contractor shall be submitted as a subcontractor on the District planting permits for the duration of this Agreement and is responsible for complying with all permit requirements.

Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining and complying with any remaining permits necessary to obtain, harvest, grow, transplant, transport and/or plant native aquatic vegetation within the required biological criteria specifications below and to be planted at the District’s direction. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) permitting for obtaining, growing, and transporting vegetation is solely the responsibility of Contractor and, when obtained. a copy must be provided to the District Project Manager (“DPM”) prior to commencement of Work.

2. PLANT SPECIFICATIONS & PLANTING REQUIREMENTS.

Plants will be counted as the number of Plant Units, meaning the number of individual plants. Some allowable methods (described below) can plant more than one Plant Unit at a time. When Contractor submits Chain of Custody forms and reports to the DPM, each plant is required to be tallied and classified as to numbers of appropriately specified (specifications below) plant species, plant source(s), and planting method(s).

Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that all aquatic plants are free of sediments and other plant material, such as exotic or invasive species (i.e., hydrilla). In addition, Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all aquatic plants are free of invertebrates (i.e., invasive apple snails/eggs, bloodworms, etc). The aquatic plants shall be periodically inspected by the DPM. If any prohibited material is found, the aquatic plants may be rejected by the DPM and not qualify for planting. Specific care should also be taken by Contractor to not disturb or negatively impact pre-existing (natural or planted) submerged or emergent aquatic plant beds.

Emergent Floating-leaved Vegetation (EFV) Plant Specifications.

The required EFV minimum Plant Unit biological specifications are as follows:

• A healthy (white/pale, and not yellowed, black, or decomposing) rhizome of at least ten (10) inches in length.

• Each rhizome must have at least one (1) culm (i.e. an area of the rhizome where new shoots and leaves are produced).

• Each plant must have at least two (2) stems and leaves.

• Each stem must be at least three (3) feet in length measured from the base of the stem to the point on the stem where the leaf attaches.

• In addition to the species-specific criteria below, Nuphar advena (Spatterdock) rhizomes are required to be at least two (2) inches in diameter.

Healthy is defined as an appropriate color and length to allow the plant to establish, expand, and reproduce. Plants may be inspected by the DPM (or designee) to ensure specified desired condition and numbers.

Longer plant rhizome or stem length and more than two leaves is advantageous and preferred to offset the issues of reduced light penetration and the potential of smothering smaller (shorter) plants in flocculent sediments. Plants in excess of the minimum specifications per Plant Unit are encouraged and would allow plants to be planted in deeper water or potentially in sites with more flocculent sediments.

The EFV plants must be stored and transported in such a manner that the roots, stems, and leaves do not dry out. If the plants are harvested and transplanted, they must be appropriately hydrated and must be replanted within 48 hours. The DPM shall approve the method of hydration before any plants are harvested or before planting begins.

Specific Species:

• For Nuphar advena, this minimum criteria means that a single Plant Unit has a healthy rhizome of at least ten (10) inches in length with a two (2) inch diameter, at least one (1) culm and at least two (2) stems of at least three (3) feet in length with leaves, and healthy roots (if present).

• For Nelumbo lutea, Nymphaea odorata, or Nymphaea mexicana, this minimum criteria means that a single Plant Unit has a healthy rhizome of at least ten (10) inches in length, at least one culm and at least two stems of at least three (3) feet in length with leaves, and healthy roots (if present).

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EFV Planting Method.

Specific planting method will be determined by the DPM based on location specifications.

The following is the only EFV planting method to be used by Contractor:

• Concrete half-block: Each plant shall be secured to a half block of concrete (8” x 4” x 16”, with two openings) using natural fiber twine (cotton or hemp). A total of two (2) individual Plant Units may be planted with each concrete block. No synthetic materials shall be used to secure the plants to the blocks. Contractor shall supply both the concrete blocks and the twine. These blocks may be placed by hand or carefully lowered over the side of a boat so that the leaves remain upright.

3. EFV PLANTING LOCATIONS AND DEPTHS.

Aquatic vegetation will be planted by Contractor in specific areas designated by the District Project Manager within District permitted areas and in water depths appropriate to the Project. Exact planting locations and depths will be determined by the District Project Manager and will be dependent upon the density of existing native vegetation, the water level at the time of planting, the planting methods and the known biological/physiological restrictions of the species. The DPM will convey the location and allowed depths of planting to Contractor prior to planting.

EFV will be planted in depths of 3.5 – 4.5 ft as outlined in the planting permit.

EXAMPLE 1.

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EXAMPLE 2.

4. PLANTING DENSITY.

Planting density is to be determined by the DPM and will be dependent upon the location and project requirements.

Invoice in accordance with the cost schedule, attached.

The DPM may adjust the planting density for specific locations. Unless otherwise specified by the DPM, plant density must be 2420 plants per acre, regardless of Planting Method or Plant Species.

• Concrete ½ Block Planting Method will tie two Plant Units into each Concrete ½ Block with natural twine (i.e., 2 rhizomes per concrete ½ block). Each Concrete ½ Block will be on 6 ft centers, planted to the best of Contractor’s ability when lowered from a boat.

5. CHAIN-OF-CUSTODY.

A Chain-of-Custody Form and pre-planting inspections of each plant by Contractor are required to make sure no invasive or exotic species (plant, insect, or animal) are being translocated to project areas. The DPM or a District designee has the option to inspect plants for health and biological specifications prior to planting. An inspection will ascertain plant condition, planting preparation and method, and plant quantities. Chain-of-Custody Forms are required to accompany plants from when they are acquired and transported until they are planted in the project area. Chain-of-Custody Forms must be maintained by Contractor and supplied to the DPM either physically when planting or digitally emailed immediately after planting to track species, the number of sources and their transport, as well as where and how (using which method) they were planted in the Project areas. Chain of Custody Forms must be provided to the DPM within 1 business day of planting, either physically or digitally.

The format of the Chain-of-Custody Form will be agreed upon by Contractor and the DPM before the commencement of Work.

6. PLANTING EQUIPMENT & LABOR.

Contractor is responsible for all equipment necessary to harvest, transport, transplant, grow/propagate, and plant the aquatic plants. This includes all items necessary to harvest, hydrate, transport, plant, grow/propagate the species specified, including staff, equipment, boats, trailers, trucks, and any other item required to perform this Work.

7. PLANTING LOCATION SPATIAL FILES.

ESRI ArcGIS shapefile or global positioning system (GPS) tracks [preferred] or boundary lines of coordinates of the areas planted are required to be provided by Contractor to the District, along with the quantity of each species and

41904_IFB | Page 8 of 46 ecotype/cultivar planted, as well as the planting method used for each by planting location. Contractor will provide these files to the District Project Manager within one (1) week of planting so the DPM can monitor the exact location and to ensure no duplicative planting.

8. STAGING.

The DPM may facilitate coordination with Lake and Orange County Staff listed below at Lake and Orange County Boat Ramps. Contractor’s Project Manager will contact Magnolia Park and McDonald Park Staff to arrange to stage and prepare plants, and launch boats to plant from these boat ramps.

Staging and lake access County Contacts:

McDonald Park – Gallus Quigley email: GQuigley@lakecountyfl.gov

Magnolia Park – Fred Wilson email: Fred.Wilson@ocfl.net

9. PLANTING SCHEDULE.

Planting scheduling and timelines will be cooperatively determined between the DPM and Contractor’s Project Manager during the development of a Planting Schedule.

10. PLANT SURVIVAL.

Pop-ups: The DPM or a designated District employee will initially check each planting site within seven (7) days after the site has been planted for rhizomes and/or plants that have popped back up out of the sediment and/or have drifted too far from the planting location. The total number of pop-ups will be counted. If pop-ups exceed five (5) percent of the total plants for that site, Contractor shall replace all pop-up plants exceeding 5% before the final invoice is approved for payment. Contractor shall arrange to have the pop-up plants replaced and replanted within ten (10) business days of the DPM’s request. Pop-ups totaling ten (10) percent or less by the seventh day after replanting shall be considered acceptable performance and no replanting will be required.

Plant survival: The DPM or a designated District employee will check each planting site within one (1) week and again at three to four (3-4) weeks post-planting. If fewer than 90% of the plants survive or show healthy condition within 30 days, Contractor must replace the affected plants within ten (10) business days after receiving notice. Plant mortality after thirty (30) days (4 weeks) shall be considered acceptable performance and no replanting will be required.

D. Task Identification and Deliverables

Contractor shall be responsible for completing the following tasks:

TASK 1. CONTRACT KICK OFF MEETING.

1.1 Contractor and the District shall conduct a one-day Kick-off meeting within three (3) weeks of the Agreement being executed to review known and proposed project sites, plant sources, as well as review the initial proposed planting schedule and communication protocols. Changes to the proposed schedule shall be agreed upon in this meeting by the DPM and Contractor. A kick off meeting will be held to discuss planting schedules at the beginning of each additional year of the agreement.

TASK 2. PERMITTING.

2.1 Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining and complying with any remaining permits necessary to obtain, grow, transport and plant EFV. FDACS permitting for obtaining, growing, and transporting EFV is solely the responsibility of Contractor and a copy must be provided to the DPM prior to Work being initiated and whenever updated versions or new permits are obtained. Copies of applicable permits must be in the possession of Contractor field staff (either physically or digitally) and available on demand while conducting this restoration planting Work and complied with as specified in the permit.

If any permit expires during this Agreement, no Work may be completed while the permit is expired and a valid permit must be obtained and a copy supplied to the DPM prior to the commencement of Work.

TASK 3. PLANTING.

3.1 PLANTING SCHEDULE (to recur annually).

Within two (2) weeks of executing this Agreement, the DPM will designate the type of planting, location, species, planting methods, timeframes, and other available miscellaneous project specifics, potentially including, but not

41904_IFB | Page 9 of 46 limited to, estimated acreage to plant and known permit requirements. Contractor will develop a draft Planting Schedule to accomplish the work prior to the Kick-off Meeting (Task 1), including a timeline and acreage to be planted. The DPM and Contractor’s Project Manager must agree upon the proposed Project Schedule prior to commencement of Work.

3.2 COORDINATION & COMMUNICATION.

The Planting Schedule is meant to be adaptive and can be adjusted, however any updates or changes to the Planting Plan or Schedule must be agreed upon by the DPM. Contractor’s Project Manager will coordinate with Lake and Orange County Park Staff and copy the DPM on communications regarding staging and preparation of plants (tying of cement blocks) at either Magnolia Park and/or McDonald Canal Park.

The DPM and Contractor shall confirm scheduling one (1) week prior to planting and will communicate daily when planting. The format of daily updates will be agreed upon by Contractor and the DPM. Contractor will communicate with the DPM logistical issues, timeline updates, supply issues, detailed planting updates (including but not limited to the areas planted, sources and quantity of plants of each species, planting methods used for each), field issues or concerns, and any other pertinent information regarding the Project.

Any issues shall be discussed between the DPM and Contractor’s Project Manager as soon as possible and will be cooperatively resolved.

3.3 PLANTING (to recur annually).

Plant Sourcing. Plant Sources must be listed by species and provided to the DPM for approval prior to planting.

Any changes or requested additions to approved plant sources must be sent to the DPM within 3 business days and approved prior to planting.

Planting. Contractor is responsible for all equipment necessary to harvest, transport, transplant, grow/propagate, and plant the aquatic plants. This includes all items necessary to harvest, hydrate, transport, plant, grow/propagate the species specified for the specified planting methods, including all staff, supplies, equipment, boats, trailers, trucks, and any other item required to perform this work.

Plantings may be conducted by Contractor or the Subcontractor. Contractor will plant with the specified Plant Species, Plant Method(s), Plant Density, and at the Plant Location(s) specified by the DPM. The DPM or a District designee may inspect the plants prior to planting. The DPM or a District designee may accompany Contractor on its vessel while planting.

Each Planting Event requires the following to be submitted to the DPM as described below: Photo Documentation, Chain of Custody Form(s), and GIS Data. The summation of Planting Events for each fiscal year are considered as the annual plantings that should be included within the Annual Planting Report for that District Fiscal Year.

Photo Documentation. For each Planting Event, Contractor is required to send date/time and GPS stamped photos (e.g. using the free TimeStamp Camera App) of the plant material, planting methods, and actual planting at the designated GPS stamped location to the DPM the day of planting as documentation and proof of healthy source plants, planting methods, and actual planting. This photo documentation will be provided digitally by email within one (1) business day of planting.

Chain of Custody Forms. Chain of Custody Form(s) are required to be filled out and accompany plants from pickup or harvest until planting. These forms must be provided to the DPM for each Planting Event within one (1) business day of planting, either physically or digitally by email, for EACH Planting Date.

Chain of Custody Forms must specify date of harvest/pickup, individual Plant Species, Plant Method(s), Plant Unit Quantities, and planting density and acreage planted that date.

If additional plants are required to supplement for the Pop-up or Survival Clause, then the Chain of Custody Form for the supplemental plantings will be identified as Supplemental in order to accurately tally the number of plants planted per method. Supplemental plantings are not subject to invoicing.

GIS Data. ESRI Geographic Information System shapefiles/layers, KMZ files, or GPS tracks will be recorded for all acreages planted, including supplemental plantings for the Pop-up and Survival Clause. Shapefiles/Layers, KMZ files, or Tracks will be provided to the District Project Manager within two (2) weeks of each planting date.

TASK 4. ANNUAL REPORT (To recur annually).

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4.1 DRAFT ANNUAL REPORT.

A Draft Annual Planting Report is due to the DPM on September 10th of each District Fiscal Year. This planting report should summarize each designated planting area with the following information:

• Specifications of detailed planting information including but not limited to, the acreage planted, the total number of Plant Units planted, species planted by source, number of plants planted by planting method, specific coordinates/locations of planting acreage, and any additional noteworthy site information.

• Supplemental maps, figures, or photos should be included, as needed.

4.2 DRAFT ANNUAL REPORT EDITS/COMMENTS.

If the DPM returns comments/edits/corrections of the draft annual planting report to Contractor, then these edits/corrections/comments will be addressed and updated in the Final Annual Planting Report. Any comments/edits/corrections from the DPM will be provided by September 20th of each District Fiscal Year.

4.3 FINAL ANNUAL REPORT.

A Final Annual Planting Report incorporating DPM suggested edits and any updated planting information is due to the DPM by September 30th of each Fiscal Year. All plantings from September 1 - September 30 shall be incorporated and updated in the data, figures, tables, and text of the Final Annual Report submittal.

E. Timeframes, Deliverables, & Schedule

1. PLANTING TIMEFRAMES.

Contractor is required to provide all oversight, materials, equipment, staff and services necessary to complete all aspects of these restoration planting projects.

Commencement of Planting. Planting Task 3 can commence in coordination with the District Project Manager and in designated areas by priority ranking only after the following has occurred:

1. The Kick Off Meeting has been conducted (Task 1).

2. Appropriate Contractor permitting is obtained and permit copies have been provided to the DPM (Task 2). Any changes to Contractor permits shall be provided to the District prior to continuing with any planting.

3. A Planting Schedule (Task 3.1) has been created and agreed upon by the DPM and Contractor’s Project Manager.

4. The DPM has added Contractor to existing District permits and has provided Contractor with copies of the District permits, such as any applicable from DEP, USACE, and/or City or County Permits. All other applicable permits must be obtained by Contractor and provided to the DPM prior to planting (Task 2).

5. Plant sources have been obtained by Contractor and have been provided to the DPM (Task 3.3). Any changes to Contractor sources needs to be updated with the DPM within three (3) business days and prior to the continuation of planting.

It is required that all plantings be finished annually prior to September 10th in order to have full information available for the annual planting report to be compiled by Contractor and submitted prior to September 30th, of each fiscal year.

Annually, all Contractor plantings MUST be completed by September 30th in order to be invoiced for the District fiscal year (October 1 – September 30).

2. PLANTING SCHEDULE.

Planting will occur based on the agreed upon adaptive Planting Schedule (Task 2), updated as needed and agreed upon by Contractor’s Project Manager and the DPM.

3. PLANTING DELIVERABLES.

• List of Planting Sources is required to be up-to-date and provided to the DPM prior to the commencement of any Work.

• Copies of all applicable permits are required to be up-to-date and provided to the DPM prior to the commencement of any Work.

• Each Planting Event (Task 3, recurring) is required to provide Photo Documentation (within 1 day of planting), Chain of Custody Form(s) (within one day of planting), and GIS Data (within 2-weeks of planting).

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• An Annual Report is due at the end of each fiscal year (Task 4, recurring annually). The Draft Annual Report (Task 4.1) is due by September 10th and the Final Annual Report (Task 4.3) is due by September 30th annually.

• All deliverables are to be delivered on-time as designated in the Task Identification (Section D) and in an electronic format to be specified by the District (i.e., email, Word, Google Earth KMZ or KML, or ESRI ArcMap SHP or LYR or LYX). All deliverables shall remain the property of the District.

Any publications generated from this contracted Work should include the DPM as co-authors.

F. Subcontractor Qualifications and Coordination Requirements

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 this 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 Agreement Term.

Each Contractor or Subcontractor Field Manager shall be required to coordinate with the DPM 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.

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41904_IFB26 NATIVE EMERGENT FLOATING-LEAVED VEGETATION (EFV)

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, preparation, planting materials, storage, installation, protection measures, cleanup, and any other incidental or associated costs necessary to obtain and plant the specified species according to the biological specifications and complete the work as specified in the Scope of Work and 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.

Method - Concrete Block and Twine:

DESCRIPTION

PLANT

DENSITY

UNIT UNIT

COST/ACRE

EST.

ANNUAL

ACREAGE*

TOTAL

(= UNIT

COST/ACRE X EST.

ANNUAL

ACREAGE*)

Provide and plant Nuphar advena as described in the Scope of Work

2420-per acre

Acre $ 20 $

Provide and plant Nelumbo lutea as described in the Scope of Work

2420-per acre

Acre $ 1 $

Provide and plant Nymphaea mexicana as described in the Scope of Work

2420-per acre

Acre $ 1 $

Provide and plant Nymphaea odorata as described in the Scope of Work

2420-per acre

Acre $ 5 $

Total Bid $

*Estimated annual acreage is for bidding purposes only and 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 an intended decision is reached or 30 days has elapsed since the time of the submittal opening.

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 the Respondents fails to include a unit price and only includes the total, the District reserves the right to mathematically calculate the unit cost and enter to establish a price for the agreement and potential 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

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41904_IFB26 NATIVE EMERGENT FLOATING-LEAVED VEGETATION (EFV)

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 person or 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) and on-site Field Manager(s) who will be engaged on a daily basis in directing performance of the Work.

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SIMILAR WORK DETAIL FORM

Provide at least three (3) unique projects, similar in scope to the Work described in this solicitation, that Respondent has successfully completed within the last (10) years. Only one (1) project with the District can be listed.

REFERENCE LETTERS from each project listed below, that answer 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. Instead, simply indicate District’s project number for the one similar project you are cited.

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

Entity Name:

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) - Total Project Value $________________________

Entity Name:

Point of Contact: E-Mail:

Phone: Project Completion Date:

Project Name:

Phone: Project Completion Date:

Project Name:

Describe how the scope of work applies to this solicitation:

41904_IFB | Page 15 of 46

41904_IFB26 NATIVE EMERGENT FLOATING-LEAVED VEGETATION (EFV)

PROPOSED SUBCONTRACTORS

CONTRACTOR NAME:

Please list all Subcontractors (defined in the Agreement herein) 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:

41904_IFB | Page 16 of 46

SUBCONTRACTORS - SIMILAR WORK DETAIL FORM

(Complete one form for each Subcontractor listed in the above Proposed Subcontractors form)

Provide at least one (1) unique project, similar in scope to the Work described in this solicitation, that Respondent’s Subcontractor has successfully completed within the last (10) years. Only one (1) project with the District can be listed.

REFERENCE LETTERS from each project listed below, that answer 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. Instead, simply indicate District’s project number for the similar project you are cited.

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

Entity Name:

Point of Contact: E-Mail:

Phone: Project Completion Date:

Project Name:

Reference Letter included (required) -

Phone: Project Completion Date:

Project Name:

Reference Letter included (required) -

This document must be completed and returned with your Submittal

41904_IFB | Page 17 of 46

CERTIFICATE AS TO ENTITY’S AUTHORITY TO DO BUSINESS IN FLORIDA

The below entity 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 firms interested in the foregoing submittal as principals or officers of Respondent are as follows (specifically include the President, Secretary, and Treasurer or Manager and Member, and state the title held by 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.

41904_IFB | Page 18 of 46

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:

the 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 respecting the preparation and contents of the attached submittal and 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, firm, 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, firm, 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:

41904_IFB | Page 19 of 46

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE FORM

This form required only in the event of a tie response

Respondent, (business name) , in accordance with §287.087, Fla. Stat., hereby certifies that Respondent does the following:

1. Informs employees about the dangers of drug abuse in the workplace, the business’s policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace, any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs, and the penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations

2. Publishes a statement notifying employees that

a. the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against its employees for violations of such prohibition.

b. as a condition of working on the contractual services that are the subject of this solicitation, the employee will abide by the terms of the statement and will notify the employer of any conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, any violation of chapter 893, Fla. Stat., or of any controlled substance law of the United States or any state, for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five (5) days after such conviction.

3. Gives each employee engaged in providing the contractual services that are the subject of this solicitation a copy of the statement specified in paragraph 2, above.

4. Imposes a sanction on or requires the satisfactory participation in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program (if such is available in the employee’s community) by any employee convicted of a violation listed in sub-paragraph 2.b., above.

5. Makes a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace through implementation of §287.087, Fla. Stat.

As the person authorized to sign this statement, I certify that this firm complies fully with the above requirements.

By:

Title:

Date:

41904_IFB | Page 20 of 46

41904_IFB26 NATIVE EMERGENT FLOATING-LEAVED VEGETATION (EFV)

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 (FIRM NAME)

ADDRESS

E-MAIL ADDRESS

SIGNATURE TYPED NAME AND TITLE

TELEPHONE NUMBER

41904_IFB | Page 21 of 46

41904_IFB26 NATIVE EMERGENT FLOATING-LEAVED VEGETATION (EFV)

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 Staff member listed on the first page of this solicitation, 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 firms 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 Kendall Siemiatkoski, Contracts Manager, 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, each 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 listed on Page 1 of 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 is bound by and must acknowledges receipt of all issued addenda.

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

41904_IFB | Page 22 of 46

2.4 HOW TO SUBMIT ON THIS SOLICITATION

(a) Respondent’s submittal must be 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…