Rev. 5.12.26 42270IFB27 | Page 1 of 57

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 EMAIL ADDRESS (required)

SECONDARY EMAIL ADDRESS (required)

TELEPHONE: ( ) YEAR COMPANY WAS ESTABLISHED

NAME/TITLE OF PERSON SUBMITTING:

SIGNATURE OF PERSON SUBMITTING:

This document must be completed and returned with your submittal

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

INVITATION FOR BIDS

42270IFB27 AERIAL APPLICATION OF HERBICIDES USING A HELICOPTER

The St. Johns River Water Management District (the “District”) is seeking submittals from qualified contractors to provide aerial herbicide application services using helicopters for invasive vegetation management on District-managed lands and waters throughout its 18-county service area. Services will support the District’s core missions of water quality protection, water resource conservation, flood protection, and stewardship of natural systems by controlling nuisance aquatic, emergent, and upland vegetation.

The contractor must provide all required helicopters, pilots, equipment, labor, and operational support necessary to perform aerial herbicide applications for aquatic and terrestrial sites, as well as surveillance and inspection flights when needed. Work will be performed on an as-needed basis at locations identified by the District’s Project Manager and must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, permit conditions, herbicide label requirements, and environmental regulations, including NPDES and FDACS requirements.

The contractor must demonstrate the ability to commence the authorized work identified in each Notice to Proceed within 14 calendar days after issuance of the Notice to Proceed unless otherwise approved in writing by the District Project Manager, maintain qualified and properly licensed personnel, furnish required aircraft and ground support equipment, operate in a safe manner, and provide accurate treatment documentation and reporting. The resulting contract term will be from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2029 with an opportunity for two optional annual renewals.

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. 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 Email: BPierce@sjrwmd.com

PRE-SUBMITTAL MEETING – No Pre-Submittal Scheduled

LAST DAY FOR QUESTIONS – September 1, 2026; 5:00 PM

SUBMITTAL DUE DATE

2:00 PM Tuesday, September 8, 2026

PLEASE NOTE! Submittal must include all required documents and forms requested in this solicitation or the submittal may be rejected and deemed non-responsive.

Rev. 5.12.26 42270IFB27 | Page 2 of 57

INVITATION FOR BIDS

42270IFB27 AERIAL APPLICATION OF HERBICIDES USING A HELICOPTER

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover Sheet Page 1

Table of Contents Page 2

PART 1 – Scope of Work Pages 3 - 11

Bid Form Page 12

PART 2 – Submittal Requirements & General Information Pages 13 - 20

PART 3 – Required Documents & Forms Pages 21 - 36

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

PART 4 – Draft Agreement Pages 37 - 57

Rev. 5.12.26 42270IFB27 | Page 3 of 57

42270IFB27 AERIAL APPLICATION OF HERBICIDES USING A HELICOPTER

PART 1 – SCOPE OF WORK

I. INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND

The St. Johns River Water Management District (District) covers an area of approximately 12,283 square miles spanning 18 counties. The District is the lead manager of more than 434,845 acres of public land, while it manages another 201,633 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 invasive plant management program, which is responsible for the control of nuisance upland and aquatic vegetation on all District-owned conservation areas/restoration areas, including multiple water management areas, 111 miles of federal levees, 100 miles of non-federal levees, 12 major water control structures, and six pumping stations. As a Contractor for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the District also maintains control of nuisance aquatic vegetation in eight public lakes and rivers. Properties located throughout the District’s eighteen counties require eradication of undesirable vegetation to prevent spreading and endangering native and desirable vegetation.

The District takes an integrated approach toward achieving invasive 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.

II. OBJECTIVE

The objective of this agreement is to obtain a contractor to provide aerial application of herbicides using a helicopter in support of the District’s invasive management program, with the goal of maintaining control of nuisance aquatic, emergent and/or upland vegetation to improve flood protection, navigation, recreation, water quality, and for the protection of plant and animal communities.

III. SCOPE OF WORK

The Contractor must provide all helicopters, pilots, equipment, and labor as outlined in the minimum requirements of this solicitation. Helicopters will be used for all applications of herbicides for forestry site-prep on terrestrial sites and invasive plant control on aquatic sites on the lands managed by the District. Aquatic sites include ditch banks, canals, drainage ditches, flooded farmland, marshes, lakes, and meandering river systems. Terrestrial sites may include both preparation of pasture and flatwoods and control of invasives that are overtopping vegetation of various systems.

Aerial application of all herbicides will be recorded using an on-board computer guidance system with the same or equivalent capabilities as the AG-NAV system. Flights for pre- and post-inspection/surveillance for one to three observers/passengers will be required.

The District will identify treatment areas based upon 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. Contractor shall perform the specified services on an as-needed basis as directed by the District's Project Manager. This work environment and the seclusion/distance of available District personnel requires that the Contractor be self-sufficient and have ready use of equipment required.

Contractor must perform all activities in a safe manner and comply with all laws (State and Federal) and permit requirements. Failure to operate in a safe manner or comply may result in immediate termination. Importantly, the District must comply with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). As such, the invasive plant program supervisors approve all plans for herbicide application prior to commencement of work and rigorously tracks all herbicide usage by location and targeted plant species. The Contractor will only conduct treatments approved by the District.

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

Rev. 5.12.26 42270IFB27 | Page 4 of 57 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.

IV. TASK IDENTIFICATION

Contractor Responsibilities:

A. General:

(1) Contractor will conduct aerial application of herbicides in the areas and as directed by the District Project Manager.

(2) Contractor must be fully mobilized and on site within 14 calendar days of each Notice to Proceed from the District’s Project Manager unless otherwise approved in writing by the District Project Manager. Once mobilized, work effort shall continue consecutive workdays until the project is complete. Upon the agreement between the District Project Manager and Contractor, work may be suspended due to inclement weather or other unforeseen need for delay. The District Project Manager shall determine when work can commence after delay.

(3) Contractor must apply all herbicides in accordance with the District Project Manager’s direction.

Contractor shall be responsible for all costs associated with repair, restoration, or replacement of any native and/or non-target species vegetation or property damaged as a result of any activity by the Contractor, at no cost to the District and to the satisfaction of the District Site Manager.

(4) Contractor must 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 FDACS and

NPDES.

(5) Contractor must adhere to all Federal, State, and local regulations governing the application, transportation, storage, use and disposal of products utilized in the performance of this contract.

These regulations include, at a minimum, Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (F.I.F.R.A.), CFR 1920, OSHA General Industry Standards, and Chapter 487, Florida Statutes.

(6) Contractor must adhere to the Organo-Auxin Rule (5E-2.033, FAC) 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.

(7) Contractor must handle and apply herbicide and adjuvants according to the most current manufacturer’s label instructions.

(8) Contractor must clean all equipment of all biological material prior to arrival at the worksite. If equipment arrives at the site and is not properly sanitized it must be denied access. If sites have a variety of infestations the Contractor may be required to clean equipment prior to continuing work. A general reference 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. Prior to entering any project site, all equipment, vehicles, trailers, tools, and footwear shall be free of soil, vegetation, seeds, and other biological material that could introduce or spread invasive species. The District may deny site access until equipment has been properly cleaned.

(9) Contractor must be familiar with endangered species (plant and animal) identification and associated setbacks. If a Contractor observes endangered species, it must be immediately reported to the District Site Manager. Contractor must be familiar with rules, laws and guidelines that restrict activities around endangered wildlife.

(10) Contractor is responsible for understanding objectives and the District Site Manager instructions, and must 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.

Rev. 5.12.26 42270IFB27 | Page 5 of 57

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

(12) Contractor is responsible for all quality assurance and quality control. Contractor must take the necessary steps to develop guidelines needed to assure service quality and to continuously monitor work to verify quality standards are met. It is the full responsibility of the Contractor to maintain quality control and assurance for the duration of the Work. 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.

(13) 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.

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

(15) Contractor must be responsible for protecting the environment and the public from herbicide misuse.

(16) Contractor must provide two-way radio communication between helicopter and Contractor’s ground crew at all times.

B. Materials and application:

(1) Contractor is responsible for (1) mixing of the materials at the site; and (2) rinsing and disposal of containers according to specified regulations. District personnel may at their discretion dispose of only those containers that have been properly rinsed by Contractor.

(2) Treatment records (Exhibit 1) shall be retained for the duration of the contract and provided to the District upon request.

(3) Contractor shall have the opportunity to inspect herbicides and adjuvants provided by the District prior to application to verify product identity and condition. Contractor has full responsibility for accurately treating the site(s). Areas not treated, either by malfunctioning equipment or missed flight patterns, as well as areas not treated or not responding to treatment may be required to be reapplied at Contractor’s expense.

(4) Upon completion of the treatment, Contractor must verify or amend the data on Contractor’s Aerial Spray Report and have it co-signed by the District representative. Contractor shall submit a copy of the report to the District’s Invasive Program Supervisor within 14 calendar days.

(5) Applications must be performed by the Contractor in such a manner as to protect the public, non-target areas/species, and the environment.

(6) Upon completion of the treatments, Contractor must provide the data on the daily application records on the Contract Reporting Form (Exhibit 1, Contractor Reporting Form), provided by the District. A copy of the report must be submitted to the District with each invoice.

C. Pilots and other personnel:

(1) Contractor must provide one person (field supervisor) assigned as the main point of contact, at least one for each region (Exhibit 2 and Exhibit 3), for the duration of the contract to ensure maximized application time and reduced training time.

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

(3) Contractor must ensure at least one person must be on-site and qualified to administer first aid in accordance with 29CFR 1910.151, OSHA General Industry.

(4) Contractor must provide at least one field supervisor and one loader for fueling, mixing, loading, care, maintenance, and protection of equipment and materials. The supervisor must be equipped and trained to take proper action in an emergency. The pilot may act as the supervisor.

Rev. 5.12.26 42270IFB27 | Page 6 of 57

(5) The Contractor must have at least three (3) pilots in its employ and be able to provide three (3) pilots for a District operation if requested. Contractor must provide and use pilot(s) licensed with FDACS as certified pesticide applicator in the aerial applicator category and any other appropriate categories (Chapter 487 F.S.)

(6) Should a change in pilot/applicators be required, Contractor must submit this information to the District at least 24 hours prior to scheduled flight.

(a) For aerial application, Contractor must provide pilots with:

(i) Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with rating for Rotorcraft;

(ii) Written evidence of 14 CFR Part 133 certificate for external loads and Part 137 certificate for Agricultural Aircraft Operator competency/proficiency check; and

(iii) Licensed with FDACS as a Florida pesticide applicator with the aerial applicator category (Chapter 487 F.S.).

(b) For aerial observation/reconnaissance, Contractor must provide pilots with:

(i) Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate with rating for Rotorcraft; and

(ii) Written evidence of 14 CFR Part 135 Airman Competency Proficiency Check for flights with different passenger pickup and drop-off locations, otherwise observatory flights may be under CFR Part 91.

D. District Responsibilities:

(1) The District shall authorize Work through a Notice to Proceed (NTP) on an as needed basis.

(2) District’s Project Manager must initiate and authorize all Work by the Contractor in the form of a written NTP, which shall be transmitted through email. At a minimum, the NTP will include the following:

(a) A description of the Work

(b) Herbicide treatment acreage or surveillance flight parameters

(c) The not-to-exceed amount authorized for the Work, if applicable

(d) The location of the Work

(e) The starting date

(f) The anticipated duration of the Work

(g) Instructions regarding the Work

(3) Prior to application, the District Project Manager will provide Contractor with all herbicides and any applicable adjuvant products as well as the location of treatment, approximate acreage, amount of spray material and use rates(s).

(4) The District must furnish the spray materials and use rates.

(5) The District must make the final decision on alternative products or use rates.

V. EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS:

A. Aerial Application Equipment Requirements:

(1) Liquid Formulations

(a) Contractor must have a microfoil boom, thru valve boom, or radial type spraying system consisting of .025 to .050 inches’ orifice tubes on 1” spacing.

(i) Spray boom must be capable of applying aqueous solutions in a continuous flow pattern with a minimum amount of fines.

Rev. 5.12.26 42270IFB27 | Page 7 of 57

(ii) Spray boom must be capable of being calibrated by orifice size, pressures, and speed of the aircraft to deliver 20 gallons of mix per acre.

(iii) Boom width must be variable in order to accommodate varying spray swaths from eight (8) to fifty (50) feet.

(b) Contractor must have use of a -GPS interfaced, belly slung Precision spot sprayer capable of accepting and discharging mixed solutions containing polymers or thickening agents.

(i) This application device must be capable of applying solutions to individual trees if requested with precision and a minimum amount of drift.

(ii) The nozzle spacing on the boom must not exceed six (6) inches.

(iii) Nozzle orifices must be capable of delivering 100 gallons per acre.

(c) All equipment must be capable of continuous operation and deliver a minimum of five (5) gallons of mixture per acre. The system must be leak-proof and simple to calibrate.

(d) Equipment must have a working Auto Calibration Flow Control onboard system, interfaced to

GPS.

(e) Tanks must be provided with tight fitting closures to prevent spillage.

(f) Threaded, rather than clamp-type connections must be used, except where vibration will not permit. All hoses used on the helicopter must be non-collapsible and capable of withstanding 100-pounds per square inch (psi) pressure.

(2) Granular Formulations

(a) Contractor’s equipment must have use of and the ability to make granular applications from helicopter using metered hopper/spreader or similar equipment.

B. Ground Support Equipment Requirements:

Contractor must provide:

(1) A minimum mobile mixing and storage capacity of 2,400 gallons.

(2) Meters, measuring gallons and tenths of gallons, must be provided for recording the quantity of materials used in mixing and transferring operations.

(3) Discharge pumps must be of 300 gallons per minute (GPM) capacity.

(4) A minimum of one (1), two (2)-inch diameter, non-collapsible hose of sufficient length for delivery of the mixed solutions into the helicopter tanks must be provided. The hose must be fitted with an instantaneous shut-off nozzle.

(5) Firefighting equipment capable of extinguishing gasoline and oil fires.

(6) First-aid supplies and materials for treating any herbicide related accident must be present on all ground support equipment.

(7) Supplies, tools, and equipment must be provided for maintaining aircraft and equipment in continuous operation.

C. Aircraft Requirements:

During the term of the Agreement, Contractor must maintain an aerial fleet of at least three (3) helicopters and support vehicles for each and be able to provide three (3) helicopters and support vehicles for a District operation if requested.

(1) Each helicopter must have on-board herbicide carrying capacity of 120 gallons minimum.

(2) Each helicopter must be equipped with an on-board computer guidance system with the same or equivalent capabilities as the AG-NAV system with a moving map display able to store areas.

(3) The Contractor’s aerial fleet must have the ability to transmit to the District completed treatment lines in .shp (shapefile) format compatible with ArcMap.

Rev. 5.12.26 42270IFB27 | Page 8 of 57

(4) Aircraft requirements for aerial application:

(a) All aircraft performing aerial herbicide applications must be registered with FDACS, 5E- 4.013, 5E9.036 F.A.C.

(b) Capability to hover and fly low-level (100 feet AGL) with a crew of two District staff, plus the pilot.

(c) Programmable VHF radio capable of providing air-to-ground communication in the range of

151.460 MHz.

(d) Internal communications system for pilot, observer(s).

(e) Listed on the 14 CFR Part 133 certificate for external loads.

(f) Listed on the 14 CFR Part 137 certificate for agricultural operations.

(5) Aircraft requirements for aerial observation/reconnaissance:

(a) Capability to hover and fly low-level (100 feet AGL) with a crew of two District staff, plus the pilot.

(b) Programmable VHF radio capable of providing air-to-ground communication in the range of

151.460 MHz.

(c) Internal communications system for pilot, and all on-board crew members.

(d) Listed on the 14 CFR Part 135 certificate for flights with different passenger pickup and drop-off locations, otherwise observatory flights may be under 14 CFR Part 91.

VI. SAFE OPERATIONS REQUIREMENT

The Contractor shall perform all aerial herbicide application services in a safe, lawful, and professional manner and shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, permits, label requirements, safety data sheets, aviation requirements, pesticide requirements, environmental requirements, and District instructions.

The Contractor shall immediately suspend operations when conditions make application unsafe, including unsafe weather, wind, visibility, aircraft condition, personnel condition, site access, communication, or other operational conditions, or when directed by the District.

The Contractor shall promptly report to the District any accident, incident, spill, drift event, off-target application, complaint, citation, enforcement action, license action, claim, litigation, or unsafe condition arising during performance of the work. The Contractor shall cooperate fully with the District and any regulatory agency investigating such matter and shall provide documentation requested by the District.

Failure to maintain a safe operating record, failure to disclose required information, failure to maintain required licenses or insurance, or occurrence of a material safety incident may be grounds for suspension of work, removal of personnel or aircraft, termination for cause, or any other remedy available to the District.

VII. TIME FRAMES AND DELIVERABLES

The District’s Project Manager must establish specific timeframes and deliverables when authorizing Work.

Exhibits:

Exhibit 1 – Contractor Reporting Form Exhibit 2 – North Conservation Areas Map Exhibit 3 – South Conservation Areas Map

Rev. 5.12.26 42270IFB27 | Page 9 of 57

Exhibit 1 – CONTRACTOR REPORTING FORM

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY TOTAL HRS RATE $ TOTAL

TOTAL

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Aerial Application Control Report of Operations

GRAND TOTAL: $APPROVED:SUBMITTED:

HERBICIDE AMOUNTS RETURNED (GALLONS/POUNDS):

COMMENTS, EXPLANATIONS, ETC.: SUMMARY OF COSTS

CONTRACTUAL SERVICES:

HERBICIDE DILUENTS &

CONCENTRATION (RATE PER ACRE)

ACRES CONTROLLED:

DAILY ACTIVITIES/WINDSPEED:

TIME:

CONTRACTOR:

VEGETATION:

WO #:

CONTRACT #:

DATE:

HERBICIDE/ADJUVANT GALLONS/POUNDS USED

CREW:

PROPERTY NAME:

Rev. 5.12.26 42270IFB27 | Page 10 of 57

Exhibit 2 – North Conservation Areas Map

Rev. 5.12.26 42270IFB27 | Page 11 of 57

Exhibit 3 – South Conservation Areas Map

Rev. 5.12.26 42270IFB27 | Page 12 of 57

42270IFB27 AERIAL APPLICATION OF HERBICIDES USING A HELICOPTER

BID FORM

SERVICE

UNIT

COST

*EST. AVG.

UNITS/YR.

EXTENDED COST

Aerial Spraying acre $ per acre 15,000 acres/yr $

Spot Spraying hour $ per hour 15 hours/yr $

Observation/Surveillance hour $ per hour 12 hours/yr $

Total Bid $

*Hours and acreage are estimates only based on historical data, for bidding purposes only. There are no guaranteed minimum or maximum acres or hours.

Rates must be firm for the initial three-year term of the Agreement, except for adjustments for fuel, as set forth in Section 20 of the Agreement. For purposes of administering Section 20 of the Agreement, the following cost allocations for fuel shall apply:

Percentage of cost allocated to fuel:

Aerial Spraying %

Spot Spraying %

Observation/Surveillance %

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 Respondents will not be able to obtain a copy of their competitors’ submittals until the statutory time has elapsed.

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

UNDER PENALTIES OF PERJURY, I, as the Respondent’s authorized officer or representative, hereby declare that I have fully reviewed the Respondent’s submittal, of which this Cost Schedule is a part; that all facts stated in the submittal are true; that I understand all terms and conditions set forth in the District’s solicitation; and that, if awarded, the Respondent shall fully comply with all terms and conditions.

Name of Respondent Company

Authorized Representative Signature Date

Printed Name/Title

This document must be completed and returned with your submittal

Rev. 5.12.26 42270IFB27 | Page 13 of 57

42270IFB27 AERIAL APPLICATION OF HERBICIDES USING A HELICOPTER

PART 2 – GENERAL INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS

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.

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

2.1 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Respondent must satisfy the following minimum qualifications. Instructions for providing this documentation are provided herein. Failure to provide required documentation as instructed may result in a submittal being rejected as non-responsive.

(a) Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of experience in projects of similar nature set forth in the Scope of Work.

(b) Similar projects: Respondents must have successfully completed at least three (3) projects of a similar nature as set forth on the SIMILAR PROJECTS FORM. The District reserves the right to determine whether a project qualifies as similar in nature to the Work described in the Scope of Work. Any similar project submitted by Respondent must have been performed for a project owner/administrator that is independent of Respondent. For purposes of this solicitation, “independent” means a project owner/administrator that is not: (1) the Respondent;

(ii) a relative of Respondent; (iii) an employee, officer, director, agent, or representative of Respondent; or (iv) a parent, subsidiary, affiliate, commonly owned entity, joint venture partner, or other entity under common control with the Respondent.

(c) Resources: Respondent must provide all documentation to support each of the following:

1. Pilots/Applicators – Respondent must have the minimum number of qualified Pilots/Applicators as set forth and documented in the RESOURCES – PILOTS/APPLICATORS FORM.

2. Aerial Application Equipment: Respondent must have the minimum amount of Aerial Application Equipment, as set forth and documented in the RESOURCES – AERIAL APPLICATION EQUIPMENT

FORM.

(d) Safe Operation Record: Respondents must have a satisfactory safety record, as set forth and documented in the

DOCUMENTATION OF SAFE OPERATION FORM.

Irrespective of the minimum qualifications stated above, the District may make such investigations as it deems necessary to determine the ability of the Respondent to perform the Work.

The District reserves the right to evaluate the Respondent’s safety responsibility based on all information available to the District, including information submitted by the Respondent, public records, agency databases, references, insurance information, litigation records, regulatory records, and the District’s prior experience with the Respondent.

The District reserves the right to reject any submittal if the evidence submitted by such Respondent and/or the District’s independent investigation of such Respondent fails to satisfy the District that such Respondent is properly qualified to carry out the obligations of the Agreement and complete the Work in a manner acceptable to the District within the time period specified.

2.2 BUDGET ESTIMATE

The estimated budget is an estimate only and does not limit the District in awarding the Agreement.

Respondents are cautioned to not make any assumptions from the District Project Manager’s budget estimate about the total funds available for the Work. The District retains the right to adjust the estimate in awarding the Agreement. In addition, the District reserves the right to increase, decrease, or delete any class, item, or part of the Work in order to

Rev. 5.12.26 42270IFB27 | Page 14 of 57 reduce costs for any reason. The District may discuss alternatives for reducing the cost of the Work with Respondents and make such modifications as it determines to be in its best interest.

2.3 HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR SUBMITTAL

The following documents and forms must accompany any submittal in the order identified. Please do not include items not requested. A submittal returned without these documents may deem the submittal non-responsive. The District reserves the right to request additional information from any Respondent prior to award.

Forms included in this solicitation

Cover Page/Addendum Acknowledgement Bid Form General Qualifications Questionnaire Similar Projects Form Documentation of Resources – Pilot/Applicators Form (with required Respondent-provided attachments) Documentation of Resources – Aerial Application Equipment Form (with required Respondent-provided attachments) Documentation of Safe Operation Record Form Certificate as to Respondent’s Authority to do Business in the State of Florida Affidavit as to Non-collusion and Certification of Material Conformance with Specifications Drug-Free Workplace Form (not required unless there is a tie bid) Submittal Acknowledgement Form

Respondent provided documentation

Certificate of Insurability - as noted in Section titled PROOF OF INSURABILITY, herein Proof of Respondent’s active registration on www.sunbiz.org Proof of Respondent’s active registration with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system

(Answers to questions regarding E-Verify as well as instructions on enrollment may be found at the E-Verify website: www.e-verify.gov).

Respondent must provide a field supervisor with a valid Florida Pesticide Applicators License for Natural Areas and must be onsite during all herbicide applications.

Copy of any applicable and current license or certification required by the City/County/State/this solicitation.

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

(a) Failing to complete all forms;

(b) Failure to provide all required materials; or

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

2.4 PROOF OF INSURABILITY

The submittal shall contain proof of insurability issued by a company authorized to do business in the State of Florida, and with an A.M. Best Company rating of at least A- for the required insurance(s) listed in the attached Agreement.

NOTE! The successful Respondent shall be required to obtain and provide a Certificate of Insurance, submitted concurrently with the executed Agreement, that meets all specified requirements, references the applicable Agreement number, and names the St. Johns River Water Management District as an additional insured.

2.5 HOW TO SUBMIT A RESPONSE TO 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.

Rev. 5.12.26 42270IFB27 | Page 15 of 57

Label all sealed envelopes as follows:

SEALED SUBMITTAL – DO NOT OPEN

Respondent’s Name: ___________________________________________ Invitation for Bids: 42270IFB27, Aerial Application of Herbicides Using a Helicopter Submittal Due Time: 2:00 PM Submittal Due Date: September 8, 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 form title 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-Respondent-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: 12345IFB78, ABC Company).

2.6 SIGNATURE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

If an individual submits a response to this solicitation he/she must sign his/her name therein and state his/her address and the name and address of every other person interested in this solicitation as principal.

If a partnership submits a response to this solicitation, state the name and address of each member of the partnership.

If a corporation or limited liability company submits a response to this solicitation, an authorized agent or officer/member must sign the submittal, subscribing the name of the entity with the individual’s own name and affixing the corporate seal (if applicable). Such agent or officer/member must also provide the name of the state under which the entity is chartered/formed, and the names and business addresses of the officers/members.

All Respondents must:

(a) Submit evidence of registration with the Florida Secretary of State for doing business in the state of Florida.

(b) Certify that all persons or entities having an interest as principal in this solicitation or in substantial performance of the Work have been identified in the submittal forms.

2.7 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.

Rev. 5.12.26 42270IFB27 | Page 16 of 57

2.8 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 email before the deadline for questions 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 is bound by and must acknowledge receipt of all issued addenda.

Submittals will be interpreted as if all addenda were received, whether or not Respondent actually reviewed the addenda.

Failure to receive or review an addendum does not relieve Respondent of any obligations under the solicitation or resulting Agreement. All addenda become an official part of the Contract Documents (defined in the Agreement).

2.9 OPENING OF SUBMITTALS

Respondents or their authorized agents are invited to attend the opening of the submittals. The Florida Public Records Act, §119.071(1)(b), Fla. Stat., exempts sealed submittals from inspection and copying until such time as the District provides notice of an intended decision pursuant to §120.57(3)(a), Fla. Stat., or until 30 days after opening of submittals or final replies, whichever is earlier. This exemption is not waived by the public opening of the submittals.

Unless otherwise exempt, Respondent’s submittal is a public record subject to disclosure upon expiration of the above exemption period. If any information included in the submittal is a trade secret as defined in §812.081, Fla. Stat., and exempt from disclosure pursuant to §815.04, Fla. Stat., Respondent must clearly identify any such material as “CONFIDENTIAL TRADE SECRET” in its submittal and explain the basis for such exemption. The District reserves the right, in its sole judgment and discretion, to reject a submittal for excessive or unwarranted assertion of trade secret confidentiality and return the submittal to Respondent.

2.10 DISQUALIFICATION OF RESPONDENTS

Any of the following causes will be considered as sufficient grounds for disqualification of a Respondent and rejection of the submittal:

(a) Contacting a District employee or officer other than the procurement employee named in this solicitation about any aspect of this solicitation before the notice of intended decision is posted.

(b) Submission of more than one submittal for the same subject matter by an individual, firm, partnership, or corporation under the same or different names.

(c) Evidence of collusion among Respondents.

(d) Submission of materially false information.

(e) Information gained through checking references or other sources which indicates that Respondent may not successfully perform the Work.

(f) Respondent is failing to adequately perform on any existing agreement with the District.

(g) Respondent has defaulted on a previous agreement with the District.

(h) The evidence submitted by Respondent, or the District’s investigation of Respondent, fails to satisfy the District that Respondent is properly qualified to carry out the obligations of the Agreement in a manner acceptable to the District and within the time period specified.

Rev. 5.12.26 42270IFB27 | Page 17 of 57

(i) Any documented unsatisfactory past performance by Respondent on work performed on a District project.

(j) Any other cause that is sufficient to raise doubt regarding the ability of a Respondent to perform the Work in a manner that meets the District’s objectives for the Work.

2.11 REJECTION OF SUBMITTAL

Submittals must be delivered to the specified location and received before the designated due date and time in order to be considered. Untimely submittals will be returned unopened. Submittals will be considered irregular and may be rejected if they show material omissions, alterations of form, additions not called for, conditions, limitations, or other material irregularities. The District may consider incomplete any submittal not prepared and submitted in accordance with the provisions specified herein and the District reserves the right to waive any minor deviations or irregularities in an otherwise valid submittal.

The District reserves the right to reject any and all submittals and cancel this solicitation when it determines, in its sole judgment and discretion, that it is not in its best interest to award the Agreement.

2.12 WITHDRAWAL OF SUBMITTALS

Respondent may withdraw its submittal if it submits such a written request to the District prior to the designated date and hour of opening. Respondent may be permitted to withdraw its submittal no later than 72 hours after the submittal opening for good cause, as determined by the District in its sole judgment and discretion.

2.13 PROTEST PROCEDURES

Notices of Intended Decision will be posted for a minimum of 72 hours. The time period for filing a Notice of Protest pursuant to §120.57(3), Fla. Stat., and Fla. Admin. Code R. 28-110.003, commences at the time notices are posted.

As a courtesy to Respondents, the District may send copies of the notices of intended District decisions via email to Respondent. These courtesy communications neither constitute official notice nor vary the times of receipt set forth above.

(a) Pursuant to §120.57(3), Fla. Stat., and Fla. Admin. Code R. 28-110.003, any person adversely affected by the terms, conditions, or specifications contained in a solicitation, including addenda, must file a Notice of Protest with the District Clerk within 72 hours after its posting.

(b) Pursuant to §120.57(3), Fla. Stat., and Fla. Admin. Code R. 28-110.003, any person adversely affected by a District decision or intended decision to award a contract, or to reject all submittals, proposals, or qualifications, must file a written Notice of Protest with the District Clerk within 72 hours after posting of the decision or intended decision.

(c) Pursuant to §120.57(3), Fla. Stat., and Fla. Admin. Code R. 28-110.004, a Formal Written Protest must be filed with the District Clerk within ten (10) days after the date the Notice of Protest is filed with the District. The Formal Written Protest must state with particularity the facts and law upon which the protest is based. Pursuant to §287.042(2)(c), Fla. Stat., any person who files an action protesting the decision or intended decision must post with the District Clerk at the time of filing the formal written protest a bond, cashier’s check, or money order made payable to the St. Johns River Water Management District in an amount equal to one percent (1%) of the District’s estimated agreement amount.

(d) No additional time will be added for mailing. All filings must comply with Fla. Admin. Code R. 28-106.104 and must be addressed to and received by the District Clerk at the District Headquarters in Palatka, Florida within the prescribed time periods. The District will not accept any electronically transmitted facsimile pleadings, petitions, Notice of Protest or other documents.

(e) The District’s acceptance of pleadings, petitions, Notice of Protest, Formal Written Protest, or other documents filed by email is subject to certain conditions set forth in the District’s Statement of Agency Organization and Operation (issued pursuant to Fla. Admin. Code R. 28-101.001), which is available for viewing at sjrwmd.com.

These conditions include, but are not limited to, the document being in the form of a PDF or TIFF file and being capable of being stored and printed by the District.

(f) Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in §120.57(3), Fla. Stat., or failure to post the bond or other security required by law within the time allowed for filing a bond will constitute a waiver of proceedings under chapter 120, Fla. Stat. Mediation under §120.573, Fla. Stat., is not available.

Rev. 5.12.26 42270IFB27 | Page 18 of 57

2.14 AWARDING THE AGREEMENT

(a) All Respondents will be notified of the District's intent to award or decision to award the Agreement. For the purpose of filing a protest under §120.57(3), Fla. Stat., the time period will commence as provided in the Section titled PROTEST PROCEDURES, herein.

(b) The Agreement will be awarded to the lowest responsive, responsible Respondent, being the Respondent with the lowest Total Bid as reflected on the Bid Form who demonstrates, in accordance with the requirements of the submittal documents, a verifiable history of the skill, ability, integrity, and reliability necessary for the faithful performance of the Agreement (the “Successful Respondent”). The Agreement may be modified based on the District’s acceptance of any alternatives listed in the submittal that the District deems in its best interest.

(c) If two or more submittals are equal in all respects, the Agreement will be awarded as follows: (1) to Respondent that certifies compliance with §287.087, Fla. Stat., via the Drug-Free Workplace Form; (2) to a Respondent university in the State University System pursuant to §373.63, Fla.