Rev. 4.2.26 42465IFB26 | Page 1 of 43

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: 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:

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

42465 PABLO CREEK CONSERVATION AREA MAINTENANCE MOWING

The St. Johns River Water Management District (the “District”) is seeking submittals from qualified Contractors to provide mowing services for the Pablo Creek Conservation Area in Duval County, FL (the “Work”). The estimated budget for the Work is $45,000 for a three-year term.

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:

LaDonna Johnson, Procurement Specialist

Phone: 386-329-4592 or E-Mail: LJohnson@sjrwmd.com

Pre-Submittal Meeting: None

Questions Due: August 12, 2026 (5:00 PM)

SUBMITTAL DUE: AUGUST 19, 2026 (2:00 PM)

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

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42465 PABLO CREEK CONSERVATION AREA MAINTENANCE MOWING

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover Sheet Page 1

Table of Contents Page 2

PART 1 – Scope of Work Pages 3-6

Bid Form Page 7

PART 2 – General Information and Requirements Pages 8-14

PART 3 – Required Documents & Forms Pages 15-23 (NOTE! Additional documents not included in this section may be required)

PART 4 – Draft Agreement Pages 24-43

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42465 PABLO CREEK CONSERVATION AREA MAINTENANCE MOWING

PART 1 – SCOPE OF WORK

The St. Johns River Water Management District (District) is soliciting bids from qualified and experienced contractors to provide mowing services for the Pablo Creek Conservation Area in Duval County, FL. All proposed costs shall be inclusive of all labor, equipment, supervision, materials, and incidental expenses required to perform the services described in the Scope of Work (SOW) below.

The property is located at the southern terminus of Hodges Blvd. at the intersection of Hodges and J. Turner Butler Blvd. (SR 202). The roads included in this mowing solicitation can be found in Figure 1 of this SOW.

I. INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND

The District manages more than 400,000 acres within its 18 counties. Maintenance of the associated roads and trails throughout these conservation areas is vital to the operational integrity of the District’s land management and recreational programs.

Maintenance mowing of vegetated roads also ensures adequate safe access for maintaining and inspecting flood control systems and public recreational areas. This SOW is for batwing mowing services which are routinely required within these areas. The frequency of mowing shall conform to the specifications and performance standards described within this SOW.

II. OBJECTIVE

The objective is to provide batwing mowing services to ensure safe access and maintain a desirable vegetation height and coverage on the roads located within Pablo Creek Conservation Area.

III. SCOPE OF WORK

Batwing mowing is generally on flat, open roads. Batwing mowing is to be conducted 9 times per year over approximately 31 miles of roads on the area. Mowing cycles will be monthly, April through October, and will also be conducted in December and February. There will be no mowing in November or January. During the period of regular monthly mowing, cycles must be spaced apart for at least 20 days but cannot be any longer than 40 days since the previous cycle. Any deviations in mowed areas or timing shall be discussed with and approved by the District’s Project Manager (“DPM”) prior to mowing or invoicing.

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS:

Equipment must be mechanically sound and capable of operating safely. Contractor is responsible for keeping all equipment in proper working condition and maintaining an inventory of parts in sufficient quantities to minimize down time and ensure that mowing services are performed adequately. The District has the right to stop equipment from mowing if it is deemed mechanically unsound, unsafe, or is damaging the work area. Any equipment deficiencies noted shall be repaired within 72 hours of notice being issued. Equipment shall not leak fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid, or other contaminants onto District property.

Tractor: the tractor shall be 4-wheel drive and provide a minimum of 80 hp at the Power Train Output (PTO).

The tractor must have a loader arm with either a rake or bucket attachment for pushing fallen trees out of the way as needed during mowing operations.

Mower: the mower shall be a 15-foot flexible wing rotary cutter. Hydraulic rams must have spacer rings to set the mower at the required cutting height of six inches.

Minimum equipment requirements have been established for this solicitation; however, Contractor may utilize equipment other than specified to complete the work. Prior to making equipment changes, including the use of

Rev. 4.2.26 42465IFB26 | Page 4 of 43 additional equipment or equipment not meeting minimum equipment requirements described herein, Contractor shall obtain written approval from the DPM.

IV. TASK IDENTIFICATION

The area and limits of mowing have been established and are distinguishable in the field. Areas have been inventoried and quantified by the District, which are shown on the attached map (Figure 1). Any discrepancies or disagreements concerning quantities, mowing boundaries or safety will be mutually resolved prior to beginning work within any area in question.

A. Contractor’s Responsibilities:

1. Prior to commencement of any work after award, Contractor shall attend a pre-work conference with the

DPM to discuss all aspects of the Work.

2. Provide all supervision, labor, equipment, fuel, tools, and other resources necessary to complete the required

Work.

3. Mow all areas identified in Figure 1 within the timeframe and mowing cycle. Contractor shall not mow areas outside the limits identified in Figure 1 or perform mowing beyond the required mowing cycles unless authorized in writing by the District before the work begins. Any authorized change to the mowing limits, number of mowing cycles, compensation, schedule, or applicable mowing rate must be documented in accordance with the Agreement. The District may decide not to mow all or any portion of an area due to weather conditions, budgetary constraints, access limitations, operational needs, or other factors the District determines are in its best interest.

4. Understand that Work may be performed in remote areas and under extreme conditions including high temperatures, humidity, and exposure to insects, snakes, and alligators. Contractor shall at no time hunt, fish, approach, attack, harm, harass, handle or remove any animal or plant species from District lands.

5. Provide DPM with at least 10 days’ notice prior to the start of each mowing cycle for the current or upcoming month and notify the DPM upon completion of each mowing cycle.

6. Maintain sufficient equipment availability to avoid missed cycles due to equipment failure.

7. Adhere to the following performance standards:

a) Each mowing cycle must be completed in full unless access is restricted due to excessive rainfall or other roadwork activities that prevent access. If a mowing cycle cannot be completed in full for excessive rainfall or other roadwork activities that prevent access, Contractor must notify the DPM before leaving the property and may invoice only as authorized in writing by the DPM in accordance with the Time Frames and Deliverables section.

b) Mowing shall consist of two passes on all roads depicted in Figure 1. Vegetation must be cut uniformly with no streaks. A minimum overlap of 12 inches between passes is required to prevent missed areas.

Roads less than 20 feet wide, or where a single pass is sufficient, Contractor shall angle the outside wing at 45 degrees and trim shrub tops (e.g., palmetto, gallberry, vines) to prevent overgrowth into the roadway.

c) Pick up and remove from the right-of-way of any obstacle and/or debris such as paper, cardboard, wood, and other items in the mowing area that cannot be traversed by the mowing equipment. It is Contractor’s responsibility to remove any foreign item that could be torn, ripped, scattered or further sub-divided by the mower that is not part of the natural terrain. Contractors shall exercise the necessary care to prevent creation of litter by its operation.

d) Downed trees in the mowing area up to 8 inches in diameter shall be pushed using the tractor loader bucket or rake. Any downed trees that cannot be pushed out of the mowing area should be brought to the attention of the DPM immediately so District staff can remove.

e) Ensure rutting doesn’t occur on wet roads. If roads are too wet to mow without rutting 2 inches or more in depth, DPM shall be notified.

f) All gates shall be opened and closed by Contractor. It is Contractor’s responsibility to keep the area secured during all mowing operations. Contractor shall ensure all gates and entry barriers are closed/locked as soon as the equipment has been moved through the gate.

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B. District Responsibilities:

1. Conduct a pre-work conference with Contractor to discuss all aspects of the work.

2. Review proposed monthly mowing schedule and notify Contractor of any concerns regarding whether the mowing cycle can be completed as scheduled.

3. Supply lock codes or key cards for District gates. Contractor is liable for any issued key card. The cost for a replacement key card is $200, per card, which may be invoiced.

4. Provide staff to conduct quality control inspections of all mowing operations, before, during and after mowing, and invoice verification upon completion of work.

5. Provide maps of property and areas of required mowing.

V. TIME FRAMES AND DELIVERABLES

Contractor shall mobilize and initiate mowing within 14 days of contract execution or on a date that has been mutually agreed upon by the DPM.

Mowing operations are limited to 7:00 AM through 6:00 PM at the direction of the DPM. Some areas may be excluded from mowing on certain days if it conflicts with other activities. Any deviations from the proposed schedule must be approved by the DPM prior to commencement of work.

The DPM or representative will be responsible for inspection and approval of the quality of work being accomplished. In the event the work is deemed unsatisfactory, Contractor shall take corrective action to address the deficiencies and ensure the mowing cycle is completed to the required standard.

Contractor is responsible for providing a monthly work schedule to DPM. Contractor shall also notify the DPM when the mowing cycle is complete for inspection.

Contractor must make every reasonable effort to complete all mowing within each property during each scheduled cycle. If Contractor mobilizes to a property and cannot access or safely mow certain areas due to weather, access limitations, obstacles, road conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances beyond Contractor’s control and through no fault of Contractor, Contractor must notify the DPM before leaving the property. The DPM may, in writing, identify the inaccessible or omitted areas and authorize payment for the full property mowing cycle. Contractor may not invoice for the full property mowing cycle unless the DPM’s written authorization documents the reason the areas could not be mowed or were omitted. This paragraph does not authorize payment for incomplete Work caused by Contractor’s failure to properly plan, schedule, staff, equip, or perform the Work.

District decisions to omit scheduled mowing areas shall be communicated by the DPM in writing before mobilization whenever practicable. If, before Contractor mobilizes for a scheduled mowing cycle, the DPM informs Contractor that a property, or any portion of the property, cannot be mowed or does not need to be mowed, Contractor will not be compensated for the omitted mowing for that cycle. Any subsequent mowing of an omitted area must be authorized in writing by the DPM and performed in accordance with the Agreement.

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Figure 1

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BID FORM

Property Total Mileage

Estimated Annual Mowing Cycles

Cost Per Mowing

Cycle

Total Annual Cost

(Cost Per Mowing Cycle x 9 Estimated Annual

Mowing Cycles)

Total Compensation/

Total Bid (Total Annual Cost x 3-year Agreement

Term) Pablo Creek Conservation Area 31 9 $ $ $

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: The Cost Per Mowing Cycle on the Bid Form is the controlling unit price. If there is a discrepancy between the Cost Per Mowing Cycle and any extended total, the Cost Per Mowing Cycle will control, and the District may correct the Total Annual Cost and Total Compensation/Total Bid accordingly. Unit prices will not be changed.

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

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42465 PABLO CREEK CONSERVATION AREA MAINTENANCE MOWING

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

Respondents 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 three years of experience providing batwing mowing services.

b. Similar projects: Respondent must have successfully completed a minimum of two (2) projects similar in size and scope to the Work described in this solicitation within the last three years or must identify similar projects that are currently ongoing and have been ongoing for the last three years. (Similar projects shall include batwing mowing, roadside mowing, conservation land mowing, utility corridor mowing, large-scale vegetation management, or comparable mowing services involving roadway, trail, or linear corridor maintenance).

Respondent shall provide the required project information on the SIMILAR PROJECTS FORM. The District reserves the right to determine whether a project qualifies as “similar.” 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: (i) 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.

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 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 of $45,000 for a three-year term is an estimate only and does not limit the District in awarding the Agreement.

Respondents are cautioned not to make any assumptions from the District’s budget estimate about the total funds available for the Work. The District retains the right to adjust the estimate in awarding the Agreement. The District also reserves the right to reject all Bids if submitted prices exceed the District’s budget estimate or if rejection is otherwise in the District’s best interest. The District may increase, decrease, delete, or modify any class, item, or part of the Work to reduce costs or meet operational needs, consistent with the solicitation and applicable law.

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 be deemed 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 Information Form Similar Projects Form Proposed Subcontractors

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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).

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:

(1) Failing to complete all forms;

(2) Failure to provide all required materials; or

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

2.4 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.

2.5 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.

2.6 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.

Label all sealed envelopes as follows:

SEALED SUBMITTAL – DO NOT OPEN

Respondent’s Name: ___________________________________________ Invitation for Bids: 42465, Pablo Creek Conservation Area Maintenance Mowing Opening Time: 2:00 PM Opening Date: August 19, 2026

LaDonna Johnson, 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 E-MAIL — 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.

http://www.demandstar.com/ http://www.centralbidding.com/

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(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).

2.7 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.

2.8 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.

2.9 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 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 a response to 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).

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2.10 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.

2.11 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.

(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.

2.12 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.

2.13 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.

2.14 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.

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As a courtesy to Respondents, the District may send copies of the notices of intended District decisions via e-mail 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 e-mail are 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.

2.15 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. Stat.; (3) to a Respondent whose submittal contains commodities manufactured, grown, or produced within the state of Florida pursuant to §287.082 Fla.

Stat.; or (4) by lot.

(d) The District reserves the right to award the Agreement to the next lowest available Respondent in the event the successful Respondent fails to enter into the Agreement, or the Agreement with said Respondent is terminated within 90 days of the effective date.

(e) Section 286.0113, Fla. Stat., exempts from being open to the public, any portion of a meeting at which: (1) a negotiation with a Respondent is conducted pursuant to a competitive solicitation; (2) a Respondent makes an oral presentation as part of a competitive solicitation; (3) a Respondent answers questions as part of a competitive solicitation; or (4) negotiation strategies are discussed. Also, recordings of, and any records

Rev. 4.2.26 42465IFB26 | Page 13 of 43 presented at, the exempt meeting are exempt from §119.07(1) and §24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution (Public Records) until such time as the District provides notice of an intended decision or until 30 days after opening the submittals or final replies, whichever occurs earlier. A complete recording shall be made of any portion of an exempt meeting. No portion of the exempt meeting may be held off the record.

(f) Pursuant to §286.0113 Fla. Stat., if the District rejects all submittals and concurrently provides notice of its intent to reissue the competitive solicitation, any recordings or records presented at any exempt meeting relating to the solicitation shall remain exempt from §119.07(1) and §24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution (Public Records) until such time as the District provides notice of an intended decision concerning the reissued competitive solicitation or until the District withdraws the reissued competitive solicitation. A recording and any records presented at an exempt meeting are not exempt for longer than 12 months after the initial District notice rejecting all submittals.

2.16 EXAMINATION OF CONTRACT DOCUMENTS

Respondent is solely responsible for being fully informed of the conditions under which the Work is to be performed in relation to existing conditions. Respondent is responsible for carefully examining the general area of the Work, the requirements of the maps and other Contract Documents (defined in the Agreement) related to the Work, the time in which the Work must be completed, and any other details of the Work. Respondent must satisfy itself from its own personal knowledge and experience or professional advice as to the character of the Work, the conditions and materials to be encountered, the character, quality, and quantities of the Work, and any other conditions affecting the Work, including surrounding land.

Failure to satisfy the obligations of this paragraph will not relieve a Successful Respondent of its obligation to furnish all material, equipment, and labor necessary to perform the Agreement and to complete the Work for the consideration set forth in its submittal. Any such failure will not be sufficient cause to submit a claim for additional compensation.

No verbal agreement or conversation with any District officer, agent or employee, either before or after the execution of the Agreement, will affect or modify any of its terms.

2.17 EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT

(a) By submitting a response to this solicitation, Respondent represents and warrants that its submittal is a firm offer. Upon the District’s issuance of a notice of award (or other written acceptance), the Successful Respondent is bound to the terms, pricing, and commitments set forth in its submittal, as accepted by the District, together with the District’s solicitation documents.

(b) The Successful Respondent shall execute the District’s Agreement in the form provided (with any District-approved changes) and shall not condition, qualify, or withdraw its submittal, or refuse to sign the Agreement, after award. Failure to timely execute the Agreement and proceed with performance as required may be deemed a breach and may result in rejection of the submittal, cancellation of award, and any other remedies available to the District under the solicitation, the Agreement, or applicable law.

(c) Unless all submittals are rejected, the Successful Respondent must execute and return the Agreement to the District within 10 business days of receipt along with each of the following:

(1) A completed Internal Revenue Service Form W-9.

(2) Satisfactory evidence of all required insurance coverage.

(3) Proof satisfactory to the District of the authority of the person or persons accepting the terms and conditions of this Solicitation on behalf of Respondent.

(4) All other information and documentation required by the Agreement.

(d) The District will not execute the Agreement until the above documents have been executed and delivered to the District. The Agreement will not be binding until executed by the District. A copy of the fully executed Agreement will be sent via e-mail to the Successful Respondent. The District reserves the right to cancel award of the Agreement without liability at any time before the Agreement has been fully executed by all parties and delivered to the Successful Respondent.

(e) Failure upon the part of the Successful Respondent to execute the Agreement or timely submit the required evidence of insurance coverage, or any other matter required by the Agreement, will be just cause, if the District so elects, for the recommended award to be annulled.

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2.18 FLORIDA SALES TAX

The District is exempt from payment of State of Florida sales tax pursuant to §212.08(6), Fla. Stat. Any tangible personal property that is the subject of this solicitation is intended to remain tangible personal property and not become part of a public work owned by the District.

2.19 BONDING AND RETAINAGE - This section does not apply to this solicitation.

2.20 PUBLIC ENTITY CRIMES/DISCRIMINATORY VENDORS

In accordance with §287.133 and §287.134, Fla. Stat., a person or affiliate who has been placed on the convicted vendor list following a conviction for a public entity crime or placed on the discriminatory vendor list may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply on an agreement to provide any goods or services to a public entity; may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply on an agreement with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work; may not submit bids, proposals, or replies on leases of real property to a public entity; may not be awarded or perform work as a contractor, subcontractor, supplier, or consultant under a contract with any public entity; and may not transact business with any public entity in excess of the threshold amount provided in §287.017 for CATEGORY TWO ($35,000) for a period of 36 months following the date of being placed on the convicted or discriminatory vendor lists.

2.21 USE BY OTHER FLORIDA GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES - This section does not apply to this solicitation.

2.22 PROHIBITION AGAINST CONSIDERING SOCIAL, POLITICAL, OR IDEOLOGICAL INTERESTS

IN GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING

Notice is hereby provided that pursuant to §287.05701, Fla. Stat., the District (1) will not request documentation of or consider a Respondent’s social, political, or ideological interests when determining if Respondent is a responsible Respondent, and (2) may not give preference to a Respondent based on Respondent's social, political, or ideological interests.

2.23 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 LaDonna Johnson, Procurement Specialist, or by calling

(800) 955-8771 (TTY), at least five (5) business days (Mon – Fri) before the date needed.

2.24 DEFINITIONS

The definitions of capitalized terms used in this solicitation that are not otherwise defined herein can be found in the draft Agreement below.

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PART 3 – REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AND FORMS

The following forms MUST be included in Respondent’s submittal with the exception of the Drug-Free Workplace Form, which is used in the event of a tie:

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GENERAL INFORMATION FORM

As part of the submittal, Respondent shall complete the following so that the District can determine Respondent’s ability, experience, and facilities for performing the Work.

Name of Respondent:

Year company was organized/formed: ________________________________________________________

Number of years Respondent has been engaged in business under the present firm or trade name:

Total number of years the Respondent has experience performing work similar to the Scope of Work described in this solicitation:

Has Respondent previously been engaged in the same or similar business under another firm or trade name? ___Y ___N

If Yes, please describe each such instance.

Has Respondent (including any parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or predecessor) ever been adjudicated bankrupt, initiated bankruptcy, or been the subject of bankruptcy proceedings on behalf of the current entity submitting this bid or a prior entity that Respondent substantially operated or controlled? ___ Y ___ N

If Yes, please describe the nature and result of those proceedings and the entity involved.

Has Respondent (including any parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or predecessor) ever been debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from any procurement activity (including as a subcontractor) with any federal, state, or local government entity in the United States of America? ___ Y ___ N

If Yes, explain.

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) who will be engaged on a daily basis in directing performance of the Work.

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42465 PABLO CREEK CONSERVATION AREA MAINTENANCE MOWING

SIMILAR PROJECTS FORM

As part of the submittal, Respondent shall complete the following so that the District can determine Respondent’s satisfaction of the minimum qualifications of this solicitation.

Provide at least two (2) unique projects that include batwing mowing, roadside mowing, conservation land mowing, utility corridor mowing, large-scale vegetation management, or comparable mowing services involving roadway, trail, or linear corridor maintenance, similar in size and scope to the Work described in this solicitation, that Respondent has successfully completed within the last three years or that are currently ongoing and have been ongoing for the last three years. No more than one of the similar projects can be from a project completed for the District.

District reserves the right to determine whether or not a project satisfies the requirements of a similar project. 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: (i) 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.

The District may contact the Project Owner or Administrator to verify the information provided below. Please ensure that all contact information is current and accurate. If the District is unable to reach the listed point of contact within two to three business days, the submittal may be deemed non-responsive.

Project Owner/Administrator:

Point of Contact: E-Mail:

Phone: Project Start & Completion Dates:

Project Name:

Describe how the scope of work applies to this solicitation:

Total Project Value: $________________________

Project Owner/Administrator:

Point of Contact: E-Mail:

Phone: Project Start & Completion Dates:

Project Name:

Describe how the scope of work applies to this solicitation:

Total Project Value: $________________________

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PROPOSED SUBCONTRACTORS

RESPONDENT NAME:

Please list all Subcontractors (defined in the Agreement) 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. If Respondent intends to utilize the license of a Subcontractor to obtain any permit to perform the Work, the Subcontractor and license classification must be disclosed in this Proposed Subcontractors form. (Use additional pages, if necessary):

Check which applies:

Respondent will NOT utilize Subcontractors: ☐

Respondent 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: ______________________________________________________

Description of work to be performed: ______________________________________________________

Estimated % of workload/responsibility: ___________________________________________________

3. Name and address of Subcontractor: ______________________________________________________

Description of work to be performed: _____________________________________________________

Estimated % of workload/responsibility: ___________________________________________________

4. Name and address of Subcontractor: ______________________________________________________

Description of work to be performed: _____________________________________________________

Estimated % of workload/responsibility:

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

Respondent is incorporated/organized/formed under the laws of the State of ; is authorized by law to respond to this solicitation and perform all Work and furnish materials and equipment required under the Agreement and is…