9022 - Questions and Answers.pdf

This is a Questions and Answers document issued by the Florida Department of Transportation Procurement Office regarding Invitation to Bid (ITB) No. DOT-ITB-27-9022-CA for the procurement of grass seeds on a statewide basis. The solicitation covers five grass seed species—Pensacola Bahia, Argentina Bahia, Brown Top Millet, Bermuda (Unhulled), and Annual Rye—supplied in standard 50-pound bags with a minimum bulk order quantity of 500 pounds per species. Each species and lot must be accompanied by independent laboratory seed analysis. The bid opening is scheduled for October 6, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. EST, with the intended award posting on October 12, 2026. The initial contract term is two years with potential renewal for up to three additional years or the length of the original contract, whichever is longer, contingent upon mutual agreement and satisfactory performance. The Department estimates annual purchases of approximately $120,000, though actual amounts vary based on appropriated funding and operational needs.

Pricing must be submitted as firm, net, delivered prices with F.O.B. destination to one of 25 FDOT warehouses throughout Florida, with delivery required within 30 calendar days of purchase order receipt. An in-state preference of 5 percent applies to Florida-based vendors whose principal place of business is in Florida, provided the required In-State Preference Form and supporting documentation are submitted. All bidders must be registered in MyFloridaMarketplace, provide proof of Chapter 578 Florida Statutes seed dealer licensing, comply with MyFloridaMarketplace transaction fees of one percent, submit electronic W-9 forms, maintain drug-free workplace certification, and provide E-Verify compliance documentation. The Q&A document clarifies that vendors must retain their own Chapter 578 Seed Dealer License rather than relying on a supplier's license, and must submit a copy showing current information with their bid. Liquidated damages of one percent per day apply for late deliveries, and a 90-day warranty against defective materials and workmanship is required on all items supplied.