Addendum I - QA ITB FFS 25 26 71.pdf

This is Addendum I to an Invitation to Bid (ITB) issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for aerial herbicide treatment services at Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest near Felda, Florida. The addendum addresses a vendor question regarding herbicide formulation specifications and clarifies that bidders should provide a single price for the lowest-cost herbicide option rather than pricing multiple chemical combinations. The ITB solicitation targets treatment of approximately 2,863 acres containing three invasive plant species: Wright's nutrush (1,952 acres), coastal-plain willow (761 acres), and torpedo grass (150 acres). Contractors must deliver all labor, materials, herbicides, equipment, transportation, and supervision necessary for aerial application, with the critical performance requirement that 95 percent of treated plants be dead within 3-4 months of project completion. Application must occur between May and July during the growing season under specified weather conditions, including at least three hours without rain following application and wind speeds not exceeding 10 miles per hour. Pre-bid site visits are scheduled for March 10-19, 2026, with the vendor question deadline on March 20, 2026, sealed bid submissions due March 31, 2026 by 5:00 PM, and public bid opening on April 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

The contract will be awarded to the responsive and responsible vendor with the lowest Grand Total Price based on unit pricing per acre for each invasive plant category. Bidders must possess a certified commercial herbicide applicator's license in natural areas weed management and/or the aquatic category at bid submission and must provide three project references from the past five years with comparable scope and size. No set-aside designations or restrictions limiting participation are identified, allowing all qualified vendors to submit bids. Required insurance includes General Liability coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence with a $2,000,000 aggregate, Automobile Liability of $300,000, and Workers' Compensation insurance. Bid responses must include comprehensive documentation including references, acknowledgement forms, detailed price sheets, certifications regarding lobbying and debarment, drug-free workplace certification, vendor certification, and proof of required licenses. Liquidated damages of $100 per calendar day apply if work is not completed by the fixed completion date. Contractors are responsible for comprehensive herbicide data collection using Florida Forest Service-approved records and GPS track data, with all submission materials becoming public record.