FWC 22-23-28 FINAL DOC.pdf

FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

1875 ORANGE AVE E

TALLAHASSEE, FL 32311-6160

(850) 488-6551

INVITATION TO BID

FWC 22/23-28

FLORIDA PANTHER CAPTURE/MANAGEMENT SERVICES

ITB BIDDER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

Purpose: The intent of this bid is to obtain competitive pricing for locating, capturing, and handling panthers, per the specifications contained herein. Only responsive and responsible Contractors will be considered for award of this

Invitation to Bid (ITB).

Responsive: To be responsive, a bid must constitute a definite, firm, unqualified and unconditional offer to meet all of the material terms of this ITB. Material terms are those that could affect the price, quantity, quality, or delivery. Also included as material terms are those which are clearly identified in this ITB and which, for reasons of policy, must be complied with at risk of bid rejection for non-responsiveness.

Non-Responsive: Any submission that does not comply with this ITB in any way, does not contain all the properly signed forms, supplements or deviates from the Bid requirements or has an incomplete Price Sheet may be considered nonresponsive at the discretion of the Procurement Manager.

Responsible Companies: The Commission shall only consider responsible companies. Responsible companies are those that have, in the sole judgment of the Commission, the financial ability, experience, resources, skills, capability, reliability and business integrity necessary to perform the requirements of the contract. The Commission may also consider references and quality to determine the responsibility of the bid. The Commission reserves the right to use any information, whether supplied through the Bidder’s submission or otherwise obtained, in determining responsibility.

Rejection of Bids: The Commission reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any minor irregularity in the submissions received in response to this ITB. The Commission reserves the right to consider all information, whether submitted or otherwise, to determine responsiveness and responsibility and to reject bids accordingly.

Name of Business: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Contact Person Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Business Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

City: ___________________________ State: _____________________________ Zip code: ______________________________________

Phone: ___________________________ Fax: _______________________________ Email: ______________________________________

Federal Employer Identification Number: ____________________

The undersigned attest to the following:

“We understand all of the terms, conditions and the specifications contained herein and agree to abide by all of the terms, conditions and the specifications in their entirety.

Authorized Signature (Manual): ________________________________________________________________________________________

Authorized Signature Name (Typed) and Title: __________________________________________________________________________

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 11.4.2022 FWC 22/23-28, Page 2 of 47

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FWC 22/23-28

SCHEDULE DUE DATE METHOD

Bid Advertised November 28, 2022 Posted on the Vendor Information Portal

(VIP)

Deadline for Questions

Must be received

PRIOR to:

December 5, 2022

@ 5:00 PM ET

See Deadline for Questions Clause

Anticipated date for Responses to Written Questions December 12, 2022 Posted on the Vendor Information Portal

SEALED BIDS DUE

(REMEMBER: The bid number should be clearly marked on envelope)

Must be received

PRIOR to:

December 19, 2022

@ 10:30 AM ET

Mailing Address:

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation

Commission

Attn: Purchasing

1875 Orange Ave E

Tallahassee, Florida 32311-6160

Submissions are due BEFORE the date and time of the public opening.

Public Bid Opening December 19, 2022

@ 10:30 AM ET

Public Opening Options for Attendance:

-In Person-

1875 Orange Ave E

Tallahassee, FL 32311-6160

-Teleconference-

Conference call phone number:

1.888.585.9008

Conference room number: 218-721-199

Anticipated Date of Intended

Award December 22, 2022 Posted on the Vendor Information Portal https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 11.4.2022 FWC 22/23-28, Page 3 of 47

GENERAL CONDITIONS

FWC 22/23-28

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC or Commission) mission is to manage fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people. The Commission administers six (6) major programs including habitat and species conservation, freshwater fisheries management, law enforcement, marine fisheries management, hunting and game management and fish and wildlife research.

A Bidder submitting a bid shall be registered in the MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) system and where required, the Sunbiz system prior to the bid opening. Business entities which must be on file with Sunbiz include the following foreign and domestic entities: Corporations for and not for profit, Limited Liability

Companies (LLC), Limited Partnerships (LP) including Limited Liability Limited Partnerships (LLLP), and organizations doing business under a fictitious name (DBA). A Bidder may not be considered for an award, if not registered in the MFMP and Sunbiz system. The Bidder’s registration address and federal employer identification (FEID) number should match the Bidder’s address and FEID number listed on the

Bidder Acknowledgment form (page 1).

Certified Minority-owned, Woman-owned and Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises, as certified by the State of Florida Office of Supplier Diversity, are encouraged by the Commission to participate in the bidding process.

Bids from Bidders shall include all necessary equipment to complete the job. The bidder is required to supply all specified documentation when submitting a bid for this project.

Please note:

• The terms “Contract,” “Agreement” and “Purchase Order” are used interchangeably in the document.

• The terms “Commodities” and “Goods” are used interchangeably in the document.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

PUR 1000 and PUR1001 are hereby incorporated by reference. PUR1000 and PUR1001 can be found at the Department of Management Services website at the following link:

https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/state_purc hasing_pur_forms

The following terms and conditions take precedence over the PUR1001 and PUR1000 forms where applicable. The Commission objects to and shall not consider any additional terms or conditions submitted by a Bidder or Contractor, including any appearing in documents attached as part of a Bidder’s response.

In signing and submitting its bid, a Bidder agrees that any additional terms or conditions, whether submitted intentionally or inadvertently, shall have no force or effect. Failure to comply with terms and conditions, including those specifying information that must be submitted with a bid, shall be grounds for rejecting a bid.

The terms and conditions of Attachment A, Purchase Order Terms and Conditions, are hereby incorporated into this solicitation. Any contract resulting from this solicitation will include the terms and conditions of this solicitation and the terms and conditions contained in Attachment A.

https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/state_purchasing_pur_forms https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_purchasing/state_agency_resources/state_purchasing_pur_forms

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 11.4.2022 FWC 22/23-28, Page 4 of 47

PROCUREMENT MANAGER

Christopher Melkun

Christopher.Melkun@MyFWC.com

ESTIMATED BUDGET

The Commission has an estimated budget for this project of $200,000.

Any bid submitted with a total cost that is 25% over the estimated budget shall be considered non-responsive.

TERM

The contract will be effective one year upon issuance of Purchase Order.

If circumstances constituting Force Majeure have occurred, or if anything occurs beyond the Contractor’s control, the Contractor shall submit an extension request in writing. The Project Manager and Contract

Manager will review the extension request and if they determine it is justified, will forward to the Bid

Request Inbox (bidrequest@myfwc.com) for procurement review and approval/disapproval.

RENEWAL

The Commission has the option to renew this Contract on a yearly basis for a period up to three (3) years after the initial Contract period upon the same terms and conditions contained herein. Pursuant to Sections

287.057(1)(a)2., and 287.057(1)(a)3., Florida Statutes (F.S.), each Bidder shall supply a price for each year that a contract may be renewed. Evaluation of bids shall include consideration of the total cost of the contract, including the total cost for each renewal year, as submitted by the Bidder.

Exercise of the renewal option is at the Commission’s sole discretion and shall be conditioned, at a minimum, on the Contractor’s satisfactory performance of this Contract and is subject to the availability of funds. The Contractor if it desires to exercise this renewal option will provide written notice to the

Commission no later than thirty (30) days prior to the Contract expiration date. The renewal term shall require written approval from the Commission’s Procurement Manager.

SUBCONTRACTS

Subcontracting IS permitted pursuant to the Terms and Conditions of the Purchase Order. The

Subcontractor Minority Status Report (Attachment B) shall be submitted with each invoice for payment.

The List of Subcontractors (Attachment C) shall be included with bid submission.

DIVERSITY

The Commission is committed to supporting Florida’s diverse business industry and population through ensuring participation by minority, women, and veteran-owned business enterprises in the economic life of the state. The State of Florida Mentor Protégé Program connects minority, women, and veteran-owned business enterprises with private corporations for business development mentoring. We strongly encourage contractors doing business with the State of Florida to consider this initiative. For more information on the

Mentor Protégé Program, please contact the Office of Supplier Diversity at (850) 487-0915 or osdinfo@dms.myflorida.com.

FWC encourages diversity in its procurement program and requests that all subcontracting opportunities afforded by this solicitation enthusiastically embrace diversity. The award of subcontracts should reflect mailto:bidrequest@myfwc.com?subject=Extension%20Request https://www.dms.myflorida.com/agency_administration/office_of_supplier_diversity_osd/mentor_protege_program mailto:osdinfo@dms.myflorida.com

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 11.4.2022 FWC 22/23-28, Page 5 of 47 the vast array of citizens in the State of Florida. Bidders can visit the Office of Supplier Diversity website for information on certified business enterprises that may be considered for subcontracting opportunities.

VERBAL INSTRUCTION PROCEDURE

Bidders may not consider any verbal instructions as binding upon the Commission. No negotiations, discussions, or actions shall be initiated or executed by the Bidder as a result of any discussion with any

Commission employee. Only those communications from the Commission that are in writing, may be considered as a duly authorized expression on behalf of the Commission.

DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS

Any questions from Bidders that require an official FWC answer concerning this project shall be submitted in writing to the Procurement Manager. Questions must be received no later than the date and time specified in the Calendar of Events (Page 2). Questions may be sent via email with the solicitation number in the subject line. It is the responsibility of the bidder to confirm receipt of questions if needed.

If questions are received, an addendum will be issued and shall be posted on the Vendor Information Portal

(https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com).

LIMITATION ON BIDDER CONTACT DURING SOLICITATION PERIOD

Bidders to this solicitation or persons acting on their behalf may not contact, between the release of the solicitation and the end of the 72-hour period following the Commission posting the notice of intended award, (i.e., the 72-hour posting period excludes Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays) any employee or officer of the executive or legislative branch concerning any aspect of this solicitation, except in writing to the Procurement Manager or as provided in the solicitation documents. Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting a response.

BIDDER SPECIFICATION INQUIRIES

If the specifications of this Invitation to Bid (ITB) could restrict potential Bidder competition, the Bidder has 72 hours within which to request to the Commission that the specification(s) be changed. The

Procurement Manager must receive the written request within 72 hours after the posting date of the ITB.

Requested changes to the Commission’s specifications shall include the Bidder’s concerns regarding restricting competition, provide detailed justification, and provide recommended changes to the specification(s). A Bidder’s failure to request changes by the prescribed date and time shall be considered to constitute the Bidder’s acceptance of the Commission’s specifications.

The Commission shall determine what change(s) to the ITB is acceptable to the Commission. If accepted, the Commission shall issue an addendum reflecting the change(s) to the ITB, which shall be posted to the

Vendor Information Portal (https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com).

It is up to the bidder to ensure that everything is included as required by the Commission’s Purchasing

Office. It is not the Commission’s responsibility to mail or fax any forms to a potential Contractor. Bid packet information may also be requested from the Commission’s Purchasing Section by calling (850) 488-

6551. Please have bid number and Bidder information available when requesting any information.

ADDENDUMS

If the Commission finds it necessary to supplement, modify or interpret any portion of the specifications or documents or answer any Bidder questions during the ITB period an addendum shall be posted on the https://www.dms.myflorida.com/agency_administration/office_of_supplier_diversity_osd/mentor_protege_program

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 11.4.2022 FWC 22/23-28, Page 6 of 47

Vendor Information Portal internet site. Each Bidder is responsible for monitoring the Vendor Information

Portal website (https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com) for new or changing information relative to this procurement. The Commission bears no responsibility for any delays, or resulting impacts, associated with a

Bidder’s failure to obtain the information made available through the Vendor Information Portal.

BIDDER ACKNOWLEDGMENT

In order for this bid to be valid, the bid must be completed in its entirety, signed by the Bidder and returned, as part of the bid or the bid will be rejected. By affixing your signature to the ITB Bidder Acknowledgement

Form (page 1), the Bidder hereby states that the Bidder has read all bid specifications and conditions and agrees to all terms, conditions, provisions, specifications, and is currently licensed to do business within the

State of Florida, if required by State or Federal Law, for the services or commodities the Bidder will provide the Commission under these bid specifications.

REFERENCES

Each prospective Bidder shall provide a minimum of three (3) references for similar projects completed.

Current contact names and phone numbers shall be included with the bid package. See the attached references form for more detail.

IDENTICAL TIE BIDS

Preference shall be given to businesses with drug-free workplace programs. If two (2) or more bids which are equal with respect to price, quality, and service are received by the State or by any political subdivision for the procurement of commodities or contractual services, a bid received from a business that certifies that it has implemented a drug-free workplace program shall be given preference in the award process.

Contractors must complete the Identical Tie Bid / Drug Free Workplace form (Attachment D) provided and return it with their bid.

SUPPORTING/SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

The Commission requires that bidders submit all required technical, specification, and other supporting information with their bid, so that a detailed analysis and determination can be made, by the Contract

Manager that the product/service offered meets this ITB’s specifications and that other requirements of this ITB have been met. However, provided a bid meets the requirements for a definite, firm, unqualified, and unconditional offer, the Commission reserves the right to request supplemental information from the bidder after the bids have been opened to ensure that the products/services offered completely meet this

ITB’s requirements. The requirement for such supplemental information will be at the reasonable discretion of the Commission and may include the requirement that a bidder will provide a sample product(s) so that the Commission can make a first-hand examination and determination.

A bidder's failure to provide this supplemental information or the product sample(s), within the time set by the Commission, will cause the Commission to consider the Contractor non-responsive and reject the

Contractor’s bid.

CONFIDENTIALITY/PUBLIC RECORDS LAW

Bidders are cautioned that Florida law generously defines what constitutes a public record and grants broad rights of public access to those records; see, for example, section 119.07, F.S. If a Bidder believes that its response contains information that is confidential or exempt from disclosure under Florida Law, the Bidder shall clearly segregate and mark that information (for example, stamp each page "Confidential" and place it in an envelope marked "Confidential") and briefly describe in writing the grounds and specific legal citations for claiming exemption from the public records law. If after the notice of intended decision or

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 11.4.2022 FWC 22/23-28, Page 7 of 47 thirty (30) days after bid opening, whichever is earlier, the Commission receives a public record request related to the solicitation, the Commission will provide copies of public records that are not exempt to the requester. The Commission will endeavor to provide notice to the Bidder of all public records requests received related to documents provided by the Bidder that were marked pursuant to this paragraph. In no event shall the Bidder hold the Commission or any of its employees or agents liable for disclosing, or otherwise failing to protect the confidentiality of, information submitted in response to this solicitation.

MAILING INSTRUCTIONS

All bids shall be submitted in a SEALED ENVELOPE addressed to:

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Attn: Purchasing

1875 Orange Ave E

Tallahassee, Florida 32311-6160.

The envelope shall be plainly marked on the outside with: BID NUMBER, DATE AND TIME OF THE BID

OPENING.

THE COMMISSION IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OPENING OF ANY ENVELOPES THAT ARE NOT PROPERLY

MARKED.

PLEASE NOTE: The Commission’s official business hours of operation are 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ET, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and state holidays. Selecting delivery services, such as next day first delivery, may result in attempted delivery prior to opening or closing, and the Commission will not be available to accept those deliveries. THE COMMISSION IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LATE SUBMISSIONS DUE TO COMPLICATIONS

RELATED TO SELECTED DELIVERY SERVICES.

SOLICITATION PUBLIC OPENING

The public opening of this bid will be conducted at the date, time and method specified on the Calendar of

Events (Page 2). BIDS RECEIVED AFTER THE SPECIFIED DATE AND TIME WILL BE REJECTED.

Any person with a qualified disability shall not be denied equal access and effective communication regarding any bid/proposal documents or the attendance at any related meeting or bid/proposal opening. If accommodations are needed because of a disability, please contact the Purchasing Section at (850) 488-6551 at least three (3) workdays prior to the opening.

AWARDED BID/INSPECTION

The Commission will award the bid to the responsive, responsible bidder who submits the lowest bid price.

If deemed necessary, an interview with the bidder by the Contract Manager may be required before the bid is awarded.

The Commission reserves the right to inspect the prospective Contractor’s materials and background record prior to making an award of the Contract. If the Contract Manager determines the lowest bidder does not have sufficient experience, equipment, etc. to meet the specifications of this ITB, the Commission reserves the right to reject the bidder and evaluate the next lowest bidder.

POSTING OF BID TABS

Bid Tabulations with Contractors identified as awarded bidders will be posted electronically as Agency

Decisions on the Department of Management Services Vendor Information Portal as a Public Notice. The

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 11.4.2022 FWC 22/23-28, Page 8 of 47

Agency Decision may be viewed at https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com, and will remain posted for a period of 72 hours. Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in Section 120.57(3)(b), F.S., shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, F.S.

Awarded Bidders are instructed not to proceed until a Purchase Order, Formal Written Contract, Lease, Notice to Proceed, or some other form of written notice is given to the Contractor by the Commission. A company or person who proceeds prior to receiving a Purchase Order, Formal Written Contract, Lease, Notice to Proceed, or some other form of written notice from the Commission does so without a contract and at their own risk.

Sealed bids, proposals, or replies received by an agency pursuant to a competitive solicitation are exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution until such time as the agency provides notice of an intended decision or until thirty (30) days after opening the bids, proposals, or final replies, whichever is earlier.

SCOPE CHANGES AFTER CONTRACT EXECUTION

The Commission shall provide written notice to the successful bidder thirty (30) days in advance of any

Commission required changes to the technical specifications and/or scope of service that affect the successful bidder’s ability to provide the service as specified herein. Any changes that are other than purely administrative changes will require a change order.

FWC CONTRACT MANAGER

The FWC employee identified as the Contract Manager shall perform the following on behalf of the FWC:

• review, verify, and approve receipt of services/deliverables from the Contractor;

• submit requests for change orders/amendments/renewals, if applicable;

• review, verify, and approve invoices from the Contractor; and, if applicable, complete the

Certificate of Contract Completion form; and

• maintain an official record of all correspondence between the Commission and the Contractor and forward the original correspondence to the Procurement Manager for the official file.

DELIVERABLES

The following services or service tasks are identified as deliverables for the purposes of the subsequent

Contract:

a. Performance of all services set forth in the Scope of Work.

b. Submission of all invoicing, supporting documentation, Corrective Action Plans and reports.

WARRANTIES/DAMAGED ITEMS/DELIVERY

The Contractor shall assume full responsibility for providing or ensuring warranty coverage and/or warranty service on any and all items including goods, materials, or equipment provided to the Commission.

If Contractor is not the Manufacturer, all Manufacturer warranties must be passed through to the

Commission.

Delivery shall be made no later than the specified Delivery Date. The Contractor shall pay all costs associated with delivery and shall assume full responsibility for all item(s) damaged prior to the F.O.B.

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0100-0199/0119/Sections/0119.07.html

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 11.4.2022 FWC 22/23-28, Page 9 of 47 destination delivery and agree to hold harmless the Commission of all responsibility for prosecuting damage claims.

The Contractor shall assume full responsibility for replacement of all defective or damaged goods within thirty (30) days of notice by the Commission of such defect or damage.

GUARANTEE

If products do not comply with the specifications contained herein, the Contractor shall replace the product(s), or the purchase price shall be refunded. The refund or the delivery of the replacement product(s) shall be made within thirty (30) days following the Contract Manager’s notification to the Contractor that the original product(s) was non-compliant. Costs of returning the original product(s) will be the sole responsibility of the Contractor.

AUTHORIZED COMPENSATION

It is understood and agreed that all compensation under this ITB is specifically limited to the Contractor’s bid price accepted by the Commission, and to the specific procedure for payment established in this ITB and the Purchase Order executed pursuant to it. The Commission is not liable for any costs, fees, expenses or any other compensation whatsoever incurred or charged by the Contractor, other than the bid price paid for the work specifically described in the Scope of Work, which work is actually accomplished and invoiced by the Contractor subsequent to the Commission’s notice to proceed (or other notice to begin work). Thus, the Commission is not liable for any costs incurred or charged by the Contractor in anticipation of responding to, or performing work described in, this ITB including, but not limited to, equipment or personnel procured by the Contractor in anticipation of such work. The Commission is not responsible to the Contractor for any loss or damages resulting from circumstances unforeseen at the time of publication of this ITB including, but not limited to, those resulting from a “force majeure”.

ADDITIONAL LEGAL REQUIREMENT

All corporations seeking to do business with the State shall, at the time of submitting a bid, be on file with the Department of State in accordance with provisions of Chapter 607, F.S.; similarly, partnerships seeking to do business with the State shall, at the time of submitting such bid, have complied with the applicable provisions of Chapter 620, F.S. For further information on required filing and forms, please go to the following sites: http://sunbiz.org or http://dos.myflorida.com.

USE OF CONTRACT BY OTHER STATE AGENCIES AND ELIGIBLE USERS

As provided in Chapter 60A-1.045, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), and Section 287.042(16), F.S., other State of Florida agencies may purchase from the resulting contract of this ITB, provided that the

Department of Management Services has determined the contract’s use is cost effective and in the best interest of the State, and with the Contractor’s consent.

Other State of Florida governmental entities and eligible users may also request of the Contractor to be able to use this contract. If the Contractor agrees to other entities to utilize this ITB contract, such agencies shall coordinate their use of this contract with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in order to reduce scheduling conflicts.

CONDITIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS

The bidder is required to examine carefully the conditions and specifications of this bid and to be thoroughly informed regarding any and all requirements of the conditions and specifications.

http://www.sunbiz.org/ http://dos.myflorida.com/

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 11.4.2022 FWC 22/23-28, Page 10 of 47

SCOPE OF WORK

FWC 22/23-28

FLORIDA PANTHER CAPTURE/MANAGEMENT SERVICES

PURPOSE

The Commission is responsible for the recovery, management and conservation of wildlife in Florida, including the Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi). The Commission locates, captures and handles panthers to assess health status, collect biological and genetic samples, provide medical inoculations and apply telemetry collars and other identifying markers to determine movements, breeding success and habitat use. Locating, capturing, and handling panthers requires particular expertise and experience in animal safety issues because they are potentially dangerous animals and are federally-listed as

Endangered.

The Commission’s panther research and management objectives rely on well-trained hounds to capture target panthers. In addition, bobcats (Lynx rufus) are increasingly used as a surrogate to study the impact of feline leukomyelopathy (FLM; a neurological disorder that affects both species) and their safe capture also relies on well-trained hounds.

Services are primarily required in Collier, Lee and Hendry Counties, but may extend to other areas where

Florida panthers have been documented.

1. QUALIFICATIONS

1.1 The Commission is seeking individuals with prior experience at identifying puma sign and live-capturing puma and bobcats for research or management and with the use of remote injection equipment (e.g., dart guns). The Commission owns several of these dart guns and will provide them for use during capture activities. Experience in how to properly place a loaded dart into the equipment and select the appropriate pressure setting for firing the dart is strongly desired.

1.2 The Contractor shall have a vehicle capable of pulling equipment up to 6,000 pounds and be knowledgeable in safe trailering practices. The vehicle shall be maintained to ensure reliable service to capture sites which are commonly unpaved and within remote natural areas. Additionally, the vehicle will be used to transport the Contractor’s hounds to/from capture/training sites and take assigned Commission equipment to the field and repair shops when necessary. The Contractor shall have the ability to drive 4-wheel drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles and swamp buggies. The

Commission provides and maintains these vehicles for use by capture services personnel. The work conducted under this contract occurs in remote areas of Florida and experience in the use of these types of vehicles is essential.

1.2.1 The Contractor shall secure and maintain, for the life of this Contract, insurance coverage satisfactory to the Commission for the Contractor’s use of Commission equipment with limits not less than $300,000 per incident for bodily injury and property damage liability. The coverage must also include personal injury protection meeting the statutory minimum as well as collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and uninsured motorist coverage of minimums determined by the Commission as adequate for the equipment use by the Contractor.

1.2.2 Prior to entering the Contract the Contractor must provide, to the Commission, evidence of insurance in effect, equal to or exceeding the limits presented in the Scope of Work.

1.2.3 The Contractor shall be required to sign a Memo of Authorization to Operate Fish and

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 11.4.2022 FWC 22/23-28, Page 11 of 47

Wildlife Conservation Commission Vehicles prior to being permitted to use equipment owned by the Commission.

1.3 The Commission will provide a GPS unit and associated batteries to log training and capture activities. The Contractor shall have the ability to maintain and download data.

1.4 The Contractor shall maintain accurate records and file paperwork on a monthly basis. The

Contractors will keep GPS tracks with hound activity and panther locations and submit those each month to the Project Manager or their designee. The Contractor will also complete other reports/forms as needed following assignments from the Commission.

1.5 The Contractor shall have the ability to identify panther kills of domestic animals and the ability to interact in a positive manner with the public regarding human-panther conflicts.

1.6 The Contractor and all personnel shall have access to a working cellular phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, throughout the year.

2. SERVICES

2.1 The Contractor shall provide personnel, expertise and trained hounds to assist with the location, capture, handling, management, study and survey of Florida panthers and bobcats. Personnel needed to accomplish the tasks in this Scope of Work may include a single employee with all the appropriate skills or more than one employee with a combination of skills.

2.2 The Contractor shall provide assistance to the Commission, as directed, in handling human-panther interactions, evaluation of panther-related public safety issues, developing and implementing aversive conditioning techniques and investigation of livestock depredations.

3. HOUNDS

3.1 Hounds should be trained to trail only wild feline scent, preferably specific to panther (puma, cougar, or mountain lion) and bobcats. The Commission is responsible for the conservation and management of panthers, including dealing with any public safety issues, and the Commission invests significant resources into panther captures. The Contractor needs to provide highly-trained hounds so that the

Commission can address these responsibilities.

3.2 All hounds will be vaccinated against rabies and up-to-date on other standard recommended vaccinations, such as DHLPP (D = distemper, H = infectious canine hepatitis, L = leptospirosis, P

= parainfluenza, P = parvovirus). Veterinary records or records of vaccination purchases and subsequent inoculations shall be provided prior to commencement of work.

4. CAPTURE TEAM

The Commission’s panther capture team is comprised of agency personnel including a Capture Team

Leader, a panther veterinarian and other capture support biologists, including one with tree climbing skills. The capture services personnel who handles the trained hounds is a critical member of this capture team. Panther capture work is a team effort with each member of the team having certain responsibilities. Mutual respect among team members is essential. The Commission’s panther capture team is authorized to pursue and capture panthers through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service. All capture team members provide input as to whether or not a treed panther can be safely immobilized and lowered to the ground but the ultimate decision rests with the

Capture Team Leader.

5. TIME FRAME

Capture service needs will vary throughout a given year with a 2 - 4 month capture season during the cooler, dry winter and on an as-needed basis for the remainder of the year. Work will not be required most weekends and holidays. Additional time off can be negotiated with the Commission.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 11.4.2022 FWC 22/23-28, Page 12 of 47

5.1 Capture Season – Intensive panther capture and survey work is conducted primarily during the winter, commencing on or after November 1 and ending on or about March 1.

5.1.1 Weather conditions during this time include little rain with temperatures ranging from lows in the 40s to highs in the 80s.

5.1.2 Work schedule will generally be 5 days (Monday through Friday) per week but with the possibility of weekend and holiday work as required. Additional workdays will be requested on an as-needed basis. Work duties may occur at any time of day; however, most workdays will seldom require more than 10 hours.

5.1.3 Capture activities typically commence around sunrise and continue into the afternoon.

5.1.4 Some overnight travel may be required; associated travel expenses will be paid for by the

Commission in accordance with Florida Statutes. The Project Manager will approve such travel before any Contractor expense is incurred.

5.1.5 The Contractor will position their hounds and any applicable employees within an approximate

50-mile radius of the Commission’s Naples Field Office (298 Sabal Palm Road, Naples, Florida

3411) during the capture season.

5.1.6 Due to the potential for disease transmission between humans and felines, the Contractor will submit a COVID self-test weekly to ensure the safety of any captured wild animals and correctly use Personal Protective Equipment, as required by the Capture Team Leader.

5.1.7 The Commission will request a daily rate for capture services to include all operating expenses of the Contractor, such as vehicle maintenance costs, fuel, and COVID test supplies. Payment will be provided for days capture services are provided.

5.1.8 Days when no capture services are provided during the capture season (due to a cancellation by the Contractor for a reason other than weather) will be paid the on-call rate (see below).

5.1.9 At the discretion of the Capture Team Leader, repeated or continuous cancellations by the

Contractor may result in termination of the contract.

5.1.10 Repeated failure of the hounds to exhibit adequate training and fitness, as determined by the

Capture Team Leader, during capture season may result in contract termination.

5.2 Off-Season Services – Capture/management/research services may be required from March through

October on an as-needed basis during the Off-Season.

5.2.1 Services may include investigating panther depredations, dealing with other human-panther interactions and conducting research and monitoring tasks.

5.2.2 The Commission recognizes that keeping hounds ready to effectively track panthers requires regular training throughout the year.

5.2.3 The Contractor and/or their employees and hounds must be on call and able to respond to a service request within 24 hours.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 11.4.2022 FWC 22/23-28, Page 13 of 47

5.2.4 The Commission will request a daily on-call rate to include all costs of keeping hounds prepared, such as food, medicine, vaccines, and transportation costs. This rate will be paid at

5 days a week.

5.2.5 Due to the potential for disease transmission between humans and felines, the Contractor will submit a negative COVID test prior to responding to any off-season service involving the potential for handling live wild animals.

5.2.6 The Commission will request a daily rate for responding to a request for off-season services to include all operating expenses of the Contractor.

Financial Consequences:

5.2.7 Failure of the Contractor to respond to a requested service during the off-season will result in a 50% penalty for the day. At the discretion of the Capture Team Leader, repeated or continuous cancellations by the Contractor may result in termination of the contract.

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Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 11.4.2022 FWC 22/23-28, Page 14 of 47

PRICE SHEET

FWC 22/23-28

CONTRACTOR SHALL NOT ALTER THE PRICE SHEET IN ANY WAY.

Price quoted shall not contain any Federal or State sales or use taxes. The bidder recognizes that the State of Florida, by virtue of its sovereignty, is not required to pay taxes on services, goods and/or equipment purchased incident to such service. Quoted price shall include all necessary items to complete the project.

ALL ITEMS SHALL BE BID OR THE BID WILL BE REJECTED. THE BID WILL BE AWARDED TO

THE RESPONSIVE, RESPONSIBLE BIDDER THAT SUBMITS THE LOWEST TOTAL PRICE.

PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 287.057(1)(a)1. AND 287.057(1)(a)2., F.S., EACH CONTRACTOR SHALL

SUPPLY A PRICE FOR EACH YEAR THAT A CONTRACT MAY BE RENEWED (SEE RENEWAL

CLAUSE).

Capture Season. Capture needs will vary between 2 - 4 months.

Initial Year: Daily rate =

Renewal Year 1: Daily rate =

Renewal Year 2: Daily rate =

Renewal Year 3: Daily rate =

TOTAL Capture Season Pricing (Initial Year

+ All Renewal Years) =

Off-Season. On call for other services, including keeping hounds prepared.

Initial Year: Daily rate = $

Renewal Year 1: Daily rate = $

Renewal Year 2: Daily rate = $

Renewal Year 3: Daily rate = $

TOTAL On Call Pricing (Initial Year + All

Renewal Years) =

Off-Season. Response to an off-season service.

Initial Year: Daily rate = $

Renewal Year 1: Daily rate = $

Renewal Year 2: Daily rate = $

Renewal Year 3: Daily rate = $

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 11.4.2022 FWC 22/23-28, Page 15 of 47

TOTAL Off Season Pricing (Initial Year + All

Renewal Years) =

TOTAL BID PRICE (Sum of Capture Season

+ Off Season On Call + Off Season Response)

BY SIGNING BELOW, I ATTEST THAT I HAVE READ THE ENTIRE BID AND AGREE TO FURNISH

THE SERVICE AT THE PRICE QUOTED ABOVE. I HEREBY AFFIRM I HAVE NOT BEEN IN ANY

AGREEMENT OR COLLUSION AMONG BIDDERS IN RESTRAINT OF FREEDOM OF COMPETITION.

Contractor: ___________________________

Address: _____________________________

Signed: _______________________________

Print Name: __________________________

Title: ________________________________

Fax: _________________________________

City/State/Zip: ________________________

Telephone: ___________________________

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Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 11.4.2022 FWC 22/23-28, Page 16 of 47

REFERENCES

FWC 22/23-28

A minimum of three (3) references from persons or firms for whom the bidder has performed similar jobs as per the specifications in this bid must be supplied with the bid. The firms and/or contact persons should be available between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. If any reference is not available as stated above, this may be cause for rejection of the Bidder’s bid. Provide a description (scope of work) of each job.

NAME OF COMPANY: ___________________________________________________________________________

CONTACT PERSON: _____________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________________________________________

CITY/STATE/ZIP: ________________________________________________________________________________

TELEPHONE NUMBER: ________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS: _____________________________

JOB DATE: _____________________________________________________________________________________

DESCRIPTION (SCOPE OF WORK): ______________________________________________________________

NAME OF COMPANY: ___________________________________________________________________________

CONTACT PERSON: _____________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________________________________________

CITY/STATE/ZIP: ________________________________________________________________________________

TELEPHONE NUMBER: ________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS: _____________________________

JOB DATE: _____________________________________________________________________________________

DESCRIPTION (SCOPE OF WORK): ______________________________________________________________

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 11.4.2022 FWC 22/23-28, Page 17 of 47

NAME OF COMPANY: ___________________________________________________________________________

CONTACT PERSON: _____________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________________________________________

CITY/STATE/ZIP: ________________________________________________________________________________

TELEPHONE NUMBER: ________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS: _____________________________

JOB DATE: _____________________________________________________________________________________

DESCRIPTION (SCOPE OF WORK): ______________________________________________________________

CONTRACTOR NAME

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 11.4.2022 FWC 22/23-28, Page 18 of 47

ATTACHMENT A

FWC 22/23-28

FLORIDA FISH & WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

PURCHASE ORDER TERMS & CONDITIONS

Last Updated: November 1, 2022

Section 1. PURCHASE ORDER.

A. Composition and Priority.

The Contractor agrees to provide commodities or contractual services to the Commission within the manner and at the location specified in the Purchase Order, and any attachments to the Purchase

Order. These Purchase Order Terms and Conditions, whether generic or specific, shall take precedence over any inconsistent or conflicting provision in the State of Florida, General Contract

Conditions, PUR 1000. Additionally, the terms of the Purchase Order supersede the terms of any and all prior agreements with respect to this purchase.

B. Initial Term.

Unless otherwise specified, the Purchase Order begins on the date of issuance. Contractual services or commodities to be provided by the Contractor shall be completed by the date specified on the

Purchase Order end date.

Section 2. PERFORMANCE.

A. Performance Standards.

The Contractor agrees to perform all tasks and provide deliverables as set forth in the Statement of

Work and attachments to the Purchase Order. The Commission shall be entitled at all times, upon request, to be advised as to the status of work being done by the Contractor and of the details thereof.

Coordination shall be maintained by the Contractor with representatives of the Commission, or of other agencies involved in the project on behalf of the Commission.

B. Performance Deficiency.

If the Commission determines that the performance of the Contractor is unsatisfactory, the

Commission may notify the Contractor of the deficiency to be corrected, which correction shall be made within a time frame specified by the Commission. The Contractor shall provide the Commission with a corrective action plan describing how the Contractor will address all issues of Purchase Order non‐performance, unacceptable performance, and failure to meet the minimum performance levels, deliverable deficiencies, or Purchase Order non‐compliance. If the corrective action plan is unacceptable to the Commission, the Contractor will be assessed a non‐performance retainage equivalent to ten (10) percent of the total invoice amount or as specified in the contractual documents.

The retainage will be applied to the invoice for the then‐current billing period. The retainage will be withheld until the Contractor resolves the deficiency. If the deficiency is subsequently resolved, the

Contractor may invoice the Commission for the retained amount during the next billing period. If the

Contractor is unable to resolve the deficiency, the funds retained will be forfeited.

C. Contractor Responsibilities.

The Contractor agrees that all Contractor employees, subcontractors, or agents performing work under the Purchase Order shall be properly trained technicians who meet or exceed any specified training qualifications. Upon request, the Contractor shall furnish a copy of technical certification or other proof of qualification. All employees, subcontractors, or agents performing work under the

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 11.4.2022 FWC 22/23-28, Page 19 of 47

Purchase Order must comply with all security and administrative requirements of the Commission.

The Commission may conduct, and the Contractor shall cooperate in, a security background check or otherwise assess any employee, subcontractor, or agent furnished by the Contractor. The Commission may refuse access to, or require replacement of, any personnel for cause, including, but not limited to, technical or training qualifications, quality of work, change in security status, or non-compliance with the Commission’s security or other requirements. Such refusal shall not relieve the Contractor of its obligation to perform all work in compliance with the Purchase Order. The Commission may reject and bar from any facility for cause any of the Contractor’s employees, subcontractors, or agents.

D. Assignment.

The Contractor shall not sell, assign or transfer any of its rights, duties or obligations under the

Purchase Order without the prior written consent of the Commission. In the event of any assignment, the Contractor remains secondarily liable for performance of the Purchase Order, unless the

Commission expressly waives such secondary liability. The Commission may assign the Purchase

Order with prior written notice to the Contractor.

E. Damages to State Property.

Any damages to state property (e.g., structures, roads, culverts, fences, trees, or other natural resources) caused by the Contractor while working on this project shall be the responsibility of the

Contractor to remedy, as determined by the Commission. The Contractor shall be responsible for the conduct of all Contractor personnel at all times while on the job site.

Should any historical or cultural artifacts be uncovered, the Contractor shall immediately halt work and notify the Commission’s Contract Manager. Please note: The State Archaeologist has the power to halt work if he or she has reason to believe artifacts are being disturbed.

F. Subcontractor Minority Status Report.

Contractor shall provide a Subcontractor Minority Status Report (Attachment B) to the Commission’s

Contract Manager, summarizing the participation of certified and non-certified woman-, veteran-and/or minority-owned business enterprise subcontractors/material suppliers for this Contract. The report shall be completed in its entirety and submitted with each invoice. The Contractor shall indicate “N/A” if the project does not utilize subcontractors. The Office of Supplier Diversity can assist in furnishing names of qualified woman-, veteran- and/or minority-owned business enterprises.

Contact the Commission’s Minority Coordinator at (850) 488-6551 with any questions.

G. Independent Contractor.

The Contractor shall perform as an independent contractor and not as an agent, representative, or employee of the Commission. The Contractor covenants that it presently has no interest and shall not acquire any interest that would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance of services required. Each party hereto covenants that there is no conflict of interest or any other prohibited relationship between the Contractor and the Commission. The Contractor agrees to include this provision in all its subcontracts under the Purchase Order.

H. Commission Rights to Undertake or Award Supplemental Contracts.

The Contractor agrees that the Commission may undertake or award supplemental contracts for work related to the Purchase Order.