FWC 22.23-123 Final ITB.pdf

FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

1875 ORANGE AVENUE E

TALLAHASSEE, FL 32311-6160

(850) 488-6551

INVITATION TO BID

FWC 22/23-123

COMMERCIAL SALTWATER TRAP TAGS – BLUE CRAB, SPINY LOBSTER, AND STONE CRAB

REBID

ITB BIDDER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

Purpose: The intent of this bid is to obtain competitive pricing for saltwater trap tags to be attached to traps utilized for commercial harvesting of spiny lobsters, blue crabs, and stone crabs, per the specifications contained herein. Tags are required for commercial harvesters per Florida Statutes 379.365, 379.366 and 379.367. 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 fo l l owing:

“We understand all of the terms, conditions and the specifications contained herein and agree to abide by all of the terms, conditions and the speci f i cati ons in the i r enti re ty.

Authorized Signature (Manual): ___________________________________________________________________________________

Authorized Signature Name (Typed) and Title: ______________________________________________________________________

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.22.2023 FWC 22/23-123, Page 2 of 60

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FWC 22/23-123

SCHEDULE DUE DATE METHOD

Bid Advertised June 15, 2023 Posted on the Vendor Information Portal

(VIP)

Deadline for Questions

Must be received PRIOR to:

June 21, 2023

@ 5:00 PM ET

See Deadline for Questions Clause

Anticipated date for Responses to Written Questions June 26, 2023 Posted on the Vendor Information Portal

SEALED BIDS DUE

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

Must be received PRIOR to:

July 7, 2023

@ 2:00 PM 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 July 7, 2023

@ 2:00 PM 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 July 12, 2023 Posted on the Vendor Information Portal https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.22.2023 FWC 22/23-123, Page 3 of 60

GENERAL CONDITIONS

FWC 22/23-123

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 the Sample Contract, 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 3.22.2023 FWC 22/23-123, Page 4 of 60

PROCUREMENT MANAGER

Ruth Heggen

Ruth.Heggen@myfwc.com

ESTIMATED BUDGET

The Commission has an estimated budget for this project of $2,250,000.00.

Any bid submitted with a total cost that is ten percent (10%) over the estimated budget shall be considered non-responsive.

TERM

The contract will be effective for five (5) years from the date of contract execution.

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 of up to five (5) 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 . 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 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.

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 https://www.dms.myflorida.com/agency_administration/office_of_supplier_diversity_osd/mentor_protege_program

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.22.2023 FWC 22/23-123, Page 5 of 60

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.

SOLICITATION QUESTIONS

Any questions from Bidders that require an official FWC answer concerning this project shall be submitted in writing to the Procurement Manager. This includes specification inquiries, such as questions or requests for additional or altered terms and conditions. Questions to the Procurement Manager shall not constitute formal protest of the specifications or of the solicitation. 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 CHALLENGE

Any protest concerning the specifications of this solicitation shall be made in accordance with PUR1001, paragraph 20, “Protests”. A notice of protest of the solicitation documents shall be made within seventy-two hours after the posting of the solicitation. 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.

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

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.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.22.2023 FWC 22/23-123, Page 6 of 60

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 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.

REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.22.2023 FWC 22/23-123, Page 7 of 60

MAILING INSTRUCTIONS

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

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Attn: Purchasing

1875 Orange Avenue 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 T HAT 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 total 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

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, Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.22.2023 FWC 22/23-123, Page 8 of 60

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 formal contract amendment.

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.

LIQUIDATED DAMAGES

If the Contractor fails to complete the work or the conditions of the and/or by the completion date, the

Commission shall have the right to deduct liquidated damages from any amount due and payable to the Contractor. Liquidated damages shall be assessed in the amount of $100.00 per calendar day per customer order of delay. Exceptions to this provision may be made if a delay is attributable to circumstances that are clearly beyond the control of the Contractor. The burden of proof of unavoidable delay shall rest with the

Contractor and shall be supplied in a written form and submitted to the Contract Manager.

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.

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 3.22.2023 FWC 22/23-123, Page 9 of 60

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.

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 Contract 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.

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

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.22.2023 FWC 22/23-123, Page 10 of 60

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.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.22.2023 FWC 22/23-123, Page 11 of 60

SCOPE OF WORK

FWC 22/23-123

COMMERCIAL SALTWATER TRAP TAGS – BLUE CRAB, SPINY LOBSTER, AND STONE CRAB REBID

PURPOSE

FWC is seeking to procure saltwater trap tags to be attached to traps utilized for commercial harvesting of spiny lobsters, blue crabs, and stone crabs for continuation of fisheries management.

Under the current contract for the 21/22 fiscal year (July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022), the Commission ordered

1.75 million trap tags (approximately 297,000 blue crab tags, 452,000 spiny lobster tags, and 1 million stone crab tags). Orders were sent to the current vendor weekly in varying quantities and shipped to cus tomers directly by the vendor, on behalf of the Commission, to delivery locations across the State of Florida, with a few orders delivered to neighboring southeastern states. Continued vendor fulfillment is required by the Commission. Respondents must propose pricing for all tag types and fulfillment.

Trap tags are attached to traps which are stacked in a “trap yard” or stored on boats for long periods of time, exposed to harsh weather conditions, including high heat, wind, and rain, and roughly handled when stacking and moving. Traps with affixed tags are then submerged in saltwater for up to 24 months. The durability of the tags and readability of the printed information on each prior to, during, and after submersion in saltwater is of utmost importance.

Lobster traps are wooden traps, stone crab traps are metal wire and plastic traps, and blue crab traps are metal wire traps. Images of current tags are shown in Figure 2 for blue crab (green tag) and Figure 3 for spiny lobster and stone crab (orange tag). Blue crab tags are currently the only tags attached using a looping mechanism through the trap. Trap tags for lobster and stone crab tags must be attached flat against the slats of lobster and stone crab traps due to species interference and tag destruction. However, it has been determined that the looping mechanism style (security seal) tag, currently used for blue crab traps will suffice for all trap types as it can be attached flat to stone crab and lobster traps. Therefore, only this tag type will be considered.

according to tag color and marking requirements.

TRAP & TAG TYPES

There are three (3) trap and tag types.

1. Stone crab traps are plastic or wire traps and represented by their endorsement type X.

2. Blue crab traps are wire traps and represented by their endorsement types VHI, VHO, VS, and VN.

3. Spiny lobster traps are wood traps and represented by their endorsement type C.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.22.2023 FWC 22/23-123, Page 12 of 60

Table 1. Tag Types

Tag Type Estimated Number of

Tags

Estimated Number of

Deliveries

Endorsement

Type/Code

Lobster (C)

455,000

C

Stone Crab (X)

1,060,000

X

Blue Crab Hard Shell-

Inshore (VHI)

225,000

VHI

Blue Crab Hard Shell- Offshore (VHO)

58,000

VHO

Blue Crab Soft Shell

(VS)

15,000

VS

Blue Crab Non-

Transferable (VN)

2,500

VN

Estimated Total Number of Tags Ordered Per Year: 1,815,500

Figure 1. Stone crab, plastic trap - Standard plastic stone crab trap measurements: 16" x 16" x 12" Stone crab, wire trap - Standard wire stone crab trap measurements: 20” x 20” x 20”

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.22.2023 FWC 22/23-123, Page 13 of 60

Figure 2. Blue crab trap (wire trap): Standard wire blue crab trap measurements: 24" x 24" x 24

Figure 3. Spiny lobster trap (wooden trap): Standard wood lobster trap measurements: 15 in. x 22 in. x 32 in.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.22.2023 FWC 22/23-123, Page 14 of 60

Figure 4. Trap Stacking (image 1)

Figure 6. Trap Stacking (image 3)

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Figure 7. Trap Stacking (image 4)

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1. REQUIRED SPECIFICATION:

1.1. Tags shall be made of durable flexible plastic material (or similar) no longer than 10 inches, that can be attached to any trap and remain affixed for the required period herein.

1.2. Tags must securely attach to the trap and shall be able to remain intact and required text readable in harsh conditions such as saltwater, sun, harsh current, direct sunlight, abrasion/contact with rocks/coral/boats, high temperatures and Florida weather for a minimum of 18 months. Tags shall not peel, break, split, crack, fade or have any printed information become illegible or tags non-functional. Darker tags colors have historically shown the least UV fading and best durability for printed information.

1.3. Tags must be able to withstand trap stacking, where tags are attached to traps that may contain cement weights and then stacked by the hundreds. Stacked traps are often left outside for weeks in the Florida elements prior to submersion in saltwater. See pictures provided herein.

1.4. Tags shall not interfere in any way with the operation of the traps.

1.5. Each tag shall have the following identifying information printed on it:

1.5.1. FWCC

1.5.2. State fiscal year (e.g., 23/24) – Florida fiscal years start July 1st and end June 30th of the following year.

1.5.3. Tag type and customer endorsement information (e.g., VHI-123456)

a. Each tag will have printed the unique customer endorsement number which shall begin with the endorsement type followed by a dash (“-“) and up to 8 alpha/numeric characters.

1.6. Tags must be a different color from the preceding year for ease of inspection and identification by law enforcement. All tag types for a given year may be the same color (ex: blue crab, stone crab and spiny lobster tags for FY 20/21 may all be navy). Historical tag colors by tag type and state fiscal year are listed below.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.22.2023 FWC 22/23-123, Page 17 of 60

FY C-Spiny Lobster X- stone crab VHI, VS, VN - blue crab

VHO – blue crab

2018-19 white light blue yellow red tags with white heat stamp

2019-20 pink gray royal blue white tags with black heat stamp

2020-21 yellow lime green red/white HS pink tags with black heat stamp

2021-22 red beige white green tags with white heat stamp

1.7. Tags shall be designed to be easily separated, such as ‘punched’ or ‘nicked’ between, for easy separation by customers. Tags of multiple quantities fulfilled to the same customer shall be separated, sorted, and bundled prior to shipping.

1.8. No duplication of tags with the same specified language or intent shall be manufactured without express written authorization by the Commission.

1.9. Production of tags shall be conducted under conditions of absolute security for complete accountability of tags produced.

1.10. Production and delivery time frame for fulfillment of orders directly to customers on behalf of the

Commission. (Order fulfillment includes packing, shipping, mailing, or tags to customers directly, submission of tracking numbers to the Commission, and addressing delivery related issues.)

1.10.1. Orders are currently sent to vendor weekly in varying quantities and tags are produced and shipped to customers directly within twenty (20) business days of vendor receipt of order, excluding holidays. Orders are shipped by the current vendor to delivery locations across the State of

Florida and a few neighboring southeastern states.

1.10.2. Shipping method must result in delivery to customer within five (5) calendar days and tracking numbers for all orders shipped must be provided to the Commission weekly. The Commission will not remit payment for orders where tracking numbers have not been provided and/or tags have not been or cannot be verified as delivered to customers.

1.10.3. The vendor is responsible for the delivery of the tags to the customer and for replacing any tags that are lost in transit, tags that are faulty, tags that are incorrectly produced, tags that break or arrive broken, or tags that do not meet the specifications herein. The vendor shall replace such tags at the vendor’s expense, including expedited production of tag replacements and shipping.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.22.2023 FWC 22/23-123, Page 18 of 60

1.11. As tags are shipped, the vendor shall report shipped orders to the Commission’s Contract Manager and/or designated point of contact(s) weekly via email, listing each customer’s name, endorsement type/number, order number, shipping date, quantity shipped, and tracking information.

2. TAG TESTING AND TAG SAMPLES

2.1 Tags shall be made of durable flexible plastic material (or similar), no longer than 10 inches, that can be attached to any trap and remain affixed for the required periods herein.

2.2 A minimum of five (5) sample tags of each type, color, and construction required under these specifications shall be provided with bid submittal or the bid will be found non-responsive. Sample tags shall be printed with “FWCC Test Tag” and samples provided should vary in color to display color options and include a list of additional colors available if samples are not provided for all color options.

2.3 Pictures of each tag type/sample provided with the proposal shall be included with detailed descriptions for each including instructions and/or options for attachment to each trap type, suggested attachment supplies required for flat attachment to traps for stone crab and spiny lobster, and how each will meet the needs of the Commission.

2.4 Sample tags shall clearly identify construction type and dimensions so that if bidding on more than one construction type/dimension, each construction type/dimension is clearly identified and each type/dimension is provided an individual cost sheet.

3. INVOICES

3.1. Vendor shall submit invoices to the Commission monthly, by the 10th calendar day of the following month, for all fees due and itemized by tag/fee type.

3.2. Invoices must be legible and must clearly reflect the goods or services that were provided in accordance with the terms of the Contract for the invoice period. Each invoice shall include the

Commission Contract Number and the Contractor’s Federal Employer Identification (FEID)

Number. Invoices may be submitted electronically to the attention of the Commission’s Contract

Manager. All bills for amounts due under this Contract shall be submitted in detail sufficient for a proper pre audit and post audit thereof. Contractor acknowledges that the Commission’s Contract

Manager shall reject invoices lacking documentation necessary to justify invoiced expenses.

3.3. Monthly invoices shall only include tag orders where tracking numbers have been provided to the

Commission and tags have been shipped and delivered. Invoices cannot be processed for orders that have not been delivered or orders for which the shipping/tracking information has not been provided to, received by, and/or verified as delivered by the Commission.

3.4. Invoices shall summarize the total quantity of tags invoiced by tag type, tag fiscal year, price per tag, any fees proposed and agreed upon, and total amount due.

3.4.1. Each order submitted to the vendor has a date referred to as the “FWC Order Date”. Each invoice submitted for payment shall include a separate detail tab/sheet that lists each “FWC Order

Date”, tag type, the quantity of each tag type invoiced, and each endorsement number (provided by FWC with each order). The sum of tags by tag type on each invoice detail should sum to and reconcile with the invoice summary.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.22.2023 FWC 22/23-123, Page 19 of 60

PRICE SHEET

FWC 22/23-123

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 BID 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).

Tag Production and Order Fulfillment to Customers - Original 5-Year Term - Year 1

Tag Type Quantity* Price per Tag Total

Spiny Lobster 455,000 $____________ $__________________

Stone Crab 1,060,000 $____________ $__________________

Blue Crab Hard Shell Inshore 225,000 $____________ $__________________

Blue Crab Hard Shell Offshore 58,000 $____________ $__________________

Blue Crab Non-Transferable 2,500 $____________ $__________________

Blue Crab Softshell 15,000 $____________ $__________________

Shipping Costs for Order Fulfillment $__________________

Other Fees (Please describe) _______________________ $___________________

Total - Year 1 - Original Term $____________________

Tag Production and Order Fulfillment to Customers - Original 5-Year Term - Year 2

Tag Type Quantity* Price per Tag $__________________

Spiny Lobster 455,000 $____________ $__________________

Stone Crab 1,060,000 $____________ $__________________

Blue Crab Hard Shell Inshore 225,000 $____________ $__________________

Blue Crab Hard Shell Offshore 58,000 $____________ $__________________

Blue Crab Non-Transferable 2,500 $____________ $__________________

Blue Crab Softshell 15,000 $____________ $__________________

Shipping Costs for Order Fulfillment $__________________

Other Fees (Please describe) _______________________ $__________________

Total - Year 2 - Original Term $____________________

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.22.2023 FWC 22/23-123, Page 20 of 60

Tag Production and Order Fulfillment to Customers - Original 5-Year Term - Year 3

Tag Type Quantity* Price per Tag Total

Spiny Lobster 455,000 $____________ $_________________

Stone Crab 1,060,000 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Hard Shell Inshore 225,000 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Hard Shell Offshore 58,000 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Non-Transferable 2,500 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Softshell 15,000 $____________ $_________________

Shipping Costs for Order Fulfillment $_________________

Other Fees (Please describe) _______________________ $_________________

Total - Year 3 - Original Term $_____________________

Tag Production and Order Fulfillment to Customers - Original 5-Year Term - Year 4

Spiny Lobster 455,000 $____________ $_________________

Stone Crab 1,060,000 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Hard Shell Inshore 225,000 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Hard Shell Offshore 58,000 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Non-Transferable 2,500 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Softshell 15,000 $____________ $_________________

Shipping Costs for Order Fulfillment $_________________

Total - Year 4 - Original Term $_____________________

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.22.2023 FWC 22/23-123, Page 21 of 60

Tag Production and Order Fulfillment to Customers - Original 5-Year Term - Year 5

Spiny Lobster 455,000 $____________ $_________________

Stone Crab 1,060,000 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Hard Shell Inshore 225,000 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Hard Shell Offshore 58,000 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Non-Transferable 2,500 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Softshell 15,000 $____________ $_________________

Shipping Costs for Order Fulfillment $_________________

Total - Year 5 Original Term $_____________________

Total - Original 5-Year Term $_____________________

Tag Production and Order Fulfillment to Customers - Renewal 5-Year Term - Year 1

Spiny Lobster 455,000 $____________ $_________________

Stone Crab 1,060,000 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Hard Shell Inshore 225,000 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Hard Shell Offshore 58,000 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Non-Transferable 2,500 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Softshell 15,000 $____________ $_________________

Shipping Costs for Order Fulfillment $_________________

Total - Year 1 - Renewal Term $_____________________

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.22.2023 FWC 22/23-123, Page 22 of 60

Tag Production and Order Fulfillment to Customers - Renewal 5-Year Term - Year 2

Spiny Lobster 455,000 $____________ $_________________

Stone Crab 1,060,000 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Hard Shell Inshore 225,000 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Hard Shell Offshore 58,000 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Non-Transferable 2,500 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Softshell 15,000 $____________ $_________________

Shipping Costs for Order Fulfillment $_________________

Total - Year 2 - Renewal Term $_____________________

Tag Production and Order Fulfillment to Customers - Renewal 5-Year Term - Year 3

Spiny Lobster 455,000 $____________ $_________________

Stone Crab 1,060,000 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Hard Shell Inshore 225,000 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Hard Shell Offshore 58,000 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Non-Transferable 2,500 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Softshell 15,000 $____________ $_________________

Shipping Costs for Order Fulfillment $_________________

Total - Year 3 - Renewal Term $_____________________

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.22.2023 FWC 22/23-123, Page 23 of 60

Tag Production and Order Fulfillment to Customers - Renewal 5-Year Term - Year 4

Spiny Lobster 455,000 $____________ $_________________

Stone Crab 1,060,000 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Hard Shell Inshore 225,000 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Hard Shell Offshore 58,000 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Non-Transferable 2,500 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Softshell 15,000 $____________ $_________________

Shipping Costs for Order Fulfillment $_________________

Total - Year 4- Renewal Term $_____________________

Tag Production and Order Fulfillment to Customers - Renewal 5-Year Term - Year 5

Spiny Lobster 455,000 $____________ $_________________

Stone Crab 1,060,000 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Hard Shell Inshore 225,000 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Hard Shell Offshore 58,000 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Non-Transferable 2,500 $____________ $_________________

Blue Crab Softshell 15,000 $____________ $_________________

Shipping Costs for Order Fulfillment $_________________

Total - Year 5 - Renewal Term $____________________

Total - Renewal 5-Year Term $_____________________

TOTAL BID PRICE $ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ _ ___

(TOTAL FOR INITIAL 5-YEAR TERM AND RENEWAL 5-YEAR TERM)

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.22.2023 FWC 22/23-123, Page 24 of 60

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

EACH ITEM 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: ___________________________

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.22.2023 FWC 22/23-123, Page 25 of 60

REFERENCES

FWC 22/23-123

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 3.22.2023 FWC 22/23-123, Page 26 of 60

NAME OF COMPANY: _________________________________________________________________________

CONTACT PERSON: ___________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________________________________

CITY/STATE/ZIP: ______________________________________________________________________________

TELEPHONE NUMBER: _______________________ EMAIL ADDRESS: ____________________________

JOB DATE: ____________________________________________________________________________________

DESCRIPTION (SCOPE OF WORK): _____________________________________________________________

CONTRACTOR NAME

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

ATTACHMENT A

FWC 22/23-123

SAMPLE VENDOR CONTRACT

STATE OF FLORIDA

FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

FWC Contract No. ____

This contract is entered into by and between the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation

Commission, whose address is 620 South Meridian…