FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

1875 ORANGE AVE E

TALLAHASSEE, FL 32311-6160

(850) 488-6551

TIMBER SALE AND ADMINISTRATION

APALACHICOLA RIVER WEA

FWC 24/25-100

INVITATION TO BID

ITB BIDDER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

Purpose: The intent of this bid is to obtain competitive pricing for Timber Sale and Administration on Apalachicola

River WEA, 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.

Sealed Bid: In response to an Invitation to Bid (ITB), a sealed bid is the final submission of a bid from a vendor prior to the bid deadline, after which no further submissions will be considered.

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: ____________________ Contractor’s License 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. We have examined the site in reference to the specifications contained within this ITB and have familiarized ourselves with the entire site and have examined carefully the extent of the work that is needed.”

Authorized Signature (Manual): ________________________________________________________________________________________

Authorized Signature Name (Typed) and Title: __________________________________________________________________________

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 24/25-100, Page 3 of 76

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FWC 24/25-100

SCHEDULE DUE DATE METHOD

Bid Advertised November 21, 2025 Posted on the Vendor Information Portal

(VIP)

Deadline for Questions

Must be received

PRIOR to:

December 2, 2025

@ 5:00 PM ET

See Solicitation Questions Clause

Anticipated date for Responses to Written Questions December 5, 2025 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 12, 2025

@ 3:30 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 December 12, 2025

@ 3:30 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 December 16, 2025 Posted on the Vendor Information Portal https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 24/25-100, Page 4 of 76

GENERAL CONDITIONS

FWC 24/25-100

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 Development, 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 3.12.2025 FWC 24/25-100, Page 5 of 76

PROCUREMENT MANAGER

Matthew Carroll

Matthew.Carroll@myfwc.com

TERM

The contract will be effective 5 years, beginning July 1st, 2026.

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 for an additional five (5) year term 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 NOT permitted pursuant to the Terms and Conditions of the Contract.

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 Development 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 Development website for information on certified business enterprises that may be considered for subcontracting opportunities.

MANDATORY BIDDER SITE VISIT

It is mandatory that prospective bidders inspect the project sites prior to submitting a bid. This will enable bidders to familiarize themselves with the scope of work. Bidders shall visit the sites on their own. The Site

Visit Mandatory Attestation-Individual Bidder Attendance form (Attachment B) must be completed by the 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 https://www.dms.myflorida.com/agency_administration/office_of_supplier_diversity_osd/mentor_protege_program

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 24/25-100, Page 6 of 76

Contractor and submitted with the bid package. FWC will only issue an official written response to verbal questions subsequently submitted in writing in accordance with the Deadline for Questions clause below.

From Eastpoint, FL head east on US98 for approximately 3.5 miles. Turn left onto SR 65 and continue to follow for approximately 8.5 miles. Turn left onto Sand Beach Rd, Kiosk is on your right.

GPS Coordinates: 29.822656, -84.909346

Pin of location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cepjmj2dUjDn6U217

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 3). 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 https://maps.app.goo.gl/cepjmj2dUjDn6U217

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 24/25-100, Page 7 of 76 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 2), 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.

EQUAL BIDS

In the event that there is no multiple award contemplated in the ITB, and the Commission receives equal bids eligible for award, the Commission will comply with the following, as applicable: sections 287.057(12), 287.082, 287.087,287.092, 295.187(4)(a), and 295.187(4)(b), F.S. In order to clarify the Bidders’ status with regard to the applicable statutory preference requirements, the Commission may request information from

Bidders with equal bids. A Bidder will not be permitted to amend or supplement its Bid in response to such request for clarification. If the tie has not been broken by application of the aforementioned statutes, the

Commission will proceed with a random selection to decide the award.

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

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 24/25-100, Page 8 of 76 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. DIGITAL SUBMISSIONS SHALL BE DEEMED NON-RESPONSIVE

AND SHALL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

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 highest return percentage. 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 highest 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 highest 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 3.12.2025 FWC 24/25-100, Page 9 of 76

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 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 Contract and/or Amendments 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 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.

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 3.12.2025 FWC 24/25-100, Page 10 of 76

MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT ON COMMISSION PROPERTY

If the Commission allows the Contractor to have project materials or equipment delivered to and/or stored upon the Commission-managed or owned property before, during, or after the term of the project, the

Contractor will be fully and solely responsible for all expenses and liability incurred as a result of the delivery or storage. Should the Commission, in its sole discretion, determine that any project materials or equipment stored on its property must be moved in response to an emergency, the Contractor shall hold harmless, indemnify, defend, and may be responsible for costs of any reasonably necessary actions taken by the Commission.

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.

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 3.12.2025 FWC 24/25-100, Page 11 of 76

SCOPE OF WORK

FWC 24/25-100

TIMBER SALE AND ADMINISTRATION APALACHICOLA RIVER WEA

PURPOSE

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is soliciting bid proposals from qualified, professional forestry consultants to prepare and oversee sale and harvest of pine timber on Apalachicola

River Wildlife and Environmental Area (ARWEA) in Gulf and Franklin Counties, Florida. Timber harvests will be used to help meet long term restoration targets, including natural community restoration as well as threatened and endangered species habitat restoration and enhancement.

The initial proposed harvest (5 years) will include multiple stands of varying age classes encompassing up to ~1,629 acres of pine timber within 38 stands. Timber within this area will be marketed, sold and cut over a 5 year period beginning upon execution of the contract. The contract will be awarded to the vendor that bids the highest percentage of gross timber revenue that will be remitted to the FWC. The contractor awarded this project will be responsible for coordinating and administering all aspects of the sale, harvest operations, and close-out.

1. INITIAL TERM

The Initial Term will be from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2031.

2. HARVEST OBJECTIVES

2.1. Reduce pine basal areas to those specified in the proposed harvest schedule (Figure 6.1) unless otherwise directed by the Project Manager. Target basal areas will range from 30 to 70 ft2/ac. See

(Figure 6.1) for initial and renewal harvest schedules. Harvest areas will be designated by year and basal area objective. Harvest schedule determined from comprehensive inventory data collected in

2018. Summary and individual harvest thin areas can be found in Figures 6.2 through 6.8.

2.2. Thinning stands to 70 ft2/ac basal area will be accomplished by geometric row thinning, removing all merchantable pines in every 3rd row of each stand. Additional thinning within the leave rows may be necessary to reach the target basal areas in some stands and may be accomplished by operator selection.

2.3. Thinning stands to 30 ft2/ac basal area will be accomplished using an operator select thin. Logger selection shall target diseased, deformed, defective and suppressed trees along with a portion of the intermediate and co-dominant trees as needed to achieve basal area objective. Operators must retain dominant trees, those trees of largest diameter at breast height (DBH) class in each management unit. Left trees shall be fairly evenly spaced throughout stands. Harvest shall create gaps < 0.25 acres (< 60 ft. diameter). These gaps shall be spaced evenly throughout the stand; gaps are intended to be planted with longleaf pine seedlings to accomplish long-term restoration goals.

2.4. All longleaf pine within stands to be thinned shall be retained, unless otherwise excepted by the Project

Manager. Any longleaf pines that are found in a take-out row will be left. The take-out row can be shifted over to the next adjacent row, or enough trees may be removed to allow for room to maneuver around the longleaf pine without causing damage to it.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 24/25-100, Page 12 of 76

3. HARVEST AREA DESCRIPTION

3.1. A description of the harvest area, including year of harvest, target residual basal area, stand identification numbers, stand size, pine species, and pine product volumes, can be found in Figure

6.1, Harvest Area Description. The Contractor may deviate from the proposed harvest schedule upon consultation and approval from the Project Manager.

4. WORK TO BE PERFORMED BY CONTRACTOR

4.1. Timber Sale Planning and Marketing

4.1.1. The Contractor shall be responsible for marketing and conducting all aspects of the sale of timber within the designated management unit. The Contractor shall secure at least three valid bids for each timber sale and, upon review and approval by the Project Manager, enter into a sales contract with the highest bidder on behalf of FWC.

4.1.2. Tasks will include:

a. Delineation and inventory of sale blocks.

b. Designation of products to be sold.

c. Sold, completion, and provision of timber cruise.

d. Stumpage appraisal of planned sale(s).

e. Preparation and execution of contract for each timber sale.

4.2. Timber Sale Administration and Oversight

4.2.1. The Contractor shall be responsible for administering all aspects of timber harvests, including recommendations for improvements to transportation systems, conducting pre-harvest conferences, supervising harvest operations for compliance and wood security, administering settlements, and providing written evaluations and recommendations within 30 days of individual sale contract close-out.

5. ADDITIONAL AND SPECIFIC WORK REQUIREMENTS

5.1. Timber Sale Preparation

5.1.1. The Contractor shall mark the sale boundaries, cut or leave trees as appropriate, and mark streamside management zones and other ecologically sensitive sites. Delineate skid trails, access roads, and landings. Contractor shall document general pre-harvest conditions of access roads, gates, and other capital improvements that are subject to damage during harvest operations.

5.2. Timber Sale Prospectus

5.2.1. The Contractor shall prepare a sale prospectus that includes technical specifications and contractual covenants that will be used as part of an Invitation to Bid for the planned sale(s).

Procedures will include, but are not limited to, scheduling, organizing and advertising pre-bid

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 24/25-100, Page 13 of 76 conference(s) for prospective timber buyers; and serving as the primary point of contact for prospective bidders regarding all technical, fiscal, and logistical aspects of planned sales and timber harvest operations. The sale prospectus shall minimally include the following:

a. Identification of the State of Florida as the timber owner.

b. Location of the timber – Map, legal description, directions, and how sale boundaries will be marked.

c. Description of timber/volume information – General description, such as all timber within a unit, or specific description, such as how trees were measured (if applicable), volume by species, diameter classes, or product classes, if appropriate.

d. Type of bid – Identify the sale as a scaled, per unit or lump sum sale. Prepare bid sheet based on product categories/classes.

e. Time when prospective buyers may inspect the sale area – Access considerations and coordination/contact procedures.

f. Prospective timber buyers – Identify prospective bidders/timber buyers and develop bid/contract language that helps ensure each buyer has:

i. Adequate financial resources to perform the contract or the ability to obtain them.

ii. Is able to perform the contract within the contract term.

iii. A satisfactory performance record on timber sale contracts.

iv. Satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics.

v. Has or is able to obtain equipment and resources suitable for logging the timber and for meeting the resource protection provisions of the contract.

vi. Is otherwise qualified and eligible to receive an award under applicable laws and regulations.

g. Eligible buyers should be limited to those who have or will use crews that have completed the Florida Master Logger training program or have a comparable certificate of training that complies with training recommended by the American Forest and Paper Association’s

Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

h. Stipulate down payment, any other applicable settlement requirements, routing procedures, and mechanisms for return of such payments upon satisfactory completion of harvest and conformance with contract requirements.

i. Provisions for payment – Direct the remittance of timber revenue from the buyer to a trust account and specify permissible payment methods and routing procedures.

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j. Limitations or special considerations – Provisions for best management practices, harvesting deadline, access and equipment restrictions, times when loggers may not operate, leave trees, infrastructure maintenance, and repair.

k. Security deposit – A security deposit of ten percent (10%) of each bidder’s estimated sale value must be attached to the bid form. Specify that the security deposit can either be in the form of a company check, cashier’s check, or surety bond and made out to the Florida

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The Contractor will be responsible for returning security deposits to all unsuccessful bidders.

5.3. Timber Sale Contract

5.3.1. The Contractor shall execute a formal contract with the timber buyer(s) specifying the responsibilities and expectations of all parties. A Contract Template (Exhibit II) will be used as a guide by the Contractor when executing the sales agreement. The Contract Template includes state-required covenants that must be included in the final agreement with the buyer. The

Contractor is expected to add language specific to the sale as needed to ensure successful completion and execution of the sale, harvest operations, and payment procedures. Sales agreements will include, but are not limited to, the following provisions:

a. Identification of parties.

b. Method of payment – Specify the amount the purchaser agrees to pay the seller as a scaled or per unit cut (either delivered rate or stumpage rate) or lump sum sale. Identify procedures for verifying the amount of timber harvested and the disposition of settlements. Harvest documents should include loader’s ledgers (maintained on-site by the loader operator or logging foreman), scale tickets (provided by the mill to the trucker), logging diary, and mill ticket summary.

c. Description of timber sold – Estimated volume by species and product class, how trees or harvest area will be marked, and provisions for trees that grow to merchantable size during the contract period.

d. Harvesting restrictions/conditions – Describe each part of the harvest area, including access infrastructure and ecological assets that could be subject to damage (e.g., fences, roads, bridges, signs, buildings, residual trees, understory vegetation, wetlands). Include allowable limits of damage and provisions for repair or payment of damages. Restrictions should include road maintenance specifications or requirements, limitations on the size and type of harvesting equipment, and supervision requirements.

e. Ingress and egress – Coordinate the buyers’ access to remove timber with the Project

Manager. Specify entrances and roads to use, allowable access intervals, and restrictions as appropriate.

f. Harvest method – Specify the layout of logging decks (locations, size, configurations, slope limits), logging roads, and areas to be cut. State any restrictions on equipment use/maintenance and logging during wet periods or other times (e.g., hunting season).

Include provisions for use of silvicultural best management practices, compliance with

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 24/25-100, Page 15 of 76 environmental regulations, local ordinances, and ecologically sensitive practices. Specify the right to inspect the logging site and, if necessary, halt all operations.

g. Penalties for noncompliance – Recommend penalties for noncompliance with contract terms consistent with Florida Statutes. Address penalties for activities such as cutting non-designated timber, as well as for damaged property, including damages to adjacent landowners’ property. Specify provisions for payment of penalties and an escrow account or performance bond. The Contractor will be responsible for the establishment, handling, and return of security deposits to the buyer.

h. Duration of sale agreement – State the beginning and end dates of the agreement and provisions for or against renewing the contract if it expires before harvesting is complete.

Sale agreements shall not be processed within 30 days of the end of this contract.

i. Insurance requirements and indemnification of the seller/landowner consistent with Florida

Statutes.

5.4. Supervision of Timber Sale

5.4.1. The Contractor shall be responsible for coordination and oversight of harvest operations to include:

a. Pre-harvest briefing with logging manager. A copy of the Master Logger certificate or documentation of comparable training must be provided before any logging begins.

b. Monitor operations regularly to ensure contract compliance and immediately correct any problems.

c. Inspect and oversee the tally system for truck loads.

d. Conduct close-out inspection.

e. Coordinate reclamation activities (erosion control, mitigate soil compaction, revegetation, dispersal of logging slash, clearing/reshaping logging deck ditches) as needed.

5.5. Remittance of Revenue to FWC

Timber revenue and all other settlements shall be directed to a trust account owned by the

Contractor and established and designated exclusively for timber sales to the FWC. The awarded and contracted percentage amount of gross revenue from the sale(s) shall be remitted to FWC on a monthly basis in accordance with the payment methods and routing procedures provided below:

5.5.1. The Contractor shall establish a trust account where all timber sale revenues are deposited upon receipt from the Timber Buyer. The Contractor shall forward monthly revenue payments from the Trust Account to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Accounting

Services, PO Box 6150, Tallahassee, Florida, 32314. All revenue payments shall be accompanied by a copy of all load tickets, a Summary Statement showing revenue to FWC, and revenue to the

Contractor, along with a copy of the Contractor’s (consultant) Trust Account Monthly Bank

Statement, and a copy of each check submitted to FWC Accounting during the month. The

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 24/25-100, Page 16 of 76

Contractor shall submit the first monthly revenue within 15 days following the first monthly harvest of timber or receipt of an Advance Payment.

5.5.2. Detailed monthly statements of the following shall be forwarded with percentage of revenue payment due to the Commission within 15 days following the end of each month:

a. Contractor’s trust account activities.

b. Summary of revenue remitted to FWC and revenue share kept by Contractor.

c. Audit documents sufficient to verify harvest volumes and corresponding payment, including copies of load tickets, and a copy of each check submitted to FWC Accounting and to the

Contractor during the month.

d. A copy of the monthly bank statement for the trust account.

5.5.3. The payment and all these back-up documents shall be forwarded by the Contactor to the FWC

Accounting Services at the address listed above. In addition, one copy of each item A-D shall be mailed or emailed concurrently to the FWC Contract Manager at the address listed below:

FWC’s Contract Manager:

Byron Williams

HSC-WHM

620 South Meridian St, Tallahassee FL 32399 Byron.Williams@MyFWC.com

5.6. Report Requirements

5.6.1. Written Deliverables shall include:

a. Cruise and appraisal data by species and product class; estimate and assessment of market value of planned sale(s) and written proposal for sale schedule and type. This requirement should be completed and delivered to the Project Manager within 60 days of execution of the contract.

b. Logging Inspection Reports: inspection reports are to be provided to the Project Manager on a minimum biweekly basis. Shapefiles of progress should also be sent to the Project Manager monthly while harvest is taking place.

c. Detailed monthly statements of trust account activities specific to this project, summary of revenue remitted to FWC, revenue share kept by Contractor, audit documents sufficient to verify harvest volumes and corresponding payment, including copies of load tickets and a copy of the monthly bank statement for the trust account. This information shall be provided within 15 days following the end of each month. One copy shall be addressed and delivered to:

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission mailto:Byron.Williams@MyFWC.com

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 24/25-100, Page 17 of 76

Byron Williams, Contract Manager

HSC-WHM

Government Operations Consultant II

620 South Meridian St, Tallahassee, FL 32399

d. Summary report of sale 30 days prior to end of contract term, to include harvest volume by species and product class, gross and net revenue, infrastructure repairs or environmental remediation (as needed and directed), certificate of contract completion, and recommended improvements for future forestry services contracts.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 24/25-100, Page 18 of 76

6. HARVEST AREA, DESCRIPTION PINE, PRODUCT CLASSIFICATIONS, AND MAPS

6.1. Figure 6.1:

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 24/25-100, Page 19 of 76

6.2. Figure 6.2:

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 24/25-100, Page 20 of 76

6.3. Figure 6.3:

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 24/25-100, Page 21 of 76

6.4. Figure 6.4:

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 24/25-100, Page 22 of 76

6.5. Figure 6.5:

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 24/25-100, Page 23 of 76

6.6. Figure 6.6:

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 24/25-100, Page 24 of 76

6.7. Figure 6.7:

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 24/25-100, Page 25 of 76

6.8. Figure 6.8:

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 24/25-100, Page 26 of 76

6.9. Figure 6.9:

DAILY LOGGING DIARY

Load

Tag

Mill

Ticket

Date

Time

P in e P u lp w o o d in e C a n to r

P in e C h ip

-n -S a w in e S a w ti m b e r

P in e P ly lo g s

S m a ll

P o le s

L a rg e P o le s

H d w d

P u lp w o

C y p re ss

M u lc h

H w d

S a w ti m b e r

H d w d

P a ll e tw o

Destination

Hazardous Spills National Response Center Phone Number: (800) 424-8802

Report any spills that cause a sheen on the water or pose significant environmental risk. See ATF Policies for details.

This report sent to: Owner Purchaser File Other Attach a map to this form if needed to show areas of logging or inspection.

CONTRACTOR: UNIT NAME:

WEEK ENDING:

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 24/25-100, Page 27 of 76

6.10. Figure 6.10:

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT

Work pursuant to this contract shall be completed by, or under the supervision of, a professional forester certified through the Society of American Foresters (SAF) and/or who are current and valid members of the Association of Consulting Foresters (ACF). The name of the certified forester or ACF member shall be provided below and a copy of his/her certification or membership document shall be submitted with the bid package.

NAME OF CERTIFIED FORESTER:

COPY OF CERTIFICATION ENCLOSED (Y/N): .

VENDOR NAME AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 24/25-100, Page 28 of 76

6.11. Figure 6.11:

Logging Inspection Report

Project # Inspection Date GPS Acres % Complete Ending TPA

Roads N/A No Yes Trash N/A No Yes

Rutted? Oil or grease containers left behind?

Need broad-based dips or wing ditches? Lunch trash (paper, cans, etc.) left?

Need new culvert shoulders stabilized? Tires left on site?

Need gravel at paved road entrance? SMZ's

Harvesting Cut too heavily?

Stump height too high? Trees/tops left in stream bed?

Poor product separation? Residual trees damaged by logging?

Are residual trees being damaged? Streams crossed at right angles/properly?

Have marked trees been left uncut? Streams crossed excessively?

Desired BA too high/low (thinning)? Stream crossings need stabilization?

Have drags of wood been left? Documentation

Steep skid trails need water bars? Any problems with wood security form?

Logging Ramps Wood security forms collected from logger?

Are they excessive? Need to issue additional load ID tags?

Is there too much wood left in them? Request release of performance bond?

Need to be cleaned and seeded? Any 'buyer/seller' contract violations?

Other Additional BMP info needed for owner?

Have gates, fences, etc. been damaged? Is the logger Master Logger certified?

Final BMP Inspection Form to John Godbee?

Green Tags Issued Wood Accountability Forms Issued

Comments:

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 24/25-100, Page 29 of 76

PRICE SHEET

FWC 24/25-100

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 HIGHEST RETURN

PERCENTAGE. 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).

PERCENTAGE OF TIMBER SALES REVENUE

REMITTED TO FWC DURING INITIAL 5 YEAR TERM

A. _____________%

PERCENTAGE OF TIMBER SALES REVENUE

REMITTED TO FWC FOR RENEWAL PERIOD OF 5

YEARS

B. _____________%

AVERAGE PERCENTAGE OF TIMBER SALES

REVENUE FOR THE INITIAL AND RENEWAL

PERIODS (A+B)/2=C

C. ______________%

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: ____________________________________

City/State/Zip: ____________________________

Phone:…