FWC 24.25-17 Final.pdf

FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

1875 ORANGE AVE E

TALLAHASSEE, FL 32311-6160

(850) 488-6551

INVITATION TO BID

FWC 24/25-17

MIAMI-DADE 4 TRAP LINES TEGU REMOVAL

ITB BIDDER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

Purpose: The intent of this bid is to obtain competitive pricing for support services to assist the agency in removing

Argentine Black and White Tegus from along Tallahassee Road, Card Sound Road, SW 408th Street, and the L-31N

Canal in Miami-Dade County, per the specifications contained herein. Only responsive and responsible Contractors will be considered for award of this Invitation to Bid (ITB).

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

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

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

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

Name of Business: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Contact Person Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Business Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

City: ____________________________ State: _____________________________ Zip code: ______________________________________

Phone: ___________________________ Fax: _______________________________ Email: ______________________________________

Federal Employer Identification Number: ____________________

The undersigned attest to the following:

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

Authorized Signature (Manual): ________________________________________________________________________________________

Authorized Signature Name (Typed) and Title: __________________________________________________________________________

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 2 of 66

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FWC 24/25-17

SCHEDULE DUE DATE METHOD

Bid Advertised October 7, 2024 Posted on the Vendor Information Portal

(VIP)

Deadline for Questions

Must be received

PRIOR to:

October 14, 2024

@ 5:00 PM ET

See Deadline for Questions Clause

Anticipated date for Responses to Written Questions October 18, 2024 Posted on the Vendor Information Portal

SEALED BIDS DUE

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

Must be received

PRIOR to:

October 24, 2024

@ 2:30 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 October 24, 2024

@ 2:30 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 October 29, 2024 Posted on the Vendor Information Portal https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 3 of 66

GENERAL CONDITIONS

FWC 24/25-17

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

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

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

Bidder Acknowledgment form (page 1).

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

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

Please note:

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

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

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

PUR 1000 and PUR1001 are hereby incorporated by reference. PUR1000 and PUR1001 can be found at the

Department of Management Services website at the following link:

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

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

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

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

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

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 4 of 66

PROCUREMENT MANAGER

Matthew Carroll matthew.carroll@myfwc.com

TERM

The contract will be effective one year upon issuance of purchase order.

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

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

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

RENEWAL

The Commission has the option to renew this Contract on a yearly basis for a period up to one (1) year 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 Purchase Order.

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.

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.

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 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 5 of 66

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.

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.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 6 of 66

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 B) 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.

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.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 7 of 66

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

MARKED.

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

RELATED TO SELECTED DELIVERY SERVICES.

SOLICITATION PUBLIC OPENING

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

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

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

AWARDED BID/INSPECTION

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

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

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

POSTING OF BID TABS

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

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

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 https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/ 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 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 8 of 66 successful bidder’s ability to provide the service as specified herein. Any changes that are other than purely administrative changes will require a change order.

FWC CONTRACT MANAGER

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

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

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

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

Certificate of Contract Completion form; and

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

DELIVERABLES

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

Contract:

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

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

LIQUIDATED DAMAGES

If the Contractor fails to complete the work or the conditions of the Purchase Order and/or Change Orders 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 $0 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.

PERMITTING

Permitting for this project, if needed, is the responsibility of the Contractor. A copy of all permits shall be posted at the work site location at all times during the project. The Contractor is responsible for complying with all permit conditions and the Contractor shall pay any penalties arising from the Contractor’s permit violations.

AUTHORIZED COMPENSATION

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

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 9 of 66

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 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 10 of 66

SCOPE OF WORK

FWC 24/25-17

MIAMI-DADE 4 TRAP LINES TEGU REMOVAL

PURPOSE

The Argentine Black and White Tegu (Salvator merianae) is a large (< 1.2 meter; 4 feet; 8 kilograms), omnivorous lizard that can occur in a variety of habitats and withstand temperatures as low as 1.7 °C (35

°F; Langerwerf and Paris 1998, Enge 2007). Introduced via releases or escapes from the live animal trade in the early to mid-2000s, tegu populations have increased in recent years. This species was likely established in Miami-Dade County by 2011 (Pernas et al. 2012). In Florida, tegus are mostly active from

February through October before going into winter brumation, approximately from November through

January. Tegus have been documented eating frogs, toads, snakes (some over 4 feet in length), lizards, gopher tortoises, birds, small mammals, insects, spiders, vertebrate eggs (alligator and freshwater turtle), and fruit (including strawberries, blueberries and tomatoes). Tegus are highly fecund and can lay anywhere between 21-52 eggs per clutch (Andrade et al. 2004, Pernas et al. 2012).

The Wildlife Impact Management Section (WIM) of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

(“Commission” or “FWC”) is charged with managing nonnative wildlife issues in Florida. Management includes control efforts for priority species and collecting data on nonnative species distribution and natural history that can be used to develop invasive species control strategies. A joint research and management effort from partnering government agencies and academic institutions has been formed to manage the spread and impact of tegus in south Florida. Removal efforts with the goal of containment of the south

Florida population have consisted of coordinated interagency trapping with landowner assistance. This approach is crucial to mitigating the negative impact that this nonnative lizard poses on native Florida wildlife.

The FWC currently focuses removal efforts on the boundaries of known tegu population in Miami-Dade

County and effort has increased to remove this species in the areas immediately south, southeast, and southwest of Florida City. This region is particularly important for tegu management due to their proximity to nesting sites of imperiled species, such as American crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus), least terns (Sternula antillarum), white-crowned pigeons (Patagioenas leucocephala), gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) and burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) and its proximity to Everglades National Park and other sensitive public lands. The selected Respondent (Contractor) will provide support services to assist the Commission in achieving the goals for these activities on public lands in Miami-Dade County.

1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1.1. Contractor will run trap lines to remove tegus in Miami-Dade County. The Contractor will humanely kill all captured tegus and other captured nonnative wildlife, collect morphometric data on all captured tegus, and dispose of tegu carcasses collected over the contract period.

2. SERVICE STANDARDS

2.1. Tegu removal in Miami-Dade County using live traps.

2.1.1. The Contractor will be required to run trap lines to remove tegus in Miami-Dade County.

Running trap lines includes:

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 11 of 66

a. This contract is for a one-year period, with field work occurring from 1 February 2025 through

31 October 2025. This contract will have the potential to renew for one year, with field work occurring from 1 February 2026 through 31 October 2026. Contractor will place a minimum of 82 live traps along Card Sound Road, Tallahassee Road, SW 408th Street, and the L-31N

Canal all located near Florida City, Miami-Dade County, Florida (Figure 1).

b. The trap types used in this work can be a combination of Havahart Model 1079, Tomahawk

S90s or Tomahawk S50s. Havahart traps must be tightly wrapped (using zip ties for attachment) in ¼ or ½ inch hardware cloth (Figure 2a) to avoid escape of hatchlings and subadults or trespass of other non-target species. Tomahawk S50s and S90s constructed with a mesh size of ½ inch x1 inch do not need to be wrapped in hardware cloth (Figure 2b). It is mandatory that all traps be permanently marked with the Contractor’s name and telephone number and a unique identifier (Trap ID/number) inscribed in a visible location and imprinted on a tag attached to the trap.

c. A total of 82 live traps will be deployed from February 1 - October 31, 2025, per the below guidance. The Card Sound Road trap line will consist of 35 traps placed approximately 370 meters apart along the east side of the highway (Figure 3, Table 1). The Tallahassee Road trap line will consist of 15 traps placed approximately 660 meters apart on the east side of the road (Figure 4, Table 2). The SW 408th trap line (Figure 5) will consist of 16 traps placed in locations provided in Table 3. The L-31N Canal (Figure 6) trap line will consist of 16 traps placed along the west side of the levee road at the locations provided in Table 4. Any deviation from the trap locations in Tables 1-4 must receive prior approval in writing from the Commission Project Manager. If a trap is damaged or stolen, it is up to the Contractor to replace the trap within three days from when the incident took place.

d. Traps on Tallahassee, Card Sound, and SW 408th street will be placed approximately 10 feet into the vegetation line (i.e., providing cover and reducing theft, Figure 7). Traps along the

L-31N Canal will be placed approximately 5 feet into the vegetation line (i.e., providing cover and reducing theft). For all traps, leaf litter from the surrounding habitat will be scattered on the bottom of the trap to provide a more natural substrate in the bottom of the trap that interfaces with the ground (Figure 8). Traps shall be placed in the shade or the top of the trap covered with vegetation or wrapped in burlap or similar material to provide shade to reduce heat stress on trapped animals. It is recommended that all traps be secured to something sturdy to reduce loss (e.g., cable-locked to a tree, installed with a trap anchor, etc.).

e. One raw unbroken chicken egg will be placed at the back of each trap to be used as bait

(Figure 9). Traps will be rebaited with a raw unbroken chicken egg whenever an animal has been captured or for any other reason bait is missing or broken (i.e., due to “trespass” of other species).

f. Traps will be opened and operated 5 days per week (Monday-Friday). Traps will be opened on Monday of each week during the project timeline by 12:00 p.m., checked once every 24 hours for tegu captures and bycatch, then closed every Friday by 5:00 p.m. Trapping will not occur on weekends, public holidays, and in cases of force majeure (e.g., tropical storms, hurricanes, wildfires). Due to any other unforeseen circumstances, any trap closures must be coordinated with the Commission in advance of the closures. If a wildfire, tropical storm or hurricane is approaching the area where traps are located, the Contractor must notify the

Commission immediately, and all traps shall be closed and removed from the area immediately.

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g. If any traps are stolen or missing from a trap line, the Contractor must inform the

Commission immediately upon discovery.

h. All native wildlife bycatch will be released unharmed immediately upon Contractor arrival at capture location during daily trap-checks (Monday-Friday). Contractor will record all native wildlife bycatch in the notes section of the datasheet provided (Figure 10).

i. While conducting daily trap checks, Contractor will record all tegu observations and individuals found dead on road (DOR). Data recorded will include species of tegu observed or trapped, date of observation or capture, trap number, and GPS coordinates. See minimum requirements regarding data submission.

2.1.2. The Contractor will humanely kill captured tegus.

a. All trapped tegus or other nonnative animals captured will be removed from the live trap and placed in a snake bag/pillowcase secured with electrical tape, then placed inside a secure container (e.g., lockable action packer). All bags will contain no more than 1 tegu at a time and shall be labeled with unique identifiers for each individual tegu using flagging tape to ensure that captured individuals are kept separate from each other during transport.

Contained tegus or other captured nonnative wildlife should be kept in a shaded or cool environment (e.g., inside an air-conditioned vehicle) to avoid overheating of the animals during transport.

b. Captured tegus and other nonnative animals captured in live traps during this project shall be humanely killed off-site at an appropriate location away from the public’s view. Any recommended locations by the Contractor must be approved by the Commission in writing prior to the project’s start date. Humane killing of trapped nonnative wildlife will be completed at the end of each workday.

c. Humane killing of tegus and other nonnative animals using a captive bolt or other legal methods for the area will be agreed upon in consultation with the Commission and must be approved by the Project Manager in writing prior to use.

d. Methods of killing tegus and other nonnative animals will not be in violation of ss. 828.12, F.S. or Rule 68A-4.001, Florida Administrative Code.

2.1.3. The Contractor will collect trap status and morphometric data on all captured tegus and submit to the Commission monthly. The Contractor can fill out data sheets provided by Commission

(Figure 11) and transfer the information to an Excel spreadsheet or record data directly to an

Excel spreadsheet loaded on a tablet or similar electronic device and autosaved to a cloud storage device.

a. Morphometric measurements including, snout to vent length (SVL), total length (TL), sex

(male, female, juvenile), and mass (kg) will be taken after each tegu is killed. The information will be recorded on the Commission-issued data sheet and transferred to an Excel spreadsheet or will be recorded on an Excel spreadsheet loaded on a tablet or similar electronic device and autosaved to a cloud storage device. See minimum requirements in

Section D regarding data submission.

2.1.4. Contractor will dispose of tegu carcasses.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 13 of 66

a. All tegu carcasses will be disposed of at the South Dade Landfill (23707 SW 97th Ave, Homestead, FL 33032, Gate A), or by a Commission Project Manager approved disposal method. All costs associated with disposal will be covered by the Contractor.

b. Contractor will dispose of carcasses at their convenience.

3. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

3.1. The Contractor will purchase the following equipment upon execution of this contract and any other necessary equipment required to perform these services:

3.1.1. At least 82 live traps that can be all or a combination of Havahart Model 1079, Tomahawk S90, or Tomahawk S50 live traps

3.1.2. Cordage or cable locks to secure traps to rebar or tree/bush to prevent theft

3.1.3. Identification tag for each trap and an inscribed identification number

3.1.4. Fresh eggs (Bait)

3.1.5. Lockable action packer(s) or other securable heavy-duty tote(s)

3.1.6. Captive bolt

3.1.7. Captive bolt cartridges

3.1.8. Snake bags/pillowcases

3.1.9. Hardware cloth/zip ties to wrap Havahart traps

3.1.10. Heavy duty gloves

3.1.11. Flagging tape

3.1.12. Electrical tape

3.1.13. GPS unit

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 14 of 66

4. SERVICE AREA

4.1. The service area consists of one paved road (Card Sound Road) and three un-paved, gravel roads

(Tallahassee Road, L-31N, and SW 408th Street roads). Each of these roads are in or near Florida

City and Homestead, Florida (Figure 1). Tallahassee Road, L-31N, and SW 408th Street roads have low vehicle traffic since a South Florida Water Management District Key (SFWMD, obtained by

Contractor) is needed to access these roads. Card Sound Road is heavily traveled. Live traps along these roads are placed along the Department of Transportation (DOT), SFWMD, or Miami-Dade

County right of way that runs parallel to different sets of canal/marsh that has a mixture of trees and shrubs growing along the right of way. The Contractor should be aware of poisonwood

(Metopium toxiferum), particularly along Tallahassee Road. If an individual is allergic, this plant can cause welts, pain, blisters, and inflammation.

5. MINIMUM LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE

5.1. Contractor must trap a minimum of 192 days from 1 February through 31 October 2025, unless minimum days have been adjusted (due to force majeure) and approved by the Commission Project

Manager in writing. In the event of a contract renewal, Contractor must trap a minimum of 191 days from 1 February through 31 October 2026,

5.2. Contractor must have a minimum of 82 live traps set during all active trapping days.

5.3. Contractor must permanently mark each trap with a unique, inconspicuous identifier approved by the Commission that includes the Contractor’s name or initials and contact telephone number.

5.4. Contractor must enter all data recorded on datasheets (Figure 10, 11) and into Excel spreadsheets

(Figures 11, 12, 13) with numbers of trap days, trap/bait status, numbers of tegus captured (with captured trap ID information) and associated morphometric data for each captured tegu. Completed

Excel spreadsheet files and daily field data sheets (if used) shall be submitted via email to Project

Manager no later than five (5) business days after the beginning of each month. Each report will include all data requirements from the previous month’s work. Blank template Excel spreadsheet files, field data sheets, and morphometric data sheets will be provided by the Commission at the start of the project.

6. CONTRACT REPORTING

6.1. The Contractor shall submit reports in accordance with the following schedule:

Report Name Period Covered Description Due Date

Proof of Insurance Annual Proof of appropriate

General Liability and

Worker’s

Compensation

Insurance

Upon policy renewal.

Monthly Report Calendar Month Report shall be in an

Excel spreadsheet.

Report shall contain

Five (5) business days after close of the period.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 15 of 66 all data recorded on datasheets, numbers of trap days, trap/bait status, numbers of tegus captured (with captured trap ID information) and associated morphometric data for each captured tegu.

Tegu photographs Calendar Month A photograph of individual tegus with file names specific to each tegu.

Five (5) business days after close of the period.

7. OTHER FEES AND CHARGES

7.1. Additional fees including but not limited to, property taxes, delivery charges, pick-up charges, fuel surcharges, interest fees, late payment fees (if paid within thirty days of the invoice date), or removal charges are not permitted under this Contract.

8. ROUTINE COMMUNICATIONS

8.1. Upon execution of the contract, all routine communications and reports related to this solicitation shall be sent to the Commission’s Contract Manager and Project Manager. Communications may be by e-mail, regular mail, or telephone.

9. INVOICES

9.1. Invoices must clearly identify the contract number, invoice date, invoice number, purchase order number if applicable, dates of service, remittance address and total cost. Invoices for services shall be submitted on a monthly basis in accordance with the Fee Schedule. The same monthly dates of service will apply to any subsequent annual renewal periods.

Fee Schedule

Dates of Service Invoice Date

February 1–28, 2025 Five (5) business days after close of the period.

March 1–31, 2025 Five (5) business days after close of the period.

April 1–30, 2025 Five (5) business days after close of the period.

May 1–31, 2025 Five (5) business days after close of the period.

June 1–30, 2025 Five (5) business days after close of the period.

July 1–31, 2025 Five (5) business days after close of the period.

August 1–31, 2025 Five (5) business days after close of the period.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 16 of 66

September 1–30, 2025 Five (5) business days after close of the period.

October 1–31, 2025 Five (5) business days after close of the period.

10. FINANCIAL CONSEQUENCES

10.1. The Commission shall reduce payment by $500 for each day that Contractor fails to perform according to the minimum specifications as set forth in this bid solicitation. Financial consequences shall not exceed the total amount of the bid award.

11. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

11.1. Bidder must, at a minimum, possess 5 years’ experience trapping and humanely killing nuisance and/or nonnative invasive wildlife.

11.2. Bidder must not have any wildlife violations and/or animal cruelty violations.

11.3. Bidder must not have any violations or criminal convictions on their record that may inhibit or be directly related to the work described in this scope.

11.4. Bidder must, at a minimum, possess 3 years’ experience in appropriately using a handheld GPS unit and downloading data from and to Google Earth or ArcGIS.

11.5. Bidder must, at a minimum, possess 3 years’ experience in data recording, managing databases, and writing professional technical reports.

12. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

12.1. Bidder shall provide references for a minimum of three professional wildlife removal contracts awarded to the bidder within the past 5 years.

12.2. Bidder shall provide at least one example of a completed technical report drafted by bidder as primary author. The report example can pertain to any of the following topics:

12.2.1. Nuisance wildlife removal

12.2.2. Invasive species removal

12.2.3. Natural resource conservation

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 17 of 66

13. REQUIRED ACCESS KEY

13.1. The Contractor must contact and receive a South Florida Water Management District gate key prior to the February 1, 2025 beginning trapping date. Any costs associated with obtaining this key are the sole responsibility of the Contractor.

14. REQUIRED PERMIT

14.1. The Contractor must apply for and receive a South Florida Water Management District Right of

Entry permit prior to start of each field season (February 1, 2025, and if the contract is renewed).

Any costs associated with obtaining this permit are the sole responsibility of the Contractor.

15. REQUIRED TRAPS

15.1. The Contractor must use 82 live traps that can be all or a combination of Havahart Model 1079, Tomahawk S90, or Tomahawk S50 live traps. Havahart traps must be tightly wrapped (using zip ties for attachment) in ¼ or ½ inch hardware cloth. Tomahawk S50s and S90s constructed with a mesh size of ½ inch x1 inch do not need to be wrapped in hardware cloth.

15.2. It is mandatory that all traps be marked with the Contractor’s name and telephone number and a unique identifier inscribed in an innocuous location.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 18 of 66

16. REFERENCED FIGURES

16.1. Figure 1. Tegu trap lines in Southeast Florida. Red = L-31N; Blue = Tallahassee; Green = Card

Sound Road; Yellow = SW 408th Street

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 19 of 66

16.2. Figure 2a. Havahart 1079 wrapped with ½-inch mesh hardware cloth

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 20 of 66

16.3. Figure 2b. Tomahawk S90 with ½-inch x 1-inch mesh. A Tomahawk S50 (not shown) is smaller with same mesh size as the S90 trap

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 21 of 66

16.4. Figure 3. Card Sound Road tegu trapline locations.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 22 of 66

16.5. Figure 4. Tallahassee Road tegu trapline locations.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 23 of 66

16.6. Figure 5. SW 408th Street tegu trapline.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 24 of 66

16.7. Figure 6. L-31N Canal tegu trapline.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 25 of 66

16.8. Figure 7 Trap placement on the Tallahassee Road, Card Sound Road and SW 408th Street trap lines. Note: The vegetation line is closer to the road on the L-31N Canal trap line so the traps will be closer to the road.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 26 of 66

16.9. Figure 8. Trap placement in the shade with leaf litter covering the bottom of the trap. This is a

Havahart 1079 live trap wrapped with hardware cloth secured with zip ties.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 27 of 66

16.10. Figure 9. Havahart 1079 trap with whole raw chicken egg place at the back of the trap. Note how the egg is clearly behind the trip plate to avoid trap malfunction. The hardware cloth has been removed for demonstration purposes.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 28 of 66

16.11. Figure 10: Sample field data log for trap/bait data.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 29 of 66

16.12. Figure 11: Sample data log/Excel spreadsheet for morphometric data to be submitted in monthly reports as Excel file.

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16.13. Figure 12: Sample Excel spreadsheet file for field data to be submitted with monthly reports as Excel file.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 31 of 66

16.14. Figure 13: Sample Excel spreadsheet file for data to be submitted with monthly reports as Excel file.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 32 of 66

16.15.

16.16.

Table 2. GPS coordinates for 15 tegu trap locations on Tallahassee Road (TR)

Trap ID Latitude Longitude

TR1 25.435257 -80.411843

TR2 25.429873 -80.411919

TR3 25.415834 -80.411991

TR4 25.410521 -80.411991

TR5 25.405111 -80.412062

TR6 25.399732 -80.411991

TR7 25.394257 -80.412204

TR8 25.388046 -80.412240

TR9 25.383435 -80.412240

TR10 25.378024 -80.412311

TR11 25.372483 -80.412276

TR12 25.367071 -80.412311

TR13 25.361627 -80.412311

TR14 25.356270 -80.411850

TR15 25.345270 -80.412310

Table 1. GPS coordinates for 35 tegu trap locations on Card Sound Road (CS)

Trap ID Latitude Longitude Trap ID Latitude Longitude

CS1 25.433762 -80.473347 CS19 25.387113 -80.443059

CS2 25.431264 -80.471735 CS20 25.384536 -80.441277

CS3 25.428611 -80.470002 CS21 25.381986 -80.439494

CS4 25.426054 -80.468305 CS22 25.379356 -80.43786

CS5 25.423414 -80.466632 CS23 25.376822 -80.436172

CS6 25.420731 -80.464873 CS24 25.374159 -80.434556

CS7 25.418133 -80.463162 CS25 25.371582 -80.432797

CS8 25.415493 -80.46157 CS26 25.368962 -80.431134

CS9 25.412981 -80.45974 CS27 25.366385 -80.429375

CS10 25.410448 -80.458052 CS28 25.363754 -80.42711

CS11 25.407915 -80.456483 CS29 25.361145 -80.426071

CS12 25.405295 -80.454843 CS30 25.358567 -80.424324

CS13 25.402805 -80.453156 CS31 25.355958 -80.422684

CS14 25.400271 -80.451326 CS32 25.353348 -80.420973

CS15 25.397527 -80.449774 CS33 25.350771 -80.419262

CS16 25.394977 -80.447991 CS34 25.348129 -80.417622

CS17 25.39232 -80.446417 CS35 25.345422 -80.415768

CS18 25.38977 -80.444634

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.27.2024 FWC 24/25-17, Page 33 of 66

16.17.

Table 3. GPS coordinates for 16 tegu trap locations on SW 408th Street (SW408). Traps that are in close proximity to one another are labeled SW408-3.1 and SW408-3.2.

Locations with double traps are labeled

SW408-6.1/2.

SW408-1 25.38929 -80.44373

SW408-2 25.38927 -80.44289

SW408-3.1 25.38973 -80.44248

SW408-3.2…