FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

1875 ORANGE AVE E

TALLAHASSEE, FL 32311-6160

(850) 488-6551

Aquatic Fenced Enclosure Inspection & Repair

FWC 25/26-50

INVITATION TO BID

ITB BIDDER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

Purpose: The intent of this bid is to obtain competitive pricing for the inspection and repair of aquatic fenced enclosures in the St. Johns River, 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 Vendors: The Commission shall only consider responsible vendors. Responsible vendors 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: ____________________

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 25/26-50, Page 3 of 71

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FWC 25/26-50

SCHEDULE DUE DATE METHOD

Bid Advertised January 9, 2026 Posted on the Vendor Information Portal

(VIP)

MANDATORY Pre-Bid

Conference

January 16, 2026

@ 11:00 AM ET

See Pre-Bid Conference Clause

Deadline for Questions

Must be received

PRIOR to:

January 23, 2026

@ 5:00 PM ET

See Solicitation Questions Clause

Anticipated date for Responses to Written Questions January 28, 2026 Posted on the Vendor Information Portal

SEALED BIDS DUE

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

Must be received

PRIOR to:

February 5, 2026

@ 2:00 PM ET

Mailing Address:

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation

Commission

Attn: Purchasing

1875 Orange Ave E

Tallahassee, Florida 32311-6160

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

Public Bid Opening February 5, 2026

@ 2:00 PM ET

Public Opening Options for Attendance:

-In Person-

1875 Orange Ave E

Tallahassee, FL 32311-6160

-Teleconference-

Conference call phone number:

1.888.585.9008

Conference room number: 218-721-199

Anticipated Date of Intended

Award February 9, 2026 Posted on the Vendor Information Portal https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 25/26-50, Page 4 of 71

GENERAL CONDITIONS

FWC 25/26-50

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 2).

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 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 3.12.2025 FWC 25/26-50, Page 5 of 71

PROCUREMENT MANAGER

Martin Ehlen martin.ehlen@myfwc.com

ESTIMATED BUDGET

The Commission has an estimated budget for this project of $300,000. $150,000.00 for the initial term, and

$150,000.00 for the optional renewal term (noted below in the RENEWAL section).

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

Subcontractor Minority Status Report (Composite Exhibit I) shall be submitted with each invoice for payment. The List of Subcontractors (Composite Exhibit I) shall be included with bid submission.

DIVERSITY

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

Mentor Protégé Program, please contact the Office of Supplier 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. However, pursuant to Section 287.05701 F.S., the Commission may not request 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 25/26-50, Page 6 of 71 documentation of or consider a vendor’s social, political, or ideological interests when determining if the vendor is a responsible vendor, nor give preference to a vendor based on the vendor’s social, political, or ideological interests.

MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE

A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at Boat Ramp on Lake George, off of Lake George Road, GPS

29.201242, -81.577666 on the date and time specified in the Calendar of Events (Page 3). The purpose of the pre-bid conference is to discuss the contents of this ITB and to accept verbal questions from Bidders concerning the project. Vendors must attend this pre-bid conference as a requirement of bid responsiveness.

Failure to attend the entire conference meeting, from the time it is called to order to the time it is adjourned, shall disqualify a potential respondent. The Commission will make a reasonable effort to answer verbal questions asked at the pre-bid conference; however, Bidders should clearly understand that verbal discussions held at the pre-bid conference shall not be binding on the Commission, and the Commission will only issue an official written response to verbal questions subsequently submitted in writing in accordance with the Deadline for Questions clause below.

GPS 29.201242, -81.577666 Boat Ramp on Lake George, off of Lake George Road Pre-bid conference address.

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

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.

Please refer to SOW Figure 2 - Map Showing Locations of Fenced Enclosures on Lake George when inspecting the project site.

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).

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 25/26-50, Page 7 of 71

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 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.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 25/26-50, Page 8 of 71

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.

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.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 25/26-50, Page 9 of 71

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 3). 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 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;

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 3.12.2025 FWC 25/26-50, Page 10 of 71

• 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.

NOTICE TO PROCEED

The awarded Bidder shall not initiate work under this contract until the required documentation been received by the Commission. The Contractor may begin work once it has received an official written Notice to Proceed (Attachment C) from the Contract Manager.

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 $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.

PERMITTING

Permitting for this project, if needed, is the responsibility of the Commission. 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.

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 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, Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 25/26-50, Page 11 of 71 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.

REMAINDER OF PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK

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

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 25/26-50, Page 12 of 71

SCOPE OF WORK

FWC 25/26-50

AQUATIC FENCED ENCLOSURE INSPECTION & REPAIR

INTRODUCTION:

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (Commission) has identified a need for the inspection and repair of aquatic revegetation fences on Lake George, and potentially other water bodies in the St. Johns River. Aquatic revegetation projects frequently require fence enclosures to reduce grazing pressure on planted vegetation. Reducing herbivory often results in more predictable establishment of vegetation in less time.

The Commission’s fenced enclosures are constructed using fencing wire attached to steel T-posts. To increase visibility for navigation, and to reduce chafing, all posts are covered by PVC pipe. Fences are normally constructed in less than four (4) feet of water. Table 1 provides specifications of fencing products utilized in fence construction and to be used to fulfill the provisions of this bid. All materials necessary for repair under this bid will be provided by the Commission. Figure 1 pictorially depicts basic construction methodology. The fences are meant to be temporary but may be required for several years before vegetation has become sufficiently established to warrant their removal.

Over time, fence enclosures are subject to damage from wind and wave action, accumulation of vegetation and other debris, damage from birds, turtles, alligators, unwary boaters, and vandalism. As such, the structures require periodic inspection and repair to preserve their structural integrity and function until the fence is removed.

PURPOSE:

The Commission is working to re-establish native submersed aquatic vegetation on Lake George and elsewhere in the St. Johns River. One of the challenges faced is protecting the new vegetation from herbivores until it can become established. This is accomplished by building temporary fenced enclosures to protect plants from disturbance, mainly grazing turtles. The purpose of this bid is to obtain a contractor to inspect fences and perform repair services as necessary. Figure 2 shows 34 different fenced enclosures around Lake George, which combined are equal to approximately 75,000 linear feet. Fenced enclosures vary in size from 0.25 acres up to 15 acres. Most fences are divided with cross fences into 2-6 separate sections.

These cross fences help protect the entire fence from being grazed if a section were to get breached. The

Commission reserves the right to add additional fenced enclosures to this project at any time, or change fence construction materials, and the awarded Contractor shall agree to inspect and repair all additional linear feet of fencing added.

1. DEFINITIONS

1.1. FWC Project Manager - The FWC Project Manager is the representative of the Commission and specified in the purchase order contract.

1.2. Contractor - The vendor awarded this contract.

1.3. Fenced Enclosure – A fenced area constructed in a lake or river to protect aquatic plants from disturbance (ex. herbivore grazing). Each fenced enclosure will be rectangular in shape having four sides that each join to block fish and wildlife from entering the fenced area.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 25/26-50, Page 13 of 71

1.4. T-post – Steel fence post shall be a minimum length of 6.5 feet and have a minimum weight of 1.25

lb. per foot.

1.5. PVC pipe – Each T-post shall have a one- and one-half inch (1-½”) diameter, class 160 (thin wall irrigation pipe), white PVC pipe slipped over the T-post. PVC pipes alternate between 10 feet long and 5 feet long, every other post.

1.6. Adhesive Reflective Tape – 6-inch-wide yellow micro-prismatic adhesive reflective tape shall be placed around the top of each 10-foot section of PVC pipe to aid in nighttime navigation.

1.7. Fencing – Fence wire material shall be 1.5-inch x 1.5-inch, 5 foot tall, 16-gauge stainless steel.

1.8. Fence Overlap – The ends of each roll of fence wire shall be overlapped a minimum of 12 inches in both directions where they adjoin and be secured using a minimum of 5 cable ties on each post and overlapped ends.

1.9. Cable Ties – Cable ties shall be a minimum of 11.8 inches in length, black plastic, 120-pound minimum tensile strength, UV light protected.

2. BID TERM

2.1. The successful bid shall be valid for a period of one (1) year upon issuance of the first purchase order. There will be the potential for an additional one year renewal period.

3. BID SPECIFICATIONS

3.1. COMMISSION SUPPLIED MATERIALS

3.1.1. The FWC Project Manager will supply all materials needed for one-year of repairing fenced enclosures including T-posts, PVC pipe, cable ties, reflective tape, and fencing wire.

3.1.2. The FWC Project Manager will coordinate frequently with the Contractor to ensure the

Contractor has all materials necessary to perform work under this bid.

3.2. FENCED ENCLOSURE INPSECTION

3.2.1. Inspections shall be made daily and include inspection of all perimeter and cross fences of fenced enclosures (above and below the water line) for structural integrity and signs of damage.

3.2.2. All fenced enclosure inspections shall be documented using Exhibit A FENCED

ENCLOSURE INSPECTION REPORT FORM. This form must be completed each day inspections are performed, and forms from each week shall be compiled and supplied to the

FWC Project Manager at the end of each week. The Contractor must sign each FENCED

ENCLOSURE INSPECTION FORM. The FWC Project Manager will also sign each form as acceptance of work being completed.

3.2.3. Linear feet of fence inspected will be based on GPS tracks and known linear feet of each fenced enclosure.

3.2.4. Inspection includes visual inspection above the water line for breaks, holes, or any issues which may be or become problematic.

3.2.5. Inspection also includes below the water line inspections to ensure that no breaks or holes exist, or gaps exist between the fence wire and the lake bottom. Inspection for gaps along the bottom is accomplished by sliding feet along the bottom of all fencing, including corners and cross fence intersections. If a gap exists, most times the fencing can be molded back to its original form and secured with additional cable ties, and/or the fencing can be slid down on the

PVC pipes to contact the lake bottom. At times, a patch may need to be placed along the bottom.

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3.2.6. If turtles, or other wildlife including manatee or alligators, are encountered, the Contractor shall notify the FWC Project Manager of their location immediately and continue working.

3.2.7. During inspections, the Contractor is required to remove all floating, and/or uprooted, accumulated vegetation and debris from both inside the fenced enclosures as well as debris stuck in the fencing. Typically, floating vegetation accumulates in the corners and along the inside edge of fenced enclosures. Floating vegetation can accumulate fast after storm events, so it is important Contractor’s personnel inspecting fenced enclosures keep up each visit and not allow extensive vegetation to accumulate. All floating vegetation must be placed outside fenced enclosures. Floating vegetation removal is accomplished by scooping vegetation into a dip net and placing it outside fenced enclosures. If extensive floating vegetation is encountered, the Contractor may open small sections of fence to aid in faster removal. Any sections where fencing is opened by the Contractor must be re-secured by the Contractor before moving on to the next location each day.

3.3. FENCED ENCLOSURE REPAIR

3.3.1. Most repairs can be accomplished while inspection occurs.

3.3.2. All repair materials will be provided by the Commission. The FWC Project Manager will meet and coordinate frequently with the Contractor to ensure they always have the supplies necessary to complete repairs.

3.3.3. All repairs must be documented using Exhibit B – FENCED ENCLOSURE REPAIR

REPORT FORM. This form shall be completed each day repairs are made and forms from each week shall be compiled and supplied to the FWC Project Manager at the end of each week. The

Contractor must sign each FENCED ENCLOSURE REPAIR FORM. The FWC Project

Manager will also sign each form as acceptance of work being completed.

3.3.4. Repair includes making necessary adjustments to the fencing to ensure the fencing is standing upright and functioning as designed. Repair includes, but is not limited to, the following:

3.3.4.1. Bending fence wire back to form, ensuring contact with the lake bottom.

3.3.4.2. Adding cable ties as necessary to maintain structural integrity.

3.3.4.3. Replacing broken or missing cable ties.

3.3.4.4. Straightening posts.

3.3.4.5. Tensioning sagging fence wire to maintain the top of fencing at least six inches above the water line.

3.3.4.6. Replacing missing reflective tape, PVC pipes, or T-posts.

3.3.4.7. Installing small fence patches to cover smaller holes.

3.3.4.8. Removing damaged fence wire and installing new fence wire. (Sections less than

1300ft)

3.3.5. Repairs involving the patching of a small hole are achieved by cutting a patch of fencing

(slightly larger than the hole being repaired) from a fence roll and placing the patch over the existing wire where the hole exists. Cable ties are used to secure the patch over the existing wire. The number of cable ties used will be determined by the size of the hole being repaired.

Best judgment can be used when determining the number of cable ties needed to secure a patch to existing fencing. Typically, 8 (eight) cable ties are used to secure the patch. Location of cable tie placement will include placing 1 (one) at each of the patch’s four corners, and one in the

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 3.12.2025 FWC 25/26-50, Page 15 of 71 middle run of each patch. Cable ties shall secure the patch to the existing fence wire (cable tie goes through both pieces of fence [existing wire and patch).

3.3.6. If a section of fencing greater than 100 feet needs to be replaced, the FWC Project Manager must be notified and allowed time to inspect before moving forward with the replacement.

Repairs involving sections of fencing less than or equal to 100 feet can be made without consultation with the FWC Project Manager.

3.3.7. Repairs that entail removing damaged sections of old fence wire and replacing them with new fence wire will be limited to a maximum of 1,300 linear feet at each fenced enclosure where this activity is warranted.

3.3.8. All repairs involving the removal of damaged sections of old fence wire and replacing them with new fence wire shall be completed within 2 (two) calendar days, unless otherwise specified in writing by the FWC Project Manager.

3.3.9. All repairs involving the removal of damaged sections of old fence wire and the replacement with new fence wire shall involve a final inspection, with the FWC Project Manager and

Contractor agreeing on work completeness before payment is authorized.

3.3.10. Repairs involving the removal and replacement of over 1,300 linear feet at each fenced enclosure would be considered a major fence repair, which the Commission will handle via a separate bid award.

3.3.11. The Contractor shall remove all existing cable ties from any designated sections requiring fence wire removal and replacement. All ties must be collected and removed from the site. All existing wire must be removed from the lake and disposed of in a legal manner at a landfill or recycling facility. The Contractor will be responsible for all disposal fees. Typically, T-posts and PVC pipes do not need replacement when replacing fencing.

3.3.12. Replacement fencing wire shall be stood upright so that it naturally settles into the bottom sediments and secured using a minimum of 7 cable ties per PVC pipe. Ties shall secure fencing to the PVC pipe at the top and bottom, as well as every 8-inches in between. The bottom cable tie shall be within 2 inches of the lake bottom. The ends of each roll of fence wire shall be overlapped a minimum of 12 inches in both directions where they adjoin. A minimum of 5 cable ties should be used to secure fence overlaps on both sides.

3.4. TASK ASSIGNMENT – HOURLY PAY FOR ALL WORK

3.4.1. A Purchase Order will be utilized to initiate work under this Invitation to Bid.

3.4.2. The Purchase Order will include a line item based on the Contractor’s quoted hourly labor rate.

3.4.3. The hourly labor rate is for 2 individuals and all associated equipment necessary to accomplish work under this bid.

3.4.4. If more than one crew of 2 individuals is required to meet production standards, or is necessary to complete extensive repairs, the Contractor may mobilize a second crew of 2 individuals, and the rate of pay for the second crew will be the quoted hourly rate. The second crew must be deemed necessary by the FWC Project Manager and confirmed in writing by the

FWC Project Manager prior to mobilizing a second crew of individuals.

3.4.5. In the event the Contractor has only 1 crew member working on any given day, the quoted hourly rate will be reduced by half.

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3.4.6. Unless otherwise specified in the Purchase Order, the Contactor will have (14) calendar days to begin work (i.e. inspection/repair) from the date the Purchase Order is issued.

3.5. ACCESSING FENCED ENCLOSURES

3.5.1. Contractor entry into fenced enclosures can be achieved by cutting cable ties where two rolls of fencing are joined, or by placing a ladder over the fence and stepping onto the ladder and down into the fenced enclosure from a boat. Using the ladder method alleviates the need to cut and replace cable ties at each enclosure and speeds up the inspection process.

3.5.2. Care must always be taken to avoid damage to fenced enclosures from the contractor’s vessels upon approach and when anchored next to fenced enclosures. Contractor will be responsible for fixing any damage created by their actions.

3.5.3. Reasonable care must be taken to avoid damaging existing plant growth inside fenced enclosures as part of the inspection and repair activities. If the damage is considered, at any time, to be excessive by the FWC Project Manager, the contractor will receive one written warning. If there is a second offense, the Purchase Order Contract may be terminated.

3.6. WORK SCHEDULE

3.6.1. Work shall be performed during weekdays (Monday-Friday) during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset).

3.6.2. Requests to work weekend days or holidays shall be made in writing by the Contractor. The

FWC Project Manager shall provide a response to the Contractor in writing to grant or reject requests.

3.6.3. It is anticipated that work performed under this bid will occur daily between the months of

March and November; however, the Commission reserves the right to prioritize and determine when and how often inspection and repairs occur, depending on project needs and available budget.

3.7. PRODUCTION STANDARD

3.7.1. The Contractor must provide enough labor and equipment to inspect and maintain a minimum of 7,500 linear feet of fencing per day. With 75,000 linear feet of fencing currently installed on Lake George, this production standard ensures all fenced enclosures are inspected and maintained every two weeks.

3.7.2. The Contractor must be able to provide additional personnel and equipment if fence inspections/repairs are needed at additional sites located elsewhere on the St. Johns River, in addition to the Lake George inspections.

3.7.3. This production standard shall be measured upon completion of work every day that work occurs.

3.7.4. If extensive repairs are needed, or the production standard will not be met due to Force

Majeure, the FWC Project Manager may determine to waive production standards until extensive repairs are completed.

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3.7.5. Work may be suspended during unsafe weather conditions. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to determine what conditions are safe for their equipment and crew. The

Contractor will notify the FWC Project Manager if unsafe weather conditions prevent work.

3.7.6. Failure by the Contractor to provide sufficient equipment and labor to commence and/or fulfill the production standard shall not be justification for a work delay and may lead to termination of the Purchase Order Contract.

3.8. VERIFICATION OF WORK - DELIVERABLES

3.8.1. The Contractor’s start and stop time shall be recorded on the FENCED ENCLOSURE

INSPECTION REPORT FORM each day work occurs. The start and stop times will be used to track hours worked each day and used to justify payment.

3.8.2. Hours worked begin when the Contractor gets to a fenced enclosure each morning and stops when the Contractor leaves a fenced enclosure at the end of the day. Travel time between enclosures is included. Travel time from launch points in the morning and afternoon returning to launch points does not count as hours worked as well as breaks\lunch break. All times will be rounded to the nearest quarter hour.

3.8.3. A cell phone capable of recording and sending GPS tracks via the Gaia GPS app shall be carried by everyone performing work under this bid and used at all times while inspection and repairs are completed to determine the linear feet of fence inspected each day, as well as transit between fence locations. The Contractor must record GPS tracks daily, keep daily tracks separate, and send all tracks to the FWC Project Manager at the end of each work week.

3.8.4. If the Gaia GPS app is no longer available at the time of the project, a similar method of recording tracks may be utilized at the discretion, and approval, of the FWC Project Manager.

3.8.5. The file format for sending GPS tracks must be .KML , .KMZ, or .GPX format.

3.9. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

3.9.1. Electronic transmission, by email, from the Contractor to the FWC Project Manager, is required for the weekly delivery of FENCED ENCLOSURE INSPECTION REPORT FORMs and FENCED ENCLOSURE REPAIR REPORT FORMs.

3.9.2. Electronic transmission, by email or phone app, from the Contractor to the FWC Project

Manager, is required for the weekly delivery of GPS tracks. The tracks need to be separated into daily tracks with dates shown or included in the file name.

3.10. WORK AREA

3.10.1. Fenced enclosure locations will primarily be within Lake George in the following counties:

Lake, Putnam, and Volusia. While project sites will typically be within 5 miles of a boat ramp, some sites may be up to 10 miles from the nearest access point. Figure 2 shows current fenced enclosure locations on Lake George.

3.10.2. Work will primarily be focused on Lake George; however, the Commission may decide to build additional fenced enclosures in other parts of the St. Johns River which may require inspection and repair. Other locations may include areas north or south of Lake George extending from Green Cove Springs to Melbourne, Florida. It is anticipated that 95% of all work performed under this bid will occur on Lake George.

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3.11. SITE CONDITIONS

3.11.1. Work areas will be on firm sand in 4 (four) feet of water or less.

3.11.2. On…