FWC 25.26-64 FINAL.pdf

FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

1875 ORANGE AVE E

TALLAHASSEE, FL 32311-6160

(850) 488-6551

BLUE CRAB TRAP RETRIEVAL PROGRAM

FWC 25/26-64

INVITATION TO BID

ITB BIDDER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

Purpose: The intent of this bid is to obtain competitive pricing for the administration, labor, and materials necessary to retrieve blue crab traps from state waters during three (3) regional blue crab trap closures annually, 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.

Authorized Signature (Manual):

Authorized Signature Name (Typed) and Title: __________________________________________________________________________

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 02.11.2026 FWC 25/26-64, Page 3 of 70

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FWC 25/26-64

SCHEDULE DUE DATE METHOD

Bid Advertised March 6, 2026 Posted on the Vendor Information Portal

(VIP)

Deadline for Questions

Must be received

PRIOR to:

March 16, 2026

@ 5:00 PM ET

See Solicitation Questions Clause

Anticipated date for Responses to Written Questions March 19, 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:

March 26, 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 March 26, 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 March 31, 2026 Posted on the Vendor Information Portal https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 02.11.2026 FWC 25/26-64, Page 4 of 70

GENERAL CONDITIONS

FWC 25/26-64

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 02.11.2026 FWC 25/26-64, Page 5 of 70

PROCUREMENT MANAGER

Martin Ehlen martin.ehlen@myfwc.com

ESTIMATED BUDGET

The Commission has an estimated budget for this project of $200,000.00

TERM

The contract will be effective for a period of two (2) years beginning on July 1, 2026.

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

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

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

RENEWAL

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

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

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

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

SUBCONTRACTS

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

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

The List of Subcontractors (Attachment G) 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 documentation of or consider a vendor’s social, political, or ideological interests when determining if the mailto:bidrequest@myfwc.com?subject=Extension%20Request https://www.dms.myflorida.com/agency_administration/office_of_supplier_diversity_osd/mentor_protege_program mailto:osdinfo@dms.myflorida.com https://www.dms.myflorida.com/agency_administration/office_of_supplier_diversity_osd/mentor_protege_program https://www.dms.myflorida.com/agency_administration/office_of_supplier_diversity_osd/mentor_protege_program

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 02.11.2026 FWC 25/26-64, Page 6 of 70 vendor is a responsible vendor, nor give preference to a vendor based on the vendor’s social, political, or ideological interests.

VERBAL INSTRUCTION PROCEDURE

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

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

SOLICITATION QUESTIONS

Any questions from Bidders that require an official FWC answer concerning this project shall be submitted in writing to the Procurement Manager. This includes specification inquiries, such as questions or requests for additional or altered terms and conditions. Questions to the Procurement Manager shall not constitute formal protest of the specifications or of the solicitation. Questions must be received no later than the date and time specified in the Calendar of Events (Page 3). Questions may be sent via email with the solicitation number in the subject line. It is the responsibility of the bidder to confirm receipt of questions if needed.

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

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

LIMITATION ON BIDDER CONTACT DURING SOLICITATION PERIOD

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

BIDDER SPECIFICATION CHALLENGE

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

120.57(3)(b), F.S., shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, F.S.

ADDENDUMS

If the Commission finds it necessary to supplement, modify or interpret any portion of the specifications or documents or answer any Bidder questions during the ITB period an addendum shall be posted on the

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

Portal website (https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com) for new or changing information relative to this 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

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 02.11.2026 FWC 25/26-64, Page 7 of 70

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.

MANDATORY RESPONSIVE REQUIREMENTS

The Commission will not review Bids from Bidders who do not meet the mandatory responsive requirements listed in Attachment B, Mandatory Responsive Requirements. Note: The Commission will perform an initial responsiveness check. Bids found to be non-responsive will not be considered for award.

The Commission reserves the right to act upon information discovered during and after the initial responsiveness check impacting the responsibility or responsiveness of the Bid or Bidders.

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 reference requirements.

EQUAL BIDS

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

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

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

SUPPORTING/SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

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

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

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

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

Contractor’s bid.

CONFIDENTIALITY/PUBLIC RECORDS LAW

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

(30) days after bid opening, whichever is earlier, the Commission receives a public record request related to the solicitation, the Commission will provide copies of public records that are not exempt to the requester.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 02.11.2026 FWC 25/26-64, Page 8 of 70

The Commission will endeavor to provide notice to the Bidder of all public records requests received related to documents provided by the Bidder that were marked pursuant to this paragraph. In no event shall the

Bidder hold the Commission or any of its employees or agents liable for disclosing, or otherwise failing to protect the confidentiality of, information submitted in response to this solicitation.

MAILING INSTRUCTIONS

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

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Attn: Purchasing

1875 Orange Ave E

Tallahassee, Florida 32311-6160.

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

OPENING.

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

MARKED.

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

RELATED TO SELECTED DELIVERY SERVICES. DIGITAL SUBMISSIONS SHALL BE DEEMED NON-RESPONSIVE

AND SHALL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

SOLICITATION PUBLIC OPENING

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

Events (Page 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

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 02.11.2026 FWC 25/26-64, Page 9 of 70 period of 72 hours. Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in Section 120.57(3)(b), F.S., shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, F.S.

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

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

SCOPE CHANGES AFTER CONTRACT EXECUTION

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

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

FWC CONTRACT MANAGER

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

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

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

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

Certificate of Contract Completion form; and

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

DELIVERABLES

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

Contract:

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

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

NOTICE TO PROCEED

The awarded Bidder shall not initiate work under this contract until the required Insurance documentation has been received by the Commission. The Contractor may begin work once it has received an official written Notice to Proceed (Attachment F) from 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 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 02.11.2026 FWC 25/26-64, Page 10 of 70 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, the Commission is not liable for any costs incurred or charged by the Contractor in anticipation of responding to, or performing work described in, this ITB including, but not limited to, equipment or personnel procured by the Contractor in anticipation of such work. The Commission is not responsible to the Contractor for any loss or damages resulting from circumstances unforeseen at the time of publication of this ITB including, but not limited to, those resulting from a “force majeure”.

ADDITIONAL LEGAL REQUIREMENT

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

USE OF CONTRACT BY OTHER STATE AGENCIES AND ELIGIBLE USERS

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

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

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

CONDITIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS

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

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

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 02.11.2026 FWC 25/26-64, Page 11 of 70

SCOPE OF WORK

FWC 25/26-64

BLUE CRAB TRAP RETRIEVAL PROGRAM

PURPOSE

The purpose of this bid is to obtain competitive pricing for the administration, labor, and materials necessary to retrieve blue crab traps from state waters during three (3) regional blue crab trap closures annually.

1. INITIAL TERM COMPLETION DATE

1.1. Project shall be completed by the Contractor by June 30, 2028.

2. INTRODUCTION

2.1. Section 379.2424, Florida Statutes, authorizes the Commission to implement a trap retrieval program for the retrieval of blue crab traps remaining in the water during the closed season. Blue crab trap retrieval activities shall be conducted pursuant to Rule 68B-55, Florida Administrative

Code (F.A.C) during the applicable regional blue crab trap closure periods established in 68B-

45.0045, F.A.C.. Availability of funding is contingent upon annual appropriation by the Florida

Legislature.

3. CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1. The following project services and operational procedures shall apply:

3.1.1. The Contractor shall administer and implement the Blue Crab Trap Retrieval Program and shall provide all labor and materials necessary to retrieve traps within one or more of the following regions (Table 1) during the regional blue crab trap closures that occur during the initial contract term (Table 2). See the Renewal Clause under General Conditions for more information regarding the possible renewal of this contract after the initial term. The Contractor shall perform services from all state waters of the St. Johns River system (Region 1) and all state waters extending to 3 miles offshore for regions 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

3.1.2. The Contractor shall provide a preliminary trap retrieval schedule for each region no less than five (5) days prior to the proposed commencement date of trap retrieval activities within a specific region. This schedule must include the names and phone numbers of the project participants, the proposed dates and departure locations for each trap retrieval trip, as well as a disposal plan for traps and trap materials for each trip. This schedule must be approved, in writing, by the

Contract Manager (or their delegate, shall be the implication for the remainder of this Scope).

The Commission reserves the right to amend this schedule at any time.

3.1.3. The Contractor is responsible for coordinating with the Contract Manager to ensure that a

Commission-appointed observer is present on board any vessel participating in the trap retrieval process. Unless prior approval is received from the Contract Manager, a Commission-appointed observer must be present on board participating vessels during each trap retrieval trip for the payment to the Contractor to be approved and authorized

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3.1.4. The Contractor shall solely be responsible for the recruitment, selection, and financial compensation of the project participants and for all work performed in this project according to the criteria listed below:

a. No one less than 18 years of age may receive compensation for their work on this project. The

Contractor shall comply with all laws applicable to labor and employment.

b. The Contractor shall distribute, post, and/or otherwise disseminate official notices, announcements, or other communications to project participants.

3.1.5. Trap retrieval operations shall be governed by the following “Operational Guidelines”:

a. Each project participant shall provide a properly licensed and commercially registered vessel meeting United States Coast Guard vessel safety requirements and capable of operating safely in the awarded region, and that vessel shall be manned by an experienced and qualified

Captain. Each vessel shall be equipped with a functional electric or hydraulic trap puller, or crew that will effectively hand pull and retrieve traps. Adequate space for a Commission appointed observer and space for stowing ropes, buoys, traps, and trap debris is required. If the vessel is deemed unsafe or inappropriate for the retrieval, the Contract Manager may reschedule the retrieval trip for another day and the Contractor must provide a safe vessel acceptable to the Contract Manager.

b. Daily operations should be based on an 8-to-12-hour workday (on the water), unless prior approval is received from the Commission’s Contract Manager. The location and duration of each retrieval trip must be approved by the Contract Manager. Trip plans must be mutually acceptable to the Contract Manager and Contractor.

c. Weather conditions for daily operations in any region must be mutually acceptable to the

Commission observer, the Contractor, and the captain of the vessel participating in trap retrieval.

d. Trap retrieval shall be limited to blue crab traps located in Florida waters during the applicable regional blue crab trap closure periods within each awarded region(s).

e. The Commission may provide authorized direction to the Contractor to retrieve traps in specific areas of state and adjacent federal waters if illegal traps are discovered.

f. All saltwater products and other organisms recovered in trap retrieval operations, regardless of condition, shall be immediately returned to the water.

g. The Contractor must provide an adequate method for transporting all traps, trap debris, line, and buoys to an authorized waste management facility for disposal.

h. All traps, trap debris, line, and buoys must be returned to shore for proper disposal by the

Contractor in an authorized waste management facility. Each program participant must complete and sign a Work Certification Form (Attachment C) and a Disposal Certification

Form (Attachment D) for each trap retrieval trip, attesting that all traps and trap debris

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 02.11.2026 FWC 25/26-64, Page 13 of 70 removed will be disposed of pursuant to the trap retrieval program requirements for payment to the Contractor to be approved and authorized by the Commission’s Contract Manager.

3.1.6. The Contractor is responsible for all costs and expenses, including fuel and disposal fees, resulting from the trap retrieval process and shall not hold the Commission responsible for any damage(s) that may occur to any vessel or equipment during the trap retrieval or disposal process.

3.1.7. The Contractor must submit an invoice to the Contract Manager that complies with Commission terms and conditions, along with completed Work Certification Forms (Attachment C) and

Disposal Certification Forms (Attachment D) for each retrieval trip conducted within each region for the payment to the Contractor to be authorized by the Commission’s Contract Manager. No payment will be made to the Contractor prior to trap retrieval effort in a region. Payments shall be based on services rendered. Invoices shall be due within fifteen days of services performed to guarantee timely payments.

3.1.8. The Contractor shall, in consultation with the Commission, settle all labor disputes.

4. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMISSION

4.1. The Commission shall provide operational guidelines for project management to ensure that traps are properly retrieved and disposed of according to the terms of this Contract and applicable laws.

This shall include possible identification of trap locations from the Commission’s Division of Law

Enforcement and the possible assistance of the Commission’s Division of Law Enforcement for the selection of areas from which traps will be retrieved.

4.2. The Commission will provide observers (Commission employees or others authorized as appropriate by the Commission) aboard each participating vessel. For each trap retrieved, the Commission-appointed observer will be responsible for recording the following information: the intended species targeted by the trap; the owner’s identification and/or endorsement number; presence or absence of a required trap tag; if it is a commercial or recreational trap; location of the trap; and buoy colors.

4.2.1. If a trap is retrieved that does not have a clearly identifiable endorsement number, trap tag, or identification, the trap will be recorded as unidentified. The Commission-appointed observer will provide the project participant and Contract Manager with the total number of traps retrieved and disabled by each vessel at the end of each workday. The Contract Manager will provide such data as required to the Contractor for accurate and timely payments to project participants.

4.3. The Commission will provide and complete all forms required to efficiently and effectively document the trap retrieval process as the basis for payment to the Contractor.

4.3.1. The Commission shall provide a “Work Certification Form” (Attachment C) for the purpose of documenting and certifying project work performance. A Work Certification Form shall be completed and signed by the Commission appointed observer and co-signed by the project participant at the completion of each workday. One copy of each completed Work Certification

Form shall be provided to the Commission’s Contract Manager, to the Contractor, and to the project participant.

4.3.2. The Commission will provide a “Disposal Certification Form” (Attachment D) for the purpose of documenting and verifying the disposal of traps, lines, buoys, and other trap parts. A Disposal

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 02.11.2026 FWC 25/26-64, Page 14 of 70

Certification Form shall be completed and signed by the project participant. The original copy of the Disposal Certification Form shall be returned to the Contract Manager upon completion.

4.4. The Commission’s Contract Manager will be responsible for enforcing performance of the Contract terms and conditions, shall serve as liaison with the Contractor, and shall approve all invoices prior to payment.

5. MINIMUM LEVEL OF EQUIPMENT

5.1. Each project participant shall provide a properly licensed and commercially registered vessel no smaller than 18’ in length, meeting United States Coast Guard vessel safety requirements and capable of operating safely in the awarded region, and that vessel shall be manned by an experienced and qualified captain and crew. Each vessel shall be equipped with a functional electric or hydraulic trap puller, or crew that will effectively hand pull and retrieve traps. Adequate space for a commission-appointed observer and space for stowing ropes, buoys, traps, and trap debris is required.

6. MINIMUM LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE

6.1. The Commission has developed the following Performance Measure categories, which should be used to measure the Contractor’s performance and delivery of services. The Contractor shall comply with all terms and conditions upon issuance of the annual Purchase Order, and the Commission may begin monitoring the Contractor’s service delivery upon issuance of the Purchase Order to ensure that agreement requirements are being met.

6.2. Performance Outcomes, Measures, and Standards: Listed below are the key Performance Outcomes, Measures, and Standards deemed most crucial to the success of the overall delivery of the services.

The Contractor shall ensure that the stated performance outcomes and standards (level of achievement) are met.

6.2.1. Performance Measure #1: Trap Retrieval.

a. Outcome: Unless prior approval is received from the Contract Manager, services must be performed for the entire region or a portion of the region that is mutually acceptable to the

Contractor and the Contract Manager.

b. Measure: The trap retrieval schedule for each region attesting that the Contractor can successfully conduct trap retrieval activities within each region and the Work Certification

Form (Attachment C) attesting that services were rendered for each region.

c. Standard: Achievement of outcome must meet one hundred percent (100%).

6.2.2. Performance Measure #2 – Trap Disposal.

a. Outcome: All traps, trap debris, line, and buoys must be returned to shore for proper disposal by the Contractor in an authorized waste management facility.

b. Measure: The Disposal Certification Form (Attachment D) for each trap retrieval trip attesting that all traps and trap debris removed will be disposed of pursuant to trap retrieval program requirements.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 02.11.2026 FWC 25/26-64, Page 15 of 70

c. Standard: Achievement of outcome must meet one hundred percent (100%).

6.2.3. Performance Measure #3 – Other Contract Requirements.

a. Outcome: Compliance with all other contract terms and conditions.

b. Measure: Review of the annual comprehensive agreement conducted by the Contract

Manager.

c. Standard: Achievement of outcome must meet or exceed ninety-five percent (95%), on a yearly basis.

6.3. By execution of this agreement, the Contractor hereby acknowledges and agrees that its performance under the agreement shall meet the standards set forth above. Any failure by the

Contractor to achieve the Performance Measures identified above may result in the assessment of financial consequences as provided by the included terms and conditions from the Commission’s

Finance and Budget Office (FBO).

7. FINANCIAL CONSEQUENCES

7.1. The Scope of Work contains clearly defined deliverables. In accordance with Section 287.058(1)(h), F.S., if the Contractor fails to produce each deliverable within the time frame specified by the Scope of Work, the budget amount allocated for that deliverable will be reduced by ten percent (10%) from

Contractor’s payment, or the estimated $6,000.00 / day loss of productivity to the Commission, whichever is greater. Other conditions may apply as outlined in the current Purchase Order terms and conditions.

REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 02.11.2026 FWC 25/26-64, Page 16 of 70

8. TABLES AND FIGURES

8.1. Table 1. Blue crab trap closure regions.

Region Defined as: Closed Season1 Comment

1 St. Johns River System2 January 16-25 Even-numbered years only

Nassau, Duval, St. Johns, Flagler, and

Volusia Counties August 20-29 Even-numbered years only

Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and

Palm Beach Counties August 10-19 Even-numbered years only

Broward, Dade, Monroe, Collier, Lee, Charlotte, DeSoto, Sarasota, Manatee, Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties.

July 10-19 Odd-numbered years only

Hernando, Citrus, Levy, Dixie, Taylor, Jefferson, and Wakulla3 Counties July 20-29 Odd-numbered years only

Franklin4, Gulf, Bay, Walton, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Escambia Counties January 5-14 Odd-numbered years only.

1 These closures may be reduced in duration if it is determined by the Executive Director of the Commission that the number of lost and abandoned traps in a region will take less time to remove than the time listed for a region.

2 All waters of the St. Johns River, its associated lakes, and tributaries from west of the St. Johns River’s intersection with the Intracoastal Canal through and including Lake Helen Blazes (Brevard County).

3 Including all waters of the Ochlockonee River and Ochlockonee Bay.

4 Excluding all waters of the Ochlockonee River and Ochlockonee Bay.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 02.11.2026 FWC 25/26-64, Page 17 of 70

8.2. Table 2. Blue crap trap closures occurring during the initial contract term and each subsequent renewal years.

Initial Term (2 years)

Renewal year 1 Renewal year 2 Renewal year 3

Region July 1, 2026 –

June 30, 2028

July 1, 2028 –

June 30, 2029

July 1, 2029 –

June 30, 2030

July 1, 2030 –

June 30, 2031

1 January 16-25, N/A

January 16-25, 2 August 20-29, August 20-29, August 20-29, August 10-19, July 10-19, 2027

July 10-19, July 20-29, 2027

July 20-29, 6 January 5-14, January 5-14, January 5-14, Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 02.11.2026 FWC 25/26-64, Page 18 of 70

8.3. Figure 1. Blue crab trap closures during Initial Term and Renewal Year 1 and Renewal Year 3.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 02.11.2026 FWC 25/26-64, Page 19 of 70

8.4. Figure 2. Blue crab trap closures during Initial Term and Renewal Year 2.

PRICE SHEET

CONTRACTOR SHALL NOT ALTER THE PRICE SHEET IN ANY WAY.

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

THIS WILL BE A MULTI-AWARD BID. THE BID WILL BE AWARDED TO THE RESPONSIVE, RESPONSIBLE BIDDER THAT

SUBMITS THE LOWEST TOTAL BID PRICE PER REGION. FWC ANTICIPATES THAT ALL REGIONS WILL BE AWARDED, BUT

THE SIZE AND SCOPE OF WORK WITHIN EACH REGION IS BUDGET AND CLOSURE DEPENDENT. PURSUANT TO SECTIONS

287.057(1)(a)1., AND 287.057(1)(a)2., FLORIDA STATUTES EACH CONTRACTOR SHALL SUPPLY A PRICE FOR EACH YEAR THAT

A CONTRACT MAY BE RENEWED. (SEE RENEWAL CLAUSE).

Region Defined as:

Closed

Season

Initial Term Unit Price Per Retrieved Trap

Renewal Year #1 Unit Price Per Retrieved Trap

Renewal Year #2 Unit Price Per Retrieved Trap

Renewal Year #3 Unit Price Per Retrieved Trap

Total Region Price Per Retrieved

Trap for All Years:

(Sum of all Unit

Prices Per Retrieved Traps by Region)

1 St. Johns River System

January 16-

$___________/Trap $___________/Trap N/A $___________/Trap $_______________

Nassau, Duval, St. Johns, Flagler, and Volusia

Counties

August 20-

$___________/Trap N/A $___________/Trap N/A $_______________

Brevard, Indian River, St.

Lucie, Martin, and Palm

Beach Counties

August 10-

$___________/Trap N/A $___________/Trap N/A $_______________

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 02.11.2026 FWC 25/26-64, Page 21 of 70

Region Defined as:

Closed

Season1

Initial Term Unit Price Per Retrieved Trap

Renewal Year #1 Unit Price Per Retrieved Trap

Renewal Year #2 Unit Price Per Retrieved Trap

Renewal Year #3 Unit Price Per Retrieved Trap

Total Region Price Per

Retrieved Trap for All Years:

(Sum of all Unit Prices Per

Retrieved Traps by Region)

Broward, Dade, Monroe, Collier, Lee, Charlotte, DeSoto, Sarasota, Manatee, Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco

Counties

July 10-19 $___________/Trap $___________/Trap N/A $___________/Trap $_______________

Hernando, Citrus, Levy, Dixie, Taylor, Jefferson, and Wakulla 3 Counties

July 20-29 $___________/Trap $___________/Trap N/A $___________/Trap $_______________

Franklin , Gulf, Bay, Walton, Okaloosa, Santa

Rosa, and Escambia

Counties

January 5-

$___________/Trap N/A $___________/Trap N/A $_______________

1 These closures may be reduced in duration if it is determined by the Executive Director of the Commission that the number of lost and abandoned traps in a region will take less time to remove than the time listed for a region.

2 All waters of the St. Johns River, its associated lakes and tributaries from west of the St. Johns River’s intersection with the Intracoastal Canal through and including Lake Helen Blazes (Brevard County).

3 Including all waters of the Ochlockonee River and Ochlockonee Bay.

4 Excluding all waters of the Ochlockonee River and Ochlockonee Bay.

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

QUOTED ABOVE. I HEREBY AFFIRM I HAVE NOT BEEN IN ANY AGREEMENT OR COLLUSION AMONG BIDDERS IN RESTRAINT

OF FREEDOM OF COMPETITION

Contractor: _______________________________

Address: _________________________________

Signed: ___________________________________

Print Name: ______________________________

Title: _____________________________________

City/State/Zip: ____________________________

Phone: ____________________________________

Fax: ______________________________________

REFERENCES

A minimum of three (3) separate and verifiable references, from persons or firms for whom the bidder has performed similar jobs as per the bid specifications shall be supplied with the bid. No more than one (1) of the submitted references shall be related to a past project where staff necessary for the current project were unaffiliated with the bidder and/or employed by a different company. If providing an unaffiliated reference, enter the information in Reference 4 - Collective Experience. The firms and/or contact persons should be available between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. FWC staff will attempt to contact each selected reference by phone up to three (3) times. If any reference is not available as stated above, this may be cause for rejection of the Bidder’s bid. Provide a description (scope of work) of each job.

REFERENCE #1

Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________

Contact Person: ____________________________________ Telephone Number: _________________________

Project Dates for Work Performed (MM/YYYY): _________________________ to _________________________

Project Location: _________________________________________________________________________________

Brief description of the services performed for the project:

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 02.11.2026 FWC 25/26-64, Page 24 of 70

REFERENCE #2

Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________

Contact Person: ____________________________________ Telephone Number: _________________________

Project Dates for Work Performed (MM/YYYY): _________________________ to _________________________

Project Location: _________________________________________________________________________________

Brief description of the services performed for the project:

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 02.11.2026 FWC 25/26-64, Page 25 of 70

REFERENCE #3

Name:…