FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

1875 ORANGE AVE E

TALLAHASSEE, FL 32311-6160

(850) 488-6551

NONNATIVE SNAKE CONTROL

FWC 26/27-04

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

RESPONDENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

Purpose: The intent of this RFP is to obtain competitive responses from qualified vendors that will lead to the effective removal of nonnative snake species from Florida ecosystems. This includes the use of innovative technologies and effective oversight of the Python Action Team Removing Invasive Constrictors (PATRIC) program, per the specifications contained herein. Only responsive and responsible Respondents will be considered for award of this RFP.

Responsive: To be responsive, a response must constitute a definite, firm, unqualified and unconditional offer to meet all the material terms of this RFP. 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 RFP and which, for reasons of policy, must be complied with at risk of response rejection for non-responsiveness.

Non-Responsive: Any submission that does not comply with this RFP in any way, does not contain all the properly signed forms, supplements or deviates from the RFP requirements or has an incomplete Cost Sheet may be considered nonresponsive at the discretion of 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 Respondent. The Commission reserves the right to use any information, whether supplied through the Respondent’s submission or otherwise obtained, in determining responsibility.

Sealed Proposal: In response to a Request for Proposals (RFP), a sealed proposal is the final submission from a vendor prior to the proposal deadline, after which no further submissions will be considered.

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

Name of Business: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Contact Person Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Business Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City: ______________________________ State: _______________________________ Zip code: _______________________________________

Phone: _____________________________ Fax: __________________________________ Email: _______________________________________

Federal Employer Identification Number: _________________________

I certify that this RFP response is submitted without prior understanding, agreement, or connection with any corporation, firm, or person submitting a response for the same professional services and is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud. I agree to abide by all conditions of this RFP and certify that I am authorized to sign this acknowledgment for the Respondent.

Authorized Signature (Manual): ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Authorized Signature Name (Typed) and Title: __________________________________________________________________________________

Date: __________________________________________

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FWC 26/27-04

SCHEDULE DUE DATE METHOD

RFP Advertised September 1, 2026 Posted on the Vendor Information Portal (VIP)

Deadline for Questions

Must be received PRIOR to:

September 11, 2026

@ 5:00 PM ET

See Deadline for Questions Clause

Anticipated date for Responses to Written Questions September 16, 2026 Posted on the Vendor Information Portal (VIP)

SEALED RESPONSE DUE

(REMEMBER: RFP number should be clearly marked on envelope)

Must be received PRIOR to:

September 30, 2026

@ 1:30 PM ET

Mailing Address:

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Attn: Purchasing 1875 Orange Ave E Tallahassee, Florida, 32311-6160 Submissions are due BEFORE the date and time of the public opening.

Public Response Opening September 30, 2026

@ 1:30 PM ET

Public Opening Location:

1875 Orange Ave E Tallahassee, FL 32311-6160

Dial in by phone +1 850-270-2928,,160676323# United States, Tallahassee Find a local number Phone conference ID: 160 676 323#

Evaluation Period

From October 6, 2026 to October 23, 2026

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission

Anticipated Date of Intended Award November 5, 2026 Posted on the Vendor Information Portal (VIP) https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/ https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/ tel:+18502702928,,160676323 https://dialin.teams.cloud.microsoft/63c46e4d-ab30-4674-a445-925c2dc1c1ed?id=160676323 https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

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GENERAL CONDITIONS

FWC 26/27-04

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 Respondent submitting a response shall be registered in the MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) system and, where required, the Sunbiz system prior to the RFP 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 Respondent may not be considered for an award if not registered in the MFMP and Sunbiz system. The Respondent’s registration address and federal employer identification (FEID) number should match the Respondent’s address and FEID number listed on the Respondent 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.

Response from Respondent shall include all necessary equipment to complete the job. The Respondent is required to supply all specified documentation when submitting a response 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_purchasing_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 Respondent or Contractor, including any appearing in documents attached as part of a Respondent’s response. In signing and submitting its response, a Respondent 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 response, shall be grounds for rejecting a response.

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.

PROCUREMENT MANAGER

Joshua Stringer Joshua.Stringer@myfwc.com 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

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ESTIMATED BUDGET

The Commission has an estimated budget for this entire project of $29,647,667.00.

TERM

The contract will be effective five years upon issuance of Purchase Order.

If circumstances constituting Force Majeure have occurred, or if anything occurs beyond the Contractor’s control, the Contractor may request in writing an extension of Completion Date. The Project Manager and Contract Manager will review the extension request and if they determine it is justified, will forward to the Bid Request Inbox (bidrequest@myfwc.com) for procurement review and approval/disapproval.

RENEWAL

The Commission has the option to renew this Contract for a period up to five (5) years after the initial Contract period upon the same terms and conditions contained herein. Pursuant to Sections 287.057(1)(a)2., and 287.057(1)(a)3., Florida Statutes, each Contractor shall supply a price for each year that a contract may be renewed. Evaluation of responses shall include consideration of the total cost of the contract, including the total cost for each renewal year, as submitted by the Contractor.

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 D) shall be submitted with each invoice for payment. The List of Subcontractors (Attachment E) 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. Respondents 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 vendor is a responsible vendor, nor give preference to a vendor based on the vendor’s social, political, or ideological interests.

mailto:bidrequest@myfwc.com?subject=Extension%20Request 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 mailto:osdinfo@dms.myflorida.com https://www.dms.myflorida.com/agency_administration/office_of_supplier_diversity_osd/mentor_protege_program

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VERBAL INSTRUCTION PROCEDURE

Respondents may not consider any verbal instructions as binding upon the Commission. No negotiations, discussions, or actions shall be initiated or executed by the Respondent 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 Respondents 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 Respondent 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.

LIMITATION ON RESPONDENT CONTACT DURING SOLICITATION PERIOD

Respondents 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 agency posting the notice of intended award, (note 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.

RESPONDENT SPECIFICATION INQUIRIES

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 Respondent questions during the solicitation period, an addendum shall be posted on the Vendor Information Portal website. Each Respondent is responsible for monitoring the Vendor Information Portal for new or changing information relative to this procurement. The Commission bears no responsibility for any delays, or resulting impacts, associated with a Respondent’s failure to obtain the information made available through the Vendor Information Portal.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR RESPONSE PRESENTATION

Each response shall be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise delineation of Respondent’s capabilities to satisfy the requirements of this RFP. Elaborate binding, colored displays, and promotional materials are not required. However, examples of services provided may be included as attachments to the response.

Emphasis in each response must be on completeness and clarity of content. To expedite the evaluation of responses, it is essential that Respondents follow the format and instructions contained herein. All costs associated with preparing a response to this RFP is the sole responsibility of the Respondent.

MANDATORY DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR RESPONSE SUBMISSION

Response submission should be organized as follows:

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TAB A. Respondent Acknowledgment Form (Mandatory) For this response to be considered responsive, the Respondent Acknowledgement Form (Page 2) must be completed in its entirety, signed by the Respondent and returned as part of the response. Otherwise, the response will be deemed non-responsive. By affixing your signature to the Respondent Acknowledgement Form, the Respondent hereby states that the Respondent has read all response 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 Respondent will provide the Commission under these response specifications.

TAB B. Mandatory Responsive Requirements (Mandatory) — (Attachment B) The Respondent shall complete and submit the Mandatory Responsive Requirements form in its entirety and return the form as part of the RFP response or the response shall be deemed non-responsive.

The Commission will not review Responses from Respondents who do not meet the mandatory responsive requirements listed in Attachment B, Mandatory Responsive Requirements. Note: The Commission will perform an initial responsiveness check. Responses 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 Response or Respondents.

TAB C. References (Mandatory) — (Attachment C) The Respondent shall complete and submit the References form enclosed herein, to provide a minimum of three (3) references for similar projects completed. Current contact names and phone numbers shall be given. This information shall be provided on the Reference Form, enclosed herein, and submitted with the response. The References form shall be completed correctly in its entirety and returned as part of the RFP response, or the response shall be deemed non-responsive.

TAB D. List of Subcontractors (Mandatory) — (Attachment E) The Respondent shall complete and submit the List of Subcontractors in its entirety and return the form as part of the RFP response or the response shall be deemed non-responsive. The Respondent shall mark the form with “N/A” if subcontractors are not being used.

TAB E. Samples of Previous Project Reports (Mandatory) The Respondent shall submit up to, but not to exceed, two (2) examples of final project reports that detail the effectiveness of the control project performed. Submission of final project reports shall include a cover page identifying the name of the Respondent and listing titles of each document submitted for evaluation. Samples of previous project reports must be returned as part of the RFP response or the response shall be deemed non-responsive.

TAB F. Qualifications and Relevant Experience (Mandatory) This section shall include the following information:

1. Experience Form (Attachment G) The Respondent shall complete and submit the Experience Form, enclosed herein, which shall include a chronological list of the Respondent’s experience with a description of the services provided for each operation and duration of each project. The Experience form shall be completed in its entirety, and returned, as part of the RFP response or the response shall be deemed non-responsive.

2. Licensing

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The Respondent shall submit a legible copy of a valid driver’s license for all employees who will be providing services under this contract, as well as any further licensing needed to perform the service.

3. Resumes

a. The Respondent must submit a resume(s) for the senior staff/manager, no longer than four (4) pages per resume, including an experience narrative as specified below, to substantiate experience, knowledge, and prior relevance to the project. Respondents may also submit resumes of proposed staff members who the Respondent anticipates will be performing services under the contract.

b. Resumes should include experience narratives which shall describe the specific relevant experience in relation to the role that member will perform. The narrative(s) must include the name of the individual(s) proposed and should include thorough descriptions of the education, knowledge, and relevant experience.

TAB G. Methodology and Approach (Mandatory) The Respondent shall present the Respondent’s methodology and approach to completing the Scope of Work, including:

1. General Approach and Demonstration of Understanding This section shall include an overview of the proposed approach, demonstrate an understanding of FWC’s goals and objectives, and explain why the Respondent is the most qualified to provide these services. This section should also include innovative ideas for accomplishing the Scope of Work.

2. Specific Methodology and Approach

The Respondent shall propose a methodology (plan) for completing the Scope of Work. The proposed methodology should demonstrate an understanding of the project and its objectives. List proposed methodology elements and tasks, organization and content (include examples and/or templates). Elements should demonstrate the ability to accomplish the goals listed in the Scope of Work and include a timeline for milestones and deliverables. Deliverables must show performance criteria that are quantifiable, measurable, and verifiable. The proposed methodology should show a measurable feasibility of success. An economic analysis of the proposed methodology should also be included.

TAB H. Technical and Functional Requirements Matrix (Mandatory) – Attachment F The Respondent shall address each of the preferred capabilities and mandatory requirements listed in Attachment F, providing comments and explanations on how the proposed system will handle each of the functions listed. Supporting documentation for this section may be included as an Appendix to the RFP. The Appendix may not exceed thirty (30) pages (15 double-sided pages). Failure to address each specification item with which of the three categories the item falls into for the product being proposed shall result in the response being deemed non-responsive and disqualified.

TAB I. Cost Sheet (Mandatory) — Attachment H On the form provided as Attachment H, the Respondent shall provide a total cost for the completion of the initial five years of work, as well as for the possible five-year renewal term. The costs shall include all items necessary to complete the five-year long project including, but not be limited to, costs for all staff (labor and benefits), insurance costs, travel expenses, materials, equipment, mobilization/demobilization, and any other materials/supplies needed to complete the project. A completed, signed Attachment H , must be provided as part of the RFP response or the response shall be rejected.

TAB J. Addendum (if applicable)

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SUPPORTING/SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

The Commission requires that respondents submit all required technical, specification, and other supporting information with their response, so that a detailed analysis and determination can be made, by the Contract Manager that the product/service offered meets this RFP’s specifications and that other requirements of this RFP have been met. However, provided a response meets the requirements for a definite, firm, unqualified, and unconditional offer, the Commission reserves the right to request supplemental information from the respondent after the responses have been opened to ensure that the products/services offered completely meet this RFP’s requirements. The requirement for such supplemental information will be at the reasonable discretion of the Commission and may include the requirement that a respondent will provide a sample product(s) so that the Commission can make a first-hand examination and determination.

A respondent’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 respondent non-responsive and reject the respondent’s proposal.

CONFIDENTIALITY/PUBLIC RECORDS LAW

Respondents are cautioned that Florida law generously defines what constitutes a public record and grants broad rights of public access to those records (e.g., section 119.07, F.S.). If a Respondent considers any portion of the documents, data or records submitted in their Response to this solicitation to be confidential, proprietary, trade secret or otherwise not subject to disclosure pursuant to Chapter 119, F.S., the Florida Constitution or other authority, the Respondent must mark the document as “Confidential.” The Respondent shall also provide the Commission with a separate PDF redacted copy of its Response and briefly describe in writing the grounds and specific legal citations for claiming exemption from public records law. This redacted copy shall contain the Commission’s solicitation name, number and the Respondent’s name on the cover and shall be clearly titled “Redacted Copy.” The Redacted Copy should only redact those portions of material that the Respondent claims is confidential, proprietary, trade secret or otherwise not subject to public disclosure pursuant to Chapter 119, F.S., the Florida Constitution or other authority. If after the notice of intended decision or thirty (30) days after response opening, whichever is earlier, the Commission receives a public record request related to the solicitation, the Commission will provide the Redacted Copy to the requestor. If the Respondent fails to properly indicate any material enclosed in their Response is confidential, the Commission is authorized to produce documents, data or records in their entirety as submitted to the Commission in answer to a public records request. The Commission will endeavor to provide notice to the Respondent of all public records requests received related to documents provided by the Respondent that were marked pursuant to this paragraph. In no event shall the Respondent 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

The Contractor shall submit one (1) original and one (1) separate electronic copy(on flash drive) of their response in a SEALED ENVELOPE addressed to:

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Attn: Purchasing 1875 Orange Avenue East Tallahassee, Florida 32311-6160

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

OPENING.

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

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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. SOLELY DIGITAL SUBMISSIONS

SHALL BE DEEMED NON-RESPONSIVE AND SHALL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

SOLICIATION PUBLIC OPENING

The public opening of this RFP will be conducted at the date, time and method specified in the Calendar of Events (Page 3).

RESPONSES 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 response documents or the attendance at any related meeting or response 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.

SELECTION AND EVALUATION OF RESPONSES

An evaluation committee consisting of three (3) Commission representatives with collective knowledge and experience related to the solicitation’s program area will independently evaluate and score each Respondent’s response. The Evaluation Criteria Scoring Sheet (Attachment I) will be used by the evaluation committee to assign scores to all evaluated responses designated as responsive.

Scores will be averaged for all evaluation committee members and ranked by the highest to lowest average score.

Respondents must score at least 70 points per work type to be considered for award.

GENERAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

General evaluation criteria include the following:

1. The Commission reserves the right to accept or reject any or all responses received and reserves the right to make an award without further discussion of the responses submitted. Therefore, responses should be initially submitted as outlined in the Mandatory Documents Required for Response Submission and Economy of Presentation sections.

2. Non-responsive responses shall include, but are not limited to, those that:

a. are irregular or are not in conformance with the requirements and instructions contained herein;

b. fail to utilize or complete prescribed forms; or

c. have improper or undated signatures.

3. The Commission may waive minor irregularities in the responses received that are merely a matter of form and not substance, and the corrections of which are not prejudicial to other respondents.

A NON-RESPONSIVE RESPONSE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED

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EVALUATION SCORING FACTORS

Scoring criteria include:

The following is a summary of evaluation factors with point value assigned to each. These, along with the general requirements, will be used in the evaluation of Respondent responses.

EVALUATION FACTOR MAXIMUM POINTS AVAILABLE

Presentation and Quality of Response to RFP 10

Work Product Examples 10

Methodology and Approach 40

Respondent Experience/Knowledge 20

Cybersecurity Framework and Technical and Functional Requirements Matrix 10

Cost 10

TOTAL: 100

Points will be awarded on the basis of the following evaluation factors:

1. Presentation and Quality of Response to RFP (10 points) Quality and completeness of responses will be evaluated based upon the requirements.

2. Work Product Examples (10 points) Work Product Examples will be evaluated based upon review of documents requested.

3. Methodology and Approach (40 points) Project Plans will be evaluated based upon review of the methodology, and approach as requested in the Scope of Work.

4. Respondent Experience and Knowledge (20 points) Points for respondent qualifications and experience will be awarded based upon an evaluation of experience with projects, engagements and technical areas as demonstrated through respondents submitted resume as it relates to the needs of this solicitation.

5. Cybersecurity Framework and Technical and Functional Requirements (10 points) Will be evaluated based on the Respondent’s compliance to the State Of Florida’s prohibition on utilizing technology services and components designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by companies owned, controlled, or domiciled in designated foreign countries of concern., as requested in the Scope of work. The Respondent shall address each of the preferred capabilities and mandatory requirements listed in Attachment F, providing comments and explanations on how the proposed system will handle each of the functions listed.

Supporting documentation for this section may be included as an Appendix to the RFP. The Appendix may not exceed thirty (30) pages (15 double-sided pages). Failure to address each specification item with which of the three categories the item falls into for the product being proposed shall result in the response being deemed non-responsive and disqualified.

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6. Cost (10 points) The evaluation of each Respondent’s cost proposal will be conducted based on the cost formula below.

The Respondent submitting the lowest cost will receive the maximum points for the cost element of the evaluation. The other respondent's scores will be based on a relative percentage of the dollar amount higher than the lowest cost or price submitted by the lowest priced Respondent.

Formula for Cost Factor:

𝐴𝐴 ÷ 𝑁𝑁 × (𝐵𝐵) = 𝐶𝐶

A = Lowest total proposed cost (including renewals) N = Proposed cost for Respondent under review B = Number of maximum points awarded for lowest response C = Score awarded to next lowest cost

NOTE: Each evaluator independently chooses the score based on their own judgment. Failure of the Respondent to provide any of the information required in their RFP response shall result in a score of zero (0) for that element of the evaluation. Additionally, if the lowest total proposed cost is zero ($0), ‘A’ in the formula will automatically be substituted with $0.01. If the proposed cost for the respondent under review is zero ($0), ‘N’ in the formula will also be substituted with $0.01.

POSTING OF RESPONSE TABULATION

Response Tabulation, with recommended award, 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 on the Vendor Information Portal, 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), Florida Statutes, shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes.

Awarded Respondents 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 responses, proposals, or replies received by an agency pursuant to a competitive solicitation are exempt from Section 119.07(1) and Section 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 responses, proposals, or final replies, whichever is earlier.

CONTRACT

The successful Respondent’s response and the Purchase Order shall form the contract between the parties. In the event there is any disagreement between the documents, the parties shall refer first to the Request for Proposal then to Contractor’s response. The Commission reserves the right to revise the Purchase Order as necessary to meet the requirements of this RFP.

SCOPE CHANGES AFTER CONTRACT EXECUTION

The Commission shall provide written notice to the successful Contractor thirty (30) days in advance of any Commission required changes to the technical specifications and/or scope of service that affect the successful Contractor’s ability to provide the service as specified herein. Any changes that are other than purely administrative changes will require a change order.

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

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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 (e.g., renewal letters, vendor name change letter).

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.

PERMITTING

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

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 RFP is specifically limited to the Contractor’s response price accepted by the Commission, and to the specific procedure for payment established in this RFP 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 response 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 RFP, 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 RFP 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 response, be on file with the Department of State in accordance with provisions of Chapter 607, Florida Statutes; similarly, partnerships seeking to do

Request for Proposal – Revised 07.01.2026 FWC 26/27-04, Page 14 of 75 business with the State shall, at the time of submitting such response, have complied with the applicable provisions of Chapter 620, Florida Statutes. 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, F.A.C., and Section 287.042(16) F.S., other State of Florida agencies may purchase from the resulting contract of this RFP, 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 RFP 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 Respondent is required to examine carefully the conditions and specifications of this RFP and to be thoroughly informed regarding any and all requirements of the conditions and specifications.

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

Request for Proposal – Revised 07.01.2026 FWC 26/27-04, Page 15 of 75

SCOPE OF WORK

FWC 26/27-04

NONNATIVE SNAKE CONTROLPURPOSE

Invasive, nonnative snake species pose a threat to native species and ecosystems in Florida. The current, most applied method for surveying for nonnative snake species, such as Burmese pythons, is by road cruising and visual surveying.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Python Action Team Removing Invasive Constrictors (PATRIC) pays qualified individuals for implementing these methods to capture and remove nonnative constrictors from the wild. The PATRIC program has been operating since 2017 and has successfully removed over 7,100 nonnative constrictors in that time. The FWC intends to financially support a proposal that will 1) implement an effective plan to manage the PATRIC program with a focus on precise and accurate data and carcass management, 2) in consultation with the FWC, incentivize the removal of nonnative constrictors from Florida’s ecosystems, and 3) develops and implements innovative technologies and techniques, as approved by the FWC, to advance the management of nonnative constrictors including but not limited to the use of a centralized artificial intelligence-enabled platform for statewide detection and field coordination. This effort will support the FWC’s initiative to protect native natural resources by maintaining invasive snake species removal efforts while minimizing administrative duties of staff.

1. REQUIREMENTS

1.1. Contractor will oversee PATRIC program operations and maintain compliance with established standard operating procedure. (See “PATRIC_SOP” Uploaded as a separate file on VIP)

1.2. Contractor shall pay PATRIC members payrates set by the FWC. These hourly survey rates must, at a minimum, match Florida’s minimum wage and will be above minimum wage for pre-defined areas on the edge of the established python population, in consultation with the FWC. [Note: FWC strives to maintain payrate alignment with existing partner programs, including but not limited to the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Python Elimination Program (PEP)].

1.3. Contractor shall verify PATRIC members’ survey tracks and survey hours and compensate them according to accurate payrates on a bi-weekly basis.

1.4. Contractor shall survey for nonnative constrictors within the project map as established by the FWC. Additional properties may be added as FWC staff deems necessary and payrates shall be adjusted as necessary, in consultation with the FWC.

1.5. Contractor shall utilize the existing standard operating procedure currently implemented for the FWC’s PATRIC program. These conditions can be further built upon to incorporate new operations and procedures for any PATRIC members as needed in agreement with the FWC.

1.6. Contractors and any Subcontractors, including PATRIC members, working under this RFP shall be permitted to remove the following non-native species: Burmese or Indian Python (Python molurus and Python molurus bivittatus), Northern African Python (Python sebae), Reticulated Python (Malyopython reticulatus), Southern African Python (Python natalensis), Amethystine Python (Morelia amethistinus), Scrub Python (Morelia/Simalia kinghorni), Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor), Yellow Anaconda (Eunectes notaeus), Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus), Beni Anaconda (Eunectes beniensis), DeSchauensee’s Anaconda (Eunectes deschauenseei).

Furthermore, wherever “pythons” are specifically mentioned throughout this document, it is also implied that these species are included. The reporting and humane killing of all pythons must take place within 24 hours of capture. However, humane killing will be postponed if pythons are designated for research or training by the FWC;

Request for Proposal – Revised 07.01.2026 FWC 26/27-04, Page 16 of 75 the FWC will be limited to 10 requests per month. The FWC will return carcasses to the Contractor whenever possible.

1.7. Python morphometric measurements must be verified within 72 hours of capture. Whether snakes are humanely killed or kept alive, more detailed procedures of how snakes will be handled shall be outlined in the standard operating procedure between the Contractor and PATRIC members that incorporate the agreed upon needs of each land-managing partner.

1.8. During the initial 90 days of this contract’s execution, Contractor staff will train with FWC staff in all aspects regarding the management of the PATRIC program for a minimum of 16 hours per week - with the expectation that at the end of the 90-day period, the Contractor will begin independent management of at least 70% of the administrative functions of PATRIC. Within or at the completion of this initial 90-day period, Contractor will begin independent management (with FWC oversight as contract manager) of the PATRIC program including all agreed upon responsibilities. If the Contractor is able to begin independent oversight of the PATRIC members before the initial 90-day period has concluded, Contractor will provide request, in writing, to assume operational and administrative management duties early.

1.9. During the initial 90 days of this contract’s execution, Contractor will develop or obtain a program or application that employees of the Contractor and / or PATRIC members may utilize to track their surveys and locations of nonnative snake captures. The Contractor will be entirely responsible for quality assurance and quality control of the data of this program - working with employees or PATRIC members to make sure that the survey tracks and locations of snake captures are accurate and verified within 48 hours of each survey’s completion. These data will be used to calculate payment and invoicing for PATRIC members. These data must be accessible to FWC staff at all times and digitally transferred (using an agreed upon and approved method) to the FWC on a monthly basis.

1.10. On day sixty-one (61) after the execution of this contract, or sooner, Contractor shall submit a detailed plan outlining the transition of administrative responsibilities from the FWC to the Contractor that includes timelines, detailed transition phases, training, and onboarding. This plan shall be approved by the FWC project manager prior to implementation.

1.11. An up-to-date list of all Contractor employees, PATRIC members, and assistants, and their contact information, must be accessible to FWC staff at all times.

1.12. Any media requests related to this contract or PATRIC program for the Contractor or PATRIC members must first be approved by the FWC in writing prior to conducting any interviews or addressing media inquiries.

1.13. All Contractor employees and PATRIC members conducting python removal efforts will be required to complete training on standard operating procedures and survey tracking application upon initial hire as well as once per year if continuing with the program. Attendance records will be required for all trainings. PATRIC members will be paid the base hourly rate for trainings by the contractor.

1.14. A copy of all materials (PowerPoints, Standard Operating Procedures, etc.) for the humane killing training, overall PATRIC program training (humane killing method training can be included in this training), and any other relevant trainings being given to PATRIC members shall be given to the FWC to review, provide feedback on, and provide final approval at least 30 days in advance of the training.

1.15. The FWC will host an annual law enforcement training that will cover the rules, regulations, and expectations of PATRIC members while in the field as dictated by the standard operating procedure agreed upon by the contractor and the FWC. The contractor shall designate at least one staff member to attend these trainings.

Request for Proposal – Revised 07.01.2026 FWC 26/27-04, Page 17 of 75

1.16. Contractor shall independently onboard new PATRIC members and review and approve their assistants with minimal involvement of FWC staff. Methods include handling all paperwork and sending information necessary for the FWC to execute background checks. No PATRIC member or assistant shall conduct work until they pass all required background checks.

1.17. Contractor shall maintain a minimum of thirty (30) and maximum of fifty (50) PATRIC members. Contractor shall consult with FWC staff when anyone is being considered for termination from the program. Contractor shall provide the FWC with names of potential new hires and receive FWC approval before hiring any new PATRIC members. While assistants are not paid, they often accompany PATRIC members on surveys. Contractor shall follow the same procedures for hiring and firing assistants as described above. [If deemed appropriate, FWC may increase the maximum number of PATRIC members allowed.]

1.18. Contractor shall create detailed bi-monthly invoices for PATRIC members and pay them for all completed surveys that are verified and for all pythons captured and removed from the environment as part of this program. Invoices shall be provided to FWC as an appendix in monthly report.

1.19. In addition to overseeing operation of the PATRIC program, the contractor shall develop and implement innovative technologies and techniques, as approved by the FWC, to advance the management of nonnative constrictors.

Such technologies and techniques may include, but are not limited to, the use of a centralized artificial intelligence-enabled platform for statewide detection and…