FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

1875 ORANGE AVE E

TALLAHASSEE, FL 32311-6160

(850) 488-6551

OKALOACOOCHEE SLOUGH WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

FENCE LINE PROJECT

FWC 26/27-25

INVITATION TO BID

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 07.01.2026 FWC 26/27--25, Page 2 of 65

ITB BIDDER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

Purpose: The intent of this bid is to obtain competitive pricing for fence line removal and replacement, right-of-way vegetation clearing, and fire line installation within Okaloacoochee Slough Wildlife Management Area in Hendry County, per the specifications contained herein. Only responsive and responsible Contractors will be considered for award of this Invitation to Bid (ITB).

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

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

Responsible 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 07.01.2026 FWC 26/27--25, Page 3 of 65

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FWC 26/27-25

SCHEDULE DUE DATE METHOD

Bid Advertised September 23, 2026 Posted on the Vendor Information Portal

(VIP)

MANDATORY Pre-Bid Conference October 6, 2026

@ 10:00 AM ET

See Pre-Bid Conference Clause

Deadline for Questions

Must be received PRIOR to:

October 9, 2026

@ 5:00 PM ET

See Solicitation Questions Clause

Anticipated date for Responses to Written Questions

October 13, 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:

October 20, 2026

@ 3:00 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 October 20, 2026

@ 3:00 PM ET

Public Opening Options for Attendance:

-In Person- 1875 Orange Ave E Tallahassee, FL 32311-6160

-Teleconference- Conference call phone number: 1-850-270-2928

Phone Conference ID: 976 060 288#

Anticipated Date of Intended Award October 26, 2026 Posted on the Vendor Information Portal https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 07.01.2026 FWC 26/27--25, Page 4 of 65

GENERAL CONDITIONS

FWC 26/27-25

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_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 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.

PROCUREMENT MANAGER

Randy Golightly Randolph.Golightly@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

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 07.01.2026 FWC 26/27--25, Page 5 of 65

TERM

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

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

SUBCONTRACTS

Subcontracting IS NOT permitted pursuant to the Terms and Conditions of the Purchase Order. The Subcontractor Minority Status Report (Attachment C) shall be submitted with each invoice for payment.

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 vendor is a responsible vendor, nor give preference to a vendor based on the vendor’s social, political, or ideological interests.

MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE/SITE VISIT MEETING

A mandatory pre-bid conference/Site Visit Meeting will be held at Okaloacoochee Slough WMA Workshop, 6200

Keri Rd. Felda, FL, 33930. (26.596927, -81.334554) on the date and time specified in the Calendar of Events (Page 3). The purpose of the pre-bid conference/Site Visit Meeting is to discuss the contents of this ITB and to accept verbal questions from Bidders concerning the project. Vendors must attend this pre-bid conference site meeting as a requirement of bid responsiveness. Failure to attend the entire conference meeting, from the time it is called to order to the time it is adjourned, shall disqualify a potential respondent. The Commission will make a reasonable effort to answer verbal questions asked at the pre-bid conference/Site Visit, however, Bidders should clearly understand that verbal discussions held at the pre-bid conference/Site Visit shall not be binding on the Commission, and the Commission will only issue an official written response to verbal questions subsequently submitted in writing in accordance with the Deadline for Questions clause below.

FWC equipment will be used to access the site during the mandatory Site Visit portion of the meeting. To prepare for equipment and staffing needs, all interested Contractors that wish to attend the Site Visit portion must RSVP to the Procurement Manager, no later than two (2) days prior to the pre-bid conference.

Please note, there will be a cap of one (1) representative from each Vendor for the Site Visit. Vendors who do not RSVP will still be able to attend the Pre-Bid Meeting but will not be able to participate in the Site

Visit.

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

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 07.01.2026 FWC 26/27--25, Page 6 of 65

OKALOACOOCHEE SLOUGH WILD MANAGEMENT AREA WORKSHOP 6200 KERI RD. FELDA, FL 33930 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 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.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 07.01.2026 FWC 26/27--25, Page 7 of 65

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. 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.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 07.01.2026 FWC 26/27--25, Page 8 of 65

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 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.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 07.01.2026 FWC 26/27--25, Page 9 of 65

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.

LIQUIDATED DAMAGES

If the Contractor fails to complete the work or the conditions of the Purchase Order and/or Change Orders by the completion date, the Commission shall have the right to deduct liquidated damages from any amount due and payable to the Contractor. Liquidated damages shall be assessed in the amount of $150.00 per calendar day of delay. Exceptions to this provision may be made if a delay is attributable to circumstances that are clearly beyond the control of the Contractor.

The burden of proof of unavoidable delay shall rest with the Contractor and shall be supplied in a written form and submitted to the Contract Manager.

WARRANTIES/DAMAGED ITEMS/DELIVERY

The Contractor shall assume full responsibility for providing or ensuring warranty coverage and/or warranty service on any and all items including goods, materials, or equipment provided to the Commission. If Contractor is not the Manufacturer, all Manufacturer warranties must be passed through to the Commission.

Delivery shall be made no later than the specified Delivery Date. The Contractor shall pay all costs associated with delivery and shall assume full responsibility for all item(s) damaged prior to the F.O.B. destination delivery and agree to hold harmless the Commission of all responsibility for prosecuting damage claims.

The Contractor shall assume full responsibility for replacement of all defective or damaged goods within thirty (30) days of notice by the Commission of such defect or damage.

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 07.01.2026 FWC 26/27--25, Page 10 of 65

GUARANTEE

If products do not comply with the specifications contained herein, the Contractor shall replace the product(s), or the purchase price shall be refunded. The refund or the delivery of the replacement product(s) shall be made within thirty

(30) days following the Contract Manager’s notification to the Contractor that the original product(s) was non-compliant.

Costs of returning the original product(s) will be the sole responsibility of the Contractor.

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 07.01.2026 FWC 26/27--25, Page 11 of 65

SCOPE OF WORK

FWC 26/27-25

OKALOACOOCHEE SLOUGH WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA FENCE LINE PROJECT

PURPOSE

The intent of this ITB is to obtain competitive pricing for fence line removal and replacement, right-of-way vegetation clearing, and fire line installation within Okaloacoochee Slough Wildlife Management Area (OKS WMA) in Hendry County, Florida (Figures 1) per the specifications contained herein.

The awarded Bidder (Contractor) shall remove approximately 159,600 linear feet of barbed wire fence and install approximately 56,400 linear feet of 4-strand barbed wire fencing, 32,300 linear feet of 3-strand smooth wire fencing, 42 individual 16-foot gates, and 45 individual 3-foot pedestrian spring back gates. The replacement of fencing and gates will include right-of-way vegetation clearing 50 feet interior of the gates and fence line. Additionally, the Contractor will prepare approximately 20 miles of 16-feet-wide fire lines along the fence line, as budget allows. Fireline preparation will include leveling and/or grading of the surface to ensure a smooth transition.

Bidders shall provide a price per linear foot of fence removal, price per linear foot per fence installation, price per tenth of a mile for right-of-way clearing, price per replacement gate, and price per tenth mile of fire line installation.

The initial term of this ITB award is 4 years to allow sufficient time for completion, however, the goal of the FWC is to complete the project as quickly as budget and conditions allow. The FWC reserves the right to increase or decrease the size of the project as needed based on bids received, annual budget, etc. The Contractor shall begin work within thirty (30) days of purchase order issuance unless otherwise determined by the FWC Project Manager.

1 GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

1.1 The Contractor will be responsible for knowing and complying with federal, state, and local guidelines pertaining to the project activities, especially concerning the disturbance of wetlands. It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to obtain permission from property owners for any encroachments required to perform the work. The

Contractor will be responsible for locating any underground utilities before digging begins.

1.2 The Contractor shall provide all supplies, materials, and equipment necessary to remove/replace fencing and gates, and clear vegetation in accordance with the specifications contained herein. It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to assess the need for and supply the necessary equipment to transport material and construct fence in wet conditions.

1.3 All equipment must be clean and free of vegetation/soil to prevent contamination by non-native species.

1.4 Equipment used for mechanical treatment must carry at least one 10lb or two 5lb fire extinguishers on board.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 07.01.2026 FWC 26/27--25, Page 12 of 65

1.5 Disturbance of vegetation outside of fence and fence line right-of-way should be avoided. If excessive ground disturbance seems necessary to complete the job, the Contractor shall confer with the Project Manager before proceeding.

1.6 It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to remove from the job site all debris and excess material associated with the construction and dismantling of fences, including wire, posts, staples, gates, and trash. This does not include vegetation removed from the right-of-way.

1.7 The Contractor will remove all excess barbed wire and gates from the area and dispose of it at an approved facility.

1.8 The FWC Project Manager will supply any available area maps or other pertinent information that the Contractor may require.

1.9 The Contractor must coordinate field activities with OKS WMA personnel to ensure that work is coordinated with other OKS WMA activities, such as prescribed burning. It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to keep gates closed and locked while conducting work and after leaving the project site.

1.10 The Contractor must leave the site conditions in a way that cattle cannot escape across the boundary during the project. The FWC Project Manager can coordinate the cattle to be moved away from the boundary fence if the Contractor coordinates their field activities.

1.11 The FWC Project Manager will inspect the Contractor’s completed work to ensure all specifications were followed prior to approving invoices for payment.

1.12 The Contractor will stop work and notify the FWC Project Manager immediately if historical/cultural artifacts are discovered.

1.13 Unless specifically allowed disturbance beyond the fence line onto adjoining private property must be avoided. The Contractor will be held liable for any unauthorized loss or damage caused by the Contractor to adjacent private property.

1.14 Survey monuments and markers are not to be damaged during clearing or fencing operations. The

Contractor will be held liable for any loss or damage caused by the Contractor to any survey monuments or markers.

2 FENCE LINE REMOVAL SPECIFICATIONS (ITEM 1 ON PRICE SHEET)

2.1 The Contractor shall remove existing fencing, including all gates and posts connected to the fence, unless otherwise identified by the FWC Project Manager.

2.2 The FWC Project Manager will identify any existing gates to be saved. Gates that will be saved will be collected by the Contractor and left on site at the OKS WMA Shop.

2.3 The Contractor shall properly dispose off-site any barbed wire, gates and posts at an approved facility.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 07.01.2026 FWC 26/27--25, Page 13 of 65

3 FENCE INSTALLATION SPECIFICATIONS (ITEM 2 ON PRICE SHEET)

3.1 The Contractor shall install a 4-strand barbed wire fence or a 3-strand smooth wire fence as described herein and as depicted in Figure 2 & 3. Any fence not constructed according to the specifications and drawings will not be accepted.

3.2 All wire and hardware supplied by the Contractor shall be new, galvanized material unless otherwise specified.

3.3 The barbed-wire fence shall be constructed with five strands of Class III high tensile 15.5-gauge barbed wire stretched and stapled to no less than 4-inch x 78-inch chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treated line posts that are set on 16.5-foot centers.

3.4 The smooth-wire fence shall be constructed with three strands of Class III high tensile 12.5-gauge barbed wire stretched and stapled to no less than 4-inch x 72-inch chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treated line posts that are set on 16.5-foot centers.

3.5 Pull braces and turn braces shall be constructed of 6- inch x 96 -inch CCA treated corner posts (Figure 3).

3.6 All gate hinge posts and opposite brace posts shall be 8-inch x 120-inch CCA treated.

3.7 The gate hinge post will be braced on both sides perpendicular to the gate position when closed.

3.8 The Contractor shall install approximately 150 boundary signs, supplied by FWC, on fence posts no greater than 500 feet apart along the boundary fence, including one sign at every boundary gate, and two signs at every corner.

a. All signs should be affixed to wooden fence posts by 1-3/4-inch star flat head exterior wood screws at both the top and bottom of the signs. If signs are to be placed on a steel post due to the area being in wetland soils, a U-post shall be used and affixed with a bolt and nut.

3.9 The bottom barbed wire strand shall be 18 inches from ground level. The middle barbed wire strands shall be spaced approximately 5 inches apart, leaving 12 inches between the top two strands, with the top strand being 40 inches from the ground and 4 to 6 inches from the top of the post (Figure 2).

3.10 The bottom smooth wire strand shall be approximately 18 inches from ground level. The center wire strand shall be approximately 30 inches from ground level. The top wire strand shall be approximately 40 inches from ground level (Figure 3).

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 07.01.2026 FWC 26/27--25, Page 14 of 65

3.11 Galvanized 2-inch double barbed staples shall be used to secure wire to posts and should be attached loosely enough to all for expansion.

3.12 Wire shall be attached to each post on the side that will receive the greatest amount of pressure from animals or humans.

3.13 Horizontal or ‘H’ braces shall be spaced every 1/4 mile as well as at both ends of all gates and definite angles in the fence line. Corners shall be double H braced. All brace posts shall be set at least 42 inches deep.

3.14 All posts will be CCA pressure treated pine with 0.6 retention. Steel posts meeting FDOT specifications may be used in wetland soils.

3.15 The horizontal brace shall be drilled and pinned with a minimum of a 12-inch x 1/2-inch pin into the top one-third of the brace post and the post being braced.

3.16 All braces shall include two tension members composed of at least two complete loops of galvanized 9-gauge smooth wire. The tension member shall extend from a point approximately six inches above the top of the vertical brace post to four inches above ground level of the post being braced. In addition, the brace wire shall be twisted to secure the brace and provide needed rigidity.

3.17 All wire strands are to be wrapped at least once around the corner posts (pull braces and turn braces), and stapled.

3.18 All line posts are to be set approximately 26-28 inches into the ground.

3.19 All brace posts are to be set approximately 42 inches into the ground, except gate posts, which will be set approximately 60 inches in the ground.

3.20 All postholes shall be completely filled and tamped to set post.

3.21 Turn assemblies shall be used at all turns and corners.

3.22 Galvanized 2-inch double-barbed staples shall be used to secure wire to posts and should be attached loosely enough to all for expansion.

3.23 Fence posts shall not be cut and retreated. Posts may be set by post driver (designed specifically for wooden posts), auger, or hand-dug holes.

4 GATE INSTALLATION SPECIFICATIONS (ITEM 3 ON PRICE SHEET)

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 07.01.2026 FWC 26/27--25, Page 15 of 65

4.1 At designated locations, the Contractor shall supply and install approximately 42 individual 16-foot tube gates, and 45 individual 3-foot spring back gates. The actual number and location of each gate will be determined by the FWC Project Manager.

4.2 Gate installation shall include horizontal braces (H-braces) on both sides of the gate as depicted in Figure 4, Gate Panel Detail.

4.3 The distance between the H-braces on either side of every gate must be distanced 17-17.5 feet apart.

4.4 All gate hinge posts and opposite brace posts shall be 8-inch x 120-inch CCA treated.

4.5 The gate hinge post will be braced on both sides perpendicular to the gate position when closed.

4.6 All gate hinges shall be fitted with a tapper screw to further secure it to the steel tube gates.

4.7 All gates shall be galvanized steel tube gates and shall be secured between two end-posts or end-post assemblies using 5/8-inch x 12-inch, zinc plated, steel gate bolt hooks as detailed in the Fence Installation Specifications above.

4.8 The 3-foot pedestrian spring back gates shall be installed to ensure that the gate will self-return to the closed and latched position after entry. All 3-foot pedestrian spring back gates shall be secured with a 2-way steel gate latch.

4.9 Gates shall consist of:

a. CountyLine 16-foot. x 50-inch 6-Bar Utility Tube Gates, 2-inch Tube, and

b. Behlen 3-foot x 50-inch Wire Filled Gate, Galvanized.

4.10 If CountyLine or Behlen Galvanized Tube gates are unavailable due to manufacturer delays, the Contractor may propose a substitute make and/or model. The Contractor shall submit substitution requests in writing to the FWC Project Manager and Contract Manager. The FWC reserves the right to reject substitutions at their discretion.

5 RIGHT-OF-WAY VEGETATION CLEARING SPECIFICATIONS (ITEM 4 ON PRICE SHEET)

5.1 The Contractor shall establish a 50-foot right-of-way interior of the installed fence and gates, except where less distance is specified by the FWC Project Manager. The right-of-way will be used for vehicular access and as site preparation for fence installation.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 07.01.2026 FWC 26/27--25, Page 16 of 65

5.2 The Contractor shall clear all vegetation to ground level, a minimum of 50 feet interior of the fence structure, excluding vegetation on private property. Cut vegetation to remain on-site shall be chipped/mulched. Hanging limbs shall be trimmed to a minimum of 15 feet above the ground.

5.3 Prior to beginning work, the FWC Project Manager will identify any trees or other vegetation that should not be cleared.

5.4 Pine trees greater than eight inches in diameter at five feet in height (unless otherwise identified) will be exempt from mulching at the Project Manager’s discretion. All pine tree limbs shall be trimmed a minimum of 15 feet above the ground.

5.5 Cypress trees will be exempt from mulching unless they impede the 16-foot fire line. All cypress tree limbs shall be trimmed a minimum of 15 feet above the ground.

6 FIRE LINE INSTALLATION SPECIFICATIONS (ITEM 5 ON PRICE SHEET)

6.1 Following right-of-way clearing, the Contractor shall establish a fire line a minimum of 16 feet from the fence structure.

6.2 The FWC Project Manager will identify the locations of fire line preparation prior to beginning work.

6.3 The Contractor shall remove stumps, debris, uneven ground surface, dense grass, shrubs, saw palmettos, and other vegetation or obstacles that occur in the path of the fire line.

6.4 The Contractor shall use appropriate equipment, such as a root rake, to minimize soil excavation from the fire line area.

6.5 Where necessary, depressions shall be filled, and knolls and ridges cut down in such a manner as to provide a level surface to allow use by 4-wheel drive vehicles.

6.6 The fire line shall be cleared, smoothed, and leveled to achieve a uniform distance of 18 inches between the ground and the bottom of the 3-strand wildlife-friendly fence. The use of an appropriately sized disk harrow, rototiller, or box blade is suggested.

6.7 Trees that are to remain in or near the right-of-way will be marked by the FWC Project Manager and are not to be cleared.

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 07.01.2026 FWC 26/27--25, Page 17 of 65

7 FIGURE 1: FENCE WORK AND AREA MAP

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 07.01.2026 FWC 26/27--25, Page 18 of 65

8 FIGURE 2: 4- STRAND BARBED WIRE FENCE DRAWINGS ( NOT TO SCALE)

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 07.01.2026 FWC 26/27--25, Page 19 of 65

9 FIGURE 3: 3-STRAND SMOOTH WIRE FENCE DRAWING (NOT TO SCALE)

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 07.01.2026 FWC 26/27--25, Page 20 of 65

10 FIGURE 4: H-BRACES FOR GATES DRAWING (NOT TO SCALE)

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.

ALL ITEMS SHALL BE BID OR THE BID WILL BE REJECTED. THE BID WILL BE AWARDED TO THE RESPONSIVE, RESPONSIBLE

BIDDER THAT SUBMITS THE LOWEST TOTAL PRICE.

Service

Unit Price

Estimated Need*

Bid Price Based on Estimated Need

Item 1. Fence Removal

Fence Removal $ / linear ft X 159,600lf $

Item 2. Fence Installation

4-Strand Barbed Fence Installation

$ / linear ft X 56,400lf $

3-Strand Smooth Fence Installation

$ / linear ft X 32,300lf $

Item 3. Gate Installation

Single 16-foot Gate $ /gate X 42 gates $

Single 3-foot Gate $ /gate X 45 gates $

Item 4. Right- of- Way Vegetation Clearing

Right-of-Way Clearing $ /0.1 mile X 200 tenth miles $

Item 5. Fire Line Installation

Fire Line Installation $ /0.1 mile X 200 tenth miles $

Ch. 287 Invitation to Bid – Revised 07.01.2026 FWC 26/27--25, Page 22 of 65

Add Item 1 + Item 2 + Item 3 + Item 4 + Item 5 = Total Bid Price $

*Estimated need for bid price comparison purposes only

BY SIGNING BELOW, I ATTEST THAT I HAVE READ THE ENTIRE BID AND AGREE TO FURNISH 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: _____________________________ Title: _________________________________

Address: _______________________________ Fax:__________________________________

Signed: ________________________________ City/State/Zip: __________________________

Print Name: ____________________________ Telephone: ___________________________

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 07.01.2026 FWC 26/27--25, Page 24 of 65

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 07.01.2026 FWC 26/27--25, Page 25 of 65

REFERENCE #3

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 07.01.2026 FWC 26/27--25, Page 26 of 65

REFERENCE #4 – COLLECTIVE EXPERIENCE