IFB_41692_Orange Creek Aquatic Veg Shredding.pdf

IFB 41692

THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) 41692

ORANGE CREEK RESTORATION AREA - AQUATIC VEGETATION SHREDDING

The St. Johns River Water Management District (the “District”) is seeking bids from qualified Contractors, with a minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience, to conduct aquatic vegetation shredding within designated zones of the Orange Creek Restoration Area. The District intends to award a contract to one (1) Contractor capable of delivering the services outlined in this solicitation.

After award, the project is scheduled to begin within fourteen (14) days of notification by the Project Manager (PM) and must be completed no later than September 30, 2026.

Interested and qualified Respondents are invited to submit a complete submittal package in accordance with the requirements and specifications detailed in this Solicitation. Submitted bids must address all elements of the Scope of Services and comply with the terms and conditions set forth herein.

Further information is available through DemandStar at demandstar.com, Vendor Registry at vendorregistry.com, Central Bidding at centralbidding.com, the state of Florida’s MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) at myfloridamarketplace.com or the District’s website at sjrwmd.com. Solicitation packages may be obtained from DemandStar, Vendor Registry, Central Bidding, and MFMP. Vendors may also request the solicitation package directly from the District.

For all requests or questions relating to this solicitation, please contact:

Breanna Pierce, Procurement Specialist

Phone: 386-643-1168 or E-Mail: BPierce@sjrwmd.com

SUBMITTAL DUE DATE

October 28, 2025, 2:00 PM

LAST DAY FOR QUESTIONS – October 22, 2025, 5:00PM

Pre-Bid Meeting – There is no Pre-Bid meeting scheduled

It is the responsibility of Respondents who receive this Solicitation from sources other than DemandStar, Vendor Registry, MyFloridaMarketPlace or St. Johns River Water Management District to contact the District’s Procurement staff prior to the due date to ensure any updates/addenda are received in order to submit a responsible and responsive offer. If you fail to submit a complete and accurate document, the District may deem the offer non-responsive and reject your submittal.

ADDENDA ACKNOWLEDGMENT: Prior to submitting my offer, I have verified that all addenda issued to date are considered as part of my offer:

Addendum No. Date Addendum No. Date Addendum No. Date

RESPONDENT NAME:

STREET ADDRESS:

MAILING ADDRESS (IF DIFFERENT):

PRIMARY E-MAIL ADDRESS (required)

SECONDARY E-MAIL ADDRESS (required)

TELEPHONE: ( ) YEAR COMPANY WAS ESTABLISHED

NAME/TITLE OF PERSON SUBMITTING BID:

SIGNATURE OF PERSON SUBMITTING BID:

This document must be completed and returned with your Submittal

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) 41692

ORANGE CREEK RESTORATION AREA - AQUATIC VEGETATION SHREDDING

SUBMITTAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM

The undersigned, on behalf of the Respondent, hereby certifies and declares the following:

Authority to Bind: The individual signing this form is authorized to represent and legally bind the Respondent to the terms and conditions of the Invitation for Bids and their submittal.

Commitment to Contract: If selected, the Respondent agrees to enter into an Agreement with the District based on the terms set forth in the solicitation documents, including the draft Agreement, Instructions to Respondents, all exhibits and attachments, addenda, certifications, affidavits, and the submitted proposal. The Respondent further agrees to provide all required goods and services in accordance with the stated timeline and to submit proof of the required insurance coverage.

Conflict of Interest: Except as disclosed in any attached addendum, no officer, employee, or agent of the District has any direct or indirect interest in the Respondent’s business or in any agreement that may result from this submittal. The Respondent affirms that no such interest will exist throughout the term of any awarded Agreement.

Disclosure of Interested Parties: All individuals or entities with a significant interest in this solicitation, whether as principals or key participants in performing the Work, are listed in the form entitled Respondent’s Certificate as to the Entity’s Authority to do Business in Florida. No other party holds any interest in this solicitation or in any resulting Agreement.

Due Diligence: The Respondent affirms that it has reviewed and understands the attached draft Agreement and all related documents, including the specifications, addenda, and conditions related to this solicitation. The Respondent acknowledges receipt of all issued addenda and confirms it is fully informed regarding the Work to be performed.

Fair Solicitation Submission: This submittal is made independently, without collusion, connection, or agreement with any other person, company, or organization submitting on this solicitation. It is made in good faith and without any attempt to defraud.

By signing this form, I acknowledge I have read and understand, and my firm complies with all conditions and requirements set forth herein.

RESPONDENT NAME

AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE DATE

PRINTED NAME

TITLE

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) 41692

ORANGE CREEK RESTORATION AREA - AQUATIC VEGETATION SHREDDING

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover Sheet for IFB Page 1

Solicitation Acknowledgement Form Page 2

Table of Contents Page 3

PART 1 – Scope of Services Pages 4-6

Bid Form Page 7

Required Documents & Forms Pages 8-14

(NOTE! Additional documents not included in this section may be required)

PART 2 – Submittal Requirements & General Information Pages 15-21

PART 3 – Draft Agreement Pages 22-43

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) 41692

ORANGE CREEK RESTORATION AREA- AQUATIC VEGETATION SHREDDING

PART 1 – SCOPE OF SERVICES

1.1 Introduction/Background

The St. Johns River Water Management District is continuing mechanical aquatic vegetation management control strategies within the Orange Creek Restoration Area, South Tract in Citra, FL. This project addresses the control of invasive and nuisance aquatic plant species that impede water flow, reduce habitat quality, and threaten the ecological restoration goals of the site.

The primary target species for control is Cuban bulrush (Cyperus blepharoleptos, Oxycaryum cubense). A map including target zone for the performance of the work is attached (See Figure 1). Project Manager (PM) will identify focus areas within the target zone in coordination with Contractor.

1.2 Objectives

The objective of this project is to reduce coverage of invasive aquatic plants, with emphasis on Cuban bulrush, within the Orange Creek Restoration Area. The Work will improve ecological function by maintaining open-water conditions and reducing habitat loss. Effective shredding shall be conducted in a manner that prevents regrowth by ensuring most biomass sinks and decomposes naturally. Performance will be verified through measurable data, including GPS track logs of completed areas.

1.3 Scope of Work

Contractor shall conduct aquatic vegetation shredding within designated zones of the Orange Creek Restoration Area, as directed by the Project Manager (PM). Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, fuel, and materials necessary to complete shredding operations. Work includes mobilization, coordination with District staff for site access and staging, daily communication with the Project Manager, and submission of GPS track logs for verification of completed Work. All activities must be performed in compliance with project restrictions, including hunting closures and recreation use limitations as listed below.

Orange Creek Restoration Area is a public small game hunting area.

No contractors will be permitted to work on the following dates:

Scout dates: September 19, November 14, 21, December 5 (2025) and January 30 and February 6 (2026)

September wood duck and teal season: September 20, 21 (2025 and 2026)

Youth Waterfowl Hunt: November 15 (2025)

Snipe, Duck, Goose and Coot seasons: November 22, 23, 29, 30, December 6, 7,13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, (2025) and January 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 (2026)

Veterans and Active Military Waterfowl Hunt: January 31, February 1 (2026)

Youth Waterfowl Hunt: February 7 (2026)

1.4 Task Identification/Equipment Specifications

Contractor shall mobilize all required equipment and personnel to the designated project site. Mobilization shall include coordination with District staff to ensure appropriate access and staging areas.

Contractor shall conduct vegetation shredding in the identified treatment areas using machinery that meets the following specifications: hydraulically powered rotating blades capable of shredding floating vegetation, tussocks, and tree islands to a degree that promotes sinking and decomposition; a cutting head not less than ten (10) feet wide; and a power source producing no less than four hundred (400) horsepower at the blades.

Equipment must be capable of operating in both static and flowing water, in depths as shallow as twenty-four

(24) inches, and must perform efficiently in shallow shoreline areas and beneath obstructions such as tree limbs and bridges. Upon completion of the Work, Contractor shall provide a photograph and a list of the control operations in which this equipment has been utilized.

Contractor shall furnish and maintain all equipment necessary to perform the Work, including but not limited to specified shredders, trailers, trucks, and support vehicles, and shall provide documentation of equipment capabilities upon request.

Contractor shall provide daily progress updates to the Project Manager, either verbally or in writing, at the start and end of each workday. All activities must comply with applicable hunting closures and recreation restrictions noted in the project documents.

1.5 Permitting

Contractor shall obtain and comply with all permits required for performance of the Work and shall be responsible for payment of all associated fees and penalties

1.6 Time Frames and Deliverables

The project is scheduled to begin within fourteen (14) days of notification by the Project Manager and must be completed no later than September 30, 2026. In addition to daily progress updates, Contractor shall provide weekly GPS track logs along with invoices for treated areas, and a final confirmation upon completion.

1.7 Insurance

Contractor shall maintain, at its sole expense, insurance coverage meeting the requirements of the Agreement (refer to Attachment C), including workers’ compensation in accordance with Chapter 440, Fla. Stat., commercial general liability insurance, and any additional coverage required by the District. Proof of such coverage shall be furnished prior to commencement of work and shall be maintained for the duration of the Agreement.

1.8 Budget/Cost Schedule

The Agreement will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible Contractor. Total costs for this project shall not exceed the budgeted amount of $89,500.

Contractor shall provide an hourly rate that includes all costs necessary to perform the services, including personnel, equipment, mobilization, travel, permitting and incidental expenses.

Figure 1: Orange Creek Restoration Area

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) 41692

ORANGE CREEK RESTORATION AREA- AQUATIC VEGETATION SHREDDING

BID FORM

DESCRIPTION **Approx QTY UNIT UNIT COST TOTAL BID

Conduct aquatic vegetation shredding within designated zones of the Orange Creek Restoration Area (hourly rate includes personnel, equipment, mobilization, travel, and incidental expenses)

255 Hrs Per Hour $ $

** hours are approximated for bidding purposes only and will be dependent upon site conditions and budget.

PUBLIC RECORDS: Florida Statutes provide that sealed submittals, or replies received by the District shall remain exempt from disclosure until an intended decision is announced or until 30 days from the opening, whichever is earlier.

This means that Respondent will not be able to obtain a copy of their competitor's submittals until an intended decision is reached or 30 days has elapsed since the time of the submittal opening.

UNIT PRICES: Unit prices on the Bid Form may be used to correct any extensions, and if adjusted, will be identified on the detailed tabulation as corrected. Unit costs will not be changed. If the Respondents fails to include a unit price and only includes the total, the District reserves the right to mathematically calculate the unit cost and enter to establish a price for the agreement and potential additional purchases of affected line items.

I HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE, as Respondent’s authorized representative, that I have fully read and understand all terms and conditions as set forth in this solicitation, and upon award, shall fully comply with such terms and conditions.

Name of Respondent Firm

Authorized Representative Signature Date

Printed Name/Title

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) 41692

ORANGE CREEK RESTORATION AREA- AQUATIC VEGETATION SHREDDING

GENERAL QUALIFICATION QUESTIONNAIRE

Respondent’s company/firm name

Number of years engaged in business under the present company/firm name.

Has Respondent previously been engaged in the same or similar business under another firm or trade name? If so, please describe each such instance.

Total number of years of Respondent’s experience performing similar Work as described in this solicitation.

Has Respondent ever been adjudicated bankrupt, initiated bankruptcy, or been the subject of bankruptcy proceedings on behalf of the current entity submitting on this solicitation or a prior entity that Respondent substantially operated or controlled? If yes, please describe the nature and result of those proceedings and the entity involved.

Describe the background/experience of the person or persons who will be primarily responsible for directing the Work that will be performed pursuant to this Solicitation. This inquiry is intended to encompass the Project Manager(s) who will be engaged on a daily basis in directing performance of the Work.

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) 41692

ORANGE CREEK RESTORATION AREA- AQUATIC VEGETATION SHREDDING

SIMILAR PROJECTS / REFERENCES

Provide at least three (3) unique projects, similar in size and scope to the Work described in this solicitation, that your company has successfully completed within the last three (3) years.

REFERENCE LETTERS from each project listed below, that answer completion time, manner and scope of work, and budget adherence, are required as part of your responsive submittal. Please ensure provided contact information is current.

District reserves the right to determine whether or not a project shall be considered “similar”.

Entity Name:

Point of Contact: E-Mail:

Phone: Project Completion Date:

Project Name:

Describe how the scope of work applies to this solicitation:

Reference Letter included (required) -

Entity Name:

Point of Contact: E-Mail:

Phone: Project Completion Date:

Project Name:

Describe how the scope of work applies to this solicitation:

Entity Name:

Point of Contact: E-Mail:

Phone: Project Completion Date:

Project Name:

Describe how the scope of work applies to this solicitation:

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) 41692

ORANGE CREEK RESTORATION AREA- AQUATIC VEGETATION SHREDDING

PROPOSED SUBCONTRACTORS

CONTRACTOR NAME:

Please list all Subcontractors and Sub-consultants to be used in connection with your performance of the Agreement.

The District reserves the right to accept or reject any Subcontractor based on past performance, location, or any other grounds that may conflict with the best interests of the District. (Use additional pages, if necessary):

Check which applies:

Contractor will NOT utilize Subcontractors: ☐

Contractor will utilize the Subcontractors listed below: ☐

1. Name and address of Subcontractor:

Description of work to be performed:

Estimated % of workload/responsibility:

2. Name and address of Subcontractor:

3. Name and address of Subcontractor:

4. Name and address of Subcontractor:

CERTIFICATE AS TO ENTITY’S AUTHORITY TO DO BUSINESS IN FLORIDA

The below entity is incorporated/organized/formed under the laws of the State of ; is authorized by law to respond to this solicitation and perform all Work and furnish materials and equipment required under the Agreement and is authorized to do business in the State of Florida.

Entity name:

Address:

Registration No:

Registered Agent:

By:

(Official title)

(Affix corporate seal, if utilized by Respondent)

Attest:

(Secretary)

The full names and business or residence addresses of persons or firms interested in the foregoing proposal as principals or officers of Respondent are as follows (specifically include the President, Secretary, and Treasurer and state the corporate office held of all other individuals listed):

Identify any parent, subsidiary, or sister corporations involving the same or substantially the same officers and directors that will or may be involved in performance of the Project, and provide the same information requested above on a photocopy of this form.

ATTACH a copy of Respondent’s active registration with the State of Florida Division of Corporations proving Respondent’s authority to do business in the State of Florida, or a copy of the application for same that has been accepted by the State of Florida.

AFFIDAVIT AS TO NON-COLLUSION AND CERTIFICATION OF

MATERIAL CONFORMANCE WITH SPECIFICATIONS

STATE OF

COUNTY OF

I, the undersigned, being first duly sworn, depose and say that:

1. I am the owner or duly authorized officer, representative, or agent of:

the Respondent that has submitted the attached proposal.

2. The attached proposal is genuine. It is not a collusive or sham proposal.

3. I am fully informed respecting the preparation and contents of, and knowledgeable of all pertinent circumstances respecting the attached proposal.

4. Neither Respondent nor any of its officers, partners, owners, agents, representatives, employees, or parties in interest, including this affiant, has in any way colluded, conspired, connived, or agreed, directly or indirectly, with any other Respondent, firm, or person to submit a collusive or sham proposal in connection with the Agreement for which the attached proposal has been submitted, or to refrain from proposing in connection with such Agreement, or has in any manner, directly or indirectly, sought by agreement, collusion, communication, or conference with any other Respondent, firm, or person to fix the price or prices in the attached proposal of any other Respondent , or to fix any overhead, profit, or cost element of the proposal prices or the proposal price of any other Respondent, or to secure through collusion, conspiracy, connivance, or unlawful agreement any advantage against the District or any other person interested in the proposed Agreement.

5. The price(s) quoted in the attached proposal are fair and proper and are not tainted by any collusion, conspiracy, connivance, or unlawful agreement on the part of the Respondent or any of its agents, representatives, owners, employees, or parties in interest, including this affiant.

6. No official or other officer or employee of the District, whose salary or compensation is payable in whole or in part by the District, is directly or indirectly interested in this proposal, or in the supplies, materials, equipment, work, or labor to which it relates, or in any of the profits therefrom.

7. Any materials and equipment proposed to be supplied in fulfillment of the Agreement to be awarded conform in all respects to the specifications thereof. Further, the proposed materials and equipment will perform the intended function in a manner acceptable and suitable for the intended purposes of the District.

Signature:

Title:

The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me by means of ☐ physical presence or ☐ online notarization, this day of , 202 , by as (title) of (Respondent), the party on behalf of whom instrument was executed.

(SEAL)

(Signature)

Notary Public, State of at Large

My commission expires:

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE FORM

This form required only in the event of a tie response

Respondent, (business name) , in accordance with §287.087, Fla. Stat., hereby certifies that Respondent does the following:

1. Informs employees about the dangers of drug abuse in the workplace, the business’s policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace, any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs, and the penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations

2. Publishes a statement notifying employees that

a. the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against its employees for violations of such prohibition.

b. as a condition of working on the contractual services that are the subject of this solicitation, the employee will abide by the terms of the statement and will notify the employer of any conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, any violation of chapter 893, Fla. Stat., or of any controlled substance law of the United States or any state, for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five (5) days after such conviction.

3. Gives each employee engaged in providing the contractual services that are the subject of this solicitation a copy of the statement specified in paragraph 2, above.

4. Imposes a sanction on, or requires the satisfactory participation in, a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program if such is available in the employee’s community, by any employee convicted of a violation listed in sub-paragraph 2.b., above.

5. Makes a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace through implementation of §287.087, Fla. Stat.

As the person authorized to sign this statement, I certify that this firm complies fully with the above requirements.

By:

Title:

Date:

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) 41692

ORANGE CREEK RESTORATION AREA- AQUATIC VEGETATION SHREDDING

NO RESPONSE FORM

Your reasons for not responding to this solicitation are valuable to the St. Johns River Water Management District’s procurement process. Please complete this form and return it to the Office of Financial Services no later than the date set for receipt of proposals. Thank you for your cooperation.

Please check (as applicable):

Specifications too “general” (explain below)

Insufficient time to respond to the solicitation

Do not provide this type of work for this project

Schedule would not permit us to perform

Unable to meet solicitation specifications

Specifications unclear (explain below)

Disagree with solicitation or Agreement terms and conditions (explain below)

Other (specify below)

Remarks:

DATE

RESPONDENT (FIRM NAME)

ADDRESS

E-MAIL ADDRESS

SIGNATURE TYPED NAME AND TITLE

TELEPHONE NUMBER

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) 41692

ORANGE CREEK RESTORATION AREA- AQUATIC VEGETATION SHREDDING

PART 2 – SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS & GENERAL INFORMATION

Thank you for your interest in working with the St. Johns River Water Management District. Please direct questions regarding the submittal documents and specifications to the District’s Procurement Department, in writing. We look forward to working with you. Pertinent information and required documents regarding this solicitation as part of a responsive submittal are listed below.

St. Johns River Water Management District expects interested individuals and firms will make every effort to assemble a team with the requisite expertise and qualifications to supply the product or service.

2.1 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)

The District does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its services, programs, or activities. Special accommodations for disabilities may be requested through Breanna Pierce, Procurement Specialist, or by calling (800) 955-8771 (TTY), at least five (5) business days (Mon – Fri) before the date needed.

2.2 PROHIBITED COMMUNICATION

To ensure a fair and impartial evaluation process, the District strictly prohibits any communication related to this solicitation with any District office, department, bureau, or employee during the submission and evaluation period, except as expressly authorized in this solicitation. Respondents are specifically prohibited from initiating any contact or communication with any District official or employee involved in the evaluation or consideration of submittals, including but not limited to the Executive Director and members of the Governing Board of the St. Johns River Water Management District, prior to the issuance of an award decision. All communication regarding this solicitation shall be initiated by the District’s Procurement staff, and solely for the purpose of obtaining information or clarification necessary for the proper evaluation of submittals. Any attempt by a Respondent to engage in unauthorized communication may result in disqualification from consideration for award under this solicitation, and may further result in exclusion from future procurement opportunities with the District.

2.3 PRE-BID MEETINGS, INQUIRIES AND ADDENDA

If scheduled, the pre-bid meeting information will appear on the first page of this solicitation. Attendance at the pre-bid meeting is strongly recommended. During this meeting, the project scope, procedures, and specifications will be discussed. It is also the only opportunity during the open-bid period for vendors to ask questions directly to the end user.

If the pre-bid meeting is designated as MANDATORY, Respondents must attend or their submittal will not be accepted.

District staff are not authorized to provide oral interpretations or clarifications of the solicitation documents, including specifications or other agreement terms. All binding interpretations or corrections must be provided in writing, come only from Procurement staff, and be issued as part of an official addendum to this solicitation. The assigned Procurement Specialist may provide general guidance on District procedures and assist in referencing applicable sections of the solicitation documents; however, Respondents remain fully responsible for understanding and following all written requirements and submit accordingly.

In order to be considered. all requests for a written interpretation or correction must be submitted via e-mail before the deadline for questions stated in this solicitation. All official responses, including clarifications, corrections, or supplemental instructions, will be issued in writing via addenda and posted on the solicitation portals listed on Page 1 of this document, prior to the submittal due date.

By submitting on this solicitation, the Respondent acknowledges receipt of all issued addenda. Submittals will be interpreted as if all addenda were received, whether or not the Respondent actually reviewed them. Failure to receive or review an addendum does not relieve the Respondent of any obligations under the solicitation or resulting contract. All addenda become an official part of the Contract Documents (defined in the Agreement).

2.4 HOW TO SUBMIT ON THIS SOLICITATION

(a) Respondent’s submittal must be submitted in electronic format (no paper copies) either by uploading to DemandStar directly at www.demandstar.com OR to Central Bidding directly at www.centralbidding.com (NOT BOTH); OR by delivering all files on a single pin/thumb/jump drive either by mail or hand delivery in a sealed envelope.

Label all sealed envelopes as follows:

SEALED SUBMITTAL – DO NOT OPEN

Respondent’s Name:

Invitation for Bids: 41692 Opening Time: 2:00 PM Opening Date: October 28, 2025

Breanna Pierce, Procurement Specialist St. Johns River Water Management District District Headquarters 4049 Reid Street Palatka, FL 32177

**Please note that the United States Postal Service does not deliver regular mail or express mail to the above address.

The District’s experience is that Federal Express and United Parcel Service will. The District is not responsible for, and will not accept or consider late submittals due to delays caused by any mail, package or courier service, including the US mail, or caused by any other occurrence.

DO NOT SUBMIT VIA EMAIL — THIS WILL RESULT IN THE SUBMITTAL BEING REJECTED AS

NON-RESPONSIVE.

(b) All blank spaces on the solicitation documents must be typewritten or legibly printed in ink. In the event you decline to submit a response, the District would appreciate submittal of the “No Response Form” provided in this solicitation to describe the reason for not submitting a response.

(c) Please do not password protect files saved to a pin/thumb/jump drive. The District recommends that Respondents confirm their submittal documents will open correctly on a non-company-owned computer. Any electronic submittal received by the District that does not open on a District-owned computer is subject to rejection as a defective response. The file naming conventions for the solicitation must clearly identify specific information, such as the solicitation number and the Respondent’s name (Example: ITB 12345, ABC Company).

2.5 HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR SUBMITTAL

The following documents and forms must accompany any submittal in the order identified. Please do not include items not requested. A submittal returned without these documents may deem the submittal non-responsive. The District reserves the right to request additional information from any Respondent prior to award.

*Forms included with this submittal package

*Cover Page/Addendum Acknowledgement

*Submittal Acknowledgement Form

*Bid Form

*General Qualifications Questionnaire

*Similar Projects/References (minimum of 3 – reference letters must be included)

*Proposed Subcontractors

*Certificate as to Entity’s Authority to do Business In Florida

*Affidavit as to Non-collusion and Certification of Material Conformance with Specifications

*Drug-Free Workplace Form (not required unless there is a tie bid)

Respondent provided documentation

Certificate of Insurability - as noted in Section 2.14

Proof of Respondent’s entity location (tangible tax listing, registration on www.sunbiz.org)

Proof of Vendor’s Registration with E-Verify (Answers to questions regarding E-Verify as well as instructions on enrollment may be found at the E-Verify website: www.e-verify.gov).

Copy of any applicable and current license or certification required by the City/County/State

List of all individuals performing Work on this project to include documentation of their prior experience, training, certifications, and applicable licenses

NOTE! A Respondent’s submittal may be rejected as Non-Responsive for:

(1) Failing to complete all forms.

(2) Failure to provide all required materials; or

(3) Otherwise failing to comply with instructions for preparation and organization of Submittal.

2.6 SIGNATURE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

An individual submitting on this solicitation must sign his/her name therein and state his/her address and the name and address of every other person interested in this solicitation as principal.

If a firm or partnership submits on this solicitation, state the name and address of each member of the firm or partnership.

If a corporation submits on this solicitation, an authorized officer or agent must sign the Bid, subscribing the name of the corporation with his or her own name and affixing the corporate seal. Such officer or agent must also provide the name of the state under which the corporation is chartered, and the names and business addresses of the President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Corporations chartered in states other than Florida must submit evidence of registration with the Florida Secretary of State for doing business in the state of Florida.

Respondent must certify that all persons or entities having an interest as principal in this solicitation or in substantial performance of the Work have been identified in the submittal forms.

2.7 OPENING OF SUBMITTALS

Respondents or their authorized agents are invited to attend the opening of the submittals at the following time and place:

2:00 PM., October 28, 2025 St. Johns River Water Management District Headquarters

4049 Reid Street, Palatka, Florida 32177-2571

The Florida Public Records Act, §119.071(1)(b), Fla. Stat., exempts sealed Proposals from inspection and copying until such time as the District provides notice of an intended decision pursuant to §120.57(3)(a), Fla. Stat., or until 30 days after opening of bids, proposals, submittals, or final replies, whichever is earlier. This exemption is not waived by the public opening of the submittals.

Unless otherwise exempt, Respondent’s submittal is a public record subject to disclosure upon expiration of the above exemption period. If any information included in the submittal is a trade secret as defined in §812.081, Fla. Stat., and exempt from disclosure pursuant to §815.04, Fla. Stat., Respondent must clearly identify any such material as “CONFIDENTIAL TRADE SECRET” in its submittal and explain the basis for such exemption. The District reserves the right, in its sole judgment and discretion, to reject a submittal for excessive or unwarranted assertion of trade secret confidentiality and return the submittal to Respondent.

2.8 DISQUALIFICATION OF RESPONDENTS

Any of the following causes will be considered as sufficient grounds for disqualification of a Respondent and rejection of the submittal:

(a) Contacting a District employee or officer other than the procurement employee named in this solicitation about any aspect of this solicitation before the notice of intended decision is posted.

(b) Submission of more than one submittal for the same subject matter by an individual, firm, partnership, or corporation under the same or different names.

(c) Evidence of collusion among Respondents.

(d) Submission of materially false information.

(e) Information gained through checking references or other sources which indicates that Respondent may not successfully perform the Work.

(f) Respondent is failing to adequately perform on any existing agreement with the District.

(g) Respondent has defaulted on a previous agreement with the District.

(h) The evidence submitted by Respondent, or the District’s investigation of Respondent, fails to satisfy the District that Respondent is properly qualified to carry out the obligations of the Agreement in a manner acceptable to the District and within the time period specified.

(i) Any other cause that is sufficient to raise doubt regarding the ability of a Respondent to perform the Work in a manner that meets the District’s objectives for the Work.

2.9 REJECTION OF SUBMITTAL

Submittals must be delivered to the specified location and received before the designated due date and time in order to be considered. Untimely submittals will be returned to the Respondent unopened. Submittals will be considered irregular and may be rejected if they show material omissions, alterations of form, additions not called for, conditions, limitations, or other material irregularities. The District may consider incomplete any submittal not prepared and submitted in accordance with the provisions specified herein, and reserves the right to waive any minor deviations or irregularities in an otherwise valid submittal.

The District reserves the right to reject any and all submittals and cancel this solicitation when it determines, in its sole judgment and discretion, that it is not in its best interest to award the agreement.

2.10 WITHDRAWAL OF SUBMITTALS

Respondent may withdraw its submittal if it submits such a written request to the District prior to the designated date and hour of opening. Respondent may be permitted to withdraw its submittal no later than 72 hours after the submittal opening for good cause, as determined by the District in its sole judgment and discretion.

2.11 AWARDING THE AGREEMENT

(a) All Respondents will be notified of the District's intent to award or decision to award the Agreement. For the purpose of filing a protest under §120.57(3), Fla. Stat., the time period will commence as provided in Section

2.13 PROTEST PROCEDURES.

(b) The Agreement will be awarded to the lowest responsive, responsible Respondent, being the Respondent with the lowest Total Bid as reflected on the Bid Form who demonstrates, in accordance with the requirements of the submittal documents, a verifiable history of the skill, ability, integrity, and reliability necessary for the faithful performance of the Agreement (the “Successful Respondent”). The Agreement may be modified based on the District’s acceptance of any alternatives listed in the submittal that the District deems in its best interest.

(c) If two or more submittals are equal in all respects, the Agreement will be awarded as follows: (1) to the Respondent that certifies compliance with §287.087, Fla. Stat., via the Drug-Free Workplace Form; (2) to a Respondent university in the State University System pursuant to §373.63, Fla. Stat.; (3) to a Respondent whose submittal contains commodities manufactured, grown, or produced within the state of Florida pursuant to §287.082 Fla. Stat.; or (4) by lot.

(d) The District reserves the right to award the Agreement to the next lowest available Respondent in the event the Successful Respondent fails to enter into the Agreement, or the Agreement with said Respondent is terminated within 90 days of the effective date.

(e) Section 286.0113, Fla. Stat., exempts from being open to the public, any portion of a meeting at which: (1) a negotiation with a Respondent is conducted pursuant to a competitive solicitation; (2) a Respondent makes an oral presentation as part of a competitive solicitation; (3) a Respondent answers questions as part of a competitive solicitation; or (4) negotiation strategies are discussed. Also, recordings of, and any records presented at, the exempt meeting are exempt from §119.07(1) and §24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution (Public Records) until such time as the District provides notice of an intended decision or until 30 days after opening the submittals or final replies, whichever occurs earlier. A complete recording shall be made of any portion of an exempt meeting. No portion of the exempt meeting may be held off the record.

(f) Pursuant to §286.0113 Fla. Stat., if the District rejects all submittals and concurrently provides notice of its intent to reissue the competitive solicitation, any recordings or records presented at any exempt meeting relating to the solicitation shall remain exempt from §119.07(1) and §24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution (Public Records) until such time as the District provides notice of an intended decision concerning the reissued competitive solicitation or until the District withdraws the reissued competitive solicitation. A recording and any records presented at an exempt meeting are not exempt for longer than 12 months after the initial District notice rejecting all submittals.

(g) The District may reject a submittal based on past performance of Contractor.

2.12 EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT

A submittal binds the successful Respondent to perform the Work upon the District’s acceptance of the submittal and execution of the Agreement by both Contractor and the District. Unless all submittals are rejected, the successful Respondent must execute and return the Agreement to the District within 10 days of receipt along with each of the following:

(a) A completed Internal Revenue Service Form W-9.

(b) Satisfactory evidence of all required insurance coverage.

(c) Proof satisfactory to the District of the authority of the person or persons accepting the terms and conditions of this Solicitation on behalf of Respondent.

(d) All other information and documentation required by the Agreement.

The District will not execute the Agreement until the above documents have been executed and delivered to the District.

The Agreement will not be binding until executed by the District. A copy of the fully executed Agreement will be sent via e-mail to the Successful Respondent. The District reserves the right to cancel award of the Agreement without liability at any time before the Agreement has been fully executed by all parties and delivered to the Successful Respondent.

Failure upon the part of the Successful Respondent to execute the Agreement or timely submit the required evidence of insurance coverage, or any other matter required by the Agreement, will be just cause, if the District so elects, for the recommended award to be annulled.

2.13 PROTEST PROCEDURES

Notices of Intended Decision will be posted for a minimum of 72 hours. The time period for filing a Notice of Protest pursuant to §120.57(3), Fla. Stat., and Rule 28-110.003, Fla. Admin. Code commences at the time notices are posted.

As a courtesy to Respondents, the District may send copies of the notices of intended agency decisions via email to Respondent. These courtesy communications neither constitute official notice nor vary the times of receipt set forth above.

Pursuant to§120.57(3), Fla. Stat., and Rule 28-110.003, Fla. Admin. Code, any person adversely affected by the terms, conditions, or specifications contained in a solicitation, including addenda, must file a Notice of Protest within 72 hours after its posting.

Pursuant to §120.57(3), Fla. Stat., and Rule 28-110.003, Fla. Admin. Code, any person adversely affected by a District decision or intended decision to award a contract, or to reject all submittals, proposals, or qualifications, must file a written Notice of Protest within 72 hours after posting of the decision or intended decision.

Pursuant to §120.57(3), Fla. Stat., and Rule 28-110.004, Fla. Admin. Code, a Formal Written Protest must be filed with the District Clerk within ten (10) days after the date the Notice of Protest is filed with the District. The Formal Written Protest must state with particularity the facts and law upon which the protest is based. Pursuant to §287.042(2)(c), Fla.

Stat., any person who files an action protesting the decision or intended decision must post with the District Clerk at the time of filing the formal written protest a bond, cashier’s check, or money order made payable to the St. Johns River Water Management District in an amount equal to one percent (1%) of the District’s estimated agreement amount.

No additional time will be added for mailing. All filings must comply with Rule 28-106.104, Fla. Admin. Code, and must be addressed to and received by the District Clerk at the District Headquarters in Palatka, Florida within the prescribed time periods. The District will not accept any electronically transmitted facsimile pleadings, petitions, Notice of Protest or other documents.

The District’s acceptance of pleadings, petitions, Notice of Protest, Formal Written Protest, or other documents filed by email is subject to certain conditions set forth in the District’s Statement of Agency Organization and Operation (issued pursuant to Rule 28-101.001, Fla. Admin. Code), which is available for viewing at sjrwmd.com. These conditions include, but are not limited to, the document being in the form of a PDF or TIFF file and being capable of being stored and printed by the District.

Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in §120.57(3), Fla. Stat., or failure to post the bond or other security required by law within the time allowed for filing a bond will constitute a waiver of proceedings under chapter 120, Fla.

Stat. Mediation under §120.573, Fla. Stat., is not available.

2.14 PROOF OF INSURABILITY

The submittal shall contain proof of insurability issued by a company authorized to do business in the State of Florida, and with an A.M. Best Company rating of at least A- for the required insurance(s) listed in Attachment C of the attached Agreement.

NOTE! Awarded Contractor will be required to obtain and provide a Certificate of Insurance that meets all requirements as stated, references the Agreement number, and shows St. Johns River Water Management District named as additional insured.

2.15 EXAMINATION OF CONTRACT DOCUMENTS

Respondent is solely responsible for being fully informed of the conditions under which the Work is to be performed in relation to existing conditions. Respondent is responsible for carefully examining the general area of the Work, the requirements of the drawings and other contract documents related to the Work, the time in which the Work must be completed, and any other details of the Work. Respondent must satisfy itself from its own personal knowledge and experience or professional advice as to the character of the Work, the conditions and materials to be encountered, the character, quality, and quantities of the Work, and any other conditions affecting the Work, including surrounding land.

Failure to satisfy the obligations of this paragraph will not relieve a Successful Respondent of its obligation to furnish all material, equipment, and labor necessary to perform the Agreement and to complete the Work for the consideration set forth in its proposal. Any such failure will not be sufficient cause to submit a claim for additional compensation.

No verbal agreement or conversation with any District officer, agent or employee, either before or after the execution of the Agreement, will affect or modify any of its terms.

2.16 FLORIDA SALES TAX

The District is exempt from payment of State of Florida sales tax pursuant to §212.08(6), Fla. Stat. Any tangible personal property that is the subject of this solicitation is intended to remain tangible personal property and not become part of a public work owned by the District.

2.17 BONDING AND RETAINAGE – This section does not apply to this Solicitation.

2.18 PUBLIC ENTITY CRIMES/DISCRIMINATORY VENDORS

In accordance with §287.133 and §287.134, Fla. Stat., a person or affiliate who has been placed on the convicted vendor list following a conviction for a public entity crime or placed on the discriminatory vendor list may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply on an agreement to provide any goods or services to a public entity; may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply on an agreement with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work; may not submit bids, proposals, or replies on leases of real property to a public entity; may not be awarded or perform work as a Contractor, supplier, subcontractor, or Contractor under a contract with any public entity; and may not transact business with any public entity in excess of the threshold amount provided in §287.017 for CATEGORY TWO ($35,000) for a period of 36 months following the date of being placed on the convicted or discriminatory vendor lists.

2.19 USE BY OTHER FLORIDA GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES - This section does not apply to this Solicitation

2.20 PROHIBITION AGAINST CONSIDERING SOCIAL, POLITICAL, OR IDEOLOGICAL INTERESTS

IN GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING

Notice is hereby provided that pursuant to Section 287.05701, Fla. Stat., the District (1) will not request documentation of or consider a Respondent’s social, political, or ideological interests when determining if the Respondent is a responsible respondent and (2) may not give preference to a Respondent based on the Respondent's social, political, or ideological interests.

2.21 DEFINITIONS

The definitions of capitalized terms used in this solicitation that are not otherwise defined herein can be found in the draft Agreement below.

DRAFT AGREEMENT

BETWEEN DISTRICT AND CONTRACTOR

41692 ORANGE CREEK RESTORATION AREA - AQUATIC VEGETATION SHREDDING

This Agreement is entered into between the Governing Board of the St. Johns River Water Management District (the “District”), whose mailing address is 4049 Reid Street, Palatka, Florida 32177 and (Company Name), (“Contractor”), whose address is (Company Address) for Orange Creek Restoration Area – Aquatic Shredding (the “Project”). All references to the parties hereto include the parties, their officers, employees, agents, successors and assigners.

In consideration of the mutual covenants and promises contained herein, the District and Contractor (singularly referred to as “Party”, collectively “Parties”) hereto agree as follows:

Section 1 – The Contract. The contract between the District and Contractor, of which this Agreement is part, consists of the Contract Documents and shall be effective on the last signature date set forth below.

Section 2 – The Contract Documents. The Contract Documents are defined as this Agreement, the Solicitation (41692 Orange Creek Restoration Area – Aquatic Shredding), the Submittal, Scope of Work, Plans and Drawings, any/all Addenda issued in support of the Solicitation, Recorded Bonds (as required), Certificate of Insurance, Affidavits, Specifications, all Purchase Orders, Change Orders, any Special Conditions or any other attachments issued hereafter, and any other amendments hereto executed by the Parties hereafter. Should any conflict arise between the Contract Documents and the Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall govern.

Section 3 – Entire Agreement. The Contract Documents form the agreement between Parties for the Project, and Contractor acknowledges receipt of a copy of each and every Contract Document. The Contract Documents represent the entire and integrated agreement between the Parties and supersede prior negotiations, representations or agreements, either written or oral. This Agreement may be amended or modified only in writing. The Contract Documents shall not be construed to create a contractual relationship of any kind between any persons or entities other than the District and Contractor.

Section 4 – Term. This Agreement shall be effective upon the date of the last Party’s signature below through September 30, 2026 (the “Term”). Time is of the essence for each and every aspect of this Agreement. All provisions that by their nature extend beyond the Term survive termination or expiration hereof.

Section 5 – Deliverables and Ownership. Contractor agrees to furnish and deliver all equipment, materials and perform all labor required to complete the scope of services for the Project (the “Work”), per the Contract Documents, Attachment A – Statement of Work hereto, and within the Term.

(a) Contractor is responsible for the professional quality, technical accuracy, and timely completion of the Work.