ITB 22B-006 - 2023 Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration 8-23-22.pdf

NWFWMD ITB 22B-006 2023 Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration Page 1 of 20

NORTHWEST FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

INVITATION TO BID NO. 22B-006

2023 HAND PLANTING SERVICES FOR REFORESTATION AND GROUNDCOVER

RESTORATION

The Northwest Florida Water Management District (District), 81 Water Management Drive, Havana, FL 32333, is soliciting bids for Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration, which involves planting approximately 1,357,842 container-grown longleaf and slash pine tree tubelings and groundcover tubelings on approximately 1,827 acres in Bay, Calhoun, Jackson, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, and Washington Counties. The qualified contractor providing the lowest bid for the services will enter into an agreement with the District, a draft of which is contained within the Invitation to Bid. The specifications and conditions contained in the draft agreement should be reviewed and taken into consideration when preparing bids.

The deadline for submission of bids and the opening of the sealed bids is 2:00 P.M. Eastern Time (ET) September 21, 2022. The bid opening is open to the public. Provisions will be made to accommodate the handicapped (if requested) provided the District is given at least 72 hours advance notice. All bids must conform to the instructions in the Invitation to Bid (ITB) and comply with applicable Florida Statutes. Interested parties may obtain a copy of the complete ITB package from the District’s website (http://www.nwfwater.com) or from the State of Florida’s Vendor Information Portal website at: MyFloridaMarketPlace Vendor Information Portal. A copy of the complete ITB package can also be obtained at the above address or by calling (850) 539-5999.

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Table of Contents

PAGE

PART 1 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Definitions 4

1.2 Purpose 4

1.3 Issuing Office, Date and Location of Opening 4

1.4 Invitation to Bid 4

1.5 Awarding of Bids 4

1.6 Development Costs 5

1.7 Conflict of Interest 5

1.8 District Forms and Rules 5

1.9 Oral Presentations 5

1.10 Inquiries 5

1.11 Timetable 6

1.12 Delays 6

1.13 Submission and Withdrawal 6

1.14 Addenda 7

1.15 Equal Opportunity 8

1.16 Public Crimes/Discriminatory/Antitrust Violator Vendors 8

1.17 Scrutinized Companies, Boycotting 8

1.18 Inspector General Cooperation 9

1.19 Compliance with Health and Safety Regulations 9

1.20 Insurance 9

1.21 Prohibited Contact 9

1.22 Specification and Award Protest 10

1.23 Publicity 10

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Table of Contents (continued)

PAGE

1.24 Waiver of Minor Irregularities 10

1.25 Cooperative Purchasing 10

1.26 Performance Bond 10

PART 2 SCOPE OF SERVICES 11

2.1 Reforestation 11

2.2 Reforestation Supplies 12

2.3 Groundcover Restoration 12

2.4 Groundcover Restoration Supplies 12

2.5 Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration Services 12

2.6 Description of Work and Technical Specifications 12

PART 3 BID REQUIREMENTS 13

3.1 Rules for the Bid 13

3.2 Vendor Registration and W-9 Forms 13

3.3 Additional Documents to Include 13

3.4 Vendor Checklist 14

PART 4 EVALUATION OF BIDS 15

PART 5 BID SHEET, BID ACKNOWLEDGMENT, BIDDER INFORMATION 16

PART 6 DRAFT AGREEMENT AND EXHIBIT MAPS 21

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PART 1

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this bid, “respondent or bidder” means contractor, vendors, consultants, organizations, firms, or other persons submitting a response to this Invitation to Bid.

1.2 PURPOSE

The Northwest Florida Water Management District, 81 Water Management Drive, Havana, Florida 32333, (hereinafter referred to as the “District”) is issuing this Invitation to Bid (ITB) for the project titled “2023 Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration.”

1.3 ISSUING OFFICE, DATE AND ITB OPENING

Northwest Florida Water Management District (Headquarters)

Attn: Agency Clerk 81 Water Management Drive Havana, Florida 32333-4712

THE DISTRICT MUST RECEIVE ALL BIDS BY 2:00 P.M. EASTERN TIME (ET),

September 21, 2022, THE DAY OF THE PUBLIC OPENING.

1.4 INVITATION TO BID

The District solicits bids for the services of responsible bidders to perform hand planting services for reforestation and groundcover restoration on approximately 1,827 acres in Bay, Calhoun, Jackson, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, and Washington Counties.

1.5 AWARDING OF BID

The District anticipates entering into an agreement with the bidder who submits the bid judged by the District to be the lowest cost for the specified services. The District reserves the right to award the bid to the next lowest responsive bidder 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.

The respondent understands that this bid does not constitute an agreement or a contract with the District. An official contract or agreement is not binding until the bids are reviewed and accepted by appointed staff, approved by the appropriate level of authority within the District, and the contract or agreement is executed by both parties.

The District reserves the right to reject all bids, to negotiate with the qualified Contractor submitting the lowest responsive bid, to waive any irregularities of a minor nature, and to solicit and re-advertise for other bids. Mistakes clearly evident on the face of the bid documents, such as

NWFWMD ITB 22B-006 2023 Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration Page 5 of 20 computation errors, may be corrected by the District. Per section 255.0991, Florida Statutes (F.S.), the District has no regulation that provides Contractor preference as described in that statute.

All bids may be subject to the approval of the Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board at a duly noticed Board meeting.

Notice of a bid award shall be posted to the District’s website and the State of Florida’s Vendor Bid System website.

1.6 DEVELOPMENT COSTS

The District shall not be responsible or liable for any expenses incurred in connection with the preparation of a response to this bid. Respondents should prepare the bid simply and economically, to provide a straightforward and concise description of the respondent's ability to meet the requirements of the bid.

1.7 CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The award hereunder is subject to Chapter 112, Florida Statutes. All bidders shall disclose with their bids the name of any officer, director, board member or agent who is also an employee of the State of Florida, or any of its agencies. Further, all bidders shall disclose the name of any state employee or any board member or employee of the District who owns directly or indirectly an interest of five percent (5%) or more in the bidder’s firm, subsidiaries, or branches.

1.8 DISTRICT FORMS AND RULES

When included, all forms supplied by the Northwest Florida Water Management District shall be submitted with the bids. All bids must comply with applicable Florida Statutes, laws, and rules.

1.9 ORAL PRESENTATIONS

There will not be oral presentations for this solicitation.

1.10 INQUIRIES

All questions regarding this ITB shall be directed to the Procurement Officer, Benjamin Faure, at Benjamin.Faure@nwfwater.com or 850-722-9919 no later than 1:00 PM. Eastern Time (ET) on September 9, 2022. Written inquiries shall reference the date of the ITB opening and ITB title and number.

If substantive questions are received, the District will post addenda and answers to substantive questions on its website and on the State of Florida’s Vendor Information Portal website at least ten (10) calendar days before the bid opening date (see Section 1.14 Addenda). It is the responsibility of all bidders to check the District’s website or State of Florida’s Vendor Information Portal website for addenda.

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1.11 TIMETABLE

The District and respondents shall adhere to the following schedule in all actions concerning this bid.

A. On August 30, 2022, the District issues the Invitation to Bid.

B. From the time of issuance on August 30, 2022, until 1:00 PM. Eastern Time (ET) on September 9, 2022, the District will receive inquiries on the ITB.

C. If substantive questions are received, District will issue an Addendum at least ten (10) calendar days prior to bid opening.

D. Bid Opening Deadline: The sealed bids will be opened at 2:00 P.M. Eastern Time (ET), September 21, 2022*. Bids received after the bid opening deadline will not be considered.

E. From opening time, the District will review and evaluate the bids on a timely basis.

F. The District may enter a contract with the qualified Contractor submitting the lowest responsive bid after conducting negotiations and obtaining appropriate approvals.

*Denotes a public meeting.

1.12 DELAYS

The District may delay scheduled due dates if it is to the advantage of the District to do so. The District will notify respondents of all changes in scheduled due dates by posting the information to the District’s website and State of Florida’s Vendor Bid System website.

1.13 SUBMISSION AND WITHDRAWAL

The respondent must submit the bid in person, by mail, or courier such as UPS to this address:

Northwest Florida Water Management District Attn: Agency Clerk 81 Water Management Drive Havana, FL 32333-4712

Please be advised mail delivery to the District is not always by 2:00 P.M. Eastern Time.

Bids not submitted to this address do not constitute “delivery” and are not considered “received by” the District as required by this ITB. Submittal of bids other than in person, by mail, or courier such as UPS, etc. shall not be accepted.

Respondents shall submit one printed copy and one electronic copy in .pdf format on a new flash drive of the bid in a sealed, opaque envelope or box. The face of the envelope or box shall state in capital letters:

“SEALED BID FOR ITB 22B-006, 2023 HAND PLANTING SERVICES FOR

REFORESTATION AND GROUNDCOVER RESTORATION, TO BE OPENED

SEPTEMBER 21, 2022, AT 2:00 P.M. EASTERN TIME(ET) AT THE HEADQUARTERS

OF THE NORTHWEST FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT”

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The sealed envelope or box shall also include the respondent’s name and business address. Bids received by the bid opening deadline but not properly sealed and labeled shall not be considered.

Respondents who utilize courier service packing and shipping materials shall place the bid in a sealed and labeled opaque envelope or box as described above inside the courier-supplied shipping materials. Courier service delivery shall use the same address listed previously in this section.

It is the respondent's responsibility to ensure that his/her bid submission is delivered at the proper time and place of the opening. Bids that are for any reason received after the established deadline will not be considered. If a respondent chooses to hand deliver a sealed bid in person during regular business hours of 8:00 A.M. (ET) to 5:00 P.M. (ET) Monday through Thursday, a receptionist will be available to receive the respondent’s bid. If a sealed bid is delivered in person on Friday, please call (850) 539-5999.

Telephone confirmation of timely receipt of the bid may be made by calling (850) 539-5999 and asking for the Agency Clerk before the proposal opening time. Submittal of bids other than in person, by mail, or courier such as UPS, etc. shall not be accepted.

A respondent may withdraw a bid by notifying the District in writing at any time prior to the opening. Respondents may withdraw bids in person or through an authorized representative.

Respondents and authorized representatives must disclose their identity and provide a signed receipt for the bid. Bids, once opened, become the property of the District and will not be returned to the respondents.

All bids must be made on the required Bid Sheet, Bidder Acknowledgement and Bidder Information (see PART 5 of this ITB). All blank spaces for bid prices must be filled in, in ink or typewritten, and the form must be fully completed and executed when submitted.

Respondents must satisfy themselves of the accuracy of their response in the Bid Sheet, Bidder Acknowledgement, and Bidder Information by examination of the criteria and specifications, including addenda. After bids have been submitted, respondents shall not assert there was a misunderstanding concerning the number or type of parameters nor the accuracy required of each parameter.

Bids received by the District in response to this ITB will become a public record (unless an exemption to Florida’s Public Records Law applies) when the District provides notice of its intended decision or 30 days after opening the bids, whichever is earlier. If the District rejects all bids and concurrently provides notice of its intent to reissue the ITB, the rejected bids remain exempt from Florida’s Public Records Law until such time as the District provides notice of an intended decision concerning the reissued ITB or until it withdraws the reissued ITB. A bid is not exempt for longer than 12 months after the initial notice rejecting all bids.

Bids will be made available for inspection at the time the District posts notice of its decision or intended decision concerning contract awards or 30 days after the bid opening, whichever is earlier.

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1.14 ADDENDA

If addenda become necessary, the District will provide written addenda and post addenda on the District’s website and on the State of Florida’s Vendor Information Portal website at least ten (10) calendar days before the bid opening date. Prospective bidders are responsible for determining whether addenda have been issued and are advised to check the websites or with the District’s Procurement Officer prior to submitting their bid.

Submission of a bid constitutes acknowledgment of receipt of all addenda. Bids will be construed as though all addenda have been received. Failure of the respondent to obtain any addenda does not relieve respondent from any and all obligations under the bid, as submitted. All addenda become part of the Agreement.

1.15 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The District recognizes fair and open competition as a basic tenet of public procurement.

Respondents doing business with the District are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, handicap, age, sex, or disability. It is the policy of the District to ensure that qualified respondents wishing to participate in the procurement process have the maximum opportunity to compete and perform on District contracts and purchases.

The District encourages participation by minority-, veteran-, and women-owned Certified Business Enterprises and requests firms submit evidence of such designation with their bids. For further information on designation as a certified business enterprise, visit www.dms.myflorida.com/agency_administration/office_of_supplier_diversity_osd/get_certified.

1.16 PUBLIC CRIMES/DISCRIMINATORY/ANTITRUST VIOLATOR VENDORS

In accordance with sections 287.133, 287.134, and 287.137, Florida Statutes, a person or affiliate who has been placed on the convicted, discriminatory, or antitrust violator vendor lists may not submit a bid, Proposal, or reply on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity;

may not submit a bid, Proposal, or reply on a contract 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 consultant under a contract with any public entity; and may not transact business with any public entity in excess of the threshold amount provided in section 287.017, Florida Statutes, for CATEGORY TWO ($35,000), unless specified otherwise in these statutes. Questions regarding the lists may be directed to the Florida Department of Management Services, State Purchasing Division, at (850) 488-8440 or send email to purchasingcustomerservice@dms.fl.gov.

1.17 SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES, BOYCOTTING

Pursuant to section 287.135, Florida Statutes (F.S.), a company is ineligible to, and may not, bid on, submit a proposal for, or enter into or renew a contract with the District for goods or services of:

(1) Any amount if, at the time of bidding on, submitting a proposal for, or entering into or renewing such contract, the company is on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List, created pursuant to s. 215.4725, F.S., or is engaged in a boycott of Israel; or

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(2) One million dollars or more if, at the time of bidding on, submitting a proposal for, or entering into or renewing such contract, the company:

a. Is on the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List or the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Energy Sector List, created pursuant to s. 215.473, F.S.; or

b. Is engaged in business operations in Cuba or Syria.

By submitting a response, the respondent certifies that it is not currently on the aforementioned lists or engaged in such business operations and agrees to notify the District if placement on one of these lists occurs or the Contractor engages in such business operations. If the respondent submits a false certification, the District may terminate the Agreement and bring a civil action against the respondent, as provided for in s. 287.135, F.S.

1.18 INSPECTOR GENERAL COOPERATION

Prospective contractor or vendor understands and shall comply with section 20.055(5), Florida Statutes, which states: “It is the duty of every state officer, employee, agency, special district, board, commission, contractor, and subcontractor to cooperate with the inspector general in any investigation, audit, inspection, review, or hearing pursuant to this section.”

1.19 COMPLIANCE WITH HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATIONS

Prospective contractor or vendor shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local rules and regulations in providing services to the District. This requirement includes compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local health and safety rules and regulations.

1.20 INSURANCE

The prospective vendor, if awarded a contract, shall maintain insurance coverage. In the event a contract is awarded to a governmental entity or a self-insured organization, different insurance requirements may apply. Misrepresentation of any material fact, whether intentional or not, regarding the bidder’s insurance coverage, policies, or capabilities may be grounds for rejection of the bid and rescission of any ensuing contract. The Contractor shall obtain all coverage as required by Florida law, including Workers Compensation and applicable professional liability insurance. Additionally, the Contractor shall be insured as follows: General Liability, with limits not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence; $1,000,000 per occurrence for personal injury; and $1,000,000 for property damage; Automobile Liability, with combined single limit of not less than $1,000,000; Workers Compensation and Employers Liability, with limits not less than: Bodily Injury by Accident $1,000,000 each accident; Bodily Injury by Disease $1,000,000 policy limit;

and Bodily Injury by Disease $1,000,000 each employee.

Evidence of all such insurance satisfactory to the District shall be furnished with the executed Agreement prior to beginning work, and all such insurance policies shall provide for a ten (10) business day notice to the District of cancellation or any material change in the terms of the insurance policies.

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1.21 PROHIBITED CONTACT

Respondents to this solicitation or persons acting on their behalf shall not contact, between the release of the solicitation and the end of the 72-hour period following the District posting the notice of intended award, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays, any employee or officer of the executive or legislative branch concerning any aspect of this solicitation, except to the Procurement Officer as provided in the solicitation documents. Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting a response.

1.22 SPECIFICATION AND AWARD PROTEST

Any person who is adversely affected by the District’s award shall file with the District a notice of protest in writing within 72 hours after the posting of the award. With respect to a protest of the terms, conditions, and specifications contained in this ITB, including any provisions governing the methods for ranking bids, awarding contracts, reserving rights of further negotiation, or modifying or amending any contract, the notice of protest shall be filed in writing within 72 hours after the posting of the ITB or the addenda to the ITB that contains the new term, condition or specification that is protested. The formal written protest shall be filed within 10 days after the date the notice of protest is filed with a bond pursuant to section 287.042(2)(c), Florida Statutes. The Failure to file a notice of protest or failure to file a formal written protest shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes. The formal written protest shall state with particularity the facts and law upon which the protest is based. Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays shall be excluded in the computation of the 72-hour time periods. The failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in section 120.57(3), Florida Statutes, or failure to post the bond or other security required by law within the time allowed for filing a bond shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes.

1.23 PUBLICITY

The respondent shall obtain prior approval from the District for all news releases or other publicity pertaining to this bid or the service or any project to which it relates.

1.24 WAIVER OF MINOR IRREGULARITIES

The District may waive minor irregularities in bids received where such is merely a matter of form and not substance. Minor irregularities are defined as any deviation from a mandatory requirement of the ITB that, if waived, will not have an adverse effect on the District's interest and will not give a respondent an advantage or benefit not enjoyed by the other respondents. The District is not required to waive a minor irregularity and has the sole discretion to determine whether a minor irregularity should be waived.

1.25 COOPERATIVE PURCHASING

Pursuant to their own governing laws, and subject to the agreement of the Vendor, other entities may be permitted to make purchases at the terms and conditions contained herein. Non-District purchases are independent of the agreement between District and Vendor, and the District shall not be a party to any transaction between the Vendor and any other purchaser.

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1.26 PERFORMANCE BOND

A performance bond in the amount of twenty-five percent (25%) of the total contract amount (Contractor’s total lump sum bid), with a corporate surety approved by the District, will be required for the faithful performance of the contract. A certified Cashier’s Check made payable to:

“NWFWMD” may be provided to the District, in lieu of a surety performance bond.

Attorneys-in-fact who sign bid bonds and performance bonds must file with each bond a certified and effective dated copy of their power of attorney.

The successful bidder will be required to execute the contract and provide the performance bond within ten (10) calendar days once the awarded Contractor is notified by the District Project Manager. In case of failure of the bidder to execute the Agreement, the District may at its option consider the bidder in default, in which case the bid bond accompanying the bid proposal shall become the property of the District.

PART 2

SCOPE OF SERVICES

The Northwest Florida Water Management District will select one qualified contractor for hand planting assignments during Fiscal Year 2022-2023 (work starting approximately January 3, 2023).

Scheduled activities include the following:

2.1 REFORESTATION

The District anticipates hand planting 1,254,528 1-0 longleaf pine tubelings on approximately 1,760.5 acres of disturbed, natural longleaf pine habitat in Bay, Calhoun, Jackson, Wakulla, and Washington counties, and 28,314 1-0 slash pine tubelings on approximately 39 acres in Calhoun County.

Longleaf and Slash pine tree planting will consist of the following:

1) Reforestation of one site (Stand 1), that has been previously harvested, at a rate of 726 slash pine tubelings per acre (6 x 10 rows).

2) Reforestation of 27 sites (Stands 2 through 22 and 24 through 29), that have been previously harvested, at a rate of 726 longleaf pine tubelings per acre (6 x 10 rows).

3) Reforestation of two sites (Stand 23 and 30) at a rate of 436 longleaf pine tubelings per acre (10 x 10 rows).

2.2 REFORESTATION SUPPLIES

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The District will purchase and supply to the Contractor the following materials for reforestation and reforestation reinforcement activities:

ACTIVITY QUANTITY MATERIALS

Longleaf Pine Reforestation

Slash Pine Reforestation

1,254,528

28,314

Longleaf Pine Tubelings

Slash Pine Tubelings

2.3 GROUNDCOVER RESTORATION

The District anticipates hand planting 75,000 grass plugs on approximately 27.5 acres in Santa Rosa County.

Groundcover restoration with grass plugs will consist of the following:

1) Groundcover restoration on one site (Stand 31) at a rate of 2,727 wiregrass plugs per acre (4 x 4 rows).

2.4 GROUNDCOVER RESTORATION SUPPLIES

ACTIVITY QUANTITY MATERIALS

Wiregrass Groundcover Restoration

75,000

Wiregrass Plugs

2.5 REFORESTATION AND GROUNDCOVER RESTORATION SERVICES

The District anticipates entering into a contract with the respondent who submits the bid judged by the District to be most advantageous. The contractor will be required to enter into an agreement with the District. This agreement will require that the contractor agree to place highest priority on completing District assignments in a timely fashion.

Prospective contractors must have experience hand planting similar quantities of longleaf and slash pine and grass tubelings and must provide specific references with valid contact information and evidence of such on the form found in Section 5-1.

2.6 DESCRIPTION OF WORK AND TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

The attached draft Agreement provides the detailed description of work and technical specifications. Individual stand maps are available from the NWFWMD website at:

https://www.nwfwater.com/Business-Finance/District-Procurement.

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PART 3

BID REQUIREMENTS

3.1 RULES FOR THE BIDS

A. All bids must comply with applicable Florida Statutes, laws, and rules.

A. One printed copy of the bid must be submitted in a properly marked envelope or box in person, by mail, or commercial courier. See PART 1, Section 1.13 Submission and Withdrawal of this ITB for further details.

B. All bids shall be completed and submitted on the attached Bid Sheet, Bidder Acknowledgement and Bidder Information (PART 5).

C. The District is not subject to Florida sales tax or to any federal excise taxes on all sales made directly to the District, and neither shall be included in the bid price.

D. Any transportation or other charges incurred in the delivery of products or services as specified must be included in the bid price, as noted on the bid sheet.

E. All costs whether direct or indirect which will be ultimately paid by the District must be included in the price on the Bid Sheet and Bidder Acknowledgement (PART 5). Any indirect, overhead, profit margin or other such costs, however named, must also be included in the bid price.

F. The award hereunder is subject to Chapter 112, Florida Statutes. All bidders shall disclose with their bids the name of any officer, director, board member, or agent who is also an employee of the State of Florida, or any of its agencies. Further, all bidders shall disclose the name of any state employee or any board member or employee of the District who owns directly or indirectly an interest of five percent (5%) or more in the bidder’s firm, subsidiaries or branches.

3.2 VENDOR REGISTRATION AND W-9 FORMS

The selected Vendor will be required to complete a Vendor Registration Form and W-9 Form once the awarded Vendor is notified by the District Project Manager.

3.3 ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS TO INCLUDE

Copies of your current insurance coverage, limits, etc.

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3.4 VENDOR CHECKLIST

Please review the checklist for this bid (ITB No. 22B-006) to ensure that you have properly followed the instructions. Many bids and proposals are rejected because the respondent simply failed to comply with required preparation and submission requirements.

Have you performed a final review of your bid to ensure you included all required documentation? The omission of required items will result in rejection of the bid.

Have you completed, signed, and included the Bid Sheet, Bidder Acknowledgement and Bidder Information (pages 16 through 20)? Have you verified all amounts to ensure that they are complete and accurate?

Have you included the additional documents in Section 3.3?

If a conflict of interest exists as described in Section 1.7 Conflict of Interest, have you included a statement of disclosure?

Have you selected the method of shipping (in person, by mail, or commercial courier) that will ensure that your bid will arrive before the deadline?

Is your envelope properly marked and is there one printed copy of the bid included? See Section

1.13 Submission and Withdrawal of this ITB for further details. All incoming correspondence is opened when received unless properly marked for a specified opening date and time. If your bid is opened prior to the designated date and time, it cannot be considered.

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PART 4

EVALUATION OF BIDS

The contract will be awarded in the best interest of the District, based on the lowest total cost to the District, from those bids submitted by vendors considered qualified by the District and able to provide the product in the timeframes specified in this ITB. The District anticipates awarding the contract to the bidder that meets the following criteria:

A. Vendor submits a qualified responsive bid judged by the District to be the lowest cost for the specified services. The District will award the 2023 Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration bid based upon the lowest “Grand Total Lump Sum Bid Amount” for the company providing the District with hand planting services as entered on the Bid Sheets and Bidder Acknowledgement, Pages 16 through 20.

B. If two or more bids are tied, the tie will be broken by the respondent earning the most points from the following, each being assigned one point for a total of up to three points:

(1) to the respondent that certifies compliance with s. 288.703(1), F.S., as a certified minority business enterprise; (2) to the respondent that certifies compliance with s.

295.187(3)(a), F.S., as a certified veteran’s business enterprise; and (3) to the respondent that certifies compliance with s. 287.087, F.S., having implemented a Drug-Free Workplace program. If there is still a tie, the tie will be broken by lot (for example, coin toss).

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PART 5

All tables and forms on Pages 16 through 20 must be completed.

BID SHEET AND BIDDER ACKNOWLEDGMENT (22B-006)

2023 Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration

County Stand #

Acres

Bid/Acre

Stand Total Bid

Calhoun 1 39 X $ = $

Calhoun 2 13 X $ = $

Calhoun 3 16 X $ = $

Wakulla 4 26 X $ = $

Wakulla 5 12 X $ = $

Jackson 6 4 X $ = $

Jackson 7 7 X $ = $

Jackson 8 16 X $ = $

Jackson 9 6 X $ = $

Washington 10 141 X $ = $

Washington 11 78 X $ = $

Washington 12 187 X $ = $

Washington 13 78 X $ = $

Washington 14 44 X $ = $

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Washington 15 426 X $ = $

Bay 16 40 X $ = $

Washington 17 44 X $ = $

Bay 18 68 X $ = $

Bay 19 87 X $ = $

Bay 20 53 X $ = $

Bay 21 38 X $ = $

Bay 22 186 X $ = $

Bay 23 33 X $ = $

Bay 24 18 X $ = $

Washington 25 8 X $ = $

Washington 26 20 X $ = $

Washington 27 24 X $ = $

Washington 28 21 X $ = $

Washington 29 18 X $ = $

Washington 30 48.5 X $ = $

Santa Rosa 31 27.5 X $ = $

GRAND TOTAL (ALL SERVICES) $

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Grand Total/Lump Sum Bid Amount for 2023 Hand Planting Services for

Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration on 1,827 Acres: $

Company Name:

BID SHEET AND BIDDER ACKNOWLEDGMENT (22B-006) (continued)

I certify that this bid is made without subsequent understanding, agreement or connection with any corporation, firm, or person submitting a bid for the work described herein and is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud. I agree to abide by all conditions of this bid and certify that I am authorized to sign this bid for the Bidder and that the Bidder is in compliance with all requirements of the Invitation to Bid.

I, the undersigned, having read all parts of this Invitation to Bid, ITB No. 22B-006, titled “2023 Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration,” including any and all addenda, and having a comprehensive understanding of all provisions, rules, requirements, restrictions, etc. contained herein, agree to same and respectfully submit the bid contained herein.

Bidder Signature Date

Bidder Name (Print or Type) Company Name

Bidder Title Address

Area Code Telephone Number City State Zip

E-Mail Address

Federal Employers Identification (FEID#) (Use SS # if no FEID #)

(The area below this line is to be completed by NWFWMD Agency Clerk only.)

Unsigned bids shall be rejected by the Agency Clerk of the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

Agency Clerk Northwest Florida Water Management District

NWFWMD ITB 22B-006 2023 Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration Page 19 of 20

BIDDER INFORMATION

Business Name

Years in Business:

Years of Experience in hand planting pine trees and grass tubelings:

List of subcontractors, if any, that may be used to perform reforestation and groundcover restoration services:

Name Address Type of Firm

List of specific and recent reforestation and groundcover restoration projects your company and/or your subcontractors completed within the past 48 months:

Date (Month/Year)

Location (County/State)

Number of Acres

For Whom (Business and Contact Name and

Phone #)

NWFWMD ITB 22B-006 2023 Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration Page 20 of 20

1. Respondent Information

Respondent Firm Name:

Is this firm a certified minority business enterprise as defined in section 288.703(1), Florida Statutes? If yes, please provide documentation.

Circle One: Yes No

Is this firm a certified veteran’s business enterprise as defined in section 295.187(3)(a), Florida Statutes?

If yes, please provide documentation.

Circle One: Yes No

Has this firm implemented a Drug‐Free Workplace program in compliance with section 287.087, Florida

Statutes? If yes, please provide documentation.

Circle One: Yes No

2. Respondent’s Statement of Qualification

I understand that the above information is required to submit a bid in response to ITB No. 22B‐

006. By signing this form, I acknowledge that all information is accurate and correct to the best of my knowledge.

Person Completing Form (print name) Signature

NWFWMD ITB 22B-006 2023 Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration Page 1 of 18

PART 6

DRAFT AGREEMENT

Please see the attached Draft Agreement and Exhibit Maps. This Agreement is subject to change subsequent to legal and administrative review.

NWFWMD ITB 22B-006 2023 Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration Page 2 of 18

AGREEMENT

BETWEEN THE

NORTHWEST FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

AND <INSERT CONTRACTOR NAME>

FOR THE

2023 HAND PLANTING SERVICES FOR REFORESTATION AND GROUNDCOVER RESTORATION

This Agreement (the “Agreement”) is by and between the Northwest Florida Water Management District (hereinafter, the District) and _______________ (hereinafter, the Contractor). The District and the Contractor agree as follows:

SECTION 1 – SCOPE OF SERVICES

A. General

This Agreement is for Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration, which involves planting approximately 1,357,842 container-grown longleaf pine tubelings, slash pine tree tubelings and wiregrass tubelings on approximately 1,827 acres in Bay, Calhoun, Jackson, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, and Washington counties, Florida (the “Work”), in accordance with the specifications and conditions described in the contract documents.

1. The Contractor shall perform and render all services and deliverables as an independent Contractor of the District and not as an agent, representative, or employee of the District.

Services (the “Work”) and deliverables rendered shall be provided in accordance with the Contractor’s bid response submitted under Invitation to Bid (ITB) 22B-006 entitled “2023 Hand Planting Services For Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration” set forth in EXHIBIT 1 attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

2. The contract documents (“Contract Documents”) which make up this Agreement consist of:

(i) this Agreement document, (ii) Invitation to Bid No. 22B-006, (iii) Contractor’s bid response, (iv) technical specifications, (v) all addenda issued prior to the execution of this Agreement, (vi) the bid submitted by the Contractor, and (vii) all modifications issued subsequent thereto. These Contract Documents are part of this Agreement as if attached to this Agreement, whether or not they are actually attached.

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3. All Work shall be performed in accordance with the specifications and requirements contained in the Scope of Work and Technical Specifications sections below.

B. Scope of Work

The Work will consist of hand planting longleaf pine and slash pine tubelings on disturbed sites. Groundcover restoration Work will consist of hand planting wiregrass tubelings on restoration sites, as described below.

PROJECT AREAS AND REQUIRED ACTIVITIES

LOCATION SPACING/STOCKING RATE

STAND COUNTY S T R ACRES SPECIES SPACING (FT.) TREES/ACRE

1 Calhoun 19 2N 9W 39 Slash Pine 6 x 10 726

2 Calhoun 32 2N 9W 13 Longleaf Pine 6 x 10 726

3 Calhoun 32 2N 9W 16 Longleaf Pine 6 x 10 726

4 Wakulla 54 54N 30E 26 Longleaf Pine 6 x 10 726

5 Wakulla 54 54N 30E 12 Longleaf Pine 6 x 10 726

6 Jackson 17 2N 9W 4 Longleaf Pine 6 x 10 726

7 Jackson 17 2N 9W 7 Longleaf Pine 6 x 10 726

8 Jackson 17 2N 9W 16 Longleaf Pine 6 x 10 726

9 Jackson 17 2N 9W 6 Longleaf Pine 6 x 10 726

10 Washington 5/8 1N 13W 141 Longleaf Pine 6 x 10 726

11 Jackson 32 2N 9W 6 Longleaf Pine 6 x 10 726

Washington 4/9 1N 13W 78 Longleaf Pine 6 x 10 726

12 Washington 13/14/23/24 1N 13W 187 Longleaf Pine 6 x 10 726

13 Washington 19 1N 13W 78 Longleaf Pine 6 x 10 726

14 Washington 29 1N 13W 44 Longleaf Pine 6 x 10 726

15 Washington 29/30/31/32 1N 13W 426 Longleaf Pine 6 x 10 726

16 Bay 14/15 1S 14W 40 Longleaf Pine 6 x 10 726

17 Washington 22 1N 13W 44 Longleaf Pine 6 x 10 726

18 Bay 28 2N 12W 68 Longleaf Pine 6 x 10 726

19 Bay 20/21 1S 13W 87 Longleaf Pine 6 x 10 726

20 Bay 28/33 1S 13W 53 Longleaf Pine 6 x 10 726

21 Bay 29/32 1S 13W 38 Longleaf Pine 6 x 10 726

22 Bay 5/6/7/8 2S 13W 186 Longleaf Pine 6 x 10 726

23 Bay 7/8 1S 13W 33 Longleaf Pine 10 X 10 436

24 Bay 9/10 1S 13W 18 Longleaf Pine 6 x 10 726

25 Washington 27/34 1N 13W 8 Longleaf Pine 6 x 10 726

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26 Washington 28 1N 13W 20 Longleaf Pine 6 x 10 726

27 Washington 33 1N 13W 24 Longleaf pine 6 x 10 726

28 Washington 27 1N 13W 21 Longleaf Pine 6 x 10 726

29 Washington 22 1N 13W 18 Longleaf Pine 6 x 10 726

30 Washington 10/11 1N 13W 48.5 Longleaf Pine 10 X 10 436

SUBTOTAL 1,799.5

GROUNDCOVER RESTORATION

LOCATION SPACING/STOCKING RATE

STAND COUNTY S T R ACRES SPECIES SPACING (FT.) PLUGS/ACRE

31 Santa Rosa 13 1N 27W 27.5 Upland Grass 4 x 4 2727

SUBTOTAL 27.5

GRAND TOTAL (ALL SERVICES) 1,827

The boundaries of the Work areas are shown on the maps attached hereto as General Location Exhibit Maps A, B, C, D and E and Exhibit Maps 1 through 25.

A. Contract/Project Schedule

The FY 2022 -2023 contract period begins on the date of execution and ends March 15, 2023. All Work must be completed by March 15, 2023. Work activities for all District project areas will begin on or around January 3, 2023, and must be completed by March 15, 2023. The District will notify the Contractor of the actual allowable starting date based on tubeling/seedling deliveries, site preparation and weather conditions. The District anticipates starting the Work on or after January 3, 2023; the Contractor should be prepared to start work during this timeframe.

B. Technical Specifications

1. No tubelings shall be left unplanted by the Contractor. They are not to be culled or disposed of in any way by the planters. The actual tubeling count will be confirmed by District staff upon receipt from the nursery(s), prior to their delivery to the site. Notwithstanding the above, the Contractor must achieve the stocking rates required by the District for all planting sites.

2. The District will inspect the quality of the planting operation for proper spacing; depth of tubeling, firmness of tubeling (loose tree seedlings come out of the ground when several needles or blades are pulled); and areas inside the stand that were not planted.

3. Planting spacing will be monitored closely by District staff to ensure compliance with the prescribed spacing. The overall planting area should be approximately 1,828 acres, NWFWMD ITB 22B-006 2023 Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration Page 5 of 18 although the actual total acres may vary slightly above or below this amount. Successful completion of this project depends on the proper planting of all delivered planting material, not necessarily on the exact planned acreage number.

4. The District will inspect the planting area for improperly disposed tubelings, seedlings and/or plugs during the planting operation. The following are examples, but not all inclusive:

Tubelings, seedlings and/or plugs dropped during the planting operation;

tubelings, seedlings and/or plugs dropped, or left at the loading sites;

boxes containing tubelings, plug and/or seedlings bundles left at the loading sites or other locations;

tubelings, seedlings and/or plugs tossed outside the edge of the stand, or within the stand;

tubelings, seedlings and/or plugs buried within the stand, along the firebreak, or outside the stand.

5. If the District finds that the Contractor has violated items 1 and/or 4 consistently, the project manager has the authority to terminate the contract.

6. The planting crew shall have an experienced foreman, fluent in English and able to clearly communicate with both District staff and the planting crew. The foreman will monitor planting density, ensure tubelings, seedlings and plugs are correctly planted and will make every effort to protect tree tubelings and seedlings plugs from sun, wind and adverse temperature. The foreman will not plant, except to instruct the planters in the proper planting technique.

7. Tubeling/plug boxes will be covered with new reflective tarps and placed in shade. The contractor shall supply these tarps.

8. The Project Manager has the authority to have any areas replanted at the Contractor’s expense, specifically areas that the District determines is not planted properly, or the tree tubelings were mishandled by persons working for the contractor.

REFORESTATION

Reforestation planting of all tree tubelings will be conducted using the following planting techniques and according to the proposed planting schedule:

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1. Longleaf pine and slash pine tubeling reforestation work will consist of hand planting with a tubeling dibble or with an approved planting tool at a rate of 726 trees per acre (6 x 10 feet spacing) or 436 per ace (10 x 10 feet spacing) for Stands 1 through 30.

2. All seedlings/tubelings will be planted so the root collar is at the level of the soil surface.

3. The contractor must have experience in hand planting pine tubelings.

GROUNDCOVER RESTORATION

Restoration planting of all grass tubelings will be conducted using the following planting techniques and according to the proposed planting schedule:

1. Grass tubeling restoration Work will consist of hand planting with a tubeling dibble or with an approved planting tool at a rate of 2,727 tubelings per acre (4 X 4 feet spacing) for Stand 31.

2. All seedlings/tubelings will be planted so the root collar is at the level of the soil surface.

3. The contractor must have experience in hand planting grass tubelings.

REFORESTATION AND GROUNDCOVER RESTORATION SUPPLIES

The District will purchase and supply to the Contractor the following materials for reforestation activities:

ACTIVITY QUANTITY MATERIALS

Longleaf Pine Reforestation 1,254,528 Longleaf Pine Tubelings

Slash Pine Reforestation 28,314 Slash Pine Tubelings

Groundcover Restoration 75,000 Wiregrass

TUBELING STORAGE AND TRANSPORT

The District anticipates leasing refrigerated trailers for tree tubeling storage purposes. The refrigerated trailer will be typically located at or within one to 10 miles of any planting location.

The District will require the Contractor to transport tree tubelings from the refrigerated trailer to the designated planting sites.

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SECTION 2 – RESPONSIBILITIES OF CONTRACTOR

A. The Contractor is responsible for the timely completion, professional quality, and technical accuracy of all Work provided to the District under the terms of this Agreement. The Contractor shall, without additional compensation, correct or revise any errors, omissions or other deficiencies identified by the District in reports, drawings, and in conjunction with all Work provided for under this Agreement.

B. The Contractor shall be, and shall remain, liable in accordance with applicable law for all damages to the District caused by the Contractor’s negligent performance of any Work furnished under this Agreement.

C. The Contractor's obligations under this Section are in addition to the Contractor's other expressed or implied assurances under this Agreement or state law and in no way diminish any other rights that the District may have against the Contractor for deficiencies in work (deliverables).

D. The Contractor shall indemnify and hold harmless the District, and its officers and employees, from liabilities, damages, losses, and costs, including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees, to the extent caused by the negligence, recklessness, or intentionally wrongful conduct of the Contractor and other persons employed or utilized by the Contractor in the performance of this Agreement.

E. The Contractor warrants that they have not employed or retained any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working solely for the Contractor to solicit or secure this Agreement and that the Contractor has not paid or agreed to pay any person, company, corporation, individual, or firm, other than a bona fide employee working solely for the Contractor any fee, commission, percentage, gift, or other consideration contingent upon or resulting from the award or making of this Agreement.

F. As provided under s. 216.347, Florida Statutes, expenditure of District funds for purposes of lobbying, including of the Legislature, judicial branch, or any state agency, is prohibited.

G. The Contractor certifies that it and any of its affiliates are not on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List or engaged in a boycott of Israel. Pursuant to s. 287.135, F.S., the District may immediately terminate this Agreement at its sole option if the Contractor is found to have submitted a false certification; or if the Contractor is placed on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List or is engaged in the boycott of Israel during the term of the Agreement. If this Agreement is for one million or more dollars, the Contractor certifies that it is also not on the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List, Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Energy Sector List, or engaged with business operations in Cuba or Syria as identified in s. 287.135, F.S. Pursuant to s. 287.135, F.S., the District may immediately terminate this Agreement at its sole option if the Contractor is found to have submitted a false certification; or if the Contractor is placed on the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List, or Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Energy Sector List, or engaged with business operations in Cuba or Syria during the term of this Agreement.