ITB 24B-003.pdf

NWFWMD Bid No. 24B-003: 2024 Sand Pine Eradication Services Page 1 of 20

INVITATION TO BID

2024 SAND PINE ERADICATION SERVICES

NORTHWEST FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

(BID NUMBER 24B-003)

The Northwest Florida Water Management District (District), 81 Water Management Drive, Havana, Florida 32333-4712, is soliciting bids for 2024 Sand Pine Eradication Services on a per-acre basis on approximately 1,494 acres in Bay and Washington counties. This work entails the use of hand crews utilizing grass trimmers with blades, chainsaws, machetes, bush hooks, or similar cutting devices. Wheeled or tracked equipment may not be used to conduct the specified sand pine eradication operations.

The deadline for submission of bids and the opening of the sealed bids is 2:00 P.M. Eastern Time (ET) November 28, 2023. The bid opening is open to the public. Provisions will be made to accommodate those with a disability 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.

https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

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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 Bid 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 8

1.15 Equal Opportunity 8

1.16 Americans with Disability Act 8

1.17 Social, Political, and Ideological Interests 9

1.18 Public Crimes/Discriminatory/Antitrust Violator Vendors 9

1.19 Scrutinized Companies, Boycotting 9

1.20 Inspector General Cooperation 9

1.21 Compliance with Health and Safety Regulations 10

1.22 Insurance 10

1.23 Prohibited Contact 10

1.24 Specification and Award Protest 10

1.25 Publicity 11

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Table of Contents (continued)

PAGE

1.26 Waiver of Minor Irregularities 11

1.27 Cooperative Purchasing 11

1.28 Performance Bond 11

PART 2 SCOPE OF SERVICES 12

PART 3 BID REQUIREMENTS 13

3.1 Rules for the Bids 13

3.2 Bid Bond 14

3.3 Vendor Registration and W-9 Forms 14

3.4 Vendor Checklist 14

PART 4 EVALUATION OF BIDS 15

PART 5 BID FORMS 16-19

PART 6 DRAFT AGREEMENT 20

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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 “2024 SAND PINE ERADICATION SERVICES.”

1.3 ISSUING OFFICE, DATE AND LOCATION OF 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),

NOVEMBER 28, 2023, THE DAY OF THE PUBLIC OPENING.

1.4 INVITATION TO BID

The District solicits offers for the services of responsible bidders to perform “2024 Sand Pine Eradication Services” on a per-acre basis on approximately 1,494 acres in Bay and Washington counties. This work entails the use of hand crews utilizing grass trimmers with blades, chainsaws, machetes, bush hooks, or similar cutting devices.

1.5 AWARDING OF BID

The District anticipates entering into a contract with the bidder who submits a qualified responsive 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 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 any and all bids, to negotiate with the qualified Contractor(s) submitting the lowest bid(s), to waive any irregularities of a minor nature, and to

NWFWMD Bid No. 24B-003: 2024 Sand Pine Eradication Services Page 5 of 20 solicit and re-advertise for other bids. Mistakes clearly evident on the face of the bid documents, such as computation errors, may be corrected by the District. Per s. 255.0991, 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 Information Portal 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 Ch. 112, F.S. 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 provided in writing and emailed to the Procurement Officer, Benjamin Faure at Benjamin.Faure@nwfwater.com, no later than 12:00 P.M. (NOON) Eastern Time (ET) on November 10, 2023. Inquiries shall reference the date of the ITB opening and ITB title and number.

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). Firms are responsible to check the District’s website or State of Florida’s Vendor Information Portal website for addenda.

1.11 TIMETABLE

mailto:%20Benjamin.Faure@nwfwater.com

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

A. On November 6, 2023, the District issues the Invitation to Bid.

B. From the time of issuance on November 6, 2023, until 12:00 P.M. (NOON) Eastern Time

(ET) on November 10, 2023, the District will receive written inquiries by email 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), November 28, 2023*. 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 into 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 Information Portal website.

1.13 SUBMISSION AND WITHDRAWAL

The respondent may submit the bid in one of two ways.

Option 1- Electronic submittals are accepted through the District’s online bid system, DemandStar. Respondents must be registered with DemandStar in order to submit their responses on the DemandStar website. To register, please visit the DemandStar website at: www.demandstar.com/app/registration.

For instructions on how to complete a free registration with DemandStar or instructions for submitting an online bid, please consult the District’s DemandStar overview on the District’s website at: https://nwfwater.com/business-finance/district-procurement/.

Respondents are encouraged to submit electronically through DemandStar. Beginning JANUARY 1, 2024, all bid submissions will be accepted through DemandStar only.

Option 2- Hard copy submittals in person, by mail, or courier service such as UPS, etc. 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.

http://www.demandstar.com/app/registration https://nwfwater.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/DemandStar-overview.pdf https://nwfwater.com/business-finance/district-procurement/

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Bids not submitted via DemandStar or 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, courier service such as UPS, etc. or DemandStar shall not be accepted.

If submitting a hard copy, respondents shall submit one printed copy 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 24B-003 2024 SAND PINE ERADICATION SERVICES TO BE

OPENED, NOVEMBER 28, 2023, AT 2:00 P.M. (EASTERN TIME) AT THE

HEADQUARTERS OF THE NORTHWEST FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT

DISTRICT”

The sealed envelope or box shall also include the respondent’s name and business address. Bids received after the bid opening deadline will not be considered. 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 bids 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 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 Friday, a receptionist will be available to receive the respondent’s bid.

Telephone confirmation of timely receipt of the bid may be made by calling (850) 539-5999 and asking for the Agency Clerk before the bid opening time. Submittal of bids other than in person, by mail, courier service such as UPS, etc. or DemandStar 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 that there was a misunderstanding concerning the number or type of parameters nor the accuracy required of each parameter.

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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.

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 that 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 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

The District does not discriminate upon the basis of any individual’s disability status. This nondiscrimination policy involves every aspect of the District’s functions including one’s access to, participation, employment, or treatment in its programs or activities. Anyone requiring reasonable accommodation as provided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact Jack Furney, Division of Administrative Services, at (850) 539-5999.

http://www.dms.myflorida.com/agency_administration/office_of_supplier_diversity_osd/get_certified

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1.17 SOCIAL, POLITICAL AND IDEOLOGICAL INTERESTES

In accordance with s. 287.05701, F.S., the District shall not request documentation of or consider a respondent’s social, political, or ideological interests in determining if the respondent is a responsible vendor. The District shall not give preference to a respondent based on the respondent’s social, political, or ideological interests.

1.18 PUBLIC CRIMES/DISCRIMINATORY/ANTITRUST VIOLATOR VENDORS

In accordance with sections 287.133, 287.134, and 287.137, F.S., 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 s. 287.017, F.S., 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.

1.19 SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES, BOYCOTTING

Pursuant to s. 287.135, 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

(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.

1.20 INSPECTOR GENERAL COOPERATION

Prospective contractor or vendor understands and shall comply with s. 20.055(5), F.S., which states: “It is the duty of every state officer, employee, agency, special district, board, commission, mailto:purchasingcustomerservice@dms.fl.gov

NWFWMD Bid No. 24B-003: 2024 Sand Pine Eradication Services Page 10 of 20 contractor, and subcontractor to cooperate with the inspector general in any investigation, audit, inspection, review, or hearing pursuant to this section.”

1.21 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.

1.22 INSURANCE

The respondent, 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.

1.23 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 in writing to the Procurement Officer or as provided in the solicitation documents. Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting a response.

1.24 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 s. 287.042(2)(c), F.S. Failure to file a notice of protest

NWFWMD Bid No. 24B-003: 2024 Sand Pine Eradication Services Page 11 of 20 or failure to file a formal written protest shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Ch. 120, F.S. 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 s. 120.57(3), F.S., 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 Ch. 120, F.S.

1.25 PUBLICITY

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

1.26 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.

1.27 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.

1.28 PERFORMANCE BOND

A performance bond in the amount of ten percent (10%) 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.

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PART 2

SCOPE OF SERVICES

The District has identified 1,494 acres of sand pine to be removed for the purpose of developing a more open longleaf pine/wiregrass community. As part of the District’s program to restore natural communities, offsite pine and competing native hardwood species must be managed and removed from upland areas that are being restored to longleaf pine and wiregrass. The offsite pine and various native hardwoods compete with the longleaf pine for nutrients and sunlight and allowing these trees to remain on site will cause adverse competition for the longleaf pine trees and understory vegetation and would adversely impact the District’s efforts to restore this natural community.

Please see the attached draft “2024 Sand Pine Eradication Services Agreement” for the complete description of the Work including all required operations, stand locations, specifications, schedules, instructions, and terms and conditions.

Photographs of Existing Condition

Representative photographs of existing stand conditions for each stand is located below on pages 22 through 24 of the Draft Agreement.

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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.

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

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

D. 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.

E. 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.

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

G. The award hereunder is subject to Ch. 112, F.S. 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.

H. The selected respondent 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 respondent to execute the agreement within the timeline above, the District may at its opinion consider the respondent in default, in which case the District may award the bid to another respondent at its sole discretion.

I. The District reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to negotiate with the qualified respondent 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 computation errors, may be corrected by the District. Per s.

255.0991, F.S., the District has no regulation that provides contractor preference as described in the statute.

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3.2 BID BOND

A Bid Bond will not be required for ITB 24B-003.

3.3 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.

3.4 VENDOR CHECKLIST

Please review the checklist for this bid (ITB No. 24B-003) 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 Sheets, Bidder Acknowledgement and Bidder Information (pages 16 through 19)? Have you verified all amounts to ensure that they are complete and accurate?

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 delivery (in person, by mail, commercial courier, or through DemandStar) that will ensure that your bid will arrive before the deadline?

If submitting a hard copy, 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

4.1 EVALUATION METHOD AND CRITERIA

2024 SAND PINE ERADICATION SERVICES

The District will evaluate all bids and anticipates awarding the “2024 Sand Pine Eradication Services” to one contractor based upon the lowest lump sum amount bid for all services.

Evaluation of the bid materials will be carried out by staff of the Northwest Florida Water Management District using the criteria listed below:

1. The bid will be awarded to the contractor who submits the lowest total lump sum amount for the completion of all Work for the “2024 SAND PINE ERADICATION SERVICES.”

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

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

b. One point to a respondent that certifies compliance with s. 295.187(3)(a), F.S., as a certified veteran’s business enterprise; and

c. One point to a respondent that certifies compliance with s. 287.087, F.S., having implemented a Drug-Free Workplace program.

d. If there is still a tie, the tie will be broken by lot (for example, coin toss).

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PART 5

BID FORMS

5.1 BID SHEET AND BIDDER ACKNOWLEDGMENT (24B-003)

NORTHWEST FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

2024 SAND PINE ERADICATION SERVICES

BID NUMBER 24B-003

County Stand #

Section

Township

Range

Acres

Bid/Acre

Total Bid

Washington 1 17 1N 13W 373 $ $

Washington 2 18/19 1N 13W 281 $ $

Washington 3 14/15/2

2/23 1N 14W 343 $ $

Bay 4 1/2 1S 14W 87 $ $

Bay/Washington 5 32/33 1N 13W 312 $ $

Washington 6 17/20 1N 13W 98 $ $

Total: 1,494

GRAND TOTAL STANDS 1 THROUGH 6 $

Grand Total Lump Sum Bid Amount for Sand Pine Eradication Services on 1,494 Acres: $

Bidder Signature Date

Agency or Business Name

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5.1 BID SHEET AND BIDDER ACKNOWLEDGMENT (24B-003) (continued)

a) Business Name and Address:

b) Years of experience conducting pine/hardwood tree eradication services for habitat restoration and/or timber stand improvement purposes:

c) List of subcontractors, if any, that may be used to perform pine/hardwood tree eradication services:

Name Address Type of Firm

d) List of similar pine/hardwood tree eradication projects that you completed within the past 12 months:

Date Location Number (Month/Year) (County/State) of Acres For Whom

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5.1 BID SHEET AND BIDDER ACKNOWLEDGMENT (24B-003) (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 2024 Sand Pine Eradication Services ITB 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 Parts I through VI of this Invitation to Bid, BID NUMBER 24B- 003, and the attached draft “2024 Sand Pine Eradication Services Agreement,” and having a comprehensive understanding of all provisions, rules, requirements, restrictions, etc. contained herein, agree to same and respectfully submit the bid contained herein.

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 Section 1.18 above.

Authorized Bidder Signature Bidder Title

Bidder Name (Print or Type) Company Name

Date 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 may be rejected by the Agency Clerk of the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

Agency Clerk Northwest Florida Water Management District

5.2 BIDDER INFORMATION FORM

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1. Bidder Information

Bidder Firm Name:

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

Circle One: Yes No

Has this firm implemented a Drug-Free Workplace program in compliance with section 287.087, F.S.? If yes, please provide documentation.

Circle One: Yes No

2. Bidder Statement of Qualification

I understand that the above information is required to submit a bid in response to ITB No. 24B-

003. 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

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PART 6

DRAFT 2024 SAND PINE

ERADICATION SERVICES AGREEMENT

6.1 DRAFT 2024 SAND PINE ERADICATION SERVICES AGREEMENT

Please see the attached Draft Agreement. This agreement is subject to change subsequent to legal counsel review.

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Agreement for 2024 Sand Pine Eradication Services

Between Northwest Florida Water Management District

And <Insert Contractor Name>

NWFWMD Contract Number 24-XXX

This agreement (the “Agreement”) is by and between the Northwest Florida Water Management District (the “District”) and <Insert Company Name>, a <Insert Company type> company (the “Contractor”). The District and the Contractor hereby agree as follows:

SECTION 1 – SCOPE OF SERVICES

The Contractor shall perform and render all services hereunder (the “Work”) as an independent contractor of the District and not as an agent, representative, or employee of the District. Work shall be provided and performed in accordance with the Contractor’s bid response (the “Bid Response”) under ITB 24B-003 entitled “2024 Sand Pine Eradication Services” and as set forth in Exhibits 1 and 2 attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

A. INTENTIONALLY OMITTED

B. INTENTIONALLY OMITTED

C. As part of this Agreement, the Contractor may be called upon to provide expert testimony by legal counsel representing the State of Florida and/or the District. Such requests would be through a Task Order negotiated at a fair price for goods and services.

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 other Work provided for under this Agreement.

B. The District’s approval of field activities, reports, drawings, other services, and incidental Work or materials furnished hereunder shall not in any way relieve the Contractor of responsibility for the technical adequacy of its Work. For the purposes of this Agreement, technical adequacy shall refer to the performance of all Work in accordance with the Quality Assurance requirements set forth in the Contractor’s proposal with said Work performed in accordance with the generally accepted standards and professional practices. The District’s review, approval, acceptance, or payment for any of the Work shall not be construed as a waiver of any rights under this Agreement or of any cause of action arising out of the performance of this Agreement.

C. 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 of the Work furnished under this Agreement.

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

E. 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.

F. 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.

G. The Contractor warrants that it has 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.

H. 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 or Renewal Term, as defined herein. As provided in s. 287.135(8), F.S., if federal law ceases to authorize these contracting prohibitions then they shall become inoperative.

I. The Contractor covenants that it presently has no conflict of interest and shall not acquire any interest which would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance under this Agreement.

J. Performance Bond. Prior to commencing Work, the Contractor shall provide a Performance Bond in an amount of $XX,XXX.XX equal to ten percent (10%) of the Contract Price of $XXX,XXX.XX which shall be held by the District to insure contract compliance and to pay any damages sustained by the District due to the Contractor’s negligence or breach of contract; provided, however, that such Performance Bond shall not relieve Contractor from its obligation to indemnify as provided in Section 2C. hereof.

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 Contractor will be required to execute this Agreement and provide the performance bond within ten

(10) calendar days of execution.

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The Performance Bond or Cashier’s Check amount shall be returned to the Contractor within thirty (30) days of successful completion of all terms and conditions of this Agreement

K. INTENTIONALLY OMITTED

SECTION 3 – TRUTH-IN-NEGOTIATIONS

The Contractor certifies that wage rates and other factual unit costs supporting the compensation are accurate, complete, and current at the time of contracting. The original contract price and any additions thereto will be adjusted to exclude any significant sums by which the District determines the contract price was increased due to inaccurate, incomplete, or non-current wage rates and other factual unit costs. All such contract adjustments must be made within one year following the end of this Agreement.

SECTION 4 – COMPENSATION

A. Maximum compensation for the Work shall not exceed XXX DOLLARS ($XXX,XXX) and, in any event, shall not exceed the availability of funds and current budget authorizations as approved by the District’s Governing Board.

B. The Contractor shall submit invoices no more frequently than monthly. Each invoice submitted must be in detail sufficient for pre-audit and post-audit review. A final invoice must be submitted within thirty (30) days after the expiration date of this Agreement to assure the availability of funding for final payment.

C. Payment of any invoice will be subject to inspection and approval by the District’s Project Manager or

District’s designee. The District’s Project Manager will determine, in his/her sole discretion, whether or not the Contractor has successfully completed the authorized Work as outlined in this Agreement.

Payment will not be made until the District receives written authorization to do so by the District Project Manager. Payment will be made upon inspection and approval of the applicable Work within thirty (30) days of receipt of an approved invoice. Invoices shall include the Contractor name and address, invoice number, Contractor’s taxpayer identification number, date, time period covered by the invoice, the Contract Number of this Agreement, number of acres of sand pine eradication completed including the price per acre for each stand and the total price for the identified stand, total payment requested, amount previously invoiced, and a signed certification by the Contractor’s Project Manager that the Work being invoiced has been completed. Payment of any stand that is not approved by the District’s Project Manager will be withheld until the Contractor completes the Work on such stand to the District’s Project Manager’s approval.

D. Any subcontractor fees and other direct expenses required for completion of the Work will be billed at actual cost without mark-up and must be identified and pre-approved by the District. All travel shall be in accordance with s.112.061, F.S., and District policy, which requires pre-approval by the District. In such instance, travel expenses must be submitted on District travel forms.

E. An original invoice, including appropriate backup documentation, shall be submitted to both the

District’s Project Manager, at the contact information included in Section 6.B., and the District’s Accounting Department at: AccountsPayable@nwfwater.com.

mailto:AccountsPayable@nwfwater.com

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SECTION 5 – TIME OF PERFORMANCE

A. This Agreement is effective on the last date of execution by a party (the “Effective Date”) and shall expire on May 30, 2024 (the “Term”), except for such obligations of the parties that expressly continue beyond the Term. The District’s performance and obligation to pay under this Agreement is contingent upon annual appropriation by the Florida Legislature and/or approval of the District’s annual budget.

B. INTENTIONALLY OMITTED

C. INTENTIONALLY OMITTED

D. The Contractor shall proceed with the Work at such rate of progress to ensure full completion within the

Term. It is expressly understood and agreed by and between the Contractor and the District that the Term is a reasonable amount of time in which to complete the Work, taking into consideration the average climatic and economic conditions and other factors prevailing in the locality of the Work.

E. If the Contractor shall fail to complete Work within the Term, or extension thereof granted by the District, then the Contractor shall be in default and shall forfeit the Performance Bond required in Section 2.

SECTION 6 – APPROVALS AND NOTICES

A. All notices and written communication between the parties shall be sent by electronic mail, U.S. Mail, a courier delivery service, or delivered in person addressed to the individuals listed in 6.B. If sent by electronic mail, notices shall be considered delivered at 5:00 PM on the day sent, or 9:00 AM the following day if sent after 5:00 PM. If sent via other means authorized by this paragraph, notices shall be considered delivered when reflected by a courier service delivery receipt, other mail service delivery receipt, or when receipt is acknowledged by recipient.

B. The District’s Project Manager for this Agreement is identified below:

Benjamin Faure, or successor

6418 E. Highway 20 Youngstown, FL 32466 Telephone No: (850) 722-9919 Fax No.: (850) 539-2777 E-mail Address: Benjamin.Faure@nwfwater.com

The District’s Site Manager(s) for this Agreement are identified below:

Stands 1-6:

Eric Toole, or successor

6418 E. Highway 20 Youngstown, FL 32466 Telephone No.: (850) 722-9919 Fax No.: (850) 539-2777 E-mail Address: Eric.Toole@nwfwater.com mailto:Benjamin.Faure@nwfwater.com mailto:Eric.Toole@nwfwater.com

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The Contractor’s Project Manager for this Agreement is identified below:

Insert Contractor Representative, or successor Insert Company Name Insert Address City, ST, ZIP Telephone No.: (XXX) XXX-XXXX E-mail Address: Insert Email Address

C. No amendment to this Agreement shall be effective unless agreed in writing and executed by the parties hereto.

D. The District and the Contractor may, by written order designated to be an Amendment, agree that additional work shall be undertaken within the general scope of this Agreement.

E. INTENTIONALLY OMITTED

F. The District shall, at its sole discretion, determine whether the Work has been satisfactorily completed.

SECTION 7 – INSURANCE

The Contractor shall maintain adequate insurance coverage at all times as follows: General Liability, with limits no 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 $1,000,000 for each accident for Bodily Injury by Accident, $1,000,000 policy limit and $1,000,000 each employee for Bodily Injury by Disease. Evidence of all such insurance satisfactory to the District shall be furnished prior to beginning operations, and all such insurance policies shall provide for thirty (30) days’ notice to the District of cancellation or any material change in the terms of the insurance policies.

SECTION 8 – SUBCONTRACTS

A. The Contractor shall not…