ITB 25B-011.pdf

NWFWMD Bid No. 25B-011: 2026 Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration Page 1 of 29

NORTHWEST FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

Invitation to Bid (“ITB”) No. 25B-011

2026 HAND PLANTING SERVICES FOR REFORESTATION AND

GROUNDCOVER RESTORATION

The Northwest Florida Water Management District (District), 81 Water Management Drive, Havana, Florida 32333, is soliciting bids for 2026 HAND PLANTING SERVICES FOR REFORESTATION AND GROUNDCOVER RESTORATION for the planting of approximately 331,000 container-grown longleaf pine tubelings and 200,000 wiregrass plugs on approximately 510 acres in Jackson, Liberty, and Washington counties. The Work is expected to begin on or around February 1, 2026. 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 25, 2025. 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 at: (http://www.nwfwater.com), from the DemandStar website at:

(https://www.demandstar.com/app/login), or from the State of Florida’s Vendor Information Portal website at: (https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/).

http://www.nwfwater.com/ https://www.demandstar.com/app/login https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

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Table of Contents

PART 1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 DEFINITIONS

1.2 PURPOSE

1.3 ISSUING OFFICE, DATE AND LOCATION OF OPENING

1.4 INVITATION TO BID

1.5 AWARDING OF BID

1.6 DEVELOPMENT COSTS

1.7 CONFLICT OF INTEREST

1.8 DISTRICT FORMS AND RULES

1.9 MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE AND/OR ORAL PRESENTATIONS 5

1.10 INQUIRIES AND ADDENDA

1.11 TIMETABLE

1.12 DELAYS

1.13 SUBMISSION AND WITHDRAWAL

1.14 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

1.15 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

1.16 SOCIAL, POLITICAL, AND IDEOLOGICAL INTERESTS

1.17 PUBLIC CRIMES/DISCRIMINATORY/ANTITRUST VIOLATOR VENDORS 8

1.18 SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES, BOYCOTTING

1.19 INSPECTOR GENERAL COOPERATION

1.20 COMPLIANCE WITH HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATIONS

1.21 INSURANCE

1.22 PROHIBITED CONTACT

1.23 SPECIFICATION AND AWARD PROTEST

1.24 PUBLICITY

1.25 WAIVER OF MINOR IRREGULARITIES

1.26 COOPERATIVE PURCHASING

1.27 PERFORMANCE BOND

PART 2. SCOPE OF WORK

2.1 HAND PLANTING LOCATIONS, ACREAGES, AND STOCKING RATES

2.2 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

2.3 REFORESTATION PLANTING SPECIFICATIONS

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2.4 GROUNDCOVER RESTORATION PLANTING SPECIFICATIONS

2.5 REFORESTATION AND GROUNDCOVER RESTORATION SUPPLIES

2.6 TUBELING AND PLUG STORAGE AND TRANSPORT

PART 3. BID REQUIREMENTS

3.1 RULES FOR THE BIDS

3.2 BID BOND

3.3 VENDOR REGISTRATION AND W-9 FORMS

3.4 RESPONDENT CHECKLIST

PART 4. EVALUATION OF BIDS

4.1 EVALUATION METHOD AND CRITERIA

PART 5. FORMS

5.1 BIDDER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

5.2 BID SHEET FORM

5.3 BIDDER INFORMATION FORM

PART 6. DRAFT AGREEMENT FOR PROJECT

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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 “2026 HAND PLANTING SERVICES FOR REFORESTATION AND

GROUNDCOVER RESTORATION.”

1.3 ISSUING OFFICE, DATE AND LOCATION OF OPENING

Northwest Florida Water Management District 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 25, 2025, THE DAY OF THE PUBLIC OPENING.

1.4 INVITATION TO BID

The District solicits offers for the services of responsible bidders to perform “2026 Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration” for planting approximately 331,000 container-grown longleaf pine tubelings and 200,000 wiregrass tubelings on approximately 510 acres in Jackson, Liberty and Washington counties. The work is expected to begin on or around February 1, 2026.

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 solicit and re-advertise for other bids. Mistakes clearly evident on the face of the bid documents, NWFWMD Bid No. 25B-011: 2026 Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration Page 5 of 29 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, DemandStar 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. If none, state none.

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 MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE AND/OR ORAL PRESENTATIONS

There will not be a mandatory pre-bid conference for this solicitation.

There will not be oral presentations for this solicitation.

1.10 INQUIRIES AND ADDENDA

All questions regarding this ITB shall be provided in writing and emailed to the Procurement Officer, Lyn Shiver at Lyn.Shiver@nwfwater.com, no later than 12:00 P.M. (Noon) Eastern Time (ET) on September 5, 2025. Inquiries shall reference the date of the ITB opening and ITB title and number.

If addenda become necessary, the District will provide written addenda and post addenda on the District’s website, DemandStar 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.

mailto:Lyn.Shiver@nwfwater.com

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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 Contract Documents.

1.11 TIMETABLE

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

• On August 27, 2025, the District issues the Invitation to Bid.

• From the time of issuance on August 27, 2025, until 12:00 P.M. (Noon) Eastern Time (ET) on September 5, 2025, the District will receive written inquiries by email on the ITB.

• If substantive written inquiries are received, the District will issue an Addendum to respond to such inquiries at least ten (10) calendar days prior to bid opening.

• Bid Opening Deadline: The sealed bids will be opened at 2:00 P.M. Eastern Time (ET), September 25, 2025*. Bids received after the bid opening deadline will not be considered.

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

• 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, DemandStar website, and the State of Florida’s Vendor Information Portal website.

1.13 SUBMISSION AND WITHDRAWAL

Respondents must submit bids electronically through DemandStar. Submissions will be accepted through DemandStar only.

1) 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.

2) For instructions on how to complete a free registration with DemandStar, please consult the District’s DemandStar overview.

3) Instructions for submitting an online bid are available on the District’s website at:

https://nwfwater.com/business-finance/district-procurement/.

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 through DemandStar do not constitute “delivery” and are not considered “received by” the District as required by this ITB. Submittal of bids other than through DemandStar shall not be accepted.

It is the respondent's responsibility to ensure his/her bid submission is delivered at the proper time.

Bids that are, for any reason, received after the established deadline will not be considered.

A respondent may withdraw a bid by notifying the District electronically at any time prior to the bid opening. 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 Forms (see Part 5). 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 responses on the Forms 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.

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 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 https://www.dms.myflorida.com/agency_administration/office_of_supplier_diversity_osd/get _certified.

1.15 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 https://www.dms.myflorida.com/agency_administration/office_of_supplier_diversity_osd/get_certified https://www.dms.myflorida.com/agency_administration/office_of_supplier_diversity_osd/get_certified

NWFWMD Bid No. 25B-011: 2026 Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration Page 8 of 29 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.

1.16 SOCIAL, POLITICAL, AND IDEOLOGICAL INTERESTS

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.

1.17 PUBLIC CRIMES/DISCRIMINATORY/ANTITRUST VIOLATOR VENDORS

In accordance with ss. 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, 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.

1.18 SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES, BOYCOTTING

Pursuant to s. 287.135, F.S., a company or other entity 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 or other entity 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 or other entity:

a. Is on the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List or the Scrutinized

Companies with Activities in Iran Terrorism Sectors 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 and is not participating in a boycott of Israel or engaged in such business operations and agrees to notify the District if placement on one of these lists occurs or the respondent engages in such business operations. If the respondent submits a false certification, the District may terminate the Agreement and shall bring a civil action against the respondent, as required in s. 287.135(5), F.S.

mailto:purchasingcustomerservice@dms.fl.gov

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1.19 INSPECTOR GENERAL COOPERATION

Respondent 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, contractor, and subcontractor to cooperate with the inspector general in any investigation, audit, inspection, review, or hearing pursuant to this section.”

1.20 COMPLIANCE WITH HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATIONS

Respondent 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.

1.21 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 respondent shall obtain all coverage as required by Florida law, including Workers Compensation and applicable professional liability insurance. Additionally, the respondent 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.

1.22 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.

1.23 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

NWFWMD Bid No. 25B-011: 2026 Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration Page 10 of 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 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.

1.24 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.

1.25 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.

1.26 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.

1.27 PERFORMANCE BOND

A performance bond in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the total contract amount (bidder’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 successful bidder 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 WORK

The Work is the hand planting of 331,000 longleaf pine tubelings on District reforestation sites and 200,000 wiregrass tubelings on District restoration sites totaling approximately 510 acres. The District anticipates starting the Work on or after February 1, 2026. The Contractor must be prepared to start work during this timeframe. The District will notify the Contractor of the actual allowable starting date based on tubeling and plug deliveries, site preparation, and weather conditions.

Individual stand locations and acreage information to conduct the Work is listed below.

2.1 HAND PLANTING LOCATIONS, ACREAGES, AND STOCKING RATES

Longleaf Pine Tubelings for Reforestation

LOCATION SPACING/STOCKING RATE

STAND COUNTY S T R ACRES SPECIES

SPACING

(FT.)

TREES

/ACRE

APPROX # OF

TUBELINGS

PER STAND

1 Liberty 12 1N 8W 20 Longleaf 6’ X 10’ 726 14,500 2 Washington 4 1N 13W 123 Longleaf 6’ X 10’ 726 89,500

3 Washington 13/14/ 23/24 1N 14W 312 Longleaf 6’ X 10’ 726 227,000

SUBTOTAL 455 331,000

Grass Plugs for Groundcover Restoration

LOCATION SPACING/STOCKING RATE

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

PLUGS

/ACRE

APPROX # OF

GRASS PLUGS

PER STAND

4 Jackson 36 6N 11W 41 Wiregrass 4’ X 4’ 2,439 100,000

5 Washington 11 1N 15W 14 Wiregrass 2.5’ X 2.5’ 7,143 100,000

SUBTOTAL 55 200,000

The boundaries of the Project Areas are shown on the maps attached hereto as General Location Maps A through D, and Exhibit Maps 1 through 5.

2.2 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

1. No tubelings or plugs 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 and plug 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.

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

3. Planting spacing will be monitored closely by District staff to ensure compliance with the prescribed spacing. The overall Project Area should be approximately 510 acres, although the actual total acres may vary slightly above or below this amount. Successful completion of this Agreement by the Contractor depends on the proper planting of all delivered tubelings and plugs, not necessarily on the exact planned acreage number.

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

• Tubelings or plugs dropped during the planting operation;

• Tubelings or plugs dropped or left at the loading sites;

• Boxes containing tubelings or plug bundles left at the loading sites or other locations;

• Tubelings or plugs tossed outside the edge of the stand, or within the stand;

• Tubelings or plugs buried within the stand, along the firebreak, or outside the stand.

5. If the District finds, in its sole discretion, that the Contractor has violated items 1, or 2, or 4 consistently, the District’s Project Manager has the authority to terminate this Agreement.

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 and plugs are correctly planted, and will make every effort to protect tubelings and plugs from sun, wind, and adverse temperature. The foreman will not plant, except to instruct the planters in the proper planting technique.

7. Tubeling and plug boxes will be covered with new reflective tarps and placed in shade. The

Contractor shall supply these tarps.

8. The District’s Project Manager has the authority to have any areas replanted at the Contractor’s expense, specifically any area that the District determines in its sole discretion is not planted properly, or where the tubelings or plugs were mishandled by persons working for the Contractor.

2.3 REFORESTATION PLANTING SPECIFICATIONS

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

1. Longleaf pine tubeling reforestation will consist of hand planting with a tubeling dibble or with an approved planting tool at a stocking rate of 726 trees per acre (6 x 10 feet spacing) for Stands 1 through 3.

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

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2.4 GROUNDCOVER RESTORATION PLANTING SPECIFICATIONS

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

1. Grass plug restoration will consist of hand planting with a tubeling dibble or with an approved planting tool at a stocking rate of 2,439 plugs per acre (4 X 4 feet spacing) for Stand 4 and 7,143 plugs per acre (2.5’ X 2.5’ feet spacing) for stand 5.

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

2.5 REFORESTATION AND GROUNDCOVER RESTORATION SUPPLIES

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

Activity Quantity Materials

Longleaf Pine Reforestation 331,000 Longleaf Pine Tubelings

Groundcover Restoration 200,000 Wiregrass Plugs

2.6 TUBELING AND PLUG STORAGE AND TRANSPORT

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

The Contractor shall transport tubelings and plugs from the refrigerated trailer to the designated planting sites.

GENERAL LOCATION AND EXHIBIT MAPS

(Following Pages)

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PART 3. BID REQUIREMENTS

3.1 RULES FOR THE BIDS

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

2. One electronic bid must be submitted through DemandStar. See Part 1, Section 1.13 Submission and Withdrawal for further details.

3. All bids shall be completed and submitted on the attached Forms (Part 5).

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. All costs whether direct or indirect which will ultimately be paid by the District must be included in the price on the Bid Form (Part 5). Any indirect, overhead, profit margin or other such costs, however named, must also be included in the bid price.

7. 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.

8. The successful bidder will be required to execute the contract and provide the performance bond within ten (10) calendar days once the awarded successful bidder is notified by the District Project Manager. In case of failure of the successful bidder to execute the contract within the timeline above, the District may in its sole discretion consider the bidder in default, in which case the District may award the bid to another bidder at its sole discretion.

9. 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.

NWFWMD Bid No. 25B-011: 2026 Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration Page 24 of

3.2 BID BOND

A Bid Bond will not be required for ITB 25B-011.

3.3 VENDOR REGISTRATION AND W-9 FORMS

The successful bidder will be required to complete a Vendor Registration Form and W-9 Form once notified of award by the District Project Manager.

3.4 RESPONDENT CHECKLIST

Please review the checklist 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 Forms (pages 26 through 28)? 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? If none, state none.

☐ Have you verified the submittal of your complete Bid Package through DemandStar before the deadline? Bids received after the date and time specified will not be considered.

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PART 4. EVALUATION OF BIDS

4.1 EVALUATION METHOD AND CRITERIA

Evaluation of the Bid Package 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 respondent who submits the lowest total lump sum amount for the completion of all Work for the “2026 Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration.”

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.

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

NWFWMD Bid No. 25B-011: 2026 Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration Page 26 of

PART 5. FORMS

5.1 BIDDER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

I certify that this bid is made without subsequent understanding, agreement or connection with any corporation, firm, or person submitting a bid for the 2026 HAND PLANTING SERVICES FOR REFORESTATION AND GROUNDCOVER RESTORATION 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 25B-011 and the attached draft agreement for the project, 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 1.19 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

NWFWMD Bid No. 25B-011: 2026 Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration Page 27 of

5.2 BID SHEET FORM

NORTHWEST FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

ITB 25B-011

2026 HAND PLANTING SERVICES FOR REFORESTATION AND GROUNDCOVER

RESTORATION

County Stand #

Acres Species

Spacing

Approximate # Tubelings/Plugs in Stand

Bid/Acre

Total Bid

Liberty 1 20 LL Pine 6’ X 10’ 14,500 $ $

Washington 2 123 LL Pine 6’ X 10’ 89,500 $ $

Washington 3 312 LL Pine 6’ X 10’ 227,000 $ $

Jackson 4 41 Wiregrass 4’ X 4’ 100,000 $ $

Washington 5 14 Wiregrass 2.5’ X 2.5’ 100,000 $ $

GRAND TOTAL STANDS 1 THROUGH 5 $

Grand Total Lump Sum Bid Amount for Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration on 510 Acres: $

*All costs include safety measures for compliance with the Trench Safety Act (Ch. 553, F.S.) and all other materials (labor, bedding material, geotextile, riprap, etc.) and construction activities necessary to complete work specified in the Scope of Services.

NWFWMD Bid No. 25B-011: 2026 Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration Page 28 of

5.3 BIDDER INFORMATION FORM

Years of experience conducting hand planting services for reforestation and/or groundcover restoration purposes:

List of subcontractors, if any, that may be used to perform services:

Name Address Type of Firm

List of similar projects that you completed within the past 2 years:

Date (Month/Year)

Location (County/State)

Project Size

For Whom

List of pertinent references, including names, addresses and telephone numbers:

Name Address Phone Number/Email

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

NWFWMD Bid No. 25B-011: 2026 Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration Page 29 of

PART 6. DRAFT AGREEMENT FOR PROJECT

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

Agreement for

Between Northwest Florida Water Management District

And NWFWMD Contract Number ________

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 hereby agree as follows:

SECTION 1 – SCOPE OF SERVICES

The Contractor shall perform and render all services and deliverables 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 in accordance with the Contractor’s proposal submitted in response to ___________ entitled “__________________________________________________________” incorporated herein by reference, and the Scope of Work incorporated herein by reference, as Attachment A.

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 caused by the Contractor and 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 (where applicable) and 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.

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.

2026 Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration

26-XXX

ITB 25B-011X

2026 Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration

Draf t

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 and represents 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 (i) are not on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List or engaged or participating in a boycott of Israel, and (ii) are not on the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List, and (iii) are not on the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Energy Sector List, and (iv) are not on the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Iran Terrorism Sectors List, and (v) do not have business operations in Cuba or Syria. The District may immediately terminate this Agreement at its sole option if the Contractor is found to have submitted a false certification or is placed on any of the foregoing lists or is engaged or participating in the boycott of Israel during the term of the Agreement. The District shall bring a civil action against the Contractor, as required in s. 287.135(5), F.S., for violation of this provision. 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. Upon execution of this Agreement, the Contractor shall furnish a company check, cashier’s check, money order, or surety bond (the “security deposit” or “Surety Bond” as the case may be) to serve as a Performance Bond, in the amount of _______________________ of the Contract Price of

i. The Performance Bond 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 2.F. hereof.

ii. If a security deposit is provided by the Contractor as the Performance Bond, the security deposit shall be returned to Contractor at the conclusion of the Term (defined below) provided all of the terms of this Agreement have been complied with to the satisfaction of the District.

iii. If a Surety Bond is provided by the Contractor as the Performance Bond, it shall include a provision whereby the surety company waives notice of any alteration to this Agreement or extension of the Term made by the District. The Surety Bond will remain in force beyond the Term in accordance with any extension granted by the District.

iv. The security deposit or Surety Bond, as the case may be, shall, upon failure of the Contractor to fulfill all conditions and requirements herein or made a part hereof, be retained by the District to be applied to satisfy the Contractor’s obligations hereunder.

$X,XXX.XX (10 Percent)

$XX,XXX.XX

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 under this Agreement shall not exceed the availability of funds and current budget authorizations as approved by the District 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.

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, total payment requested, amount previously invoiced, and a signed certification by the Contractor Project Manager that the Work being invoiced has been completed.

D. Any subcontractor fees and other direct expenses required for completion of 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 Project Manager, at the contact information included in Section 6.B., and the District’s Accounting Department at: AccountsPayable@nwfwater.com.

SECTION 5 – TIME OF PERFORMANCE

A. This Agreement is effective on the last date of execution by a party (the “Effective Date”) and shall remain in effect _______________________ (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. _________________________________________________________________________________

March 31, 2026

"INTENTIONALLY OMITTED"

SECTION 6 – APPROVALS AND NOTICES

A. All notices and written communication between the parties shall be sent by electronic…