ITB Complete Package.pdf

DOT-ITB-26-7021-LV

State of Florida Department of Transportation

INVITATION TO BID

DISTRICT-WIDE MAINTENANCE OF MITIGATION

SITES AND STORMWATER PONDS

CONTACT FOR QUESTIONS:

Lori Vicari, Purchasing Agent lori.vicari@dot.state.fl.us

Phone: (813) 975-6199 or (800) 226-7220 x6199 Fax: (813) 975-6473

Florida Department of Transportation Procurement Office, MS 7-700 11201 North McKinley Drive Tampa, Florida 33612-6456 mailto:lori.vicari@dot.state.fl.us

State of Florida

Department of Transportation Procurement Office, MS 7-700 11201 North McKinley Drive Tampa, Florida 33612-6456

INVITATION TO BID (ITB) REGISTRATION

PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM ASAP

TO LORI VICARI AT LORI.VICARI@DOT.STATE.FL.US

Bid Number: DOT-ITB-26-7021-LV

Title: District-Wide Maintenance of Mitigation Sites and Stormwater Ponds

Bid Due Date & Time (On or Before): See “TIMELINE” in INTRODUCTION SECTION

Potential bidders should notify our office by returning this Bid Registration Form as soon as possible after downloading. Complete the information below and e-mail to Lori Vicari at lori.vicari@dot.state.fl.us.

THE ITB DOCUMENT YOU RECEIVED IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Notice of changes (Addenda), will be posted on the Florida Vendor Information Portal (VIP) at https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/, under this bid number, click on “Search Advertisements”, click on the drop-down arrow beside the box under Advertisement Type, select Invitation to Bid, click on the drop-down arrow beside the box for Organization, select FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, then go to the bottom of the same page and click on Advertisement Search. It is the responsibility of all potential bidders to monitor this site for any changing information prior to submitting your bid.

Company Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Telephone: ( ) Contact Person:

Internet E-Mail Address: __________________________________________________

For further information on this process, e-mail or telephone: Lori Vicari, Purchasing Agent III at lori.vicari@dot.state.fl.us or (813) 975-6199 or (800) 226-7220 x6199.

mailto:LORI.VICARI@DOT.STATE.FL.US mailto:lori.vicari@dot.state.fl.us https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/

I N T R O D U C T I O N S E C T I O N

1) INVITATION

The State of Florida Department of Transportation (hereinafter referred to as the "Department") is soliciting written bids from qualified bidders to establish a contract to provide District-Wide Maintenance of Mitigation Sites and Stormwater Ponds. The term of the contract shall begin August 20, 2026, and expire August 19, 2029.

For the purpose of this document, the term "bidder" means the bidder acting on their own behalf and those individuals, partnerships, firms, or corporations comprising the bidder team. The term "bid package" means the complete response of the bidder to the ITB, including properly completed forms and supporting documentation. After the award, the said bidder will be referred to as the "Vendor".

2) TIMELINE

Provided below is a list of critical dates and actions. These dates are subject to change.

Notices of changes (Addenda) will be posted on the Florida VIP at https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/ (click on “Search Advertisements”) under this bid number. It is the responsibility of all potential bidders to monitor this site for any changing information prior to submitting your bid.

ACTION / LOCATION DATE LOCAL TIME

DEADLINE FOR TECHNICAL QUESTIONS - 6-11-2026 11:00 AM

There is no deadline for administrative questions.

BIDS DUE (ON OR BEFORE) - 6-22-2026 10:00 AM

ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF BIDS – PLEASE SEE #3 BELOW

PUBLIC OPENING - 6-22-2026 1:00 PM

Florida Department of Transportation Flamingo Conference Room 11201 North McKinley Drive Tampa, Florida 33612-6456

POSTING OF INTENDED DECISION/AWARD - 6-23-2026 4:00 PM

3) ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF BIDS:

Electronic Bid Submittals

Please follow the below instructions for the submittal of electronic bids, failure to do so will result in your bid being found non-responsive. Non-responsive replies will not be evaluated.

a) Subject line must show: DOT-ITB-26-2021-LV – Vendors Name

b) Email shall contain one file attachment marked as the following: DOT-ITB-26-

2021-LV – Vendors Name - Bid Submittal

c) Documents shall be submitted in portable document format (PDF) and have an email size limit of 25MB.

d) The body of the email shall not contain any information.

e) Bids shall be submitted to: D7.purch@dot.state.fl.us

It is the bidder’s responsibility to ensure that the bid is delivered to the proper place on or before the Bid Due date and time (See Introduction Section 2 Timeline). Bids which for any reason are not so delivered, will not be considered.

4) BID OPENING AGENDA

The sealed bids will be opened by the Department's Procurement Office personnel at the date, time, and location in the timeline. All bid openings are open to the public and will be conducted according to the following agenda:

- Opening remarks – Approximate time of two minutes by Department Procurement Office personnel.

- Public input period – To allow a maximum of 15 minutes total for public input related to the bid solicitation.

- Bids opened – At conclusion of public input or 15 minutes, whichever occurs first, bids received timely will be opened with bidder’s name and prices to be read aloud.

- Adjourn - After all bids received timely have been opened, the meeting will be adjourned.

5) SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS

Any person with a qualified disability requiring special accommodation at a pre-bid conference, public meeting, and/or opening shall contact the contact person at the phone number, e-mail address or fax number provided on the title page at least five working days prior to the event. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact this office by using Florida Relay Services which can be reached at (800) 955-8771 (TDD).

S P E C I A L C O N D I T I O N S

1) MYFLORIDAMARKETPLACE

BIDDERS MUST BE REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA’S

MYFLORIDAMARKETPLACE SYSTEM BY THE TIME AND DATE OF THE BID OPENING

OR THEY MAY BE CONSIDERED NON-RESPONSIVE (see Special Condition 20). All prospective bidders that are not registered should go to https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/ to complete on-line registration, or call (866) 352- 3776 for assisted registration.

mailto:D7.purch@dot.state.fl.us

All payment(s) to the vendor resulting from this competitive solicitation WILL be subject to the MFMP Transaction Fee in accordance with the referenced Form PUR 1000 General Contract Condition #7d. The Transaction Fees imposed shall be based upon the date of issuance of the payment.

2) FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES (DFS) W-9 REQUIREMENT

The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) requires all vendors that do business with the state to submit an electronic Substitute Form W-9. Vendors must submit their W-9 forms electronically at https://flvendor.myfloridacfo.com to receive payments from the state.

Contact the DFS Customer Service Desk at (850) 413-5519 or FLW9@myfloridacfo.com with any questions.

3) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

In accordance with section 287.057(23), Florida Statutes (F.S.), respondents to this solicitation or persons acting on their behalf may not contact, between the release of the solicitation and the end of the 72-hour period following the agency 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 Purchasing Agent as provided in the solicitation documents. Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting a response.

Any technical questions arising from this ITB must be forwarded, in writing, to the procurement agent identified below. Questions must be received no later than the time and date reflected in the Timeline. The Department’s written response to written inquiries submitted timely by bidders will be posted on the Florida VIP at https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/ (“Search Advertisements”), under this bid number. It is the responsibility of all potential bidders to monitor this site for any changing information prior to submitting their bid.

WRITTEN TECHNICAL QUESTIONS should be submitted to:

Lori Vicari, Purchasing Agent at D7PurchQuestions@dot.state.fl.us

Questions regarding administrative aspects of the bid process should be directed at the Purchasing Agent in writing at the email address above or by phone: (813) 975-6199 or

(800) 226-7220 x6199.

4) ORAL INSTRUCTIONS / CHANGES TO THE ITB (ADDENDA)

No negotiations, decisions, or actions will be initiated or executed by a bidder as a result of any oral discussions with a state employee. Only those communications which are in writing from the Department will be considered as a duly authorized expression on behalf of the Department.

Notices of changes (Addenda) will be posted on the Florida VIP at https://flvendor.myfloridacfo.com/ mailto:FLW9@myfloridacfo.com mailto:D7PurchQuestions@dot.state.fl.us https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/ (“Search Advertisements”) under this bid number.

It is the responsibility of all potential bidders to monitor this site for any changing information prior to submitting your bid. All Addenda will be acknowledged by signature and subsequent submission of Addenda with bid when so stated in the Addenda.

5) SCOPE OF SERVICES

Details of the services, information and items to be furnished by the Vendor are described in Exhibit "A", Scope of Services, attached hereto and made a part hereof.

6) INTENDED AWARD

The Department intends to award this contract to the responsive and responsible Bidder that submits the lowest responsive bid.

7) PRE-BID CONFERENCE: A PRE-BID CONFERENCE WILL NOT BE HELD.

8) QUALIFICATIONS

8.1 GENERAL

Bidder MUST meet the following minimum qualifications:

8.1.1 Vendor and their Project Manager must have a minimum of five years’ experience in maintenance of mitigation (wetland and upland plantings) and stormwater facilities and demonstrate knowledge of native and exotic species as defined by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FEPPC) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

8.1.2 Vendor shall include the planting, maintenance, and release from further monitoring of at least two mitigation sites greater than five acres within District VII area (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco Counties).

8.1.3 Vendor shall have an employee who has a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural

Sciences and must have five years of field experience in wetland and upland maintenance and planting.

8.1.4 Vendor shall also have a registered pest control applicator license from the Florida

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

8.1.5 Vendor’s Project Manager shall possess all applicable permits for aquatic plant handling, transport, harvesting, and herbicide applications for the term of the contract.

8.1.6 All maintenance activities will be performed by qualified, permanently employed field crews under the supervision of the Vendor’s Project Manager.

8.2 BIDDER QUALIFICATIONS

When submitting the bid, each Bidder must submit a written statement (“Minimum Qualifications Statement” form), detailing their qualifications that demonstrate they meet the minimum qualifications contained in Special Condition 8.1, above. Failure by the Bidder to provide the above item(s) will constitute a non-responsive determination. Bids found to be non-responsive will not be considered.

8.3 AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSINESS IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA

In accordance with sections 607.1501, 605.0211(2)(b), and 620.9102, F.S., out of state corporations, out of state limited liability companies, and out of state limited partnerships must be authorized to do business in the State of Florida. Such authorization should be obtained by the bid due date and time, but in any case, must be obtained prior to the award of the contract. For authorization, contact:

Florida Department of State Tallahassee, Florida 32399

(850) 245-6051

8.4 LICENSE TO CONDUCT SERVICES IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA

If the services provided requires that individuals be licensed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, such licenses should be obtained by the bid due date and time, but in any case, must be obtained prior to posting of the intended award of the contract.

For licensing, contact:

Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0797

(850) 487-1395

9) WARRANTY/SUBSTITUTIONS

When performance of the services requires the supply of commodities, a warranty is required on all items provided against defective materials, workmanship, and failure to perform in accordance with required industry performance criteria, for a period of not less than one year from the date of acceptance by the purchaser. Any deviation from this criterion must be documented in the bid response or the above statement shall prevail.

Delivery of substitute commodities requires prior written approval from the ordering location.

Replacement of all materials found defective within the warranty period shall be made without cost to the purchaser, including transportation if applicable. All fees associated with restocking cancelled orders shall be the responsibility of the vendor.

All items provided during the performance of the contract found to be poorly manufactured will not be accepted, but returned to the vendor, at their expense, for replacement.

Replacement of all items found defective shall be made without cost to the Department, including transportation, if applicable. As it may be impossible for each facility to inspect all items upon arrival, a reasonable opportunity must be given to these facilities for inspection of the items and returning those that are defective.

10) LIABILITY INSURANCE

The Vendor shall not commence any work until they have obtained the following types of insurance, and certificates of such insurance have been received by the Department. Nor shall the Vendor allow any subcontractor to commence work on this project until all similar insurance required of the subcontractor has been obtained. The Vendor shall submit the required Certificates of Insurance (COI) to the Florida Department of Transportation, Procurement Office, Lori Vicari, Purchasing Agent, lori.vicari@dot.state.fl.us, within 10 days after the ending date of the period for posting the intended award decision.

The Vendor must carry and keep in force during the period of this contract a general liability insurance policy or policies with a company authorized to do business in the State of Florida, affording public liability insurance with combined bodily injury limits of at least $200,000.00 per person and $300,000.00 each occurrence, and property damage insurance of at least $200,000.00 each occurrence, for the services to be rendered in accordance with this contract.

With respect to any general liability insurance policy required pursuant to this contract, all such policies shall be issued by companies licensed to do business in the State of Florida.

The Vendor shall provide the Department with certificates showing the required coverage to be in effect with endorsements showing the Department to be an additional insured prior to commencing any work under this contract. The certificates and policies shall provide that in the event of any material change in or cancellation of the policies reflecting the required coverage, 30 days advance notice shall be given to the Department or as provided in accordance with Florida law.

The Department shall be exempt from, and in no way is it liable for, any sums of money which may represent a deductible in any insurance policy. The payment of such deductible shall be the sole responsibility of the Vendor or subcontractor providing such insurance.

Policies that include Self Insured Retention (SIR) will not be accepted.

11) PERFORMANCE BOND

A Performance Bond is not required for this project.

12) METHOD OF COMPENSATION

For the satisfactory performance of these services, the method of compensation shall be described in Exhibit “B”, attached hereto and made a part hereof.

13) CONTRACT DOCUMENT

STANDARD WRITTEN AGREEMENT

The Department’s “Standard Written Agreement” is attached hereto and made a part hereof. The terms and conditions contained therein will become an integral part of the contract resulting from this solicitation. In submitting a bid, the bidder agrees to be legally bound by these terms and conditions.

14) REVIEW OF BIDDER'S FACILITIES & QUALIFICATIONS

After the bid due date and prior to contract execution, the Department reserves the right to perform or to have performed an on-site review of the bidder's facilities and qualifications.

This review will serve to verify data and representations submitted by the bidder and may be used to determine whether the bidder has adequate facilities, equipment, qualified and experienced staff, and overall management capabilities to provide the required services.

The review may also serve to verify whether the bidder has financial capabilities adequate to meet the contract requirements.

Should the Department determine that the bid package has material misrepresentations or that the size or nature of the bidder's facilities, equipment, management capabilities, or the number of experienced personnel (including technical staff) are not adequate to ensure satisfactory contract performance, the Department has the right to reject the bid.

15) PROTEST OF INVITATION TO BID SPECIFICATIONS

Any person who is adversely affected by the contents of this ITB must file the following with the Department of Transportation, Clerk of Agency Proceedings, Office of the General Counsel, 605 Suwannee Street, Mail Station 58, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0450:

1. A written notice of protest within 72 hours after the posting of the solicitation, (the notice of protest may be faxed to (850) 414-5264, and

2. A formal written protest in compliance with Section 120.57(3), F.S., within 10 days of the date on which the written notice of protest is filed.

Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in section 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 Chapter 120, F.S.

16) UNAUTHORIZED ALIENS

The employment of unauthorized aliens by any contractor is considered a violation of Section 274A(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. If the contractor knowingly employs unauthorized aliens, such violation shall be cause for unilateral cancellation of the contract.

17) SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES LISTS

ALL Responses, regardless of dollar value, must include a completed Vendor Certification Regarding Scrutinized Companies Lists to certify the respondent is not on either of those lists. The Form should be submitted with the bid.

Section 287.135, F.S., prohibits a company or other entity from bidding on, submitting a proposal for, or entering into or renewing a contract for goods or services of: i) $100,000 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 is on the Scrutinized Companies or Other Entities that Boycott Israel List, created pursuant to Section 215.4725, F.S., or is engaged in a boycott of Israel; and, ii) $1,000,000 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 is on either the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List or the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Terrorism Sectors List, created pursuant to Section 215.473, F.S., or is engaged in business operations in Cuba or Syria.

If the Department determines the Vendor submitted a false certification under Section

287.135 , F.S., the Department shall either terminate the Contract after it has given the Vendor notice and an opportunity to demonstrate the Department’s determination of false certification was in error pursuant to Section 287.135 , F.S., or maintain the Contract if the conditions of Section 287.135 , F.S. are met.

18) RESERVATIONS

The Department reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids received and reserves the right to make an award without further discussion of the bids submitted. Therefore, the bidder should make sure that the bid package submitted is complete and accurate and submitted to ensure delivery on or before the bid opening time and date specified in this solicitation. It is understood that the bid will become a part of the Department's official file, without obligation to the Department.

19) ADDITIONAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

No conditions may be applied to any aspect of the ITB by the bidder. Any conditions placed on any aspect of the bid documents by the bidder may result in the bid being rejected as a conditional bid (see “RESPONSIVENESS OF BIDS”). DO NOT WRITE IN CHANGES ON ANY ITB SHEET. The only recognized changes to the ITB prior to bid opening will be a written Addenda issued by the Department.

20) RESPONSIVENESS OF BIDS

Bids will not be considered if not received by the Department on or before the date and time specified as the due date for submission. All bids must be typed or printed in ink. A responsive bid is an offer to provide the services specified in this ITB in accordance with all requirements of this ITB. Bids found to be non-responsive will not be considered. Bids may be rejected if found to be irregular or not in conformance with the requirements and instructions herein contained. A bid may be found to be irregular or non-responsive by http://procnet.co.dot.state.fl.us/forms/ByNumber.asp?formnumber=375-030-60 http://procnet.co.dot.state.fl.us/forms/ByNumber.asp?formnumber=375-030-60 reasons that include, but are not limited to, failure to utilize or complete prescribed forms, modifying the bid requirements, submitting conditional bids or incomplete bids, submitting indefinite or ambiguous bids, or executing forms or the bid sheet with improper and/or undated signatures. Other conditions which may cause rejection of bids include, evidence of collusion among bidders, obvious lack of experience or expertise to provide the required services, and failure to perform or meet financial obligations on previous Contracts. ALL determinations of responsiveness will be the responsibility of the FDOT Procurement Office.

21) BID SHEET

The bidder must use the attached bid sheet to submit its bid. The bid sheet must be signed and dated in ink by a representative who is authorized to contractually bind the bidder. All bid sheets and other documentation submitted in response to this solicitation must be executed and submitted in accordance with Introduction Section No.3, Electronic Submissions of Bids.

22) ESTIMATED QUANTITIES

The Department anticipates using the estimated quantities shown on the bid sheet for a three-year period of any contract resulting from this bid. The estimated quantities are given only as guidelines for preparing your bid and should not be construed as representing the actual quantities to be authorized under this contract. The Vendor(s) shall supply, bid prices, the actual quantities authorized regardless of whether the total of such quantities is more or less than anticipated. This bid and the resulting contract will be subject to appropriated annual funding.

23) IDENTICAL PRICING

In the event the Department receives identical pricing or scoring from multiple vendors that would tie the awarded vendor; the Department may, at its discretion, may award to all responsive tied vendors or reject all.

24) COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL

Copyrighted material will be accepted as part of a bid only if accompanied by a waiver that will allow the Department to make paper and electronic copies necessary for the use of Department staff and agents. It is noted that copyrighted material is not exempt from the Public Records Law, Chapter 119, F.S. Therefore, such material will be subject to viewing by the public, but copies of the material will not be provided to the public.

25) ATTACHMENT TO ITB SUBMITTAL - CONFIDENTIAL MATERIAL

The bidder must include any materials it asserts to be exempted from public disclosure under Chapter 119, F.S., in a separate bound document labeled "Attachment to ITB, Number DOT-ITB-26-7021-LV - Confidential Material". The bidder must identify the specific statute that authorizes exemption from the Public Records Law. Any claim of confidentiality on materials the bidder asserts to be exempt from public disclosure and placed elsewhere in the bid will be considered waived by the bidder upon submission, effective after opening.

26) MODIFICATIONS, RESUBMITTAL AND WITHDRAWAL

Bidders may modify submitted bids at any time prior to the bid due date. Requests for modification of a submitted bid shall be in writing and must be signed by an authorized signatory of the bidder. Upon receipt and acceptance of such a request, the entire bid will not be considered unless it is resubmitted by the due date and time. Bidders may also send a change in separate email to be opened at the same time as the bid. Bid modification and changes must be submitted in accordance with Introduction Section No.3, Electronic Submissions of Bids.

27) POSTING OF INTENDED DECISION/AWARD

27.1 - General:

The Department’s decision will be posted on the Florida VIP, at https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/, on the date in the Timeline, and will remain posted for a period of 72 hours. Any bidder who is adversely affected by the Department's recommended award or intended decision must file the following with the Department of Transportation, Clerk of Agency Proceedings, Office of the General Counsel, 605 Suwannee Street, Mail Station 58, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0450:

1. A written notice of protest within 72 hours after posting of the Intended Award, (the notice of protest may be faxed to (850) 414-5264, and

2. A formal written protest and protest bond in compliance with Section 120.57(3), F.S., within 10 days of the date on which the written notice of protest is filed. At the time of filing the formal written protest, a bond (a cashier’s check or money order may be accepted) payable to the Department must also be submitted in an amount equal to 1% of the estimated contract amount based on the Contract price submitted by the protestor.

Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in Section 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 Chapter 120, F.S.

27.2 - INABILITY TO POST:

If the Department is unable to post as defined above, the Department will notify all bidders by electronic notification on the Florida VIP (see special condition 27.1, above) or by mail, fax, and/or telephone. The Department will provide notification of any future posting in a timely manner.

27.3 - REQUEST TO WITHDRAW BID:

Requests for withdrawal will be considered if received by the Department, in writing, within 72 hours after the bid opening time and date. Requests received in accordance with this provision will be granted by the Department upon proof of the impossibility to perform based upon obvious error on the part of the bidder. Bidders that do not withdraw as stated above will forfeit their bid bond, if applicable.

28) AWARD OF THE CONTRACT

Services will be authorized to begin when the Vendor receives the following document(s), as appropriate, indicating the encumbrance of funds and award of the contract:

Standard Written Agreement executed by both parties and a Letter of Authorization issued by the Department’s Contract Manager.

29) RENEWAL

Upon mutual agreement, the Department and the contract Vendor may renew the contract for a period that may not exceed three years or the term of the original contract, whichever is longer. The renewal must be in writing and signed by both parties and is subject to the same terms and conditions set forth in the initial contract and any written amendments signed by the parties. Any renewal shall specify the renewal price, as set forth in the solicitation response, except that an agency may negotiate lower pricing. Renewal is contingent upon satisfactory performance evaluations and subject to the availability of funds.

30) ATTACHED FORMS

Exhibit “C”, Bid Sheet Affidavit Regarding Labor and Services E-Verify Foreign Country of Concern Attestation (PUR 1355) Minimum Qualifications Statement Vendor Certification Regarding Scrutinized Companies Lists

31) TERMS AND CONDITIONS

31.1 GENERAL CONTRACT CONDITIONS (PUR 1000)

The State of Florida’s General Contract Conditions are outlined in form PUR 1000, which is a downloadable document incorporated into this ITB by reference. Any terms and conditions set forth in this ITB document take precedence over the PUR 1000 form where applicable.

http://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/2933/11777/1000.pdf

The following paragraphs do not apply to this ITB:

Paragraph 31, Dispute Resolution - PUR 1000 http://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/2933/11777/1000.pdf

Paragraph 40, PRIDE – PUR 1000, when federal funds are utilized.

31.2 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS (PUR 1001)

The State of Florida’s General Instructions to Respondents are outlined in form PUR 1001, which is a downloadable document incorporated into this ITB by reference. Any terms and conditions set forth in this ITB document take precedence over the PUR 1001 form where applicable.

http://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/2934/11780/1001.pdf

The following paragraphs do not apply to this ITB:

Paragraph 3, Electronic Submission – PUR 1001 Paragraph 4, Terms and Conditions – PUR 1001 Paragraph 5, Questions – PUR 1001

31.3 MFMP Purchase Order Terms and Conditions

All MFMP Purchase Order contracts resulting from this solicitation will include the terms and conditions of this solicitation and the State of Florida’s standardized Purchase Order Terms and Conditions, which can be found at the Department of Management Services website at the following link:

http://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/117735/646919/Purchase_Order_Ter ms_Sept_1,_2015_.pdf Section 8(B), PRIDE, is not applicable when using federal funds.

32) ORDER OF PRECEDENCE

All responses are subject to the terms and conditions of this solicitation, which, in case of conflict, shall have the following order of precedence listed:

Special Conditions Exhibit “A”, Scope of Services Exhibit “B”, Method of Compensation Exhibit “C”, Bid Sheet Attachment I, Maps of Mitigation Sites Attachment II, List of Replacement Plants Standard Written Agreement Instructions to Respondents (PUR 1001) General Conditions (PUR 1000) Introduction Section

33) ANTITRUST VIOLATOR VENDOR LIST

Pursuant to Section 287.137(2)(a), F.S., a person or an affiliate who has been placed on the antitrust violator vendor list following a conviction or being held civilly liable for an antitrust violation may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply for any new contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity; may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply for a new http://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/2934/11780/1001.pdf http://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/117735/646919/Purchase_Order_Terms_Sept_1,_2015_.pdf http://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/117735/646919/Purchase_Order_Terms_Sept_1,_2015_.pdf contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work;

may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply on new leases of real property to a public entity;

may not be awarded or perform work as a contractor, supplier, subcontractor, or consultant under a new contract with a public entity; and may not transact new business with a public entity.

34) PROHIBITION AGAINST CONSIDERING SOCIAL, POLITICAL, OR IDEOLOGICAL

INTERESTS IN GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING

Pursuant to Section 287.05701, F.S., an awarding body may not request documentation of or consider a vendor’s social, political, or ideological interests when determining if the vendor is a responsible vendor, and an awarding body may not give preference to a vendor based on the vendor’s social, political, or ideological interest.

35) CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES OF FOREIGN COUNTRIES OF CONCERN

PROHIBITED

The Proposer must submit, with its Proposal, a completed Foreign Country of Concern Attestation (PUR 1355) (Form 6). Form 6 must be completed by an officer or representative of the Bidder on behalf of the Bidder.

36) AFFIDAVIT REGARDING LABOR AND SERVICES

Prior to contract execution, extension or renewal, the Department shall notify the Contract awardee of the need to download, complete, and submit the FDOT form, Affidavit Regarding Labor and Services, No. 375-030-31. Please have the form signed and notarized and send a scanned copy to the Department. The nongovernmental entity (contract awardee) must maintain the original copy in accordance with other provisions of this contract, and in accordance with Florida law.

A-1

EXHIBIT “A”

SCOPE OF SERVICES

DISTRICT-WIDE MAINTENANCE OF MITIGATION SITES

AND STORMWATER PONDS

I. PURPOSE

Elements of the work include, but are not limited to, installing wetland and upland plants, and maintaining mitigation sites and stormwater ponds in accordance with environmental permit requirements and correcting deficiencies in mitigation and stormwater facilities. Example site locations are provided in Attachment “I”.

II. QUALIFICATIONS

The Vendor and their Project Manager must have a minimum of five years’ experience in maintenance of mitigation (wetland and upland plantings) and stormwater facilities also demonstrate knowledge of native and exotic species as defined by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FEPPC) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).

Qualifications shall include:

• Planting, maintenance, and release from further monitoring of at least two mitigation sites greater than five acres within District Seven area (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco Counties).

• The Vendor shall have an employee who has a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Sciences and must have five years of field experience in wetland and upland maintenance and planting.

• The Vendor shall have a registered pest control applicator license from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

• The Vendor’s Project Manager shall possess all applicable permits for aquatic plant handling, transport, harvesting, and herbicide applications for the term of the contract.

All maintenance activities will be performed by qualified, permanently employed field crews under the supervision of the Vendor’s Project Manager.

III. EXAMINATION OF WORK SITES

It is responsibility of the Vendor to carefully examine the sites of proposed work, plans, specifications, and all other documents comprising the contract for the

A-2 work contemplated, before submitting a bid. The project locations illustrated in Attachment “I” are examples of sites requiring work within the contract and are not meant to be inclusive of all sites that will require maintenance. Work shall consist of all sites requiring maintenance, as directed by the Contract Manager, and located within the geographic limits of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Seven.

IV. SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY THE VENDOR

A. The Vendor shall provide all supervision, labor, materials, supplies, tools, equipment, and transportation to perform any of the following tasks, when required by the Department. This is to include Maintenance of Traffic as specified in Section 102, Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction 2025-2026 and the FDOT Standard Plans for Road and Bridge Construction, Fiscal Year 2025-2026, Indexes 102.

B. The Vendor shall provide maintenance of wetland mitigation areas, stormwater pond littoral shelves, and specified upland/transitional areas.

These activities are required to ensure that the mitigation and storm water treatment areas comply with environmental permits from the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), FDEP, the US Army Corps of Engineers (COE), Port Tampa Bay (PTB) and the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County (HCEPC). Work may include, but not be limited to the following:

The quantity (acreage) will be based on the amount of work required, not the total acreage of the site.

1. Selective Clearing and Grubbing

This work includes:

a. Complete removal and off-site disposal of all nuisance/exotic species within mitigation, stormwater pond littoral shelves, adjacent roadway ditches, and specified upland/transitional areas as specified in Section 110, Clearing and Grubbing, of the Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction 2025-26. Wetland and upland/transitional nuisance species shall include plants as listed by the FEPPC List of Invasive Plant Species. This plant list is not meant to be inclusive of all nuisance species. All native and non-native vegetation determined to be a threat to the vitality of any site will be identified and removed only upon the direction of the Department’s Contract Manager. Complete removal and off-site disposal shall be completed within 30 calendar days from the date of the Letter of Authorization for such services.

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b. Complete removal and off-site disposal of dead or decaying plants, including installed plants which fail to survive.

Removal of any plant ties, staking, or guying that is deemed a hindrance to plant growth.

c. Herbicide applications shall be conducted in accordance with the site-specific environmental permits. The Vendor shall be very selective in herbicide application procedures (i.e., hand spraying, wicking) to assure survivability of planted or naturally recruited species. The Vendor shall be provided with work documents which target areas to prevent herbicide misapplication. Herbicide applicators shall only use herbicides registered for aquatic applications in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Herbicide will be performed by a properly licensed applicator educated in the identification of nuisance and exotic species and native wetland vegetation that may occur on-site.

Herbicides must be approved for use in the Department’s right of way and meet permit requirements.

d. Removal and off-site disposal of trash or debris, including water-borne trash, from mitigation or stormwater treatment areas or water conveyances.

e. Trash collection: Documentation of existing site conditions upon arrival at the authorized site and volume of trash removed shall be submitted in photograph form to the Department’s Contract Manager to ensure compensation for work performed.

2. Ground Cover, Shrubs, Trees, and Sack Trees

This work includes:

a. Replacement planting within mitigation, stormwater pond littoral shelves or specified upland/transitional area.

Installation of plant material shall conform to Section 580 Landscaping of Special Provision 5800000 Specification.

The Vendor shall be responsible for the proper maintenance, survival, and condition of bid items 0010 through 0016 for a period of one year after completion of planting, or until final acceptance of the entire work under the contract, whichever is the later date. The Vendor will be notified if replacement plantings are required due to mortality during the one-year period. These replacement plantings shall be provided within 15 calendar days of notification.

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b. All plant material shall be Florida Grade No.1 or better, as specified in Florida Grades and Standards for Nursery Plants, Sixth Edition, 2022, by the Division of Plant Industry, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and shall conform to current American Association of Nurseryman Standards for Nursery Stock. The Department shall perform an inspection of said nursery stock at the nursery of origin prior to installation. The Vendor shall make all arrangements for the Department’s Contract Manager or representative to attend this inspection and coordinate an acceptable meeting date for affected parties.

c. In the event donor plant material is required, written approval from the Department’s Contract Manager will be obtained prior to the use of donor material.

3. Mowing

This item will be as specified in Section 104, Prevention, Control, and Abatement of Erosion and Water Pollution, of the Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, 2025-2026. The quantity (acreage) of mowing will be based on the area of work required, not the total acreage of the site.

4. Excavation

This item will be specified in Section 120-5.1, Ownership of Excavated Materials for Road and Bridge Construction, 2025-2026.

5. Erosion Control

This item will include erosion control measures such as rolled erosion control products to stabilize eroding slopes.

C. After the issuance of a Letter of Authorization and work documents, the

Vendor shall provide the Department’s Contract Manager with a schedule of proposed work. Coordination shall be maintained by the Vendor with the Department’s Contract Manager. The schedule shall include the date and times of initiation and completion of each work effort, proposed methods and/or materials, and the name of the person responsible for the successful completion of each activity. Any changes to the approved schedule must be discussed with and approved by the Department’s Contract Manager. The Vendor’s Project Manager shall verify that work is completed in accordance with FDOT standards. The Vendor’s Project Manager will sign the work documents once the work is completed.

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D. The Vendor shall be liable for any damages that occur to new or existing planted species as a result of failure to fulfill the conditions of the contract.

E. The Vendor shall be liable for any existing desirable plants that are damaged beyond recovery or killed as a result of performing work pursuant to this contract. Such plants shall be replaced with like-sized plants of the same species at the Vendor’s expense within 15 calendar days of notification.

F. The Vendor shall be liable for any damage that occur to any stormwater control devices or water conveyance structures as a result of performing work pursuant to this contact. The Vendor shall restore such damaged devices and/or structures to their original conditions at the Vendor’s expense within 30 calendar days of notification.

G. The Vendor shall not be allowed to use controlled burning to remove nuisance/exotic species.

H. The Vendor shall maintain state water quality standards for water discharged from the work area to any wetlands or surface water.

V. LIMITATIONS OF OPERATIONS

A. The Vendor’s vehicles used on the project shall display the maintenance entity logo and be provided with amber flashing lights or white strobe lights. These lights shall be in operation while in the work area. See Section 8-4 Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction 2025-2026 (Limitations of Operations).

B. Work will be permitted Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., unless otherwise authorized by the Department’s Contract Manager.

C. Maintenance of traffic will be conducted in accordance with Section 102 of the Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, 2025-2026.

The Vendor shall coordinate with the Department’s Contract Manager to review the proposed Maintenance of Traffic.

VI. DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

A. The Department will provide a Contract Manager for administrating the terms and conditions of this contract who will be J. Scott Stevens, Maintenance Environmental Specialist, Department of Transportation, MS 7-1200, 11201 North McKinley Drive, Tampa, Florida 33612-6456. The

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Department reserves the right to change the Contract Manager at any time.

B. The Department shall furnish the following to the Vendor:

1. Provide plans, maps, and other information enough to locate the mitigation sites and stormwater ponds to be maintained.

2. Provide the permits, upon request, associated with the projects.

3. Provide an Environmental Consultant to make recommendations.

4. Review all submittals to the environmental agencies. Authorize, when appropriate, any contacts with the environmental agencies.

5. Conduct environmental monitoring and submit periodic reports to the environmental agencies.

6. Obtain permit modifications, if necessary.

VII. CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The Vendor who is awarded this contract will be ineligible for award of future

District-Wide Environmental Support for Maintenance and District-Wide Environmental Support for Construction Contracts while this contract is in effect.

In addition, the present District-Wide Environmental Support for Maintenance and District-Wide Support for Construction Vendor is ineligible for award of this Contract.

VIII. BEGINNING AND LENGTH OF SERVICES

The performance period of this contract shall begin on August 20, 2026, and expire August 19, 2029. Services will begin and be performed as directed by Letters of Authorization, issued in accordance with Exhibit “B” of this contract.

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EXHIBIT "B"

METHOD OF COMPENSATION

DISTRICT-WIDE MAINTENANCE OF MITIGATION SITES AND

STORMWATER PONDS

1. PURPOSE

This Exhibit defines the limits and method of compensation to be made to the Vendor for services set forth in Exhibit "A" Scope of Services and the method by which payments shall be made.

2. ASSIGNMENT OF WORK

The Department shall request Vendor services on an as-needed basis.

Services to be provided on each project will be initiated and completed as directed by the Contract Manager. A Letter of Authorization (LOA) will be issued for each project scheduled.

3. COMPENSATION

The total of all authorizations shall not exceed a Budgetary Ceiling of $900,000.00.

This is a term contract for an indefinite quantity whereby the Vendor agrees to furnish services during a prescribed period of time. The specific period of time completes such a contract. The Department, based on need and availability of budget, may increase or decrease the budgetary ceiling by amendment. Execution of this contract does not guarantee that the work will be authorized.

The contract budgetary ceiling shall be made up of:

$300,000.00 from Fiscal Year 2027 $300,000.00 from Fiscal Year 2028 $300,000.00 from Fiscal Year 2029

4. ESTABLISHMENT OF LOA AMOUNT:

For each LOA the Department’s Contract Manager, following the scope of services set forth in Exhibit "A", shall prepare an estimate of work and price based on the rates established in Exhibit "C", Bid Sheet. The quantity (acreage) will be based on the amount of work required, not the

B-2 total acreage of the site. Work documents for each site will be provided with the LOA identifying the work required and the quantity/acreage for each Item.

Once an acceptable maximum amount has been agreed upon by the Vendor and the Department's Contract Manager, a LOA shall be issued by the Department’s Contract Manager. No work may be performed prior to a signed LOA being issued to the Vendor or after the end date of the LOA.

All work authorizations shall be completed within the term of this Agreement.

5. PROGRESS PAYMENTS

The Vendor shall submit a monthly invoice in a format acceptable to the Department. For the satisfactory performance of the services detailed in each LOA, the Vendor shall be paid up to the maximum amount of each authorization. Payment shall be made at the contract billing rates in Exhibit “C”, Bid Sheet, for services provided, as approved by the Department. The contract billing rates shall include the costs of salaries, overhead, fringe benefits and operating margin.

Invoices shall be submitted to Florida Department of Transportation

J. Scott Stevens jamesscott.stevens@dot.state.fl.us Maintenance Environmental Specialist

6. DETAILS OF UNIT RATES

Details of unit rates for the performance of the Vendor’s services set forth in Exhibit "A", Scope of Services are contained in Exhibit "C", Bid Sheet, attached hereto and made a part hereof.

7. FINANCIAL CONSEQUENCES:

Reference Section 3 of the Standard Written Agreement.

8. TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY

This contract does not involve the purchase of tangible personal property, as defined in Chapter 273, Florida Statutes.

9. TERMINATION ACTION:

Reference Section 6 of the Standard Written Agreement.

mailto:jamesscott.stevens@dot.state.fl.us

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EXHIBIT "C"

BID SHEET

DISTRICT-WIDE MAINTENANCE OF MITIGATION SITES

AND STORMWATER PONDS

Item No. Services Estimated

Quantity

Unit Unit Rate

Total

Selective Clearing and Grubbing (Herbicide Application)

120 Acre $ $

Selective Clearing and Grubbing (Hand Pulling)

25 Acre $ $

Selective Clearing and Grubbing (Unstaking/Cut Ribbon Ties)

2 100 Trees $ $

Selective Clearing and Grubbing (Tree Removal – basal diameter greater than 3”)

5 Acre $ $

Selective Clearing and Grubbing (Trash and debris Removal)

10 Acre $ $

Regular Excavation and Material Haul from Site

100 Cubic Yard

Mowing (80-inch mower with 50HP minimum tractor)

55 Acre $ $

Mowing (40-inch minimum rider type mower 18HP minimum)

6 Acre $ $

Mowing (21-inch minimum push or self-propelled mower or weed eater)

10 Acre $ $

Ground Cover (10” to 18” height or spread)

150 Each $ $

Ground Cover (one-gallon container, Florida No. 1)

50 Each $ $

Shrubs (19” to 36” height or spread, one-gallon container)

50 Each $ $

Trees (4’ to 8’ height x 12” to 24” Spread, 3-gallon container)

150 Each $ $

0014 Sack Trees (10” to 18” height) 100 Each $ $

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Sack Trees (3-gallon container)

250 Each $ $

Trees (5’ to 10’ height x 16” to 30” spread, 7-gallon container)

50 Each $ $

Erosion Control (Coir/Fiber Logs)

500 Linear Feet $ $

Airboat for Herbicide Application in open water

200 Acre $ $

0019 0570-1-2, Performance Turf 1000 Square Yard $ $

0104- 1-Artificial Coverings /Rolled Erosion Control Products

300 Square Yard $ $

GRAND TOTAL $

NOTES:

1. The unit rates shall contain cost to include travel, labor, material, equipment, overhead, operating margin and subcontractor cost, if any.

2. A unit rate must be submitted for each line item.