PUR 7776.pdf

PUR 7776 (Revised 07/2022) Page 1 of 3 Incorporated by Reference: Rule 60A-1.045, F.A.C.

DESCRIPTION OF INTENDED

SINGLE SOURCE PURCHASE

(PUR 7776)

AGENCY: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

TITLE: Scientific Dive Survey and Targeted Removal of Halophila stipulacea Short description of the commodity or service desired: Underwater surveys/hand removal of an invasive seagrass Halophila stipulacea in a 27 acre pilot study area.

CONTACT

Name: Adrian Wiggins Address: 1875 Orange Avenue E, Tallahassee, FL 32311-6160 Telephone: 850-410-0471 Email: Adrian.Wiggins@MyFWC.com

Internal tracking number, if any: FWC SS 25/26-19

Date posted: 7/29/2026 Last day for receipt of information: 8/19/2026

This description of commodities or contractual services intended for purchase from a single source is posted in accordance with Sections 120.57(3) and 287.057(3), Florida Statutes (F.S.), and will remain posted for a period of at least 15 business days.

Commodity or Contractual Service Required (commodity or United National Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC), manufacturer, model, and description, as appropriate):

70111507 Removal services or ornamental plant or bush or tree 81171600 Ecological science services 81171601 Aquatic ecology services

Quantity or Term (as appropriate):

One year- upon issuance of Purchase Order

Requestor (division, bureau, office, individual, as appropriate):

Mariah McInnis Biological Scientist IV Division of Habitat and Species Conservation Invasive Plant Management Section

Performance and/or Design Requirements (e.g. intended use, function or application, compatibility, requirements; reference to policy, rule, statute or other act of the Legislature, etc., as appropriate):

The Invasive Plant Management Section intends to conduct a comprehensive underwater survey and selective hand-removal of the invasive seagrass Halophila stipulacea within a designated 27-acre test plot at Miami Marine Stadium. The project is intended to support Early Detection and

PUR 7776 (Revised 07/2022) Page 2 of 3 Incorporated by Reference: Rule 60A-1.045, F.A.C.

Rapid Response (EDRR) efforts by determining the extent of infestation, removing detected invasive plants, and evaluating effective survey and removal methodologies for future management applications.

While surveying transects, divers will selectively hand remove small patches as they are encountered. Larger patches will be marked and revisted for removal later, utilizing either a hand removal or tarping method. Surveys and removal will decrease prevalence of Halophila stipulacea and provide information on effective methods for future management.

Performance requirements include advanced scientific diving capabilities and specialized expertise in submerged aquatic plant taxonomy to ensure accurate differentiation between invasive and native vegetation and to prevent unintended impacts to surrounding habitat. Divers must also demonstrate experience in underwater navigation, transect-based survey methodologies, underwater data collection, and communication of survey information to surface support vessels during active operations.

Deliverables include a comprehensive survey of the test plot, selective removal of detected Halophila stipulacea, documentation of infestation extent and treatment activities, and a final report containing recommendations regarding future survey and removal techniques and methodologies.

Intended Single Source:

Marine Taxonomic Services, LTD Robert Mooney Principal Marine Scientist & Vice President

Estimated Dollar Amount:

$53,853.77

Justification for single source acquisition (what is necessary and unique about the product, service or source; steps taken to confirm unavailability of competition, as appropriate):

The work requires conducting underwater survey and removal operations simultaneously to maximize operational efficiency, maintain continuity and accuracy of spatial survey data, and to ensure immediate treatment of detected infestations. Divers must be capable of conducting underwater transect surveys while simultaneously identifying and selectively removing target plants in real time.

Based on market research, staff identified Marine Taxonomic Services as the only commercial vendor known to provide the integrated combination of underwater taxonomic survey and selective removal services for Halophila stipulacea required under this project. Several aquatic habitat management and marine environmental contractors were reviewed but none demonstrated comparable experience with Halophila stipulacea survey and eradication, scientific diving, marine plant taxonomy, and selective underwater hand removal.

Marine Taxonomic Services LTD (MTS) is uniquely qualified to provide invasive Halophila stipulacea detection, monitoring, and removal services because it possesses specialized expertise

PUR 7776 (Revised 07/2022) Page 3 of 3 Incorporated by Reference: Rule 60A-1.045, F.A.C.

and demonstrated experience in eradication-level survey, treatment, and monitoring of invasive marine vegetation. Their main experience is with Caulerpa prolifera where MTS has worked with multiple agencies and partners to develop and implement an eradication program that includes detailed surveys, installation of benthic barriers, and ongoing treatment monitoring.

Marine Taxonomic Services LTD (MTS) experience is directly applicable to Halophila stipulacea, as both species are invasive marine plants capable of rapid expansion that require specialized underwater survey techniques, early detection efforts, targeted treatment methods, and long-term monitoring to achieve successful control or eradication. Market inquiries did not identify another vendor with comparable qualifications, experience, and operational capability.

Because Halophila stipulacea is an Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) species capable of rapidly spreading and forming dense mats that displace native seagrasses, timely response by personnel experienced in marine invasive plant eradication is essential.

Approved By (names & titles, as appropriate, e.g., requestor, requestor management, information systems, budget, purchasing):

Mariah McInnis, Biological Scientist IV, Invasive Plant Management Section, HSC Matt Phillips, Section Leader, Invasive Plant Management Section, HSC Rachel Massey, FWC Assistant Purchasing Director, Office of the Executive Director Rachel Korade, FWC Purchasing Director, Office of the Executive Director

Prospective vendors are requested to provide information regarding their ability to supply the commodities or contractual services described. If it is determined in writing by the agency, after reviewing any information received from prospective vendors, that the commodities or contractual services are available only from a single source, the agency shall provide notice of its intended decision to enter a single-source purchase contract in the manner specified in Rule 60A- 1.045, Florida Administrative Code, and section 120.57(3), F.S.