2024 - 2025 Invasive Plant Herbicide Treatment Little Big Econ State Forest

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is seeking competitive bids for herbicide treatment of invasive plants on hike and bike trails within the Little Big Econ State Forest in Seminole County, Florida. The project requires treatment of approximately 89.7 acres targeting specific invasive species, including Cogon grass (46% coverage), Coral ardisia (11%), Caesar weed (3%), and Chinese tallow (2%). Vendors must provide per-acre pricing and a total project price, with a mandatory pre-bid site visit scheduled for February 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Little Big Econ State Forest Headquarters. Sealed bids are due February 27, 2025, by 5:00 PM, with bid opening on February 28, 2025, at 9:00 AM. The contract period runs from execution through June 20, 2025, with the possibility of three one-year renewals at the Department's discretion. Bidders must possess a State of Florida Restricted Use Pesticide Applicators License with either natural areas weed management or aquatic endorsement. All treatments must begin no later than March 3, 2025, and be completed by June 20, 2025.

The procurement does not specify any specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors must carry minimum insurance coverage, including $1,000,000 general liability, $300,000 automobile liability, and workers' compensation coverage. The chemical drift control liability insurance requirement has been removed per Addendum #1. The contractor is responsible for providing all labor, materials, equipment, tools, transportation, supplies, and supervision, with no materials or equipment to be furnished by FDACS. Liquidated damages of $100 per calendar day will be applied for delays within the contractor's control. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the project involves treating 89.7 acres of invasive plants, which will require comprehensive herbicide application across multiple trail areas. The contract includes specific guidelines for herbicide application, such as restrictions on mixing certain herbicides and requirements for application conditions, including wind speed limitations and nozzle specifications.