2024 – 2025 South Florida Forest Inventory Project

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is seeking competitive bids for professional forestry service contractors to conduct a comprehensive forest inventory project across three state forest locations: Picayune Strand State Forest, Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest, and Babcock Ranch Preserve. The project involves collecting detailed timber stand inventory data, with an estimated 1,854 plots to be surveyed during the first contract year. Contractors must use GPS-enabled devices with SilvAssist software to record inventory data, and will be required to systematically collect information including tree species, diameter, height, and other forest characteristics. Bidders must have forestry professionals with at least a two-year degree and three months of relevant experience, demonstrating the ability to identify tree species and follow specific data collection protocols. The bid submission deadline is April 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM, with a public bid opening on April 11, 2025, at 10:30 AM. A recommended site visit period is scheduled for March 14-28, 2025. The contract will be awarded to the responsive and responsible vendor with the lowest Grand Total Price, with the option to renew for three additional one-year terms.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned in the procurement documents. The contract will be paid on a per-plot basis, with comprehensive quality control processes and potential financial penalties for non-compliance. Contractors must maintain specific insurance coverage, including general liability, automobile liability, and workers' compensation. The funding is subject to annual legislative appropriation, requiring vendors to complete various certifications regarding workplace practices and vendor qualifications. While no incumbent vendors are identified, the project requires integration with specific technical requirements, including the use of SilvAssist software and GPS-enabled data collection devices. Although a precise total contract value is not specified, the project involves surveying 1,854 plots across approximately 30,336 acres of state forest land, with potential for multi-year renewal. The thorough documentation, including detailed appendices on forest type definitions, site index specifications, and plot allocation, suggests a sophisticated and technically rigorous procurement process.