2025 indian river lagoon seagrass mapping

The St. Johns River Water Management District is seeking a qualified consultant to conduct the 2025 Indian River Lagoon Seagrass Mapping project through Request for Qualifications (RFQ #40714). The primary objectives include acquiring high-resolution aerial imagery of the entire Indian River Lagoon system, producing comprehensive digital maps of seagrass and Caulerpa species, and delivering processed imagery and associated files compatible with the District's ArcGIS library. Required deliverables include digital orthophotography with 0.3-meter ground sample distance, field-verified maps following Florida Land Use Classification System codes, and detailed geospatial data for the entire lagoon system from Ponce de Leon Inlet to Jupiter Inlet. Proposals are due by January 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with an Evaluation Committee meeting scheduled for January 22, 2025, and board consideration on February 11, 2025. The project requires specialized expertise in aerial photography, photogrammetry, GIS mapping, and marine ecosystem identification, with the consultant responsible for comprehensive flight planning, mission management, and precise mapping of marine vegetation.

The contract is not specifically designated for disadvantaged enterprises or small businesses, but will require substantial technical capabilities and professional qualifications. The District's estimated budget for the project is $360,000, with funding contingent upon appropriations from multiple sources, including District Governing Board allocations, Florida Legislature annual appropriations, and potential contributions from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and South Florida Water Management District. Prospective contractors must maintain extensive insurance coverage, including $1 million in general liability, professional liability, automobile liability, umbrella policy, watercraft liability, and aircraft liability. The project has a planned completion date of September 30, 2026, and will involve collaborative mapping efforts across multiple water management agencies. Interested consultants must demonstrate advanced geospatial technologies, marine ecosystem expertise, and the capability to produce highly detailed, scientifically rigorous vegetation mapping for the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem.