2025 Sand Pine and Hardwood Eradication Services

The Northwest Florida Water Management District is issuing an Invitation to Bid (ITB No. 25B-004) for 2025 Sand Pine and Hardwood Eradication Services across 1,406 acres in multiple counties, specifically targeting longleaf pine habitat restoration. The procurement involves manual eradication of sand pine and competing native hardwood species using hand crews with grass trimmers, blades, chainsaws, machetes, and bush hooks, with specific prohibitions on wheeled or tracked equipment. Contractors must submit per-acre pricing for eight distinct units ranging from 1 to 473 acres, with stem densities varying between 318 and 1,500 stems per acre. Sealed bids are due by 2:00 P.M. Eastern Time on January 2, 2025, with bid opening immediately following, and the contract term extending through July 31, 2025. Bid evaluation will prioritize the lowest total lump sum cost, with a required 10% performance bond and potential financial consequences for late completion, including 2% compensation reduction if finished within 30 days after the term and 5% reduction if completed between 30-60 days post-term.

The solicitation includes specific tiebreaker considerations favoring certified minority business enterprises, certified veteran's business enterprises, and contractors with Drug-Free Workplace programs. While no explicit set-aside designations are mentioned, the bidding process appears to provide some preferential treatment for these specific business categories. The project is located across Gilchrist County and surrounding areas, specifically in Walton, Washington, Jackson, and Leon counties. No incumbent vendors are identified in the documentation. The eradication services are part of a broader ecological restoration initiative aimed at removing competitive vegetation to support longleaf pine and wiregrass habitat regeneration. Although a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, contractors will be compensated on a per-acre basis across the eight designated units, with pricing to be competitively determined through the bidding process. The comprehensive nature of the project suggests a significant investment in ecological management and habitat restoration efforts.