2026-2027 Broadcast Ground Herbicide Site Prep - Goethe State Forest

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is soliciting competitive bids for broadcast ground herbicide application on approximately 454 acres within Goethe State Forest (Otter Creek Tract) under ITB FFS 26 27 33, with sealed bids due August 21, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. at the FDACS Mayo Building in Tallahassee and public bid opening via teleconference on August 24, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Questions are due August 14, 2026, with written responses posted by August 18.

The vendor must hold a valid Florida Department of Agriculture pesticide applicator's license and furnish all labor, materials, equipment, and supervision for herbicide application. Herbicide application may begin no earlier than August 1, 2026 and must be completed by September 30, 2026. Site visits are not mandatory but may be arranged with Contract Manager Kari Hurst at (352) 566-5221. Maps delineating the Otter Creek Tract and reforestation boundary are provided in Appendix I.

Bids must be submitted through the Vendor Information Portal (VIP) and include three verifiable references from similar projects completed within the past five years, proof of current Florida pesticide applicator licensure, a list of any subcontractors with their qualifications, and completed certification forms covering drug-free workplace and vendor certification. Required insurance includes general liability of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, $100,000 minimum chemical drift control liability, $300,000 automobile liability, and workers' compensation coverage. The bid price must be all-inclusive with no separate line items; the Department reserves the right to adjust quantities as needed.

Award will be made to the responsive and responsible vendor offering the lowest total project cost, with preference given to certified business enterprises, Florida-manufactured commodities, drug-free workplace certified businesses, and veteran-owned businesses in case of tied bids. The successful contractor must maintain pesticide applicator licensure throughout contract performance and comply with all applicable federal and state environmental and safety requirements.