2026-2027 Hand-Planting Containerized Longleaf Pine Seedlings at Withlacoochee State Forest

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Forest Service, is soliciting sealed bids under ITB FFS 26 27 65 for hand-planting approximately 527 acres of containerized longleaf pine seedlings across five areas of Withlacoochee State Forest in Citrus and Hernando Counties, with vendor questions due November 12, 2026 and bids due November 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM. Award goes to the responsive and responsible vendor submitting the lowest Grand Total Price, priced on Attachment D using per-acre unit rates for each planting configuration.

The Citrus Tract covers approximately 338 acres at five-foot tree spacing and twelve-foot row spacing (726 trees per acre). The Two-Mile Prairie and Croom tracts cover approximately 189 acres at nine-foot tree spacing and twelve-foot row spacing (400 trees per acre). Contractors must plant a minimum average of 40 acres per day and keep a designated, English-fluent foreman on site during planting operations. The Florida Forest Service supplies seedlings and refrigerated storage. Contractors furnish all labor, equipment, tools, transportation, and supplies. Required insurance includes general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, automobile liability of $300,000, and workers' compensation. Qualifications include three references from similar projects completed within the past five years, proof of valid certifications and licenses, and debarment and suspension certifications. Contractors must register with E-Verify for all new employees and follow silvicultural best management practices.

Pre-bid site visits are recommended November 6–10, 2026. The public bid opening is November 23, 2026 at 9:30 AM, by teleconference or in person. Sealed bids go to 407 S. Calhoun Street, SB-8, Tallahassee, Florida. Planting is restricted to December 15, 2026 through February 28, 2027, within a contract period running from purchase order execution through February 28, 2027. The contract is contingent on annual legislative appropriation. Payment is issued by state warrant after the Forester-in-Charge verifies satisfactory completion, with partial payments permitted on approved invoices. A 1% MyFloridaMarketPlace transaction fee applies to all payments.