2026 – 2027 Seed Harvesting, Extraction, Processing, and Associated Work at Munson Seed Orchard

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Forest Service is requesting sealed bids for seed harvesting, extraction, processing, and associated labor at Munson Seed Orchard in Milton, Florida, with bids due August 27, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. The harvest period runs October 5 through December 23, 2026, contingent on seasonal and environmental conditions.

The contractor shall supply ten laborers for an estimated 54 working days at eight hours per day (7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday, with a mandatory 12:00–12:30 p.m. lunch break). Work comprises cone harvesting and collection, seed extraction and drying, seed processing, daily housekeeping, and associated tasks as assigned. This is a labor-only engagement; the Florida Forest Service provides all seed-handling supplies, harvesting tools, cone-collection crates, and processing equipment. The contractor must supply all required Personal Protective Equipment for each laborer, including boots, gloves, OSHA-approved eye protection, dust masks, ear plugs, long pants, and closed-toe shoes.

Pricing is submitted on a Firm Fixed Unit Price Per Day basis for all ten laborers. Performance measures include daily harvesting volume targets, proper cone handling and labeling, correct equipment operation, seed processing quality, full presence of all ten laborers for eight-hour workdays, prohibited cell phone use during work hours, and daily housekeeping completion. Non-compliance carries financial penalties: ten percent daily-rate reductions for wet or contaminated cones, absent laborers, unmet processing quantities, and cell phone violations; five percent reductions for incomplete daily cleaning.

The contractor must maintain General Liability Insurance of $1,000,000 each occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate; Automobile Liability of $300,000; and Workers' Compensation with minimum employers' liability of $100,000 per accident. The contract term is October 5 through December 23, 2026, with potential extension not to exceed six months and renewal for up to three years contingent on satisfactory performance and fund availability. Questions were due August 14, 2026; responses were posted August 17. Bid opening is scheduled August 28 at 9:30 a.m. via teleconference. Contact the Procurement Officer at Bids@FDACS.gov or (850) 617-7180.