2026 Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration

The Northwest Florida Water Management District is soliciting bids for hand planting services focused on reforestation and groundcover restoration across Jackson, Liberty, and Washington counties. The procurement involves planting approximately 331,000 container-grown longleaf pine tubelings and 200,000 wiregrass plugs across 510 acres. The project is scheduled to commence around February 1, 2026, with bids due by September 25, 2025. Qualified contractors must submit comprehensive proposals addressing the detailed specifications outlined in the Invitation to Bid document, which includes a draft agreement that bidders must carefully review. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder meeting all technical and contractual requirements. Key evaluation criteria will likely include pricing, technical capability, project understanding, and demonstrated experience in large-scale reforestation efforts.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises were explicitly mentioned in the procurement documentation. The contract appears open to qualified contractors with expertise in large-scale ecological restoration and hand planting services. While no incumbent vendors were identified, the project represents a significant ecological restoration initiative for the Northwest Florida Water Management District. The procurement suggests a substantial environmental management investment, though specific budget ranges were not disclosed in the available information. Interested contractors should thoroughly review the complete Invitation to Bid document located at the District's office in Havana, Florida, to understand the full scope of requirements, technical specifications, and contractual obligations for this reforestation project.