2027 Hand Planting Services for Reforestation and Groundcover Restoration

The Northwest Florida Water Management District is requesting bids for hand planting services for reforestation and groundcover restoration across approximately 481 acres in Escambia, Jackson, and Washington counties under ITB 27B-001, with bids due September 24, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

The scope encompasses hand planting approximately 120,395 container-grown longleaf pine tubelings at 605 trees per acre (6' x 12' spacing) across 199 acres, and 300,000 wiregrass plugs across 282 acres at varying stocking rates by location. Work begins on or around January 5, 2027 and extends through March 31, 2027, with the District retaining the right to extend the timeline for tubeling and plug deliveries, site preparation, or weather. The District supplies all plant material; the contractor is responsible for transport from refrigerated trailers to planting sites and installation. All costs—labor, materials, equipment, tarps, and compliance with safety regulations—must be included in a per-plug/tubeling lump sum bid.

A performance bond equal to ten percent of the total contract amount is required within ten calendar days of award. The contractor must maintain general liability insurance with limits of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence, automobile liability of $1,000,000 combined single limit, and workers compensation with specified limits.

Award is made to the responsive bidder submitting the lowest total lump sum bid. Tie-breaking procedures award one point each for certified minority business enterprise status, certified veteran's business enterprise status, and Drug-Free Workplace program implementation. Bids must be submitted electronically through DemandStar. No mandatory pre-bid conference is required. The District is not subject to Florida sales tax or federal excise taxes on direct purchases.