Acquisition Consultant Services for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP No. RFP RFLPP 24 25 58) for Acquisition Consultant Services related to the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The primary objective is to select up to three acquisition consultants who will assist the department in obtaining conservation easements under Sections 570.71 and 570.715 of Florida Statutes. Contractors will be responsible for a comprehensive range of tasks including initiating landowner communications, obtaining title reports and surveys, preparing environmental site assessments, facilitating property closings, and managing all documentation required for easement acquisitions. The contract will have an initial five-year term with potential for a five-year renewal. Key procurement dates include a RFP release on 6/24/2025, written inquiry deadline of 7/7/2025, proposal submission due date of 7/28/2025, a public proposal opening on 7/29/2025, evaluation period from 7/31/2025 to 8/14/2025, and an anticipated notice of intent to award on 8/19/2025.

Compensation for the selected contractors will be structured as a percentage fee based on the total dollar amount of closed transactions, with tiered rates for different acquisition ranges: $0-$50 million, $50-$100 million, and over $100 million. Reimbursable expenses will be paid separately and include costs for initial title reports, mapping, appraisals, and other project-related services. The RFP emphasizes strict confidentiality and data security requirements, with potential financial penalties for non-compliance with performance measures. While the document does not explicitly mention set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, it outlines rigorous qualifications and performance expectations for potential contractors. The procurement is specifically focused on Leon County, Florida, and aims to support the state's conservation efforts through strategic land easement acquisitions. Though a specific budget range is not disclosed, the percentage-based compensation structure suggests significant potential contract value depending on the number and scale of land transactions completed.