Apiary lease

The Suwannee River Water Management District is seeking bids for an Apiary Lease (ITB No. 24/25-010) covering eight separate 0.25-acre sites located within Dixie and Taylor Counties in Florida. The procurement involves a three-year lease for two distinct tracts: the Steinhatchee Falls Tract (4 sites in Taylor County) and the Steinhatchee Rise Tract (4 sites in Dixie County), specifically for conducting apiary operations. Successful bidders will be permitted to establish between 120 and 360 bee colonies per 0.25-acre site, with a minimum of 10 acres designated for foraging. Proposals must be submitted electronically through DemandStar by June 2, 2025, prior to 2:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, with an anticipated lease start date in July 2025. Bidders are required to be bonded, licensed, and insured, and must comply with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Beekeeper Compliance Agreement. Mandatory requirements include permanent site markings, warning signs, and adherence to specific operational guidelines.

The District encourages participation from minority and veteran-owned businesses, offering preferences when service providers are ranked equally. Bidders must meet specific requirements related to public entity crimes and scrutinized companies, and provide appropriate insurance coverage. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the lease terms indicate that the annual rent will remain consistent throughout the three-year lease term, and bid awards will be based on the total lease amount. The procurement is open to qualified beekeeping operations that can demonstrate compliance with state regulations and operational requirements. Successful bidders will need to integrate their operations with the existing land management practices of the Suwannee River Water Management District, ensuring minimal disruption to the natural environment while maintaining productive apiary sites. The solicitation does not indicate any current incumbent vendors, suggesting this may be a new leasing opportunity for apiary operations on district-managed lands.