ARCHBOLD EXPEDITIONS INC, d/b/a ARCHBOLD BIOLOGICAL STATION

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is seeking to procure agricultural research services from Archbold Expeditions Inc., d/b/a Archbold Biological Station, a non-profit research organization. The services required include evaluating and monitoring environmental characteristics of ranchlands in the Lake Okeechobee Watershed, specifically assessing soil nutrients, phosphorus storage capacity, and legacy phosphorus. The vendor must have expertise in analyzing uranium isotopes to determine the origin of phosphorus, as well as experience with best management practices for soil and water nutrient management on ranchlands. The contract term is from the date of execution through June 30, 2025, with an estimated value up to $400,000. FDACS has determined that Archbold Biological Station is uniquely qualified to provide the specialized research and solutions required, as it has a diverse base of historical experience in the Lake Okeechobee Watershed and strong capabilities in the required disciplines, such as soil nutrient and isotopic analysis, spatial variability assessment, greenhouse trials, and large-scale demonstration projects.

This is a single-source procurement, and FDACS has determined that the services are only available from Archbold Biological Station. There are no set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond, as this is not a competitive procurement process. Archbold Biological Station is the sole incumbent vendor for this contract opportunity, and the agency has not provided any information regarding existing infrastructure or technology that requires integration.