Blue Crab Trap Retrieval Program

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking competitive bids for the Blue Crab Trap Retrieval Program, a comprehensive coastal management initiative designed to remove blue crab traps from state waters during three annual regional closures. The solicitation (FWC 24/25-88) aims to contract with multiple vendors who will be responsible for retrieving crab traps across six defined coastal regions of Florida, with specific closure periods alternating in even and odd-numbered years. Contractors must provide their own vessels, crews, and equipment for trap retrieval, and will be required to have a Commission-appointed observer present during each retrieval trip. The contract will be effective for two years, from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, with potential renewal options for up to three additional years. Bidders must submit unit pricing per retrieved trap, with pricing varying by region and closure period, and must be registered in the MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) system and with SunBiz prior to bid opening. The solicitation's due date is May 7, 2025, with bids evaluated based on responsiveness, responsibility, and lowest pricing per region. Any bid exceeding the estimated $100,000 budget by 10% will be considered non-responsive.

The procurement emphasizes diversity and encourages participation from minority and veteran-owned businesses. Contractors must comply with various state and federal regulations, including E-Verify requirements, public records laws, and anti-discrimination statutes. The multi-award bid structure allows for different vendors to be selected for each of the six coastal regions, creating opportunities for smaller or specialized marine retrieval businesses. Successful bidders will be compensated based on the number of traps retrieved and properly disposed of, with detailed documentation required for each retrieval trip. The project is structured as a multi-award contract, with awards made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for each region. While no specific set-aside percentages are mentioned, the solicitation demonstrates a commitment to inclusive procurement practices. The estimated contract value is $100,000, with potential increases through renewal options, making this an attractive opportunity for marine services contractors with coastal operations capabilities.