Cattle grazing at the okaloacoochee slough wildlife management area

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking competitive pricing for a five-year cattle grazing contract at the Okaloacoochee Slough Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Hillsborough County, Florida. The contract will utilize reduced stocking levels of cattle grazing to manage the plant community composition and structure on the 8,554-acre grazing lease area. A mandatory pre-bid conference and site visit will be held on April 23, 2024, and sealed bids are due by May 7, 2024. The contract will be effective upon issuance of the Purchase Order, with an option to renew for an additional five years. Contractors will be paid based on the bid price multiplied by the total animal units allowed on an annual basis, with payments made to FWC on a semiannual basis. Contractors must be registered in the MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) system and with SunBiz prior to the bid opening.

The solicitation encourages participation by minority, women, and veteran-owned business enterprises. The successful bidder will be required to provide a performance bond and maintain all fences, exterior and interior, cattle guards, and holding pens in good condition. The contract will serve Leon County and the City of Tampa, and the FWC plans to conduct controlled burns on approximately 2,800 acres per year, with a likely 30-60 day deferment period before grazing is allowed. Contractors will be responsible for their actions and must indemnify the FWC for any public incidents on the leased property, but there are no limitations on the contractor's work during hunting seasons.